AN: I hope you guys enjoyed the last chapter! I've decided that this story is going to be mostly SasuSaku with slight other relationships and POV. It is just easier this way but there WILL be other ship moments. This chapter will also feature some mature content. Read at your own risk.

As always, enjoy.

I do NOT own Naruto or the characters, just the idea for this particular story.

INO'S POV

The walk to the cafe was cold and awkward. I relentlessly tried to get Sakura to spill on what I had just walked in on, with no luck. She seemed distant and all flustered. I'll get her to talk. "So forehead, Sasuke-Kun looked nice and steamy this morning. Good enough to eat!" I joked looking over at her. Sakura's face was angry as she shot me with daggers. "Watch it Ino-Pig!" She snapped, while picking up the pace. Ha! She's taking the bait. "All I am saying is me and Sai are always looking to add another to the bedroom to spice things up a little. After seeing Sasuke looking like that he is definitely the first pick... Unless he's off the market and someone would have a problem with it." I trailed off looking at her innocently. Her face grew red and if it wasn't for the scary look that followed, I wouldn't have been able to tell if it was from this cold wind. "That's it Ino!" She screamed, stopping in her tracks. Uh-oh. "Okay, me and Sasuke-Kun were talking on the couch and got caught up in some banter. One thing led to another, and we kissed. A lot. But that's all that happened and as far as it went. We just talked and talked until the sun was coming up and he held me, and it was nice! But it was also confusing because when I woke up this morning it all felt like a great dream, and he wouldn't even talk more than 2 words! Now I am even more confused than I was when he said goodbye at the gate 3 years ago! It's all just so... so... ANNOYING!" She yelled, throwing her hands in the air and marching off in the direction of the cafe. Damn that asshole. What a jerk. She waited for him for 3 years and this is how he acts when he finally comes home! He's got some nerve. Just then the image of Sai came to mind. Not him now but when we first ever hung out alone together. He was so socially awkward. He didn't even hold my hand for the first few months until I finally took charge first.

I remembered when I first kissed him and how nice but weird it was because then he continued on like nothing had happened. How frustrating that was! Maybe Sasuke is like Sai in a way other than looks. Maybe he is just as emotionally handicapped as Sai was in the beginning. "Sakura wait!" I hollered at her catching up. "If you're just going to make fun of me and say I told you so, just save it Ino." Sakura said, rolling her eyes while not stopping. "No, you dummy. I want to help! Do you remember how annoyed I was at the beginning of mine and Sai's relationship? Always so confused on how to take the next step and how to get some emotion out of him? Well, I think Sasuke may be one in the same as him." I stated looking at her. She paused for a minute. "Go on." She said curiously. Okay sweet this may help. "Okay I tried all different tactics with him. I tried ignoring him, I tried being clingy and nothing was working. Finally, I decided that maybe he just needed a push in the right direction. I talked to him and told him of my feelings for him and told him in exchange he needed to try and tell me the same. Whether he understood them himself or not, I would help to the best of my abilities to make some kind of sense out of them. It was a lot of practice, and many frustrations and impasses were discovered, believe me, but eventually it started helping." I said seriously. She listened for a moment letting my words sink in before smiling big. "You are right Ino! Sasuke has been through a lot and probably doesn't know what to make out of what happened any more than I do." She beamed. We both laughed thinking about our emotionally challenged men and came into view of the cafe.

We walked in and the warmth was welcomed. I spotted Hinata, TenTen, and Temari over in the corner and walked up taking my seat with Sakura trailing behind. "You guys made it!" TenTen exclaimed. "Only a few minutes late." I joked. More like 30 minutes. The waitress came over to take our order. "So, guys, I was asked to accompany you all on your mission abroad in the Land of Iron. Something about being a diplomatic liaison between them and Suna. Which totally blows. Not only do I have to spend most of my time away from home by being here constantly, but now I have to spend 10 months in the Land of Iron. Which I hear is cold as hell." Temari complained. "At least you get to see Shikamaru.." I joked looking and her face getting flustered. "I don't know what you're talking about." She laughed looking away. "Come on Temari, we're not blind!" TenTen laughed. "Whatever, we just have to spend time together for diplomatic reasons." She said, did she actually think any of us believed that? "So are all diplomatic discussions held at someone's house and after hours after dark?" I questioned. Temari shot me a dagger with her eyes. "Listen blondie. Mind your business." She growled.

All of us laughed and she rolled her eyes. "So does anyone have anything they don't mind sharing to talk about since some people are apparently not so chatty?"TenTen asked. We all looked around and all eyes landed on Hinata's reddened face. "This ought to be good." Sakura chuckled. "Well, Naruto-Kun officially asked me to be his girlfriend last night... I stayed the night." Hinata spoke quietly. The waitress dropped off our food and we began to eat. "Congratulations Saint Hinata, welcome to the bad girls club! I want to know all of the details" I joked, taking a bite of my rice ball and leaning towards her. Hinata blushed. "I don't! He is practically my brother!" Sakura cried. "Too bad forehead, the rest of us are invested, cover your ears!" I told her as we all laughed. Hinata shot Sakura an apologetic look before explaining how her night went. He sweet talked her while pouring his heart out and asked her the question. Apparently Hinata is an undercover horn dog. They didn't go all the way, but a lot of nudity and heavy petting was involved. Nice. "Well, I am glad someone got some use out of my red lingerie!" I yelled, glancing over to Sakura. She rolled her eyes and huffed. "So, Sakura, how did things go with Sasuke once we left?" Hinata questioned innocently. All eyes turned to her. Poor girl looked more flustered than Hinata was.

"Well... it could have gone... worse?" She stated sounding not so convinced. "Do tell Sakura. Because from what I heard at the market this morning, someone saw Sasuke come to your house last night alone with you and not leave until this afternoon." Temari grinned. Sakura grew an uncomfortable smile before turning to look at me. Oh boy you want me to explain all this forehead? I gave the summary about what Sakura told me this morning as everyone's eyes grew wide. "So, in summary Sasuke is just as handicapped at his emotions if not worse than Sai." I concluded. "Sasuke Uchiha got to be your first kiss!?" TenTen giggled. "I have always thought he was quite a hottie." Temari said, looking up as if she were picturing him. "Congratulations Sakura!" Hinata exclaimed. "Yeah, yeah but I still have to have an awkward talk with him sometime about it to try and figure out what it all means." She glumly sighed. "It's okay, we like the challenge!" I laughed while patting her on the back. I just then got an idea. We should throw a going away party! This will be the perfect one big farewell party before leaving home! "Guys I have an idea!" I explained it to them. Most were in except Sakura of course. "Come on forehead. Get a little sake flowing in Sasuke and maybe he'll be able to open up more about how he's feeling!" I explained. She thought about it for a moment before slowly nodding her head in acceptance. Hell yeah, it's go time!

"We can have it at my house! It can start round 6 and I'll provide the alcohol! I'm going to send out a text right quick letting everyone know! We can all meet at my house a little earlier and get ready if you guys want?" I asked. Everyone nodded in agreement, and we paid our checks and headed our separate ways besides Sakura and me. We made a quick pit stop at the hospital to talk to Tsunade to go over all the materials we would need in order to educate the people of The Village Hidden in The Mountains. Damn this might take longer than 10 months with all the stuff we have to teach them. I sighed. I picked up my phone and texted everyone who would be going on the mission and letting them know of the party place and time. By the time I finished, Tsunade was finally done ranting. Man, I hope Sakura listened to all that cause I sure wasn't. We said our goodbyes and I checked my phone. It was 4:15. We made our way to my house after telling Sakura she could just wear some of my clothes to her dismay. I walked in the door to hear none other than Naruto's loudmouth. Great, he's here.

Walking into the living room I saw Naruto wildly waving his arms around attempting to explain something to Sai with Sasuke sitting in the corner rolling his eyes. Sai turned looking at me as we walked in. "Hello Beautiful, welcome back home." Sai smiled at me. "Hello to you, too Ugly." He followed up looking at Sakura. She smiled at him, rolling her eyes. "Hey babe!" I said, bending down to kiss his cheek. He made an awkward face before turning to me. "We are not supposed to show physical intimacy with other people around us. It is uncomfortable for them, I've recently learned." He stated. I swear he is so annoying. "Whatever, let them be uncomfortable!" I whined. "Hey Sakura-Chan! Hey Ino! Can't wait for the party later!" Naruto yelled. Sasuke just gave us both a nod before going back to glancing around. Hmm looks like he is going to need a bigger push in order to pull this off. "So, guys me and Sakura are going to start getting ready. Don't mind us!" I yelled, grabbing her hand and pulling her back to the bedroom. "Follow my lead." I whispered while walking to the closet and picking out a black spandex high waisted skirt with a zipper on the side, some fishnet stockings, and a light pink crop top that was also skintight. I had a matching set and put on the one with a purple crop instead. It was going to be freezing out, but we'd be inside, and the alcohol would keep us warm. I put on my makeup while Sakura did hers. I had only added mascara and a little blush colored lip gloss. We styled our hair in loose curls. Once we were done, I checked the clock, and it was already 5:30. I checked my phone and all the girls had texted me saying they would just meet here at 6. I took one last look examining us. We both looked hot as hell. I went to the kitchen to gather the drinks and set up. Sai's eyes bulged when he saw me. Score, I thought to myself. Sakura was still in the bedroom talking on the phone to someone at the hospital who had some last-minute questions, so I was outnumbered by testosterone. They all argued back and forth about different game plans for travel tomorrow.

I poured everyone a drink and handed them out so we could pregame. "Hey forehead, get off the phone and come take a shot with us!" I yelled back to her. I heard her say her goodbyes and wish them luck at the hospital before hanging up. She came into view and walked over to grab her shot. I watched Sasuke's reaction in my peripheral, he made almost the same face as Sai had made at me before getting his face back to blank. Hmm so it looks like my plan is starting to work. Just needed to add more drinks, I smiled to myself. Everyone took their shot after raising it up. There was a knock at the door after I slammed mine back and I went to open it. Kiba, Chouji, Rock Lee, and TenTen all stood smiling before I moved to the side letting them in. This ought to be fun. I thought to myself watching Sai get up to stand by me as everyone began chatting.

SAKURA'S POV

I could feel my nerves rise up ever since I walked out into the common area. I could feel Sasuke's eyes on me as I came out and took my shot. I wonder what he was thinking. Was he as nervous as me? If so, he wasn't letting it be known. I poured myself another shot as there were more knocks at the door. Shino, Hinata, Neji, Shikamaru, and Temari had arrived, and boy was this party starting to liven up. Was it getting hot in here or was it the sake I thought? Probably both. I took a seat on the couch beside Naruto and Sasuke and tried to keep my cool. "Hey guys." I greeted leaning back on the couch. "Hey Sakura-Chan!" Naruto said, hugging me. "Hey." Sasuke said uncomfortably. Hinata came walking over and sat next to Naruto. Ino came walking over handing out full cups to everyone saying we were all going to play a game. Oh Kami give me a break I prayed. Everyone gathered around taking a seat around the room. "Come on guys, why can't we just drink? This is going to be a drag." Shikamaru complained. "Quit being lame Shikamaru, have some fun for once!" Ino retorted. No one else wanted to argue so she began again. "Okay we are going to play, never have I ever. Rules are simple. We go around the room saying something we have never done before and if the person says something you have done before, you drink. I'll go first." She finished while smiling. This should be easy. Everyone nodded in approval, and we began. Ino shot me a quick glance before starting.

"Never have I ever... fought a goddess and won." She smirked looking at Team 7. We all looked at her annoyed while taking a sip. What was she trying to do, get me drunk? Or maybe I wasn't her target... I smiled small to myself realizing what she was doing. Sai started, "Never have I ever had a last name." He said awkwardly. We all looked at him sympathetically before taking another drink. "Never have I ever kissed someone in this room" Tenten said, smiling over at Ino. What are they trying to prove? Should I take one? Was Sasuke going to? Naruto, Hinata, Sai, Ino, Temari, and Shikamaru all took a drink and I watched in the corner of my eye as Sasuke hesitantly took a sip while looking down and then I followed. A few people glanced between us with questioning looks but the questions continued. After a few more turns, my head had begun to feel fuzzy, and laughs were spilling out of my lips uncontrollably when a joke was made. I was looking around and noticed everyone else was starting to feel the same way. I smiled and continued listening. Once it got to Sasuke, the room grew quiet. I supposed everyone was wondering what he had never done. He glanced at me and then went back to Naruto with a smug look on his face. "Never have I ever... been at the bottom of my class." He smirked looking at Naruto who had a mad face. "Hey! No fair teme!" Naruto whined before taking a drink. Everyone laughed and I realized it was my turn. Before I knew what I was saying words fell out of my mouth. "Never have I ever had sex."

Sasuke looked at me with an expression I couldn't read and Ino laughed before taking a sip followed by Sai and Shino. Everyone looked at Shino, baffled. "What the hell Shino?" Kiba questioned. Shino just kept the same weird expression on his face before it grew quiet. "Uh, never have I ever had a Sharingan!" Naruto called out randomly to get rid of the awkward silence the last question had left. Everyone looked at Sasuke who was glaring at Naruto before he took a swig. "I guess we are even." He said after swallowing. The questions continued and by the time we had all had a turn everyone was drunk. Ino turned on music and a few people began to dance. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. Next thing I know I looked at my phone and it displayed 9:15. Tomorrow morning was going to suck. I got up to use the bathroom and when I came back and started to walk back to my spot, I stumbled a little falling forward until I felt an arm wrap around my waist. I looked up and green locked with black and purple. Sasuke smirked down at me then stood me back up right and slowly removed his arm but never breaking our eye contact. "Thanks a bunch Sasuke-Kun!" I laughed drunkenly sitting back down. He sat down next to me and nodded his head. I wonder if he was feeling as funny as I was.

"Hey Sasuke-Kun, are we okay?" I blurted out looking directly at him. I guess the liquid courage was making me feel brave. His face grew uncomfortable yet again and he glanced away. "Hn. Why wouldn't we be." He said a little harshly. Alright then. I thought. "Because we haven't talked about last night." I said confidently, still not looking away. His head snapped back to me with his face visibly upset. "We can talk about this later. Now is not the time or place." He said sternly. I rolled my eyes. Was he just not ever going to talk about what happened? Maybe he was just going to pretend it never did. I needed to know if he really ever felt something for me or if it was all just to feel superior to Naruto. "Well, I want to talk about it right now Sasuke." I complained a lot louder. The hurt showed in my voice. "Sakura. Not now." He growled, while making a serious face. One that dared me not to keep talking about the subject. I felt the tears start to weld up and I blinked them away before hopping up off the couch. I found Ino amongst the crowd. "Hey Ino, I'm getting tired and 5 AM comes early. I think I am going to head out." I said to her, hoping she was too drunk to notice the look on my face. "Are you okay Sakura?" She replied with a concerned look. Please don't do this right now. "Yeah, I am fine. I just started to get nauseous from the drinks and it's making my stomach upset." I lied. She studied my face for a moment before nodding and giving me a hug "Alright forehead thank you for coming! I hope you feel better, and I'll see you tomorrow!" She slurred. I grabbed my cloak off the hook and put it on in a hurry before Naruto or anyone noticed me leave. I rushed out the door and the cold air hit my flushed cheeks and snow was flying around. Great, just what I need right now. I looked down and remembered the little amount of clothes I had on. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, closing it all the way before marching off in the direction I thought was to my house.

Once again, an arm caught mine and spun me around. I didn't even have to look to know who it was by this point. I refused to look at him. Apparently, he doesn't like that. "Sakura. What the hell are you thinking? You can't just storm off by yourself drunk and alone while it is pouring snow." He said still trying to get me to look at him. "What does it matter to you!? You don't want to talk about anything with me! You probably never planned too either!" I yelled, finally looking up at him. I couldn't hold back the warm tears that fell as I stared into his eyes. I saw a battle rage in them. He looked so conflicted. About what? Without another word his purple eye spun to life, and we appeared in front of my house. He was still holding my arm and he pulled me to my front door before releasing my arm and reaching into his hip pouch and grabbing out a key. So, he did grab the key earlier. That must have meant he was planning on returning to talk. God I am an idiot here I was thinking I needed to get drunk just to have a conversation with him. I guess I might have overreacted earlier and caused unnecessary conflict between us once again. He unlocked the door before pulling me inside and shutting the door, locking it behind us. He didn't say a word as I took off my cloak and shoes wobbly. He did the same and I turned to look at him. His eyes were angry and hurt. He looked back at me, and I wanted to take away the harsh words. I knew I couldn't, so I settled for the next best thing.

I grabbed his arm and pushed him up against the door. Half a second later I was on my tip toes pulling his head to mine and crushing our lips together. That was all it took for my cold body to feel as though it was on fire. He twisted our positions grabbing my hips and pulling them up for me to wrap my legs around his waist and slamming my back up against the door. The alcohol only encouraged the both of us and our hands wandered, and lips fought back and forth. Another minute passed and somehow, we were on the couch, my back to the fluffy pillows and Sasuke hovering on top of me. His lips never leaving my skin. I pulled back to yank his shirt over his head and smiled when I saw the mark I had left last night. He pulled my hair making my head jerk back and exposing my neck. His lips traced every last inch of the skin there and small cries left my throat. He gripped the outside of my thigh so tight but somehow not tight enough. I subconsciously knew that it would most definitely leave a bruise as it continued to squeeze around him as I tried to relieve some of the pressure I was beginning to feel in my center. At this moment I didn't care about anything except the way our bodies felt together. I just wanted to feel him everywhere. I pulled his face back up to mine and felt his member grind against me through our clothes. He breathed a growl into my mouth as I grinded back.

A rapid set of knocks came at the door causing us to break apart to both of our annoyances. We looked each other in the eye trying to decide if we should continue and just ignore it or to answer it. Another set started again, and I groaned leaning back. Sasuke reluctantly leaned off of me and pulled his shirt back on. I sat up adjusting my skirt and trying to fix my clothes and hair. He took one look at me and shook his head and nodded it in the direction as if saying I'll go answer it. I must have looked like a mess. He smoothed out his hair and got up walking to the door. I stumbled into the kitchen trying to wrap my mind around what had just happened. One thing I know is that 'just friends' don't do what we were just doing. At least not in my book. Naruto's voice came floating in from the front door. "I just wanted to stop by and check on Sakura-Chan! She didn't tell me she was leaving and made me worried!" He yelled. I rolled my eyes. Man, I love that knucklehead. Even as being as drunk as he sounded, he was still worried about me. "Yeah she's... fine. I walked her home." I heard Sasuke say. "Are you going to stay with her tonight? I'd rather her not be alone." Naruto questioned. "Hn." Sasuke answered. "Great thanks teme! Will you let her know I stopped by and tell her I will see her in the morning!" Naruto said happily. I guess Sasuke nodded or something because I heard them exchange good night and heard the front door shut back and lock once more. I walked over to make some tea since that was all that was left in my house and maybe it would help me settle this excitement I felt shooting around in my body. I swear when his skin had been touching mine it was as if he had tiny little lightning bolts attached to every cell. What would have happened if Naruto hadn't knocked on the door and pulled us out of our own little world. If he hadn't, I don't think I would've stopped myself. I wonder if Sasuke would have either.

I felt his chakra signature walk into the kitchen behind me as the tea finished brewing and I poured us both a cup before turning around to face him. He had his back leaning up against the wall from me and was watching me with a serious face. I smiled at him and offered him a cup. He stared at me for a moment before stepping forward and grabbing it, our fingers brushing, and I inhaled sharply as the lightning tingled the path where his fingers had touched. He chuckled softly before walking over and sitting at the table giving me an expectant look. I stared at him questioningly for a moment before walking over and taking a seat beside him. "Okay." He said calmly. "Okay what?" I questioned. He sighed before trying again. "Okay we can talk now." I gulped. I guess we're really doing this. I took a big drink of my tea before setting it down and making eye contact. I waited for a moment gathering my thoughts before speaking. "Alright Sasuke-Kun. What does this mean? What are we doing? What is ... this?" I questioned, gesturing between us. His face was gravely serious, and I could see him struggling to form his thoughts into words. He stared at me almost as if he was pleading for me to understand. He finally took a breath and looked me in the eye. "I am not good with words or emotions Sakura; I think you know that by now." He paused looking at me. I nodded letting him know I understood and to continue. "I am more of a man of actions." He paused once more looking down for a moment as if he was still deciding on something. He finally looked back up at me and spoke. "Do you trust me Sakura?" He questioned, with a hesitant look in his eyes. I have never seen his face look so nervous or vulnerable. "With my life." I answered instantly. He nodded before slowly grabbing my face in his hand and holding it still while looking in my eyes. I was confused but held still anyway, not breaking eye contact. I gasped when I saw his sharingan flash to life and next thing I knew everything went black.

Before I started to panic, I saw memoires almost as if I were watching them from someone else's point of view.

Flicker: I saw a genin version of Naruto running ahead with Kakashi Sensei to his side and the focus shifted to the right, I saw Sakura as a genin running with a big smile on her face. I felt an emotion wash over me almost as if I was watching my family.

Flicker: I felt scared and in pain while on my knees in the forest and someone grabbed my hand. I looked up and saw Sakura once more squeeze my hands while holding me and then I felt safe like everything was going to be okay.

I then realized what was happening. Sasuke was using a genjutsu to allow me to see his memoires and feel his emotions that were taking place in each memory.

Flicker: I felt rage and a strange power flowing through me. I walked forward with my eyes locked onto my target but before I could reach him someone warm and familiar grabbed hold of me from behind wrapping their arms around me and begging me to stop. Just like that I felt the rage start to subside and comfort wash over me.

Flicker: I saw Sakura with her back to me and pink hair blowing in the wind and heard her voice cry out begging me not to leave and promising that every day she would make me happy no matter what. She would love me unconditionally, I started to feel Sasuke's emotions flow through once again and they were so strong. They were also so torn. He was believing every word I said but he knew that he couldn't accept it. He never doubted my love for him, and I could feel the bond that he felt for me and how thankful he was for it. However, I could still feel an overwhelming sense of anger tugging at my heart which symbolized his feelings towards his need to avenge his family and the pain he felt at knowing he had to destroy that bond.

Flicker: I saw myself leaning over top of Sasuke and Naruto. It was after their final battle as I was healing them. I felt more emotional pain just watching my face above and I knew that was how Sasuke felt at the time. His physical pain meant nothing compared to the guilt and sorrow that filled his heart as he apologized for everything, he has ever done to me. For every time he had hurt me. I told him to be quiet as I stayed concentrated on healing him without any hesitation even after all his wrongdoings towards me and everyone else. I felt his emotions shift once again. I felt a flicker in his heart. But what was this feeling? All I knew was it terrified him because he had never experienced that before towards anyone.

Just as my vision turned black again, I realized that feeling was unconditional love towards someone who never gave up on them even when they had given up on themself.

I blinked and Sasuke's face came back into focus and his hand dropped to his lap before he deactivated his sharingan looking away. I tried to gather my thoughts. So much rage, so much sorrow. Such a lonely heartbroken life he has had to face. So many emotions and no one to help guide them. All those emotions I had just felt were shattering my heart knowing he felt so strongly about so much for so long and all he wanted was just to stop the pain he was feeling. I couldn't imagine. I felt his hand brush my cheek before I realized he was wiping away tears that I didn't even know had been spilling. Sasuke does feel love for me. He is just scared. He has never felt it before in this way for anyone and he doesn't want it to turn into the pain and heartbreak that ripped through his heart for so long. I looked up at him finally and gazed into his nervous eyes once more before placing my hand on his. "I finally understand." I whispered. His eyes turned soft, and he formed a small smile. It melted my heart to finally see one on his face. We stayed holding each other for a while longer before I noticed the time. "It's late." He said quietly standing up. "Do you want to lie with me awhile?" I asked, standing looking at him. He debated it for a moment before nodding. We walked down the hall before both going our separate ways to change and then meeting back to brush our teeth in the bathroom. I giggled at him as he eyed me in the mirror. He had on a pair of black sweats and was shirtless. I had on my red silk sleep shorts and matching tank top. We finished up in the bathroom and headed into my bedroom. Sasuke looked around nervously until I sat down on the bed pulling back the covers and patting the bed for him to join me. He slipped in next to me and snaked his arm around my waist pulling me close. I leaned up to kiss him softly once more on the mouth before laying my head on his chest and starting to drift off. Before I drifted fully, I whispered quietly to him, "Arigato Sasuke-Kun." before sleep finally consumed me.