AN: This will be a shorter chapter because I start my new job tomorrow, but I still wanted to upload something tonight! Mature content ahead. Let the journey begin.

I do NOT own Naruto or any of the characters. Just the idea for this story.

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SAKURA'S POV

I awoke to the loud shrill of my alarm clock. I groaned and went to turn over to shut it off, however a strong arm held me tightly in place. It was Sasuke. He stayed all night here? I smiled to myself looking up and his eyes scrunching in annoyance to the clock. "Sasuke-Kun, we have to get up now and get ready to leave." I whispered softly to him. He groaned and shook his head. "Let's sleep a little longer." He mumbled. Apparently, Sasuke is still not a morning person. I thought to myself thinking back about our genin days travelling together. I giggled at the memory. "Okay, well at least let me turn off the alarm." I said to him, his arm loosened slightly allowing me to roll enough to hit snooze on the clock. His arm instantly tightened, bringing me back to his chest. His hand had slipped up the back of my shirt and the electricity started to flow as he drew shapes and patterns on my skin leaving a tingle in its path. He chuckled slightly when my heart rate increased, and I knew he could feel it beating against my chest. I tucked my face into his chest trying to hide the burning in my cheeks. I began doing the same to him tracing my name on his chest. S thump, A, thumpthump, K thumpthumpthump.
I stopped and giggled back at him as I listened to his own heart race as much as mine had. I inhaled his scent and caressed his exposed skin, savoring the feeling of it on mine.

I never wanted this moment to end. It wasn't that we weren't going to be around each other, so much as I didn't know how long it would be until we could lay like this together again. After speaking with Sasuke last night, I have a better understanding of him. He loves me he really does but in his own way and the only way he knows how to. I don't think we qualify as in a relationship yet; however, I know we are far from being just friends or comrades anymore. I sighed. Sasuke has never been comfortable with public displays of affection. That meant I didn't know how it would be until we were going to be able to kiss or touch after this morning. We would be away for 10 months, and I had no idea how all of the housing would be set up in the Land of Iron, nor did I know how long until we arrived. It was at least a 1-week journey only stopping to sleep and if we didn't encounter any trouble along the way. These next 10 months were probably going to go one of two ways; really slow or way too fast. I placed kisses on Sasuke's chest trying to get them all out of my system now. His arm stopped tracing patterns on my back and stiffened. My hand ran down his chest as my mouth floated about. I stopped my hand at the band of his pants pausing for a moment. His breathing went still as he tried calculating what I was going to do. I slowly slipped my hand below the waist band on the outside of his boxers treading slowly to see if he had any objections. His breathing picked back up at an accelerated pace and a low groan rumbled out of his throat as my hand grazed his stiffened member. I felt more confidence knowing I was able to get a reaction like that out of him. I looked up at him, my mouth still on his chest trying to gauge how he was feeling. His head was thrown back, and hair sprawled around his pillow and eyes closed tight. I smirked to myself and began to fully grab him through the boxers still watching him. His breathing hitched and eyes shot open glowing red and purple. Before I knew it, I was pressed under him, and my back was to the bed while he was on top of me.

His mouth pressed to mine hard and with desire. I eagerly responded, hooking my leg around his waist pulling him as close as humanly possible to me. The only thing separating our centers were my thin shorts and his sweatpants. I moaned into his mouth as he pressed himself on me and nipped at my lips. He propped himself up on his stump and pulled back hesitantly looking me in the eye. It was almost as if he was silently asking for approval. I looked at him for a moment before smiling, closing my eyes and leaning my head back. His warm hand traveled down my stomach to the band of my shorts pausing. "Sakura...?" His voice trailed off in a question. I hesitated for a moment before nodding my head. He wasted no time slipping his hand into my shorts and in my underwear. I gasped, closing my eyes tighter and I felt my core heat up and my pulse began to throb between my legs. His fingers lightly traced my dampness painstakingly slowly. Sasuke slowly slipped a finger into my core and my whole body felt like it was floating. A soft moan fell out from my mouth as he started forming a steady pace moving his finger in and out. He then added another finger. I felt a warmness beginning to pool in my stomach and it was as if there was a coil winding up inside me. I have never felt this feeling before, so I began to panic even though it felt so good. My eyes shot open and looked at Sasuke's beautiful face. His eyes were still glowing while his face was so focused on mine. I began to feel self-conscious. He smiled at me, never stopping his hands movement, leaning forward to kiss my lips before whispering against them. "It's okay Sakura relax." I did as I was told, letting my worries go and focusing on his lips as they continued moving on mine softly. The coil in my stomach kept winding tight until it finally sprang, and I felt myself release while crying out his name against his lips.

As I felt myself coming down from my high, he removed his fingers from me, and I opened my eyes slowly too embarrassed to look at him. He sat up grabbing my chin making me look at him and stuck his fingers into his mouth licking the juices off. I gasped and he smiled a real smile before leaning forward " Arigato, Sakura." My embarrassment flew out the window and lust clouded my eyes again. as I grabbed his face and kissed him with all I could. I wanted to make him feel the same way he had just made me feel. I wanted to show him how thankful I was for it. The shrill of the alarm clock pulled us both away as I checked the time annoyed. We needed to get ready now if we wanted to make it in time. I groaned looking back at Sasuke who was smirking at me. "Mata kondo da" He stated simply before leaning forward to press a chaste kiss to my lips and then standing up, walking to the bathroom. "I have the worst timing ever." I grumbled to myself standing up and gathering my belongings. I needed a shower after all of that. I grabbed my towel and clothes while heading to the bathroom just as Sasuke was walking out fully clothed with wet hair. He had on black pants, a black sweater, and his cloak. He also had placed his head wrap back over his head that held his hair over his rinnegan. I smiled at him before continuing in that bathroom to shower. I finished and hurriedly dressed, pulling my fishnet stockings on and placing ripped black jeans over top. I then put on my black sweater followed by my jonin vest. I blow dried my hair and tied on my headband before brushing my teeth. Once I was done, I exited the bathroom and made sure to double check that I had grabbed everything. I checked the time, and it was 4:45 AM. 15 minutes to get to the gates. "You ready?" I asked Sasuke. "Hn." He nodded to me. "One more for the road?" I questioned looking up at him expectantly. He rolled his eyes before leaning in but just before he got to my lips, he paused and chuckled, making his sweet breath blow over my face, putting me in a daze. I looked confused. "Raincheck." was all he said before turning away, grabbing his pack and opening the door. Of course, he wasn't going to just let me have my way. I groaned annoyedly and put on my boots and cloak before turning off the lights and following him out locking the door behind us.

SASUKE'S POV

It was cold and dark outside as the sun was still not up. Snow blanketed the ground, and the wind blew harshly around us. No one was around me and Sakura walked the streets of Konoha walking to the gates. Normally I could have just teleported us there, however I need to conserve chakra for our journey. I tensed as I felt something touch my hand and I looked down to see Sakura shyly smile at me while weaving her fingers in with mine. Before pulling away I thought about it. No one was around so I suppose it was okay. I looked back ahead, and we continued our walk to that gate. Just as they became visible, I pulled my hand back letting my cloak fall back over it. Sakura groaned in frustration, and I smirked slightly over at her before facing forward again. Most people were at the gate already. The only people missing were Ino, Sai, Naruto, and Shino. I wonder where that dobe is... "Good morning Hinata! Where is Naruto?" Sakura asked as we approached the gates. "Good morning, Sakura! Sasuke. Naruto was finishing grabbing his belongings and told me to go on ahead. I think he just didn't want me to hear him throw up!" Hinata laughed. "I figured as much, Ino's idea wasn't really too bright in hindsight. Getting everyone to drink before we travel the next day has to be one of the stupidest things she has thought of yet!" Sakura joked. "You might be right forehead! Sorry we're late, I had to make sure my mom had the spare key to the flower shop." Ino said walking up with Sai who nodded at me. "Alright, now that you guys are here, we are now just waiting on Naruto and Shino." Shikamaru stated. Just then Naruto came running up out of breath and looking slightly green. Sakura rolled her eyes walking up to him. They exchanged a few words before she gave him a hug and her hands lit up with a green glow and went to his stomach. A few moments later she moved them away with a smile and Naruto gave her a thumbs up. They walked back over to us smiling.

I felt a pang of sadness wash over me as they stood in front of us. They were so close. I felt like a third wheel in our once equal trio. "Hey teme!" Naruto yelled, hitting me on the shoulder. I nodded at him not feeling much for exchanges this early. "Thanks again for getting Sakura-Chan home safe and staying with her, it made me feel loads better!" Naruto said loudly. Tch, annoying. I don't want everyone here knowing my business. "Hey dobe could you not be so loud this early." I growled back at him. "It's okay Naruto, I forgot about Sasuke not being a morning person too!" Sakura laughed while exchanging a look with Naruto. I rolled my eyes as they both started talking about stories of our younger genin days and all the things I would yell at them when they woke me up on missions. Before too much longer Shino came walking up with a bag in hand. "Shino! Where the hell have you been? We've been waiting on you, you're late!" Kiba screamed. "I got caught up." Shino said plainly. Everyone just stared at him. Shikamaru walked in front of everyone, turning to face us all. "Alright guys, now that everyone is here, listen up I don't want to have to repeat myself. This is already a drag having to explain it all once. Lord Kakashi gave me instructions yesterday to relay to you all. While on our mission abroad each team has a team captain everyone must obey your team captains' orders. Team 7 your team captain is Sakura. Team 8 Shino, Team 10's is me, and Team Guy your captain is Neji. That being said all team captains will be meeting 2 times a week while we are away and report back to the hokage via hawk. We will all travel together and once we arrive in the village our housing will consist of 2 living quarters in close proximity. One house will have 6 people stay at it and in the other there will be 7 since we are oddly numbered. I will let you guys decide who goes in what house. You all probably noticed there is no transport here for us. Lord Kakashi was mistaken. We have to travel to the outer border of the land of fire and there, we will board a bus that will take us most of the remaining way. It is about a 2 day's journey to the border. So, let's begin." Shikamaru concluded. Everyone nodded in approval, and we began our journey taking off into the dark forest. So, Sakura was going to be our boss? That was going to be funny. I mean I suppose she is higher ranking as jonin, whereas me and Naruto are only genin. To my knowledge Sai just became jonin but Sakura had been one longer.

As we all silently flew through the forest, I stared at Sakura's back thinking back to this morning and the sweet sounds of her voice as I touched her. I'm not going to lie. I was quite disappointed when the alarm clock stopped us, making me have to go relieve myself in the shower afterwards. But I'm glad it did because if not I probably wouldn't have been able to stop. Just the way she looked with her face all contorted. The noises she was making. Even the way she tasted I thought. I began to shake my head. I don't need any distractions. Not now. Not while we were not alone and could be vulnerable to attacks. I narrowed my eyes and continued on. Everyone slowly began to chat amongst each other. Sakura fell back some while keeping pace with me, Naruto, and Sai. "So, I was thinking guys!" Naruto said to us. "There's a shocker." I said annoyed. He rolled his eyes at me but continued. "Well since we are the biggest squad all of us could room together!" "That leaves an extra spot for Beautiful." Said added "One for Hinata also!" Naruto replied. I looked around. This was going to be a long 10 months if I spent it all with his ass. "So, what do you guys think?" Naruto questioned us. Everyone nodded except me and Sakura. I thought about it for a second longer before finally agreeing. Sakura looked away and said, "I have to think about it." Before shooting ahead of us again. What was that all about? Why didn't she want to room with us? Was she uncomfortable being around me after this morning? Did she regret it? I felt my stomach start to get a little sick with worry.

After a few hours of nonstop running in the freezing cold we all decided to take a break for lunch. It was around 2 pm by now and everyone was starving. Everyone huddled around and I used my fireball jutsu to light the fire and we all began to eat. I sat to the side and Sakura, Naruto, and Hinata came to sit by me. They all carried on conversations, but I couldn't focus. I was too on edge about Sakur's statement earlier. "What's up with you Sasuke?" Naruto asked. I shot him a glare before answering. "Nothing." Sakura gave me a confused face and I got up, excusing myself to use the bathroom. I walked out of sight from everyone and began to go. After zipping my pants back up I spotted Sakura walking over to me. "What's wrong?" She asked. Hm she really doesn't know? "Nothing." I repeated the same thing from earlier and started to walk off. She grabbed my arm, yanking me back to her. "Sasuke, is this about me saying I had to think about it?" She asked. I didn't respond. "I thought so." She stated. "You know I only said that because it's going to suck being that close to you and not being able to actually be with you, right?" Sakura asked. That's definitely not what I was thinking. "What do you mean not be with me?" I was confused. "Like I won't be able to be with you... like this morning. I know you wouldn't allow it. Not with everyone being around." She said sadly looking down. I hate that I cause her this confusion. But I also need time to think about how I feel. I glanced around making sure no one was around before grabbing her chin and kissing her lips. She kissed me back and I pulled away, so I didn't get carried away. "We will figure it out." I said without hesitation. I'm not quite sure how all I know is that I don't want to be away from her. She smiled back at me before nodding. We walked back to join the group and finished eating before continuing on.