Echoes

Chapter Twelve

Pound a Punnet

Sasuke woke first, his neck stiff from his night on the sofa, but otherwise very comfortable wrapped around the woman in his arms. He looked down at Sakura's face and was pleased to see that she looked relaxed. He reasoned they must have slept exceptionally well, they hadn't appeared to have moved an inch during the night.

Raising his head, Sasuke saw Metsuki lying on the floor across the room, bright eyes fixed on the man, his tail whipping back and forth rapidly. Sasuke raised a quizzical eyebrow and shook his head.

The movement apparently was all Metsuki needed and he trotted over to where the couple lay on the sofa. The dog placed his head on Sakura' shoulder, his nose very close to Sasuke's face.

"No!" Sasuke hissed, trying to shoo the animal. "You'll wake her up."

"Too late," a sleepy voice mumbled. Sakura yawned and shifted Metsuki's head with a gentle roll of her arm. She turned her head and sent Sasuke a sleepy smile. "Good morning."

"Morning." He whispered back.

Sakura pushed herself in to a seated position, apparently still half asleep and rubbed Metsuki's head. "I think someone is telling us he needs to take a quick trip outside."

Sasuke watched her move around the room for a moment, grabbing a pair of shoes and Metsuki's lead as she went, and Sasuke stood from the sofa. "I could run him down if you like?"

Sakura froze and Sasuke saw her breathing stop for a moment. He frowned – she was still so scared of being in the apartment on her own. "Or how about I go down with you?" Sakura relaxed and nodded and Sasuke grabbed his shoes from where he had kicked them off the night before.

Sasuke waited outside Sakura's apartment while she collared Metsuki and glanced at his watch. It was still quite early. He heard footsteps on the stairs and saw an elderly woman appear, mail in hand. She froze when she saw Sasuke stood at Sakura's open door and her eyes narrowed. Her suspicious expression turned to one of surprise however, when Sakura emerged from her apartment.

Sasuke looked at her and realised they both looked extremely sleep rumpled. The old woman's thoughts were obviously getting away with her as her face broke in to a devious smile and she carried on down the corridor. "Good morning Sakura dear."

Sakura's head rose in surprise. "Oh, morning Chiyo-baasama."

The lady gave Sasuke a wink as she passed them and the man found himself feeling very uncomfortable. Sakura was unaware of the exchange and let Metsuki lead the way down the stairs to where the open air waited.

Once Metsuki had taken care of business, Sasuke and Sakura headed back to the apartment where Sakura made them toast and tea.

"Are you doing much today?" Sasuke dipped the bread in to his brew before bringing it to his mouth.

Sakura shook her head. "I need to sort out the insurance , I didn't get round to it last night. I have to pop in to the hospital for a few hours to help out and then... I don't know."

Sasuke watched her carefully. "Well, would you be very much opposed to going out with me this evening?"

"A date?" Sakura smiled.

"Our second if I'm not mistaken." He looked at Metsuki. "And I did promise we'd do something with Metsuki this time."

"I'd love to." Sakura was impressed that she stopped the squeal that was building in her throat from erupting.

"Good." Sasuke said. "I'll come by after I finish work."

It was a relief to focus her attention on the children at the hospital; to take her mind off things. Sakura loved how simple children made things. Their happiness at just being themselves was infectious. It was quite sad knowing that in ten years' time they'd be teenagers, so caught up in what other people thought of them, but for now their laughter brightened her day.

She left the hospital with a smile on her face and walked at a leisurely pace towards the Yamanaka flower shop. She liked to make this walk on a weekday. Although the route from the hospital to Ino's was longer than from Sakura's apartment, with most people in work or school, everything seemed more open and less hectic.

Sakura was feeling more like herself by the time she stepped in to the cool florists and inhaled the damp, fragrant aroma of cut flowers.

"You here to buy something, Forehead?"

Sakura made a show of sticking her nose up in the air. ""From here? I think not."

Ino snorted and Sakura closed the distance from the door to the counter. "So, you got any gossip?"

Ino was a little taken aback. "You're asking for gossip? You feeling okay?"

Sakura traced a manicured finger across the counter top and smirked. "Fine. I mean I know you're inevitably going to ask about Sasuke, but I thought you might have wanted to share."

"What would I have to share?"

"Oh, I don't know." Sakura tapped her fingers on the counter. "Maybe something to do with the fact you've set your sights on Officer Nara." She relished in her friend's surprised gasp. "Thanks for letting me know about my keys by the way."

Ino groaned. "Ah! I totally forgot. I was in such a rush to get out of there when Sasuke-" She cut off abruptly. "Did Sasuke tell you about this?"

Sakura shrugged. "Mostly yeah. Temari let me know my apartment was free again, and Sasuke explained that he had seen you at the station." Sakura picked up a bundle of ribbon that her hand brushed across and lobbed it in Ino's direction. "I can't believe you put your details down on my police file."

The two girls were silent for a moment before bursting in to laughter. "Oh, Ino. You are so desperate."

Ino gave Sakura a light punch in the arm. "Hey, I do what I must."

Sakura shook her head and raised an eyebrow "So, how are things going?"

Ino sighed. "Not much to report. I turned up at the station and Shikamaru said he couldn't give me the keys. I took the chance to flirt a bit but he seemed totally oblivious."

Sakura laughed. "Maybe we've found someone who is immune to your charms?"

"Nah, he's just too lazy to notice." Ino said simply.

Sakura shook her head, knowing that poor Shikamaru would get no peace while Ino chased after him.

"So, you're back at yours then?"

"Mmhmm." Sakura nodded.

"How was it being away from Sasuke? I imagine you two got close." Ino trailed off suggestively.

And Sakura sighed. "First of all, my Dad came to visit, so get your mind out of the gutter. Second, I stayed at his for a couple of days… it's not like we'd been living together for years. And third, he stayed at mine last night."

Ino screeched in excitement and Sakura winced. "He stayed over? Oh this is too good. Are you being safe?"

"Ino!" Sakura gasped. "Not like that! I was scared and when he dropped my bag off he slept on the sofa." She left out the part where she also slept on the sofa.

"Aw, and here I thought you were finally becoming interesting. Have you guys even kissed?" Ino watched as Sakura's cheeks turned pink and she slammed her hand on the counter. "You have! When? Who started it? How was it?"

Sakura waited for Ino's ramblings to end. "The night before last, I did and... it was amazing."

Ino sighed wistfully and slumped over the counter. "Sakura, I know you're not a shallow person and you don't care one way or another... but Sasuke is gorgeous! I'm so jealous."

Sakura laughed and stroked Ino's soft hair. "What about Shikamaru?"

"Well yeah, but still I can't help but appreciate a fine male specimen when he crosses my path." She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of someone playing with her hair. "When are you seeing him next?"

Sakura smiled softly to herself. "Tonight. He's going to pick me up after he finishes work."

Ino was glad that Sakura was getting a little happiness out of life. Not that her friend ever complained about things in general, just that sometimes it took a special someone to show you how beautiful life could be. "He's eager then. So where are you going?"

"No idea," Sakura shrugged. "It was a spur of the moment type thing I think."

Ino wondered whether she should meddle and call Sasuke to make sure he had thought things through but thought better of it; he had done perfectly well so far.

On the other side of the city, Sasuke had his phone pressed against his ear, listening to the familiar ringing tone.

Just when he was sure the call was about to go to voicemail, the voice he was waiting to hear sounded in his ear. He listened to the other person end of the phone and ran a hand down his face.

"Hi. Listen, I need your help."

"So, where are we going?" Sakura linked her arm with Sasuke's and nudged him with her shoulder playfully.

Sasuke looked at her expectant face and smirked. "If I told you then it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"

Sakura stuck her tongue out but let Sasuke lead the way, he left hand holding Metsuki's lead and her right wrapped around Sasuke's strong forearm. The air was warm on her face, the sun still had a few more hours before it set and that was why Sakura loved this time of year – everyone just seemed to be more happy during the summer months.

The unlikely trio walked in companionable silence for a few minutes longer until they reached their destination and Sakura's steps slowed.

"What is that?" Sakura lifted her head and breathed deeply, sighing. There was a veritable explosion of scents around her, all exotic and mouth-watering. Spices and sweet smells drifted through the air towards her and she smiled. She could hear people shouting out prices and hawking their wares and she realised they were at a market of some sort.

Sasuke led her to a nearby stall and took a scoop of a bright red spice. He held it up to Sakura's nose and almost laughed as she took a step back at the strong smell.

"Wow." She brought a hand up to her nose and rubbed it. "Sasuke, where are we?"

Sasuke laced his fingers with hers and they began walking once more. "The international market. They're here for a few days each month, I thought you'd like it."

Sasuke watched as the young girl's head turned to catch all the accented voices on the wind and how she breathed deeply at the tastes and smells in the air.

"It's amazing. I can't believe I've never come here before." She came to a stop, bringing both of Sasuke's hands to rest on her hips. "How often do you come here?"

"Never." Sasuke admitted. "But I have my sources." He stepped closer to Sakura, flexing his fingers against her skin. "I thought we could explore and buy some ingredients before heading back to yours… cook something new."

Sakura seemed to find that idea very agreeable and the smile she gave him was blinding. "Sounds great… you never fail to amaze me, Sasuke."

The Uchiha was a little flustered at the comment and pressed a tender kiss to Sakura's hair. "Likewise."

The late afternoon was pleasant, spent wandering around the market. Sasuke and Sakura brought a reasonable amount of goods – exotic spices and fruits they had never heard of before. Sakura found a scarf, soft as silk and embroidered with small beads that she ran between her fingers. Sasuke assured her that it suited her and it too was quickly added to their bag of purchases.

When the sky was shot through with pinks and oranges, the vendors began to close their stalls and Sasuke and Sakura began a leisurely walk back towards her home. Metsuki was very pleased with the day, Sasuke thought, and had been thrown scraps from an uncountable number of people.

The centre of Konoha was as busy as ever in the evening. People had finished work and were getting what needed to be done finished. There were also the revellers, soon to be found dancing in the nearby clubs, making their way to pubs and bars to get the night started.

Sasuke held the bag containing their supper in the crook of one arm, his other hand swinging gently between him and Sakura. They were making their way down a quieter street, the local convenience store still open and a few people browsing the fruit and vegetables outside, and the occasional group of people sat outside the odd café or restaurant offering al fresco dining, not quite ready to call an end to their days.

They walked past a bench where two men were sat in conversation when Sakura gasped, her feet screeching to a halt.

Sasuke's eyes snapped towards her and he frowned at her pale face. "Sakura? What's wrong."

The pinkette's voice was quiet and unsteady, a frown creasing her forehead. "Those voices… it's them."

Oooh… I think you can all probably guess what that means.

This chapter is shorter than the past few for two reasons: 1 – It's a good place to end it. I obviously like being a tease and so how could I not end it here. 2 – I've been so unbelievable busy this week I didn't have a chance to get any writing done. I usually write through the week and then bring it all together on a Sunday. Unfortunately this week all my writing has been done from 10.30pm onwards on Sunday. I wanted to give you guys an update so I decided on the cliffhanger rather than making you wait for an uber long chapter.

I hope you enjoyed the little bit of fluff. I shall see you next week for a bit of drama.

Out of interest, how many people have to joy of going to market where people still shout out things like 'Pound a punnet' etc.? Just curious I guess!

Thanks for your lovely reviews. Keep 'em coming.