The days passed quickly, each one blending into the next as the time drew closer for their departure. Sakura had already taken care of the hospital, ensuring everything was in order before she left. She'd checked in with the staff, organized patient care, and made sure that the clinic would function smoothly in her absence. There was a certain ease in her movements as she wrapped up everything, like the weight of responsibility had already been lifted from her shoulders. Sasuke could sense her readiness, though she'd never admit it outright.
As for him, he found it almost amusing how they both seemed to think alike in certain ways. She had a way of meticulously planning everything, even down to the smallest details. When he'd suggested they bring extra supplies for the journey, he hadn't anticipated how thoroughly she would take it.
Clothes, medical supplies, cooking essentials—everything had been neatly packed away sealed into scrolls, and yet, he could never have imagined how efficient and practical she could be, even in something as simple as packing. Her ability to anticipate what they would need made him think that maybe, just maybe, they were more similar than he had ever realized.
Sasuke leaned against the doorframe, watching Sakura move in the kitchen. Her back was to him as she expertly made the onigiri, her hands working with practiced ease.
He smirked lightly, the corners of his lips curling in amusement. "Onigiri?" he asked, his voice quiet but with a playful edge.
Sakura turned to him, her expression soft but tinged with a hint of pride. "For me not for you," she teased, though her gaze betrayed the slight insecurity she always seemed to carry when it came to her cooking.
"Don't be annoying," Sasuke replied, his smirk widening just a fraction.
Her hands paused for a moment, but she didn't look up, instead carefully placing the finished onigiri into a small box. "I figured something simple would be best. We'll be traveling some days till the first destination. Plus, onigiri's easy to carry." She shot him a quick glance, her eyes sparkling with something that felt a little like mischief.
His smirk deepened as he straightened, stepping closer. "I don't mind it," he said, though the quiet tone of his voice held an edge of warmth that, even if Sakura couldn't pinpoint it, she felt all the same. He was looking at her more intently now, his usual aloofness fading as he caught the small, fleeting details in her gaze—the little things that spoke more than words could.
Sakura slid the last of the onigiri into the box and closed it with a satisfied click. "In the morning, we leave at first light," she said, wiping her hands on her apron. "We'll be on the road for a while. Are you ready?"
He nodded, his expression still unreadable, but his thoughts were clear. He was ready. Not just for the journey, but for what lay ahead. Despite everything they had been through, despite the silence that often hung between them, he knew that this time was different. This time, they weren't alone.
Her smile—small but genuine—didn't escape his notice. "Good," she said simply. Then, after a beat, she added, "I packed extra just for you."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Extra?"
"Mhm, just in case you get more hungry than usual. You know, sometimes you are worse than Naruto when it comes to eating," she teased, her voice light and playful now, as if she couldn't help but indulge in a little bit of their quiet connection.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and made an annoyed sound. "Thanks," he said, a rare hint of sincerity in his voice.
Sakura couldn't help but laugh out loud. Her eyes softened as she watched him for a moment. Her dream would finally come true, and she couldn't wait to embark on this journey.
After they finished all the preparations, the two of them decided to have a cup of tea before bed. They needed to calm down so they could be ready for the road. Sasuke leaned back into the couch, his eyes scanning the pages of a book, the soft rustling of its paper the only sound in the room.
After a moment of silence, Sasuke finally glanced up from his book, his dark eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Did you greet your parents before we leave?" he asked, his voice low and steady, as if simply continuing a conversation from earlier.
Sakura's hand stilled in mid-motion, her fingers curling slightly around the edge of her own tea cup before she set it down on the table. A brief shadow flickered across her expression, a quiet sadness mixed with an unspoken frustration.
"I did," she replied, her voice soft but steady. She met his gaze, but there was a subtle tension in the way her lips pressed together.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, setting his book aside. He could feel the change in the air, the slight shift in her tone. He knew her well enough to recognize when something weighed on her, even if she didn't say it directly.
Sakura sighed, her eyes drifting away, staring out the window for a brief moment as if searching for the right words. "They didn't support me like always," she continued, a faint tremor in her voice that she quickly suppressed. "It's the same thing, every time I make a decision that's important to me. It's nothing new to me."
She paused, taking a deep breath, as if to steady herself. "But," she continued, turning back to Sasuke, her eyes brightening slightly," This doesn't change the fact that I can't wait to start this journey. I can't wait to see things I've never seen before and face new adventures. Especially...with you by my side."
There was a quiet strength in her words, a determination that Sasuke recognized. It reminded him of her always—how she could face the world head-on, even when others couldn't understand.
Finally, Sasuke stood up from the couch, his movements deliberate. He walked over to her, his expression unreadable but his presence comforting. He didn't need to say much—he never did. But there was something in the way he stood next to her, close but not demanding, that conveyed everything he needed to.
With his index and middle finger he lightly tapped her forehead. "I'm looking forward to it too."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Sakura's lips, and for a moment, all the weight of the conversation seemed to dissipate. She looked up at him, eyes filled with a quiet but unmistakable joy.
"We should sleep now, we have a long way to go," Sasuke said as he got up to get ready for bed.
They both said good night to each other and lay down to sleep. Sakura was excited like never before, the only thing she did was laugh to herself as she tossed and turned in her bed and couldn't sleep. Beautiful and positive thoughts put them both to sleep.
The first rays of the sun stretched across the sky as the two of them woke early, ready to begin their journey. Sakura stretched, a soft yawn escaping her lips, while Sasuke moved to gather his things, his movements efficient and practiced. Together, they packed up, heading toward the village gates.
As they approached the gate, the familiar figures of Naruto and Kakashi came into view. Naruto was grinning, his usual energy not dimmed even by the early hour, while Kakashi leaned against the gatepost, his silver hair catching the sunlight.
"Hey, you two are up early," Naruto said, his voice filled with both excitement and a hint of sadness. "Looks like you're really ready to go, huh?"
Sakura smiled warmly at her friend. "We've been ready for a while now," she replied. Her eyes flickered over to Sasuke, a quiet confidence in them.
Kakashi pushed off from the post and walked over to Sasuke, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sasuke," he said, his tone carrying that teasing edge that only Kakashi could master. "I thought I'd give you something before you leave."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Kakashi handed him a small, wrapped package. Sasuke's fingers brushed over the paper, sensing the weight of it. When he unwrapped it, his eyes widened slightly. Inside was a familiar book, its cover tattered and worn—the one Kakashi was famous for always reading, known to be... not exactly for children.
"You've got to be kidding me," Sasuke muttered, his tone flat, but the hint of amusement didn't escape his eyes.
Kakashi grinned behind his mask. "Hey, you never know when it might come in handy. Life on the road can get pretty boring, you know?" he said with a wink.
Sasuke just stared at the book for a long moment, then shook his head, muttering something under his breath.
Naruto laughed, walking over to Sakura, who was standing nearby. "Don't mind him," Naruto said, grinning. "He's always been like that."
Sakura turned to Naruto, her smile bright and warm. "I'll try not to. We'll miss you, though. But I'm sure you'll keep things running here just fine."
Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Of course! I'll make sure nothing goes wrong. And hey, I'll write to you guys often—tell you all about what's going on in the village. So don't go forgetting about us, okay?"
Sakura chuckled softly. "We won't forget."
"Same goes to you Sakura-chan, write me anything," Naruto added, his tone turning serious for a moment. "Enjoy every moment of this trip. Don't worry about Konoha. We'll take care of things here. You two deserve this."
Sakura nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Naruto."
Naruto's face softened, and for a moment, the playfulness in his eyes was replaced with something more sincere. "I'll miss you both," he said, his voice thickening with emotion. He pulled Sakura into a tight hug, and when he let go, his eyes were shining with unshed tears. "Take care, okay?"
Sakura blinked away the slight mist in her eyes. "I'll miss you too, Naruto."
Naruto then turned to Sasuke, giving him a hug too. "Take care of her, Teme," he said with a small but serious smile. "Make sure you both come back safely."
Sasuke met Naruto's gaze, his own expression as calm as ever. "I will," he said simply.
Kakashi, who had been watching the scene unfold, chuckled lightly and walked up to stand beside Naruto. "Well, looks like it's time," Kakashi said, his tone laced with a bittersweet warmth. "You two have a long road ahead. Enjoy it. And don't forget—if you ever need any advice on... certain topics..." He nodded to Sasuke and the book in his hands. "You know where to find me."
Sasuke rolled his eyes but said nothing.
With one last exchange of smiles and words, Sasuke and Sakura turned toward the open road, ready for the journey that awaited them. The village gates slowly began to close behind them as they walked side by side into the unknown, their hearts light but determined.
Their adventure had begun.
A few days had passed since Sasuke and Sakura left Konoha, their journey leading them along a peaceful, winding path toward the Land of Tea. The road was quiet and unhurried, offering a calm respite after the bustle of Konoha. Sasuke was keenly aware of the silence that hung between them, but it was no longer the uncomfortable quiet that had once existed. It was a shared silence, one filled with a quiet understanding, where words weren't necessary to communicate.
Their movements flowed together seamlessly as they set up camp each night. While Sasuke focused on the fire, ensuring it burned steadily, Sakura would unpack her belongings, taking the time to carefully lay out the herbs she had collected. There was a harmony between them in these small acts.
As Sasuke and Sakura crossed the border into the Land of Tea, the scenery before them was breathtaking. Snow covered the ground and icicles hung from the trees, the once verdant expanse now transformed into a frozen white world.
This was somewhat strange for a place like the Land of Tea, but it seemed that this year's winter was more bitter than usual. The air was sharp and bitter, but neither of them seemed to mind the cold. asuke was dressed in his usual black ninja outfit, the dark fabric blending seamlessly with the monochrome landscape. Over his fitted attire he wore a thick black coat, the collar turned up to shield his neck from the biting wind.
The coat, heavy and well-tailored, offered both warmth and mobility, keeping him prepared for any sudden confrontations while ensuring he remained insulated against the cold.
Sakura, too, was well-prepared for the unusual cold, her outfit practical and elegant. She wore a tight, straight dress that accentuated her figure, the hem cut diagonally down to her ankles to reveal a long slit down the side for easier movement. Her arms were covered in long white sleeves, and she was also wearing thick white tights. Over her dress, she wore a thick, beige coat, its soft fabric shielding her from the snow.
"Let's take a break," Sasuke suggested, his voice as level as ever, as he surveyed the path ahead. "We're still far from the city. It's better to rest now and plan where we'll spend the night."
Sakura nodded and set down the small bag she had been carrying. "Agreed," she said, her breath misting in the frigid air. "I will make us some warm soup."
Sasuke nodded in the affirmative with a slight smile. He came over to help Sakura but then, a high-pitched scream shattered the calm. It was desperate—filled with terror. Both Sasuke and Sakura immediately froze. Without speaking, Sasuke was already on the move, darting into the trees. Sakura was close behind him, her pace quick but measured as she followed his lead.
They pushed through the snow-covered forest, their breath coming in sharp bursts, the sound of twigs snapping beneath their feet and the rustling of snow barely audible over the scream that echoed in the distance. The noise grew louder, frantic, as they neared a clearing.
There, at the edge of the forest, a girl was caught beneath a massive bear, struggling to free herself. The bear's claws raked at her, and its growls reverberated through the air, filling the space with a sense of impending danger.
Sasuke moved faster, his eyes narrowing in focus. He reached for his sword, his body tensing as he assessed the situation. Sakura, on the other hand, immediately launched herself forward.
"I've got her!" Sakura shouted as she reached the girl, pulling her out of the bear's immediate path. The girl's eyes were wide with terror, but Sakura's hands were gentle as she guided her to safety, pulling her behind a large tree.
Sasuke, seeing Sakura was in position, immediately stepped forward, his focus entirely on the bear. With swift, calculated movements, he drew the creature's attention toward himself, dodging its swipes with ease. He wasn't looking to kill the bear—only to protect the girl and make sure it left them without causing further harm.
The bear, irritated and agitated by the distraction, roared and swiped at Sasuke. But Sasuke was too quick, moving with grace and precision, never giving the beast a clear strike. He circled the bear, drawing it away from where Sakura was helping the girl.
"Stay back," Sasuke ordered quietly, his voice cold but clear, as the bear finally began to retreat into the woods, its growls fading into the distance.
Once the bear was gone, Sakura moved quickly to the girl, who had collapsed to the ground, her breathing shallow but alive. Sakura knelt beside her, checking for injuries with practiced hands. "You're going to be okay," she reassured the girl, her tone calm despite the urgency. "But I need to treat your wounds. Just stay still."
Sasuke remained a few paces away, standing guard as Sakura worked. He glanced back at the forest to make sure no other threats were nearby, his posture rigid and watchful. But even in this tense moment, his gaze flickered briefly to Sakura, watching her as she carefully assessed the girl's injuries.
The girl winced as Sakura cleaned the cuts on her shoulder and leg. Her breathing was still rapid, but the immediate danger had passed, and she seemed to relax under Sakura's steady hands.
"You're lucky," Sakura murmured as she wrapped the girl's leg. "Those wounds are serious, but they're not life-threatening."
Once the girl was stabilized, she sat up slowly, her hands trembling as she steadied herself. She met Sakura's gaze, her voice filled with a mix of awe and gratitude. "Thank you… Thank you so much. I thought I was done for…"
Sakura gave a small smile, brushing the snow from her coat. "It was no trouble. We're just glad we were here."
The girl's eyes then moved to Sasuke, and she blinked in surprise. "Wait… you're Uchiha Sasuke… and you're Haruno Sakura!" She exclaimed, a look of disbelief spreading across her face. "The famous ninjas, right?"
Sasuke nodded quietly, his expression unreadable. Sakura glanced over at him, then back at the girl, offering a soft smile. "Yeah, nice to meet you, what's your name?"
"Hana," she said. "My name is Hana."
"What a unique name," Sakura said with a smile on her face.
The girl took a step back, her face flushing with embarrassment as she processed what she had just said. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to… It's just… I've heard so much about you both."
Sakura couldn't help but chuckle softly at the girl's flustered reaction. "It's alright. Is there something bothering you?"
The girl took a deep breath, gathering her composure before speaking again. "I… I'm sorry to trouble you, but... I really need your help. My younger sister is gravely ill, and I've taken her to every healer in the area, but nothing has worked. I've heard of your skills, Sakura-san, and I beg you… please god send you to me today, you're my last hope. She keeps getting worse, everything happened in so few hours, she was very well in the morning. "
Sakura's eyes softened at the girl's desperate plea. She could see the concern in the girl's eyes, the weight of her worry hanging over her like a dark cloud. Sakura turned her head and looked at Sasuke to wait for his confirmation even though she already knew that he was also willing to help the girl. Sasuke nodded in the affirmative.
Before responding, Sakura took a moment to study the girl once more, her expression shifting slightly. As the girl slowly lifted her hood, revealing more of her face, Sakura found herself struck by a sudden, unexpected thought.
The girl had long black hair that cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her delicate features. Her honey-colored eyes gleamed with a warmth that caught the light in a way that made them seem almost golden. Her full pink lips parted into a soft smile of gratitude.
Sakura swore to herself that this girl was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, second only to Tsunade and Ino, her two closest friends. She was ethereal—like a vision out of a dream—and it took Sakura a moment to shake off the feeling of awe that had caught her completely off guard.
She quickly cleared her throat, her face softening with a smile, but a part of her was still processing the surprise of the girl's beauty. "We'll come with you," Sakura said firmly, her voice steady.
The girl's face broke into a relieved smile, her eyes filling with gratitude. "Thank you… Thank you both."
She began to lead the way, her pace quick and determined as she began guiding them through the snow-covered path, toward her home.
After what felt like an eternity of navigating the thick snow, they finally arrived at the small two-story house nestled deep in the forest. It was built from rough-hewn timber, the faint scent of burning wood drifting from the chimney. The house was modest but welcoming, with small windows that emitted a soft golden glow from within.
Hana pushed open the door and stepped inside, the warm air greeting them as they entered. The moment they crossed the threshold, they were met by a middle-aged couple, both looking exhausted but hopeful at the sight of Hana's return. A girl, slightly older than Hana, stood behind them, her expression filled with concern.
"Hana!" the mother exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her daughter. "Thank goodness you're safe. We were so worried about you!"
Hana quickly reassured her parents. "I'm fine, Mom. It's not me you need to worry about," she said urgently, her voice shaking. "These are the famous ninjas, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha. I happened to run into them."
Hana's father stepped forward. "You're... you're the medic from Konoha?" His voice was rough, his concern palpable.
Sakura nodded with a gentle smile, trying to reassure him. "I'm Sakura Haruno. Hana said her sister is ill. I'll do my best to help."
The parents exchanged a glance, and the mother's eyes welled with tears. "Please, come quickly. Our daughter... she's been in pain for hours. We thought it was just a stomach ache, but it's getting worse."
Without hesitation, the mother led Sakura down the narrow hallway into a small bedroom. On the bed, a young girl, no older than eight, lay curled up, clutching her stomach. Her skin was pale, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
Sakura knelt beside the bed, placing a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. "Hey there, I'm going to help you now, okay?" she said softly, trying to comfort the girl, who barely managed to lift her gaze.
Sakura's chakra flared as she began her examination, her eyes narrowing as she ran her hands over the girl's abdomen. The moment her hands made contact, a chill ran through her. There was an unnatural swelling in the stomach, and the tenderness suggested something much more severe than a simple stomachache.
Her brows furrowed in concentration, her pulse quickening. 'Ileus.' The diagnosis was clear. The intestines were obstructed, and without immediate intervention, it could turn fatal. She needed to perform surgery, but not here. Not in this makeshift room.
She looked up at the parents, her voice calm but urgent. "She has Ileus. The obstruction in her intestines is severe, and if we don't get her to a hospital within the next hour, the consequences will be dire. She needs surgery. Right now."
The mother's face turned white as a ghost, but her husband didn't hesitate. "The nearest hospital is two hours away," he said, his voice trembling. "Can she hold on that long?"
Sakura looked down at the girl, whose face had contorted in pain. "I can try to stabilize her, but we need to move fast."
Sasuke, who had been standing at the door, watching the scene unfold with quiet intensity, stepped forward. "We can get there faster," he said, his tone calm and unwavering. "I'll use Susanoo to transport us."
Sakura's eyes flickered to Sasuke. "That's great. I'll keep her comfortable for now but we need to move quickly, Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke didn't waste another second. His Sharingan flared to life as he activated Susanoo. The ethereal purple form of the giant, skeletal warrior appeared around them, its immense wings folding protectively as it hovered in the air. The parents gasped in shock, but Hana's gaze remained focused on her sister, desperate for her to be saved.
With that, Sasuke's Susanoo took flight, soaring into the sky with incredible speed. The forest below became a blur, and Sakura concentrated on maintaining her medical ninjutsu to ease the girl's suffering. As Susanoo descended from the skies, the group was met by a small, unassuming building , the hospital.
Its structure was modest, far from the grand medical facilities Sakura was accustomed to back in Konoha. The walls were weathered, the windows dim, and the scent of antiseptic was barely detectable.
Sasuke lowered Susanoo gently, allowing the girl to be transferred to a stretcher that two of the hospital attendants rushed to prepare. They were clearly startled by the unusual arrival but quickly regained composure as they recognized the presence of a skilled medical ninja.
Sakura, as always, was focused and professional. She led the way into the hospital, where a few doctors stood in anticipation. One of the physicians, a middle-aged man with glasses, stepped forward, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of Sakura.
"Sakura Haruno…" His voice cracked slightly in awe. "It's an honor to have you here. We've heard of your skills."
Sakura nodded in acknowledgment, her demeanor calm and reassuring. "Thank you. We need your help here. The girl is in critical condition, and we need to act quickly."
The doctors nodded and immediately took their places, following Sakura's every command without hesitation. She moved swiftly, her medical expertise guiding them through the small hospital's limited resources. Time was of the essence, and they had no room for error.
Sakura's hands worked effortlessly, feeling for the girl's pulse, stabilizing her, and preparing for the operation. "We'll need to operate now. The obstruction is causing her organs to shut down. If we don't act immediately, we'll lose her."
The doctors, though visibly inexperienced compared to the skilled surgeons in larger hospitals, trusted Sakura implicitly. With her leading the way, they prepped the operating room and prepared the necessary tools. Despite the lack of equipment, Sakura was unfazed, relying on her precision and ability to work with what was available.
Once the operation began, Sakura's focus was absolute. She moved efficiently, her hands steady as she worked through the delicate procedure. Sasuke, standing at the doorway, watched in silence, his gaze unwavering. Despite the tension in the room, he knew there was no one more capable than Sakura in this moment.
Hours passed, but eventually, the crisis subsided. The girl's vitals stabilized, her breathing becoming less labored, and the color slowly returned to her face.
Sakura, exhausted but triumphant, stepped away from the operating table, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths. The doctors followed her lead, their expressions one of both relief and admiration.
"She'll be okay," Sakura said with a soft smile, turning toward Hana, who had anxiously waited outside the operating room. The moment she saw her sister's face in the doorway, Hana rushed to her side, eyes brimming with tears.
Sakura allowed herself a moment of quiet pride, watching the two siblings reunite. The room filled with relief, the tension that had gripped the atmosphere slowly dissipating.
Sakura stepped back, allowing the family their moment of joy. The father, his face filled with gratitude, approached her, bowing deeply.
"Thank you, Haruno-san. We can never repay you for what you've done for our family," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
"It was my privilege to help," Sakura replied, her voice warm, though she could tell the toll the day had taken on her body. She could still feel the exhaustion, but the satisfaction of saving a life made it worthwhile.
One of the hospital doctors, a younger man with a nervous smile, approached Sakura, bowing respectfully.
"Haruno-sama, we... we are honored to have had you here. Your skill and knowledge are beyond anything we could've hoped for. Thank you for trusting us with the procedure."
Sakura smiled softly. "I'm just glad I could help. You did well under pressure. With more experience and resources, you'll be able to handle cases like this with ease."
The younger doctor's face lit up at her praise, and several of the other hospital staff nodded in agreement, their faces filled with admiration. Sasuke, still standing quietly near the back of the room, observed the interaction, his gaze lingering on the girl's parents, who were clearly overwhelmed by the relief that had finally washed over them.
Hana's father, still holding his daughter's hand, looked up at Sakura and Sasuke with deep gratitude in his eyes. "You both have done more for our family than we could ever repay. We are humble people, but please, we want you to stay with us as long as you need. Our home is open to you."
Sakura blinked, surprised by the invitation but grateful. She glanced at Sasuke, who met her gaze with a subtle nod. He didn't speak, but she could feel his agreement. He, too, knew that this was not just a simple act of kindness but a way to honor what they had done.
After a moment, Sakura smiled and nodded. "We'll stay for a while, then. Thank you."
The girl's father smiled, a weight visibly lifting from his shoulders. "It is an honor to host you two."
As Hana's father returned to his daughter's room, Sasuke and Sakura began to leave the hospital.
"We're off to a good start," Sakura said with a smile, "to think this is just the beginning of the journey."
Sasuke smirked. "You'll get used to it. There are a lot of people out there who need help."
As they walked around the hospital, Sasuke turned his gaze to Sakura who had a smile on her face. He cleared his throat, a heat rising in his neck. "By the way, you handled the situation well."
"Oh, thanks Sasuke-kun!" Sakura said as the smile on her face only grew. Sasuke knew that even at a young age Sakura had done her best to catch his eye and get compliments by him, but he wasn't that good at it.
Tell Sasuke to fight a thousand enemies alone, he would easily do it. But complimenting a woman seemed more difficult than fighting in a war. Then he saw Sakura who started to wave her hands and shoulders as if she was dancing. Sasuke was looking at her with a surprised face. She turned and saw his stunned face.
"What? I'm glad we made it. This is called a party but you have no party spirit at all."
"Party? Dancing without music?" Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you want music?" she asked, as she started to whistle like a musical melody.
Sasuke let out a light laugh. "That's normal after so many years of friendship with Naruto I guess."
Sakura started to laugh and continued whistling while Sasuke was watching her every move with great attention.
'Sakura…' he thought, his gaze softening as he observed her. 'She's become so much more than I ever expected.'
And as always when he thought about her, his thoughts led him to wonder if he would be able to make Sakura happy like she deserved. But he decided to shake off these thoughts, he would take things as they came.
