Changing Fate

Chapter 3 🍋

They ended up reaching the village later than they had expected. The town was dark except for the glow of the street lights. Even though it was so late Sasuke made sure they put our ponchos on, hoods up, before starting into the village. He had his right arm draped around her shoulders, pulling her close to help conceal her, as they made their way around the edge of town to Tazuna's house.

They avoided any of the main streets and stuck close to the side of buildings as they moved through town. Nothing had changed it seemed since they last visited when they were children. They were coming up close to Tazuna's house when Sasuke stopped them suddenly at the corner of the building they were against. Activating his Sharingan he peered around the corner to find the source of the voices he was hearing. He could see a few men down the street, drunkenly walking in the opposite direction from them. Once out of sight he grabbed her hand tightly and they took off towards Tazuna's.

Upon reaching their destination they circled around the side and knocked on the door. Sakura stood beside the door against the house, staying in the shadows. Sasuke knocked harsh and loud then turned his back to the door, using his Sharingan to scan the area to be sure they hadn't been followed.

Sasuke's patience was growing thin and he was seemingly more anxious. He turned and was about to knock again when Inari finally swung the door open. He wrapped his hand around Sakura's upper arm and ushered her inside, not waiting to be invited in.

He kept a hold of Sakura's arm and guided her to sit at the kitchen table. "Is Tazuna here?" Sasuke asked Inari without looking at him. He was busy pulling Sakura's poncho up over her head. Inari had just finished closing and locking the door when he answered. "Grandpa is in his room. Asleep I think. I can show you guys your room though."

He started down the hallway, pointing out the bathroom and his room, and brought them to a door at the very end of the hall. "You guys can sleep here."

"Thanks Inari" Sakura said to him, giving him a sweet smile. He smiled brightly back at her and left to go back to his room.

Their room was small, obviously a spare room, but it would serve its purpose. Sakura was thankful they didn't have to camp outside. The trip had taken longer than expected but it was worth pushing through to get here. She sat heavily on the edge of the bed and breathed a big sigh of relief. Sasuke could tell she was exhausted. He felt a pang of guilt making her travel all day while injured but she was adamant she could do it, and she did.

"Let's get you to bed Sakura, you need to rest."

"Are you not going to sleep?" She asked as she leaned over and started to remove her shoes. He walked over and crouched in front of her and took over. Taking off her shoes one at a time and sitting them beside the bed.

Once he finished he rested his hands on the tops of her thighs, just above her knees, rubbing his thumbs along the inside of them softly.

He ignored her question of sleep and answered with his own, "Mind if I check your side?" He quietly asked.

She nodded her head and fidgeted with her fingers in her lap. He grabbed her wrists and brought them up to rest on his shoulders so he could access her side easier. Sasuke gently pulled up the bottom of her shirt, fingers brushing against her skin. He could hear her breath and hitch and suppressed a smirk.

'I love the effect I have on her.'

He gently unwound the bandages and leaned in close to inspect it. It looked almost healed thanks to her abilities. "It looks great, you shouldn't need bandages anymore" He told her as he leaned back on his knees, still crouched in front of her.