SasuSaku - Past Selves

*MATURE* Chapter 8 - Empty Nesters

The next two weeks at the hideout went by fast. Sakura started regularly accompanying the team on their errands. She spent most of her time tending to Juugo, who got badly hurt on his mission to eliminate the Anbu trackers. it made Sakura kind of happy to know that they roughed him up so badly - after all, they were her people. Still, Juugo became her primary patient, which meant more time away from Sasuke - a bittersweet relief for Sakura.

She still slept in Sasuke's bed, although he now trusted her enough to sleep on the couch in the living room. She played card games regularly with Suigetsu, and steered clear of Karin for everybody's sake. She barely saw her anyway, she was sent on a long term mission to gather intel about the Akatsuki.

She missed home, missed Naruto, Ino, Kakashi, her coworkers. She wasn't any closer to removing that damn curse mark, but from eavesdropping on Sasuke's conversations, she overheard that he was making progress on tracking down his brother, which means soon she could reclaim her freedom. Although, she did feel generally free on most days. She was allowed to take walks and train alone, but she couldn't go into town alone. Sasuke was worried she'd send a signal through some villagers - which, she honestly would have.

Sakura was soon able to treat Juugo fully, which prompted Sasuke to send him back on the mission to keep tabs on the Anbu trackers, this time much more prepared.

Sakura became quite close with Suigetsu - his lightheartedness and humor made things much easier for Sakura. Which is why she was bummed when Suigetsu knocked on her door that afternoon

"Hey there, gorgeous. Just wanted to say bye, I'll be gone for a bit."

"Wait what? Why?"

"We got a message from Karin, she requested backup since some "Shark Guy" called Kisame is onto her, so I'm the perfect backup for this situation. I can kick that guy's ass!"

"Ugh, be careful - and if you're not, then I'll just have to save your life I guess" Sakura stuck out her tongue

"Will miss you, cutie! Take care!"

Great. Now she was alone there with Sasuke. Luckily, the hideout was big enough not to run into each other a whole lot. She decided to move into Suigetsu's room while he was gone. Sasuke was gone a lot, working on some new jutsu - she didn't want to know the details. So, she spent a good chunk of the day chilling at home, cooking meals, and meditating. It was the complete opposite of her Konoha lifestyle, where she spent most of her hours working at the hospital. It was a nice change of pace, though she didn't know if that was sustainable for her in the long run. But she knew this wasn't for the long run - she didn't intend to stay here forever.

Sasuke got home later than usual - around 8 pm. He came home to Sakura cutting up some fruit for a snack.

"Has Suigetsu left yet?"

"Good evening to you too, where are your manners?" She rolled her eyes

"Ah, you're really starting to sound like my wife now" he rolled his eyes, just to barely dodge an apple Sakura threw at his head

"Yes, he left earlier today."

*So it's just us* he thought, not sure how to feel about it. He walked to the kitchen cabinet and grabbed a bottle of wine. "Long day, don't look at me so judgmentally, my body is sore." He poured himself a glass, pouring one for Sakura, who looked at it suspiciously, but eventually took a sip. Sasuke walked over to the couch.

"I think I'll sleep in Suigetsu's room while he's gone so you can have the bed back," Said Sakura Casually, as she walked past Sasuke heading to Sui's room.

As she was walking past him, he couldn't help but notice her outfit. He recognized it from the clothing store, she wore this cute little sundress, which somehow looked even better on her in this lighting. "Come here." He commanded.