Kairos | SasuSaku

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Their footsteps rustled the fallen leaves from the canopy of trees overhead, allowing glowing rays of sunshine to peek through their many autumn leaves. The kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow leaves were nothing short of breathtaking, and Sakura marveled at being able to witness the brilliant view without the rush and seriousness that comes with being on missions.

Although her gaze was busy taking in all the surroundings, it never failed to return to the brown clad figure a few paces ahead of her. She noted the relaxed shoulders, unhurried gait, feeling warmth blooming in her chest.

As though sensing her gaze on him, Sasuke tilted his head, the bandana around his head swishing in the small wind as one onyx and one amethyst eye peered at her questioningly, as if to say, is something wrong?

Sakura smiled, shaking her head, and lengthened her strides until she was once again, walking beside him.

"Keep getting distracted like that and I won't be able to catch you again if you trip," Sasuke quipped, his voice quiet in the autumn air.

Sakura gave a small huff, "I won't trip, and it was one time."

Just a few moments ago, she had been too busy taking in the scenery above to pay attention to her footing, until her feet caught on a root and she found herself falling forward with a gasp. That was, until Sasuke had caught her.

"Hn," Sasuke tilted his head, and Sakura caught his small smile against the collar of his shirt.

The two of them walked side by side, their shoulders almost in brushing distance, voices quiet and intimate as they talked about the beautiful scenery, their next destination, and more on, as the ancient trees around them bore witness to the beginning of their journey.

***

Sakura smiled as she saw the now familiar sight of Sasuke leaning against the streetlamp outside the hospital as she walked out on tired legs.

The yellow light overhead bathed him in its glow, making him look almost ethereal. He stood straight as she walked up to him, and without exchanging any words, both of them started walking in the same direction.

The streets of the Hidden Village of Leaf were empty, and among the quietness, Sakura's memories traced back to the day he had returned once more with confirmation that he'd be staying for a while before heading out again.

Naruto had called for a celebration, naming it 'The Reunion of Team 7', which had been a quiet evening spent at Ichiraku's ramen stand (upon Naruto's request). The celebration had lasted late into the night, and they had finally parted when the flush on Naruto's face started looking a bit too bright. Sakura had called an end, and although he'd complained, they finally parted ways, with both Sasuke and Sakura walking down the same street.

"Where are you staying?" Sakura had asked hesitantly, realizing the topic had never been brought up that evening.

"Just an apartment up ahead," had been Sasuke's short reply, and she wondered whether he'd be staying at the Uchiha compound had it not gotten destroyed in Pain's attack years ago.

They had walked in silence until Sakura saw her apartment come into view.

Sasuke had waited until she had safely stepped into her doorway, before continuing on with a slight nod.

Since then, he had always waited for her to finish up at the hospital late at night to walk her back.

On one of those walks, she had asked:

"Sasuke-kun, how long will you be staying for?" since he had never really specified that even after announcing his arrival would be temporary to the team (much to Naruto's chagrin).

"Long enough for me to have to set out again. Although I feel like I had found my redemption, it still doesn't feel like it's enough"

And that had been that. Sakura understood. Sasuke had been an avenger, and he'd become an avenger by sacrificing everything (down to the bonds he had formed). It made sense that he would find his redemption by giving it all he could. After all, his sins were not light, and Sakura was proud of the man he was trying to be in that moment.

So she comforted herself in trying to spend the most she could with him, with Team 7 as a whole, before he had to leave again. Even if it meant working herself to the bones at the hospital to get proper time off to hang out with her comrades.

"Sakura?" Sasuke called out, and Sakura realized they were now nearing her apartment.

She looked at him, ready to bid good night, when the seriousness on his face paused her steps.

"What is it, Sasuke-kun?"

"Remember what I told you before I left for my journey?" he paused, as if giving her time to remember, even though Sakura could still taste that memory as if it had happened just the day past.

He continued, "what do you think about coming with me when I leave?"

All sounds seemed to stop, and even the crickets singing their lullaby paused, as if to hear Sakura's reply.

She smiled, her face glowing in the dim light of the streetlamps.

"I would love to, Sasuke-kun."