An Uchiha At Heart || SasuSaku

7. Success

"You guys completed the mission in record time," Kakashi said, almost sounding impressed.

"It's just because Sasuke-kun was familiar with the reaper already," Sakura clarified.

"Reaper, huh?"

"Just another idiot striving after immortality and power," Sasuke said deadpan. Sakura looked at him intently, and she could tell Kakashi was doing the same thing she was. They were both almost reminiscing on the old Sasuke, remembering how hostile he used to be, and how he would have done anything to achieve power.

But that Sasuke is gone. For the most part at least.

"Either way, I'm sure I'm not the only one relieved that the problem is solved. Well done," the Hokage commended, looking at especially at Sasuke.

"It was a team effort," Sasuke commented before walking out.

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It was sunset time, and the streets of Konoha were relatively quiet. Everyone was either at home eating dinner with their family, or serving dinner at their restaurant.

Doing neither, the two ninjas who had just returned from their mission walked aimlessly in the streets of their home, exhausted from the trip. They spoke of trivial things, old memories, and future expectations. That is, until Sakura's stomach started growling.

"Ne, Sasuke-kun, want to go eat somewhere?" she asked, a little embarrassed. Sasuke looked at her, a little smile playing at his lips, and agreed. "Sure."

"Where shall we go eat then? Actually, isn't Ichiraku's Ramen close to here...?"

"We can go eat there if you want." Sakura smiled at his agreeableness, and they both made their way to the famous ramen place. She smiled at the memory of how many times she'd seen Naruto sitting there eating plates and plates of the noodles over the years.

She was about to suggest to Sasuke to invite Naruto, but then she thought better of it—because Naruto needs to stay by Hinata's side of course, not because Sakura wanted to have some quality time with Sasuke or anything.

The two Shinobis walked into the restaurant. "Konnichiwa Teuchi-san," Sakura greeted.

"Konnichiwa Sakura-san!" the old man replied. "The usual order?"

"Hai! What about you Sasuke-kun?"

"I'll have what you're having."

"Alright then. Make that two, please," she told Teuchi. The elder nodded his headed absently, as he was too busy looking at Sasuke with a frown. After a few short moments, he turned around to go make their orders.

A small knot formed in the pit of the cherry blossom's stomach. Obviously she knew that everyone was aware about Sasuke's past actions, but she didn't think that they'd still be holding a grudge after so many years. It truly hurt Sakura's heart.

She looked at the Uchiha seated next to her. He didn't seem to notice what had just happened, to her relief. Still, she felt quite bothered.

"Is something wrong, Sakura?" the tall man asked her with a concerned face.

"Eyeuh, everything's...I'm just really happy you're here, Sasuke-kun."

A slight blush crept up on Sasuke's face as he looked away. "Arigato, Sakura." He looked back at her, a genuine smile lighting up his face, taking away any terrifying effect his Rinnegan might have to an average person.

Damn, Sasuke was beautiful. It was the original reason Sakura was always drawn to him since her childhood. But after being on the same team with him, after being protected by him, and after fighting side by side with him...she fell in love with Sasuke's entire being. It still surprised her how he made her feel, after everything that's happened...even after trying to kill each other when he was in the very pit of darkness.

But that's all gone now, and Sakura still loves Sasuke all the same and then some.

"Here's your order, Sakura-san." Teuchi's daughter, Ayame, placed the bowl of noodles with sliced eggs and chicken chops in front of her with a smile. Her smile slightly faded when she served the duplicate order to Sasuke. "Your food, Uchiha-san," she said suspiciously. Sasuke didn't comment.

Sakura's inner conscious raged. Why can't they leave him alone?

She tried to push her thoughts away and calm her anger. She looked at the raven-haired man, and tried to start another conversation with him. "So, have you decided to stay in Konoha for good?"

Sasuke took a few more bites of noodles as he pondered on the pink-haired ninja's answer. "I don't know yet," he answered honestly. "It depends. There's still a lot to see out there in the world...and...Konoha still feels a little strange to me. Like I don't belong here."

"You will always have a place here," Sakura asserted with conviction. "Always remember that, Sasuke-kun. Please."

The statement made the dark man blush yet again. He let his hair fall on his face in an attempt to hide his expression, just like he always did when he spoke to Sakura. Ever since their earlier days, Sakura always managed to see straight through Sasuke. It unnerved him, which is why he could barely ever look her in the eye when he spoke of things that mattered to him. On the other hand, it gave him an unfamiliar feeling of warmth; the fact that someone could always understand him the way Sakura did.

"Huh (yeah)," he nodded.

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They two ninjas finished their meals, and made their way through the darker night. Sakura was delighted to be spending this much time with her old comrade, making up for lost-and painful-time. Sasuke was quite at ease as well-although he'd never outwardly admit it-thanks to Sakura and Kakashi's warm welcoming of him.

"Where to now?" Sakura wondered out loud.

"I'm going to make a stop at Naruto's," Sasuke replied evenly.

"Mm. I think I'm going to go home and get some rest. If you need anything, you know where to find me." At that, Sasuke turned around and walked closer towards his friend. "Huh. I'll see you later," he said, mimicking the same forehead gesture he'd done earlier with his two fingers. Sakura wasn't sure why Sasuke was so fond of the gesture, but she didn't care. It made her heart jump every time.

But Sakura wasn't the only one parting ways on a happy note.

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Hey guys! Sorry for the lousy chapter, I'm just really busy these days! But I promise, there's more good stuff coming on the way ;)

Random question: what other animes do y'all watch? Do you watch Kuroko No Basket or Free (Iwatobi Swim Club)?

Again, thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote, comment, and follow me please! <3