On The Same Path [SasuxSaku]

Chapter 3: The Return

~ Sakura's POV

"Eto... Sakura-chan... You must be so happy! Sasuke's finally coming back from his journey!" Naruto said, but he could not help but notice that she still had sadness in her eyes.

They were in the Hokage's office. Sakura was holding the letter from Sasuke and their former sensei was staring at both of them with an interesting look. But he knew what Sakura was sad about - Sasuke had asked for a 'temporary lodging' in the village. Although, he has his old house (the old Uchiha District was unaffected during Pein's attack) and his old apartment (rebuild under his name again after Pein's attack) but Sasuke had informed long ago to the Rokudaime that he won't be living in any of them anymore. If he had to start afresh, he will have to let go of a few things.

"Of course I am happy Naruto... Why do you ask such a thing?", Sakura replied politely, smiling at him, but they both knew too well that she was hiding her emotions.

Their former sensei could not help but notice how much both his students have grown up now. They talked to each other like adults, not bickering like they used to in their childhood days. They respected each other and there was a bond between them, but with Naruto getting married and Sakura busy with the hospital, their lives had now clearly moved on to the next stage.

"So, how was the honeymoon Naruto?", the Hokage asked in a matter-of-factly tone; bringing up the only thing he could think of to lighten up the mood. Naruto almost jumped and the sensei sighed with satisfaction.

"What! Honey... eto.. ano..", he turned so many different shades of red in a matter of five seconds that Sakura burst into a fits of laughter, making Naruto realize what question has been asked to him.

"Couple who live together, do start to look the same. You just looked like Hinata with your blush," Sakura said, laughing still.

Naruto only turned into a deeper shade of crimson.

"What! No, that's not... ahm! So, I would be leaving now... Can't wait to - "

"Continue with what you left at the Honeymoon?", the Hokage asked with a serious look. God knows what face he makes behind that mask.

"No! I just meant I cannot wait to see Sasuke!", Naruto almost shouted. Unable to control his blush, he left the Hokage office after saying his goodbyes and leaving a laughing Sakura and amused Hokage behind.

A few minutes after Naruto left, the sadness returned on Sakura's face.

"Are you sure you want to take this mission Sakura..? A trip to Suna itself takes almost a week and your stay there would almost be for more than three days, that is,  if all goes well. I could talk to the Kazekage. Maybe they will agree to settle for a different Medical Ninja for helping the doctors regarding the mysterious disease spreading among the women in Suna." The Rokudaime was very serious when it comes to missions but given the circumstances and the sudden arrival of his student, he knew that Sakura might not be too happy at the prospect of leaving Konoha just as soon as Sasuke arrives, speacilly when no one knows for how long he will stay there.

"I really appreciate your understanding to... the situation Sensei but my duties for the village will always come first. ", Sakura said. It was true, she took her profession as a shinobi of the Leaf village and a medical ninja very seriously, and besides she had her own reasons for not confronting Sasuke when he comes. If he really was coming only for a week then it was better if they don't meet; it is always painful to be the one who was left behind. And if... if he was going to stay... for more, then they had time right? Although, Sakura did not keep her hopes high. It had become a habit of her's - funny as it may sound - not to hope too much when it comes to a certain person. So much has happened in the past that she does not know what to expect anymore.