Four years after the Fourth Great Ninja War, Sakura longs for Sasuke's return, little does she know that Naruto has a plan in place to make that happen.
As they headed onto the street, Sakura looked up at Sasuke warily. "A place you wanted to take me?"
"Yeah, it's somewhere I used to go to clear my head when I was little. I'd often go there to wait for Itachi after my Academy classes. It made me feel more at ease, even after..." he paused, pinching his brow. "Well, you know." He looked back at her with a smile. "I've realized that I want you to feel that way around me too." Sasuke turned away, blushing a little.
"Sasuke," she gasped. She was shocked that he was finally opening up after all this time. She didn't expect him to discuss private matters with her any more than he used to when they were kids. He was different now than she remembered. This new Sasuke was so warm and kind, but there was an air of coolness that still remained. It reminded her of the old days when they were Team 7. But now, he seemed like he was accepting her feelings if only a little. She could hardly believe it.
They walked along until they found a cliffside on the outskirts of the village. The cool green grass, gentle breeze, and breathtaking view of the sea were more romantic than Sakura could have dreamed.
"Shall we sit?" Sasuke gestured to a bench overlooking the view.
Sakura took a seat on the bench, but surprisingly, Sasuke remained standing. His hair blew wistfully in the breeze. He looked a little nervous though, as he stared out at the sparkling ocean before them. She was surprised to see him so...well...emotional today. After leaving the hospital, he seemed to become so warm and kind. She wondered if something happened. He looked so at peace as he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as waves crashed against the shoreline.
"Sasuke?" She started, taking a leap of faith. "Um...you seem different today. Did something happen?"
He sighed. "Did something happen?" he repeated, turning to face her. His gaze narrowed and the subtle hint of a smile played across his lips. "You happened".
"Come on, Sasuke. Stop playing games and tell me what's really going on" she demanded, crossing her arms. She was happy that Sasuke was being so kind, but it reminded her of every genjutsu trick that was used against her previously. She could easily see through most of them since they typically involved Sasuke looking at her the way he was now. That wasn't the Sasuke she knew though, not by a long shot. Still, this didn't seem to be an illusion.
Sasuke's smile disappeared. He could see the slightest hint of fear and frustration mixed into her calm demeanor. It reminded him of all the times he'd hurt her. Although he didn't want to admit it, his guilt over leaving her had only grown stronger over the years. He'd accepted his guilt over other things such as the death of his clan, his parents, and even Itachi; but the damage he'd done to his friends would forever torment him. He'd caused them so much pain. Even Sakura...she tried so hard to help him and show him the light, but he'd only fought against her over the years. He took a deep breath.
"Sakura..." he paused. What were the right words in this situation? "Well...I" he stammered. Come on, keep going. "I'm sorry, for everything" he bowed his head. "I promise, I'll never hurt you again."
"Not this again, I thought we'd gotten past all of that" Sakura groaned. "I can't believe I thought you were going to return my feelings or something. This is just like every genjutsu I've ever been put under. It's always the same, you apologizing and looking at me with that kind and warm expression. I've had it with these tricks!" She stood up and started heading back.
"No, wait! That's not it!" Sasuke grabbed her arm as she turned from him. It was now or never. "Sakura, this isn't a trick. I just wanted to tell you how I've been feeling ever since I began this journey". He sighed, "seeing you today brought back a lot of memories and I realized just how much we've changed over time. On my journey, I was trying to figure out what my purpose was and what attached me to this world. For so long, my only desire has been darkness, hatred, and deep-seated grief that I just couldn't cope with. I lost myself and...I hurt you. I wouldn't be surprised if you hated me" he winced just thinking about it. He willed himself to relax and looked back into her sparkling green eyes. "Sakura, my new purpose...I mean, what I found...it was love, my love for you." His heart pounded as he said those words. "I know we've been through a lot and I'll understand if you turn your back on me, but just know that no matter what you decide to do from here on out, I will love you always."
Sakura looked up into his eyes, which were now anxiously trying to avoid hers. This was the Sasuke she knew and loved after all this time. At long last, he finally understood her feelings and she understood him. She stepped in closer and reached her hands up towards him, cupping his face and turning it towards hers. She pushed his hair out of his face and leaned in closer, planting a gentle kiss on his lips.
Not remembering the last time, Sakura was stunned when he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her back. It was different than how she imagined it in her fantasies. He kissed her roughly and passionately. Tears welled in her eyes as he tugged forcefully on her hair. It was perfect in the most unexpected way. He was hers and she was his for that small moment in time. She couldn't think of a better ending to their sorrows. It was the start of a new time in their lives, a time when they could be together at last.
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