Summary: Another quiet, sweet moment between these two beans during their travels. Blank period.
A/N: Clearly I have an obsession with the subtle, fleeting moments between these two. But I think it’s in these moments that their relationship progresses the most. I wrote this in like 10 min so it’s super short but I have finals coming up in the next two weeks and this scene came to me out of no where so there’s really no context just a bunch of fluff. Let me know what you guys think, hopefully my writing is starting to improve a teeny bit!!
Sakura finishes her examination of his eyes with no new prognosis. This was good news, as it meant that Sasuke’s eyesight continued to remain stable.
They had fallen into a certain comfort with one another since their travels together began to stretch into long months. As was such, the nature of this specific examination meant that she had to be close to him, and he felt no discomfort at that. He sits with his back against a wall, one knee bent and the other leg laying straight at a slight angle, allowing her room between them to be close enough in front of him to conduct her examination. He notices now that she is quiet, lingering there in her spot before him.
She takes advantage of the moment, of their close proximity to one another. They didn’t have many, so she took the opportunities when they came. Intertwining her fingers with his she begins to place soft, sweet kisses on his face. His nose, his brow, his cheek, his chin, his jaw, the corner of his lips. At first she is hesitant, unsure of whether he’d push her away, whether he’d resist her innocent gestures, be overwhelmed by her presence, by her love.
He stays still, relaxed, watching her. However, when she puts her hand on his neck, she can feel that his pulse has quickened. Pausing her actions to search his eyes for signs of anxiety or discomfort, she finds that although he seems content, she is unable to read him. She presses her lips to his forehead softly, hoping that her thoughts and emotions can be conveyed to him in this small and simple way. She loves him with her whole being. She’d give, do, be anything for him. She was his and always would be, whether he decided to take her or not.
It’s like he can feel her love emanating from her body, warming the places where her skin touched his. The texture of their calloused hands pressed together, her knee accidentally brushing against his inner thigh, her fingers toying with the hair at the nape of his neck, the soft skin of her lips leaving warm traces of her over the contours and angles of his face. With each kiss, he feels as though she imparts a small piece of her own soul to him, pressing to him the feelings that cannot be manifested into words. She loves him, deeply. He can undoubtedly confirm this, and that makes his heart begin to pace faster.
What had he done to deserve a love so pure, so selfless? In all of the things he saw her do, Sakura gave a piece of herself. Feeling that intention was an entirely different, and new, experience. She had endless love, and she was willing, no, wanting to pour it into him. All he had to do was accept.
She pulls back from the forehead kiss, looking into his gaze once more, searching his mismatched eyes for her answer. He tightens his grip on her hand, deciding that he would accept her feelings, that he’d do anything to protect those feelings, that he would nurture his own feelings for her and allow them to continue to grow. He would return her intentions, because he was grateful to her for never giving up on him. He would take her as she was, because there was no other way he’d have her. He’d protect that innocence and purity in her character. He was determined to make her happy, the way she had just made him.
He makes the connection, realizing that this is the reason behind his elevated heart rate. It seems as though Sakura reaches the same conclusion moments later, as she begins to smile at him. Try as he might to suppress it, this silent affirmation between them brings a faint blush to his cheeks, and he has to resist the urge to turn away from her. He’d had moments of vulnerability in front of her, but none of this magnitude.
She pulls gently away from his hold on her hand, replacing both hands on his cheeks. His hand naturally finds its way to the small of her back, his pull on her as undeniable as gravity. Rubbing her thumb across his skin lovingly, her face is brought closer to his. Her lips hover in front of his momentarily before he closes the space between them.
She was his, that much was true. She’d learn in time that he was also unquestionably hers.
Summary: What else? More SasuSaku during their travels!! Except this time, maybe a misunderstanding? They have to have a period of becoming more attuned to just being around one another, no?
A/N: So, I think I’ll try to make this into two or three parts, mostly because I’m not 100% sure where I’ll take it or whether you guys will be into it. I’m still a novice writer so I haven’t had any grand ideas for a 30 chapter fic or anything. I’m sticking to shorter stories to maybe slowly strengthen my skills before I tackle anything crazy like that. Also, super busy with real life so I don’t wanna start something I can’t finish. Hope you guys like more of my versions of SasuSaku travel moments.
Sasuke begins to notice things soon after their travels begin together.
After unwarranted battles, his recovery time is cut down immensely. His weapons are often cleaned and organized by the next day, unbeknownst to him during his rest. He does not concern himself with staying up for days on end, as now he can take shifts for watch.
Torn clothing somehow mends itself. On days that she happens to be up before him, he’ll often find that those clothes have been laid out for him in accordance to the predicted weather for that day. Sometimes, she even helps him dress. He won’t have to worry over what to make or find for breakfast on his own because the scent of something being prepared has already found its way to him most mornings. In places where civilization is scarce, he won’t have to think constantly about replenishing fresh water. He finds himself to be more at ease, and this strangely makes him uncomfortable.
He catches Sakura one particular morning, putting together clothes for a day forecasted to be littered with rain showers. Light and comfortable pants and shirt, close-toed boots and his waterproof cape that’s slightly heavier than his cotton one, all in the only color he owns.
“You know I can do that on my own, right?” he says, observing her from behind as she folds them up into a nice stack.
He can hear the smile in her voice as she finishes up the task.
“I know,” she replies simply.
This does not sit well with him. Just because he had lost an arm, didn’t mean that he had to be taken care of. He had done just fine on his own without her for the first year of his journey. He had gone a long time without being babied and didn’t plan to start any time soon.
“I don’t need to be babied, Sakura. I don’t want any pity.”
Sakura turns to look at him then, her features portraying her bewilderment. Something akin to hurt dims her brilliant green eyes for a moment.
“Sasuke-kun…I never thought of this as babying you. I just thought I’d help alleviate some of the responsibility that you’ve had to carry on your own up until now. I thought I was helping,” she replies softly.
“I don’t need help though,” he states.
Her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes as she directs her gaze downwards.
“I know. You’ve never needed any help. I just wanted to be of use to you because I’m grateful that you’ve let me join you in your travels. I didn’t want to be a burden, but rather the opposite. It seems that somehow I’ve still managed to be one, though,” she lets out a laugh that doesn’t quite cover up her hurt, shrugging her shoulders.
Sakura looks up at him then, a seemingly genuine smile plastered onto her face, though her eyes remained closed.
“I’ll back off then. I didn’t mean for you to take it that way, Sasuke-kun. I’m sorry.”
She begins to walk away, offering an excuse about washing up by the river and telling him to watch the pot over the fire while she’s gone.
Sasuke looks over at the pile of clothes sitting before him, his chest beginning to tighten with what felt like guilt. He had been wrong about her intentions, but it was unlike him to see the good in people’s intentions before the bad. It was something he was still unlearning. After all, so few people had good intentions towards him.
It’d felt like decades since the last time someone had catered to his needs with only the intention of caring for him, and the only person to do so was his mother. It felt foreign, the idea that someone outside of himself worried selflessly for his wellbeing, only wanting to make things a bit easier for him. The realization that Itachi had done this for him, albeit in an unconventional fashion, was reeling but Sasuke had come to terms with that once he’d learned about it. They were his family. Sakura, however, owed him nothing, yet she continued to give and to try and please.
In fact, if anything, Sasuke owed her his time and effort and displays of consideration. Like Naruto, she’d always kept him in consideration. She never casted him aside, the way he seemed to have just unintentionally done. The longer he thinks of it, the more memories of Sakura’s selfless actions come back to him. She had always been nurturing towards him, evident by the amount of time she’d put into visiting him at the hospital, or worrying over his curse mark, or offering to throw her life away in order to pursue his endeavors. All of these things he’d cast aside, the way he was accustomed to doing in order to move forward with his plans for revenge.
Now, though? He had no reason to continue this treatment towards Sakura.
He sighs and begins to dress in the clothes she’d laid out for him. Sakura returns as he does so, and before she comes over to assist him out of natural reflex, she has to stop herself. For the most part, he could handle getting his clothes on with one arm with no issues, it just took a little bit more time than it used to. When it came to the cape though, there were certain days that he was unable to get it on without struggling through a few tries first. Of course, this had to be one of those days.
He tries throwing it over his head and pulling it across his shoulders but he couldn’t seem to catch it in time to button the collar before it slid from his torso and onto the ground. Sakura watches from the corner of her eye as he struggles, but makes no move to aid him as she finishes preparing breakfast. Her kind nature allowed her no pleasure in being witness to his struggle.
Finally, he throws the cape down and decides to forego it for the day. He reasons that it’d only weigh him down as they traveled to the village nearby.
Together, they have breakfast in silence, though the quiet isn’t as comfortable as it normally is between them. Sakura tended to normally smile at him when they happened to glance at one another, or sit by his side as they ate, or stand while offering him more food, making it difficult for him to refuse just a bit more. Though she doesn’t sulk, she sits across from him, keeping her eyes on her food up until they’ve both finished. Seated, she looks at him to ask if he would like some more. When he refuses, she nods and stands, beginning to pack up the little belongings they have.
She wouldn’t be overbearing, the way she used to be when they were genin. She resigns herself to this decision. She was grateful beyond belief to have the opportunity to travel with the person who’d taken her heart with him where ever he went; she was definitely not going to screw this up.
The village nearby was only about a half-day’s trip so they resume traveling as soon as their belongings are gathered. They went at a moderate pace, not sprinting but also taking no leisure. It begins to rain about an hour after they’ve started and Sakura dons her cloak. Sasuke waits for a moment as she does so, but makes no move to put his cape on.
There was no way he’d admit to Sakura that he couldn’t get it on by himself this morning and wasn’t going to waste time trying again. Especially now that he’d went out of his way to be a jerk in making it clear to her that he didn’t need her help. She looks as though she’s about to ask him if he wants his cape but he turns and continues his way through the trees, the rain beginning to soak though his clothes.
Sakura sighs before following him, knowing exactly what this behavior will bring.
–
Sure enough, Sakura awakes to the sound of a nasty cough at roughly four o’clock the next morning. They had found an inn to stay at, the room having two twin beds up against opposite walls. They hadn’t reached the point in their relationship where they’d felt comfortable enough sharing beds or sleeping bags.
She remains still for a few moments, indecisive on how to approach the situation. After a few more moments of silence, Sasuke’s coughs begin to bubble up through his chest once more, and as much as he tried to smother the urge, he couldn’t help but release them.
Once the fit subsides, he hears soft footsteps approaching. His heart rate quickens slightly at the thought of disturbing her from her sleep after having made a show of his ability to take care of himself. He wouldn’t be winning this one.
“Sasuke-kun,” came the tentative whisper from his side in the dark. He opens his mouth to say something, but is overtaken by another fit of coughs. Sakura lights the oil lamp near his bed, her face illuminated by the soft glow of light. Concern filled her bright eyes as she took in the sight of him. He was sweaty but his skin, which had taken on a slight yellowish tint, felt cool to the touch. The shadows cast across his face by the dim light only served to highlight and sharpen his aristocratic features. Even ill, he was beautiful to her. Summoning her healing chakra to her hands, she hesitates and looks to him for confirmation. When he nods, she begins her examination.
He watches as she runs her hands across his chest, her focus immediately setting in when she got to work. Her vibrant green eyes were softened by the glowing light, her pastel pink tresses taking on a more rosy hue in the shadows. Studying her face, he notices things about her that have changed since they were young. The roundness of her face had slimmed out, her cheek bones and jaw more prominent. Her under eyes had a worn look to them, as if she spent much less time sleeping than she used to. She looked so serious, so mature with her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. He feels something stirring in his chest, but it wasn’t another coughing fit. Was it pride? Nostalgia? Regret, because he’d missed watching those changes occur?
She rises and walks away into the dark for a moment, only to reappear with her stethoscope and flashlight. She performs the routine check, asking him to breathe in deeply as she placed the chestpiece in various places on his chest and back. She examines his throat with her flashlight before putting her tools down and nodding to herself. He waits patiently for her to speak.
“You have a viral infection, and from what I can tell, it’s going to be pretty nasty.”
Summary: Some of the sweetest moments are often the quiet ones. SasuSaku, 699-700, during their travels together.
A/N: I was feeling the fluff. This is pretty short. Hope you guys like it, thanks for reading. I always appreciate feedback, critical or otherwise!
They decide to camp out in the forest for the night as the sun begins to set. Together they’d traveled for two days nonstop, and though they could continue, they agree that there’s no hurry. After things had been set up, Sakura asks if she can take a look at his bad arm.
It’s been well over a year since Sasuke had lost it and though he was adept at taking care of it, she felt more at ease occasionally taking a look. He complies, so she rolls the sleeve of his shirt up to his shoulder. Channeling her chakra to her hand, she places it over his stub and proceeds with her examination. Sasuke is quiet and patient, observing as Sakura’s mind processes what her chakra senses.
After a few moments, her chakra subsides. Her silence as she rolls his sleeve back down is a bit unnerving, but he doesn’t say anything at first.
She brings her hand up to his face then, pushing his bangs away from his eye, threading her fingers through his hair. He felt the need to keep that half of his face hidden out of stealth, but when they were alone together she preferred to see all of him.
“All clear,” she states simply. Despite himself, Sasuke feels slightly relieved. She usually didn’t take this long to give her findings. He nods his thanks to her.
Sakura holds his gaze then, entranced by the eye encircled in purple. He found that she often was lost in her thoughts, that it didn’t take much to get her thinking. Her quiet admiration for him was evident by the intensity reflected in her own eyes, the way her lips were slightly parted, her attention focused solely on him. Sakura was always so expressive, even when she was in deep thought.
It was quiet moments like these that she appreciated most with him. Not many could say they’d gotten in such close proximity with the last surviving Uchiha without sustaining grave injury. How many ninja can come face to face with the Rinnegan and actually have the time to truly appreciate it’s fearsome beauty?
It was fitting, really. He’d always been fearsomely beautiful, ever since he’d defected from Konoha. His immeasurable strength and undeterred resolve to reach his goals paired with his striking features made him so. Despite that, Sakura had never been afraid of him, just as she wasn’t afraid now to look directly into his Rinnegan; she trusted him. She’d always been able to see underneath that fearsome beauty, that cold exterior, that emotionless barrier he constantly had up. It’s true that her initial feelings for him had been superficial; he was nothing short of incredibly handsome, talented, and intelligent. Who wouldn’t have been infatuated?
This seemingly untouchable boy became real once they were placed on the same team. Sasuke was by no means outwardly affectionate towards anyone, but the illusion of his cool façade was dispelled once they’d spent enough time together; it was unmistakable that he cared. He gave his all for them. He did everything he could to protect them. It wasn’t just confirmation of his strength, but a show of his true feelings. Through all of this, Sakura saw glimpses into the pain he’d been shouldering on his own.
It was realizing that she wanted to lift that burden from him that brought her to the conclusion that she really did care for him as something more. The girl with shallow emotions found that she loved him when she didn’t give this notion up after he defected. He was one of her precious boys. He and Naruto had come to take up permanent residence in her heart, but Sasuke was always special. She would have done anything to save him from all of the things that troubled him, because unlike Naruto, Sasuke’s motivations always came back to revenge. She would’ve drowned herself in the darkness if it’d meant being able to pull him out, because that’s who she was. She was drawn to those who needed help.
That’s why seeing him here, close to her, no longer in need of any help, made her emotional. He was safe and content, he was missing an arm but he was perfectly whole, no longer plagued with hatred and revenge. Nothing made her happier than knowing he was back with them and that she’s there with him, looking directly into those hauntingly beautiful mismatched eyes. Thankful wasn’t enough to describe the feeling that’s wrapped around her heart.
He’s lifted his one arm now, bringing it towards her face. For a moment she thinks he’s going to poke her forehead endearingly, but he does something different this time. He brushes his knuckles against her temple, then slides them down her cheek before bringing his hand down to the crook of her neck. He curls his fingers behind her neck, resting his thumb on her jaw.
This one sure, gentle motion has made her feel the safest she’s felt in all of her time as a ninja. She’d always felt safe when he was around.
A tear pricks at her eye, but Sakura isn’t hurt. She isn’t angry, she isn’t remorseful, there is not an ounce of melancholy in her body at this moment. She sheds her tear in relief, in contentment, in gratitude that this lost boy turned atoned man has acknowledged her.
Sasuke brushes his thumb against her jaw, wiping the tear away. He knows Sakura is often overtaken by her emotions in connection with her thoughts, but he wouldn’t have her any other way. It was a part of her strength.
She brings her hand to rest on his wrist, leaning her head slightly towards his touch. Sakura closes her eyes then, reveling in their closeness. The warmth she feels on her skin has nothing to do with the fire burning slowly beside them. Sasuke studies her face as they sit like this for a few moments before Sakura speaks.
“I love you, you know,” she says quietly, only opening her eyes after she’s spoken, smiling softly. He does not return the smile, but Sasuke has never been able to completely remove the way his emotions are reflected in his eyes. Sakura knows he is grateful. Not only for her love, but for her patience. She didn’t have to hear it from him to know that he returned her feelings, she was sure of it. His gesture, however, leaves her speechless.
He removes his hand from her neck, taking a hold of her wrist. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kisses her palm gently and then lowers it to his chest, where he keeps a hold of it. He returns her surprised gaze with a steady one as he replies,
“I know.”
Those same palms had breathed life back into his cells, tissues, organs, body when he needed it most. Those palms had lovingly cradled his face as he was left incapacitated. Those hands had held weapons with the intention of defending him to the risk of her own life. Those hands held so much capability, and so much significance. There was so much give and take to those hands, but for Sasuke, she had always given. He tried so hard to deflect everything she gave, but it felt right, now, to accept all of the things she offered to him. He would give her everything he had in return. It wasn’t nearly enough, but it was the very least that she deserved.
Her face flushed a deep pink as her emerald eyes widened in shock. It seemed as though this message had been conveyed to her. It’s been said that two shinobi of a high enough caliber can read each other’s thoughts with just an exchanging of blows. However, Sakura doesn’t have difficulty reading what’s in Sasuke’s heart during this quiet, sweet moment. He had never been so forward with his actions before. His steady heartbeat pulses against her palm, as if it could pulse new life into her. She smiles at him, teary eyed, her own heart practically bursting with the love she has for this man. She leans into him, resting her head comfortably on his shoulder.
“Thank you, Sasuke-kun.”
They stay like that then, holding hands against his chest for a long time.
Summary: SasuSaku, 699-700. Continuation of All I Ask.
A/N: Sorry that this took so long to complete, and I’m not too sure how I feel about it. I’m still a novice at writing so I hope it’s not too terrible! Thanks for reading.
Sakura,
I can’t say for sure when I’ll return, and I don’t know where exactly this journey will take me. I don’t know what realization I’ll come to by the end of this or if I’ll even be left with one. I’m unsure of a lot, which is why I’ve left in the first place. I need to see life through this new lens I’ve been given. The one thing I seem to be certain of though, is that you will always be there. Where I used to see that as an obstacle to overcome, I now find it a source of comfort. I’m grateful for that.
Sasuke
Sakura sits in her office the same day that Sasuke left to continue his journey of redemption. The surgery she’d performed that morning had gone well. The renowned medic knew that her emotions would have to be pushed aside while she was at work, yet still, Sasuke’s letter remained at the back of her mind throughout the entire procedure. In the three hours after she’d finished stitching the last suture, she’s read his letter to her over and over and over; it’s been burned into her memory at this point and she’s not sure what to make of it.
Her heart jumps at the thought that Sasuke considers her a constant in his life – that he realizes how strong and serious her feelings are for him. She doesn’t worry that his letter contained no proclamations of his undying love for her – in fact, she’d worry if it had. When she told Sasuke she’d wait for him, that included the time it took for his own feelings to develop and manifest in whatever way Sasuke chose to express them. No, none of this is the reason for Sakura’s uncertainty towards the letter. Rather, she just wished he’d accept help. She understood that he was used to doing things alone, but he didn’t have to anymore. How could she convince him of that? If he knew she’d always be there for him, why wouldn’t he let her actually do that?
She leans forward in her chair and props her elbow up on her desk, resting her cheek in her palm. Sighing, Sakura brings her pen to paper for maybe the 100th time, unable to put her response into coherent words, when the door to her office swings open without warning. Sakura scurries to hide Sasuke’s letter and looks up at her guest, knowing already who it is. There are few people who feel welcome busting into her office in such a way.
“Hi, Tsunade-sama.”
“Sakura, how is your paper going?” Tsunade places lunch for the two of them on Sakura’s desk. “You know you’ll be presenting to the council in a few short weeks. Have you proofread it yet?”
Sakura hadn’t even thought of her paper yet that day. During the past few weeks, she’d been compiling her research findings into a paper to present to the council. She needed approval and a grant for this project she’d worked so studiously on to finally come to fruition. The council hadn’t seemed too eager to accept the idea when she’d asked for the research grant, so she knew her findings would have to be presented in a convincing manner.
“I’ve put the final touches on it and have read through it more than I want to, but I need someone with experience in politics,” she gives Tsunade a look before continuing, “to give me tips on delivering it to the council in a way that’ll push them in my favor.”
“Well, I don’t know much about diplomacy, but I can teach you a thing or two about force.” Tsunade punches her fist into her palm for emphasis, a smirk painted across her face.
Sakura laughs before taking a bite of her lunch. She pulls two copies of her paper out so they can review it together and again pushes Sasuke’s letter to the back of her mind.
Dear Sasuke-kun,
I hope that you find something to take with you from every place you go and every thing you experience. Follow what you think is right – whatever that may be. I think you’ll find many more answers when you’re not looking for them. I know these travels will bring you clarity if you immerse yourself in the present and forget the past and future. I excitedly await the time that your newfound wisdom is shared with me. I am comforted knowing that you are well and making inroads.
Love,
Sakura
Sasuke leans his head back against the tree he is sitting under and observes the clouds passing lazily by, Sakura’s letter in hand. He is surrounded by the serene sounds of a peaceful forest, a light breeze slightly displacing his hair.
Forget the past and future, huh? Had she done the same? He huffs in amusement at the thought. Someone as goal-oriented as Sakura must have a difficult time forgetting about the future, since she was trying to help build a new one for the next generation. He knew all about having goals, and forgetting them was difficult.
What about the past, though? Sasuke had had a difficult time forgetting about that too. Had she really forgotten it? If what Kakashi had said was true, and she was opening this clinic for kids who’d experienced trauma, then that wasn’t possible.
He watches a squirrel race it’s way up a tree before bringing his eyes back down to the letter, reading it once more.
He stands and tucks the letter away somewhere underneath his cape. He’d given Sakura so many reasons not to trust his judgment and yet she still did. She trusted he’d find clarity through his own decisions, even though they’d lead him down a twisted path previously. She trusted that this journey would make him wiser, when his previous definition of wisdom was dark and lonely. She trusted him, that much he knew. He couldn’t understand why, when he didn’t know if he could trust himself at times.
Sasuke begins to make his way through the forest, onto his next destination. A crow flies above him, in the same direction he heads. His eyes are fixed on the bird as he weaves his way between the trees.
His resolve to protect the village and those dear to him is only strengthened by her words, but there’s something else. He wants to prove Sakura right in placing her trust within him. He wants to carve a righteous path, to lead the way for the next generation in his own way.
Sakura,
There’s a lot to see when you’ve been blind for so long. I doubt you’d know anything about that, though. Your vision is 20/20.
Sasuke
Sakura unlocks her apartment door and barely makes her way to the couch before collapsing from exhaustion. Having spent 83 hours at the hospital covering for medics sent out on missions, it was safe to say her mental and physical capacity had been maxed out for the week. However, before slipping into a small coma for the next 24 hours, something catches the corner of her eye.
A hawk awaits her at her window sill, a letter attached to his leg. Sakura’s heart jumps and all previous exhaustion is momentarily forgotten. She opens the window and takes the letter from the hawk, running her hand down his back. He spots a cat running down the alleyway and takes off in pursuit of his prey, leaving Sakura alone with the folded up paper.
She walks over to the couch, reading the letter on her way. Laying down, Sakura re-reads the letter and she is somewhat disappointed by it’s short length. The content, however, is strangely fulfilling. She is no more updated about Sasuke’s journey than she was before he started sending letters, but they contented her. He was thinking of her. She re-reads it once more as her eyes begin to close, puzzled at the exact meaning before falling into unconsciousness.
Sakura awakes the next afternoon, sunlight streaming into the window she’d left open the previous day. She rubs her eyes before realizing she’s holding something and opens them to find Sasuke’s letter, slightly crumpled under her grip. She sits up and runs a hand through her hair, her eyes scanning the letter once more.
Getting up to take a shower, she wonders what brought Sasuke to this conclusion that she had perfect vision. That was hard to believe, coming from the person who had arguably the most powerful eyes in the world. He must’ve meant something other than the physical capabilities of her eyes. She blushes at that, realizing the magnitude of his compliment even though she didn’t quite understand it. She turns the knob and waits for the water to warm before stepping in, not realizing how badly she’d needed a shower up until now. Good thing she wasn’t presenting to the council until the next day; she had time to groom herself and choose the appropriate attire.
Sasuke-kun,
All of us are blinded by something at some point in our lives. I think our vision tends to be clearer afterwards than it was before. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. Being that you are someone with gifted eyes, I hope your vision never fails to keep guiding you on the path you want to walk. I hope that path brings you love, happiness, and contentment.
Love,
Sakura
Sasuke doesn’t receive Sakura’s letter until his case of the exploding humans had been resolved. By that time, he’s made the decision to visit home once more. It’d been a year since his last visit. He reads her letter at the beginning of his journey back and decides not to reply. They’d have time to talk soon.
Sakura hadn’t received a letter from Sasuke in months, but she knew he was busy with missions. She’d been busy in her own right. After receiving approval from the council and a generous grant for her clinic, construction and preparation had begun immediately.
“We weren’t sure about this project when you first brought it to us, Haruno Sakura,” a council member begins. “However, after reviewing the incredible amount of work you’ve done and receiving a donation for the clinic, we’ve decided it’d be a step in the right direction for the future of the village.”
Along with the closest people to her, she sent invitations to a list of medics and professionals for the grand opening, hoping they’d be willing to transfer over to work at the clinic. It had been chaos for the first month, and Sakura spent little time at her own home during that time.
She was undoubtedly happy, though. Over the next few months, they’d begun accepting and treating patients for various different psychological and neurological conditions. She had a team of dedicated people working underneath her, all with the same goal in mind.
Sai had been generous enough to paint intricate, kid-friendly murals in every room of the new clinic. Each of her friends contributed to the pile of toys and games available for patients. She had fallen into a routine at her new home away from home and was content, for the most part. One of her dreams had finally been realized.
One morning, Sakura makes her way up to her office, when she finds the door is slightly ajar. She finds this slightly strange. Though anyone on her staff was welcome to have access to all of her files, they generally asked first.
She approaches the door with caution, peering through the opening. A tall figure stands at the window with his back to her, cape covering most of his form. She smiles then, knowing that there was no way he didn’t sense her presence, but clearing her throat anyway.
“Was there a certain file you needed help finding?” She inquires.
Sasuke turns to face her and smirks. Without removing his gaze from her, he walks over to her desk and opens a drawer, pulling the two letters he’d written to her out.
“I think I’ve found what I’m looking for,” he says.
Sakura’s smile widens and she walks over to him, taking the letters out of his hand.
“Sorry, but these are confidential,” she jokes.
She puts her arms around his chest then, embracing him once more after so long. He brings his arm around her back and pulls her closer to him.
Headcanon that when Sasuke and Sakura bring Sarada back to the village, gifts for their new baby start showing up at their doorstep after a few days. Many are from villagers that Sakura has helped in one way or another over the years, but some are also from people outside of the village that have crossed paths with Sasuke during his travels. With each one they open, they tell each other the story of that person and Sakura finds that her heart becomes more full with each story that Sasuke tells her; stories that they'll one day share with their daughter.
