#kishillaawriting

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 5: Jutsu

It was late evening. Sakura and Sasuke was sitting at the dock in the Uchiha district. It was normal for the two of them to hang out at the exact spot once in a while when their schedule intercepted.

Sakura clapped her hands together in delight, "You finally master them." She exclaimed.

"Hn." Sasuke nodded, the corner of his lips tilted upward in triumph.

They have been working on Sasuke's healing chakra for weeks now, and as expected from the Uchiha heir, especially Sasuke, he was able to do it just as effortlessly as he conjured his chidori.

"That's fast, Sasuke-kun."

"I had to admit it was hard."

Sakura smiles at him as she moves closer, her head raises up to look him in the eyes.

Up at the tree not so far from their location, chakra masked carefully, were Itachi Uchiha and Shisui Uchiha snooping around in their curiosity of their little brother's relationship development.

"Learning healing jutsu is a good move, very useful." Itachi reasoned.

"Or just an excuse to be with her as much as he can." Shisui interjected.

"Maybe."

"Mikoto-obaa has been right. I knew she has." Shisui said.

"I'm sure they call it as mother's instinct."

"And that, Sasuke has never really being discreet."

"That is true. Even Father had noticed."

From their place, they can see the two conversing before Sasuke raises up to stand on his feet.

"In return of your lesson, I want to you to have this." Sasuke stands on the dock, as Sakura does the same. Confusion adorn her face as she asks what he's doing.

He didn't answer and was silent when his hands wave the familiar sign slowly, and right after that, the lake was lit up with the huge fireball.

When he's done, he turn his gaze to Sakura beside him, "Did you get that?" He asked cautiously.

Sakura blinks once, twice, "Uh, a little."

Sasuke nods once, "Pay close attention this time." He instructed,

"Serpent,"

"Ram,"

"Monkey,"

"Boar,"

"Horse,"

"Tiger,"

"And breath in as much air as as you can, before you blow it." He said, and he does what he said, gather as much as air into his lung before he breath out the huge fireball.

He turns his body towards Sakura before nods at her, "Now, you try."

Sakura can feel her heart beats so fast in her chest that she's afraid he's going to hear it. Sasuke is handing her his family's signature jutsu.

With an affirmative nod, she turned to the lake and make the hand signs slowly as she remembered, and just like Sasuke taught, she breath in hard and blow just as hard, and to her surprise, she has conjured up a fireball. Not as grand as Sasuke's, or any other Uchihas, but good enough for a first timer.

"T-thats.." Shisui stuttered.

"I think it's time to go." Itachi said, pulling Shisui together with him.

When the two Uchiha arrived at Uchiha's head house, Shisui spoke, "Did we just witness our Sasuke proposed to Sakura-chan?"

Itachi was quiet as he thinks, "I don't think it works that way."

"He taught her our technique." Shisui says, exasperation laced in that sentence.

"Or, he trusted her enough to pass down the jutsu to her."

"You're in denial, Itachi." Shisui paused, "Are you jealous that Sasuke is going to get married before you."

Itachi narrows his eyes at the older Uchiha, "That's not true. Izumi and I are engaged."

Shisui smirked, "Sure. Sure. Now, let's report to our master." He said, eyes rolling as he walks into the house towards the chakra of the Uchiha matriarch.

"Mother is going to be delighted." Itachi murmurs.

"Tell me about it. Wait, no–don't tell me about it. I think I've heard enough of Sasuke and Sakura from her." Shisui makes a face that makes Itachi shakes his head in amusement.

"Sasuke doesn't really good with word. I think you're right about he proposing." He agrees.

Back at the dock, Sasuke stares at Sakura with admiration, "That's perfect." He had said.

Sakura's cheeks tainted with the color of her hair, shyly mumble her thank you as she tucked the falling strand of her hair behind her ear, "So why are you teaching me your clan jutsu?"

"Because one day, you're going to be an Uchiha. And every one of us learnt katon earlier during our younger days."

Blinking few times, Sakura stares at the boy before her. They weren't so young, 18 years of age. She's not sure if that's the age she compromise to tie the knot but she asks anyway, "Are you asking me to marry you, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke quickly avert his eyes away from her as his ears turned red in embarrassment, "We don't have to, for now. I just–just want to make it–"

He paused, thinking of the right word to signify his actions.

"Official? Real?" Sakura suggested, her cheeks went bright red as the reality sat in. Sasuke wanted to make her his wife.

Sasuke shrugs his shoulders, "Anything that suit the definition."

He still didn't look her way as he spoke. Only when Sakura's gurgle of laughter sounded in the background that he turns to look at her.

"You're bold, Sasuke-kun. Doesn't like to beat around the bush, do you?" She teases, but her flushed face gave her away.

"I'm really not good with this stuff." He admits.

Sakura grins, "I know. And I like it, it makes you so Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke scowls, "What does that even mean?"

"It means, you don't have to become anybody else when you're with me, or trying to woo me or something. I like that you do it your own way." She smiles as they stare into each others eyes, "But don't you think this is a little too far? It's your clan jutsu. It's supposed to be a secret or something, right?"

Sasuke makes a careless shrugs, "If you're worrying about that, then we have no choice but to get married as soon as we can then." He was smirking, and she likes it, because he seems content with that idea.

Sakura bites her lips, "Maybe~"

Sasuke snorts at her sing song response, "You're still going to be my wife one way or another, why not just quicken the process."

Sakura can't help but laugh to that remarks, "Right. Let's get married then."

[kishillaa]

That Moment [1]

"You're pushing yourself again aren't you, Sasuke-kun?" He heard the familiar voice of his pink haired teammate behind him.

Panting rather hard, he turned around to look at Sakura. She's changed into her sleeping suit, short pants and an oversized shirt that he previously owned. Unconsciously, his eyes turns into slit as he looks over at her short hair.

"Hn." He said, fixing his previous posture from performing his fireball jutsu to stand straight waiting for Sakura to come closer.

He noticed the small smile on her lips as she stands a few feet away. She slowly, cautiously reach up to his face. Her hands fall on his cheeks caressing on it.

"There are burnt marks over here." Her voice soft as she spoke while one hand reach to Sasuke's weapon pouch and grab the aloe vera gel she made sure he brings all the time with him.

As she works, she keeps on talking, "I always envy how determined and focus you are about getting strong, Sasuke-kun. But seeing you pushing yourself too far as this, getting all the unnecessary injuries, bruises, burnt marks like this–" She pauses as she squirts more aloe vera on her palm to apply it on the other side, "I understand you want to be strong. But I hope, I really hope you would take care of yourself along the way. What if we need to go on a mission that need us to fight tomorrow? By then, you'll be too exhausted to do anything, let say I didn't come now to stop you."

Sasuke just look away to the side, scoffing, "I'm not that weak. I still can fight." He said, almost arrogantly.

Sakura let out a playful chuckle, "I'm sure you can. Sasuke-kun can do anything anyway. But I'll be more happier if you don't injure yourself like this."

Another scoff, "You worry too much."

Sakura grins up at him, patting his cheeks softly, "What am I for if not that?"

Sasuke can't help the small upturn of the edge of his lips as he returns his sight to her smiley with small blush face, "What would I do without you?"

His tone was rather sarcastic, with the eye rolling for effect, but he knows he's saying the truth.

What would happen to him without Sakura? Who would prepare him food when he's had a tough fight during missions and too tired to get something to eat.

Who would asked him simple but caring questions like 'Did you had breakfast?' or 'I hope you sleep well last night?' and 'I don't really like tomatoes. Do you want them, Sasuke-kun?'.

Who would take care of his sick self while in the forest of death during their chunin exam after Orochimaru bit him. And try to beat the sound ninja instead of happily hand him to them instead, causing herself major injuries and her precious hair chopped off.

Who would have the right mind to stop an Uchiha to stop training because 'you're pushing yourself too hard, Sasuke-kun'.

No one, no one instead of Sakura. It was always Sakura who would do all that, all that without nothing in return–put her crush aside because that she already earned too. And for that, the un-Uchiha part of him–which only resurface around Sakura–is so grateful of.

"Have you eaten?" She asked, taking Sasuke's hand in hers forcing him to back off from the training ground.

"Sakura." He calls out, his tone sounds calculating while his head spun around to check if they're being watch. His and Sakura's relationship aren't as platonic as it may seems. They've been sneaking around to be alone together occasionally, especially during the night.

"I didn't see anyone around, don't worry." She reassures as she leads him off to the direction of his place.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 9: Family

Sasuke is fidgeting beside her, looking anywhere but the person, a few person, before them.

Understand that he won't saying anything else, Sakura bows, which a 3 year old Sarada, who's in Sasuke's hold do as well, "We apologise to be coming over here. My family were chased by enemy and this husband of mine is just too generous to transfer us here." She half teased, half serious telling the family before her their story.

The Uchihas family looks perplexed. Of course they would, someone who looks exactly like their youngest son is standing right before them, holding a toddler, with an oddly pink hair woman beside him.

"May we ask who you are?" The Uchiha Matriarch, Mikoto Uchiha asked.

It would seem better if they didn't tell the family their identity, but then again, this is once in a lifetime opportunity, to be with Sasuke's family. All of them gather in one place, so Sakura do what Sasuke probably wouldn't approve.

She smiles politely before she spoke, "I'm Sakura Uchiha, this is my husband, Sasuke Uchiha. And our daughter, Sarada Uchiha." She introduced. From her peripheral view, Sasuke is throwing a disbelieving look over her while Sarada squeals when her name is mentioned.

It was Itachi who spoke first, "Are you from the future?"

Sakura beamed at him, "Yes, such smart one you are."

Sasuke wished he has another hand that is not too busy holding Sarada to pinch the bridge of his nose for the stunt his wife has just pulled infront of his supposedly dead family.

-

Sitting with the other male members of his family, Sasuke can't seem to calm down as he plays with Sarada's hair to distract himself and occasionally responded to her babbling questions, and glancing at his wife–who is helping Mikoto with lunch, once in a while. He is forever grateful that his father and brother knew he doesn't want to speak.

"Is he like Naruto-oji, or Kakashi-jii chan?"

Sasuke paused at that, looking at his daughter trying to put pieces of puzzle together since her mother's outburst about those people being their family.

"Neither."

Sarada folded her little arms above her chest as she glares at her Papa. And then she shouted at her mother, "Mama! Papa being annoying again."

"Let him be today, Sarada-chan." Her soft voice sounded from the kitchen.

Sarada huffed and then grumbles on Sasuke's lap, "Be nice to Papa today, Sarada-chan. Just today, please." She mimics her mother's voice telling her what to and not do that day while they're visiting Papa's family.

Sasuke's eyes twitched at that, his lips make a frown of its own, "I don't think its nice to mock your mother."

"I dont think its nice to not answer Sarada's questions either." Was Sarada's quick remark.

"I did answer."

Sarada turns around in his lap to face him, "But you didn't give me proper answer, papa."

For one second, Sasuke lift up his gaze to look over his father and brother before quickly avert it away. He sighs, "Fine." He paused to drink his tea, "They're your family. Like Kizashi, and Mebuki. He," He nodded at Itachi, "is pretty much like Naruto," And then he paused, making a face thinking about the knucklehead.

"But Naruto-oji is your friend, Papa."

"It means family too."

"Really? Does that makes Chocho our family?"

Sasuke shrugs, "Sure."

"Inojin too?"

"Of course, Sarada."

The little girl's eyes glinting with excitement before she frowns, "How about Kakashi-jii chan? Is he family too."

Sasuke rolls his eyes thinking back at when he first started being a father, and somehow, betweem managing his job as a hokage, Kakashi was able to give him some of his Icha Icha Paradise tactics on how to start a bond with his new daughter, "No."

"But I like Kakashi-jii chan."

"Kakashi is bad influence. You should stop staying at his place."

"But I like hokage office."

"It's not a place for kids to play around."

"But Kakashi-jii chan said he likes Sarada's company."

Sasuke snorted, "Right, because you stamp for him."

"Kakashi-jii chan likes it when I help him doing hokage work."

"You should not encourage him to be lazy, Sarada. It's his job as the hokage, not you."

Sarada pulls her tongue our at her father, "But Shikamaru-san helped him." She pointed out.

"Shikamaru is his assistant. It's his job."

"I want to be a hokage too."

"You're 3 years old, Sarada."

Sarada nods her head a few times making her glasses fell down a little bit. "Old enough." She said, as she pushes her glasses up.

"She's a wise kid." Sasuke was startled at the voice of his brother, forgetting momentarily where they were.

Decided that it's time for him to speak up, he nodded, "She is."

"How do you transport yourself here, Sasuke?" It's his father. His stern authoritative voice makes Sasuke's raises his head up to look him in the eye.

He mutely uncover his hair over the rinnegan he tried to hide and show the odd 6 tomoe purple colored eye.

The eye makes the two Uchihas gasped in surprised, "It's rinnegan."

Sasuke nodded, "That's right."

Sarada's laughter surrounded the house successfully attract all attention to her. She lifted Sasuke's hair again to see his eyes. It always excite her to watch the mismatched color of her father's eyes.

"Can you do the star eyes, Papa?" She asked.

As if Sarada calls it herself, Sasuke's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan appears, swirling into 6 pointing stars.

Sarada's giggle intensify before she pulls her father into her small embrace, and then pull away again, staring fondly at his eyes.

"Just how strong are you, little brother?" Itachi asked, amused.

-

"And then Papa killed it!" Sarada exclaimed with exasperation which earned her grandmother's laughter, Itachi's amused smile and an eye twitch from her grandfather.

Sasuke was silent as he watched the scene unfold before him. After they finish lunch, Sakura will help Mikoto clean up and doing the dishes. They will maybe sit for a little while, talking or rather, listening to Sarada babbles about everything she manages.

He, even though quite uncomfortable, is partly content at what had happen today. Both his family, past and future, finally met. He likes how casually Sakura speaks to Mikoto, the way she follows her orders as they cook together, and how she regards both Fugaku and Itachi. He likes how they accept who Sakura is to him, despite the different of clans, hair and eye color.

He especially loves how acceptable his past family is to their precious little Sarada. At such short time, he noticed how frequent his father will glance at the little girl, fondness marred his eyes. Itachi even though so subtle, shows how he enjoys Sarada's non stop talk, amusement danced in his expression, as if saying, you're just like my otouto. His mother is the most obvious out of them all. She already loves Sarada, that is an understatement of the day.

At this short moment of time, Sasuke let his guard down and savour this significantly valuable moment with his family.

He turn to look beside him only to meet with the green eyes of his wife, smiling at him. Sasuke nods as his expression soften before he returns her smile.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 26: A Nice Laugh

Sakura had known to have many types of laugh. A maniacally threatening one she usually burst out for Naruto after doing something rather stupid. There is a normal polite one she used for her patient while joking around and a loud one you will often hear when she's with her close friends. When she did something that makes her feel guilty, she'll let out this awkward embarrassed shy laugh usually accompanied by the pink of her cheeks. Another one is an evil laugh often heard when she spoke with Ino. Next is this rare one where there will be a short snort at the end, it is usually use when she teased someone. And then there's this one; a soft gigglish and a little bit seductive, reserved only for the love of her life, the one and only Sasuke Uchiha.

Sakura was aware of that. She knew she laughs a little too much, and she hated it. She hated her laugh, however that lovely husband of hers once said,

"I love your laugh."

And so, she started to like it too.

Sasuke, Sakura couldn't really remember hearing him let out that expression of mirth you called laughing. She of course would love to forget that scary lunatic half crazed laugh she had heard many years ago came out from him. Apparently, his laughter is too luxurious that he so adamant to be kept hidden.

It happened once though,

They were at home, in the comfort of their room the three of them shared, because Sakura wanted Sarada to sleep with them. Sarada just turned 10 months a few days prior. She's a very fast learner; at that age she has started to gurgle when her mother playing peekaboo with her, she throws the toy Sasuke thought she liked away so hard it went right into the a dustbin–which instead of feeling hurt by the rejection, Sasuke was so mesmerised he said "She's going to throw kunai like a pro by the age three."

But that small Uchiha while always seek her father comfort, was also like to tease with him–that's what Sakura thought anyway.

"Sarada." He calls out her name, almost tensely. Sakura knew he felt resigned, and was about to give in as he stares, cold sweat dripping on his temple, watching in defeat at the crying child on his lap.

Sarada, for once doesn't like to be carried. She likes cuddling with her one arm father way better than walking around aimlessly before bedtime.

"You know the girl is faking it, right?" Sakura said, as she too lays her head on a small part of her husband lap, which mostly occupied by the little Sarada.

"I know. Why does she do this everytime?"

Sakura chuckles, "It's her trying to get your attention."

A confused frown hover over his handsome face, "Why crying though? There are many ways to attract your father's attention."

She respond to her husband by shrugging her shoulders as she looks up at him, "Crying is the only thing a baby can do. And that's what they're going to do, that's what our baby girl Sarada is currently doing."

"I don't mind her crying. Her loud cry indicates how strong her lung is to blow a fireball out." Sakura rolls her eyes at that, of course that's what her dear husband would thought of, "But she doesn't need to do this every night. She'll tired after and fell asleep."

"Isn't that what you aiming to do?"

"Well, yes. But not like this." And Sakura understands, what he was trying to say is, he pities their little girl to cry her lung out before went tired and felt right asleep.

Sakura taps her chin as she thinks while Sasuke try, and unsuccessfully, calm Sarada down, "I'm sure there's something you can do to entertain her."

"Like what?"

"Uhm, I remember one time you were activating your Mangekyo Sharingan while bickering with Naruto. She was staring at you with that eyes of hers, I was holding her up right, and I saw that twinkling in her eyes. And she laughs."

"She did?"

"I'm sure of it."

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to try." He mutters and close his eyes and open it to reveal the unique eyes of his.

"Sara-chan." Sakura calls out, "Look at Papa." The crying child continue on her cries before Sasuke positioned her so she could see him better.

When she looks up at her father, her cries slowly turn to hiccups, while staring at Sasuke's shining crimson red eye. And then almost suddenly, she went silent, stopping her cry for once, as she keeps gazing deep into Sasuke's eyes.

And then so soon, she was gurgling, hands reaching up to Sasuke's face resulting in Sasuke to lower down his face instinctively for her fingers to lightly touch him.

Sarada gasped when the pointing star of Sasuke's eyes swirling, her laughter intensify. Sakura, who's watching the whole thing let out her own laugh too. She pinched her daughter's cheek fondly, "How adorable. You like Papa's eyes don't you?"

And then, something almost magical–that had never happen before–happened, her tiny very silent voice mumble a very very quiet incoherent, "P-Pa. Pa."

Sakura's breath stuck in her throat as her finger freeze on Sarada's chubby cheek. Slowly, she turns her head to look at Sasuke. He was stunt, freeze in place, his posture rigid, the Mangekyo Sharingan swirling lazily in his eyes.

They were brought out of their frozen state by their daughter's cackle, "Pa!" the one syllabus ran smoothly our of her tongue, "PA! PA!" She almost shouted and Sakura's eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

"Sasuke-kun." She calls out softly, joyfully.

That was when an oddly beautiful sounds appear from within Sasuke. He was laughing. It wasn't a snort, or a short chortle, and she's sure she's not imagining it. It sounded throaty, breathy but absolutely good. His head was thrown backward as he cradles Sarada. It was a full laugh, a laugh that has never been heard by anyone before, and he was laughing because he is happy, his daughter–their daughter–had just speak the syllabus to calls out for him, her first word, and it's of him, it's her acknowledging him. Sasuke was laughing so hard like he couldn't stop himself, and he was hugging Sarada too, squishing her into his torso. The little one, even though squirming under Sasuke's embrace, still tittering her cute little laugh that come out short but replace by another one, and another one and she was screeching, like she was laughing so hard it almost pain her.

Sakura was laughing too, at the dorky daughter of hers and of her beautiful sounded husband, tears rolling down her cheeks, feeling Sasuke's lips on her forehead, as if try to silence himself by doing that, his chest however still shook with laughter.

After some time, the Uchiha's household were full of breathy sounding of panting before it went completely silent. The Uchiha patriarch and matriarch watch their daughter doze off with huge smile on her face, as if reminiscing her laughing moment with her parents. When she's soundly asleep, Sakura help Sasuke place her on their futon, between her and Sasuke. Both kissing their goodnight on her cute puffed out cheeks.

"Anata." Sakura calls out, laying on her side to gaze at both her daughter and husband at the same time.

"Hmm?" Sasuke responded, returns his gaze from Sarada to Sakura.

"You have such a nice laugh." She commented.

Sakura giggles when Sasuke's face went red in embarrassment.

"You should laugh often." She continues, "Sarada seems to like it too."

"Tch. Go to sleep, Sakura."

With another playful laugh, Sakura closes her eyes murmuring quiet good night to her husband and went into slumber right before she feels a peck on her forehead.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 15: Childhood

Itachi watched when his brother kneel down beside the crying girl. He couldn't hear what's the exchange of their conversation, so he try to read their lips.

"Stop crying. I had already chased them away." His brother said.

The girl, still sniffing, look up at him and murmur a thank you, before her eyes went large as she took in her saviour's appearance.

"You're hurt." She had said, which almost surprised Itachi. His first thought was for the girl to notice it was Sasuke, and went into fangirl mode. He knew that Sasuke, despite his very young age has quite group of fangirl of his own. It was almost an instinct for him to think every girl his age has a crush of his cute little brother.

Itachi continued to be astonished when his said brother's ears turn red as he quickly move his eyes away from her as he said, "I fell on the ground after they went away."

The pink haired girl then wipe her tears, sniff once and then pull her bag off her back, "I'm so sorry." Itachi reads, "You're hurt because of me."

He has to smile amusedly when his little brother rolls his eyes, "Don't be annoying. This is nothing," he said before he continues, which almost hesitant at the beginning, "I received worst than this when I trained with my brother." His tone almost proud after his short hesitancy that Itachi couldn't help but let out a chuckle. That was a complete lie of course. Itachi always decline when Sasuke asked for a training session together, with a poke on his forehead and a promise of next time.

"But its because of me this time, not your training." The girl said, pulling something out of her bag. She let out a shaky breath again as a tear roll down her left cheek follow by the one on the right, "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun."

At the mention his name, Sasuke's reaction morphed into an embarrassed one as he blushed. Itachi wasn't sure why Sasuke did, but he might has a few ideas.

"Let me help you."

To Itachi's surprise, Sasuke let her touch him as she placed a band aid on his scraped knee, and then one more on his palm. When she lightly pat the covered wound, Itachi almost laugh when Sasuke's face shown a very noticeable bright blush.

The girl look up at him, "All done."

Sasuke look away quickly, and roughly bark a, "Stop crying!"

The girl swiftly wipe her tears, "Sorry." She mumble. "I-I should get going." She stood up before she bends herself slightly, "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

"W-wait." Itachi raised an eyebrow at his brother's stammering.

The girl look at him again, wipe another string of tears from her cheek, as she tilted her head to the side. "Yes?"

"What's your name?" Sasuke asked, which makes Itachi's lips spread into a wide grin of amusement.

The pink haired girl blink her eyes a few times before realization finally hit her, "Oh, I'm Sakura. Sakura Haruno."

"Are you the one that Iruka-sensei keep calling out in class?"

Itachi watched as the said girl lower her head as pink blush crept up her face, "Yes."

Sasuke nodded, "Which means, you're the one who always scored the highest in theoretical exam."

A nod from the girl, "I am."

Sasuke looks at her again, which Itachi found quite adorable, "Okay. Next time, I'll beat you."

Itachi couldn't help but laugh lightly at that. Smooth, little brother.

Sasuke's words make Sakura smiles widely, "Okay." She said, "I'll let you beat me next time for helping me."

Sasuke narrows his eyes at her, "Don't do that. I'll beat you without your help."

Sakura makes a confused face for a few seconds before she smiles, "Okay then, Sasuke-kun."

"Ahh." He said, as if doesn't want to end their conversation.

They were looking at each other for a while as both blushing so furiously. Itachi decided to appear from his hiding place at that moment, to help them break the awkwardness.

"Sasuke." He calls out.

At that, Sakura bid her good bye to Sasuke, a polite bow to Itachi and another warm smile to Sasuke before she took off to the direction of her house.

That evening when their mother asked Sasuke to take off the band aid before he wash up, he refused. In fact, he kept the band aid on him the whole week until it worn out and came off its own.

One day though, he asked Itachi something, "Nii-san."

"Yes, otouto?"

"Do you," He paused, his cheeks tainted pink with blushes, "Do you know how to talk to a girl? " He said before he fix his sentence again as he continued, "A pink hair girl with a red bow?"

Itachi had to smile at that, "Well, I think you asked a wrong person, little brother. I suggest you ask Kaa-san. I'm sure she's better at communicating advise."

At the mention of their mother, Sasuke frowns before he dismissed Itachi and walk into Konoha Academy.

Itachi shakes his head lightly as he watched his little brother retreating figure one last time before he went off to his mission.

[kishillaa]

That Moment [2]

Because I came across so many fanarts of Sasuke carrying Sakura lately. And so, this is for those of whom had drawn such beautiful beautiful arts.

"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked as he watches Sakura limping her way out of the training ground, ignoring Naruto's loud bid of farewell.

He noticed a small nod from Sakura before she spoke, "I'm fine, Sasuke-kun. You go ahead home, I'll be alright."

Sasuke doesn't believe that, as much as Sakura's bubbly personality surrounded her all the time, she's also keep almost everything she could to herself.

He looks around, but sure enough there were many passer by so he decides, "Come with me today." He paused as he finds excuses, while glad that Sakura stop in her track, "I kind of want to have that tomato soup of yours for long now."

His cheeks blaze with blush as he said that; as much as their relationship move up from teammate to lover, he's still not ones who initiate something intimate.

Sakura turns her body to look at him, blinking as her cheeks too, crepted up by pink blush that almost rival her locks.

"You do?"

Unconsciously, Sasuke's arm move up as his finger scratch his cheek, looking away slightly, "Yeah."

Sakura beams hugely while nodding her head, "Okay, let's go then."

Sasuke's eyes keep staying as slits as he watches Sakura who tried to look she's totally fine walking a few step before him. When they reach a deserted area leading to the Uchiha district, Sasuke heave a sigh of relief as no one is seen near them. He walks quickly to her direction and swiftly scoop her in his arm, carrying her bridal style.

Sakura gasped, "Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke looks away as he walks into the directions of his apartment building.

"What are you doing? Put me down. I can walk." She looks embarrassed, and Sasuke knew it's not from the reason he's carrying her alone. Its because she feels ashamed that her pain causing him to carry her.

"You're hurt."

"I can still walk." She huffed.

"Of course you can. But you'll be in pain."

"I'm fine."

"I know you are."

Sakura looks up at him, clueless as ever, "Then why are you carrying me, you can put me down. I'm sure I'm not so light for you to carry like this."

The raven lock genin just shrug, "What am I for if not this?"

Sakura blinks, once, twice. By the third blink, she almost tearing up as she looks up at Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun!" She shrieked and tighten her grip on his neck and snuggle deep into his chest, her face nuzzling his neck.

"Oi!" Sasuke almost shouted as his face turned even brighter.

Sakura laughed out loud, loosening her grip and rest her head on his chest. Sasuke grumbles under his breath making Sakura's laugh intensify before they start talking about the weather, the training, the cloud, Naruto, Kakashi and random random things while on their way to Sasuke's apartment.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 10: Distant

"You'll write for me. Promise me you will." She said between her sob as she started to feel unconsciousness overwhelming her.

-

Being in a secret relationship without give anything away to Kakashi and Naruto, or anyone else for that matter, was simply hard.

Now that she is so far away from him, making it even more difficult. Him being at Orochimaru's hideout, while his darling Sakura is all the way in Konoha. Without even mean to, he has created distance in between them. And at the moment like this, when it's dark and cold and pin-dropped silence, all he could think of is her heart shaped face, her emerald expressive green eyes, and of course her beautiful pink locks. He does like how she looks in her short hair, even though he did previously prefer the long one. She had said that it got in the way while they're in the wild as an excuse for Naruto and Sasuke personally agreed to that action, although he did know the real reason behind the chopped mane.

And then, there's part of him that miss her that he wouldn't dare to admit to anyone.

He missed her hugs; Sasuke definitely enjoy the warm and comforting embraces of Sakura.

"Sasuke-kun. Don't struggle too much, please. I just need to hug you right now." She had said, with her teary eyes. When Sasuke was sure Naruto and Tsunade had left the room, Sasuke snakes one of his arm around Sakura's waist and buried his face in the crook of her neck. It makes her cried even harder.

He missed how she desperately asked him for dates too, in spite of their usual secret night meeting.

Naruto was there with Kakashi and they had just finish one of their D-rank missions, "Sasuke-kun." She calls out, earning his attention to look over at her, "Let's get something to eat, j–just the two of us."

And then something like,

"Eh, Sasuke-kun, do you think you can help sharpen my weapons?" She bites her lips before letting it out as she continus, "There's this new restaurant open in town, we can try the new food while you're sharpening."

Really, it gets weird over time. While he usually makes rude remarks and bluntly reject her proposal, he genuinely impressed with her effort.

Thinking about that, Sasuke remembered her blushes. He missed that cream colored cheeks changed to the color of her hair–or brighter, when something excited or embarrassed her.

Sasuke touch her cheeks, "You're wrapped up." he had said, gesturing at her wounded shoulder he had cleaned and wrapped with bandage. She has gotten stabbed by Amegakure genins as she shield Idate from the attack. At their closs proximity, and his touch, Sakura went red as she blushed. She tucked few of her fallen strands of hair behind her ears before she place a soft peck of kiss on his cheek, "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

He most definitely missed their innocent kiss too. Sakura usually the first to initiate that. Only until he's comfortable enough then he will be the one started it, which isn't bad because he likes kissing her, and if that's not enough, then Sakura's delight expression makes it worth even more.

Tucking Sakura's falling hair behind her ears–which he noticed she often do before kissing him–Sasuke leaned down cautiously and cover her waiting lips with his, softly kiss her before he pulls away. He stares at her deep green eyes as he examined how she takes it before Sakura yanked him closer by his neck and kiss him for real.

He especially missed her coconut smell shampooed hair she had started to use after the Chunin Exam.

"Your hair smells different." He commented when they sat on the dock at the Uchiha district, his hand acted as a comb as it makes it through her hair releasing the few knots here and there. The pink haired girl was leaning against him, her hands circling around his waist as they sat side by side, legs dangling at the edge of the dock.

It was always very silent in the Uchiha district, and no one dare to go into the district, somehow afraid of the ghost of Uchihas still lingering around. Sasuke likes it better that way, especially now that he needed all the silence in the world as he sits with Sakura, liking the secrecy of their relationship.

Sakura makes a face as she pulls her face away from his shoulder, "Pakkun used the same shampoo I previously used. So, I had to change to this one, coconut with vanilla scent." She bites her lips as she looks at him from under her lashes. "Do you like it?"

"The smell?"

Sakura nodded.

"It's fine." He replied nonchalantly as he looks straight ahead.

Smiling in content, Sakura change to embrace his arm instead, tighten it a little and rest her head on his shoulder again, "Are you okay?" She asked.

That stopped Sasuke from his train of thought. Cautiously, he lowered his gaze to look at Sakura. Her eyes closing as a small frown cover her face, albeit she looks like she's comfortable with her head on his definitely not comfortable shoulder, "Why should I not?"

"Something's coming." Her voice coming out soft, almost like she's going to cry. "I can feel it, Sasuke-kun. This bond we're having, it helps me understand you more. And right now, something isn't so right. I hope I don't loose you so soon."

He had put his face into her hair that night, lightly kissed her temple and sniff into her coconut and vanilla scented hair. A few days after that, he left the village, leaving everyone behind.

When Orochimaru first taught him summoning jutsu, and he finally mastered it, he has sent Sakura a letter through the snake summons. It's probably risky, but that is the extend he is willing to make just to get in touch with her.

Right now, he is staring at Sakura's third letter.

Sasuke-kun,

I went to clean up your apartment again yesterday, and stopped by at the dock to uproot the grass and and clear up the growing moss that had started to cover the dock.

To answer your questions, I've been well. And you heard that right, I'm doing apprenticeship with Tsunade-sama. Training with her was hard; she didn't just train me healthcare stuff, she helped me sharpen my combat skills too, but of course, I'm sure it isn't as brutal as your training.

Speaking about training, Sasuke-kun. How has you been doing? You know I can't tolerate with you overwork yourself, right? I'm not there to scold you about it, but I hope there's another me to take care of you over there. If there isn't someone else, please take care of yourself for me, Sasuke-kun.

I know you didn't ask this, but I'm sure you'd like to know as well. Naruto has return from his travel with Jiraiya-sama yesterday. Kakashi put us on the bell test again. This is where it got interesting though.

NARUTO FIGURED OUT HOW TO DEFEAT KAKASHI-SENSEI!

I'm pretty sure you're rolling your eyes right now and think how could Naruto–our Naruto—thought of something to fight Kakashi-sensei off and won. ~I'm actually laughing right now thinking of you saying it, gosh I missed you so much~

But he actually did it. It was stupid, really. Jiraiya-sama just published the latest book for Icha Icha series, so Naruto just recite the ending part of the book for spoiler–Mind you, he actually did read the book. Kakashi-sensei eventually let his guard down and we were able to snatch the bell from him.

Anyway, I know I said this in my previous two letters many months ago but I am so happy you wrote to me. Thank you, Sasuke-kun. And I missed you so damn much!

This has gotten too long, I hope I didn't trouble your summon. He seems like he loves those rats I caught for him, though he said the exact opposite. He and you are so alike. See you, Sasuke-kun.

Love you always,

Sakura.

He reread the letter again for the second time that day. Just like the first time he read it, his face soften at the first paragraph, feels grateful for what she had been doing. It was one of not so many things they did together when he was still in the village, and in their kind-of-dating relationship; clean up as much part of Uchiha compound as they could when they're free from mission and Kakashi's training. He felt somewhat blessed to have someone like Sakura by his side, who is terribly in love with him, to company his lonely days and do things he didn't ask her to.

He of course rolls his eyes at her over caring demeanour, and non logical uneasiness regarding his health. She has always put everyone else before herself, that's what he dislike the most about Sakura.

At the part where Sakura predicted Sasuke's reaction to Naruto's idea, he couldn't help but smirk. She knew him a little too well, despite the yesrs of his absence in her life.

Sasuke touched the cursive writing of her name. Huge part of him feels content that, even after years of separation, Sakura still loves him. And to that, he is genuinely grateful.

For this time, they had to be distant. But when everything else is done, he promised he will go back to her, to the girl that he knew will always wait for him, always love him.

After all, distance means so little when someone means so much.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 29: Weakness

It was late in the evening when Sasuke and Sakura arrived at a promising shelter–a cave.

"We can stay here for the night." Sasuke spoke as he stop at the mouth of the cave, inspecting their location. Sakura was right behind him carrying their newborn, Sarada.

"Alright, Sarada need to be feed anyway." Sakura said, softly pokinh the sleeping baby's cheek with her finger.

Sasuke walk closer to them as he too, mesmerised by their very own daughter sleeping soundly in Sakura's arm while pacing side by side into the cave, "How often do we need to feed her?"

"Often." Sakura replies, content that her husband is really interested in knowing their child needs. He's been asking almost non-stop–which is so unlike Sasuke–about baby and what he needs to know.

"A newborn like her need to be fed every 2 or 3 hours, about 8 to 12 times a day." She continues, while watch Sasuke gather some woods and place it in the middle of the cave.

Her husband turns his head to her, "That much?"

"They don't drink a lot. Only a few ounces every time." She acquired, smiling softly at him.

The squirming in Sakura's cradle attracted both of the new parents. Sasuke quickly light up the fire before he moves towards Sakura, settled on beside her.

He watch in captive as his daughter's small mouth open and close up on his wife's breast as she offers it lightly on her lips. He didn't realised his hand reaching up to her, and stroke her puffing cheek with the back of his forefinger, enjoying the softness of her skin.

"She's adorable, isn't she, Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke nodded, not leaving his gaze from Sarada.

Soon, she was done feeding, and Sakura was burping her when, she said, "Sasuke-kun, can you look after her for a while? I'll prepare the fish you caught earlier for dinner."

"I can do the fish. You sit down with Sarada."

Sakura giggles, "Are you avoiding your daughter, anata? You haven't hold her since we left Karin-san's place yesterday."

"I am not. I just don't want you to tire yourself. I'll do other work, while you're with Sarada."

Sakura scoff and hand him their baby which Sasuke almost clumsily caught with his one arm, not even a slightest ready for her act.

"I want to cook. You hold our daughter." His wife commanded and lift herself up to prepare for dinner.

Sasuke sighs at his wife retreating figure before look down at Sarada in his lap. The little girl's eyes are open a little too wide, and blinking as she stares at him–as if she could see yet, Sasuke thought remembering how Sakura said she couldn't be focusing her sight clearly until at least she is 8 weeks old. Sarada is only 2 weeks and 5 days at the moment.

Sasuke lift his hand that cradle Sarada and lower his head to sniff on her, like he often see Sakura does, and he was greeted by a soft baby scent. He likes it, and so he does it again, and again until Sarada was squirming at him, hands flailing over his face as though telling him to stop what he's doing.

He snorted then and lay her back down in his lap.

She's going to be the death of me, he thought.

An addition to the list of things he needs to protect; his mind tell him as he watch fondly at Sarada who is rubbing her face with her hands Sakura wrapped with hand socks.

"You're giving me the strength to keep on fighting for you, and the village," he speaks in his hushed voice using that tone he heard Sakura use while speaking to their daughter and turn to look at the said wife of his who is already looking his way, "and your mother," he continues.

-

When Sakura enters their home exclaiming, "I'm home," that had not been responded to, she did not expect to see her husband sprawled down on his chest on their couch with their 2 and a half year old daughter sitting on top of his back attempting to do his hair.

Sakura laughs, "Sara-chan." She calls out.

"What are you doing with Papa?"

"Oh, Mama!" The girl squeals and moves away from her father's back, almost trip on her own leg before ran up to her mother, hugging her leg shouting a loud screeching, "Welcome home!"

Sakura chuckles as she lowers herself down and lift Sarada up, "You've been good today?"

"Yes!" She cheered, and turn to her father.

"Sarada ties Papa's hair!" Her cute soft voice erupted throughout the Uchiha's household.

Sakura can't help but let out another laugh when she sees Sasuke's red ears and messy raven locks, change his position to sit on the couch, "And Sarada thought it would be good to sit on Papa's back while doing so?"

Sarada nodded vigorously, "Papa is so tall and Sarada cannot reach his hair."

The pink haired Uchiha matriarch walk over to her husband and sit beside him, chuckling lightly at her husband and daughter cute behaviour.

"Welcome home." Sasuke mumbles while trying to pat his hair in attempt to smooth down the mess Sarada made.

"Papa!" Sarada scolded.

"Don't do that. Don't do that." She said moving away from her mother and sit herself on Sasuke's lap. She moves the hair that cover the rinnegan, tucking it behind his ear.

"Better, right Mama?" Sarada turns to eye her mother, the look of hopeful adorned her face.

Amusement dance in Sakura's eyes as she nodded before wink teasingly at her husband.

Sasuke let out a defeat sigh as he let Sarada moves behind him because, "Sarada needs to fix Papa's hair."

"Don't pout, anata. It doesn't suit you." He heard his wife spoke before she leans down and place a chaste kiss over his lips.

"Your daughter is doing my hair." He spat in distaste, almost accusingly.

Sakura laughs again, "She's your daughter too."

"The only reason I let her be." He said, his only arm moves to snake her shoulder, dragging her closer to him.

"Seems like Sasuke Uchiha isn't as strong as it seems, huh? What would Naruto say if he sees you like this?" She said teasingly.

Sasuke rolls his eyes, "We would be out of the village, staying somewhere far away that none of them will find us."

Sakura laughed really hard at that. Her husband don't joke often, he do sarcastic remarks. And when he did, it will always be too funny that it hurt her stomach to laugh that hard.

"I once thought that Sarada is your strength, Sasuke-kun." She voice out.

"She is, Sakura." His eyes narrow at her, challenging her to continue what she was saying.

Sakura recognised that look and laugh again before saying, "Turn out, she's your weakness too, huh? Who knew Sasuke-kun would admit to a defeat, and let his hair tied."

Sasuke's eyes soften as he stares at his laughing wife before he winced when Sarada pulls his hair a little too hard, "Don't move, Papa."

And he had to admit, Sarada is indeed his weakness. The female in his life that he loves to no end, Sakura and Sarada are both his weakness and his strength, it almost feared him.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 27: Aging

Her parents are aging. That she realised quite earlier during her youth. Being separated from her father for such long time makes her value every moment she has with both of her parents.

Now, even at the age 56, her mother is still looking as fine as she was around her 30s–her Strength of 100 Seal jutsu played huge role in her youthfulness of course–and still actively managing and leading the hospital, still the best at her job in medical field. Her father, of course as handsome as he always will, is still the shinobi in action, carrying shinobi role as much as he did while he's younger, still considered one of the strongest Konoha shinobi despite his age. She couldn't be more proud of them.

She was very happy to see that despite the work load at both parts, they still able to spend more time together now that they're growing older.

Just like right now, Sarada watch as her father leads his wife to the lake of the new Uchiha district where they would always sit on a bench, a bench similar to those at Konoha entrance many many years before, where he left her to seek Orochimaru for power. The bench signify a lot of things between them, that's what she was told anyway.

The Uchiha district is of quite large land where Sasuke has bought, using most of the Uchiha fortune he inherited from his successor, and build the compound. It was done in a slow pace, not really in a rush and made sure that the Uchiha manor is stable, strong enough, entrusted Yamato to build for when his wife's temper went the best out of her. It was very thoughtful, Sarada thought fondly.

Now, at the age 37, Sarada has a daughter and 2 sons. The little Sakumi ran towards her grandparents, showing them flowers in her hands. She somehow inherited her grandmother's pink hair that her grandfather has been so in love with.

Sarada let out soft chuckles when Sakura beams at her youngest grandchild as Sasuke pats her head, a tiny smile adorned his face. The girl ran away again, at the sight of her older siblings making their way towards her.

Sarada smiles at her kids, and return her gaze to her parents. They were talking in hushed tone, as they always did, holding each others hand. She couldn't help the wide grin stretched across her face when her mother land her head on her father's shoulder. It was like an instinct, when Sasuke lower his head, kiss her hair and move his face to place his cheek on top of the pink locks.

Sarada sighs inwardly, her parents has always been like this, extremely private. They would only exchange secret glances, less touching, when they're in public, but will be immensely intimate when they thought no one is looking.

Sarada adores their relationship. You would think after so many years of separation, the love would lessen towards each other, there would be awkwardness in the way they interact. But that's not the case with her parents. In fact, their relationship, their bond grew stronger. Her mother is still like a little girl in love, and her father is still very so willingly accept and reciprocate her feelings.

Her parents are aging, and they will always be, and so does she. But there will be the legacy that remain, her children will be the proud Uchihas that would surrounded the Uchiha compound, black haired–and pink–will running around the district. The strongest clan they said. Now, with her mother's trait, it could be even stronger than before. And she couldn't be more proud.

Sarada sighs again, she hopes her parents will be there seeing all that.

She was pulling out of her thought when she heard her mother's familiar laughter. She returns her gaze towards them watching her father throw her mother on top of his shoulder, walking in the direction of the dock of their lake–you would teach your kids and their kids, and every Uchihas the fireball technique here, her father had said while gesturing to the dock.

Sarada snort as she sweat dropped, but kept on watching her lovey dover parents, fooling around each other like a teenager they are, forgetting momentarily the world around them. And once again, Sarada prays that they were given the longest life, both of them, because she couldn't live without them both. They are after all, Uchiha Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke, her parents, who might not be the best at parenting role–she really wish her father was there during her younger years–but are still a really really good parents, and she wouldn't do anything to trade them with someone else. She loves them both to no end.

And for that, she walked in their direction for her teasing moment. Oh how she loves to tease her parents!

On her way towards them, she heard them spoke. Her mother has half her body leaning agains her father while her father's arm wrapping her mother's waist securely.

"Anata, you have wrinkles." Sakura said, as she trace the said wrinkle softly, just below his eyes.

"I am aware, Sakura."

"You're aging." His wife voice out, smiles at him teasingly.

"And you're not?" He asked pointedly, flicking her finger on her forehead.

Sakura chuckles, "Of course I am. We age together."

Sasuke nodded, "Together."

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 22: Traitors

Sarada beams up at her parents as they stand before her, waiting for her to speak, "Alright, we are to fight on our own. Meaning, you should not, I repeat should not help any of us out there, no matter what the circumstances we are in." She said, looking sceptical at her father who's bearing an amused smile as she spoke, "Mama, Papa, you are not to help me if I am fighting any one of you, you got that? It's our own fight. Just pretend that the three of us are of different side. Okay?" She ended with a bounced on her step as she steps back.

A huge playful grin is plastered on Sakura's face at her daughter's anthics. Sarada was so adamant that she take a day off that day, since Sasuke is back at the village and she has not have any mission.

So, that morning she and Sasuke was woken up early by their only child, had a quick breakfast and after clean up the house at the same time change their clothes–Sarada insisted that they change into their mission gear including Sakura–they follow her to the training ground.

Sakura angles her face to look at her husband who's having an amused look adorned his face as he nodded his head at their daughter.

"Alright, Sarada. Don't expect you'll win against us. We did survived a war, you know." She teased as she returns her sight to her daughter.

"And we fought more than you did." Sasuke joined in.

Sarada scoffs, "Like I will let you two be. If you're going to win this, I'm not going to make it easy for you." With that, she jump off and disappear before them.

Sakura laughs quietly as she looks up at her husband, "She's very serious about this."

"Ahh." Sasuke responded, "She talked about it the last time I was in the village. She's planned this for so long."

"Really?" She asked, chuckling again, "Then, we'll make it entertaining for her, at least then." She grins, "I'm not wearing this again for nothing." She gestured on her old obi, with the Uchiha cest on her back.

It makes Sasuke smirks, "I forgot how good you actually look in them."

Sakura let out an almost seductive giggle as she winks at him and disappear with a poof right after that.

Sasuke close his eyes, shaking his head. There was an upturn of his lips as he too, jump off to join his family.

-

"I got you, Papa!" Sarada shouted as she let out her Lightning Ball's jutsu towards her father.

Sasuke however successfully dodge them with his impeccable sword skills. He swiftly moves towards Sarada with that katana of him, while Sarada retrieve her kunai from her weapon holster, ready to fight her father.

When their weapon clashed, Sasuke smile teasingly at Sarada who has a very determined look on her face. They indulge themselves with weapon fight for a few moment before Sarada skillfully wrapped her father with her wire strings. Her eyes shone with pride when she sees the string over her father's torso before her grin fell after her father turned into few logs.

"Substitution jutsu." She mumbles under her breath, and right at that moment is when she feels her mother's chakra running towards her. She makes a swift three hundred and sixty degree turn and ready her chakra infused fist only to meet with her mother's, causing a really strong effect making the debris around them flew up in the air.

"Mama!" She exclaimed, "I wasn't so ready."

Sakura's serious face didn't waver, "A ninja must always stay alert. Remember that, Sarada."

She and her mother went blow after blow as they fought using taijutsu only. When she feels like she's out of breath, she avoided her mother's punch and hop up onto a tree. Making the familiar hand sign for her fireball, she blow it to her mother's direction.

Sarada waits until the fire subsided. When it did, Sarada raises an eyebrow as it reveal that there was her parents, fighting in taijutsu at her mother's part and kenjutsu in her father's part.

Seeing them fighting was mesmerising. Each move was calculative, planned and definitely familiar. She can obviously see, while her mother was really strong, her father is faster. Her father's fighting style is beautiful. He looks so calm, and content as he moves and fight his wife. While her mother, even though a little sloppy compared to her father, is just as amazing to watch. It looks like they were dancing fiercely with weapons. And Sarada couldn't take her eyes off them. Those people right there were her parents. Her parents. Sasuke and Sakura Uchiha. Her mama and papa.

What surprised her was when her mother makes the sign of their family's fireball jutsu. Hers was huge, not as huge as her father's but definitely bigger than Sarada's.

"Did Mama always knew how to do fireball?" She spoke to herself.

And then, she heard her mother laugh. "So long since I last casted one of these, Sasuke-kun." She said.

Her father's smirk was obvious as he responded, "You're losing your touch, Sakura." And then her mother laughs again when Sasuke aims his phoenix flower jutsu while she throw a huge rock its way and swiftly moves away from the attack. She then appear behind Sasuke, readying her chakra infused fist to hit him. That was before Sasuke turn around, and catch her wrist. They were silent for a while as they stare at each other's eyes.

Sarada, who's still watching at the scene unfold many feet before her, sweat dropped, "Those two are having too much fun about this, being all cozy with each other."

A playful smirk appear across her face as a plan reside in her mind, "Well, get ready you both. Your lovely daughter is going to ruin the moment."

Sasuke and Sakura startled as the ground around them shook and cracked, which make them move apart from each other, both jumped to the different part of the ground.

"Hahh." Their daughter sounded, "Being all lovey dovey with your daughter in close range, huh?"

Sakura cheeks flushed with pink that almost rival her hair color, "Sarada." She scolded.

Sarada clutch her knuckle loosely and raise it up to her mouth as she giggles, "You and Papa really can't stop being the newly wed you are, aren't you?" She teased again.

Sasuke lowers his head, smile a little before he moves with his inhuman speed beside his wife. As if reading his thoughts, Sakura spoke, "Seems like our dear daughter is having fun ne, Anata?"

"Ahh." He agrees, "Maybe a little cooperation won't hurt, huh? Did she mention you and I couldn't work together?"

Both Sakura and Sasuke smirks as they watch their daughter's face morphed from teasing to that of a horror.

"She vaguely did."

"Vaguely, you say?"

Sakura cracked her knuckles, Sasuke sheathed his sword, and together they walk towards Sarada.

"W-wait! You shouldn't work together." She said almost shouted, stepping few steps back with each step her parents took, "You both traitors!" She exclaimed and clumsily throw her shurikens and kunais their way while she flee from sight, finding some place to calm herself down and formulate her own plan to defeat that traitor parents of hers.

-

"Ahhh!" Sarada sighs as they walked into town, "You both ain't doing this fairly." She said to her parents.

"Heh, you started it." Sakura sounded.

"I didn't do anything."

"You helped your mother." It was her father pointing out.

Sarada gasped, "Is that what you think?" Of course not, they're just make an excuse.

"Of course. Why would you punched the ground if not to help your mother out of my hold?" Sasuke said, seriously. Sakura stifles a chuckle as they walk into the ramen restaurant they had promise to go after their sparring session.

"I did not. You both went all cozy and do the usual eye sex, and I had to stop that." Her hands were flailing around to explain herself.

Sasuke's eyes twitched at the word she used while Sakura sputters, "Sarada!" She shouted.

"Oops, sorry." She apologise, smiling sheepishly at her parents, while rubbing her cheek with her finger.

"Eh, Sarada."

"Sarada-Onee chan."

The Uchihas simultaneously turns their head to the direction of those voice. Sitting at a 4 seat table were the Uzumakis. Naruto, Hinata, Boruto and Himawari.

"Naruto." She heard her mother calls up.

"Sakura-chan. Why are you wearing your mission clothes all of a sudden?" The Seventh hokage sounded, looking confused.

"In fact, why are all of you look like you were just went out of a battle." That was Boruto, as he examined the them all.

"I didn't remember assign the three of you to any mission together." Naruto spoke, while they look at the Uchiha family take a table beside them.

It was Sasuke who spoke, "Sarada calls up a family spar session."

"Spar?" Boruto asked, his eyes twinkle with excitement.

Naruto sweat dropped, "Uchiha has a weird way to fill up their leisure time."

"That must be entertaining," Hinata smiles at the family, "It's been a long time since we spar together."

"It wasn't really sparring that Mama and Papa decided to go behind my back and attack me, both of them at once." Sarada cross her hands over her chest and look away from her parents.

At that, the Uzumakis laugh while Sakura blushes almost furiously and Sasuke ignored them, but with a hidden small smile on his face.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 20: Summons

"So, Naruto really summon a toad, huh?" Sakura asked after Sasuke revealed that Naruto was the one that saved her from Gaara, not himself.

As humble as ever, Sasuke-kun. She had thought, at the same time thanking Naruto, internally.

Sasuke looks at her from the corner of his eyes, and she blushes. She always does when Sasuke looks at her that way.

"He did."

"That's amazing, isn't it?"

Sasuke didn't answer as he turns his gaze away from her and look over at a desperate looking Naruto, trying to call up chidori.

"If one day you able to summon animal, Sasuke-kun, what animal would you like to sign contract with?"

Sakura asks, genuinely interested while she smiles at him, her hands clasped behind her.

That once again attracted Sasuke's attention to look at her. Blushing and knows that Sasuke isn't going to speak, she said, "I think I'd like to summon animals that aren't just strong and powerful. But also, useful of something else."

She tap her chin as she thinks, "Maybe doing the healing?" She offers, "Do you think there's animal of such, Sasuke-kun?"

"I don't know." Sasuke replies nonchalantly.

And then Sakura hit her fist on his palm, suddenly remember something, "Oh right." She started and look at Sasuke again.

"While you were away training with Kakashi-sensei, I've done some research about Orochimaru."

That name sent chills down Sasuke's spine, he looks at her, his focus solely on Sakura.

"He was one of the Three Legandary Sanin, along with Jiraiya and Tsunade Senju." She acquired, "And they were especially famous with their summoning."

Sasuke nodded, as if urging her to continue.

"Their combination attack of summons were known as Three-Way Deadlock. Orochimaru summons as we knew is snake, Jiraiya is toad and Tsunade is slug."

She beams slightly at him, "Turn out, Tsunade-sama's summon didn't only just fight you know. It heals too."

Sakura looks up at the sky, with her hands hold together onto her chest, "I really like that. But slug is disgusting, aren't they? I was thinking something cute, like bunny maybe?"

Suddenly, Sasuke sounded, "A hawk."

Feeling content that Sasuke responded to her, Sakura beams delightfully, "That suits you so much, Sasuke-kun."

"My father and brother could summon one. I want that too."

Smiling apologetically at the longing look Sasuke is having, Sakura put her hand on Sasuke's shoulder, "I'm sure you could too."

Moving away from her touch, Sasuke narrows his eyes at her, "Bunny isn't practical. Just because they're cute doesn't means they're useful."

Sakura stiffle a giggle at Sasuke's agitation look, "I can always ask Kakashi-sensei if I can sign up contract with Pakkun."

Sasuke shrugs, "That's not bad. Dogs are the best at tracking. It's useful for mission."

"Yes, they are. Maybe we can have 2 summons each, eh?" Sakura suggested.

"I always think you could summon Orochimaru's snake with the cursed seal with you. And then the hawk. I'll be getting that slug and Pakkun." Sakura chuckles to herself, not really taking it seriously.

"Snake will be a worthy summon."

It really surprised her that Sasuke still join her chatter. Usually, he will dismiss her quickly.

"I'm sure it is." She said. "And when Naruto see we have two summoning contracts, he will be jealous of us like he currently of you now." She chuckles lightly.

She then noticed the upturn of Sasuke's mouth as he smirks.

Grinning at him, Sakura close their gap and nudge his shoulder with hers, "You really like him suffer do you?"

Sasuke scoff and turn his head to the other side.

Sakura just smiles at his familiar way of acting, before she sighs, "The two of you are becoming really strong now. I am way behind." She voice out, her tone is so regretful and sad.

She was surprised when she feels a nudge on her shoulder. She blinks a few time before she looks in Sasuke's direction.

He is looking at Kakashi and Naruto but speaking to her. It was like the first day of their Chunin Exam again, when he's complimenting her about her analytical skill.

"You're smart, Sakura." He had said, "If you focus on your training and not carried away, you can go further. It takes an idiot to figure out way of fight. Imagine if someone smart do the thinking."

Sasuke return his gaze to Sakura, who is currently blushing at his compliment and looking straight at him in the eye. For a second, he was mesmerised by the greenest of the emerald orbs.

And then she smiles, "Just like Sasuke-kun, ne? Smart and strong, definitely a worthy warrior."

And he couldn't say anything else because she's looking at him with such fondness and pride, that he feels hot with unknown emotions.

They break apart when someone clears their throat. Both Sasuke and Sakura swiftly moves further from each other when they saw Naruto and Kakashi are looking weirdly at them both.

"Why are you two so red? Did the teme did something to you, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, his eyes zeroed on Sasuke.

The later scoff as he rolls his eyes, though the redness of his cheeks remain.

Sakura isn't any better when she looks away, pink blush still adorned her face.

That was when a jounin came up to them, "Kakashi, your team are summon to the hokage office."

Nodding, Kakashi calls the three of them to follow him.

While hopping from roof to roof beside Sasuke, Sakura laughs quietly, "For the time being, this is the only summoning we'll get, Sasuke-kun. Though, instead of us summoning anything, we're the one act as the summons." She let out a playful laugh again.

Sasuke lower his head to hide his tiny smile at Sakura's joke.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 16: Dates

Sakura was sitting crossed legs in her room, on the edge of her bed as she looks herself on the body length mirror of her own reflection. She was wearing a burgundy colored dress with small flower petals surrounding the fabric, it was a knee length dress with the sleeves ended just before her elbow that Ino commented as boring.

Sakura cringed inwardly as she thought of the dress Ino had picked for her. It was pretty, but too lewd, showing off too much skin for a first date. She personally like the dress she wears better than Ino's choice; it complimenting her eyes, her skin, and especially her hair. It was really simple, but she likes it better that way. And plus, her date do always wear something simple either.

She couldn't believe her crush had asked her for a date, it was so stoic so boring–Ino's word, nothing extravagant or remotely romantic but it was so Sasuke.

Sakura blushes as she rereads the conversation of their text messages again. It was partly a dare of the truth or dare game she played with her friends a week ago, Temari had dared her to text Sasuke, who they all knew was whom she's been liking since they're younger. She was so glad she was a little bit tipsy that night, or this wasn't going to happen.

Sakura bit her lips, trying to hold her delighted yet embarrassed squeal as she reads their first few texts.

-

She chug another mouthful of a strong liquor Tenten sneaked out of the bar she part-time at, before she started a conversation with Sasuke Uchiha over text message.

Sakura: Hi...

Sakura: It's me, Sakura. I sit behind you in Biochem with Kakashi-sensei.

Even in her drunk state, her heart was hammering hard in her chest when she saw the three dots moving, signaling that he's typing his reply.

Sasuke: Hey.

Decide to not beat around the bush, Sakura typed bluntly.

Sakura: I met you first time during summer camp when we were 13.

Sakura: I know you already forgetting about me, so don't bother try to remember.

Sakura: I like you that whole month we were there. And still do when it ended.

Sakura: I was surprised to see you the first time we met in Kakashi-sensei's class.

Sakura: And right now, we're playing truth and dare. My friend dared me to confess to you.

Sakura: So, yeah.

Sasuke: I don't remember.

Sakura: You don't have to.

Sasuke: Okay.

Sasuke: Are you free next saturday?

The whole group of her friends surrounded her when she let out a loud squeal, they all follow suit after seeing his reply. When their excitement subsided, they urged her to quickly type her reply. Her hand was shaking terribly as she typed on her iPhone,

Sakura: Uhm, I usually free in the evening.

Sasuke: I'll pick you up at 7 then.

Sakura: Wait! What does this means?

Sasuke: You're still annoying.

Sasuke: I'm taking you out.

Sakura gasped as she read the first text that came in after her reply, "He remembered. That jerk." Her tears of happiness were on the verge of her eyes.

Sakura: Like a date?

Sakura: You did remember, you silly! You keep saying I was annoying those time too.

Sasuke: Call it anything you want.

Sasuke: Of course I do. You were so annoying. You spoke all the time, you put your hand so high up to participate. It was so damn annoying. And your hair is so annoying either!

Sakura: I didn't know you noticed me that much!

Sasuke: You do realized I kind of just typed out my displeasure of you right?

Sakura: You did ask me out on a date.

Sakura: So I just assume you were attracted to that annoying part of me.

Sasuke: Tch

Sasuke: You're so damn annoying

He actually typed out the scoffing sound. Man, he is so cute.

-

"This was nice." Sakura said when they arrived at her rented apartment. She can feel herself blushed as she looks at the handsome Sasuke Uchiha before her. She do a once over again–she couldn't remember how many time she did. He was wearing a simple dark blue button-up shirt that he neatly folded its long sleeves to his elbow and a pair of black jeans. His hair was in his usual duck-but style as Temari called it.

She focus on his hand which is gripping on the steering wheel lightly, a silver wristwatch she noticed he wears all the time complimenting his simple figure. For all she know, he is the most good looking guy she ever set her eyes on.

"It was." He replied. At the sound if his voice, Sakura look up at him, only to meet the deep black eyes of his.

She couldn't remember when she leans forward, but it was as if Sasuke's Honda Civic suddenly went so small that she has to close the gap between them. And before she even registered what was happening, she was kissing Sasuke Uchiha. If only her lips wasn't attached to that of Sasuke's, she might've screamed her lung out at such ridiculous thought. But its not ridiculous, because she IS currently kissing Sasuke.

The kissing start off in hesitancy, awkwardness and clumsy before they caught each others rhythm and it swiftly morphed into a passionate, aggressive and french. There is definitely tongue there as she grips on Sasuke's hair, tugging it softly. Sasuke makes a satisfy grunt behind his throat before he cups Sakura face as he pulls her already close face to his, kissing and kissing and kissing. Sakura keeps repeating it in her incoherent mind because eh, why not.

When the need of air finally overwhelm them, they pull apart resting their forehead against each other as they breath harshly from the aftermath of their kiss.

Eyes still close, Sakura smiles as she presses her lips on Sasuke's softly before she says, "Do you want to come up to my place?"

Sasuke snorted which confused Sakura. He eyes flew open and search for the onyx of Sasuke's, "What?" She asked.

"We're not sleeping together on our first date." He stated in a duh tone, still looking at Sakura.

To that, Sakura's eyes went wide, as wide as saucers, "N-No. T-thats NOT what I meant. I was asking you to come out for a drink or something. N-NOT for T-THAT." Sakura's hands were flailing in the air as if trying to emphasize her point.

She stopped abruptly when she noticed an amused smirk spread across Sasuke's face, "You're enjoying my awkward moment."

Sasuke shakes his head as he fix his position so his front is fully facing Sakura, "You're just so annoying."

He hold Sakura's chin in between his fingers and pull it closer to him as he captured her lips. When he pulls away, he spoke, "I'll come up on our second date. Or third."

Sakura grins teasingly at him, "Such chivalrous, Sasuke-kun." And then her eyes grew large, "Wait, we're going on second date? NO, did you mention third?"

He scoffed, "Can you stop being annoying." It wasn't even a question.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 7: Years Past

Sasuke smiles as he watched two almost identical boys insulting at each other while one of them gurgling with laughter, running away for escape.

"Satoru!" He heard his wife's voice shouted from the direction of their kitchen calling for their youngest son. "Stop mocking your brother."

Her footstep falls beside him attracting his attention to look up at her, "Sasuke-kun," She stressed out, eyes zeroed on his, "Can you please not encourage them further?"

He returned his gaze to their 6 year olds. Satoshi, the eldest is pointing his finger at Satoru saying something that makes his brother's eyes glinting teasingly at him. "They're fine."

Sakura let out an exasperated sigh as she lowered herself down to sit beside him, "You pamper them too much, Anata."

"Ah." Was his only response, before they were distracted by the running Uchiha twins.

"Kaa-san! Tou-san!" Onyx eyes, raven haired Satoru shouted as he giggles trying to quicken his pace, avoiding his elder brother from reaching him.

"Satoshi-nii likes Akane-chan!" He continues, almost tripping on his own leg before shot up to jump on Sasuke's lap, making him startled at the sudden action, and quickly wrapped his lone hand around Satoru. The boy laughed loudly and hide onto Sasuke's chest.

Green eyes, equally raven haired Satoshi glares at his twin, "Shut up! Why would I like someone so annoying." his head was thrown to the side as he closes his eyes, hands folded over his chest.

Blinking her eyes a few times, Sakura chuckles lightly at her children while her eyes flicker to her husband for a moment, "Funny, Satoshi-chan. You're so like your Tou-san."

She pulls the little boy closer and peck on his cheek, to which Satoshi–much like his father–wipe it away, embarrassed but comply to sit on her lap.

While pecking a light kiss on Satoru's temple who is still hiding in Sasuke's embrace, she runs her finger along Satoshi's hair before she continues, "He found me annoying when we were younger too."

Satoru gasped loudly and turn to look at their father, "Why would you say that to Kaa-san, Tou-san?" His eyes were filled with accusations as he said that, pointing his cute little finger at him. Sasuke didn't look offended though, rather amused by his youngest born.

Sakura lightly slap Satoru's hand, "No pointing, remember? It's not good."

He pouted, "But Satoshi-nii do it all the time."

"I've noticed." Sakura said, taking her gaze to look down at the other boy, "You shouldn't do that, Satoshi-chan, even if only to your own little brother."

Satoshi crossed his hands over his chest again as he huffed and making a 'tch' sound. Very much like his father.

Witnessing all of that using his own eyes, Sasuke can't help but soften as his lips stretched into a faint content smile. His embrace on Satoru tighten, as he place his chin on top of his head.

"I'm home." A feminine voice of their first born ringing through the house, startling both her younger brothers who quickly move out of their parents lap and race to meet their sister, each of them shouting their own version of welcome home.

"Nee-san, you promised to teach us shuriken jutsu today!" Satoru was first to voice out his thought followed by Satoshi's.

"Alright, alright. Geez, can't your sister rest a while?" Sarada said. Her voice however sounded fond as she spoke.

Sakura's chuckles makes Sasuke turn to look at her, he smiles before slowly move closer.

"You're teaching me first!" Satoshi said, grabbing his own set of weapon and run off to their backyard where Sasuke had set up as their little training ground, fully complete with targets at every angle and a few dummies for their kids to play–train, as said the twins–with.

Together, Sasuke and Sakura stand on their foot following their kids, with their hands intertwined with each others as Sakura leans onto Sasuke.

"I'm so happy," Sakura murmurs, her head resting on Sasuke's shoulder while watching Satoshi and Satoru aiming on their target at the same time trying as hard as they could to follow Sarada's instructions.

"Me too."

Sakura's smile was wide when Sasuke glance at her.

"I wouldn't trade anything for this moment."

"Ahh," Sasuke responded, pulling their joint hands up to kiss his wife's hand. "Me too."

The two of them has been through a lot over the past years. He knows he and Sakura at least deserve this precious moment, with their precious children in their precious home well built–and not collapse. They deserve each other, to make out of all the wrongs he had done in the past, all the waiting Sakura had to endure. This is his family, a small happy family, one thing that he never thought he is capable to call his again.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 4: Pride

There were a few times when he feels like he was bursting with pride.

At the beginning of his life, it was when he finally able to aim the red target as he practiced his shuriken jutsu with his mother. We was so excited he wanted to show it to his brother, but as always he couldn't have a spare time to be with him. He was really upset.

The next time is when his father says the 'That's my boy' after he casted a huge fireball infront of him.

Those were the few times when pride overwhelmed him of himself. And then there was someone else, Sakura.

The first time was at the beginning of the Chunin Exam. Sakura looked upset, like something is bothering her, and he realized these because, unlike any other day, she didn't seems flustered when the two of them stand together while waiting for Naruto so they could go for registration together. She doesn't try to initiate conversations either, and that was strange. He remembered that he doesn't like it then. Sakura was always talking, making light conversation, asking this and that whether he had eaten breakfast, or if he slept well the night before. Even though, he doesn't really one to converse, he likes Sakura's chatter, grown used to it even. And when she doesn't, he just knew something was up. He decided it then, that she was nervous for the exam. When he compliment how she's the best in analytical skills and genjutsu, she became more confident as she squared her shoulders after smiling whilst blushing at him, and announced that they were under genjutsu. Sasuke has to lower his head as he close his eyes as a wave of pride wash over him, and he smirks. Somehow, he feels proud of her, it feels weird to be feel this sort of thing over someone.

And then the next time is right at this moment, Sakura just finished of dozens of ten tails' clones with just her single punch. Sasuke smirks as he covered his face with his arm to avoid the debris flying up in the air. About time. He thought. Sasuke just knew there's more to Sakura than just the weakling of their team. She just have to focus on her task rather than fangirling over him. He somehow feel content that there's good from him leaving the village. When both him and Naruto jumped off to stand back against back with Sakura after beat a huge clone behind her, he bite his lips to hold back his prideful smirk. Sakura has joked about becoming a hokage to Naruto. And the tone she used remind him of their Chunin Exam when she just recovered from her upset demeanour. He took pride of what she's become, strong, smart, kind, beautiful. Because, even during war, especially during war, she looks heartbreakingly good.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 12: Favorite Food

They were 7.

Sakura hide behind her mother as she watched over a boy with his own mother at the fruit stall, buying what suppose to be tomatoes.

"That's not enough, Kaa-san." She heard him saying. His left cheek is puffed out as he took another tomato to put in his mother's bag.

The woman chuckled lightly, "Alright, Sasuke. Add a few more if you like." and then she adds, "Why don't you just be a normal kids and eat sweets like them?" She said as they paid and walk away. Sasuke didn't reply to his mother as he took out a tomato out of his mother's bag and bite a mouthful before he munched it, his expression was the mixture of satisfactory and content.

Sakura had blink a few times that day, and she thought Sasuke is interesting, because why does anyone like tomato.

-

They were 11

It was Valentine's Day, and Sakura's innocent crush to Sasuke has intensify.

The Valentine's Days year before that, she chose not care because every fangirls from their class or many more from other classes will come and hand him sugary gifts, most likely chocolates.

She noticed that he mostly ignore all of them, didn't even spare a glance as his eyes close, while he face forward, trying to act calm when Sakura had taken notice the twitching of his eyes everytime the bolder in the group speak up before shove him her gift.

Sakura feels pity of them, because she knew why. Sasuke Uchiha hates sweet.

So, when she was very sure that her crush for Sasuke is real and not just for a span of time, she planned to gift him something on Valentine's Day that year.

She woke up as early as she could that morning to pick up fresh tomatoes. She already pick up a nice looking medium size bento box that she had thoughtfully fill half of it with three onigiri–of which she noticed always his choice of food when he ate. She had also put lettuce at where she decided to put the tamotoes on for a little touch up.

Sakura walked in the breeze of the morning into the market, where she remembered seeing Sasuke and his mother bought tomatoes. When she arrived, she bought a few of round fresh looking tomatoes and a number of cherry tomatoes.

-

She was nervous as she peeked into the empty classroom only consisted of a lonely Uchiha. It was her first time giving anyone a gift on Valentine's Day and she only hope she was right with this.

Not delaying any further, she strode into the classroom and go straight towards Sasuke, afraid if she stagger for just one second she'll chicken out.

"Sasuke-kun." She said, her voice soft, embarrassed and slightly waver with nervousness.

One of his eyes open as he looks at her, "I'm not interested."

Sakura heave a determine sigh and squares her shoulder as she open the bento, "It's not something sweet, see." She show it to him.

"I know you don't like sweet, and I saw you shop at the market for tomatoes once. I also noticed that you often have onigiri, so I just assume you like them too."

Sasuke stares at the bento for a moment, slowly retrieve it from her.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Sasuke-kun." Sakura bows a little, send him a small smile before she went off to sit at her usual seat in the front row, not even bother to look back at him as she afraid that he change his mind and give her back the bento box. Regardless, she feels so happy, because Sasuke had accepted her gift with not much of a fight.

When lunch time came by, she feels like she's over the moon when he pulls out her bento box and eat from it. He nodded at her once when he noticed her staring. And boy, was Sakura happy.

-

They are currently 12

Sakura decide that she has 2 other males addition in her life, that probably need to be treated as good as Sasuke-kun.

That's what make her bring two boxes of carefully wrapped box of chocolates, and Sasuke's special bento for Valentine's Day. And she was running late, very late because she has to run for an extra mile for Sasuke's tomatoes since the fruit stall she went the previous year had closed and she completely forgot about it, so didn't really think too much of that.

Panting rather heavily, she stares at Sasuke and then Naruto, "Sorry, I was running an errand." She said and lean on the railing of the bridge, while Naruto pastering about her that day tardiness.

"Why were you late, Sakura-chan? Where were you from? Are you okay? You look so red. Are you having a fever?"

"I'm fine. And I was running, Naruto so it's normal. Tch, shut up already." She said, hugging her packaging close to her chest.

"What is that?" Naruto asked, pointing on the packaging.

"It's nothing." she scoffed.

"Is it for us?"

"No."

"Aw, Sakura-chan."

"Shut up, dobe." Sasuke snapped, rather annoyed by Naruto's loudness.

Sakura grins, and then smirk at Naruto for Sasuke's back up, not a back up really but teaming up against Naruto with Sasuke feels good.

"You're just jealous because Sakura-chan is talking to me."

Sasuke rolls his eyes at him and mumbles an idiot which enraged the blonde hair boy of team 7.

That was when a poof of smoke appear before them, "Calm down, boys."

Sakura sighs and then smile, "Good now, that you're all here." She open her pack and take out a few boxes. She gives one to Naruto and Kakashi each, and then shyly give the bento box to Sasuke.

She beams at the three of the boys while she stands before them, "Happy Valentine's Day!" She exclaimed. And then she half heartedly explain,

"I'm not sure if you like black, white or milk chocolate, Kakashi-sensei. But I hope you like that one." She said to her sensei.

"I know you like any food, Naruto. So," She waves at him, "Whatever." she ended.

She then bite her lips as she looks at Sasuke, "The stall you usually went to buy your tomatoes closed today, Sasuke-kun. So I make do with the other from other places. I hope its still as good as you'd like."

When none of her teammate say anything, Sakura chuckles nervously, "Don't think too much about it. I was getting Sasuke-kun something for Valentine's day. It would be rude of me to not get you two anything."

Naruto lunged himself to Sakura, eyes tearing up shouting a repetitive "Thank yous"

"You, baka!" Sakura shouted and push him away hard from her.

Kakashi gives her his one eye close smile as gratitude, before she beamed in response.

-

When she got home that day, she was greeted by a neatly packed syrup coated dango, umebushi and anmitsu, most definitely her favorite. There wasn't any notes or signature of whom its from, but the woody musk and strong burnt smell is enough for her to know who it was from, or rather who own those scent. She couldn't be more happier as she take her time eating all of it, gleefully squeal occasionally.

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 17: A Gentle Man

Sakura had to bite her lips when she sees an ebony boy lean against the hospital wall; his hands shoved deep in his pockets of his shinobi pants, one leg is bend for its to stay on the wall while the other one stand to hold his weight. He looks rather tired, especially with bandage wrapped neatly around his head where his forehead protector usually be. She sighs as she approached him. He's too good looking for his own good.

As if sensing her presence – or was it shinobi thing? Maybe Sasuke mentioned about it before? Chakra signature was it? — he turns his head to her. He push himself off the wall and face her as if to greet her coming his way.

"Hey." She said, smiling. "I heard you're here."

Sasuke shrugs, "Yeah, caught minor wound on our way back."

"Let me see." She's already reaching up to his wrapped head, putting light pressure where she saw small blood make itself known just above his ear.

"How did it happen?"

Sasuke scoff lightly, and Sakura knows he purposefully dif to avoid telling her it's not for her to know, "It's nothing serious. Come on, your shift ended half an hour ago. I'll walk you home."

Sakura fight back a grin as she nodded at him. He wasn't usually in the village, always busy with his confidential shinobi or ANBU mission, but when he is, he do every thing he missed out with her since they started this, whatever it is, few months ago.

"Have you eaten?" Sakura asked, as he leads her out of the lobby of the hospital, walking side by side.

Sasuke shakes his head, "And neither do you."

Sakura close her mouth with her hand as she laughs. He always knew, "That's true."

They walk together under the dark starless night, with Sakura looking up the sky and him ahead of their route, "So, was it a success again this time?" She asked, as she peaked at him.

"You could say that." He wears his ANBU gear, so it must be a bad stuff –as to what he said– so Sakura refrain herself asking for more.

"How was your shift?" He asked, didn't even try to hide the fact that he was blatantly staring at her.

Grinning, Sakura bounced herself so she's few step ahead of him before she turns around to face the pretty face Sasuke, while walking backwards with Sasuke following with his slow pace towards her.

"It was pretty good. Quite few new experiences. And I actually went through one surgery with a medic nin." She went on, "After all this time, I was still astonished what a ninja medic can do. There's only a handful things civilian doctor does."

"You're already great at your job, Sakura." He had said, "Though, I'm sure you'd be an okay ninja. I can't fully detect your chakra since you don't use it at all, but they are very warm, tame and quite stable. A medic nin will be a good choice if you decided to be a ninja."

Sakura hands clasped behind her back as she stop her pace and leans towards him, "If I chose to become a ninja years and years ago, do you think you and I will be in the same class in the academy together?"

Sasuke however raised an eyebrow at her question. "Probably." He said, playing along.

Satisfied that he did, Sakura's grin widen, "Do you think you'll like me when we're in the academy? Developing a crush maybe?"

Sasuke's face reveal a tiny amused smirk, "No,"

"And why is that?" Sakura tilted her head, frowning at his confident no.

Sasuke shrugs his shoulders, "I'm sure you're the one who will having a crush on me, join all those fangirls fawning over me, shamelessly ask for dates and for a seat next to me–"

Sakura makes an odd face as she cuts him off, "They did that?" She's quite impressed actually, if they went that extend for her good looking boyfriend (?)

"Still do." He replied nonchalantly, moving forward as he gently tug Sakura's arm to walk beside him.

"They do? Why didn't I know about this?" She asked as her feet fall beside him.

Sasuke rolls his eyes at her, "It doesn't matter."

"Because you like me, right? Right?" She was hopeful as she asked him. She didn't go to the same school Sasuke went, and she wasn't in the village for few years back either, so she doesn't really know people their age.

Sasuke Uchiha is always a tease when it comes to Sakura Haruno, so he smirked at her, "Maybe."

Sakura narrows her eyes at him before she turns her head away to the other direction, decided to dismiss his teasing manner and continue on to her game, "Do you think we will chosen to be in the same team, what do you call that? Genin was it?"

"Ahh." He responded.

"Genin team." She let out a short chuckle, "So cute, don't you think? What did you say your Jounin instructor was?"

"Hatake Kakashi."

Smiling ruefully, she asks, "Do you think he will like me? And your other teammate? I mean, we're going to become a team, I'm sure we will at least tolerate each other."

She doesn't realized it when her companion frown as he look down at her, "I think the dobe will have a crush on you. Kakashi will be neglecting you in training, but will be very fond of you, I'm sure."

"I thought you said your sensei doesn't like Ami." Sakura reminded.

"That's Ami. She's very aggravating, and a handful. You, in the other hand is brilliant, and Kakashi likes those who ask questions, and that's what you always do."

Sakura had to grin in content at Sasuke's subtle compliment of her, "He has many reasons to like me then. How about the other male teammate of yours. He's the blonde boy right, your best friend? Naruto?"

"Ahh." he said, and stop at Ichiraku, a ramen shop. "He liked ramen a little too much."

Sakura laughed, "Really, now? Is this where you often found him?"

"Hnn." He paused, "If I didn't know he has mission today, I'll be avoiding this place at all cost."

"Why bring me here, then?"

"It's the closest from the hospital."

"Alright, then."

Sasuke nodded at her as he pulls up the shop curtain for her to get in.

Smiling at his chivalrous manner, Sakura get in as he follows suit. They take a seat on the stool and order their food.

"This is actually good." She moans in satisfaction as she tasted the ramen. "Why haven't you bring me here before, Sasuke-kun?" She asked as Sasuke nod at the owner when he handed Sasuke's order.

"I've had a little too much of this. And plus, we hardly go out together for me to bring you anywhere."

"That's true." Sakura said, nodding her head as she feeds more of the ramen into her mouth. It didn't take long for her to finish her first bowl.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "Do you want another one?"

Biting her lips, Sakura nodded shyly and so they order another bowl of ramen for her, "Naruto will be delighted knowing you like this."

"Ahh, we should bring him together next time then?" she suggested, "Maybe your sensei too? How about your brother and that charming cousin of yours? And your smoking friend?"

Sasuke rolls his eyes at her, "Yeah, bring the whole village here if you'd like."

Sakura burst out laughing at his sarcastic response, playfully smack his arm. They chatted a few more as Sakura finishes her second bowl. When Sasuke ask her if she wanted a third one, she shakes her head while patting her stomach, "I'm so full."

He pays for their food before they left, quickly shove the money to Teuchi before Sakura could retrieve hers.

"You don't have to pay mine." Her forehead scrunch in displease.

"I already did." Sasuke replied nonchalantly shrug his shoulder making Sakura rolls her eyes as they walk to the direction of her house. The walk to her house wasn't silence with Sakura constant chatter, which Sasuke has started to like. It's way better than Naruto's too loud and bright presence.

"Thank you for walking me home. And for the ramen. We absolutely need to go back there." She said, hands clasped at her back as she beams while she looks up at him.

Sasuke shoved his hands in his pants pockets while nodding, "If you like."

Sakura giggles at him before she rose on her toes to place a chaste kiss over his lips, "You're so cute."

He rolls his eyes, "Go up now, I'll wait."

"Such gentle man aren't you, Sasuke-kun. Good night." She chuckles as she turns around, raise her hand up for a good bye and walk up the stairs to her home.

True to his word, Sasuke wait until he heard a door closed, and her room light up for him to walk away, though he still look up at the window of her room while walking.