#ssm18d19

[laine-o]

The Teahouse

Sasuke had never really been one to think about girls, much less actively pursue one. In fact, he had never really thought about it much even since when he entered the Ninja Academy at the age of five and encountered girls really for the first time. All that drastically changed when he was twelve and became a genin. It seemed that the world had all about imploded when he set foot into that cursed classroom. It seemed that every single girl there vied for his attention and fell all over themselves for it. It was foolish and unbecoming. Even now as he grew taller and stronger, it never seemed to stop. It was annoying, really.

Sighing, Sasuke shifted on the bench he was sitting on. To guard against the winter cold, he rearranged his black cloak and scarf tighter about him with his one right hand. A couple of women walked past, giggling, and trying to catch his eye. He ignored their attempts at getting his attention and eventually they disappeared from his line of vision.

Staring down at his only hand in his lap, Sasuke tended to reflect on his life and what he had done. Today was no different. His mind often wandered back to his goals as a genin and how misguided he had been. He thought about how he had killed his own brother, the last of his flesh and blood with his own hands. Sasuke wished if only he had been stronger and not been so consumed by revenge, maybe his brother would still be alive today. Maybe if he had just done things a little differently...

Sasuke had done so many things that should not have been forgiven so easily. Even she, who should not have forgiven him so easily, had as well. She annoyed Sasuke the most after all. She, his best friend, and teacher had all forgiven him way too easily. However, it seemed more as if his official pardon from Konoha Village had been granted by the village elders in an attempt to hide the fact that Uchiha Itachi had in fact been the village’s greatest hero. Sasuke’s various accomplishments taken from when he was a missing-nin such as eradicating members of Akatsuki (Itachi included), disposing of the criminal Orochimaru, and helping secure victory during the Fourth Great Shinobi War were just merely excuses Konoha’s elders had used to pardon Sasuke and to hide the truth about Itachi.

And yet, for all of his achievements that granted him his pardon rather easily, Sasuke was incapable of properly asking a girl on a date.

It had been about a year since he had last seen her.

Upon this thought, it seemed as though a boulder had settled into his stomach. It made Sasuke uneasy. Uchiha men were nothing if not proud of being certain and sure about themselves. The unease he felt only served to make him feel more anxious.

Sasuke pushed the thoughts from his head, shut his eyes, shifting a little on the bench, and waited. The chill in the air was not unpleasant and Sasuke felt that he rather enjoyed this weather. Winter was almost at an end, but soft snow still blanketed Konoha and brought with it a quiet sort of solitude.

However, that confounded boulder still nestled in his abdomen.

Sasuke had asked Sakura to meet him here today. Sasuke did not explicitly say it was a date, but he DID say he would see her next time he came back. Actually, Sasuke had managed to catch her during the past week since he had returned, but she had been busy with her hospital duties. However, what frustrated Sasuke was the fact that she did not even suggest that they see each other at all when he bumped into her. Sasuke thought to himself “Surely courtship was much easier during my parent’s generation, that, or Sakura is just incredibly dense, in fact—“

Sasuke’s thoughts were interrupted by a flash of pink in the corner of his eye and he heard a soft giggle.

“Morning Sasuke-kun,” Sakura trilled out. Sasuke peered at his pink-haired team mate out of the corner of his eye and acknowledged her with a barely perceptible nod. “…. Sakura.”

Sakura giggled again and sat down at the other end of the bench. She was wearing her usual outfit of a red top, skirt, shorts, black gloves, and knee high boots. To guard against the cold however, she was wearing a tan colored poncho with an attached hood over her outfit.

Sasuke continued to look at her from the corner of his eye. Sasuke decided that Sakura really had no clue as she was sitting much too far away from him.

This bench was a special sort of place for Sasuke and Sakura. It was the bench Sasuke had left Sakura on when he had defected from Konoha when he was twelve. It was the night Sakura had confessed her undying love for Sasuke.

Yet, here she was sitting on the other end of the bench, her legs dangling over the edge. Sasuke felt the knot in his stomach begin to loosen as he watched her legs swing lightly back and forth.

Sasuke was the first to break the silence. “How is the dobe doing anyways? How are him and Hinata?”

“He’s his usual cheerful bubbly self! I think Naruto’s going to propose to Hinata soon. Everyone knows already actually, even Hinata herself. It’s not really going to be a surprise because well, it’s Naruto, you know he can’t really keep secrets,” Sakura laughed.

“Hn. That idiot really can’t. How’s that pervert-hokage doing?”

“Hmm���” Sakura hummed, “you really shouldn’t call him that. Kakashi-sensei’s doing quite well actually. Times are peaceful so there really isn’t much for him to do. He visits the ninja academy often and spends a lot of time with Naruto since he’ll be the next hokage. Sometimes he, Naruto, and I get together and have dinner every now and then if we’re not busy. You should join us tomorrow since you’re in town.”

“Ah.”

A comfortable silence fell between them. Not an awkward sort of silence, but the kind of silence that falls between two people that just enjoy being in the presence of each other.

“Let’s get going,” a statement, not a question. Sakura giggled because giving statements rather than questions was just SO typical Sasuke.

Sasuke rose to his feet. Sakura followed suit, Sasuke watched as she brushed the snow off her behin—back of her skirt.

As they walked, Sasuke thought about the girl by his side. She was so different, yet so much the Sakura Haruno he had known when he was a boy of twelve years old. Sasuke frowned when he thought back on how much Sakura had fawned over him in the past and how much she did not now. He thought about the times back then when she actually had too much to say and too many useless stories to tell and too much gossip to share. Not much of a conversationalist himself still, now he wished she would fill the silence with her incessant chatter.

Sasuke stiffened when he felt a light touch on his arm. Realizing it was Sakura, he relaxed and looked at where she was pointing. “Want to go in there?” Sakura asked, pointing at a teahouse. It was a place Sasuke might have picked himself if he had not been so lost in thought.

It was a snow-covered old wooden teahouse that appeared to be well-tended.

Hanging from the top of the door frame of the entrance, was a canvas fabric split down the middle. The gently worn canvas cloth had characters on it that were gently rubbed away from years of use. Sasuke entered first and parted the cloth for Sakura. When her shining eyes emerged from behind the cloth to meet his, Sasuke felt his breath catch in his throat, his mouth felt dry, but the knot in his stomach loosened completely.

The interior of the teahouse was constructed of well-oiled wood. An small old lady with silvery-white hair pulled into a bun wearing a pale lavender kimono was sitting at a counter where incense was burning. Her eyes crinkled with a smile as Sasuke and Sakura approached.

“A table for two please,” Sakura smiled. The old lady nodded and reached under the counter for a menu. The old woman stood up and gestured for the pair to follow her into the teahouse. At a leisurely pace, the old women led them into a high-ceilinged room containing about ten to fifteen wooden tables. Paper lanterns hung from the eaves, casting a warm glow from the ceiling. Eventually their hostess indicated a table in the corner next to a window situated in the back of this large room. Sasuke seated himself on the side of the table next to the wall, Sakura took the other side and they settled on the cushions. Sasuke sat with one knee up while Sakura sat on both her knees.

“It is only you who tends to this teahouse.” Again, a statement, not a question.

“Yes it is,” the old lady replied. “My husband built this teahouse for me, he died seven years ago.”

“Ah, that’s why I was drawn to this place. It seemed so well-cared for despite its age,” Sakura murmured.

“Thank you, my dear. Please make yourselves comfortable, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” The old lady set down the menu and padded away.

After the old woman left, Sasuke found himself studying Sakura as she removed her gloves and then the cloak from around her shoulders. He realized that this girl, no, woman, was someone he hardly knew now. Sakura was a powerful kunoichi with outstanding medical prowess and incredible chakra control. During the 4th Shinobi War, he remembered how he had admired her power when she fought the juubi clones. She rescued him too--found him when he was wandering another dimension’s desert, where he might have perished from the heat and dehydration. Her confession. How Sakura fiercely declared how much she still loved him. Sasuke regretted his actions, how he had cast a genjutsu on her and how during the Hokage summit, he had almost killed—

Sasuke shook his head, dispelling his thoughts. He decided not to dwell on his dark thoughts right now when he was with Sakura.

Sasuke’s mismatched eyes roved over Sakura’s form. Now she was studying the menu intently, unaware of Sasuke’s gaze. He looked at the creamy skin on her neck, the gentle swell of her breasts and noticed how her hips jutted out from either side of her slim waist.

Finally looking away from her, with the grace of a seasoned nin, Sasuke removed his cloak and smoothly unwound the scarf from around his neck. Sasuke didn’t notice Sakura’s eyes following his movements.

“I’ll never get tired of watching you.” Sasuke heard Sakura breathe.

Sasuke froze in the middle of removing his scarf.

“What did you say?”

Color rushed to Sakura’s face, abruptly she stood up, turned heel, and stammered over her shoulder “I gotta go to the washroom!” She quickly walked away.

Sasuke sat stunned for a minute at what had just transpired. Gathering his composure, he decided he’d ask her about what she said when she returned.

——————

Meanwhile, in the washroom, Sakura splashed cold water onto her face to cool down her heated cheeks. She had totally spoken her thoughts out loud without thinking. Sakura stared into the mirror in front of her and sighed in frustration at her still rosy cheeks. She swiftly splashed more of the icy water to her cheeks and resolved she wouldn’t hang out with Sasuke alone again. They needed Naruto to get rid of this weird tension between her and Sasuke.

“What is with Sasuke-kun anyways? Why is he only asking me to meet with him and not having Naruto or even Kakashi-sensei come along? What was his problem?!” she fumed to herself in her head. This wasn’t what she had in mind really when Sasuke had told her he’d see her when he came back.

Sakura froze as she remembered the words of her sensei.

“A true shinobi seeks for the hidden meanings within hidden meanings.”

She was on a date with Sasuke. Not that she’d ever get the answer out of him if she asked him directly. He just wasn’t that kind of person. The fact that he had made the first move though, spoke volumes. With this realization, her anxiety finally faded and the color left her cheeks.

She couldn’t stay in this washroom forever. After a deep breath, Sakura opened the door of the washroom and went back to their table. Sakura started to kneel down on her original cushion, when their eyes met. Sasuke, using his only hand, patted the cushion to the left of him, signaling to Sakura that she should take the seat next to him.

“It’s okay! I’m fine where I am!”

“But over there you have no wall to lean on.”

Sakura paused for a moment, at a loss for words. Not truly understanding Sasuke’s intentions, quietly, she stood up and complied.

Sakura moved over to sit next to Sasuke on the free cushion. As she does, her thigh brushes his. In a hardly noticeable movement, Sasuke breaks the contact.

“You seem tense. The tea will calm you.” Sasuke had ordered tea and had a few sips of it already while he was waiting for Sakura to return. Sasuke picked up the white teapot on the table and poured the steaming light green liquid into a simple white tea cup. His fingers graze hers as he hands her the tea cup, lingering slightly, before releasing the cup.

“It’s a rather soothing brew isn’t it?” Sakura commented as she leaned back, closed her eyes and took a long draught from her cup.

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself staring into Sasuke’s black obsidian eye and rinnegan eye. Sasuke had leaned forward, with his sole hand planted on the ground on the other side of her, to her left. Sakura’s back was still against the wall.

Sakura swallowed the tea with some difficulty and felt her heart hammering in her chest, the sound thundering in her ears.

“So what did you mean with your comment earlier?” Sasuke asked in a soft, low voice.

Sakura brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, something she tends to do when she’s nervous, Sasuke noted. “I was just.. uh.. making a joke, trying to make you feel uncomfortable.” Sakura bubbled out, trying to brush off Sasuke’s question.

“You know what you said.”

Sakura closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to steady herself, much to Sasuke’s amusement. Finally steeling her nerves, she opened her eyes and said with surprising clarity, “Yes, it’s true, I would never get tired of watching you, ever.”

As soon as the words had left her lips, Sasuke leaned forward and his lips brushed hers in a light, gentle kiss.

Withdrawing, Sasuke noticed Sakura’s mouth hanging slightly open in shock, her eyes wide and round. “We better get going,” Sasuke smirked. At that, Sakura seemed to snap out of her daze and managed to nod. The both stood up, gathered their things and donned their outerwear.

As the couple approached the counter, the old lady smiled brightly, “Leaving already?”

Sakura fumbled around in her poncho, looking for her wallet. Sasuke was already placing coins on the counter and didn’t let her pay.

Sakura bowed to the old lady, thanking her profusely. “Thank you for everything grandmother. Your teahouse is lovely. I’ll come visit you again soon.” Sakura gave her a bright smile and clasped the old woman’s warm, small hands. Sasuke nodded a silent thanks to the matron who quietly chuckled.

Sasuke once again parted the curtains for Sakura. Sasuke realized that the writing on the cloth had rubbed off where the fabric had been repeatedly parted in the same place, likely by the owner’s husband parting the curtains for his wife. Similar to how he’d been parting the curtain for Sakura.

Sasuke stepped outside. Snow had started to gently fall.

Sakura had already walked ahead of Sasuke and was in the middle of the street. She twirled around with her arms in the air in delight at the falling flakes.

Sasuke quietly watched Sakura. She seemed almost like the first flower to bloom at the end of winter, signaling the beginning of spring. So delicate and beautiful, but powerful enough to bloom despite the lingering chill.

“While I love the beauty of spring and the warmth it brings, nothing quite beats being with the one you love on a quiet and cold winter’s day,” Sakura sighed, looking over in Sasuke’s direction.

Sasuke reached out with his hand, wrapping his arm around Sakura’s waist, pulling her tightly against his chest. Sakura found her face and hands pressed into Sasuke’s warm, broad chest. Staying there for a few moments, she drew her head back and looked up into Sasuke’s face. They both looked at each other and their lips, hovering like fireflies, dance back and forth until they meet for a kiss. Sakura wraps both her arms around Sasuke and his hand moves up from her waist and into her hair, his hand on the back of her head, drawing her deeper into this kiss.

As they kiss, Sasuke’s hand travels downward to her neck and his hand lightly grazes her arms. Sasuke’s tongue is allowed entry to Sakura’s mouth. Without thinking, his hand eventually brushes over her breast and Sakura gasps against his lips, startled by the touch. Sasuke freezes and pulls back, breaking the kiss, as he’s gotten carried away. Now was not the time. Not on such a day of such beautiful melancholy and gentle solitude.

In a rare moment, Sasuke’s cheeks flush from slight embarrassment. Sakura smiles at Sasuke and seems to understand. Rising on tip toe, she gently kisses his cheek. Sasuke’s face breaks into a gentle smile at the kind gesture. Sasuke shifts Sakura to his right side, sweeping her underneath his cloak. His arm travels around her waist and her left arm winds around his. Arms around each other, they walk back to Sakura’s place together, feeling warmer than they had ever felt on a cold winter’s day.

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So this is like my first and only fic I’ll probably ever write. I’m sorry if it’s kind of.. boring? I had to get it out of my system and really I just wanted to convey a quiet winter atmosphere that reflects the beginning of or the budding of Sasuke and Sakura’s relationship. It starts out very gentle and slow. But there’s an underlying warmth and coziness there, that I think is similar to how it feels when you’re curled up next to a fire on a cold day. I like their quiet understanding they’ve developed (they have always had it, but it was more tumultuous and angsty) by the time they are adults and their connection that they don’t express outwardly with words or show to others, it belongs to them and they only show it to each other. They’re all about little moments and small gestures. I can’t really explain it. But they give me a lot of feelings. So I had to write this. I’d appreciate any feedback. I hope it’s decently written. :)

--Laine-O

[pain-somnia]

ssm day 19: coffee and tea

SasuSaku Month Day 19

Title: Yuanyang

Prompt: Coffee and Tea

Rating: T

Disclaimer

Day’s Notes: a fluffy canon compliant continuation of this one shot (x) but you don’t have to read it. this fic can stand on its own. The Day 16 fic is also meant to be paired with those two fics but can stand alone (x)

Years of traveling light and using summoning tattoos had left Sasuke a minimalist. When he had first acquired an apartment when he returned to Konoha, his home was empty except for the bare essentials.

That was, until Sakura got involved in the arrangement of his home.

When they were simply spending time together, Sakura would bring something along to add more life to his apartment. Something to make it more “lived in” as she put it.

.

.

A wall clock in the shape of a cat on the wall by the fridge.

Wind chimes that hung on the veranda.

Succulents from Yamanaka Hana, imported from Suna.

Throw pillows and an afghan, handmade by Sakura and her mother, for the well worn couch that found its way from Kakashi’s old apartment.

And slowly, she put her touch on the more intimate parts of his home. Her little things made their way into his bedroom.

A reed diffuser for the calming essential oils she used for aromatherapy.

A wall tapestry with a painting of mountains, a gift from Sai.

Blackout curtains, so that he wouldn’t be disturbed by the bright Konoha sunshine that shone from the inconvenient east facing bedroom window.

.

.

These were all things that weren’t necessary to live but they were things that made his life better. Each little piece made his apartment a home not just shelter.

But Sakura was slowly crossing the line.

Sasuke lifted up the metal tube contraption and and spun the handle at the top. There was a slight disturbance in the flow of the spin.

A grinder.

Sasuke set the grinder back down on the countertop, not quite sure what to make of it.

“Sakura.”

“Hm?” Sakura hummed, walking into the kitchen with dish rags fresh from the wash.

“Why do we have this?”

“For coffee.”

“Sakura. We don’t drink coffee.”

Although the couple had opposing preferences in taste—she liking sweet foods and he liking spicy—they both agreed that they didn’t like the taste of coffee.

Their hot drink of choice was tea although they differed in that as well. Sasuke preferred matcha and Sakura liked something foreign, elderflower.

The herb was entirely Sakura in his opinion. It had health benefits but the plant the flower came from was also toxic.

Leave it to a master of poison to use a toxic plant in a domestic setting.

“Yes, but you never know when we may have a guest that does.”

And it continued on like that.

.

.

There were hand towels with their clan insignia in the bathroom and he wasn’t allowed to use those because they were there just in case they had guests.

There were cat shaped salt and pepper shakers to match the wall clock.

There was a table runner, only to be taken out when they invited guests to dinner.

And a tea set from her parents they weren’t allowed to use unless there were guests over.

.

.

“It’s getting crowded.”

Sakura looked up from her files, spread out all around her in the living room. She brought more work home now that they were married so that they could have more time together.

“I guess I could stack these better.” Sakura shuffled her files so that they were in more compact and orderly piles.

“That’s not what I meant,” Sasuke sighed.

He tilted his head in the direction of the television set and the numerous knick knacks on the matching shelves. It was a real feat placing all of the miscellaneous the knick knacks considering the amount of books they kept in their apartment.

The items they owned surpassed superfluous in his opinion. At this point they were borderline hoarders.

“Do we really need all of this stuff?”

Sakura looked up from her papers and her eyes softened at the lost look on her husband’s face. His brows were drawn down and he bit his lower lip.

She loved this cute side of him that pouted but she also preferred when he was relaxed and comfortable.

“I don’t know.”

Sakura cocked her head to the side and smiled slyly at him. She traced the pads of her fingertips along his inner wrist and tugged on the hem of his shirt. She led him to their comfortable worn out couch and pushed him gently so that he would know to sit back.

She climbed onto his lap, straddling him and pulled their afghan over their heads.

“I kind of like all of this stuff. Makes this place feel like home.”

“Really?”

Everything was cozy, he couldn’t argue with that. But Sasuke learned a long time ago that things were not home. People were home.

And home was in his lap, soft and pliant under his hands.

.

.

Sakura was still at work at the Children’s Institute when there was a knock on their apartment door.

If it was a guest for him, there would have been no knocking. His guest was the barging in where he was unwelcome type and Yamanaka Ino had her own key due to being the closest that Sakura had to an older sister. The woman always checked to make sure Sakura was eating all of her meals and sleeping whenever Sasuke was away.

There was a steady stream of chakra, tightly compact and coiling in a very controlled manner just outside his door. There was a similarity in the way it moved to that of Sakura’s but still entirely different.

Before Haruno Mebuki could knock on the door again he opened the door wide and greeted his mother-in-law.

Sasuke was grateful that she was only carrying a small cake box and not another trinket for the apartment. He and Sakura had plans to build their own house but at that moment their small apartment was all that they had and he was starting to feel overwhelmed by how crowded the space felt.

“I know Sakura is at work but I was going to be in the neighborhood anyway.” Mebuki slid off her sandals at the entrance and slid into the spare slippers Sakura had purchased the other week. “Thought I would bring you a treat while you were just going through some scrolls.”

Mebuki continued on further into the apartment as if the place was her own home and considering all of the trinkets and knick knacks and other homey items had come from her and Kizashi, it only made sense that she felt at ease strolling in and making use of his kitchen to serve up her homemade cake━the only cake Sasuke could stomach.

“Oh!” Mebuki spotted the coffee grinder, placed aesthetically on the kitchen island. “It’s about time Sakura got one for herself. Let’s see…”

She rummaged through the cabinets and found the bag of coffee beans and pour over coffee maker. She huffed and looked for the tea bags that were kept stocked for guests and pulled out the kettle. She set everything on the counter and beamed up at him.

“Want to learn how to make yuanyang?”

.

.

Sakura came home late in the evening carrying a stack of documents. She would have done better to take a nap but it was obvious that she wasn’t going to rest until at least half of her work was done.

“I should make some tea…” she mumbled, shuffling to the kitchen. She stood on her toes and pressed her lips against Sasuke’s cheek as he packaged leftovers from the lunch he had with Mebuki.

“Let me make something for you.”

Sasuke made drip coffee in the pour over maker and set the kettle on the stove to make milk tea with Pu Lei. It was Mebuki’s favorite dark tea which she informed him of during lunch.

He mixed the tea and the coffee together in Sakura’s favorite mug and served it to her at their coffee table.

She hummed gratefully and sighed into the steam from the mixture.

“Like home in a cup,” she murmured and Sasuke smiled softly.

“Like home in a cup.” Mebuki had sighed and gave him a cheeky grin. “I made this for Sakura every night she stayed up to study. I made it every night for my husband when we would watch the fireflies. My mother made it every winter night for me and my father.”

“It’s crowded,” Sasuke said as he leaned against the couch by her legs. “But the coffee grinder can stay.”

“Oh, can it now?” Sakura giggled lightly.

“Aa,” Sasuke replied softly. “The grinder can stay.”

It could stay and could take up space because even though the grinder didn’t make the home, it made home a little happy.

[lavendersmiles]

Habits

SasuSaku Month 2018

Day 19: Coffee and Tea

***

Author’s Note: Posted 3 chapters simultanously eyyyyyy~ now back to writing

FFnet link

***

An incoming storm didn’t prevent Konoha High School’s student council to meet up at their own room at the institution on a Saturday and finalize the plans for their upcoming festival. As president, Neji wouldn’t have it any other way.

Pale lavender eyes looked around his members, each busy finishing up their assigned tasks. He couldn’t help but notice the tension between his vice president and secretary, though. It was almost palpable, really. Everyone stole glances at the two who are still not on speaking terms. His sharp eyes saw something amusing, though.

Both Sasuke and Sakura were also busy sneaking glances at each other, trying their best not to get caught.

Neji tried to hide the way his lips curled upward. He knew about their quarrel from Tenten and being the senior, he wanted to make them end it, yet he knew that it was something out of his power. Matters of the heart were something he would rather not intervene.

The long table was full of papers and cheerful chatter between everyone, except the two childhood friends. Sasuke massaged his temples, feeling a growing headache starting to form. Insomnia hit him last night and he decided to just finish his homework and projects for the following week. Taking a sip of his coffee, he glimpsed at the only pink-haired girl in the room seated far from him for the first time, busy filing up the council’s documents. He kept his stoic look on despite the urge to smirk. He knew she didn’t have her morning coffee yet, by the way her fingers continued to play with her pen unconsciously and the frown that seems to be permanently etched on her face. His eyes then fell on the work before him and sighed.

While he focused his attention to his duties, jade eyes found their way towards him.

‘He’s agitated,’ Sakura couldn’t help but muse. ‘And judging by the way he’s gripping on his coffee, he didn’t get much sleep last night. Which reminds me… ’ The pinkette sighed, her patience growing thin. Naruto was sent out to get them drinks and something to eat but still hasn’t returned. She wasn’t able to get a full cup of her morning coffee and now she’s twitching to drink it.

“I’m back!” the aforementioned blonde announced, lifting up two hands holding the things he bought. Hinata stood up to help him and everyone rushed towards the bags except Sasuke who already came in with a coffee and bread in hand.

“Ugh finally!” Ino exclaimed. “My stomach’s grumbling already!”

Sakura found the cup with her name, immediately took a sip, and winced. Naruto caught her reaction and asked, “It’s chamomile tea, Sakura-chan! Your favourite, right?”

Sakura sighed. Seriously, how could Naruto proclaim that he’s one of her best friends if he can’t even catch her habits? Before she could correct him though, a loud snort came from the other end of the table.

“Usuratonkachi.”

The loudmouth visibly twitched. “What was that, teme?!”

He rolled his eyes at him. “She takes coffee in the morning, you idiot. Cappucino with three shots of expresso. It should be hot unless she stated otherwise. And even if she requests for iced coffee during a cold weather like today, don’t question her. Tea is for the late afternoon. Make sure it’s matcha or else she’ll have your head on a bloody platter. Chamomile tea is for evenings and she only drinks it if she’s in the mood for it or when she can't sleep.”

Everyone gaped at him. Not wanting to be under their questioning – and amused? – gazes, Sasuke stood up and abruptly left the room, mentally cursing and berating himself like no other has ever cursed and berated themselves before. He just made his feelings obvious and displayed for everyone to see, and he tried to keep his mind off the pair of surprised jade eyes that was the last one he saw before storming out.

Sakura, on the other hand, couldn’t help the blush from dusting her cheeks. A few seconds after the raven-haired lad left, everyone in the room started to tease the pinkette.

“Gosh, just kiss and make up with your boyfriend, Forehead,” Ino gushed.

“He’s not my boyfriend!” Sakura cried out.

“Right,” the blonde couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Best guy friend, sure whatever. If it helps you sleep at night.”

“Sasuke obviously still cares a lot about you,” added Tenten. “Honestly your lover’s quarrel is just too cute.”

Neji swallowed a bite of his sandwich before he remarked, “It’s only been three days since you guys fought and both of you can’t stand not talking to each other, huh?”

“How troublesome,” Shikamaru commented.

Ino slapped the pinkette’s hand and proclaimed, “You were the one who decided to end your friendship since your diaper days, right? Go fix it, you idiot!”

“Sakura-chan?” Hinata called out her name and tapped her shoulder, seeing her distressed look.

All the while, the girl on the hot seat cradled the cup of tea between her hands, her mind not registering her friends’ words. She stared at the door where Sasuke stormed out, and her heart still ached. Their misunderstanding got blown out of proportion, and in the height of their argument she shouted that he’s no longer her friend and walked out on him.

Finally deciding that enough is enough, Sakura took Sasuke’s unfinished drink and went towards the place she knew he would be. And when she opened the door to the rooftop, she was right once again. His back facing her, the pinkette took careful steps towards him.

“We can’t finish everything if the vice president is not around you know,” Sakura announced softly beside Sasuke. Her head was lowered and one outstretched hand was holding the coffee he has forgotten in his haste to leave the room. He took it from her, nodding to give his thanks. He finished it in one gulp, and after he did, he was suddenly hugged by the girl before him. His hands went around her waist in pure instinct as he managed to keep the two of them standing.

For a while, only the gush of wind was heard. Sasuke closed his eyes, noting how much he missed her greatly.

“I’m sorry,” both blurted out simultaneously.

Jade orbs locked with obsidian. “I should have controlled my temper.”

“I shouldn’t have raised my voice,” Sasuke admitted, one hand stoking her hair.

“I don’t like fighting with you,” his beloved mumbled on his chest. He nuzzled his cheek on top of her head, enjoying the feel of being close to her again. She didn't see it, but a small grateful smile softened his features. “Me too.”

Sakura removed her embrace to wipe some stray tears on her face. “Will you forgive me, Sasuke-kun?”

“Only if you’ll forgive me.”

After nodding vigorously, the pinkette wanted to vocalize her affirmation when she was cut off by a loud clap of thunder. She closed her eyes and covered her ears on reflex. After it was done, she felt him ruffle her hair.

“Come on let’s go inside. The storm’s gonna wreck havoc any minute now.” Sasuke held out his hand to her. Smiling softly, Sakura took it with her own. Despite the gloomy weather, both felt as if sunshine finally returned, the warmth from their intertwined hands rivaling that of the summer sun.

[amitds]

Sasusaku Month

Day 19

Prompt: Coffee and tea. 

Summary: Sasuke and Sakura journey to the Land of Tea on a mission for the village. Sasuke’s back after his two year journey of redemption but something if worrying him now that they meet in person. His intended conversation with the young jonin takes a dramatic turn as they sit down, hot beverages warming their hands. 

Notes and info:

 I thought of using that filler Land of Tea location in the anime after tweaking it a bit for this. Sakura’s design is that of the last while Sasuke’s is from his novel (Kishi’s illustration) and they’re both aged 19. I love tea irl and I would also like to mention that I dedicate this to the tea haters i.e. Alice the weenie and Ms. Jossilyn. :P  Kishi’s Gaiden kind of messed up the timeline for me so I am operating under a certain assumption. This is really late for SS month and I wasn’t even going to write it after posting the CLOAKS prompt but this was also in the drafts so I sped it down and posted it.

“Honestly!” the pink haired medical ninja exhaled as she walked along the dirt road, eastward towards Kannon village. “A chakra detox? Chakra cleansing tea? A chakra... flush?! That’s not a thing!” she lamented further, pouting as she ranted. “These road side vendors are scamming travelers with this. Chakra can’t be cleaned chemically. At best the tea would relax you and probably help you perk up for ‘brighter chakra’ but that’s about it.”

“The villages surrounding Kannon have always been poverty stricken. They seem to be desperate,” Sakura’s cloaked companion added as they walked shoulder to shoulder along the path. He continued, eyes closed as he mused, “Hmm but bright chakra, Sakura? Never experienced that.” 

Sakura giggled, eyes closed as she placed her bent index finger under her lip. “Oh Sasuke kun...” 

After months of arduous research and testing Sakura succeeded in devising a new strain of antibiotics from the rare violet Uji-cha tea leaf, indigenous to Uji Prefecture of the Land of Tea. Now, thanks to Sasuke’s help, the medic also finished surveying the locations of these wild violet tea plants, buried deep within the lush forested valleys of the Land of Tea. Armed with such invaluable data, Sakura ached to return home and plan with the Hokage on how they’d bring this variety to the fields of the Leaf or even partner with Uji’s leadership in terms of trade and plantation development. 

“I really need to get in touch with Gaara when I get back as well.” Sakura mused, still livened by her discoveries in this region. “Scurvy grass is somewhat common here and with the soil quality and climate, the Sand Village can definitely partner up with farmers here to boost their scarce supply.” 

Sakura knew all too well the issues Sand had faced regarding their medical herb supply. Three years prior when her and her team faced off against Sasori and saved Kankuro, Sakura was familiarized with the Sand’s medical corps. In spite of the arid conditions the medial corps there had functional greenhouses to meet their needs with scurvy grass being the only herb they seemed to have issues cultivating. Her proposal could alleviate this and she was bent on seeing it through. 

It’s been over three weeks since they set off from The Village Hidden in the Leaves for their mission in the Land of Tea and now, upon completing their task, the couple were home bound. Sasuke could see the passion bursting from her voice as she spoke. Indeed, Sakura had blossomed into an ambitious, passionate and pro-active kunoichi from her genin days to her current state. Sasuke knew all too well why exactly she was so passionate about such endeavors though, outside of the groundbreaking strides these projects could make in medicine, especially in the neighbouring Leaf and Sand Villages. Such was her nature. Sakura was the kind of person to overburden herself and sacrifice everything if it meant that she could help those in need...just as she did for him. Right now was an instance like this, Sasuke thought to himself. Sakura wanted more than anything to help as many as she could, to heal this world just as she deals with her patients even if it came at the expense of her own well being. 

Sasuke has been observing for the past weeks just how much Sakura stretched herself thin in her work with no time for rest. On his return to the village he’d seen the Children’s Clinic Sakura had founded and operated while simultaneously carrying out her duties as a medical ninja and a jonin of the leaf. Despite the kindle of pride he felt on Sakura’s accomplishments, the young Uchiha still found himself gripped by uncertainty. 

“If it all goes well then the economy can pick up and those kids and villagers wouldn’t have to struggle like this. Isn’t that right Sakura?” Sasuke said, now joining the conversation, smirking in her direction. “That’s what this is mainly about isn’t it?”

Sakura blushed. “I just wish the kids could live proper lives...I wish they didn’t have the kids in on their scams.” Sakura complained, pursing her lips, obviously still put off by what she experienced. 

“So that’s why you bought so much ‘chakra detox tea’ then, Sakura?” Sasuke retorted, a tiny cracked smile, adorning his face in so doing as he peered down at the pouch in her hand.

Sakura’s cheeks flushed fuchsia as her eyes lowered, meeting the ground, and a faint smile enlivened her face. “Hehe, the kids looked hungry... I...well...”  Indeed. If there was one person who could read her every emotion and see right through ever barrier, facade and secret she held dear, Sakura knew, and treasured, that this person was, is and always will be Sasuke Uchiha, her boyfriend.

“Hmm..” Sasuke mumbled, secretly relishing Sakura’s expression. “You never change, Sakura...” the young Uchiha then teased then he reached, arm extended to the kunoichi beside him, now gazing into his eyes of solid charcoal. In next instant, his fingers carefully met her forehead. “Tap.” 

It’s been like this ever since the war ended and this feeling of pristine calm that washed over the couple since the war ended only evolved upon Sasuke’s return. Sakura yearned for years for Sasuke to be saved from the darkness that tainted his heart and even now she couldn’t believe that Sasuke was back with them, with her. “Sasuke kun..” she smiled, her gentle blush now deepening against the porcelain of her features as she wrapped her slender arm into his own. 

“Probably a few kilometres again,” Sasuke announced as they strode onward. arm in arm. 

“Um-hum.” her only response, Sakura now taking in the moment and the sweetness that has been the norm in these past weeks. 

The past weeks have been soothing and tender for Sasuke and despite what everyone, even that usuratonkachi and the others thought, Sasuke, the stoic adept Uchiha shinobi, rather enjoyed teasing, touching, kissing and expressing himself... in private that is. This current moment, their moment of tranquility, an example of this. 

Unbelievably, after years of anguish Sasuke Uchiha finally found himself living in the light, living in the love he so treasured as an Uchiha. Love for mankind, love for his village, love for his team and the love he felt, a kindle that burnt within him since his genin days, for Sakura Haruno. Sasuke, as intelligent and ruling as he was, still couldn’t foresee this scenario, this dream, that he’d be free from the chains of hatred, cleansed by his journeying and enjoying Sakura, his dear Sakura, fully, completely and selfishly in their seclusion.

Certainly Sasuke Uchiha knew that he enjoyed this mission with Sakura so far. But did he really? As he held Sakura’s delicate arm into his own, sinewy and firm, Sasuke’s mind couldn’t help but wander.

“Sasuke kun look!” Sakura exclaimed as she pointed, her ecstatic outburst rescuing him from his thoughts. “We’re here! Kannon!”

 There, in front of the couple stood the Kannon torii, a soaring crimson entrance at the tip of the hill where they stood. On its horizontal beams, edges lined with accents of charcoal framed the rich scarlet as if keeping it’s vibrancy in check while a neatly carved alabaster plaque nestled in the center between the beams. Sasuke, with his hawk like eyes, could immediately recognize the stamp. Emblazoned in the carved wood was a relief of the Goddess Kannon or Senju Kannon, Kannon of One Thousand Arms, the Goddess of Mercy and of Tea, presiding over the village no doubt as she presides over the pure lands.  

“This is amazing,” Sakura breathed, obviously still mesmerized by her surroundings, as she traced her gentle fingers on the Moon, the symbol of Kannon, carved at the base of the pole where she stood. This structure, a symbol of the Land of Tea itself, the embodiment of devotees’ faith and passion, enthralled the couple. Both Sasuke and Sakura revered the torri with the intricacies of its design generating an impression of safety inexplicably fused with an air of armament as it stood before the village, meeting all entrants. 

Moments passed before their senses took notice of their complete surroundings. On the side of the gateway, framing the edges were rows of towering cherry blossom trees which gently dusted the couple with fresh blooms of petals in the clean summer wind. Petals which melted into Sakura’s hair, Sasuke admired secretly, in an image he didn’t need his sharingan to save into his mind. Clad in her sleeveless blood red qipao dress with her bare milky arms and bright fuchsia strands, some of which framed her delicate features, Sakura, to Sasuke, glowed in this scene.

“The city is really a great shrine for The Goddess Kannon,” Sasuke informed, breaking their silence finally, as they gradually pressed on through the entrance. “That’s why this gate is located here, it’s the entrance for this ‘shrine’.”

“I’ve read about the sage from the West, Lu Yu founding and governing this place hundreds of years ago,” Sakura responded. “But oh Sasuke kun I didn’t think it would be such a magical place,” she added as she gazed downwards into the village that presented itself before her. Her grip on his arms grew tighter as she marveled and Sasuke could feel her excitement through the warmth of her embrace.

Sasuke always found solace in moments like these, in their conversations. Sakura was even brighter than he was and they could go on and on all night talking about a plethora of subjects: jutsu, strategy, medicine, even remembrances of their missions in the past and the time the were apart. Naruto, as much as he enjoyed his company, their arguing, talking and sparring, didn’t reach Sasuke in this way. He didn’t reach him on this level and Kakashi is hokage now and with nothing left to teach Sasuke, was torn between his duties and those smut novels he hid in his desk. Regardless, in this time and in this place Sasuke was grateful that Sakura was here to share it with him, to smile with him.  Sakura’s sunny disposition in these moments was like the first light of spring embracing Sasuke, a ninja so accustomed to loneliness and cold. Certainly, Sasuke was grateful and content in these times. He wasn’t all alone anymore.

“Come on Sakura, let’s go down.”   

As they descended the yellow dirt path towards the valley that was Kannon village, Sakura was enamored, overcome with wonderment at the greenery running across the village. Absolutely, this was The Land of Tea’s capital. Acres of verdant, rich tea plantations dotted the landscape, rows upon rows weaving through the hills and beyond. 

Not only tea, but other, medicinal herbs, as Sakura stated, grew in abundance with various flowers and shrubs stippled among the hills. Beds of flowers bloomed in profusion with shades of scarlet, lemon, violet and indigo painting the landscape, the hills framing Kannon, in vibrant hues. Sasuke even pointed out what appeared to be coffee growing in the distance. Upon witnessing Kannon, Sakura and Sasuke both figured that even the lush flora they had grown accustomed to in this foreign land over these past weeks was now surely outclassed. 

“Sasuke kun. This is amazing” Sakura managed to exhale.

“Hmm.” the young man’s only response though his eyes veered away from the scene as he gazed deeply at the woman at his side.

The abundant fields soon gave way to a lively, bustling market town at the base of the hill and Sakura and Sasuke found themselves wandering through the market of the village’s main street. Sounds of villagers laughing, complaining, bargaining and even fighting livened the streets while scents of steaming street food, enticing perfumes and flowers and of course potent brews scented the air. The couple expertly wove through the crowds while they explored the market taking time for some shopping themselves. 

The assortment of robust teas, fresh herbs and aromatic spices, all reaped from the land, delighted the young medical ninja and Sakura quickly grabbed up everything she could. Sasuke could only find amusement in Sakura’s cheer as he volunteered to help her with her bags. Sakura was passionate in everything that she did and Sasuke as cool and calm as he was was content just by being there with her. Relief washed over Sasuke since, to his knowledge, this was Sakura’s first real moment of selfish joy and relaxation in weeks, probably even months. Every peep of delight that left her voice, every outburst of rage as she bargained with, as she called them, ‘con men’, every brisk motion to pack her bags, everything about Sakura’s zeal, her happiness and her liveliness, to Sasuke, was essential for him, for her, for both of them.

An hour afterwards, after Sakura had dragged Sasuke through each stall, unknowingly to the young Uchiha’s pleasure, the couple were finished. “I can’t believe how many different spices and teas I found here,” Sakura gushed, her hands loaded with bags. “I think Naruto would like the spiced ones.”  However, even while radiating such life and glee, Sasuke couldn’t help but notice that Sakura seemed winded.

“Sakura, how about we sit and have some tea?” Sasuke suggested, his eyes still examining Sakura, the couple still striding through the market street. 

“Sure, Sasuke kun but where? There are so many shops and stalls?”

After moments of looking around Sasuke decided. “Aa, how about over there?” he pointed to a lone tea house on the hill at the street’s end. Sasuke was now anxious to get Sakura off of her feet and with that the duo, loaded with shopping bags, headed for tea. 

 “Where did that come from?” Sakura complained, attempting to nudge Sasuke into a run. 

As the set off for the tea shop Sasuke chose, the sunlit clouds gave way to a heavy shower with bucket fulls drizzling, blessing the farming village. It had come as a shock even to the seasoned kunoichi. The warm climate of The Land of Tea, with its fevered sun and its soft and clear blue skies which held only a few drifting clouds was instantly replaced. Now in its place were murky storm clouds which smothered the sun while pressing down upon the village. Deep steel-blue grays engulfed the sky while torrents of fresh rain beat down, bouncing off buildings and stalls and drenching those outside.

“What unpredictable weather in this land.” Sakura commented, still trying to move Sasuke onward. 

“Sakura...”

“Come on Sasuke kun.” Sakura complained, ignoring Sasuke. “You’ll catch a cold.”

“Sakura, wait.”

As those words left his lips Sakura was pleasantly surprised to feel that the rain had stopped. It was only then, as she peered up with her arms still held in place, sheltering her, that she saw the reason for Sasuke’s nonchalance. 

There, covering the jonin and sheltering both her and Sasuke was the deep violet arm of his susanoo, an aspect of his humanoid guardian now summoned to shelter them. In the safety of Sasuke’s susanoo, the couple could were isolated from the now stormy rain bullet-ting down on the village. Sasuke kun. Sakura knew. 

It may seem insignificant but for Sakura gestures like these, Sasuke’s attention to others is what she loved most about him. He always made sure others were safe and happy. He always could see when something was awry and would try his best to help. Sakura knew that Sasuke didn’t care to shop but still tagged along with her for an hour, never making any fuss. 

As ninja they could have easily sped off to shelter but Sakura knew that Sasuke didn’t want to inconvenience her or have her ruin her paper bags and tea leaves. Once more she could read him as he read her. She slowed down for her. That was the kind of man he was. He was stoic and calm most of the time, he was the world’s deadliest ninja but underneath it all, at his core he was kind and gentle, compassionate and giving. Sasuke noticed details that others would not. Sakura herself didn’t think about her bags yet Sasuke did. 

Thinking about all that pain he went through alone and how this kind man was almost lost forever, Sakura’s heart still ached. All she could muster to the young Uchiha was an effervescent smile in response to his gesture. She wouldn’t know just how much that meant to him. 

Relief settled on Sasuke as he made his way into the tea shop with Sakura. Sakura pushes herself too much, he thought but he was at least appreciative that she’d get an opportunity to rest here. The young Uchiha anticipated their moments of rest where Sakura could calm herself while he could finally confide in her regarding the source of his unease. 

On entering the couple noticed that this tea shop was special in that it apparently doubled as a coffee house. The design served to marry elements of traditional tea houses of which the couple was accustomed with contemporary with aspects of coffee houses which were popping up throughout the five nations since the end of the war. Sasuke and Sakura both never saw a tea house such as this.

Externally, the tea house was seated at the base of another hill, no doubt used for farming as well and boasted two large concrete pillars ash gray in colour. Each pillar, in keeping with the style of the Kannon torri, held carvings of the Goddess Kannon and the full moon embedded at the center. Branching out from each pillar were bone white walls with traditional electric blue-gray roofing crowning their peak. The tea house itself was framed by a lush traditional garden populated by tress of momiji, pine and service berry stippling the premise. Clean white lotus floated in deep glacial-blue pools which lay before the structure of the house itself. The tea house itself radiated an air of calm and sophistication with it’s simple traditional composition. The shop was a simple two story structure composed of fine kiso cypress which inked on a colour of warm yellow onto the surface. Before entry, visitors were met by a long corridor of the matching appearance which at night would be lit by simple paper lanterns hanging from the roof. 

Upon entry they were pleasantly surprised to be greeted, not by traditional Eastern design, but something new. Instead of traditional tea house decor, Sasuke and Sakura were led to their seats, seats of finely varnished cherry wood chairs and round tables. At the back stood the barrister’s kitchen equipped with accouterments and packets of fine teas, fragrant coffees and fresh spices.  The interior, Sakura noticed while Sasuke and her took their seats, channeled more Western elements. After moments in awe the couple were seated, near the window as Sasuke had liked. 

“This is nice” Sakura commented, still looking around as she warmed herself in the heat of the shop in the wake of the pounding rain she could now view at her side. “I can’t wait to order.”

“The rain doesn’t seem like it’s stopping.” Sasuke noted. “Warm drinks would do you well.”

There was a tinge of concern in his words, Sakura noted. Was something bothering Sasuke kun? Surely, Sakura could feel something off about Sasuke today. Maybe he didn’t notice her alertness but Sakura could have sworn that he’d been staring at her more often today and spacing out as if his mind were somewhere else. Was something hurting him? Sakura couldn’t find the answer.

“I’ll just have green tea.” Sasuke instructed to the attendant who arrived soon after.

“Oh I’ll think I’ll have the spiced coffee then.” Sakura added. “The herbs and spices in the coffee promote vitality and can really refresh the body and mind.” she then mentioned to Sasuke who could only stare in return. 

Within seconds the couple were gripping their beverages, piping hot amidst the frosty climate. “Oh Sasuke kun this is nice,” Sakura soon emphasised, her hands now warming against the bone while ceramic mug in her grasp as the aroma of rich spices and potent coffee warmed and spiced the air between them. Sasuke could now see her reaching into her medical pouch. Her brilliant smile was present throughout, he noticed. Sakura...

“So I was thinking, Sasuke kun. What if...”

“Sakura. Enough.”

Those two words from Sasuke halted the jonin mid sentence. His hand now suddenly free of the ceramic reed cup which held his tea.

“Sasuke kun?” Sakura’s voice was heavy with confusion and uncertainty at this point. What had she done? Was Sasuke mad? Sakura could feel it. Sasuke’s interruption seemed to have summoned the frigid rain and gale from outside and thrust it between them. Sasuke could feel tension building. Something has been bothering him. She knew it. 

Sasuke could hold back no longer. It was time he told Sakura the truth. He owed it to her and to himself. As he stared at her, her bright green eyes which seemed a bit worn, meeting the charcoal of his own, Sasuke replied.

“Sakura, what are you reaching for in that pouch of yours?” Sasuke inquired and did so with his voice brimming with his usual seriousness. 

“This is a food pill, Sasuke kun. I was going to...” Once more Sakura was stopped.

“You were going to take a food pill for energy to go with that cup of special spiced coffee you ordered even though you don’t like coffee?” Gradually Sasuke was peeling back the layers and getting to the core of this issue.

“What’s with you all of a sudden, Sasuke kun?” Sakura’s voice faltered a bit a her eye brows arched while peering at her beloved. It was apparent that she wasn’t enthused about the path of this conversation. 

“Sakura. I know. I can see it. Sakura you’re weak.” Sasuke revealed. His expression was now softening and the young Uchiha now could feel it matching Sakura’s, denoting concern.

“I feel it when I hold you. I see it when I look at you. Sakura I know you. You can’t hide anything from me.”

Sakura was totally at a loss for words. What is he saying? Naturally, she had a lot on her plate but she wasn’t weak. She was fine.

“Sasuke kun. No that’s not true.”

 “Sakura please. Kakashi and Naruto told me all about your late hours and endless projects.” Sasuke’s hand was now gripping hers as he stared at her, the endless night of his eyes radiating an intensity and power, carrying it into hers. Sasuke was going to get through to her. 

“Even on this trip you’ve been waking late, constantly planning. You’ve gotten thinner. You’re taking those pills often. Sakura you...” Slowly his grip was tightening as if he were pulling her into his hearth. Sakura couldn’t escape him. In this faraway land, the steam of their coffee and tea bathing them in warmth, Sakura was trapped or rather Sasuke was forcing something out of her. 

“Sasuke kun...” Sasuke could sense her passion erupting. It was coming to the forefront of this discussion just as it had flared when she confessed to him during the war. “You’re wrong.”

“Sakura”

“Sasuke kun.” It was now that Sakura took charge. “Please understand. The war changed me. It changed everything. Why can’t you see it?”

“I know what the world is like. I’ve seen it on my travels.”

“Then you should understand then shouldn’t you? Naruto and Kakashi sensei might not but you know. You understand just how terrible this world is.”

Sasuke sat silent. Sakura was speaking. He could not, he would not fight back. 

Undeniably Sakura was Sakura and she could not and would not stop herself from letting out everything she felt, everything she knew, everything she yearned for. No, not in front of Sasuke. It was not in the nature of her relationship to keep her feelings stifled. 

“Hmm.”

“We may have won the war but Sasuke kun the world is suffering. Every where I look people, children are suffering. Entire nations have been ruined thanks to that war and honestly things were already bad before it!” 

Sasuke could see and feel the conviction and raw passion brightening her pallor and coating each word. 

“Sasuke kun I thought you’d understand. I need to do everything, everything in my power as a medical ninja, as a jonin of the leaf and student of the hokage to change this world!” 

Alas, Sasuke would not relent even for Sakura, no he would not relent precisely because it was Sakura.

“Aa. So that’s it then Sakura?” Sasuke mused, reclaiming his role as he did so. “You’re just going to work yourself to the bone, kill off yourself to try to save this world?” 

“Sasuke kun...”

“Sakura. I cannot lose anyone precious to me ever again. I will not lose anyone precious to me ever again. You’re the one who can’t understand. Sakura your safety is what matters and I am not letting you die to try to save this world.” 

“I won’t.”

“Yes you will. I’m not like Naruto and Kakashi and you of all people know that. You know that I see right through you. I know you better than anyone has or ever will and the same is true with you knowing me.”

“Sasuke kun I don’t...”

“This world is broken but we can all work together to fix it. Sakura, you, Naruto and Kakashi taught me that. One person cannot change the world.” 

Sasuke expression weakened and as was so rare, Sakura could see desperation and vulnerability painting his stoic features as he pleadingly caught her in his glance. The young jonin, the strongest woman in the world couldn’t fight anymore and in the hearth of the tea shop, Sasuke’s hand covering hers among the warmth of their drinks, she broke down. 

As tears cascaded down her face, now worn from stress and her recent conversation Sakura could feel Sasuke’s hand leave her however she was still overcome with emotions and struggling to come to terms with this resolution. In these past couple of years since the war Sakura had drowned herself in work and had dedicated everything to help others. But was she wrong? Had she neglected her own will of fire and rejected those she loved in doing so? Had desperation forced her to ignore reality? Everyone, I’m sorry. Ino, Naruto, Kakashi sensei, Tsunade sama, everyone is here. The entire village, no the alliance is here. Sasuke kun is here. Maybe, she thought, she could share her burden with others. Maybe, just as she told Naruto in the war, she didn’t have to do it all by herself. 

“Sakura. The village is there. Naruto, Kakashi, Ino are there. Sakura I am here.” Suddenly she shuddered as her face reddened once more. Sasuke’s was now at her side, kneeling, his gentle hand catching the tears as they fell, Sasuke; Sasuke tenderly wiping them off. “Team seven taught me that we’re never alone.”

“Oh Sasuke kun” Sakura was now once more in his embrace, her tender arms wrapped around his lithe frame as she buried her face into his chest still crying. “I love you Sasuke kun, thank you.” Sakura smiled at him, her warm, sunny smile reappearing.

“Hmm.” A gentle smile graced Sasuke’s features as he lifted her chin, her eyes now meeting his own. 

“And Sasuke kun...you were right... You really do know me better than anyone ever has or ever will.”

“Tap.”

Days passed by in Kannon village where Sakura and Sasuke decided to rest for a while before continuing their journey home. Kakashi would get his report delivered by the hawk, Sasuke decided. Once more the couple found themselves in the tea shop as once more, torrents of rain and forceful wind forced them there. This time, however, Sakura chose her favourite jasmine tea while Sasuke, again, opted for his preferred and potent green. 

“Sakura, there was something else I wanted to discuss with you for a while now.” Sasuke’s comment seemed to come out of nowhere.

Sakura responded, still apparently enjoying the fragrance of jasmine and the embrace of its warmth.

“Yes Sasuke kun? Sasuke-kun what is it?” 

Moments passed.

“Marry me?”

[heyaritou]

SasuSaku Month 2018 • Day 19 • Coffee & Tea

I'm so, so, so, soooo happy to post this♥ I love my babies with all my freakin' heart and I wanna cry right now because it has been so many years and we're still here loving and supporting these two characters.

I really feel nostalgic today, but I have spent a lot of time without contributing anything to the ship and I feel that this is the perfect moment to do it again.