YOU'LL NEVER KNOW

The atmosphere was comforting, the relatively cool wind was a proof of winter being on its way. The citizens were cheery and optimistic, probably due to the recent change in the temperature. Another peaceful night in a peaceful village. Majority of the population could be seen on the roads, in the warm coffee shops or at the dango outlets and the all time famous ichiraku ramen, too was surrounded by a bunch of inhabitants for the hero of the village was treating his rival after his return from his journey.

A mob of young girls was circling the place where the two best friends were sitting and enjoying their meals. One was the ever popular blonde, the student of the current hokage and the other was a previous S-class rouge with some rare stunning features. His long bangs were covering his left eye and his form was covered with a brown cloak.

The Squeaks made by the teenage girls could be heard loud and clear and without a doubt, it was annoying the last Uchiha.

For a moment, he regreted coming back to his village but at the same, felt happy that the villagers were ready to accept him again. They were not despising him, they were not loathing him. Deep down, he felt satisfied and for a second, he was proud of helping the helpless during the war.

He twirled some of the ramen in his chopsticks and looked over at the blonde, who seemed to have finished yet another bowl. A smile appeared on his face while recalling their memories as genin.

Had they always been this way?

''You didn't change, did you.'' A sigh escaped his lips as he stated his comment.

''One can't just forget the delicious taste of ramen.'' Naruto grinned.

''You sure are popular now.'' he said, looking over at the crowd surrounding them.

''Someone has to compete you.'' he shrugged his shoulders, smiling.

''Hn.''

The raven haired avenger continued with his meal but in his heart, he felt something missing. He felt as if his heart was somewhere else as he dropped his chopsticks. He looked over his shoulder and took a look at the squealing fangirls. He was reminded of a certain pinkette and a smile crossed his thin lips.

''Are you worried about Sakura-chan?'' Naruto's voice caused him to focus on his companion and he nodded in refusal. ''She's at the hospital probably. She's been very busy lately, that's why you haven't met her yet.''

He was probably the only person who could read the mysterious avenger like an open book but little did Naruto know, she was the first one to welcome him, The first one to embrace him and the first one he got to see as soon as he stepped inside the village under the cover of the dark night.

But it was true that he didn't get to see her again and that he was missing her presence. He have never had ramen with Naruto without Sakura by their side before.

Finishing the meal, he stood up from his stool and thanked the ramen guy.

''where to?'' Naruto asked with an eyebrow raised.

''Home.'' he stated before walking away.

''See you around!''

It was difficult for him to get through the crowd of youngsters, who were literally throwing themselves on him, but he made it out in one piece. He raised a hand as 'goodbye' to Naruto and started walking to his right, which Naruto knew, wasn't the road that led to his house.

A breath escaped her rosy lips as she finshed her final survey at the hospital. Signing the very last pages of the file in her hands, she took one last look at her compound as she placed her white coat on a shelf and turned off the lights. Locking the door, she encountered Shizune, a black haired medic and a good, old friend of hers. Shizune smiled at her as she approached the rosette from afar and the medic waved a hand at her in response.

''How is it going, Sakura?''

''The patients seem to be doing fine.''

''I didn't mean that! it's about Sasuke-san. He's back from his journey, I've heard it from the rookies, How is it going between you two?''

A part of her felt guilty for not being able to be with him for two days but at the same time, she felt happy by remembering the night they spent talking as soon as he returned. She had never been that happy before that day.

Uchiha Sasuke came to see her, she was the first one to greet him, the first one he met, the first one he talked to. She felt blessed. She felt satisfied.

''Um, well.'' her cheeks started burning up but she successfully hid the blush under the cover of a smile. ''I guess, fine.''

''I hope he stays longer this time.'' the black haired medic patted her back.

''I-Its dark, I should be going now.'' Sakura stated, nervous and embarrassed at the same time.

''Good luck! and good night!''

''Good night.'' smiling, the pinkette started walking towards the exit of the building.

The first thing she felt after stepping out was the cold wind that she enjoyed a lot. Thankfully, she was wearing a warm, red sweater thus preventing herself from shivering. She stayed on her spot, just enjoying every second of the contact her skin made with the wind and all she wanted was to enjoy a hot cup of coffee as soon as she got home.

''Sakura?''

A very familliar, soothing voice entered her ears and she immediately faced the direction of its origin. The raven-haired man, she loved so much, was standing only some metres away from her, having his usual stoic expression on his face with his eyes fixed on his former team mate.

''Sasuke-kun?- what are you doing here, at the hospital? do you need something?'' an expression of worry was radiant in her emerald orbs as he nodded his head, no.

''I was just passing by. Its late, I'll walk you home.'' He stated and started to walk.

Sakura followed him from behind and caught up to his pace, walking side by side with him. A warm smile, that he missed so much, was decorating her soft features and even though he didn't show it, his heart warmed up.

''How have you been, Sasuke-kun? Have you met Naruto?''

''Hn. I was at ichiraku with him just now.''

''That Idiot. He doesn't think of anything but ramen, even after being married for a long time now.'' she sighed.

''Hn.'' he smirked at the realization of how much of a grown up his rival was now. Imagining a matured, married Naruto was something he had never thought he would see.

''You really missed his wedding, Sasuke-kun. He was acting all high and mighty!'' she chuckled as she was reminded of when Naruto came running to her saying how he was going to get married and how he defeated Sasuke in this game. ''He's finally grown up.''

''That dobe. I still can't imagine him married.'' nonchalantly, he stated.

She laughed at the thought of weird, little Narutos running in the streets of Konoha and Naruto running after them.

She didn't realize when she reached her little apartment and entered the building. Taking the stairs, she stood at her floor and looked over at Sasuke who could now be seen clearly under the lit lights. His deep, onyx eyes were visible to her and she felt longing to look into those eyes of him, to get drowned in the deep, dark sea that once made her fall for him.

Wanting to spend some more time with him, she offered him to stay for a while and he nodded his head, accepting her invitation, after a moment of thinking.

As much as he tried to deny it, he wanted to talk to her, to spend time with her, to stay with her. Even if it were for a second. For she was the reason why he came back. He knew even if everyone else rejected him, his best friend and the girl next to him were sure to welcome him with open arms. And he was grateful to them, with all his heart.

They entered the little apartment and Sasuke took a good look at her small house. The place where she lived. The place where she stayed, waiting for him to return.

A table was placed, at a distance from the entrance. At the right side of the table was the living room, he assumed- and most likely, the place where they spent that night talking and the place where Sakura fell asleep. At the left was the kitchen and the bedroom door could be seen. The room where he had left her sleeping.

A picture of Sakura with her parents, another picture of the medic with her blonde rival, Ino and a picture of her with Naruto was fixed on a wall. His heart skipped a beat and he was overwhelmed with emotions as his eyes caught sight of their team 7 genin photo which was placed with a lot of care on a small table, beside a vase of golden daffodils.

Just how much did she care for them?

How much did she care for him?

''Make yourself comfortable, Sasuke-kun. I'll go make some hot coffee.''

Sakura's melodious voice brought his mind back from wandering as he nodded and watched as she disappeared in her bedroom.

He carefully walked over to the couch in her living room and removed his cloak since her appartment was warm enough to save him from any cold.

After a few minutes, she came out of her room and saw the former avenger sitting on her couch with his eyes fixated on her. She had changed into her casual green shirt and white pants after washing her face and refreshing herself. She gave him a smile as she proceeded to the kitchen to prepare two mugs of hot, delicious coffee.

He watched her back as she prepared for her task. How she had grown into a fine, young woman, he could hardly imagine. The silly, little twelve year old Sakura was now the strongest kunoichi of the world, walking in the footsteps of her mentor. He wondered how a woman could change as much as she did.

Naruto wasn't the only one that matured, after all.

After preparing two white mugs filled with coffee , she walked over to the Uchiha and offered him a cup, which he gladly took.

Taking a seat at a comfortable distance from him, she watched him take small sips of the liquid as she did the same.

''Um, how long will you stay, Sasuke-kun?''

''A month probably.''

''I see.''

A saddened expression ruled her face but to not look so upset she replaced it with a forced smile. Al least she could spend the little time he had with him.

''You're over working.''

His comment brought her out of her thoughts as she took his words in.

''Eh?'' came out of her mouth, involuntarily.

''At the hospital. I can sense you low on chakra.'' His expressions were as impossible to read as ever.

''Rookies are going on missions and coming back injured.'' she stated, rubbing her head and chuckling. ''I can't just leave them be, can I. I'll be back to normal after a good night's rest.''

''Don't overdo anything.''

She awkwardly smiled at him and couldn't figure out if he was ordering her or advising.

The rest of the time was spent with Sakura telling him about stories from Naruto's wedding and how he invited the whole village and made Hinata nervous and how she and Ino fought to buy a gift for them. She told him about Shikamaru and Choji dating girls from other villages and about Ino's engagement to Sai.

Sasuke just looked at her the whole time, taking in the changes that took place in his absense. After she stopped talking, they stayed in a comfortable silence for a while until he realized how late it was and how tired Sakura might be.

''Its late. I should be leaving now.'' he stated standing up from his place.

''Y-Yes.'' she said while standing right after him and walking him to the door.

Opening the door for him, much to his surprise, she gave him another one of her genuine smiles which only he received from her.

''See you again, Sasuke-kun! Good night.'' she waved her hand as he stepped out.

''Hn.'' smirking, he raised his hand and minded his mere way.

The winter in Konoha was on its peak. The change in the clothing of the residents and the newly opened spots of hot chocolate was the proof of it.

A dark-haired avenger and a heroic blonde could be seen sitting in one of those spots along with the Yamanaka-to-be artist and the blonde Yamanaka herself, enjoying the cold breeze and the hot mugs of coffee.

''Hey traitor, how are things going on between you and her?'' Sai stated with one of his characteristic smiles.

The coffee got caught in the throat of the Uchiha as he glared at the source of the voice.

''Ne Sasuke, I was also wondering after you didn't go back directly to your house that day.'' the blonde raised his eyebrow in suspicion, receiving another glare from the Snake sannin.

''Sai, you didn't mean the forehead, did you?'' the heiress of the Yamanaka joined the conversation.

''Indeed. I saw him leaving her apartment at night, two days ago.'' Sai explained.

''Sa-su-ke.'' Naruto narrowed his eyes at the sole Uchiha survivor earning an eye roll from him.

''I don't know what you're talking about.'' he justified, nonchalantly.

''So you didn't go to the hospital and waited for her for two hours and picked her up and walked her home?'' Fakely heart-broken, the Uzumaki said.

''Are you stalking me?'' Sasuke eyed him, intensely, sending shivers down the spine of the blonde idiot.

''So you did go to her apartment.'' Ino winked. ''Keep it up, Sa-su-ke.. kun.''

Irritated, Sasuke stood up from his stool and left the small cafe. Leaving three suspicious ninjas behind.

''were you really trailing him, Naruto?'' Ino raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

''I was suspicious when he suddenly left ichiraku's when I mentioned Sakura-chan.'' Naruto explained.

Three different looks were exchanged among the trio before they started to laugh their hearts out.

''The traitor really is interesting.'' the laughing artist said between chuckles.

He paced back and forth as he waited for the kunoichi- standing in the dark, near the hospital of Konohagakure she worked in. It had been three hours since he came to pick her up and she was no where to be seen. His pace quickened and his patience was minimizing with every passing second.

His eyes caught sight of the well-known medic, Shizune and he silently approached her from behind.

''Hey?'' he questioned making her jump and break the conversation she was having with a young medic. Turning around she hid her surprise and raised an eyebrow with a smile decorating her features.

''How can I help you, Sasuke-san?''

''Have you seen Sakura lately?'' he asked with his usual expressionless face.

''Um..'' she placed a finger on her chin. ''She didn't come to the hospital today -You should check her house.'' she suggested.

He nodded and turned around to the direction of her home. So many thoughts running in his mind,

worry,

suspicion,

panic.

He quickly barged into the building and knocked her door. Getting no answer, he decided to break through it but got even more trepidatious when he found out her door unlocked. In a second he entered inside and found out her place to be a disaster.

''Sakura?'' he called out as he started to walk further into her house.

Dishes were left dirty in the sink, used coffee cups were placed on the table, clothes were scattered on the couch and the small table of her living room was messed up with scrolls and medical books.

Fear ran through every nerve of his body and he quickly entered her bedroom, without knocking.

What he found out, made his heart ache and his mind confused.

She was laying there on her bed, with tissue papers scattered around the whole room. Her study table was decorated with heavy books and the whole scene was a mess. Her body felt lifeless and pale and she seemed barely conscious.

He slowly kneeled down beside the bed and placed a hand on her forehead.

She was cold.

Her heavy eyelids tried opening themselves but all she could do was mutter little nothings. Her eyes took a glance of his face before closing once again. He looked at her with such a tender expression that he might have never shown before.

Standing up, he walked out of her room and to the kitchen to grab a bowl of warm water and a piece of cloth. Sitting by the side of her bed, he started the healing process he knew he was incapable of doing.

As he placed the wet cloth on her forehead, he was reminded of the time when he was unconcious in the forest of death and she tried to heal him even when she knew she couldn't. He remembered that pink spark he would see everytime he tried to open his heavy eyelids. A piece of his heart pained at the memory and he tried to concentrate his attention to the sick girl.

How ironic that she learnt to heal the injured with the green chakra and mend broken hearts with the emotion called love and all he was still capable of was hurting and causing pain.

''S-Sasuke..'' she whispered as she tried to open her eyes again, but failing to do so, all she could do was mutter what she needed.

He softly pulled her hair away from her forehead and massaged her scalp, in a way that told her that he was there for her. A small smile appeared on her face as he kept on rubbing her head.

''I'm here. Don't worry.'' he whispered.

She opened her eyes and felt so much better than before. It felt as if her body was stronger than ever and her mind and heart felt light and relieved. She sat up on her bed and tried to take in her surroundings. The room was cleaner than she had remembered and a very familiar chakra could be sensed.

She slowly got off the bed and walked out of her bedroom only to find the mighty Sasuke Uchiha in the kitchen, Cooking.

''S-Sasuke-kun?'' her eyes shot opened as she saw him in her kitchen.

She knew she had felt him around her all the time she was unconscious like when she would shiver at night, he would let her hold his hand or when she would try to speak, he would softly rub her cheeks or place his warm hand on her forehead or when she would try to call out his name, he would either peck her knuckles or mostly her forehead. Even though they were mere blurred images, she was sure about him being there for her.

To hold her.

To heal her.

He was finally there for her after two long years of waiting. He had finally kept his promise and he had finally returned home.

''what are you doing here? go to bed. You're sick.'' he stated with his usual stoic expression.

''I'm fine now. What are you doing?''

''That doesn't concern you.''

''Um, you are in my kitchen?'' she reminded him.

He sighed at her stubbornness and proceeded to where she was standing.

''w-wha-'' she protested as he held her up on his shoulder using his lone arm, holding her frame tightly.''p-put me d-down!''.

He gently placed her on the bed and brought up the covers to her neck.

''You're staying here.'' he said and left the room with a shocked Sakura behind.

She did as she was told to and stayed still until he got back with a tray of breakfast. She kept her gaze firmly on him, not moving a single inch and saw as he sat on the other side of her bed.

''How long have you been- I mean- here, Sasuke-kun?''

''Here. Eat it.''

He completely ignored her question and left the room after handing over the tray to her. Pissed, she didn't say a word and quietly ate the food as the growling of her stomach was a proof of her hunger.

It was noon and time for her to leave for work. She grabbed the necessary medical books and her stethoscope. Changing into her usual clothes, she aimed to get to her destination as soon as possible since she hadn't been there for two days due to illness.

''where do you think you're going?'' a tall figure blocked her path.

''To- work.'' she said, matter-of-factly.

''No, you're not.'' he said taking away the books from her hands. ''You need to rest.''

''B-But, I haven't gone to the hospital for two days!'' she protested.

''Because you were sick.'' he said with his back in front her. He placed the books on the table before turning around and facing her.

''I'm fine now. I'm not a baby I can take care of myself.''

He could now see a fire burning in her eyes and the scenes from the night two days ago flashed in his mind. How she was trembling and telling him to not go in her sleep. How she was squeezing his hand everytime she felt cold. How he would have to comfort her and rub her back and hug her. How tears were escaping from her eyes and how he would wipe them away. How she slept that night holding his hand near her heart from where he could clearly feel her heartbeat. Her raging heart beat.

He grabbed her hand gently and turned around, hiding the saddened expression on his face and leading her to the previous room.

''You can't go.'' he said in a voice that made her heart ache. It was the same way he whispered thank you in her ear, two years ago and she was left speechless.

She brought up the covers to her face, trying to save herself from the cold. Her feet were icy-cold and so were her hands. Hugging the pillows tightly, she crawled into a small ball in attempt to feel warm but nothing helped at all. She suddenly thought about Sasuke, who was sleeping on the couch. Thinking he might be cold as well, she decided to check on him and slowly got off the bed.

The wooden floor felt even colder but nothing stopped her from knowing about his well-being. She took small steps until she was finally out of the bedroom. Carefully walking upto where he was, she stopped in her tracks as she saw him laying on the couch with his arm under his head and a thin blanket barely covering his body. She felt a tear escaping her eye as she ran back to her room to get her own, warm blanket for him.

She covered him properly upto his chest and sat down on the cold floor. The cold didn't bother her anymore but the actions of the last Uchiha.

Why was he even here?

Why did he act different?

Why did he even care?

She couldn't get to the conclusion as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, taking in his bewitching scent and letting her mind wander.

At least he was finally with her.

As he felt something cold yet soft touching his body, he tried opening his eyes. Sure it wasn't too pleasing after not being able to sleep for two days. As soon as his eyes caught sight of something pink, a certain face appeared in his mind. What if she were with him right now? he shot open his eyes when the 'realization of no longer being on the journey' hit him.

Seeing her head down and her naked legs n' her sleepy face and feeling the coldness of the room, he immediately brought her upto his chest and covered her with the blankets.

Over flowed with emotions, he was reminded of their night spent alone in the hospital after the war and how she always cared for his comfort even when she was suffering. She had always been this way and he had always caused her pain.

Just how much she had tolerated him.

How much she had endured the pain.

How much she had loved him.

Guiltridden, he brought her closer to himself and wrapped his arm around her shoulder before whispering 'goodnight' in her ear.

TBC

A/N: My goal with this story is to show some of their moments from when Sasuke finally returned at the age of 19 or 20. (I've also written a story returning home about it, It'll help you if you read it first. But it ain't exactly a sequel).

I wanted it to be a oneshot but the words were exceeding the limit. Its going to be three or four chapter long. Approximately 15k words. (at least that's what I plan to do. xD)

Different sides of Sasuke are shown which only Sakura could see. It will have some team 7 moments as well and probably some SaiIno, too.

I hope you'll support this story.

Any review or suggestion is highly appreciated.