What was Lost, What was Gained

ch. 1

Sakura's POV

I looked up at the grey sky, it's been the same for so long. The wind picked up my hair.

It had been six months since Sasuke had returned and team seven had become the offical Akatsuki tracker team. Still things were not as great as I had hoped. So far we have had no real leads on Itachi, Sasuke is becoming impatient. Naruto and I were the only ones who are concerned, well at least I am. I know Sasuke's limit before he does something-drastic. "Sakura?-Hey Sakura!"

My head snapped up towards the yellow haired youth running towards me. I smiled. Of course my smile couldn't match Narutos', as he waved both his arms in the air. We were all suppose to meet at the ramen shop today, Kakashi said he had something to talk to us.

"Hey Naruto."

My voice gave away my slightly depressed mood. Naruto's smile dropped, barely.

"Something wrong?"

I shoke my head.

"No, I'm okay. Just noticing it was going to rain, I'm sick of the rain. All week I have barely seen the sun. Kinda forgetting what it looks like."

I lightly laughed. Still Naruto's mood lighted again. Nauro rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah, I guess your right. I'm not a big fan of rain any more either."

I knew what he meant. No one on team seven liked rain, it held bad memories for a lot of us. It rained when Sasuke nearly killed Naruto at the Valley of the end, and it rained the morning Naruto told me Sasuke had gotten away.

"Geez Sakura, you really are out of it. Come on we're going to be late. We don't want Mr. Grouch getting on our cases for making him wait."

I smiled. I simply nodded and ran beside Naruto. Like always Sasuke was leaning against the wall, looking like he was peacefully sleeping. He straighten up when Naruto and I approached. Seeing him always made me feel both reliefed and worried. I still couldn't believe that he had finally returned to the village after three years, yet, I'm worried because there is the chance he could leave again. I know I couldn't handle that, I would die.

"About time you two showed up, what took so long?"

Sasuke said in his low voice, really sounding like he didn't care. I let Naruto take the reins.

"Why be here on time? We know Kakashi-sensei won't be here for another hour or so."

That was perfect logic that neither one of us could arguing with. The three of us walked in taking our usual seats, Naruto, Sasuke and then me. Naruto ordered for all three of us. The rained really began to pour down. I could barely hear Naruto and Sasuke talk about what they think Kakashi had to say. I caught the sentences...'new make-out pardaise'...and...'lechure on team work.' My thoughts drifted to the rain, for the last few days I couldn't settle down. I hadn't gotten a good nights' sleep in almost a week. The ramen arrived but I wasn't hungry, all I could think about was Sasuke. I don't mean in my little girl crush way like back when we were genin. I was worried but I know he would be annoyed if I said anything about worrying about him. Yes, things have changed. Six months ago Sasuke and I had well...come together. Despite how distant he could be Sasuke had told me he loved me and that he didn't want to go anywhere without Naruto and I. Sasuke was never a affection person but things were no where near what they were when all the rookies were fighting against the sound. Maybe he only admitted those feelings because we were going to die? I don't know but I almost can't stand to be in the same room as him anymore without wanting to run away, to run from him. I'm always afraid of what he might say to me.

"Sakura."

I turned at Narutos' voice.

"Are you going to finish that?"

His finger was pointed at the bowl of untouched ramen in front of me. I pushed the bowl down the counter, Naruto gladly accepted and began devouring it with his chopsticks.

"Sakura, I need to talk to you. Now."

Sasuke turned and hopped of his stoll, he looked at me once more and walked outside. I hesitated looking at Naruto who didn't seem to notice. This was the kind of moment my nerves have been fearing. I sighed and followed. Sasuke was leaning against the side of the ramen shop. I kept my distance not looking anywhere but my feet. He said nothing, which was code for I had to speak first.

"Um, you wanted to talk...Sasuke."

He stilled didn't say anything. I sighed.

"What's bothering you? All week you have been-acting strange. Not eating as much as you should, not talking as much as you normally do. Not to mention every time I come around you, get tense and distant...Is there something you want to talk to me about?"

My hands found their way into my hair, a nervous habit of mine.

"Nothing, really."

"If it was nothing you would look me in the eye."

His voice was a little harsher. I was surprised when his hand found my face and tilted my chin up, my eyes met his. I tried to look away but he wouldn't let me.

"Sakura."

He growled. His eyes bore into mine.

"I...I'm afraid."

My voice cracked, it sounded like shame instead of fear.

"Of what? Do you think I will harm you?"

His voice didn't lose its sharp tone, I gained control of mine, kinda.

"For a while now you have been, upset, uneasy. I know its because its been a while since anything on Itachi has come up and you want to badly to find him. It's just the last time you were this worked up about 'him' you took things into your own hands and ..."

My eyes fell to the ground but like a magnet my eyes found his again.

"You left. I'm afraid you'll leave again. You'll leave the village, Naruto and me."

I wanted to cry but didn't. Every night I have had nightmares of Sasuke, each time he left me in one way or another. I made a promise a long time ago I wouldn't cry infront of him anymore.

"Sakura."

His voice sounded more upset. He nodded his head, negatively.

"I told you, I'm not going anywhere without you and Naruto. I meant that. Now stop being foolish."

I nodded.

"Yeah I know but then-"

I was cut off swiftly. Sasuke pressed his lips on mine with the most gentle pressure,then he pulled away. His face was not exactly happy but less angry.

"Sakura, What I said months ago I meant. None of that has changed, but that also means that like I said then killing Itachi has to be my first goal. The thing I have to give everything I got too. Then when he his dead and six feet under, I promise you I'll move on."

His hand brushed my cheek for a second and then found its way to his pocket. My smile spread across my face to the point it would make Naruto proud. In so many words Sasuke was saying he still loved me and that I was being silly in questioning it. It was funny almost. To anyone who would have over heard they would think Sasuke was being cruel in putting revenage before me but I knew Sasuke. What he was saying was like any other man saying 'I love you'.

"You're right. Don't worry about me anymore Sasuke. Like I said six months ago, I'll stand with you when we find your brother."

I pushed up on the tips of my toes and kissed him on the cheek, a small smirk appeared on his face.

"Let's go inside."

Sasuke put on his blank 'could be thinking anything' face and we walked back into ramen shop. No matter what happen my smile wasn't going away, even the rain couldn't bother me now.