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RENEGADE UCHIHA AND LINGERING SHADOWS-

BE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT!

Oh my gosh! Its been so long since Ive updated Aftereffect! I'M SOOO SORRY :( Ive been juggling two jobs on top of school, my social life and trying to write! But enough of that, the update is here, and I want to give a special thanks to all my devoted followers, YOU GUYS ARE THE REASON WHY I UPDATE!

The lovely ShiningSAKURAA has honored the fic with a lovely drawing/sketch of SasuSaku at the banquet with the outfits I had chosen on the links on my page! It's surreal, really. I cant believe you would go through the effort, and time to draw something so beautiful with nothing in return. Its so humbling, I'm honored. Thank you! The Link will be on my page, check it out!

And a special thanks to ElevatedJewel!-I'm sorry the update took so long, but from the moment I read your reviews, I wanted to give a personal thanks for giving your input, and support! I really appreciate hearing that they are all in character and that my style seemes to be on par with the story-line... Means a lot, thank you!

Heads up, this chapter may feel a bit like a filler, becuase it sort of is for the final chapter... But this is important to get the momentum going.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

She wanders within engulfing shadows.

Shapeless and without form.

Hushed voices, she cant make sense of filter the air.

But amidst them all one stands loudest.

One calls out to her by name.

'Sakura.'

So distant, yet so familiar.

The rosette circles in place within the dark expanse of nothingness.

'Sakura.'

He calls again, louder this time around.

And she knows.

She recognizes that hard tenor.

"Sakura, I've lost my way."

Abruptly, he materializes before her.

His body hunched forward, his skin grey and covered in disease.

Her heart sinks.

"Dad..?"

He stumbles forward, his face so tight with emotion, the sight has her knee's buckling.

"Please forgive me, Hanami..."

She advances toward him without much thought.

Though everything seems to be moving in slow-motion.

"Sakura-"

His frail form sways, as he takes an unsteady step towards her.

What is happening?

The rosette hurries her steps.

"Please-"

Kizashi's feet begin to de-materialize, turning to ash.

Sakura hastens to a sprint, but she cant seem to reach him fast enough.

"Dad!"

His unraveling quickens before her eyes.

Almost there, hang on!

"Please, forgive me."

His plea hangs in the air, just as Sakura closes in, her open arms reaching for him.

She stumbles forward, not meeting flesh, only ash.

No!

She's too late.

The hushed voices are back again.

She cant make sense of a single word but they're so loud.

She drops to her knee's, covering her ears as anguish and fear grip her.

"DAD!"

Sakura's upper body hurdled up-right, as she sucked in a sharp breath.

Wild pink locks were swept away from her face with quivering fingers as wide eyes took in their surroundings - finding a luminescent glow streaming in through the window and illuminating all furnishings within the confines of the room.

The darkness was no more.

She swallowed at her dry throat.

It was just a dream.

Though, it differed from her nightmares entirely.

It felt real.

Heart pounding rapidly, her palms pressed against the center of her naked chest reflexively.

Naked - she was so naked.

The events from just a few hours ago came flooding into her vivid memory.

Sasuke...

An intense wave of heat hit the rosette, taking her breath away completely and painting her cheeks scarlet.

Just breathe.

Sakura pulled the silk sheets up her torso and took a deep breath to ease the tension but the unexpected warmth from a hand on her shoulder had her neck jerking to the source. Her edgy green gaze shifted from Sasuke's clouded ebony depths to the clock on his grey, wooden desk.

It read 4:46 am.

"I - I'm sorry I woke you... Just had a bad dream." She managed to say without a tremor in her voice.

His expression remained unreadable as he shifted his upper body towards the dresser to return with the cup of water she had brought up earlier. She muttered her thanks' and drank until her parched throat was soothed.

Sasuke took the cup from her, and set it down on the desk before encircling the rosette's waist with a single arm and pulling her down with him.

Somehow, he managed to get a small smile out of her.

They lay on their sides, facing each-other with Sasuke's muscular arm draped over her torso, keeping her close. She took in his sleep-laced features, and couldn't help but run her fingers through his tousled black locks.

"Was it about your mother?" Sasuke's gentle voice intoned within the comfortable silence within the room.

Though he asked her a question, she was much too distracted by his sleep-induced voice to answer right away.

Gratey, low and absolutely enslaving.

She decided then, that it was her favorite.

Sakura let out a weighted sigh,"...It was about my dad."

His hand on the small of her back traced up and down the curve of her spine in a lazy manner and Sakura shivered. She caught his gaze, finding his expression to be one of expectancy and so, summarized the confusing dream as best as she could.

"It was a dark and formless place... He was really sick, could barely stand on his two feet and - and he turned to ash before I could reach him... It was, weird."

She suddenly felt self-conscious for reasons that were beyond her... Both emotionally and physically.

What was wrong with her?

He had seen her stripped naked - she was still naked for crying out loud.

Absentmindedly, Sakura lightly crossed her arms over her blooms, and it didn't go unnoticed by the raven-haired boy beside her.

Sasuke's demeanor became somewhat curious,"Did he say anything?"

The rosette gulped,"He - He was..." she paused, closing her eyes,"He was asking for forgiveness, over and over."

"Hn."

Her green eyes squinted open,"What?"

Sasuke's caressing hand came to rest on the slope of her neck,"You should talk to him."

"I have nothing to say to him."

A single elegant brow arched in response,"He's a prick... But he cares about you."

She snorted at his choice of words and the fact that Kizashi 'caring' couldn't be further from the truth but she decided to appease him.

"I'll think about it..." The rosette affirmed before another thought arose that she couldn't really ignore. But, should she risk asking him? Well, they were on the topic, it wasn't as if it would be far-fetched... But she would have to tread lightly.

Clearing her throat, Sakura began - hesitantly,"Do you - have you ever, dreamed about your dad... After everything?"

Her breathing slowed to nearly a stop as she watched him closely.

Sasuke didn't appear at all offended by the question, in fact, she wasn't sure he'd heard her at all. His focus was on his calloused hand, that was currently tracing small patterns over her collar-bone.

Was it a distraction tactic?

...Well, it was working.

She found herself unable to resist not touching him back.

One slender hand un-crossed from her chest and pressed flat against his warm bust, trailing up his taut muscles.

Sakura was mesmerized by the smooth, pale flesh beneath her palm. The soft rise and fall of his chest, the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. She found herself leaning in the few inches between them to gently press her lips over where his heart beat, up his shoulder, and along his throat throat before burying her face in the crook of his neck. Goodness, everything about him was addictive.

He shifted against the pillow, re-wrapping his arm around her, and pulling her to him.

The rosette debated a round two, but was aware of how tired he was, both mentally and physically and couldn't deny that she was still recovering from their first go... So she pushed the thought aside and nuzzled his neck, breathing him in.

Just his warmth and distinct rain-forest musk was enough, more than enough.

All was still and silent for a few moments and she began to welcome sleep once more.

"My dreams of him were foul..."Sasuke unexpectedly whispered against her temple, catching her by surprise. She could feel the slight strain of his jaw, and waited patiently for him to continue.

"Despite my last one..." A heavy breath left his lips,"He asked for forgiveness too."

Disbelief and wonder overcame her features, and she pulled back to catch his gaze,"Really? That's crazy, Sasuke! ...Do you think its something we've both secretly yearned for, and therefore, dreamed of it..?"

It was uncanny.

Though, she knew from past experiences that whenever she really wanted to forget something, or for something to happen, she would end up dreaming about it...

Could that be the cause?

...Or possibly, something more?

"I cant say... But you still have time to figure it out with Kizashi."

She did, didn't she...

The strawberry-blonde walked towards the campus with laden steps.

Muscles straining and aching from the short jog she had endured, she mentally scolded herself... Sakura knew it wasn't a good idea with how sore she had woken up but hadn't expected to get so drained from the short run.

Sweat trickled down her brow as visible bouts of oxygen left her rosy lips in the cool, late-morning air.

Her brilliant green eyes habitually traced over the parking-lot to find Sasuke's striking motor-cycle parked in place, and felt the tug of a smile pulling at her mouth.

He had kept his word.

Sakura had woken up several hours after her dream about Kizashi to find herself bundled up in two silk-sheets, and a duvet, alone. After getting her bearings, she eventually found the note on the dresser explaining the raven-haired boys departure. He had 'left to see Itachi' and would be back soon... He also had coffee and breakfast made for her downstairs.

The rosette was so proud of him for going to resolve things with Itachi, it really lightened her spirits.

And of course, the breakfast that he had no obligation to provide had been heaven on her pallet.

She sighed dreamily..

A sweet tenderness pulled at her heart-strings and she found herself grinning.

"Someones happy to see me."

Sakura nearly jumped out of her skin at the unanticipated visitant.

"Suigetsu,"She exhaled in a breath, holding a hand to her heart,"You scared me..."

A toothy grin spread over his mouth,"I'm sorry, your gorgeous smile kinda tuned out all common sense... How are you?" He intoned, staying an arms length away and mirroring her slow pace.

Eyes drawing downcast, she took on a nonchalant demeanor,"Good... How have you been?"

"Well, I've been better Sak..." He said dejectedly, a small frown adorning his face.

Concern took over the rosette's features,"Whats wrong Suigetsu?"

He began rubbing his neck in a restless manner,"Well Sak," He paused as a deep remorse glistened in his amethyst gaze,"My cat snowball... He - fell off the roof..."

"Oh no, is he alright?" She inquired in a gentle tone.

Suigetsu shook his head,"He must have broken his leg or something, because he didn't avoid the oncoming SUV."

She fought the grimace forming on her features,"Oh my gosh, that's terrible! I'm so sorry..."

"I couldn't even do a proper burial," The silver-haired boy sniffled,"Because he was eventually eaten by the local vultures by the time I got to him..."

The rosette officially blanched.

Roaring laughter abruptly broke out and Sakura could only watch the boy beside her in confusion.

After about fifteen seconds, Suigetsu somewhat managed to confess,"Ahahahaha-I'm just screwin' with you Sakura-Hahahahahaha-Your face was priceless!"

She was not amused.

Her eyes narrowed,"Right... Well, I'm gonna get going."

Instantaneously, the grin and mirth were wiped off his face as he skipped to grab her retreating wrist,"Hold up... I realize now that, that was more horrific than it was funny... I can be a real ass sometimes, forgive me?"

"Yo Suigetsu, your boys lookin' for you!"

They were both drawn to the owner of the shout in the distance.

Tan physique, a mop of wild brown hair, along with a set of warm - chocolate brown eyes.

"Hey Sak, missed you baby!" He shouted a second time at taking the time to recognize her too.

Kiba Inuzuka.

She smiled, and gave a curt wave,"Missed you too Kiba!"

Her friends were steadily arriving back on campus to spend the new year together.

The silver-haired boy, gave the brunette a nod before clearing his throat to regain Sakura's attention.

He was quiet for a moment, seemingly trying to form the right words,"I really am sorry, its just - I try to find reasons to talk to you and clearly - I don't think them through sometimes..."

Sakura watched him warily but relented to the small smile forming,"Its okay... And you could've just told me how your break was going?"

A dazzling smile spread over his own features,"True, maybe next time? ...I gotta get going now, it was great seeing you..."

"You too."

They split ways and she was about five-feet or so away when he called out to her again.

"And Sakura..."

The rosette stopped and turned at the waist towards him,"Yeah?"

He seemed to be in an internal debate until his features became tight, and an underlying emotion she couldn't quite name shined within his gaze. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and curiously closed the distance between them again.

When he didn't stop - invading her personal space, Sakura stiffened, and tried to pull away but his hand shot out, locking on her wrist. Suigetsu tugged her closer with the flick of his wrist, until his mouth was at her ear.

"Nice after-glow," His low tenor carried over.

The rosette's heart palpitated.

He was retreating before she could say a word.

Not that she could formulate anything at the moment - she stood utterly dumbfounded.

Did that really just happen?

Feeling transparent and violated she turned away and hastened to the bath-chamber.

All the while, she had to wonder - what game was Suigetsu playing?

The steam from the running water was becoming too much, since she had been within the bath for over thirty minutes, and that was long enough. Sakura switched the knob and turned to grab her towel off the hook, near the glass-door.

She' been unsuccessful in erasing the memory of Suigestu's closeness and words...

The rosette sighed, securing the towel around her frame and exiting the bath, she went over to her locker.

Suigetsu had these moments of friendly, and genuine conversation but then he would do things that made her extremely uncomfortable to the point of wanting to avoid him... Had he seen her leave or enter Sasuke's apartment within the last 24 hours? Why did he feel the need to make such a personal comment about it? ...Was that also meant to be funny? If it was, his sense of humor was twisted and inappropriate. They weren't even at that level of closeness for him to joke like that.

Naruto, she could understand... but not Suigetsu.

After Sakura finished lathering on some lotion, she slipped on her black boy-shorts, and bra.

Adjusting the strap of her bra, a creak from a locker somewhere within the room had her movements stilling.

She was currently alone within the locker-room due to majority of the students still being off campus for the holidays, therefore the rosette's eyes wandered around suspiciously - to find nobody in sight.

Sighing, she towel dried her long bubble-gum pink hair, thinking of her friends as she did.

Ino had texted her earlier, letting her know she would be back on campus late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

More than likely, Tenten and Hinata would be back tomorrow morning too.

Warmth spread throughout her being, she missed them all a great deal.

For her, they had become closer than family.

Eyeing the floral, ruffled skirt she had been meaning to wear, she decided it was warm enough to give it a try...

No, actually it was still quite chilly but if she were being honest with herself, she just wanted to look good for Sasuke.

Sliding the airy skirt up her creamy legs and over the swell of her rump, she studied the cotton-like fabric.

It ended just above the knee's and she innocently shifted her hips from left to right, loving the way it flowed and curled.

Now, what to match with it...

Sakura was digging through her bag for a shirt within the locker when a presence from behind ignited a trail of goosebumps over her skin.

Before she could take another breath, let alone turn around she was thrust forward. Her arms were wrenched and covered with a stronger, larger pair above her head against the wooden frame of the locker. She was pressed between the lockers and the muscular - male body.

Oh no.

She prepared herself to scream and thrash, but the way his warm frame meshed up against her own had her panic dispersing.

Her wide gaze traveled back to meet a whirlpool of obsidian.

Sasuke Uchiha.

She wasn't sure if it was the idea of being attacked by a stranger or his dominating presence but she could barely breathe.

The rosette's heart slammed against her rib-cage so rapidly, she feared she would go into cardiac arrest, then and there. Her blood seemed to thicken - flowing sluggishly slow and there wasn't enough oxygen going to her brain.

No, it was him... He did this to her.

Would it always be this way when he got close?

If he wasn't pressing her against the wall she would've crumbled to the ground long ago.

Sasuke's hooded gaze left hers to roam over her features.

She closed her eyes, relishing in the feel of his closeness.

He pressed tranquil, unhurried kisses all along her shoulder and neck. The rosette hummed in appreciation, fidgeting to face him but he had her locked in place.

"Sakura..." He uttered against her skin, easing their hands down to either side of her temple.

It didn't matter how many times her name was called on a daily basis - when he said it, it was different.

Something sweet, and protected, and beautiful...

She shivered,"Mhmm..?"

Nuzzling her neck, he breathed deeply,"Sleep well..?"

A small smile spread over her rosy lips as she turned to catch his eye,"Yes... But, I slept better with you beside me."

A mischievous glint lit in his dark eyes,"...Then why did you leave my bed?"

Sakura chuckled under her breath,"What would you have me do? Lounge around naked, all morning with a bowl of straw-berries and coconut-flavored ice-cream, until you came back?"

"You make it sound impractical."

Tickling laughter filtered the air,"Because it is!"

He smirked, and brought his mouth to her ear,"You didn't seem to think so last night..." He reminded in a questionable tone, nipping at her ear-lobe.

She shuddered, her laughter - short-lived as heat flooded her system.

Desperately, she wished he would let her move so she could kiss him senseless!

Darkened green eyes shifted to meet his black gaze again, as she fidgeted once more, hoping he would get the message...

Sasuke didn't ease up, though - ever so slowly, he tilted his neck and caught her lips.

Her body slackened altogether.

The kiss was painstakingly slow and intimate.

...Love scene undergoing construction...

Knock Knock Knock.

The rosette puffed out a breath.

Snuggly wrapped in navy-blue sheets, Sakura silently prayed the obnoxious banging at the front door downstairs would stop.

Dazed green-eyes shifted toward the clock on the dresser to find the time - 8:32 am.

She'd been sound asleep until the disturbance reached her ears. Though, she'd hoped to have a lazy morning. Possibly have a long snuggle session with the aloof raven-haired boy and after, serve him the best damn omelette he'd ever had... but she found herself alone in bed, and the bathroom door closed with the shower running.

Knock knock Knock Knock Knock...

To no avail, the person banging Sasuke's front door into oblivion didn't appear to be leaving anytime soon... She didn't want to move, because well, she was naked, and simply too comfortable to move. But, what if it was urgent? With the way they were pounding at the wooden door, the thought seemed accurate... What if it was Itachi? That had her untangling from the sheets, and searching for her clothes. Throwing on her black sweat-pants, the banging at the door became even more urgent if possible and Sakura was throwing on Sasuke's white v-neck and scrambling out the room without a second thought.

Wait...What if it was just Naruto?

She slowed to a jog at the thought but persisted forward.

If it was Naruto, she would beat him to a bloody pulp and make him drink his own blood. And she would neither feel remorse nor disgust. Her pink brows drew low as she reached for the door - only to fall short. The reality of being within Sasuke's condo, wearing his clothes and facing whoever was behind that door sent an intense wave of anxiety over her.

Oh no.

Sakura took unsteady steps back, as though burned by the door-handle. She couldn't do it... She wasn't ready to show-case exactly what she'd been doing since arriving on campus. Not like this, at least. Whoever was behind that door was gonna have to wait until-

"I'm not leaving until you answer this door... I know she's in there with you!"

The gruff - whispering voice traveled through the crack of the door and Sakura's eye's expanded in recognition and fear.

As though compelled, her ivory hand reached for the handle a second time, slowly easing the door open.

"...Dad?"

Kizashi Tanaka's nearly identical green eyes widened marginally as though he hadn't expected her to answer. As though he'd been bluffing when he spoke those words mere seconds ago. His white hair was disheveled on all sides and dress-shirt and pants were wrinkled and un-tucked. He looked like he'd slept in a car all night. Sakura stood mute with unease, watching his expression morph from mild shock to barely restrained anger.

Oh god.

Why was he here?

Abruptly - his hand shot out, clamping onto her wrist,"Are you fucking kidding me? We're leaving," he declared behind clenched teeth. Kizashi pulled at her wrist and Sakura quickly gripped the entrance wall with her free hand,"I'm not going anywhere - what are you even doing here!?" She questioned in confused panic.

He turned on her and moved until he was looming down on the rosette,"God, I cant believe you could be so stupid!" His hands clutched at his tousled locks in frustration,"Your just another one of his whores don't you fucking get it?"

It felt as though he'd plunged a dagger straight through her pounding heart.

And as much as she tried to deny it, it hurt. Every-time.

Sakura had no words... This man left her feeling utterly empty with every encounter, and she wasn't sure how much more she could take.

"You need to leave now." She uttered in a resigned tone without meeting his gaze. Gripping the door she drew it forward to a close on him but his hand shot out mid-way, halting the notion.

His features tightened with his own anxiety,"Sakura, just - just come with me now, we will discuss this - I'll make this right!"

Her eyes narrowed into icy slits,"Your insane if you think I'm going anywhere with you, and there is nothing to make right!"

"There is no way in hell I'm leaving without you, your only prolonging this and causing a scene!"

She would shut him up, she would end this,"I know you don't understand the word, let alone its meaning but - I love him... He's become a part of me, and no matter what you say or do, that's never gonna change... So you should go before I - before I call campus security."

Kizashi neither relented his hand on the door nor did he break his scrutinizing gaze. He thought she was bluffing, and she was ready to prove him wrong. And then, a snicker escaped him as a sardonic smile touched at his lips, and she was caught off guard. The expression had knots forming in her stomach and it only heightened as he leaned in as much as she would allow.

"But... does he love you, Sakura?" Kizashi intoned in a low, doubtful tenor.

He just thrust that same dagger out from her pulsating organ.

And it was bleeding out.

"I wouldn't be with him otherwise, this conversation is over-"

She had hesitated, for just a measly two seconds but it was enough for him.

"So then, he told you he loved you? ...He said the words?" He asked in the same taunting manner, his smile only spreading and it made the rosette sick.

His words hung in the air, echoing in her mind.

No... He never said the words.

But that didn't mean he didn't love her...

She knew he did...

So then, why was her heart aching?

Hardening the emotions on her face she had just put on display for Kizashi, she leveled him with a fierce glare.

Sakura answered with the clench of her jaw,"...Yes."

"Hmm... Whether or not you like to hear it, I can still read you Hanami, your still my-"

"Enough,"She groaned,"I cant do this anymore, don't you understand?"Sakura paused, squeezing her eyes shut, "I feel physically ill when I'm around you!"

That seemed to wipe the mocking expression off his face.

A thick silence settled over them and Sakura grew restless... He needed to leave before Sasuke got out of the shower.

Kizashi closed his eyes, and reached for the back pocket of his pants,"I had come here with another purpose...I hadn't come here to fight with you, but I-" He swallowed with extreme difficulty before continuing,"- I'll leave now if you'll read it-"

His hand relented from the door and the rosette took the opening.

"No I wont - Goodbye," She uttered in a thick voice, quickly closing the door shut. Sakura immediately turned the knob to a lock, resting her hand against its wooden surface, she waited. Waited until Kizashi finally shifted, and his retreating steps were no more. She released the breath she'd been unconsciously holding.

Pressing her head against the door, she tried not to get overwhelmed by the pain still marring her heart.

He shows-up, calls her a whore, demands she leave with him and then asks her to read a damn letter?

And he tries to manipulate her - causing her to doubt what she and Sasuke have?

An exhale of frustration resounded and she turned away from the door.

The memory of a grey Kizashi she dreamed of just a day ago, sent her blood boiling.

The vision had left her slightly unguarded, almost expecting it to be reality - oh but, he was as fierce and horrible as ever.

Here she thought maybe the dream was a sign, maybe he would have a change of heart somehow... but no, this freight-train was a one-way ticket. And the only way out was to jump and never look back.

Absentmindedly, she entered the kitchen to find a pot of coffee already brewing.

Sasuke...

He must have turned it on before getting into the shower... And, she realized at that moment that the running water was no more. Heart palpitating in absolute dread, her green gaze shifted toward the spiraling stair-case to find the door to his room half open.

She prayed that he had only just emerged from the bath, the rosette didn't know what she'd do if Sasuke had heard or witnessed her fathers unexpected arrival. Sakura reached for the pot with frigid hands, and poured them both a cup.

Inhaling as deeply as she could, she exhaled the breath along with the dejected emotions she was feeling.

She would show no sign of distress when Sasuke came down, he would never know of her fathers visit...

Hell, it was a miracle she had been the one to answer the door, who knows what would've happened if it had been Sasuke.

Gulping down the dark, rich liquid she was unprepared for the shuffling sound coming from beyond the front door. Her eyes remained painfully wide in anxiety as she stood rooted to the spot - until the door handle began jiggling violently. And when the sound of a key sliding into the lock slot resounded, Sakura nearly dropped her coffee scrambling towards the door.

Oh God!

How did Kizashi get a key!?

Did Sasuke keep an extra under his mat?

Feeling her nausea intensify, she neared the door preparing to lock it once more - only for it to thrust open from the other side.

She gasped aloud, ready to punch Kizashi right in the face if he attempted to even touch her-

"Eh? ...Sakura?"

Golden-hued skin, spiky blonde hair, and a pair of wild blue eyes.

"...Naruto."

At the moment, she would've preferred if it had been Kizashi... Because she knew what was coming.

He fell dead silent and still as a statue.

Sakura considered snagging the hand still suspended in the air holding the key, and closing the door on him for good.

But then, his body flinched in a mini convulsion... As though he'd been struck by lightning.

"Ahhhhh SHIT! This cant be happening - not my Sakura!"

And there it was.

She gulped, unsure how to respond,"Naruto I-I"

The blonde groaned aloud, cutting off her inarticulate response.

His hands covered his face in disbelief,"FUCK no! I knew I should've come in yesterday, my spidey-senses were tingling like a bitch... " He began pacing back and forth within the small entry way,"What happened - Did that teme seduce you? Tie you up? TELL ME!"

Sakura knew the blonde before her was aware that she and Sauske had slowly developed into a low-key relationship, so she stood stiff and unsure how to answer at his loud and unexpected disapproval. Her wide gaze couldn't help but also notice the random ears he had drawn from the passing students and her whole frame squirmed in discomfort.

She was going to be sick.

Beyond mortified, the rosette was unable to control the slight tremor in her voice,"N-Naruto, please I-"

Her words remained unfinished, as she was wrenched away from the door without warning. And in her place emerged Sasuke, wearing nothing but a pair of dark, cotton sweat-pants. Ebony locks still damp and weighted low, and his defined upper body was evidently tense, in what a breathless Sakura could assume as anger.

Sasuke's black eyes were a burning inferno, when they connected with his best-friends.

"Did you leave your fucking brain in Kaze no Kuni?" The raven-haired boy growled in as low a tone as he could muster, unable to contain the swelling rage within his chest - he jerked the door forward until it was at his hip at the entrance - ensuring Sakura could no longer be seen by Naruto or the on-lookers. The rosette's breathing was becoming shallow. She knew Sasuke wouldn't be pleased at hearing Naruto's words but she hadn't expected the opaque negative energy radiating off his form.

The blonde reflexively searched for her, looking beyond Sasuke's shoulders before his own anger spiked at processing his best-friends words. An intense stare-down ignited between the two and it seemed they would pounce on each other at any given second.

Naruto grit his teeth, taking a step closer,"No I didn't asshole - your the one who's lost his fucking mind! You went back on your word teme-"

"Hey! I can hear you guys from the parking-lot, take it inside!" Inserted a boisterous - distinct voice, quickly closing in on the two.

Oh God...Was that Ino?

Without slowing, the platinum-blonde shoved an unprepared Sasuke aside and entered the condo. The raven-haired boys jaw-clenched in frustration, as he raked a hand through his hair. Naruto of course, took the opening and dashed in as-well before his brooding friend could say another word.

This was not at all how the rosette had expected to greet their friends.

Ino's exaggerated gasp resounded, as she untangled from a pale Sakura's embrace and cupped her face,"Oh my GOSH!" Her voice rang out, as blue eyes continued to examine her best-friend as though she had x-ray vision,"My babies been deflowered!"

"Ino!" Sakura shrieked, shielding her face with her hands and bodily turning away from their eyes.

Childishly, Naruto covered his ears and attempted to wash-out what he had just irreversibly heard,"La-la-la-la-la-la-la!"

The blonde girl shadowed after the rosette until she stepped into the kitchen, taking a seat at the island table,"Sakura Haruno, how long have you been here?"

Sakura sipped at her coffee, still keeping her back to them - she leaned back against the island-counter,"Ino... Could we talk later? I promise I'll tell you everything-"

"Later? I haven't seen you in over a week! Didn't you miss me?"

"Of course I did, its just-"

"Okay seriously, stop stalling! I'm dying to know the details! SPILL!"

Sakura took another gulp of the dark roast, trying very hard to keep her overwhelming emotions under control.

Apple-green eyes shifted back to find both Sasuke and Naruto speaking in hushed tones, though neither boys anger had waned. What was Naruto's problem? God, she really wanted to be alone right now... And couldn't Ino cut her some slack? Hadn't her blonde friend noticed the suffocating negative-energy swirling within the room? Didn't she know that right now was not the best time for this? Especially when Sasuke was standing ten feet away?

"Okay, we're gonna go over this again because you seem a little slow today..." Ino said as though she were speaking to a toddler,"When did you get on campus?"

Sakura shook her head in resignation, still keeping her back to her best-friend,"Four days ago..."

"And how long have you been at Sasuke's condo?"

"...Three days."

The platinum blonde smiled coyly,"...And how many times have you fucked?"

"INO!"

"Spit it out!"

Feeling her distress morph into anger, Sakura shifted to face her friend,"I don't know..!"

Ino shook her head, her lips drawing into a thin line,"I want a number."

The rosette loved Ino, she really did but at the moment, strangling her to death seemed very appropriate. Unwillingly, she began counting, uncurling a finger as she traced back to everytime she and Sasuke - ahem, made love the last few days. When her fifth finger lifted, a sharp squeal erupted and lasted far too long. Sakura halted the notion, turning on her heal to find Ino absolutely giddy.

"YES! Yes yes yes yes - God YES, I'm so proud of you!"

Sakura's palm thumped against her forehead. And just when she thought it couldn't get any more awkward, Ino pressed her hands against the table and leaned forward in a matter of seriousness.

"So was he, big?"

"Ino, for the love of God, he's standing ten feet away!" Sakura finally rasped between clenched teeth.

The blonde raised a single brow,"And your point is..?"

Both girls gaze traced back to Sasuke to find Naruto pushing off the couch, preparing to leave. Though the blonde was no longer angry, he did seem sort of, sad..? And anxious.

What was going on?

"Yamanaka."

Her blonde brows rose at Sasuke's adressal and she smirked at him,"Yes - Sakura's new love toy?"

The raven-haired boy walked over to the door, clutching the handle he pulled it open before meeting her gaze,"You've over-stayed your welcome."

Blue eyes narrowed into slits,"Its barely been fifteen minutes!"

"That's fourteen minutes over-time," He retorted with an edge to his tone.

"Hmph..." Offended, Ino stepped down from the stool and came around the island to embrace Sakura. The rosette felt the cloth at her back lift, and a piece of paper thrust into the band of her sweat-pants. Without asking or even needing to check, Sakura already knew what it was.

The blonde clasped her arms around her,"I'll see you in a bit? And please teach that gorgeous yet arrogant man some damn manners? He's lucky I love you.."

"I love you too... I just need to freshen up and get my brain straight we'll have lunch and catch up on all the details," Sakura assured in a tired voice, unwinding her arms and watching her slender friends back as she retreated. Ino stopped at the door, shooting a half-hearted glare at the boy still not meeting her gaze.

With her index finger, she poked him right in the chest,"I imagine, me and that clown Naruto ruined some sexy time for you two, so I'll bite my tongue for your grouchy ass..." She paused, leaning in as her finger dug into his chest further,"But mark my words, once the honey-moon stage is over, there will be no excuses or mercy!"

"Are you done?"

"...Yes!" She stated in satisfaction, before clutching her purse and exiting the building.

Sakura sighed.

She quit today... She would just go back to bed, and sleep until tomorrow came around.

His scent overcame her before his presence did. Sasuke wrapped his arms around Sakura's waist from behind, and rested his chin against the slope of her shoulder. She closed her eyes and covered his arms with her own, enjoying his warmth.

"Are you alright..?" His whisper sent a trail of goosebumps up her arms and neck.

She nodded, inhaling deeply, she answered,"Yes," with her exhale.

They stood still for a moment before his hands gripped her waist, bodily turning her to face him. A strong hand at her chin had her eyes squinting open to find obsidian pools studying her... Before she could question him, he closed the distance and pressed his mouth against her own. Tentative, soft, and full of meaning. She parted her lips, wanting to deepen the kiss but he withdrew. He pressed a chaste kiss against her forehead, and she caught a glimpse of regret and something akin to resentment on his features before he could retreat from her completely...And it was then that she understood, that he had witnessed Kizashi's encounter. He'd been feeling for the parchment of paper - for the letter from Kizashi in her back pocket just now.

She swallowed the forming lump in her throat.

It made sense...

He was already furious when Naruto came banging on the door... And he'd kicked Ino out rather harshly...

But why didn't he say anything to her? It wasn't in his nature - he would always be a confrontational person. But maybe it was because it was Kizashi - her dad.

Just yesterday Sasuke had tried convincing her of giving the old geezer a chance...

And just an hour ago, he'd most likely heard exactly what her father thought of him...

It wasn't fair, Sasuke didn't deserve that... Especially when he wanted her to have a relationship with Kizashi.

Sakura's aching heart felt as though it was being squeezed.

Sasuke hadn't said anything... because he was giving her an out.

...

..

.

I promise not to take forever with the next update, but I must say GET READY! Because the next chapter holds the picture, the scene I had imagined before even beginning the story... It was the inspiration for the whole plot :)

Oh my GASH, I'm stoked! I cant believe this story is coming into completion... Its been my baby for so long :(

Well until next update.

ttyl friends!