-Thud Thud-

"How's Naruto doing?" Kakashi sensei was walking into the room. You could see behind his mask that his face was covered with concern.

"I stabilized his breathing, but his heart rate is still abnormal. He's still dreaming, so whatever it is, he's fighting it.." I said with a low tone, stroking back his yellow locks.

"When was the last time you actually sat down to rest, maybe even had the time to take care of yourself?" My old sensei picked up on my distress. I haven't left Naruto's side ever since he was admitted into the hospital.

"I don't think I've moved much. Maybe used the restroom here and there, and a glass of tea every time one of the interns came to check on me."

"You're a full fledged doctor here now, you're supposed to take care of others, not the one being taken care of. I understand that Naruto is in a state of danger, but who's going to watch him if you fall ill?"

"Haruno Sakura!" A loud and demanding presence walked up behind Kakashi sensei.

"He's right you know. You're not the only one here who knows as much as you do." Tsunade sama sat on the corner of the bed next to me. Staring at Naruto, with a glimpse of the necklace she gave him.

"Go and take the rest of the day off. That's an order. You will be revoked of your hospital duties if you are seen treating another patient in this building."

"But Tsunade sama!?"

"Now leave!"

"I'll escort you out Sakura." Kakashi said as he helped me up from the chair.

"I promise you, I will not let anything happen to him while you're gone." She said somberly as her hands started glowing green and pumped soothing chakra into Naruto's chest.

"Mphm. Thank you Tsunade sama.." I looked back at Naruto as Kakashi and I left the room, only to see Tsunade sama stand up and kiss Naruto on the forehead. I left smiling, being reassured that he's in good hands.

"So what are you going to do now?" the silver haired man asked.

"Well I've been meaning to send Sasuke a message about what happened. I just never had the strength to leave Naruto's side."

"You know this is serious, especially who's involved now."

"I know...I just don't know what I can do at this point…." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I stared up at the sunny sky, only to be reminded that somewhere out there, our family and friends back home could be in danger.

"Papa, have you figured out where they're going?" Sarada looked at me with an intrigued face.

"Presuming they need intel on the whereabouts of any Uchiha, I'm pretty sure they're on their way to meet Nekobaa."

"How come I've never heard of her?"

"She passed away when you were little. Her granddaughter now runs the weapons shop in her place. She is one to keep tabs of all of the Uchiha members. Her cat have a summons contract with the Uchiha clan. And since there was only Itachi and I that were known living clansmen, it was easy for her to keep tabs on us."

"Ah I see. Can I have a cat papa?" She said so sarcastically, at least that's what I presume.

"How about we get back home first then we can talk about this."

"I was kidding. The younger mama looks so adorable in her new outfit don't you think?"

"Ah. Remember Sarada, I'm in my thirties, and this Sakura is only 13."

"Yeah you're right, kinda gross if you were checking her out like this." She burst out laughing, as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

-This is definitely Sakura's daughter.-

"Thanks Kakashi sensei for helping with the groceries. It was really nice to share stories with you again." I said smiling, forgetting for a second that this isn't really home.

"My pleasure, Uchiha sama.." He said with so much enthusiasm.

"You know, even though Sasuke and I have been married for almost fourteen years, it still makes me surprised that I'm Uchiha Sakura not Haruno Sakura anymore."

"I'm just happy to know that you two finally have a happy ending together."

"It wasn't so happy before this. But I am happy that now a days we could be a family again."

-CRAAAAW-

"Sasuke's hawk!?" I dropped the bags I was carrying only to extend it out for his hawk to land on it.

"A letter? Maybe he found something." Kakashi helped untie the scroll.

"We're heading to Sora Ku. I'm sorry but this will take a little longer than expected. Sarada is fine. Sorry to keep you waiting."

-Sasuke

"And the waiting continues." I stared hard at the letter, the way his hand writing looked, was so up tight and very formal. But that's what I love about him, especially when he showed his affection towards me. Very up front when he's in an affectionate mood.

"This would be the perfect time to send him that message. You have it ready right?"

"Yeah, take this back to Sasuke baby Garuda. I entrust this important message to you for him. Safe travels little one." I said as I rubbed it's neck before taking off.

"Sasuke kun?" I heard a meek voice from behind the trees.

"I'm over here Sakura!" I loudened my voice for her to hear.

"What are you doing all the way here?" She said as I stood over the river bank.

"I'm an Uchiha, I need to release the pent up chakra I have in my body. Otherwise it'll keep collecting it in my system to dangerous levels. That's one of the reasons why I need to train everyday. To maintain my chakra stream." We both stared at the other side of the bank, where you could see smoldering trees and bushes.

"We should keep moving though, with all the fire and smoke I've been making, I might have alerted other ninja around."

"Mmphm! I finished packing everything. I made some onigiri for a snack before we leave though." She said with a perkiness in her walk back to the camp.

We followed the river for a couple hours only to rest and train again.

"We'll be able to reach Sora ku by the morning. In the meantime, let's spar." This time Sakura looked at me with enthusiasm.

"I learned something new while you disappeared this morning!"

"Ok show me." She looked at me hesitantly but was proud of her new skill.

She balanced kunia from the tip of her fingers. Letting them dangle from the pointed tip off of the end of her fingers, and in a coordinated sway, she threw them in my direction. I saw the kunai in time to use a substitution jutsu.

"You could had atleast warned me you were going to throw them!" Unharmed but I was impressed with what she learned.

"Pfft some party trick." I teased her.

"It's not a party trick! It helps me with my chakra control! Being able to hold it that long without dropping it or letting it plunge beneath my skin is harder than it looks Sasuke kun!" She was pouting now, like a little child whose toy you've taken away. That's when I noticed the little bandages wrapped around a couple of her fingers.

"Sakura, give me your hand."

"What? Sas...we're too young..I'm too young..we're not ready for that!.."

"What are you talking about? Just give me your hand!" She held her hands closer to her chest, but finally obliged to my order.

"Did it hurt?"

"Oh..that's what you were talking about...yeah they did but I was able to stop the bleeding with primitive healing but I'll be ok."

"Wait what do you mean by..? Never mind. You started to learn mystical palm technique?"

"I'm trying. Reading and then putting it into action is harder than I thought. But I'm slowly getting it." She said with a smile.

I just stared at her with amazement. She's learning faster than I thought she would.

"Sasuke kun?" I heard her say my name. But my eyes were still focused on her.

"Sasuke kun? What are you staring at?" Her soft pink hair was slightly being pushed back by the breeze. I could see her sparkling eyes twinkle like the gems they were. Her cheeks flushed with a shade of red, and her skin glowed with a radiance like the sun. I had to shake back my head to gain my composure. Being entranced with her being in front of me.

"Nothing I was just thinking."

"Oh. Thinking of what?"

"..We should spar.." I turned my head, to hide the slight blush growing onto my face. She really is beautiful up close.

"Ok." She sang happily as she went to go retrieve her kunai from the log.

-She's changed...I don't know what it is, but she's not so...childish like a month ago….-

I thought to myself, examining her presence.

We only sparred for an hour when she finally collapsed to her knees.

"I think I depleted most of my chakra from practicing that kunia thing earlier…." She sounded defeated.

"We could rest before we leave again?"

"Sure..I think a nice bath in the river will do me justice." She blushed again when I held my hand out for her to help her up.

"Thank you Sasuke kun." It was extremely surprising but as soon as she got up she landed her softened lips against my cheek. She retreated towards the river as she hummed in happiness. Her lips burned on my cheeks, but not the bad sensation of being burnt, but stung like something I've never felt. I just stood in place, still trying to think of what just happened.

-It was just a thank you, that's all it is-

I told myself. But everyone in Konoha, knew how she longed for me. I just don't know if I'm capable of giving that same affection.

"Awwww papa, you look terrified! It's just a kiss on the cheek!" Sarada was laughing again. So much so, she almost fell out of the trees if I hadn't had pulled her back.

"Sarada..this never happened in our timeline."

"Still, it's like you've never seen anyone do that, let alone imagined if someone did that to you." Smiling uncontrollably, I noticed a winged animal land next to us. The scrolls it had tied to its leg was red, a sign of emergency between me and Sakura.

"From mama?" Sarada reached for the scroll.

"Let me read it first sweetie." She handed it to me. My facial expression from reading it made Sarada realize it was deeply concerning.

"Anata, there was an incident the other day involving the younger Naruto. He's trapped in a genjutsu. He was attacked by Uchiha Obito outside the gates of Konoha. We've decided on letting you guys stick with the mission while I help suppress his medical conditions. Hurry back soon."

Love

Uchiha Sakura