Disclaimer: I do not own any Naruto Characters.

"Congratulations!" Everyone in the room cheered as the couple announced their engagement.

It's still a shock, frankly, regardless of the obvious connection and bond they always have had. Even though she clearly had feelings for him tracing back to their academy days, he's not really the type to acknowledge genuine romantic affiliations.

To him, loving a woman is the same as loving a bowl of ramen- at least before. He thought adoration of physical benefits is where it all starts and ends.

But Naruto thinks he got a good grip on the idea of romance now. Hinata and Ramen are two different matters. While both completes his life, he would sacrifice his life for the former with no hesitation. He can live a life without ramen, despite it being so dull and lonely, but he knows he can never live a life without Hinata in it. Thus, he decided to finally propose to her and, by kami's grace, the Hyuga heiress accepted with no hints of doubts. He saw nothing but pure bliss and blush etched in her beautiful face.

"I really just can't believe you guys will be the first ones to settle down in our class. I wonder how will it be when all of us start our own families as well," Ino beamed. Clearly, she was already thinking about her turn; imagining herself walking down the aisle with a good looking man waiting for her at the altar. She thought that her wedding will surely be fabulous, but it can be only be perfect if a certain pale boy is the one next to her.

Just when will Sai propose?

"Your time will come, pig. As of now, we focus on Naruto and Hinata, 'kay?" It was Sakura who ended her daydreaming.

"Oh, of course I should focus on these two," Ino grinned. "I wonder how long should I wait before I get to be so happy for you, though? Or will I ever?"

At that, Sakura's shoulders visibly dropped. She knew her bestfriend was just teasing, but it was just below the belt. She almost shed tears, but her pride wouldn't let her.

"Sakura, I-" Ino tried to take back her words whe  she saw her bestfriend's reaction. Everyone has also stopped celebrating, feeling pity towards the pinkette who has been waiting for the love of her life for years and years now without any assurance.

"No, it's okay! I'm okay!" Sakura forced a small laugh. "You're actually right, ino-pig. I've got a handful of things to do at the hospital and I don't know if I will ever have the time to even date."

"You're so hardworking, Sakura-chan. Konoha is very lucky to have you." Naruto reassured, knowing very well how longing Sakura must be. The future hokage then made a mental note to write to his bestfriend later. That teme is just so stubborn! Just when will his journey for atonement end? Some people are waiting for him here, dattebayo!

To relieve the awkwardness in the atmosphere, Naruto felt all the more thankful to his future-wife as she casually changed topics. Not that Hinata minded giving a hand to ease the situation. The hyuga girl has developed not only confidence but also a very solid bond with Sakura during their mission on the moon. She also grew even closer to the said pinkette as she helped her in the hospital, and she understood very well that the last things Sakura needed right now are the pressure of dating and the looks of pity for her unrequited love.

See, unlike her, Sakura is still waiting. And to make it worse, she doesn't even know if her waiting is necessary much more would it be worth it.

Sure, Sasuke has been writing her letters, but they're usually just to reassure her that he's still alive. The only thing the pinkette's been holding on to is the promise that he will return soon, and that on his next journey, Sakura just may be a part of it.

I wonder where is he right now, Sakura thought as the others continued to drink and celebrate her bestfriend's new chapter in life.

----

"Perhaps someone with the sharingan and rinnegan could help," Kakashi suggested as they fail to diagnose the cause of the exploding humans. "I'm gonna call Sasuke back to the village."

To say that Sakura was thrilled will be an understatement. Air suddenly seemed to overflow in her lungs that she can barely breathe, and her heartbeat doubled its pace.

He's gonna comeback?

That'll be perfect! He'll be here for Naruto's wedding! He'll be here for my...

At the back of her mind, Sakura was already thinking about the things they can or may do. The things she'd tell him, and the stuff she'll ask. She was already seeing it- her love finally back after 3 long years of his promise. She was excited beyond reason, and she couldn't stop looking at the windows for days. She thought that if he walks through the gate, she wants to be there the same way she was there when he had to say goodbye.

The only problem is, he didn't come.

Before she even knew it, the case was already solved. She has managed to heal all the other victims with Hinata's help, and the perpetrators he sent are already dealt with by the mizukage and the hokage. The illegal activities enlightened by the case were also settled with the raikage's participation. All this, without a single glimpse of him.

To her add to her horror, she learned that the perpetrator named Chino called her love "darling." It would have been okay and endearing if the girl is as young as she looked, but she's apparently close to their age. Not to mention how the said young-looking girl voluntarily surrendered because the last Uchiha has been so kind to be an eye-opener to her. He has been too kind, honestly, that he willingly fought all shinobis in the illegal Coliseum for her sake.

Sakura couldn't help but feel the stinging pangs of jealousy.

What if the main reason he didn't come back home is that, he found another home out there? What if he just didn't, couldn't, fulfill his promises anymore because he's already...with someone else?

It won't be impossible, no. Sakura, of all people, knows that Sasuke is blessed in terms of looks. She knew he'd attract women wherever he will go and whatever his history is. And knowing that the said Uchiha might be craving for love and light after all that has happened... Sakura just can't bring herself to think about him in another woman's arms.

If that's what will make him happy, why would I not want that? He has been too sad all his life. He deserves happiness as much as everybody else does. Besides, he wanted to rebuild the Uchiha Clan, no? Maybe he's off to planting his seed in different places or- Sakura halted her thoughts. She just could go that far.

But couldn't he at least let us know? Couldn't he at least let ME know that I am waiting for nothing?

"That teme won't be home for my wedding 'ttebayo," Naruto sulked.

Of course.

"You know him, he's probably busy with missions and stuff." Sakura tried to convince Naruto, but she sounded like she just wanted to convince herself.

"I know. Honestly, I'm really proud of him. Taking care of higher-than-S-rank missions all on his own; protecting the village he once despised. But, ya know, it wouldn't hurt to come home for his best buddy's wedding, right? I wouldn't force him to wear a tux if he didn't want to."

"You can't fool me, I know you will." The pinkette chuckled. "He probably just wants to avoid the social interactions. You know how it could affect your day if a single spark of tension rises with him there." Sakura added. If anything, that was convincing.

"I understand that, dattebayo. But when he comes back, I'll be sure to kick his ass like how I did when we were younger."

"From my memory, it was your ass that has been kicked everyday," Sakura laughed genuinely this time.

Naruto then flashed his signature smile as the two of them reminisced the old days with their former teammate and eternal bestfriend- Uchiha Sasuke.

****

It would take a month, no, two months if Sasuke kept his pace.

Everytime he's even slightly close to the Konoha gates, he'll find a reason to go back to where he was before, or even further away. Lately, he's been using the old lady he stayed with at a secluded community as an excuse to withdraw. Everytime he feels the breeze that signals he's close to Konoha, he will return to the lady because he is apparently 'concerned' if she has food for the day.

If Sasuke's going to be honest, even though he said he wanted to come home after receiving Naruto's letter mentioning the Leaf Police forces, he was still beyond nervous to go back.

Oh yes, he was nervous. He didn't even bother to deny he was feeling that foreign tug on his chest whenever he thinks of coming back.

He knew it was home- Konoha is where his roots are, where his family's memories are, and where people dear to him are. But for some reason, he was nervous to face the people in there after years of travelling alone.

"You always say you're going home, but every now and then, you're suddenly back here." The old lady he visited and gave food to told him, snapping him out of his thoughts. "You're from Konoha, correct? It'll take a week before you get there if you're traveling by walking, but considering how you come back here every other day, you won't be able to come home, young man."

Sasuke snickered. He can just travel through a portal, frankly. But of course, he thought it's a 'waste' of chakra and he 'didn't want to abuse his left eye.'

"You need to eat." He tried to reason out, his face still not giving away any emotions.

"Oh, you have a good heart, I can see. But we both know that's just an excuse. You know I can survive on my own," the lady smiled and Sasuke flinched. You have no idea who you're complimenting as someone with a good heart, he thought.

"What's keeping you from returning back home, hm? You've done so much for our community already. You need to rest."

"I can rest here."

"But is your heart at rest here?" She said softly with a wide smile. "Look at your handsome face- always lined with frowns and worry and fear. Why wont you come back? I'm pretty sure someone in there is waiting for you."

"I don't know if she still does."

His own sentence caught him off guard.

He didn't want to acknowledge that he kept thinking of a certain pinkette every now and then. He didnt want to admit that she's the first person he wants to see when he comes home. He wanted to dismiss his fear of returning home as some prideful matter; he wanted to think he just cant go back home because he hasn't fully learned his ninja way yet. He wanted to think his shadows are best outside the village for now, and that they are still too big to risk bringing back home.

But in reality, aside from all of these, Sasuke knew he also couldn't bring himself home because he was scared to see her.

See, through her past letters, Sasuke understood that she would willingly accept him again once he retured. He was grateful, and he surely wanted that. After all, he now realized that Sakura is a piece of his peace. He often finds himself dwelling on a clear memory of her, vibrant and happy, whenever traumatic ones try to bombard his brain. However, he acknowledges that his own happiness doesnt equate to hers. While he'd be the happiest if she accepts him and welcome him home, he's not sure if it will be the best for Sakura's future. He knows she deserves better, and whether she finally figured that out at this very hour or not, he didnt know. That was why he's not exactly sure if she's actually still waiting.

This made him scared. He's scared for himself to not see her, and he's scared for Sakura if he sees her.

"Ah. A girl," the lady chuckled. "Then why don't you see for yourself? If she isn't waiting anymore, you're always welcome to go back here. If she is, why would you keep her waiting longer?"

Sasuke sighed. He knows the woman is correct. He needs to come back home especially because he promised. Whether she's still waiting or not, whether his feelings for her get finally sorted out or they remain a mystery he cannot solve- seeing her again is a promise he should keep.

"Aa." He needs to stop making excuses and face them all including her.

And so he nodds, packed his things again, and bid his little goodbye to the old lady one last time as he set foot to go back home again.

This time without delays.