Sakura was out of place.

Her friends and colleagues are now enjoying themselves at Naruto and Hinata's wedding reception, and as much as she would like to enjoy her bestfriend's day- more like brother's day, she'd dare say- she just found herself...lost.

She can clearly see how everyone's been going around in pairs. Temari and Shikamaru are awkwardly holding hands, Ino and Sai are happily flirting, even Chouji and Karui look like they're enjoying each other's slice of cake and company. But her... she doesn't even have a female companion with her. She was just there. Awkwardly alone even though she knew everyone in the place.

A hawk then caught her attention as it flew too close around her. Curiously, she let out her arms so it could land on it if it wills. When the bird did, however, she noticed and picked up a small piece of paper tied around the its leg. Sakura's heart began beating louder as she's bound to confirm her suspicions of who this bird-message was from.

He's the only one without a phone and is too old-fashioned enough to send messages via hawks still.

She wondered if this was a message for Naruto and the hawk just couldn't find the blonde boy that's why it settled on her, but her heart stopped beating when she saw what was written on the paper.

"Happy Birthday."

HE- HE REMEMBERED! SHANNARO!!

"Oi Sakura, that hawk's familiar." Kakashi called her out with a knowing look. "Though it barely relies any messages to me."

"Oh, lord sixth...uhm..."

"Not you too, please. Drop the lord whatsoever already." The hokage pleaded for the nth time today. Honestly, he didn't like being treated like a special guest or something. Just like everybody else, he simply wanted to celebrate Naruto and his wife's marriage- he wanted to be there as the groom's former sensei and older brother. After all, even without Minato and Kushina, that's what he has been to Naruto since he met him-and that's how he plans to be for a long long time.

"O-okay, Kaka-sensei."

"Seems like emo boy remembered your birthday, hmm?" He then teased Sakura who looked like a cherrybomb at that very moment. Kakashi then thought that the only girl from his favorite team never really changed when it came to his ravenette student. It amused and entertained him to the core, especially because he shipped it from the start.

"He- he...ano, he just greeted."

"Ah," the Rokudaime grinned.

As much as he wanted to keep teasing,  he decided it'll be better to keep his mouth shut because he knows so well what Sakura's first instinct is when she's in panic and embarassed. He would very much like to avoid that because the last thing he would want is to get punched out of the reception hall. That will certainly not be a good image for the hokage- especially when he's on a tux!

"Dont grin like that," Sakura rolled her eyes but she failed to portray a nonchalant expression. It's very evident she's still flustered and shocked by the greeting, and Kakashi had to control and prevent himself from laughing.

"Am not," he shrugged. Ah these kids, They're really grown ups now, eh? One has decided to settle down and tie the knots, and the other two are finally... flirting.

He almost choked at the idea. Uchiha Sasuke? Flirting?

Ah, right. This is that old-school boy's way of flirting. Very boring, Kakashi thought. He thinks he might need to teach his former student something more handy and useful than the chidori- something that includes a little book entitled IchaIcha Paradise- because that boy obviously needs some knowledge from it.

It has been long overdue that the last Uchiha admits his special bond with the only girl of team 7, and it's really about time he does something about it. By that something Kakashi meant something more thrilling than a forehead poke for whatever in hell that meant! He thus believes there is no better way to settle all these than through Master Jiraiya's tips written in his all-time favorite book.

"When do you think he'll return?" Sakura asked in a small voice, tugging him back from his malicious thoughts.

"That hawk simply means he's just around the area." Kakashi said as a matter of fact. "I'd dare say Naruto is fully aware of his bestfriend lurking around. Sasuke probably wants to congratulate the man of the hour himself."

"Yet he wont let us see a glimpse of him."

"You know he's not... fully accepted by all the people in here, right? His gift to Naruto is both his presence and absence. By staying in the outskirts, he won't risk any trouble for his bestfriend's special day. But the very fact that he's just around, there's no greater gift he could give Naruto."

"I know. I just... shannaro." Sakura sighed. She understands Sasuke's situation. If things were a little different, she's sure he'd do anything to stand next to Naruto as his bestman even though he'll probably make sassy side comments every now and then. She also knew that Sasuke didn't just thought about Naruto, because clearly, he took his time and effort to greet her too. It's just that... she wished to see him. Even for just a few minutes only, she wanted to see him.

"He'll come home, Sakura. You and I both know that both Naruto and Sasuke never stop until they fulfill a goal or a promise." Kakashi smiled a genuine one. "And I doubt Sasuke will ever forget his promise to you."

-----

"I'm sorry...I- ano, I don't really have time to do those things. It's beyond my interests and responsibilities right now." Sakura said in panic, not knowing the right words to say.

"But- you've been single your entire life, Sakura-san. You deserve to be happy and I could try to do that for you. Just one... one chance. One date. That's all I ask," a handsome jounin named Suzaku offered with no hint of fears. He was aware that Sakura doesn't date, and he knew he couldn't offer her anything but his efforts and kindness. She's a beautiful senior, a sannin, a doctor- everything a man could ever dream of- and he's just an ordinary shinobi dreaming.

Nonetheless, Suzaku believes it wouldn't hurt to try.

"I'm 2 years older than you..." Sakura scratched her head as she tried to look for excuses to decline.

"Age doesn't really matter to you, right?" The boy responded. He knew very well that the rhombus symbol in the pinkette's forehead means she wont be aging anytime soon, and that fact alone cancelled out the small age gap they had.

Sakura then nodded as if she was considering his statement. "Can I... uhm, think about it? It's really late, and I'm really tired. Perhaps I could answer this when my mind is stable?"

"Of course, Sakura-san. Thank you for giving it a chance." Suzaku smiled a warm smile and Sakura felt a pinch in her chest.

"I didnt say-"

"You thinking about it is enough for me, really." The boy widened his smile and bowed. "I will get going. Have a good night, Sakura-san."

"Uhm..you too." The pinkette replied absentmindedly.

This wasn't the first time she had someone confessing to her, actually. After the war, many admirers have become more aggressive- some are really interested, and some just see her as a prize. To these people, she's just a trophy they could brag; a girlfriend, if ever, who's not only a war hero, but also the head of Konoha's health department and the director of the newly established children's mental health clinic.

Yet this is the first time Sakura felt something in her chest because of someone's confession. She was so used to rejecting men after men, but was the first time someone smiled at her so genuinely she had doubted her self for a very very brief moment. She thought, what if I just choose that path? What if I just marry someone warm and loving, someone I can come home to with that genuine smile, and forget all these delusional waiting I've been doing for the past 3 years?

Of course the thought crossed her mind only for a few milliseconds. She was tired, and she knew no matter what her brain says, her heart knows very well what it wants. Unless she gets that, her heart can never become truly happy, no matter how genuine the smile another man can offer.

"He seems to like you. Why did you have to think about it?"

"I just dont want to be unfair," Sakura sighed. "My heart... it already belongs to someone else. If I go out on dates I dont like, then--- NANI?!"

"Hn. Still too loud." The man started to walk away, shaking his head. "I have to report to Kakashi. See you," he said without looking back.

"S-sasuke-kun?"

******

Sasuke saw a flush of emotion in her eyes when the young boy smiled at her. She seemed lost, confused, or maybe even hopeful, for a brief second until sadness started to fill her emerald orbs again.

He was curious, he wanted to know if she'll go. He wanted to know what was on her mind.

"He seems to like you. Why did you have to think about it?" His mouth betrayed him, slurring out the words he didn't even carefully construct.

This was not how he envisioned their first meeting when he finally came home. He had no idea how exactly, but he thought he'd finally be able to say "tadaima," this time. He also thought Sakura will welcome him back with a smile instead of a confused, surprised face, but of course he wont be complaining. Seeing her was already a gift to him, regardless of seeing her with a guy confessing to her.

"I dont want to be unfair," She said. "My heart... it already belongs to someone else. If I go out on dates I dont like, then--- NANI?!"

Sasuke almost laughed but maintained his cool. He noted that she's still the same; loud and annoying. He also noticed that she's cut her hair again, and frankly, he thought it made her look more... delicate.

"I have to report to Kakashi. See you," he said without emotion as he hurriedly went to his former sensei's office.

The last Uchiha knew that it's his responsibility to alert the office of the hokage about his return before he actually engage in any social encounters. His parole has been the hokage's burden, so he has to keep him posted about his movements when he's back in town- he's already neglected him enough during his travels. He just... couldn't help but stop and ask Sakura what he asked. He wanted to know if she'll give him a chance, and he wanted to know why did she look so...sad.

Of course. Sasuke's chest was suddenly heavy because he just saw in action how Sakura rejects everyone for him. The shinobi from earlier, he looks weak if he'll be honest, but it wouldn't matter because he Sakura doesn't need protection from her future partner. She's strong and is capable of handling herself very much.

What she would need are love and affection, and he's certain that the man earlier could provide that.

Nonetheless, she rejected the said man because she's still waiting for him, even though he knew he doesnt deserve a single bit of her affections.

She once again turned down a possibility of a happy future in hopes of being with him regardless of his lack of reassurance and...emotions. Who knows how many times she did this when he was away? He wasn't stupid- he was sure men all over the villages would kill just to be with Sakura, but why did she still held on to him?

As much as her faith in him filled his chest with warmth, he feared that Sakura was making a bad decision of wanting him.

"You came to stare at me?" Sasuke was then dragged back into reality when Kakashi snapped him out of his thoughts. He hasn't even noticed his feet has already carried him to his true destination.

How careless for a shinobi.

"Hn. I just wanted to inform you I'm back. I'm leaving." Sasuke dismissed.

"Oi Sasuke. Just like that? Where would you stay?"

That, he didn't consider. He was so used to sleeping anywhere during his travels, and the only time he did have a place to stay is when the old lady took him under her roof.

"I can sleep anywhere-"

"You know, modern people will be a bit scared if they see a young man sleeping on roofs or streets."

Sasuke flinched and heard the unspoken words 'especially if it's an ex criminal.'

"Then at Naruto's-"

"You wouldn't want to sleep in the house of a couple who's at their honeymoon stage." Kakashi grinned under his mask and stood to get something from his drawer. "Look, Sasuke. You're finally home. You have to feel home."

"..."

"That's the key to your old apartment. It's left untouched since the Third's passing, so it may be a bit dusty. If you feel uncomfortable there, find a new one tomorrow. For the time being, rest."

Rest.

"Aa. Thanks."

"No problem," the Rokudaime waved as he knew he can no longer hold his student back from leaving. Until a thought crossed his mind-

"Sasuke!" He called as the young Uchiha opened the door. "Meet me tomorrow afternoon. I have... to educate you of some norms..."

Sasuke then sighed because he thought even Kakashi still doesn't trust him enough. He expected this, but it didn't change the fact that it was hard to constantly try to prove yourself to everyone else.

Little did he know, though, the norms Kakashi was willing to teach him were something he was only willing to share with someone he trusts.

"Aa."

And he's gone. The Rokudaime sighed and relaxed at his swivel chair. Should I text Sakura?

Nah. He'll probably have his ways to make his return known.

***

Sasuke managed to clean before he slipped on a clean tshirt and went to bed.

True to Kakashi's words, everything was still the same in his place except for the thick dust that covered the area when he got there. He wasn't bothered to clean despite being exhausted but was rather happy to do anything that would clear his head for a while. He knew he'd have a hard time adjusting, much more sleeping even though he's finally back.

It was easier to sleep on the grass, he thought as he tossed and turn on his bed. When he finally gave up on trying to get a wink of sleep, he took his cloak and went out of the window. He wasn't sure why, but as much as his apartment was his place, he felt suffocated in there. He needed to get out.

Why through a window instead of the door, nevertheless, he didn't bother to think about.

He was glad to be back, and he indeed felt home. But somehow, that place isn't exactly where he feels home.

He then found himself walking towards the Uchiha compound as he thought maybe he could sleep there. Maybe that's where he belongs. He used to go there when he was a kid anyway so he could cry himself to sleep. Yet after a few minutes of calming his breath as he looked around, he knew he wont be able to find his rest there.

Millions of memories and unwanted guilt starts creeping in again, and the longing he had for his family- for his brother- just grew stronger. The place didn't trigger his desire to retire; it only triggered unwanted thoughts.

Sasuke sighed and turned his heel. Where should he go?

He can't go to Naruto's; he took Kakashi's advice to the heart. He didn't want to concern himself with his bestfriend's...pleasurable adventures. So where to, now?

Am I really home? He starts to question as he looked around . I am home, he confirms as Konoha's breeze enveloped his senses. But where exactly in this village does he fit in?

"You're here," a voice said, clearly out of breath. "I was trying to find you, you know. I was thinking...maybe you didn't have a place to...sleep."

Sasuke tried to mask his surprise by raising a brow. "Kakashi got me my apartment back."

He then took the opportunity to study her face illuminated by the moonlight. He thought she grew more beautiful through the years, yet until now, she would still go through so much lengths for him. He can clearly remember how exhausted she was hours ago. Nevertheless she's here, looking for him because she's concerned about his...sleep. His fear for her very unwise decision of waiting for him only grew stronger now.

"Oh. Then why are you here?"

"Can I first ask how and why did you look for me at this hour? You should've guessed Kakashi wont let me sleep on the streets."

"I- I- Yes. But I was taking a walk because I couldn't sleep when I felt your chakra going from places to places so I thought you didn't have a place to sleep... Especially when I sense you were...going to the Uchiha compoud. Then you turned around. I figured you might not know where to stay for the night."

"I told you I got my apartment back."

"But you haven't answered why you're here looking...lost."

Sasuke knew Sakura was persistent, but he seemingly forgot how easily the pinkette can read him despite the years they were apart. "I've got a place to stay for the night, but I didnt have a place to sleep." he said and left it as vague as that.

Unfortunately and fortunately, Sakura understood.

"I see," she nodded. "Do you want to check in on an inn instead? I know lots of good inns which offer a very reasonable price! I can accompany you-- I mean until you checked in, but I wont-"

"Sakura," he cut her off, amusement dancing in his eyes. "It's fine. I can sleep on the riverbanks."

"The riverb- no! No. No. You're finally home. You deserve a good sleep. With warm blankets  and nice pillows and-" Sakura was in panic. "No, you won't sleep there."

"Sakura-"

"Sleep at my place!"

Both of them froze when the idea sunk in.

"I mean, sleep-sleep. You know. Close your eyes and be comfortable. My place is secured, and you wont have any bad memories creeping you out in there. M-my couch is foldable you cant turn it into a bed! Yes, I bought that last week but- well it's great you know. I'm also rarely home so I can assure you it's clean and I have food on the fridge and-"

"Let's go." Sasuke dismissed.

"Huh?"

"Hn," It took all of Sasuke's chakra to prevent his blood from flooding his cheeks. "Y-you said it's secured and it's true I dont have any bad memories in your place. We're both exhausted, Sakura."

"Oh..uh.. hai." Sakura was still stiff. She hasn't really expected the young Uchiha to accept her offer, but she can't deny the waves of thrill and excitement rushing through her whole being.

"Follow me."