The next day, Sasuke had gone back to the hospital to see how Sakura was doing. She wasn't allowed back out yet and the doctors refused to discharge her, maybe because they were scared she would hurt herself if she wasn't in the hospital. Sasuke ran a hand through his hair as he stood outside Sakura's hospital door. A shaky hand was placed on the doorknob, pushing it open with a small creak.

As Sasuke entered, his eyes immediately went to her beautiful pale face, his chest tightened as he looked at her, but she was grinning. It never left her face, not if she knew Sasuke was visiting her. "Hey." She said lightly as she moved over in her bed to make room for Sasuke to lay next to her.

He was hesitant but managed to crack a small smile. She was always so happy, even though she knew she was going to die. How could someone knocking on death's door always be so happy? It puzzled Sasuke. Sasuke lifted himself onto the bed and laid down next to her, she didn't hesitate in curling up next to the man she loved.

Sasuke put his arm around her shoulders and Sakura rested her head on her lover's shoulders. "How are you?" She asked. Sasuke was taken aback by the question.

"I should be asking you that question!" Sasuke scolded her.

"Just answer the damn question, dummy." Sakura gripped onto him tighter. Sasuke sighed lightly as he leaned his head on hers.

"I've been good, glad I could see you again." A light blush crept its way onto Sakura's cheeks "The real question is how are you doing?" He asked, concern lacing his tone as he poked at the IV that was in the pinkette's arm.

Sakura glanced at him and looked up, an exhausted look creeping up her tired, sunken eyes. Sasuke felt his chest tighten. Before, her eyes would glow with excitement, but now... she simply looked like she couldn't have the energy to breathe. Looking to his side, he felt his breath hitch as he spoke.

"College sucks ass, you know. But it's fun because I like challenges. And... and..."

"And?"

He sighed and forced himself to gaze into her dulled jade eyes. "I..."

Sakura touched his cheek and shook her head. "Don't force yourself. Its fine."

The boy bit his lip and felt his hands caress her cheek softly, feeling her soft skin heat at his touch. Leaning in, he let his lips gently brush over hers, gingerly, the electricity between them sparking quietly. It was a delicate, quiet kiss.

It was a kiss that understood fate but didn't want to accept its silent end.

It was a kiss that Sasuke realized that he could twist the end to his own use.

"I have some journals I want you to have. After I..." Sakura whispered as she leaned her forehead onto his, tears brimming in her eyes. "I want you to read it, keep it close. I want you to remember me. I don't want you to forget me."

Sasuke closed his eyes shut and wrapped his arms around Sakura, listening to her fragile breathing. "I won't forget you. I'll get your book. I won't forget you."

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

"Let's get married."

Sakura widened her eyes and squirmed out of Sasuke's grip, her face on fire as she made a time out sign, a glare burning from her eyes. "What the hell? You can't just suddenly say that to me! Stop making stupid jokes."

Finally being able to give a small chuckle, Sasuke shook his head and brought her hand close, squeezing it tightly. "No, I'm not joking. I want us to get married. You, the one person who made my life become brighter when I was at my lowest. You, the one person who made me feel all these crazy emotions of worry, terror, happiness, anger, sadness and... and love. There is no person I can possibly think by my side when I think of marriage. I want us to get married."

Sakura stared at Sasuke, then covered her face, tears streaming down from her eyes. "S... Sasuke..."

Removing her hands, the boy smiled and wiped away her tears. "Well, what is your answer?"

"A thousand, a million, no matter how many times you ask... it's... its a yes."

_______________________________

Letting out a nervous sigh, Sasuke turned the key open to Sakura's apartment and was hit with the aroma of dust. No one had entered the home for weeks, and by Sasuke coughing, he felt he needed to tidy the place up.

But first... the journals.

Peering into Sakura's bedroom, he felt his face heat up. He felt dirty for just coming into a girls room, let alone it was his girlfriend's room. You idiot! You already... had it... so why are you so embarrassed?

Shaking his head, he went to her desk, and one by one were leather-bound journals. Five to be exact.

Maybe because she was diagnosed for five years.

Flipping through the pages of the journals, Sasuke laughed at some of her bizarre entries. From school to old crushes, to bragging to no one about her college applications, Sakura's immense liveliness jumped from the pages and cloaked him into a reassuring aura. As he read through the entries, he found nothing being talked about her cancer treatment.

This is her happy place.

No wonder she loved to write.

The pink-haired anime girl came into his mind, and he widened his eyes and he studied Sakura's treasure. Stories and ideas flooded his mind, and he stumbled at the sudden force of information. Clutching the books close, he closed his eyes and nodded with confidence.

I know what I have to do now.

~~~

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