Super duper sorry it was late being posted. You can thank the ice storm that came through and knocked out my Internet plus my electricity!! 😠😤

But, continuing . . .

Where do I start? Thank you to all of the fans of this story and to all of those who voted and commented. Without you I probably would of shied out of posting this story. Because of you all I will be continuing to post stories! 😊

It makes me sad to end this story, but then I remember it is still not finished! Watch out for part two entitled Recollection II: Blackout! And also my new one shot, The Star: A Family Tradition. You all will enjoy both, I just know it! 😃

See you all again soon, very very very soon!!! 😜😘

~Kei-chan 🎀💜💋

Chapter Seventeen:
The Truth

"If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try."
-Seth Godin

I have to tell him, I argued with myself. You can't Sasuke from your dad forever. You're such a loser. Just tell him already!
"Dad!" I blurted out.
We were setting at the kitchen table eating breakfast before dad and I both had to go to work. Dad was staring at me like I was crazy or something, with a mouth full of food.
"Yes, dear?" I asked, eyebrows lifted. "Is something wrong?"
"No," I said, quickly. "Um, nothing is wrong. It's just, well, I need to talk to you about something very important."
"What's that?" He smiled, his eyes squenching up.
"Uh," I started. "Well, I just . . . "I was chickening out. "I just really miss mom." Yep, I chickened out. Sasuke's going to be upset with me.
"I miss her, too, sweetheart," His kind smile spread across his strong face. "But all we can do now is honor her, do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," I nodded, pushing my food around in the bowl. "I do."
"Good," Dad rose from his seat and put his dishes in the sink. "I miss your mom an awful lot, Sakura, but you know what?"
"What?" I raised my eyebrows.
"I always have a piece of her," He began washing his dishes. "In you. You have her cheeks and ears, even her hands. Especially the way you talk with your hands," He laughed. "And the way you stomp your foot when get angry."
"Dad," I laughed. "Stop it."
"But sadly," Dad stretched at his arms high above his head. "I must be getting to work."
"Dad," I sighed, as he walked over to the doorway and began putting his shoes on. "We do need to have a serious talk sometime soon, though."
"Alright," He smiled. "How about tomorrow we go out for lunch? I work until eleven tonight."
"That'll work," I smiled and got up to give him a hug. "Have a good day, daddy. I love you."
"I love you, too, princess," He hugged me back. "You have a good day, too."
"Bye." I said, shutting the door behind him.
I leaned against the door and took a deep breath. It's been two weeks and I still haven't told him! I gotta tell him. I just have to. I made my way back over to the table and began to clean up the mess when there was a knock at the door.
"Coming!" I yelled, turning the facet off.
I picked up the basket full of clean towels on my way to the door and set a couple of medical files for work from the hall table on top of the basket.
"Yeah?" I answered the door expected the mailman to sign for a package, but instead was greeted by Sasuke. "Oh, hey!" I smiled, and kissed his cheek. "Come on in."
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him as I walked back inside the living room. Taking a seat on the couch, Sasuke slid in beside of me.
"So, what's up?" I asked, setting the files beside of me and started folding towels.
"Just thought I'd walk you to work," Sasuke said, picking up the files. "What are these?"
"Some of my patient's files," I smiled, continuing to fold the towels. "And how sweet of you, dear."
"Uh huh," Sasuke grunted. "You didn't tell your dad, did you?"
"No," I sighed, knowing I had disappointed him again. "But I'm going to, trust me. I can't hide anymore."
"Hide what?" Sasuke asked. "Me?"
"Yes," I nodded. "I know it sounds bad, but yes. It's not like I want to, though. I would have you with me every second of every day, but I can't because life forces me to share you."
"You need to tell him, Sakura," Sasuke poked my forehead. "I want to be properly introduced to your father . . . as your boyfriend."
"I know," I leaned against him. "And I want you to, okay? I'm telling him tomorrow, no matter what it takes. I promise."
"You really promise this time?" He asked, pulling me up by my chin.
"I really promise you this time," I looked into his dark embers. "I'm tired of sneaking around."
"Me, too," He kissed me, pressing his lips firmly against mine. "What time do you need to be at work?"
"In like an hour," I laughed, as he pulled me on top of him. "I have to finish the dishes an towels, too."
"I'll do them for you," He kissed my neck. "After work, I promise."
"Fine," I groaned, as I pulled his thick hair. "Just ten minute, no more. I can't come up with another excuse this week, alright?"
"Hn," His arms wrapped tightly around me. "Can't promise that, babe."
He lowered us to the floor and hovered over me. He looked at me for a moment then leaned down and pressed his lips against my forehead. I felt butterflies flutter through my stomach and I closed my eyes. Don't ever stop kissing me, Sasuke, I thought as he kissed my cheeks. Promise?

"You're late!" Ria reminded me as I made my way into the office. "Again, might I add."
"I know!" I said, grabbing my lab coat. "Who's here?"
"Mrs. Liota," She said, handing me her file. "She ate peanuts again and forgot her insulin."
"I swear!" I rolled my eyes and pulled my hair to the side, putting my name tag on.
"Is that a hickey?" Ria gawked, pointing at my neck. "Oh my kami! It is! Sakura, what the h e double hockey sticks!?"
"Hush," I shushed her. "I have a patient to attend to. Excuse me."
"Whatever," She winked. "This will be our little secret, boo."

It was lunch before I knew and I found Ino waiting for me outside of the hospital. Her blonde hair was push back with a blue headband and her blue eyes covered with big sunglasses.
"Hey, Billboard Brow," She greeted me, sticking out her tongue. "Ready for some lunch?"
"Yes, I'm starving," I exaggerated, rolling my eyes. "Where are we eating?"
"I kinda got a sweet tooth, how about the Bakery Banquet?" She offered, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
"Sure." I nodded and followed her down the path.
It was a little quiet as we walked and the conversations we did have were about the local news or something happening to our friends. Nothing really exciting happened until we came beside of the ANBU offices and saw Sasuke coming out.
Oh no, I thought. I haven't told Ino, what do I do? Do I just act like I don't see him? No, I don't care if she sees. But I don't want her to get mad at me for not telling her.
"Hey, there's Sasuke," She broke me free from my thoughts. "Should we talk to him?"
"I guess so," I mumbled, trying to hide the panic in my voice. "Lets just make it quick, though, I only have a forty minute lunch break."
"Oh, it looks like he's coming to us," She smiled and waved at him. "Hey, Sasuke. How are you doing?"
"Good," He nodded towards her and then looked at me. "Hey."
"Hey," I smiled. "What are doing here?"
"I had to turn in some files and pick up my next mission," He explained, waving the paper in his hand. "What are you guys doing?"
"Going to lunch," Ino answered. "Hey, there's Shikamaru! Shika!" She yelled and walked over to him.
Thank kami, I groaned in my head. She's distracted.
"Are you okay, Sakura?" Sasuke asked me, touching my cheek. "Do you need me to walk you?"
"No," I shook my head and took his hand in mine. "I'm just hungry that's all."
"Then let me take you to lunch," He insisted, pulling me closer to him. "My treat."
"Sakura?" Ino said, confusion twisting in her voice. "Are you alright doing lunch solo? I think I'm going to join Shikamaru and Choji."
"That's fine," I smiled. "Sasuke and I are going to go somewhere."
"Okay," She nodded. "Well I'll see you later then."
"Bye." I said to her, as Sasuke and I walked the opposite direction from them.
"You haven't told Ino yet, have you?" Sasuke asked, wrapping his hand around mine.
"No," I replied, shamefully. "I'm sorry, it's just I don't see her often so I haven't gotten a chance to tell her yet, but I'm going to."
"Just like you are with your dad, huh?" His face stayed emotionless.
"That's not fair, Sasuke-kun," I pleaded, looking at his face as we passed by gawking strangers. "You know how I feel about that situation."
"Hn," He settled with and continued walking.
"Where are we even going?" I huffed, giving up on arguing.
"Somewhere," Sasuke replied. "You'll see when we get there."
"Fine," I sighed, letting him pull me down an alleyway. "Can we slow down?"
"Yeah, sorry," He slowed his pace, still going at a quick rate.
"Why are you walking so fast?" I asked, looking behind us just as a person turned the corner, coming right us.
Sasuke pulled on my hand, code for turn around and act normal. I turned my head around and kept walking with him at his now normal pace.
"Who is that?" I whispered, leaning in close to Sasuke's ear.
"I don't know, but they've been following us since we left Ino and the others," Sasuke mumbled. "Lets go somewhere crowded, maybe they'll go away then."
"Doubt it," I muttered. "Turn left up here, we'll go to Ichiraku's. Its usually busy there."
Turning the corner, we came face to face with the familiar shop and its kind owner. Along with its regular customer setting in the same spot, accompanied by a familiar dark haired girl.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto greeted me a I took a seat beside of Hinata. "Teme."
"Dobe," Sasuke nodded.
"Who's the dude?" Naruto asked, tossing his head back towards the direction we came from.
"I don't know," Sasuke answered. "He's been following us for a few minutes now."
I looked at Hinata who was staring at her bowl, blankly. I touched her and she looked up at me. What's wrong?, I mouthed. She shrugged an shook her head. That's weird, I thought.
"Sakura," Sasuke said, putting his hand on my shoulder. "What do you want to eat?"
"Oh, um," I glanced up at the menu. "Just some chicken noodles."
He nodded and gave the man out order as I glance over my shoulder. The man was setting on the bench by the pond, reading a newspaper. His face was covered by the brim of his hat and his body covered by a cloak.
"What are you guys doing out? I thought you worked today, Sakura?" Hinata asked, trying to make small talk.
"I am, just on break," I explained. "I have to be back in like thirty five minutes."
"Here you go," A steaming bowl of ramen was place in front of me then one in front of Sasuke. "Enjoy!"
"Thank you." I smiled and picked up the chopsticks.
Naruto continued talking to Hinata while Sasuke and I ate in silence. It was quite strange, comparing the couples that is. Naruto and Hinata talk and laugh the whole time they eat while Sasuke and I just awkwardly glance at each other every once in a while. When we were done Sasuke paid and we rose from our seats.
"See you guys around!" Naruto yelled and Hinata waved as we made our exit.
"Did he go away?" I asked as we went around the corner and ran into someone, bumping into Sasuke's chest. "Oh, sorry," I mumbled, looking up to only catch a glimpse of a familiar red, black, and white star. Dad?, I thought looking back at the vanishing man.
"Did that answer your question?" Sasuke asked.
I narrowed my eyes and continued walking. Sasuke wasn't at my side, following behind me at a slower pace.
"Sakura," He called after me. "Stop walking so damn fast."
"I have to get back to work," I mumbled, turning the corner. "I don't want to be late. Ria doesn't always fax prescriptions, but she always manages to tell Lady when I'm late."
"That didn't seem like such a big deal earlier," I heard him mumbled. "Besides, what does it matter? It's not like she's going to punish you or anything."
"It doesn't matter," I pushed my hair over my shoulder. "Tardiness is not acceptable to me."
"Can't you just lie to your secretary?"
"It's my job and its important to me, Sasuke," I replied. "No, I will not lie to her. Honesty is key."
"So am I not important to you?"
I stopped walking. We were in a vacant alleyway just around the corner from the hospital.
"Why would you even question that?" I asked, irritated.
"Well, you said it yourself," He explained. "If something is important to you than you have to be honest with it. But you're not honest about me with your father, or even any of your friends. That means I must not be that important to you then."
"Shut up," I grumbled. "You're just being stupid. You know you're important to me, Sasuke. Why else would I even of continued to love you after you left me? Or what about even after you tried to kill me!? Stop being dumb and use your brain some."
"How about you so the same," Sasuke shot back. "Stop hiding me like you're ashamed of me and just tell everybody that you're with me already."
"Shut up!" I hissed, turning towards him. "You have to understand why! My mom just died, half of the village has been destroyed with some help provided by you! You have to understand people are under a lot of pressure right and that things are going so smoothly. That people's minds aren't in the right state and they won't understand everything the way I do. Just give me some time! That's all I'm asking, Sasuke."
"I've already given you time," He sighed. "Don't you think it would be better to just go ahead and tell them now so that they can process everything all at once?"
"But what if its too much to ask for," I explained, talking with my hands. "I don't want to send them over board."
"Listen, Sakura," Sasuke said, voice emotionless. "If you don't tell them then its obviously you're ashamed of me. If you're ashamed of me then I don't want to waste your time anymore."
"Sasuke," I stepped towards him and he took a step back. I felt a stinging pain rise in my chest and had to place my hands over my heart. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" He asked. "Being honest."
"I'll tell them, okay?" I almost yelled. "I'll tell them, every single one of them, whenever you want me to."
"Hn," Sasuke looked pass me. "You better be getting to work, you're going to be late if we just keep standing here and arguing."
"Okay," I took a deep breath. "Are you going to walk me in?"
"Someone might see us," He turned away and started walking. "I'll just see you when you get off work."
"Sasuke?" I called, in a small voice.
It was too late, he was already gone my vision. I felt hurt and alone. I wanted to go home and cry to my mom, but remembered just in time to force myself to suck it up. Slowly, I turned and walked by myself inside.
"Why were you arguing with Sasuke?" Ria asked, biting a fork full of pasta.
"It's nothing," I lied, picking my coat off of the rack. "We were just talking about something."
"Why does he walk you home like everyday?" She nagged. "Do you need me to get someone to stop him?"
"No," I snapped, already having anger built up inside. "And for your information, Sasuke's my boyfriend so he can walk me home whenever the hell he wants to!"
I turned on my heels and stomped down the hallway. Then suddenly felt proud of myself for finally telling someone. Now if I can only tell my dad.

"Have a goodnight, Dr. Haruno," Ria smiled, as I pulled my regular grey jacket off of the rack and slid it on. "See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Ria," I told her, opening the office door. "See you tomorrow."
The hospital itself was dead, with empty hallways and silent waiting rooms. The light outside was bright and showed no signs of Sasuke. I frowned and walked down the steps. It was cold outside, the fall air beginning to rustle its way into our little village. I pulled my jacket tighter around me as I walked pass the closed shops. The moon was full and I felt an eeriness in the air, making me walk a little bit faster. I turned the corner down my street and almost screamed.
"Sakura," Sasuke grabbed my arm as I reached back to strike. "It's me."
"Dammit don't do that!" I grumbled, taking a breath. "You scared me half to death."
"Sorry," Sasuke scratched the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to scare you. I got off of work a little later than I usually do and just thought I'd meet you half way."
"Oh okay," I shrugged, continuing to walk. "That's okay."
"Sakura? Is that you yelling?" Miss Yao asked, cracking open her door.
"Yes, Miss Yao," I grumbled. "Sorry to have awakened you, I'll keep it down next time."
"Who's that with you?" Miss Yao asked, being her usual nosy self.
"It's Sasuke, Miss Yao," I explained, starting up the steps and Sasuke following me. "He's just walking me home."
"You know, Sakura, I've been your parent's neighbor since before you were born and I don't think your mother would want you around him," She stated, making anger heat my cold veins. "She'd roll over in her grave if she saw you with this trouble maker."
I was quiet for a moment and Sasuke just ignored her, continuing to walk up the steps. He came to a halt when he reached my position.
"Miss Yao," I began, turning back to her. "I don't think you new my mother very well and I certainly do not think it is your place to tell me about my own mother. The same goes for my father. I think it would be in your best interest to just go back inside, shut your door, lock it, and pretend to sleep while you are actually spying on the people who live around you! And just so you know," I realized I was close to her door by now, having anger blocking my senses. "Sasuke is not some "trouble maker", he's my boyfriend."
"Sakura," Sasuke's strong voice said, pulling my arm. "Lets go inside, leave the woman alone."
Miss Yao had already shut and locked the door by the time I reached the top of the steps. I unlocked the door and stepped into the cozy apartment, lockin the door behind me. I flipped on the light switch and sat down to take off my shoes.
"You didn't have to say anything to her," Sasuke said, setting down beside of me. "Just ignore them like I do. All that matters is my opinion about myself, the others don't matter."
"But it matters to me," I said, quiet and calmly. "I just want them all to see how you've changed and how good of a person you are now. I just want them to see the Sasuke I love, not this monster they think you are."
"But I am a monster," Sasuke reminded me. "I've done bad things my whole life. I've killed innocent people for my own gain or even for no reason at all. And they're right, it is bad that you're with me. I'm not safe. I tried to kill you, Sakura. I had your throat in my hands. Have you forgotten that?"
"No," I said, sternly. "But that doesn't matter to me. I've told you before that your past doesn't matter to me, only your future does."
"Sakura-" He began.
"Stop," I put my hand on his arm. "I love you, Sasuke and that is something that will never change. I kept loving you even when you made the wrong decisions and I will continue to love you from here on out. So just stop trying to defend all the other people who put us down and let me be with you dammit."
He was silent as I rose from the ground and walked into the living room. Turning on the television, as my usual habit, I walked to the kitchen and pulled out a gallon of ice cream from the refrigerator. Sasuke was setting on the couch, staring at a photo of me and my mom, when I came back with my guilty pleasure of chocolate and caramel.
"You're mom was pretty," Sasuke commented, as I took a seat next to him. "I guess that's where you get it from."
"Aw, shucks," I laughed, curling my legs up. "Thanks."
"Are you really going to set here and eat a whole gallon of that?" He nodded towards the ice cream.
"Well, not all of it," I took a spoon full and put it in my mouth. "Just most of it."
"What time will your dad be home?" Sasuke glanced at the clock.
"Soon," I mumbled, eating the ice cream. "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"Work," He answered, picking up the remote. "What about you?"
"Same," I leaned back. "And having lunch with my dad."
"Oh," He muttered, flipping through channels. "Have fun with that."
"I'm going to tell him," I said. "And no matter what he says I'm going to be with you," I thought back to earlier. "I think that was him today at Ichiraku's."
"Why do you say that?" Sasuke asked, settling on the news.
"Because of this," I said, pulling my necklace out. "He has one just like this and we're the only people who do."
"Why would he be following you?" Sasuke asked, laying his head back and looking at me.
"I don't know," I shrugged. "Maybe he was just watching over me. I didn't mention something about mom this morning. He might of thought I was getting depressed again."
"Again?" He repeated.
"It's nothing," I reassured him. "Just after mom died, nobody took anything lightly."
"I'm sorry," Sasuke mumbled. "I should have been there for you."
"It's okay," I smiled and touched his cheek. "It's not your fault."
"I think someone's coming up the steps," Sasuke stated. "Should I go out the back door like I did last night?"
I stared at him, feeling a little nervous as a set of keys jingled in the doorknob. He rose from his seat and started for the door as the front door opened.
"Sakura, I'm home," Dad yelled. "I brought dinner."
"Hey, dad," I said. "How was work?"
"Good," He replied, coming into the living room. "How was work for you?"
"Slow," I mumbled, turning the tv off.
"I brought home chicken," He said, setting down the brown bag on the table. "I hope you're hungry because there's lots of it."
"Daddy," I started. "We need to talk. Set down here."
"I think I know what this is about," Dad said, setting down beside of me where Sasuke once was. "It's about you and that boy isn't it?"
"So it was you today?" I asked. "Following us."
"Yes, it was me," He shook his head. "Are you with him or where you just holding his hand in case he got lost?"
"I'm with him," I laughed. "I have been for almost a month now."
"Why did you wait so long to tell me, Sakura?" He asked. "I mean, a month!? That's quiet some time."
"I know and I'm so sorry," I touched his hand. "I was just . . . I was just afraid that you wouldn't approve of us, but daddy no matter what you say I'm going to be with him. So you can either except us or not, it doesn't matter to me."
"You are so much like your mother, you know?" Dad laughed. "I just want to ask you this one thing; how can you be with someone now that wanted you dead before?"
"Because I love him," I replied, quickly. "And you and momma always told me that love will always conquer. That its always the greatest strength. And he loves me too, dad. He really does and when you love someone you look past their faults, to the person they really are on the inside. On the inside, Sasuke is an amazingly caring person. Just give him a chance and you'll see."
Dad was quiet for a moment and then picked up a picture of my mom, "If it were your mother here instead of me, what do you think she would do?"
"Yell at me," I laughed. "Then learn to deal with my decisions."
"Then that's what I'll do, but I'm not going to yell at you," He smiled. "I think Hokage-sama does that enough."
"Yeah," I laughed, then remembered Sasuke never opened the back door. "Oh, yeah. One more surprise, daddy."
"What's that?" He asked.
"Stay there," I told him, getting up and going towards the back door.
Sasuke was standing in the shadows right before you get to the door, just staring at me. I smiled and took his hand, pulling him back out into the living room. I could feel how nervous Sasuke was, just by touching his hand.
"Daddy," I said, as he turned around. "I want you to meet my boyfriend, Sasuke."
"Oh," Dad laughed and scratched his head, standing up. "I didn't expect you to be here at this late of an hour."
Sasuke just stood there, like a deer in headlights. His eyes were larger than usual and his palms were beginning to sweat.
"Well, it's nice to meet you again," Dad said, offering his hand. "I think you remember my name."
"Yes, sir," Sasuke managed, letting go of my hand to shake his. "It's nice to see you again, as well."
Dad nodded then looked from me to Sasuke. "Well, how about we all eat supper together then?"
"Sounds like a splendid idea." I smiled and walked to the kitchen.

Sasuke stepped outside, the wind blowed lightly twisting my hair around my face, and took a deep breath.
"That was probably the most nerve wrecking experience of my life," Sasuke groaned. "I didn't expect you to tell him just like that."
"I'm sorry," I laughed, crossing my arms. "But at least I told him."
"Hn," Sasuke turned towards me and opened his arms to me. "Thank you."
"No, thank you for finally convincing me to tell him," I said, curling into his chest. "It will help in the long run."
"Hm," Sasuke took a deep breath. "You smell like fruit."
"Why would I smell like fruit?" I laughed.
"I don't know, you just do," He laid his head on mine. "I like it."
"Oh, yeah?" I said, stretching up on my tiptoes. "How much?"
"Quiet a bit," He said, kissing my forehead.
"Prove it," I leaned into his lips.
"Hn." He replied, in between kisses.
We kissed for a long time until dad called for me to come in and Sasuke had to leave. I walked back inside with one final kiss and looked at the picture of me, dad, and mom. Mom, I thought. Thank you for raising me right. I love you more than anything and you will always be with me. I know it.
"Sakura?" Dad yelled. "Do you want to watch a movie?"
I smiled, "Only if I get to pick it!"
"No chick flicks!" He replied.
"Aw, come on." I begged and our usual bickering continued from there.

Off in the distance . . .

Standing on a tree limb before the entrance gates to the Hidden Leaf Village was a man.
"Have you located them yet?" A woman's voice echoed into his earpiece.
"Yes, ma'am," The man replied, crouching down. "What now?"
"Now we wait," She answered. "We wait until the moment comes for our revenge."
"As you say, mother." He said, landing on his feet and walking towards his hotel room. "This is what Franz would of wanted."
Don't worry, dearest brother, the man thought. I will revenge your death and continue your legend. The Prince of the black market will live on.

To be continued.