• It was silent.

    Tense, but silent.

    The wind blew a strand of pink hair out of its place. Never would she have anticipated encountering him again after his departure from the village, no matter how much she had hopelessly yearned for their next meeting.

    Uchiha Sasuke.

    She was still; her feet was nailed to the ocean of grass beneath her. Indeed, Sakura was delighted to see Sasuke was alive and well, however, things had changed since he left. With all the village affairs that she had taken part in such as, teaching at the academy and training with Lady Tsunade, he was often pushed to the back of her mind. Her hope for his return withered with each passing day.

    "Come with me."

    Sakura blinked. "What?"

    "Come with me." the Uchiha repeated, much to his annoyance. He wouldn't admit it out loud, (if he could help it), but he almost missed team seven.. especially Sakura.

    "I told you I was going to come back for you, didn't I?"

    "You made such a promise a while back, I never thought you'd make an effort to keep it." the pink haired kunoichi responded bluntly. She relaxed.

    Same as always..

    He recoiled slightly, taken aback by the new attitude. "What's that supposed to mean?"

    A playful smile made its way to her lips. "Exactly as it sounds. I didn't know you intended on keeping that promise. It seemed like you were so focused on gaining power you didn't give me a second thought; considering I was weak and annoying." she paused. "And if I do recall, isn't Karin your mistress? I'm quite certain she wouldn't be too happy if I joined you."

    "She's not my mistress." He growled. "She's just a part of the group I created to hunt down Itachi. Other than that, she's just there."

    "Hm."

    "Why are you so aloof now? The Sakura I know was never-"

    "The Sakura you know is gone."

    ...

    Sasuke sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "Look, I know I was an a** back then, and I'm sorry for that, but.." He took a deep breath. "I love you, alright? I missed you when I left, I did. Seeing you now I realized you're different. You're strong, intelligent, and beautiful as a full bloomed cherry blossom should be. I never realized it until now."

    Sakura couldn't help but smile. "I appreciate those kind words, but my answer is sti-"

    Before she could finish, she felt a pair of lips on hers; desperately trying to alter her decision.

    Stunned, she pulled away gently and stepped back.

    "I'm sorry.. but my decision remains the same."

    "Tch. Why?"

    Sakura smiled. "Because my heart belongs to another."

    With those words, she turned away and disappeared.

    Sasuke sighed once more. Damn it..

    Sakura stopped near a river a little ways from the clearing; sitting near one of the banks and gazed into the meandering water. A small tear escaped from her emerald orbs.

    "Are you alright..?" he murmured, using his thumb to wipe away the single tear.

    She looked into his silver colored eyes, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'm fine."

    "You can go back if you wish to." A hint of resentment colored his tone.

    "I don't regret anything."

    Pein smirked and nuzzled her neck. "I'm glad."

    Sakura pulled him closer into a deep, passionate kiss.