Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Homecoming ❯ Chapter 2

Days passed quickly enough, Sasuke was released from the hospital with the stipulation that 3 ANBU be present with him at all times Kakashi being one opted to stay with the Uchiha in his old home in the Uchiha district since his old apartment was rented out.

At first being in his old home had giving him nightmares that woke him in a cold sweat he never cried out, he was a Uchiha after all mastering your emotions was an unspoken law. Sakura visited frequently he didn't speak aside from the occasional `Hn.' He only asked once the first time she came how Naruto was, that was the second day he was home.

“So..Anything new happening?” He wouldn't look at her embarrassed that he was curious. Sakura was taken aback, she knew what he was really asking and the voice in her head was telling her some very evil things to do before giving him an answer. Her internal debate was making him uncomfortable, a weight settled in his gut the last time he talked to the idiot was 3 days ago and he seemed fine. He was even sitting up complaining about not having any ramen, but he also remembered the way the blonde was leaning against the headboard of his bed bags under his eyes and the glitter of suppressed pain that shone in his eyes. Could the fool have worsened in the short time he was gone, he was unconsciously gripping the fabric of his pants leg with his right hand and looking ahead.

Sakura noting all of this, decided to wait just long enough. She was pushing it she knew but she wanted to see the emotion he had displayed that night. She smirked in her head it would serve him right and pay him back a little if he felt even one tenth what she and Naruto had when he left them, so she scrunched her forehead slightly giving the appearance that all was not right.

“Well,” she paused to read the Uchiha, gritting her teeth fighting a smile.

“He's fine should be out in a day or so.” She glared over her shoulder at the silver haired Jounin his one eye twinkled at her, he ruined her fun. Sasuke was looking at her for a brief moment something foreign appeared in his dark eyes but quickly left, it had been a long time since he had last given her that type of intensity it made her want to blush cursing her self silently she stood.

“I have to go, I promised Naruto I would smuggle some ramen to him.” She smiled lightly at the two men and left.

 

Sasuke resumed training with Kakashi, which served a duel purpose, it gave the Hokage and the counsel some idea of his abilities and it kept his mind off of his limited freedom. It was during one particular violent training session that Naruto showed up, he was leaning on one crutch arguing with Sakura.

“Damn Fox is taking forever, but I'm not staying in the Hosiptal another day!”

“Naruto!! You aren't healed totally and..”

“Sakura-chan, between you and the old hag I will go insane!” the last was giving in a growl and the two appeared at the entrance to his dojo eyes snapping sparks at each other.

“Oi Sasuke-teme!” Grinning he pointedly turned his attention away from the woman beside him. Sasuke didn't miss the distress Sakura poorly tried to hide or the way her eyes shuttered and the blank calm fell into place or the way she accidentally on purpose let her shoulder touch Naruto's as she moved past him or the blush that spread on his cheeks. His teammates had obviously gotten closer during his absence, feeling something akin to jealous he glared at them.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded. He was sweating from the taijutsu exercises Kakashi had recommended they partake in, glancing at the other man he noted his sparing partner was in the same condition.

“A hello would be nice but if you want me to kick your ass now I will.” The blonde ignored the growl directed at from Sakura as he propped his crutch on the wall. He didn't know why they, being Shizune, Sakura and Tsunade, insist that he carry the damn thing it just got in his way and brought too much attention. Sakura shook her head, “If your gonna be an idiot.” She crouched down and swept his legs out from under him he landed with a grunt and a glare pulling his injured leg up and rubbed it.

“What was that for?” he shouted. His pride and leg aching now.

“If you can't evade that you still have a little longer to heal,” She pointed back at the crutch on the wall, “Hence the crutch, Baka.” She was standing over him a small syringe in hand. “Now are you going to use it or do I have to give you this and take you back myself to the hospital?” Eyes wide, his cheeks were red. Being drugged by Sakura was one thing, he didn't really mind that part because his leg did hurt it was the threat of being carried, by a girl no less, that he couldn't live with.

“no.” he mumbled crossing his arms over his chest. A snickering laugh caught his attention and he glared at the source.

“OI!! Don't laugh at me teme. You try dealing with her!” he whined. Sasuke smiled he actually smiled a real honest to god smile. It totally flabbergasted all three and since he knew no one else could see him he allowed the three most important people in his life to see his smile. Walking over to the blonde on the floor he offered his hand to help him up.

“Ursatonchi.”

“Don't call me that!” A half smile curved Naruto's lips, he had his brother back that's all that mattered even if the teme kept calling him stupid. Sakura was grinning madly even Kakashi was smiling widely under his half mask, she was extremely happy nothing was going to take him away again. They had power now all of them they were equals, yes she still loved Sasuke deeply and this thought brought up a new one. She and Naruto had become close so much so that she could say she loved him too but did she love him or Sasuke more. Inner Sakura offered no help at all she was just as disturbed by this new development.

“Sakura are you alright.” Sasuke was standing in front of her waving his hand back and forth one eyebrow raised. Nodding her head she offered a smile, with Naruto around Sasuke spoke more was friendlier than he had been. He would never admit it but Sakura could see he was closer to the blonde loudmouth felt safe around him, which in turn allowed him to be more open with the rest of his team. Looking at her boys she grinned they were a family again and for the first time in years she felt at peace she would worry about her feelings for Naruto and Sasuke later for now she was going to enjoy this moment for all she was worth.