Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Kishimoto-sensei. The story and its creativity belong to the author.

Note: Takes place during episode 500.

Canon-verse: This story takes place during the Blank Period, a few months after the Last Movie and in-between events of Konoha Hiden.

Fanon-verse: Takes place after Aftermath.

A/N: Decided to do this due to the fact we're all unsatisfied with SP's rendition of the final episode and dying for Sasusaku interaction. Well, I'm glad it turned out that way because it gave me something to write about. In addition, for those who are unsatisfied with the lack of Sasusaku interaction in Aftermath, this is for you. And since it's the queen's birthday (belated, happy birthday Sakura!) I decided to combine the two into a long one-shot. Enjoy!

Aftermath: Special

A Simple Message

Today's the day.

Brushing pink strands away from her face for the umpteenth time, Sakura secured her hair with a red headband. Opening her closet, she pulled out a simple red V-neck dress then slipped it over her petite frame. Moving to the vanity for a last minute look-over, her hand went up, fingers touching her bare throat.

"I need a good accessory for this," she told herself, opening her drawer and retrieved a pearl necklace. After unclasping it, the pinkette wound the accessory around her neck. Satisfied with the way it accentuated her collar, she securely clasped it shut.

Perfect.

Pleased with her appearance, she stood up then walked to the bed, grabbing her purse and an elaborately wrapped gift. Finally out of the bedroom, Sakura proceeded to the front door. After slipping her dainty feet onto red pumps and locking her apartment, the pinkette smiled at the clear blue sky overlooking the Hokage Monument.

It was Naruto's wedding day.

Excited about today's event, she recalled the day her loudmouthed teammate made the announcement.

After a grueling shift, Sakura was eager to go home. Filling her mind with pleasant images of takeout food and a good night's sleep, she failed to notice a certain blond jinchūriki trailing after her. The exhausted kunoichi was a few feet away from the medical facility when she heard her name being called.

"Sakura-chan!"

Her thoughts were immediately squelched in an instant. She turned around to find Naruto walking toward her."If you're asking for a consultation, set an appointment with Shizune-san," she grumbled tiredly, by way of greeting.

Naruto only grinned as he stopped in front of her. He was a good foot taller now that she barely reached his shoulders even if she stood on her tiptoes. "Perfect timing, Sakura-chan! Have dinner with me."

She yawned, uninterested. "Go ask Hinata. I'm on the early shift tomorrow and I need sleep."

Instead of getting disappointed by her refusal, his grin got wider as he unceremoniously grabbed her hand. "Nuh-uh! I won't take no for an answer. And besides," he added, voice lowered. "I have something important to tell you."

Sensing the urgency in his tone, she yielded to his request.

Upon arriving at Ichiraku, she was shocked to find Kakashi-sensei and Sai sitting in their usual spot. It was a rare occasion for their team to have a get-together sans Sasuke due to their busy schedules and the latter's absence.

Finally seeing them after several months was fulfilling.

After filling their stomachs with Ichiraku's famed miso pork ramen and exchanging stories here and there, Naruto finally dropped the bomb.

"I'm getting married."

...

For the next few minutes, everything was silent.

Even the owner, Teuchi-san, dropped the noodles he was boiling in the pot after hearing the news.

The first reaction was a huge, "WHAT?"

Kakashi and Sai's reactions were priceless. Both sported gaping mouths of astonishment. On the other hand, Sakura quickly recovered from the shock and jumped to the occasion, hugging Naruto while spouting congratulatory words and squeals of happiness.

And the rest was history.

Arriving at the venue, Sakura instantly fell in love with the setting.

Cherry blossom trees in full bloom surrounded the vicinity, fallen petals dancing with each sway of the wind. From the entrance, guests started entering, bringing gifts and celebratory wishes in the form of notes.

It was a joyous occasion, coupled with the cherry blossoms in full bloom symbolized good fortune and happiness for the soon-to-be-married couple.

Sakura smiled, recalling how she helped Hinata in deciding the date.

The Hyūga princess was swamped with endless requests and preparations that the last thing on her mind was the proper time to hold the wedding.

Being the oblivious one, Naruto suggested to have it on the eve of their birthdays for easy recalling. Both girls vehemently refused, citing his suggestion as a sign of laziness. Because of that, Naruto was forced to sleep on the couch until the date had been decided.

Several weeks after, Hinata dropped by Sakura's office for a visit.

The pinkette just finished her hospital rounds when the petite brunette visited, citing she came from Ino's flower shop and ordered white mountain lilies for her flower arrangements. While munching on dangos and anmitsu from the sweets shop they frequently visited, Sakura listened attentively as Hinata voiced out her woes.

"I had a hard time convincing the Main Branch elder that I'm fine with my name placed under Naruto-kun's family registry," she said, sipping her tea daintily. "They kept on repeating that my recent decisions were unbecoming for a Hyuga."

Sakura snorted. "They're being too traditional. They should be satisfied that Hanabi already agreed to take over as the next clan head."

Hinata smiled. "Everyone was shocked when Naruto-kun dropped by for a visit then quickly asked for my hand in marriage. They all assumed that he got me pregnant hence the hasty proposal."

The pinkette couldn't resist the urge to laugh. "And since Kakashi-sensei went with him, the elders didn't have the heart to argue anymore."

Of course, they wouldn't.

Not in front of the Sixth Hokage and the other half of the world's most powerful shinobi. Those old farts gladly sent Hinata's hand…er, her to Naruto's waiting arms in one piece since they had no use for her and well…they simply couldn't stand a chance against him.

Not to mention, having a devious ex-Anbu Commander slash Jōnin sensei slash Sixth Hokage for a backup made the proposal an instant success.

Back to the topic at hand, Sakura understood that Hinata was still struggling in deciding the best date for her marriage. Tucking a hand under her chin, jade eyes looked out the window, eventually landing on a certain tree with its budding blossoms.

An idea hit her.

What better way to hold the perfect wedding in a season full of blooming cherry blossoms?

Pitching the suggestion to Hinata, a satisfied smile crossed Sakura's face as the pallid-eyed girl's tender features lightened up from anticipation. The hug she received from the shy female lifted the exhaustion she felt from doing her arduous shifts.

With that, it was finally set.

Except for one thing.

Naruto will only agree if the wedding will take place the day before Sakura's birthday.

The medic-nin was taken aback by her teammate's unusual request yet she relented eventually when Hinata explained it as Naruto's way of showing gratitude for getting the two of them together.

It made her cry.

And now…

Observing the emerging guests, Sakura caught sight of the Kazekage's entourage as they entered the place, greeting dignitaries and mingling with the other guests.

Her eyes caught sight of Shikamaru pulling Temari along with him and introducing her to his colleagues. Never had she seen the Sand kunoichi blush in so many shades of red.

Not too far from her, Ino and Sai were happily chatting with each other, hands intertwined to signify their status as a couple. They started going on dates after Sai's mission for the Country of Silence then got officially together during their mission in apprehending Kido Tsumiki and his plans of using tailed beast drugs.

At the other side, Chouji manned the buffet but what caught Sakura's attention was a certain Kumo kunoichi approaching him, albeit a bored look on her face. The two began talking and she was surprised to see Karui's blushing face.

Amazing.

In a momentous occasion such as this, everyone came with a date.

"Sakura!"

"Sakura-san!"

The pinkette turned her head sideways as Tenten and Rock Lee moved toward her. Fixing a smile on her face, she greeted them, "Hi guys."

Tenten looked wonderful in her formal attire, a white cheongsam with peonies embroidered on the silky fabric. Rock Lee wore a modern rendition of a changsan, yet Sakura guessed that he still wore his green tracksuit underneath it. The same was applied for Gai-sensei as well, eyeing the wheelchair-bound man currently engaged in a heated conversation with Kakashi-sensei.

Rock Lee instantly sidled next to her, flashing his wide grin. "You look beautiful as always, Sakura-san!" Suddenly snatching her hand, he then placed an open-mouthed kiss on her palm. "Will you do me the honor of being my date for this joyous occasion?"

Before Sakura could give her reply, Tenten bopped her bowl-cut teammate hard on the head. "Baka! Are you seriously abandoning me, your own teammate?"

"B-but, you said that women are attracted to determined men!"

"Not in this occasion! Did you forget she's taken?"

Lee's shoulders dropped in disappointment. "I thought it'd be a good idea to keep her company while he's not here…"

Both women sweatdropped.

It was an opportunistic suitors' way of saying, "To attack the prey swiftly while the hawk is away."

Tenten slapped a hand on her forehead. Yanking Lee by the ear, she dragged him away from Sakura, spouting words like "Wrong move, stupid!" and "Behave yourself!"

Sakura eyed the spectacle with uncertainty, taking Tenten's words into account. 'Taken, huh?'

Even though the closest thing she got with Sasuke was mutual understanding, everyone within their social circle already assumed they were in a long distance relationship – notwithstanding the fact that two years had passed and she received no communication from him whatsoever.

Not even a damn note.

Even Naruto complained about it and he was supposedly the best friend.

The lack of communication and his prolonged absence made her lonely.

She felt a light tap on her shoulder. "You okay, Sakura?"

The medic nin glanced at her gorgeous best friend, who was wearing a tight lavender dress and her long blonde hair free from accessories. Beside her, Sai was equally dashing in his black formal wear sans the jacket. "Ino, Sai."

"Were you about to cheat?"

Both women were wide-eyed at Sai's blunt inquiry.

His girlfriend was flabbergasted. "What the hell are you saying?"

"I heard Lee muttering about finally having his chance with you. Shall I inform him about this?"

Ino clamped her hand on his mouth. "Stop saying those things! Have some sense of decency!"

Sakura laughed, finding her friend's discomfort with Sai's bluntness more amusing than his earlier statement. "Ino, I didn't expect to hear those words from you."

Sai managed to remove Ino's hand from his mouth. Giving his pink-haired teammate a friendly squeeze on her shoulder, he spoke, "Still, he should've been here. I even sent him the invitation as a favor for Naruto and he refused."

Ino sighed, linking hands with Sakura and giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze. "Well…we all know he's on a self-imposed mission, right? It's still his decision whether to return or not."

Sai's expression was serious. "That's still not a good reason to leave his girl alone."

Sakura bit her lip. Sai wasn't the type to mince words and though his anger was directed at Sasuke's absence this time, she understood he was sympathizing with her plight. Even the tightening of Ino's hand on hers exuded the same feeling.

Sensing the pinkette's dulling mood, Ino gave her boyfriend a sultry smile. "Sai, you don't mind getting me something to drink? I'm thirsty."

Torn between comforting his friend or risking his girlfriend's wrath if he didn't do what she said, Sai made his way to the refreshments table.

Sakura was thankful for her friend's considerate gesture. As much as she appreciated Sai's concern, he was ruining the cheery mood she tried to maintain. "Thanks, Ino-chan."

Ino winked. "If you're planning on getting weepy, do it once Naruto and Hinata are here. Don't worry about the predators. Whether you like it or not, we'll guard your pretty little self in Sasuke-kun's stead."

The pinkette warmed at her friend's offer. Then again, she didn't plan on monopolizing Ino's attention from Sai. They attended the reception as a couple and she didn't want to ruin their time together. Giving the blonde woman's hand a comforting squeeze, she urged, "Go with Sai."

"But –"

She gave Ino a warm smile. "I'll be fine. Besides, I think your boyfriend's scaring the bartender with his inane questions."

Letting out an annoyed sigh, Ino released the pinkette's hand and trudged to where Sai was in order to give him another lecture concerning etiquette.

Alone again, Sakura resumed her post at the sidelines. Watching her two friends openly display their affection for one another, she couldn't help but be envious.

One was getting married and the other with a wonderful girlfriend.

Her two boys had finally grown up.

As for the other one, well…

'It's still his decision,' she thought glumly. Even if she wholeheartedly decided to wait for him, she was still frustrated.

No communication whatsoever, remember?

Before her thoughts get the best out of her, Sakura felt another tap on her shoulder. Turning around, her eyes lightened up when she recognized another familiar face.

"Well, well! If it isn't Sakura!"

She lowered her head in a graceful bow. "Jirocho-Oyabun. Idate-san."

The respected leader of the Wasabi Clan acknowledged her with a warm smile. Beside him, Morino Idate wore a huge grin on his face as his eyes roamed up and down her slender frame.

Sakura fidgeted under the other man's gaze. 'I knew going stag in Naruto's wedding was a bad idea. Maybe I should've asked Ino to stay.'

Jirocho was oblivious to his ward's gaze. "I'm glad we came here. It's been a long time since we last saw each other in Tea Country."

Sakura smiled. "That's true. Naruto will be very happy once he sees the two of you."

"Can't believe he's getting married!" Idate grinned. "And here I thought I was gonna be ahead of him." His eyes scanned the area. "By chance, have you seen my brother?"

Sakura pointed at the small gathering of Chūnin. "He's over there."

"Thanks, I'm gonna say hi to him first," Idate grinned, heading to his brother's direction.

Jirocho smiled as his young ward greeted his brother Ibiki who was genuinely surprised. Gazing back at Sakura, he noticed that she looked unhappy. "That's not a good expression. Are you okay?"

She blinked, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, it's nothing."

The older man chose not to prod though his eyes lit up as he remembered something. "Hm, come to think, I haven't seen your other teammate. The one wearing blue," Jirocho scanned the surroundings then asked, "He's here, is he not?"

"Um, he's –"

A cool voice answered for her. "Unfortunately, he's away on an important mission."

Jirocho and Sakura turned around to find Kakashi standing behind them. Giving Sakura a reassuring smile, he bowed at the older man. "I'm happy you're here, Jirocho-Oyabun. Now," Placing a hand on Jirocho's shoulder, he began leading him away from Sakura. "Why don't we go and I'll introduce you to the Kages. By the way, Tsunade-sama is asking for you…"

Sakura mouthed a "Thank you" to her sensei who acknowledged it with a simple nod. Finally had enough of the limelight, she decided to join Sai and Ino when a hand grasped her arm.

"Sakura, wait!"

Looking back, she saw Idate's amused eyes. 'Great,' she thought as her steps faltered and the feeling of discomfort kicked inside her.

First was Lee-san then him.

'Bear with it,' she reminded herself. 'This is Naruto's wedding.' Pasting a smile on her face, she asked, "What is it, Idate-san?"

Idate scratched his nose, embarrassingly. "Um…I was wondering if it's okay…um, if we talk?"

The pinkette was baffled."About what?"

"Well, stuff!" Idate smiled. "It's been a long time since we saw each other and I'm sure a lot of things happened to you."

Sakura smiled. Well, he had a point. After all, there's no harm in making small talk. "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"

Idate smiled, moving closer to the petite girl as his hand was ready to grasp hers…

It was at this exact moment that a falcon swooped downward and pecked Idate right on his head.

The man yelped as he tried shooing the bird away but it continued attacking him relentlessly. Sakura quickly pacified the falcon by holding her arm out for it to perch on. Giving its victim an angry squawk, the avian flew toward Sakura and landed on her arm.

Gazing at the falcon's markings, her eyes widened in familiarity as she saw the small canister on its talons. Opening it, she retrieved a carefully folded paper inside. Done with its mission, the falcon flapped its wings to take flight but not before giving Idate another taste of its sharp talons.

Sakura unfolded the paper, reading the message. Her cheeks flushed at the message neatly scrawled in the paper.

"Congratulations."

It was a single word.

Even if he wasn't there to celebrate his friend's happiest moment, he decided to pass his thoughts to Naruto through their female teammate.

His secretive way of sending the message meant he was still hesitant to return and didn't want to ruin the occasion so he deemed the message was enough to curb his friend's disappointment.

Seeing his falcon and receiving his message would also mean that he was thinking of her.

For Sakura, it was enough.

Even if he intended to use her as his messenger.

"Ow, ow!"

Hearing Idate's cries of pain, Sakura broke her musings as she went to his side and began healing his scratches.

Due to everyone's cooperation in the secret mission, the wedding reception was a huge success.

It was twenty minutes close to midnight and the party was still ongoing. The cherry blossom trees were filled with lanterns, the lights casting a romantic glow. At the center of it all, the newlyweds were clearly enjoying themselves. Hinata dreamily portrayed the role of a blushing bride while Naruto was all smiles, obviously a perfectly happy groom.

Sakura shed a lot of tears, happy for Naruto that he was finally married to his one true love.

Regrettably, the romantic mood and seeing her friends being lovey-dovey with their respective significant others was too much for her. Not one to ruin the moment, she decided to leave the party early and drown her loneliness at home with a bottle of sake. She was a few steps away from the entrance when a hand suddenly grabbed her.

Please, no more aggressive guys.

"Leaving without even a goodbye to your best friend? That's cruel, 'ttebayo!"

Sakura turned around, facing Naruto's tanned face twisted in a frown. Schooling a smile on her face, she answered. "Sorry, Naruto. I need to go home early because I've got work tomorrow."

"What? But it's a special day tomorrow!" the blond protested. "We even planned on celebrating it, remember? Take the day off!"

As much as she wanted to do what he said, she couldn't. "The hospital's understaffed at the moment so I can't leave them hanging."

Not one to accept defeat, Naruto linked his arms with her. "Okay then! How about I walk you home?"

The pinkette opened her mouth to protest but her persistent teammate yanked her arm playfully. "When will you ever learn that I'm not taking no for an answer?"

"Hinata will kill me for this," Sakura sighed in defeat.

His grin was unbearably bright. "Nah, it'll be fine! Let's go, let's go!"

Thus, she got dragged along.

It was a quiet night.

With the party still ongoing on a fixed location, Sakura knew that the barrier shinobi were the only ones active for duty while the rest were enjoying the festivities. Glancing at the star of the night who held onto her arm in a vise-like grip, the pinkette had no idea why Naruto was acting all clingy.

It was irritating. "You know I can't walk properly if you're clinging on to me like an octopus."

"No way!" Naruto grinned. He pulled her close, adding further discomfort. "This is my first walk as a married man so the least you can do is to go with the flow."

His sunny disposition was infectious. "All right, I give in. So what made you decide to walk me home?"

Naruto smiled, their steps gradually slowing down. "Can't I bond with my best friend?"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Usually that meant either you didn't like my wedding present or you need me to do something for you."

The blond made a face as they rounded a corner. "I'm being serious here, 'ttebayo!" Seeing her unconvinced stare, he laughed nervously as he asked, "Are you gonna clobber me because I set the wedding right before your birthday?"

Sakura shook her head, finding his question ridiculous. "Hinata convinced me that you're doing it as some sort of gratitude because I helped you guys decide on your wedding date."

The blond laughed. "Yeah. But that's not the whole reason."

"Then why?"

"I just thought of holding double celebrations for a change. And I know how busy you are nowadays so I…uh, asked Kakashi-sensei to give you a day-off tomorrow so we could celebrate."

Sakura's green eyes flared angrily at his interference with her work. "What? You can't do that! I already told you the hospital's understaffed and…"

"Sakura-chan, it's your birthday tomorrow," Naruto reminded her, irked that she'd choose her career over her own birthday. "You shouldn't disregard that. And," his expression softened, "I know you feel left out during the celebration."

Her shoulders dropped, realizing Naruto's protective mode was on. "Sai told you, huh?"

Wrapping his bandaged arm around her shoulders, he ushered her to sit on a nearby bench. Sitting next to her, he spoke, "No. Even if Sai opened his big mouth, I already knew how much you missed Sasuke."

The pinkette's lips tightened. "I…" She couldn't hide her feelings but somehow, Naruto was still able to tell. "I feel lonely. Although I know he's doing his best in his journey for redemption, I just wish he makes an effort in communication so I'll be more at ease."

Blue eyes narrowed to slits, agreeing with her. "True! That bastard did send a letter but he should've put an effort in writing a more heartfelt message. I would've cried in happiness if he wrote a poem instead of congratulations!"

Sakura laughed. "One-worded responses are Sasuke-kun's specialty."

"One word is not enough to appease my pain of him not being my best man, 'ttebayo!"

Knowing Naruto chose to forego his own wedding party to cheer her up, the pinkette was touched by his considerate gesture. Ever since the first time she met him, he was always like that…putting others before his own. "Thanks, Naruto. Even in your wedding day, you still worry about me."

Naruto's smile was so warm. "To tell you the truth, if it weren't for your strong support, I wouldn't be able to admit my love for Hinata…and I wouldn't be able to say our marriage vows in front of a hundred people without sputtering nonsense."

"I already told you it's just wedding jitters," Sakura laughed softly. "Honestly, you just married the love of your life and all you're afraid of was reciting your wedding vows?"

"Ehehehe…ya know I'm not good with speeches and all that," Naruto grinned, staring at the night sky. "You forgot I wasn't the smartest guy in class."

The pinkette laughed as the memories flashed back. "How could I? Everyone knows you have the lowest scores in class and you even have the nerve to challenge Sasuke-kun."

"What can I say? The bastard and I have a longterm rivalry. Not only that, we have a reputation to uphold."

"I know. Our genin days were memorable indeed. And now...to think you'd be the first in our team to get married," Sakura noted, suddenly feeling that sense of nostalgia. "Honestly, after you made that huge announcement, we all thought you were kidding."

Naruto scratched his nose, slightly embarrassed. "Ehehe…"

Her fair features lightened up as she smiled at him. "However, we're all happy for you. Hinata is fortunate to have you as her husband." Giving him an affectionate hug, she told him, "From me and Sasuke-kun. Congratulations!"

His blue eyes shone with happiness, brushing the stray strands of pink hair away from her face. The wind was certainly cold tonight and goosebumps appeared on Sakura's arms. Rubbing her arms gently in an effort to warm her up, he spoke, "Thanks, Sakura-chan. You're a great girl though your bad taste in men hasn't changed." When he heard her laugh, he smiled, "You know that I love you right?"

She smiled back. "I do."

"For the longest time, I wanted to thank you. Ever since we were kids, you always took care of me. Even after we grew up and got taller than you, you never stopped believing in me. You're the closest thing to a sister I never had so I swore to myself that it's my turn to take care of you."

"Naruto…I…"

He placed a hand on her cheek. "Since teme left, I know how lonely you are. That's why I set my wedding date before your birthday, to remind you of how special you are. I wanted to tell you that before the night ends. However," he grinned, eyes crinkling with mischief as he looked over Sakura's shoulder. "It looks like I got beaten to it."

Sakura stared at him in confusion, turning around and following Naruto's gaze.

Her breath caught.

A lone figure clad in black was making its way toward them.

The pink-haired medic slowly rose from the bench, eyes growing misty as she recognized who it was.

Naruto stood up as well, grinning at the newcomer from ear to ear. "Took you long enough. And I was running out of things to say too."

"Hn."

"Well then," the blond jinchūriki gave Sakura's head a comforting pat. "Can't leave my new wife by herself." Approaching his rival, he raised his bound fist, "I've done my part so she's all yours."

A smirk made its way to the other man's face as he raised his own fist and connected it with Naruto's.

Naruto turned around, walking toward Sakura and gave her a hug. He whispered something in her ear which caused her to blush then went on his merry way back to the party.

Sakura couldn't believe it.

Footsteps approached her and when it finally stopped, she quickly bowed her head to hide the onset of tears. A hand lifted her chin up, forcing her eyes to meet its mismatched counterparts.

Sasuke.

It's been two years since she last saw him and the significant changes to his physique were incredibly bad for her heart. His towering height instantly dwarfed her petite frame, giving her a certain air of nervousness. His hair got longer, bangs covering his left eye yet he retained his usual spikes.

Her small hands went up to touch his face, the pads of her fingers feeling the smooth skin.

Really, his skin was smoother than hers.

His hand wiped the stray tears from her eyes. "Don't tell me you've forgotten what I look like."

His cool baritone voice which she imagined hearing over and over again in her dreams was proof enough that he was the real deal.

Unless Naruto perfected his clone replicating abilities in an effort to cheer her up.

"I'm just making sure you're not a genjutsu or one of Naruto's clones." Sakura smiled through her tears, adding, "Lately all the enemies I encountered would often use your appearance as genjutsu bait so I'm playing safe this time."

"Hn."

"You're late. The party's gonna end soon," she told him. "But if we go now, we might make it and –"

He curled his hand behind her neck. When Sakura opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, he closed it effectively with his own.

His lips were seeking and demanding access from her that the force of it blew her away. Since her own mouth already gaped open due to shock, he gave her bottom lip a gentle lick then inadvertently slipped his tongue inside.

It took her awhile to respond to his attack with equal fervor.

Kami-sama, she could feel everything.

The slanting movements of his mouth as their lip lock deepened, the warmth of his tongue when it intertwined with hers, the way his fingers plowed on her rose-colored tresses – everything felt surreal that every emotion she could think of being thrown into the kiss overloaded her mind.

Frustration and passion.

Warmth and longing.

Tenderness and lust.

When they finally parted for air, her knees buckled from the impact. He immediately caught her, his good arm wrapped tightly around her waist. From the way her cheeks flushed and her swollen bottom lip, a definitive smirk crossed its way to Sasuke's face.

Damn it, he was devilishly handsome.

"You were saying?"

She blinked, forcefully bringing herself back from her kiss-induced stupor. Placing her hands on his broad shoulders, she struggled with her words, "Like I said, we're gonna be late for the party if we –"

He captured her mouth again.

If the first one was breathtaking, the second one was earth-shattering.

Her heart pounded loudly in her chest as she failed in steadying herself from his onslaught. She could feel the heat radiating from him and an unexplainable ache from within her was starting to surface.

He felt it too, breaking the kiss but not before brushing his thumb on her lower lip. His grin was roguish as he whispered quietly, "You were saying again?"

The pinkette instantly blushed from the roots of her hair to the tips of her satin-clad feet. She buried her reddening face in the fabric of his black shirt, muttering, "Shannaro, you jerk."

She didn't know whether she'd laugh or cry but all the stress and frustration that built up from his two years of absence were blown away by their kiss.

His hand went up, fingers entangling in her hair. "Still mad?"

Her response was a wordless nod.

"Hn."

Looking up, she asked him. "Are you leaving after this?"

It took him awhile to answer. "Aa."

Her head lowered, knowing it was too much to hope for. She had an inkling that even if she asked him to go back to the party with her, he'd still refuse. Insecurity slowly clawed inside her, hands traveling downwards to the front of his shirt, fisting the black fabric. Although she wholeheartedly supported his mission, she needed reassurance from him that he'll return to her.

Why'd he even come back if he'll just leave again?

Sensing her mood dropping from the way her shoulders tensed up and the perplexed look gracing her pretty features, he gave her head an affectionate ruffle. "Stop."

"Stop what?"

"Thinking about it. You know I have to."

Sakura cheeks puffed in irritation. "I was dragged here by Naruto against my will then you showed up from nowhere and kissed me senseless." She poked his chest with her finger. "You and Naruto owe me an explanation, Sasuke-kun."

Instead of displaying the same irritation as hers, he was smirking. Before she could give him a piece of her mind, he bent down and pressed his forehead against hers. Really, she was supposed to be irritated with him but her traitorous eyes zeroed on his lips.

"I'm not here for the wedding."

"Then why are you here?"

Instead of answering, he pulled her closer. Burying his face between the space of her neck and shoulder, he muttered quietly, "To see you."

Her eyes widened in confusion. "But the message…"

He lifted his head to look at her, tracing her lips with his thumb. "Was for Naruto. I'm here for a different matter."

Her breath hitched. "What?"

His gaze smoldered as he cupped her chin, his mouth inches away from hers. "This." Giving her pouting lips a soft peck, he gave her a warm smile. "Happy birthday, Sakura."

Hearing his words caused the waterworks she's been keeping inside her to come out. He always had that effect on her – whenever he did these kinds of things, she'd instantly revert to her younger, weepy self.

In spite of missing his friend's wedding, the fact that he returned to her was heartwarming.

The insecurities she felt whenever she saw her friends with their respective loved ones and the anxiety of waiting for his return without communication were all gone.

At first, she was content in receiving a simple message from him, but hearing him say "Happy birthday" were the best words she ever heard. Even if Hinata was happy on her best day or Naruto finally married the love of his life, she didn't care anymore because what mattered most was the stoic male in front of her.

"Tell me your wish."

It wasn't even a question.

He wasn't the type to listen to others and he couldn't care less of what they think.

His statement sounded more of a demand but she knew it was his way of indulging her.

It was a special day after all.

Her special day.

If he's willing to grant her a wish then...

Lithe arms entwined on his neck as she stood on her tiptoes to meet his gaze. His arm went around her slim waist, pulling her up and leaving her feet to dangle above the ground.

I wanted his heart.

Even if he wouldn't say it aloud, I wanted to know how he felt.

It's just for tonight.

Even I'm allowed to ask that, right?

Staring at his heterochromatic orbs, her voice was inaudible as she told him her wish. "– be...ine."

"Hn?"

She breathed deeply, then repeated it softly. "Be mine." Her hold tightened as she continued, "Until my birthday ends, be mine."

His reaction was filled with incredulity.

The pinkette's face was completely streaked with red as she saw his nonchalant expression. 'I knew it…it was too forward…too forward! He will never say yes…he will never…'

She had to apologize pronto!

"Sasuke-kun, I…" she didn't get to finish as his forehead touched hers. The way his eyes bored into hers was smoldering…it was unlike his usual stare. Before she could apologize, his mouth seized hers. Her train of thoughts was already lost in their kiss and she mused that if he kissed her again, she'll definitely pass out.

His lips brushed against her ear.

"Aa."

It was a single word.

A single word that easily made her lose all the remaining composure she had left that her entire body sagged against his. Supporting her body with his arm, he couldn't help but be amused by her shy and panicky reactions. "Annoying."

Her response was a hearty laugh, bringing his smirking face down to hers for another kiss.

Since it's my birthday…

Let me be selfish for once.

A/N: Because I got too caught up with the drama and whatnot at Aftermath, I decided to stretch my limbs for some romance. I feel sorry for Sakura that she was the only one left out without her bae and sending a falcon with a single-worded message was not satisfying. I've been thinking of doing a part two of this but from Sasuke's perspective…so, I'll leave the decision to you guys. Now, don't forget to give me a review because I really need something to motivate me. Thanks!