A/N: Okay, just to clear this up, Sasuke realized that Orochimaru was too weak to defeat Itachi, so how could he teach Sasuke how to beat Itachi? (He can’t!) So Sasuke has already killed Orochimaru and Kabuto. Itachi is still alive and Sasuke is training in Konoha, under probation, to defeat him. By the way, this is my first fic so, constructive criticism please?

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto…that belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Chapter 1: The beginning

Sakura’s thoughts

Sasuke’s thoughts

Sakura sighed.

Honestly, how could one person consume so much ramen at one time?

Naruto continued to slurp away at his precious ramen while Sakura picked at hers; she was already full. And Sasuke, well, he just sat there eating his meal calmly and ignoring both of the other teens.

It was dinner time and Kakashi had suggested that team 7 have a reunion at Ichiraku’s now that Sasuke was back from the snake pervert. Naruto had been all up for the idea; however, Sakura was nervous. Sasuke was back and it was awkward to be around him. If he had any discomfort he was awfully good at hiding it.

You may be wondering why Sasuke came to this reunion in the first place…well, he was, for lack of a better term, persuaded—Kakashi told him that he would ensure Naruto was quiet throughout the meal. Not that it was a problem since Naruto was too busy inhaling his ramen to pay much attention to anything else.

Sakura was getting impatient now; Sasuke’s cool demeanor was really getting on her nerves.

Say something, anything…just get out of here! She stood up abruptly.

“Guys, it was fun eating with you again, but I have a lot of work at the hospital I have to attend too.”

Sasuke looked up, his onyx eyes revealing nothing.

“Awww, Sakura, you have to leave already,” Naruto asked, pouting.

“Yeah Naruto, sorry, but I really am busy.”

Sasuke stood up suddenly and muttered something. “What did you say Sasuke, I didn’t hear you…”

He sighed, “I said I’ll walk you there.” What… walk me there? Oh Kami, no! “Ah, that’s okay Sasuke-kun, I’ll be fine,” She stuttered.

“Let’s just go,” he said impatiently, practically dragging her away.

Kakashi smirked. “That’s new,” he said to no one in particular. Naruto stared, completely dumbfounded.

The walk to the hospital was silent. Sakura kept steeling glances at Sasuke in hopes of understanding why he was doing this.

Is he sick or something? Since when has he taken any interest in me? He isn’t concerned about my safety is he…? No, that’s very un-Sasuke like. So what’s up then?

“Um, Sasuke-kun, why are you walking me to the hospital,” She asked hesitantly. “Naruto was annoying,” he said simply.

“Oh,” she muttered sheepishly. Of course. Why do I feel like this, it’s not like I thought he cared anyway.

When they reached the hospital Sakura said, “thanks for walking me here anyway Sasuke-kun.”

“Hn.”

She turned to walk away when his voice stopped her. “I'm not supposed to be alone.”

Oh Kami. This is bad, really bad. “Oh, because of your probation?” Now that was a stupid thing to say…just great!

“Aa.”

“I guess you need to stay with me until I’m done here then,” she said. He nodded and followed her to the door. She walked in and did all the check ups and procedures she always did at night. They leaving when an Anbu appeared and approached Sasuke.

“Uchiha-san, Tsunade-sama is requesting your presence,” he said gruffly. Sasuke nodded. They headed towards the Hokage’s office.

Sakura walked into the large office, greeting Tsunade. Sasuke stood a little off to the side by the door. He wasn’t particularly fond of this new Hokage, but he couldn’t really blame her for her actions. He got the punishment he deserved (and his punishment wasn’t really all that harsh either, thanks to Sakura) and he acknowledged that.

“It’s good to see you again Sakura, and you too Sasuke. Here’s the thing, as I said earlier, Sasuke is not to be alone during his probation.” She looked pointedly at him. “You need to stay with someone trustworthy for the time being. I considered Naruto…,” Sasuke scoffed.

“Right, I decided you two would probably be fighting every day. So I thought maybe Kakashi…”

“No way in hell” Sasuke muttered.

“Yes, I thought that was a bad idea on second thought as well. I have thought of other ninjas you know, but you don’t really know any of them very well and that probably wouldn’t work. So I've finally made a decision,” Tsunade said resolutely.

“Who,” he asked bluntly.

“Sakura.”

“WHAT,” Sakura yelled.

Sasuke stared at Tsunade with a funny look on his face.

“No, no, no…Tsunade-shishou, I can’t live with him! That would be…” she trailed off.

“Well, you are the best candidate. I mean, you have monstrous strength to subdue him if he gets out of line. You aren’t as annoying as Naruto would be, you aren’t perverted (thank god) like Kakashi, and you understand Sasuke better than anyone else. I think it’s a rather good idea,” Tsunade said in a very matter-of-fact tone.

Sakura and Sasuke just stared at her.

Oh Kami, I am going to live with Sasuke Uchiha. Keep breathing…

...you’re kidding… “Do I get a choice?”

“Nope,” she said grinning.

Sasuke glared angrily.

Sakura swallowed nervously.

“You can move in right away,” Tsunade said.

Sakura had the distinct impression that her sensei was thoroughly enjoying this.

A/N: Wow, that was fun to write! I hope everyone was in character. I tried. Don’t forget to review!! This fic was created with the help of Uchihafangirl, thanks!

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