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She’s standing there, on the dock, watching the water move with the breeze in the pond before her. The sky is painted in pinks and golds and the sun is moving downward on the horizon, another day coming to an end.
Another day without him, she thinks.
Sakura glances up at the sky to see a hawk flying overhead, gracefully gliding toward the trees in the forest beyond. It makes her heart ache. Hawks make her think of Sasuke, always hoping that the ones she sees are his summons, coming with notice of his well-being, or a promise returning soon. She knows that he is doing what he must for the sake of the village- for that, she is incredibly proud- but at times, like now, it’s hard for her to allow pride to overtake the feeling of sadness that grips her heart when she misses him the most.
She’s so lost in thought that she doesn’t register the presence approaching her, her memories taking her to tearful goodbyes (on her part), and promises sealed with smirks (on his). Sasuke nearly chuckles to himself that he’s going to be able to surprise her, even out in the open like this. He flash steps to just behind her, silent, as the ninja he is, and wraps his right arm around her shoulders, pinning her gently to his chest, his face suddenly at her ear.
“Tadaima,” he whispers, taking a deep breath and tightening his arm around her as he places a sweet kiss right behind her ear.
She gasps quietly, clearly taken off guard, but quickly relaxes in his hold, her arms coming up to grip his forearm as she leans her head back, finding his neck and placing her own kiss against it.
“Okaeri, anata.”
She turns in arm and smiles up at him, pushing herself to her tip toes and wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I’ve missed you,” she says, as she draws herself to him for a chaste kiss.
“Aa.”
He smiles as she tugs him down to sit on the dock and both of them let their legs dangle as they lean up against each other and watch the sun set. Eventually, he lifts his arm and wraps it and his cloak around her. She smiles and leans her head against his shoulder, breathing in the smells of pine and fire smoke, a smell she’d know anywhere. She knows Sarada will be wondering where she is soon, but Sakura is allowing herself a rare moment of selfishness. Just a few more moment with her husband before she has to share him. Just Sasuke and Sakura.
“It’s good to be home.”