#redcameleon!writes

She said, do you see me in black and white Do you need me every day and night I said, I don't wanna dance with another

Finally, he lets his walls crumble for her. Finally, he lets her in his heart. Emotions wash over him as he finally lets her see how vulnerable he is.

We could feel this darkness with each other 'Cause when I look at you I see colors

He cups her face, and lets his lips brush over hers before he closes the gap. She closes her eyes as she returns the kiss, lips moving in unison. She snakes her arms around his shoulder, drawing him closer. Her hands find his hair as she lets her fingers tangle in his strands. They break away, gasping for air before Sasuke trails wet kisses from her cheek, down to her neck.

Sakura lets out a grunt as she tugs the hem of his shirt. Getting her hint, he lifts her shirt over his head and lets her unbuckle his pants. He moves to lift her shirt over her head, skillfully unclasping her bra as she gets rid of her shorts.

He takes his time to admire her, admire the delicate skin. He notices the blush painted over her cheeks as they stare into each other’s gazes. He lies her down on the mattress, catching her mouth in another kiss. His hands grip her wrists, pinning her to the bed when he starts moving south. He peppers wet kisses on her chest, hearing her moans and whispers of his name.

When I look at you I see colors

He slides her panties off, and she hisses when she feels the cold air hit her. He lets his fingers run through her folds, eliciting a squeal from her. He plunges a digit inside, watching her reaction. Sakura shuts her eyes as she feels his finger in her. He slowly moves before adding another digit, eliciting another squeal.

“Sasuke-kun!” She grips his shoulder as he smirks. Soon enough he starts thrusting his fingers at a pace, watching her squirm underneath. He moves his other hand to steady her down to the mattress. When he sees her edging, his thumb finds the bundle of nerves and rubs it in circles, making her moan in pleasure, his name tumbling from her lips.  

Sakura feels herself clenching when the knot in her stomach starts to build. He thrusts a couple more times before she finally climaxes from his fingers. He rides her off her high before catching her lips in another kiss. She pulls him closer to him, feeling his hard member on her stomach.

She said do you see me in shades of grey Do you need me like I need you that way I said I don't wanna play with another

Sasuke can’t fight his urge when he starts to align himself at her entrance. He breaks their kiss and looks into her, fire filling his eyes. She grabs his face and nods before he slips himself in her. She throws her head back, hissing in pain.

He doesn’t dare to move as he examines her face. His heart aches when he sees her in pain.

“I’ll be slow.” He reassures her. She looks at him with the same passion and nods for him to move. His movement starts out slow as they take their time to feel each other. He captures her mouth in another kiss, lips moving slow. He pours out his love into the kiss, touching her in the gentlest way. He runs his hand along her sides as he lets her hands trail his chest and stomach.

He feels a knot starting to form as his climax is near. He starts to quicken his pace, his gaze never leaving hers. She feels pain now turning to pleasure. The room is filled with moans and labored breathing, them whispering each other’s names.

We could feel this cryin' with each other 'Cause when I look at you I see colors

She can feel her climax nearing as she wraps her arms around his torso, pulling him closer. He senses her desperation and starts to quicken his pace, hands gripping her waist. She lets him move, wrapping her legs around his waist, drawing him closer. He hisses when he feels her nails dig to his back. With a few more thrusts, they both reach their climaxes, as he empties himself inside her, riding them from their high.

Every time I look at you lately I see colors that are changing

“I love you.” Sasuke rests his forehead on hers. He looks at her with the gentlest stare, eyes filled with so much emotions that he can feel his throat tightening. He notices how her eyes glisten as she returns with a look just as soft and so full of love. He wonders how she can love him so much.

“I love you, too.”

Every time I look at you lately I see colors 

“I missed you.” Sakura breathes. Sasuke brings her chin up in a kiss. Their lips fit perfectly with each other.

“I’m here.” He brings her closer and traces his hands on her petite form as she rubs circles on his chest.

His hand lands on a particularly large scar adorning her hip. He rubs it with his thumb, feeling the rough skin underneath.

“Where did you get this?” Curiously, Sasuke asks.

“Sasori. Grandma Chiyo and I were battling him when we were retrieving Gaara. He pierced a sword right through me.” Sasuke’s grip tightens on her. He knows at that time, he was still with Orochimaru. He hates, despises seeing his loved ones get hurt. He knows that a ninja’s life will always be on the brink of death. Nonetheless, he would do anything to protect her. For the woman in his arms is his home now, and he can’t afford losing it again.

Sasuke lets out a sigh before moving his hand up to her back, feeling another long strip of a different texture that spans from her lower back to her mid back.

“That one’s from a mission way back. I was retrieving a stolen scroll. The enemy managed to injure me with his sword.” Regret. The only thing that is going through his mind at that moment. If only he had been with them, he would’ve been able to protect her. He closes his eyes in deep thought.

“Sasuke-kun.” Sakura brings her hand to his cheek. Warmth spread through him and he opens his eyes to meet with a pair of shining emeralds.

“It’s okay.” As if she knows what’s on his mind, she always finds the right words to say to him.

“I’m sorry.” Sasuke looks to the side. He feels too ashamed to look at her in the eyes. Sakura hates seeing him like this. They’ve worked out all the bad in their relationship, and have taken out all the skeletons from their closet. Sakura’s thumb brushes his lower lip.

“Sasuke-kun, look at me.” Sasuke shifts his gaze towards her. “It’s okay. What’s done is done. But just know that I can protect myself too.” Sasuke snakes his arm around her. Sakura burries her face in his chest, wrapping her arm around his torso.

“I know.” Sasuke doesn’t deny the fact that Sakura is a strong kunoichi. She’s grown so much stronger since they were kids, and he can’t be prouder.

They stay that way, embraced by each other’s arms, in their safe zones, where no one can hurt them.

The night feels tranquil, and just like his mind, Sasuke can finally feel at peace. Feel at home.

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It’s been a lazy day. Sasuke has just finished running some errands when he decides he’d take it easy the rest of the day. He sits on the couch, eyes wide awake, staring at the ceiling.

It’s the most peaceful he’s ever felt in a long time. He looks over to the table on the side and lingers on a photo frame. It’s their first picture together as Team 7. Sakura gleefully smiled in the middle while Naruto and Sasuke were brooding beside her, and then there’s Kakashi standing behind them with his hands on their heads. He smiles at the fond memory.

It didn’t use to be this fond. He remembers darker times when all he ever wanted was to tear that photograph into pieces and burn it. His gaze lingers at the pinkette and he thinks at how she managed to grow up to be such a fine warrior, woman, friend, companion.

In all honesty, he’s never been so glad to be proven wrong. The life he chose, the life he thought was the only path, turned out to be his biggest mistake. And he has those people in that photograph to thank.

Now, he can’t imagine what life would be like without them. He hates to admit it, but he’s grown to enjoy their presence over time after the war. He’s began to build his life with them in the picture.

Now, there’s just one thing that’s still weighing him down. Guilt.

He’s always been on the receiving end. He believes he’s never done anything to make them happy. He’s heard Sakura say how much she cares about him, how much she loves him a million times. But has he ever said it back to her? He only assumes she knows how much he cares about her. He never thought it was necessary to make that explicit. After all actions speak louder than words. Right?

Heck it’s the only way he’s been raised. No words of affirmation. Even his brother, the only thing he ever did to show his love was through a poke on the forehead.

He feels worry starts to pool at the pit of his stomach.

Being a shinobi has only made him realize that life has an expiration date. You’ll never know when you get to spend time with the people you love. Your life can always end right there and then. There are countless people out there who are not as lucky as them. Who had their life snatched away at such a young age.

He’s not going to take this second chance for granted. Until he’s told her how much he loves her, he’ll always be filled with regret.

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He doesn’t know why three simple words can be so heavy. It’s not supposed to be this hard.

They’ve just finished dinner and Sakura is off doing the dishes in the kitchen. Sasuke stands at the arc that leads to the living room, leaning against the wall. He admires every part of the woman standing in front of her. He takes in her figure, her beauty. All his to admire.

“Sakura.”

“Hm?” Sakura hums in response. Her attention still focused to the task in front of her, the sound of running water filling the room. He comes up behind her and puts his arm around her waist. He feels her lean back to him as he buries his face in the nook of her neck, taking in her scent.

He opens his mouth to speak but nothing comes out. It’s like something is lodged in his throat.

“Nothing.” Pathetic.

He’ll try again another time.

Getting ready for bed, Sakura sits on her side of the bed with a book in her hand. Sasuke steps out of the bathroom, turning off the lights behind him before he takes his place on the bed and shifts to lay his head on the pillow.

Sakura sets her book at the nightstand before turning off the lights. She shifts to a comfortable position, pulling the covers over her torso.

“Night Sasuke-kun.” She turns to her side, facing him. Sakura might be ready for bed, but Sasuke’s mind is still as alert as ever. He keeps staring at the ceiling, heart beating faster than a train.

Should I say it now? She deserves to hear it.

“I love you.” Heart doing somersaults, he half hopes she didn’t hear it, but half hopes she did.

Apparently, she did hear it, because now she’s propping herself up on the elbow and reaching to the lamp to turn it back on.

“What did you just say?” Sakura asks again, trying to make sure she didn’t hear wrong. With the dim light from the lamp, she can now take a good look of his face.

“You heard me.” Sakura’s smile spreads from ear to ear. Oh, she clearly heard him loud and clear. She just needs to hear it again. She nods a few times.

“Say it again.” Sasuke chuckles at her. He turns to his side and looks her straight in the eye.

“I love you.” He makes sure he articulates every syllable. Her smile still in place, she leans forward cupping his cheeks and taking his lips in hers.

He places his free hand on her waist, trailing up her side and landing on her cheek, pulling her closer. He relishes in the way their lips fit together. He’s always loved her and now he finally made sure she hears him say it.

Sarada shifts to an upright position, crossing her legs and facing her father who is lying on the terrace, hand cushioning his head.

“Tell me more stories Papa!”

“Hm? What kind?” He shifts to the side, propping his head on his elbow to face her.

“Like when you were travelling! Or when you saved the world from that big genjutsu!” She lifts her hands up in the air, making grand gestures. She’s become old enough to know of the last war, and even though Sasuke and Sakura didn't tell her all the explicit details, sparing them for later, she already knows enough.

“But it’s your bedtime, Sarada.” Sasuke says, voice as soft as feather.                      

“Aww! But I wanna hear more of your awesome stories!” She gives him a pout, that pout that’s always managed to melt him. And suddenly Sasuke just can’t say no.

“Okay. Just one bedtime story.” Sasuke shifts to stand, holding out his hand for his daughter before they walk to her bedroom.

Tucking in the blanket around her, Sarada shifts to the edge, leaving just enough room for Sasuke to squeeze in beside her.

He wipes her bangs to the side, eyes so filled with love towards his little one.

“When I was about your age,…”

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.

“Mama look!” Sarada points at the night sky.

“What is it?” They are both lying on the porch, gazing at the starlit sky. The cool night air brushes their skins, sending goosebumps.

“You see those three stars next to each other? The one that kinda looks like a line.”

“Mm hm.”

“That’s called Orion’s belt. It’s a part of like this big constellation called Orion.” Sakura giggles. Their daughter has always been smart and observant, picking up things in a flash.

“Aa you’re right, Sarada! I see it now!” Sarada can’t take her gaze off of it, mind travelling back to that time when her father had taught her about the stars. She remembers how much she loved spending time with him.

“Mama?”

“Hm?” The cool breeze is starting to lull Sakura to sleep.

“I miss Papa.” Sarada’s eyes glimmer under the night sky.

“Me too.” Her father’s absence has never been easy, especially for Sarada. But she’s older now, and she understands his decisions. She doesn’t hate him, no. It’s just some days are heavier than others. She just misses him. They both do.

“Well? Tell me more. What about that one?” Sakura points to a random one, just near Orion’s belt.

Sarada giggles.

“I don’t think that one means anything, Mom.”

“Aah.” Sarada will always be thankful to those moments she shared with him, and to the many more she will share with him. She lets out a content sigh, clasping her hands behind her head, like her father.

“Eh? How so?” Sakura is intrigued by the little girl’s analogy. There are dozens other things that can compare to their relationship, but miso soup?

“You know how when you just let miso soup sit without stirring it, the soybean paste sits on the bottom and the clear liquid is separated at the top?”

“Yes..“

“But then when you stir it, the two mix together.”

“Yeah but I don’t see how that applies to us.” Sakura’s confusion doesn’t dissipate.

“It’s like Mama and Papa! I think all that conflict between you helped you grow. Even though there were a lot of bad things that happened between, it only shows how strong your resolves are. In the end, you were able to learn from it and it brought you two together. Just like stirring the miso soup.” She ends her explanation by raising both arms in the air in a celebratory pose.

Sasuke and Sakura are both astounded, but impressed at how their ten-year-old daughter can form such connections. It’s not the most perfect analogy, but coming from a ten-year-old, that’s pretty thoughtful.

Sasuke thinks, as expected of an Uchiha.

Sakura laughs as she pats her daughter’s head.

“I guess you’re right, Sarada! Now how about you help me make some for dinner?”

“Yes!” Sarada excitedly stands up and scurries to the kitchen.

“Hn. She’s definitely yours.” Sasuke comments as he stands himself up.

“Ours.” Sakura takes his chin and gives him a little peck before joining her daughter in the kitchen.

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.

“Mm hm.”

“And then there’s this one time we were working on that project together, and I caught him staring at me.”

“Sakura.” Ino places her hand on hers, urging her to calm down.

“What?”

“Do you seriously need me to spell it out for you?”

“Spell out what?” She cranks an eyebrow at her friend’s statement. Ino grunts in frustration.

“Look, he likes you. It’s so obvious! Why can’t you see it?”

“What?” Sakura says in a tone higher than before. It’s obvious she’s being flustered. But what’s crazier is how Sakura can’t see the reason behind his actions. She’s one of the smartest people she knows! Give her a math Olympic problem and she’ll be able to solve it in a jiff. But give her a boy to crack, then that’s a different outcome.

To Ino, however, it’s as clear as day.

“Sakura. Obviously, he doesn’t want you to be around other boys, that’s why he did that. And, why do you think he was staring at you? Cause he finds you attractive!”

“Really though? The Uchiha Sasuke? Finds me attractive?” She gestures to herself and Ino has to let out another frustrated sigh.

“Yes really! I know I’m right about this.”

Sakura ponders at her friend’s conclusion. Does Sasuke really think that way about her? He’s been nothing but cold towards her! Just like how he is with the other girls in class. He doesn’t even spare a glance, and when he did, he had been staring at her.

Besides, everybody loves Sasuke. He can easily pick any other girls in school that are way more attractive than her. So to Sakura, it doesn’t make any sense for him to look at only her.

Her mind is going infinite number of directions.

But even if Ino was right, this is going to change so many things.

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.

.

“Didn’t you hear me? You’ll be keeping a close eye on Sasuke while he’s in the village. Don’t leave him out of your sight. Just make sure he’s not trying to kill anybody. And maybe try to make him feel more comfortable. Surely you can do that, right?”

“Umm but-”

“I mean you’re perfect for the job! No one knows him better than you do.” Do I? Sakura thinks.

“So basically, I’m stuck with him?” She raises a questioning brow.

“It’ll just be for a few weeks. We’ll see his progress and decide whether further supervision is necessary. You’ll report back to me every two days. You’re dismissed.” Having received a direct order from the Hokage, that means she most likely can’t defy it.

Tsunade leans back in her chair, watching her former apprentice walk out of the room. She has to admit another reason why she’s tasked Sakura for the job is for her sake. Tsunade hopes that by doing this, they can begin to repair their bond. She’s placing her bet on them, on things turning out for the better.

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Sakura doesn’t even know how to start. Does she just show up at his apartment and pretend that they’re fine? What would she and him even talk about? She can’t imagine how awkward it will be. She knows she’ll have to see him more often now that he’s back in the village. She just didn’t imagine it would be this soon.

She knocks on his door a few times. She hears some footsteps before the door swings open.

“Hi, Sasuke-kun.” She tries to quirk a smile.

“Sakura.”

“Umm I was wondering if you’ve eaten yet. I brough some onigiri for lunch. You still like them, right?”

“Hn.” He steps back into the apartment with Sakura following suit behind him.

Silence.

Sakura is inwardly kicking herself to say something.

“So, what have you been up to?” Is the only thing she can come up with on the spot. She watches as Sasuke turns around to face her, raising his eyebrow. Her gaze is immediately fixed to the missing limb. That might not have been the best thing to say, seeing how he is probably having a hard time doing things with only one arm. He probably has a list of things he wants to do but can’t.

“Is the pain still bothering you?” She manages to stir the conversation.

“No.” She sighs in relief. Even if he feels pain in the smallest amount, she knows he won’t tell her. She decides that she should call it a day in her attempt to befriend (approach? monitor?) Sasuke.

“Well I think I’m gonna head out. I’ll leave this on the table. I’ll see you later, Sasuke-kun.” She lets herself out.

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She knows Sasuke is good now. He helped them end the war, and he’s even agreed to come back home to Konoha with them. But even though last time, they were fighting side by side, it still doesn’t excuse the messy tangled thread that is their relationship. She doesn’t even know where to begin to untangle it. A part of her hopes she can undo them. Does he want to though? Or will it be another effortless attempt from her end to salvage what’s left of their relationship? Sakura can’t help but drown in these questions.

The next day, she asks him to come to the hospital for a checkup. She thinks she can make work an excuse to see with him. After all what other choices does she have at the moment?

She sits in her office, holding a clipboard and scribbling down some things when she hears a knock on the door.

“Come in.” The door slides open and Sasuke enters. “You’re here! Have a seat, Sasuke-kun.” He does as he’s told.

She begins to unravel the bandages around his left shoulder, and not long afterwards a familiar green glow begins to appear. She takes her time to examine the flesh and notes down her observation.

“It’s healing real nicely! And I’m glad you're not experiencing any pain.” She covers up the wound with new bandages. “I heard Naruto and Kakashi-sensei are researching on making prosthetic arms. Hopefully they can be done soon.”

“Hn.” She notices his expression seems indifferent. She grabs this opportunity to ask him a few questions she’s been curious to know the answer to.

“How are you doing?” Sasuke turns to look at her, curious at where she’s heading with this question. Sasuke ponders whether she’s referring to his missing arm or something bigger than that. Should he just lie and be done with it?

“Tired.” Sakura is not taken aback by his answer. She does notice the faint dark circles under his eyes. And he does seem more sluggish? She can’t possibly imagine the burden he’s currently carrying. But she’s trying to understand him little by little. She places a hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him that she’s there.

“If you ever need anything, let me know.” He stays there for a while before getting up and heading for the door. Sakura gathers up her courage and asks him. “Do you wanna grab dinner together?” Sasuke pauses in his step and stays there for a moment, as if he’s considering whether or not he should take her offer.

“Sure.” He opens the door and closes it behind him. A part of Sakura seems to brighten up just a bit. She quickly files his paper in a folder and tucks it in her cabinet. She takes off her coat before exiting her office. Sasuke’s leaning on the wall across from her office. He waits for her until she approaches him.

“There’s this really great dumpling shop next to the hospital and I think we could try that.” Sasuke shrugs his shoulder and begins to walk to exit the building.

“Sure.” She catches up to him.

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Dinner is quiet. Sakura doesn’t make tons of comments, deciding to let silence occupy them for now. Sakura notices even though he appears distant for now, he doesn’t seem to reject her or push her away. That part, she’s certain. She begins to hope that things will get better. Are getting better?

It basically sums up their whole relationship afterwards. She doesn’t try to do anything extravagant. All her efforts are just trying to show Sasuke that Konoha is still livable, that Konoha is still their home, that the people living here are not evil, that he can and will heal, that she’s there for him no matter what. Slowly, she feels like her message is getting across to him.

Some days she would bring food to his place and they would eat together. At first, they don’t say anything, but small talks are beginning to be made. Her second tactic is to try to take him around Konoha, letting him see the newer parts of town, even though after Pein’s destruction almost all of Konoha is new. She likes to think he is listening to her whenever she’s rambling on about the shops she likes in Konoha and the new buildings being built, and yes actually he has been.

Other days they spar with each other. Sakura thinks their relationship must’ve progressed a lot of Sasuke to agree to spar with her. Then again, Sasuke seems to be the kind of person to take on a fight with anyone. It might be the only way for him to vent out some pent-up frustration without being punished. They always end up well, though. No one is hurt badly and even if they were, Sakura can heal them in a jiff.

She believes things are finally looking up for them. There’s no more awkwardness between them and Sakura thinks Sasuke is finally getting more comfortable around her. He’s not putting up a guard around her anymore, she’s beginning to let loose a bit more too, occasionally teasing him.

“I think he’s doing really well.” Sakura smiles as she reports back to the Hokage. The older woman leans back in her chair in satisfaction.

“That’s what I like to hear. Now unfortunately I have another mission for you.” Sakura widens her eyes in curiosity. “A nearby village needs our help to heal their sick, and I’m sending you and a couple other medics and jounins.”

“How long will I be gone?”

“Hm.. probably a week. Why? Are you sad now that you can’t be beside Sasuke?” Sakura tries to fight the blush that’s slowly creeping up to the tips of her ears.

“Psh no.” Maybe. Tsunade chuckles in amusement and hands her a scroll filled with the mission’s details.

“You leave tomorrow.”

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“I’ve been assigned a new mission tomorrow.” Sakura drops in the news in the middle of their dinner. Sasuke looks up from his plate to look at her. “It shouldn’t take more than a week. It’s nothing dangerous. I think..”

Sasuke hums in response before digging back in his food. This is probably the last meal they’ll spend together before she embarks on her one-week-long mission. Sasuke doesn’t know whether it’s his feeling or if the night is going by quicker than usual.

She leaves first thing in the morning.

Sasuke wakes up later than usual and lets out a heavy sigh. The day is going to be more dull now that he doesn’t have someone to spend it with. He’s gotten so used to seeing her everyday that not seeing her for a week might have an effect on him. Back then, he’s gotten so used to the loneliness. Now that he’s experienced company, he longs for it more than ever.

He hears a knock on the door followed by a familiar voice.

“Oi Sasuke!” Sasuke groans in frustration. “I know you’re in there! Open up!” Naruto hollars, banging the door a few times. Sasuke gets up and opens the door to be met with a grinning blonde. “Oi!” He closes the door back on his face and treads to the bathroom.

Naruto decides to let himself in now that he’s made his presence clear.

“Tsunade-baachan told me to keep an eye on you until Sakura-chan gets back.” Great. One whole week with Naruto. Sasuke curses under his breath. This is going to be a long week.

One week couldn’t have gone sooner enough. Sasuke hears the news that Sakura is back from his mission when Naruto barges in his apartment that very morning.

“Hey, let’s grab lunch with Sakura-chan! I just saw her head to the Hokage’s tower.”

“No.” He dismisses his friend and grabs his coat before heading out of his apartment.

“Wait where are you going?” Naruto reaches out to stop him but Sasuke disappears in a blink.

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“Good work Sakura, you’re dismissed.” Sakura bows before making her way to exit the Hokage’s office. “Oh and, I think Sasuke still needs to be kept under close supervision. I assume you’re still up to the task?” Tsunade finishes in a sarcastic tone. They obviously know from her recent reports that they can be sure Sasuke is not going to attack anyone. Sakura smiles before turning back to look at her former Master.

“Yes! You can count on me!” She walks down the stairway, feeling lighter and giddier than ever. She wonders what Sasuke did throughout the week she’s gone. She heard that Naruto had been in charge keeping him company and she can’t wait to hear all about it. As she exits the gate, she notices a figure leaning on the wall. She takes a closer to see someone familiar and walks towards him.

“Hi Sasuke-kun!” She clasps her hands behind her back, leaning forward. “Did you miss me?” Sakura giggles as she teases him.

“Hn.” Sasuke scoffs. I did. He can’t seem to utter the words though. He hands her the plastic bag he’s been carrying. Sakura takes it and peers in to examine the contents. Her face lights up.

“Oh my gosh I’ve been craving for these!” He’s taken the time to bring something from her favorite restaurant. He remembers how much Sakura brags about them.

“Lunch at my place?” Sasuke offers.

“Mm! That sounds lovely.” She smiles as they walk together side by side, the back of their palms occasionally brushing against each other, sending jolts of electricity through their body. “Wait, then will Naruto be there as well?”

Shit. He’s forgotten about Naruto. He scoffs in annoyance which can’t help but make Sakura laugh.