#whirlpoools

SasuSaku fics that don't get recommended enough, but you need to read at least once in your life.

(Bonus SaiIno One-shot series)

Ratings from G to E

returning home by stannide

Canon Divergence. Rated G

Upon discovering that she is pregnant, Sakura reevaluates her marriage. ("I don't want to tie you to this place.")

One of the best things about this fic is the glimpse we get into a certain friendship. It’s a very heartwarming fic, with a very surprising book as the inspiration. I love it so much, and I know anyone who’ll read it will too.

pink in the night by diwata @diwatafolk

Canon Compliant. Rated G

“It’s like acquiring a treasured friend and a time bomb all at once,” Sakura vents to Ino.

Ino laughs at her. “Treasured friend is a funny name for it,” she says, blowing her bangs out of her face. “The color is nicer,” Ino gives her professional opinion, “and you two are dating. Get over it.”

Sasuke and Sakura live segmented lives, but make a home anyway.

I love fics that reference real world customs and beliefs. They remind you of how beautiful and sincere the world really is, and that’s what this fic is beautiful and sincere.

Warm by CatFlorist @catflorist

Canon Divergence. Rated T

“You’re an Uchiha now,” he told her. Perhaps it was too blunt to say it this way, but it was true. Anyone who fire-jumped was an Uchiha. If he was the last, then he could shape his traditions, and choose who to do them with.

Once again, I love fics that reference real world traditions. It’s such a beautiful take on the beginning of forever, and wanting to share your beginnings with someone you want to keep forever.

These High School Days by devertigozation @devertigozation

Modern Setting. Rated T

Now, every once in a while they exchanged enough trivialities for Sakura to get a glimpse into Sasuke's high school life.

Middle school friends, Sasuke and Sakura, now go to different high schools. They ride the same train, though.

This fic will make you feel like you’re a third-party, and that’s what makes it great. You feel like you’re intruding, watching moments of a relationship when you’re not supposed to. You’re a passenger on the train. A passerby. Truly an experience encapsulated in a fanfic.

closure by hyperphonic @hyperphonic

Canon Divergence. Rated T

Sasuke teaches Sakura his clan’s flagship jutsu one misty autumn morning on the very same dock his father had taught him.

There’s only one line of dialogue in this fic, and that’s what makes it perfect. It’s the prefect fic if you want to dive into Sasuke’s thoughts and feelings. Sakura is the epitome of beauty in this, and Sasuke thinks so too.

glimpses II by bloodveinsgenes @bloodveinsgenes

Canon Divergence. Rated T

he knows how they feel about him being with her. he’s not blind - he sees the glances, the concerned look in hinata’s pale eyes, the hateful glare in ino’s blue ones - and sometimes he can’t help but think they’re right.

There is absolutely no dialogue in this fic and it’s amazing. It’s a great what if fic that has Sasuke thinking so what. It’s not “me and you against the world”. It’s “me against the odds of having you”.

the edge of my affection by blue-plums (arabesque05)

Canon Divergence. Rated T

naruto gets married with usual hyuuga sort of pageantry: village elders and foreign delegates and daimyo representatives all in attendance, until it becomes almost less about the wedding and more about state politics.

I love how Sasuke and Sakura are written in this fic. The teasing, the subtle jabs, the affection. It makes your heart flutter in a happy way.

in the stillness by whirlpoools

Canon Divergence. Rated M

What is grief, if not love persevering?

My heart broke during and after reading this fic. It’s such a sad look into love, and such a loving look into sadness. Absolutely a must-read.

your spellbound heart by blue-plums (arabesque05)

Modern Setting. Rated M

there is a new barista at the corner coffeeshop, who always smells faintly of smoke.

I could’ve added another tag to this, but it’s way better if you find out for yourself. The characterizations of Sasuke and Sakura are adorable. Their interactions make you so giddy. How the author turned this concept into tooth-rotting fluff amazes me every time.

Nightly Visit by pain_somnia @pain-somnia

Canon Divergence. Rated M

Hidden under soft sheets, having even softer discussion, a take on Sasuke visiting Sakura in the middle of the night.

The fic perfectly portrays what it feels like to be completely comfortable with your significant other, especially during moments of intimacy.

Vacation by silver_shot

Canon Divergence. Rated E

Sasuke turns to her fully, then on an impulse, pushes through the crowd until he reaches her exhausted state. The crew pay no mind to him any more, they all now cheer for the sake of it.

Her smiles gleams with her eyes, “enjoyed your vacation?” grins Sakura.

He chuckles, “is that what we're calling it?”

The plot is very entertaining. I would love to read more about this universe. In any case, Sakura is home to Sasuke in every possible way.

• • •

SaiIno

Just Kids series by foxiemoxie

Modern Setting. Ratings from T to M.

Set in the 90s in the West Village Art district, loosely inspired by Patti Smith's "Just Kids.”

What really drew me into this series was the setting. The little details in the story really ground the setting. The relationship in this is so realistic. You’ll be able to fully grasp the troubles being faced, and maybe even relate to them.

Just Kids

Modern Setting. Rated T

Although the two art students have been together for a while now, Sai can't help but wonder if he's doing something wrong.

Cosmos

Prequel to Just Kids. Rated T

Upper West Side Ino is on a date with one of Sakura’s friends—and she can’t quite make heads or tails of the rather mysterious Sai. But if it’s one thing Ino Yamanaka is, it’s persistent.

Sunrise

Sequel to Just Kids. Rated M

For the last two years, it had been Ino who had taken the lead, guiding the pair through the relationship.

Now, things are turned upside down due to Inoichi's death. Ino isn't used to these feelings, and Sai certainly is not used to how their relationship has suddenly changed, but the two must work through it, for better or for worse.

I wrote my comments on the fics differently from how I’ve done in the past. It’s probably because it’s been raining all day where I am. The weather’s making me feel sentimental (maybe even melancholic).