The night came early, sliding westward across the sky like storm clouds on the wind. The village wrapped itself up against the cold and carried on, bright lights hung outside buildings marking the destinations of silhouetted carousers. Boisterous music and thick laughter echoed in the dark streets from these sake houses and dango shops, defiant of the night.
Team Seven was assembling just beyond the light of one of the more subdued shops. Delicate flute and samisen music whispered into the street, matching the hushed tones of their voices. Only when all three had arrived did the Team made its way inside.
Long after the revelers from even the most raucous of shops had staggered their way home, Team Seven swayed collectively from the building. For a moment the three stood in the street under the bright lamp, chilled by the sudden night wind.
There was something different about them now, but it was elusive and impossible to describe. It was held quietly between Naruto and Sasuke as they joined hands. It was tucked away in Sakura's hair as Sasuke brushed it out of her eyes. It was covered by Sakura's blush as she leaned into Naruto. It was hidden by the night as they came to a conclusion with one mind and drifted off in the direction of home.
Soon the night would fade, banished by the sake-blush of dawn.
