A/N: Hi there! Thanks for spending the time to check out this series of one-shots that I started in 2014. It's been a long time since I've last updated, but I've found some motivation to try writing again. So I decided to start off slow on March 6, 2016 by first editing whatever flaws and mistakes that I can find in each chapter. After that I'll slowly begin uploading new one-shots that I've already written and try to take off from there.

Thanks for checking Orange Cherry Blossoms out, and I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 1: Free of Charge

Sakura trudged through Konoha's gates, covered in mud and dirt, and raised a weak hand at Izumo and Kotetsu. Her first mission as a Jōnin was a long and tiring one.

"Sakura-chan!" Her day took a turn for the worse when her feet left the ground and the world began to spin and as her head spun with it.

Sakura groaned, smacking the arm that belonged to the cheery whiskered face. "Definitely not the best time, Naruto."

Naruto pouted, and set her back down gently. "I just wanted to welcome you back."

Despite the fact that she felt as if she could just drop and sleep on the ground right there, a small smile crept onto her face. "Thanks, Naruto."

He grinned at her before sweeping her off the ground again, his arm under her legs and his other under her neck.

"Wha-"

"You look dead tired, Sakura-chan!"

"Put me down, you idiot!" Her face exploded into scarlet as she could hear Izumo and Kotetsu snickering in the background.

"But you look dead tired, Sakura-chan!"

"I get it!"

"I'll take you home like this, so just sit back and enjoy the ride." He grinned and began walking.

Sakura blushed even harder. "N-No way! You're not taking me through the village like this!" She shrieked and struggled in vain in his vicelike grip.

"Why not? It's free of charge!"

"DOWN, NARUTO!"

Naruto frowned and tightened his grip. "I don't see what the problem is, Sakura-chan."

"Of course you don't! Just put me down!" She groaned, throwing her head into her hands.

"Tell me what the problem is!"

"Figure it out for yourself!"

"You know I can't!"

"TRY!"

"You're tired from your first mission as a Jōnin, and you don't even have to use your legs to get home! What's so bad about this!?"

"What do you think, Baka?! It's embarrassing!"

They continued fighting the rest of the way, without Sakura even noticing that they were walking straight through the village.

"For the last time! PUT ME DOWN!"

"Alright, alright!" Naruto grinned and set her down.

"Finally!" Sakura groaned, and stumbled backwards in surprise when she nearly ran into her front door.

"What-"

"Welcome home, Sakura-chan!" Naruto quickly pressed his lips against her cheeks and sprinted off before she could knock him out.

"Naru-" She froze as she turned around to the audience of chuckling citizens and turned beet red.

An old woman carrying grocery bags smiled at her. "He's a keeper, you know?"

Sakura stammered, giving a quick bow and ran inside, slamming the door behind her, her heart racing.

She leaned against the door and reached up to touch the lingering kiss on her cheek.