Pairing: SasuSaku

Prompt: Forehead kiss

Rating: K+

She stands in the doorway, head tilted to rest comfortably against the frame. Next to her, resting on a clothing rack, is Sasuke's dripping cloak and thoroughly ruined sandals. His backpack is nowhere to be seen. She, of course, has an extra pair for him waiting in the spare bedroom of her apartment. The same place a lot of their spare clothing and supplies are and typically their backpacks as well so that everything is ready when they're sent on a mission.

Sasuke is casually draped over her couch, eyes closed as though he is asleep, but isn't. He couldn't have been back for more than a few minutes. She saw his eyebrow twitch when she appeared in the doorway, still in her sleep clothes with her hair pulled back in a messy bun, and his lips twist into a content little smile.

"Are you going to stand there all night?"

She blinks. "Are you going to sit there in wet clothes all night?" She counters, cocking an eyebrow. Dark eyes gaze at her with mild interest. "Nevermind that you're sitting on my couch in your wet clothes, but you have a brain, Sasuke-kun. Use it. You should have taken a shower by now." Finally, she moves away from the door, crossing the room in silent footsteps, to stand over him. "Come on." Sakura holds out her hand. "Let's get you ready for bed."

"I don't have the energy to shower," he mumbles while accepting her hand. "I just want to change and go to sleep."

Sakura rolls her eyes. "Honestly, Sasuke-kun, you're ridiculous sometimes." She feels him tighten his grip on her hand, smiling a little to herself as she leads him to her - their, in some cases - bedroom. "You should have done this already. The poor bed is probably cold by now."

The bedroom is mostly dark save for the light she left on in the joining bathroom for Sasuke. "I washed all the towels this morning. I'll grab you some clothes." Sakura let's go of Sasuke's hand and gently pushes him towards the bathroom. "Go dry your hair."

Sasuke grunts under his breath and moves slowly towards the light, both ignoring the creaking door hinges. Sakura is quick to gather his clothes - sweatpants, a pair of his preferred cotton boxers, and a t-shirt - and brings them to him in the bathroom. She pauses a few feet in, a slight flush claiming her cheeks. A shirtless Sasuke is always a sight to see.

"Some clothes would be helpful, Sakura." She scowls somewhat, eyes narrowing, but ultimately lets it go when he accepts the clothes with a small, but sincere "thank you." Even after shared intimacy between them, Sakura still looks away as he changes. "I'm covered." She rolls her eyes at the amusement in his voice.

"Fine, let's - " Sakura is cut off when she's pulled toward him, her body fitting perfectly against him. She's quick to relax in his arms. Inhaling his earthly scent, Sakura closes her eyes. "I've missed you, Sasuke-kun." Sasuke rests his head on hers, arms holding her tighten briefly.

"I've missed you, too." It's said in a quiet sort of voice; the one he uses when he feels uncomfortable discussing his feelings. "And I'm tired."

Sakura pulls away, takes his hand, and leads him back into the bedroom; flipping off the light switch as she goes. The bed is pressed into the corner. Sasuke, who prefers sleeping near the wall, slides under the rumpled sheets first. She slides in after him, curling against his form.

"How long are you back?" She whispers the question against his exposed collarbone, taking a tiny amount of delight in causing him to shiver.

"Until Friday," he answers. "I was told to report updates on my mission in the afternoon. I think that's Kakashi's polite way of telling me to sleep in." That statement is accompanied by a soft snort. "As subtle as Kakashi can be. The idiot was his usual loud self."

She shifts, feeling him throw an arm around her waist. "They worry." As often as I do, goes unsaid. And then she feels soft lips press against her forehead, right over the diamond, followed by a quiet sigh.

"I'll be okay," Sasuke states. "Not immediately, but eventually."

"Take all the time you need, Sasuke-kun."

Happy January 1st, 2018! For an entire year, I will attempt to update this every day with a dabble of a Sakura pairing. Requests are always welcomed but may not necessarily be filled. If you have the time, please review.

~i-just-really-love-sakura