"Do you need something Kiba?" Sakura smiled politely. Kiba was nervous, fidgeting with his hands. He was sweating lightly despite the stinging cold of winter.
"Aren't you cold?" He asked looking at her. She looked down too, she had forgotten she was in her tattered training clothes.
"I guess these must be thrown out too." She sighed crossing her arms.
"A little." Kiba took off his coat and wrapped it around her. The furriness held his body heat which warmed her quickly.
"Thank you Kiba." She hugged the cloth closer to her.
"Listen Sakura, I wanted to ask you something." Her big green eyes stared at him making him even more anxious.
"What is it? Are you okay?" Her nursing side came rushing through at the thought of her friend being hurt.
"I'm fine, really. I just wanted to know if you're free tomorrow night?" A deep blush crossed his face. He couldn't look her in the eyes out of fright.
"Oh, actually Neji is taking me somewhere tomorrow night." She sounded genuinely sorry. Kiba let out a breath and scratched at his head.
"Oh, okay that's cool. Maybe another time then?" Hope flooded his tense body. She giggles and nodded her head.
"Of course. I should go now. We have school in a few hours and I haven't been to bed yet. I'll see you later!" She handed him his jacket and ran in the direction of her friends.
"Damn it." A frustrated groan sounded throughout the clearing.
"What did he want Sakura?" Naruto's curiosity was high at this point since he missed most of the conversation talking to Ino.
"He asked me on a date." Naruto handed her one of his extra shirts to cover her on the way home.
"What did you say?" He grew louder the more excited he got.
"I said no. I have plans with Neji and it would be shitty to go on dates with two different guys." The shirt swallowed up her tiny frame. She grabbed her pack and slipped on her shoes.
"So you're serious about Neji?" Sasuke's voice startled her at first. She never expected him to ask about stuff like this.
"Of course Sasuke. He's smart, sweet, talented, he finished his specialty classes early, he's an all-around prodigious shinobi. I think I'm lucky." A smile spread across her face that made the boy a little jealous. They began their walk home, dropping off Sakura first as always.
"Anyway, how are your specialty classes going? This should be our last session." After graduating to jonin, shinobi have the option to enroll in specialty classes that enhance a certain area. Most only choose one, but it is acceptable to take more. Since Naruto is aiming for Hokage, he took all five main courses; genjutsu, ninjutsu, taijutsu, weapons specialist, and summoning.
"I think my brain is turning to mush. I can't fit anything else in there." The blond dreaded waking up in the morning.
"What about you Sasuke?" She turned to her silent friend. He was taking all the same classes as Naruto because he refused to accept the blonde would know more than him.
"Hn." No words were said but she knew he was doing okay.
"Well my classes are great. I've learned a lot more than I expected." The boys rolled their eyes. Anything she was taking was probably mind numbing.
"What are you taking again?" Naruto asked.
"Let's see, I have weapons first thing, then off to taijutsu, medical with Ino and Hinata, ninjutsu with you two, summoning, and genjutsu to finish the day." Naruto looked exhausted just by hearing the list.
"How do you have time?" His blue eyes were spinning trying to figure how she could possibly pass them all.
"I use clones. Whatever they do, read, or learn I get to experience when the jutsu wears off. I can study all six at once." Sasuke looked at her in surprise. He had never thought of using clones for studying.
"Hey Sakura." A sudden solemn tone from the loud mouth blond stopped the trio in their tracks.
"Yeah?" Worry clouded her. Naruto never sounded like this unless something was wrong.
"Ino told us you were worried about getting married and what not." She was taken aback by the statement.
"She did?" Her face turned crimson instantly.
"It's just…" She didn't know how to explain herself to her boys.
"I love being a shinobi, but I've always wanted to have a family and build something with the person I love. I don't know how much longer I will be alive, or how much time my significant other has, but I want to spend as much time together as possible. Who knows when it's my time to go, right?" Naruto smiled and took her hand.
"It's okay, I understand. I'm always here for you." He hugged her and shot Sasuke a look to comfort her too. The Uchiha rolled his eyes and took her other hand. Her words echoed through his head.
"Build something with the person I love? I don't even like people." His aggravation bubbled.
"How am I supposed to rebuild my clan if I can't find a suitable wife? I supposed I would have to love her too for the relationship to work." He felt a tugging inside of his hand. Her small fingers were trying to get away from his, but he noticed she kept her other hand in Narutos'. Slightly annoyed, he released her and walked ahead of them.
"She's really mad at me. She will still be there tomorrow after classes, I'll apologize then. I don't like people, but I can tolerate her most of the time. She may be the woman I need, or at least she can help me find the one." The group finally arrives at the kunoichi's house. It's 3 AM and school starts at 6.
"Thanks for walking me all the way, you didn't have to." She smiles knowing they will anyway. They are used to having to look after her.
"No problem, we'll see you tomorrow." The boys walk away toward their shared apartment. Since they lived alone before, they thought it would be a good idea to move in together to keep a balance.
"Naruto." Sasuke's stern voice pulled his attention.
"I need to talk to you about this 'finding-a-significant-other' business." His face was serious when he said it, but Naruto couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay, but I think you threw out the only girl that is suitable for you." He pointed back toward Sakura's illuminated window. Her silhouette could be seen changing her clothes and climbing into bed before the light goes out. Sasuke sighed and turned towards their home.
"I doubt it."
"She may be strong, but I highly certain she is not the only suitable candidate." Naruto lets out one last laugh and slings his arm around Sauske's neck.
"We will find you someone, buddy."