Fighting for You-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Seven-

Lessons

It was a lot colder than the previous morning. So much so that Sakura ran back into her house to change out of her shorts and opted for yoga pants instead and picked out a thicker jacket.

"Heading out again, dear?"

Sakura stopped midstep out of their door and grinned at her mother. "Yes, yoga first and then I'll be going to the hospital. My usual."

Her mother's gaze softened and nodded. "Alright, darling. Make sure you register properly today at the studio. I don't want a repeat of that billing statement fiasco that happened."

The pinkette scratched the back of her head. "I thought the girl knew me well enough, but yeah! I will. I'll remind them to do that automated quarterly billing thing they emailed me about."

"Just because you go there every day doesn't mean they always remember which classes you attend, Sakura!" Mebuki chided before walking over and handed Sakura a brown paper bag. "Don't forget your fruits."

She took it with a smile and kissed her mother's cheek before heading out to their driveway.

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Sakura pulled up to Sasuke's home, taking in the details much easier now that it was early morning. It was a rather large stone home with black tin on the roof. He had a large porch that was painted white and wrapped around all the way to the garage, which was open. She parked right beside his car and got out, taking a deep breath before walking up to the door inside the garage. She knocked a few times and heard steps approaching seconds later.

The door opened and Sakura found her breath hitching at the sight of a shirtless Sasuke standing before her. He appeared to have just gotten out of the shower. His hair was still damp. He smelled of body wash and shampoo. So good that Sakura inhaled her next breath deeply. He was wearing only a pair of black training shorts. She finally looked up to meet those striking obsidian eyes only to find them trailing down her body slowly.

It was often that she caught him admiring her this same way.

"Good morning, Sakura. Come on in." He held the door for her and she walked inside, feeling a little shy being invited to his home. It all felt so private and intimate.

His home was large on the outside, but seemingly even more spacious on the inside. Sakura took her shoes off once she was inside and then followed Sasuke through the open space that was the apparent living room area. She never expected his home to be so tidy, so neat. There wasn't a picture frame out of place, not a speck of dust to be found.

Everything was made in neutral colors, the walls a light gray. Black curtains hung around the windows. The couch was black leather, as were the two chairs that sat across from it. There was a fireplace that sat just under a huge flat screen TV. The wall around the fireplace was set in a beautiful display of stone. The place even smelled clean, and of him… and Sasuke always smelled good.

The kitchen was made in stainless steel appliances, the walls there were white. More black curtains hung over the windows there and Sakura felt the place was very fitting for him. At first, she couldn't really picture what the inside of his home would look like, but seeing it made so much sense.

This was Sasuke.

"I picked this up for you while I was out yesterday… I thought you might like to have this here, for when you come by." Sasuke told her, handing over a pink water bottle.

"Oh, thank you." She blinked for a few moments before a huge grin spread on her face. "And it's pink!"

Sasuke smirked. "I thought you might like it."

Sasuke led her out of the kitchen and into a sitting area. There were only a couple of chairs in the two corners of the room, the rest of the room was bare except for the two yoga mats set out on the floor next to each other. There were two large windows ahead, overlooking his back lawn. The morning sun poured in through the open blinds which were only one of the reasons Sakura was smiling. It wasn't long until she broke out in a fit of giggles.

"I can't believe you actually got a pink one!"

"Well… it's what you wanted." He said.

"I was just kidding," she laughed. "Even I couldn't find one. I had to ask my dad to find a contact. He couldn't, either."

Sakura didn't miss the way his ears turned red at her admission. "Tch. It wasn't hard to find."

"I guess it's because you're just so good at everything, huh?" she teased.

"Damn right." He said, his confidence returning effortlessly. "You ask for a pink yoga mat and that's just what you will get."

Sakura hummed in response, a light pink coming up to her cheeks. She had to hand it to him, he was dedicated. Even Ino couldn't find a pink one for her, they both expended their resources and still came up with nothing. Here comes Sasuke, magically giving her one. She bit her lip, maybe he would give it to her if she asked nice enough. It was a lovely shade of blush, nearly matching her hair, just a few shades darker. It was made of good quality, too.

"Shall we start?"

"Certainly." Sasuke nodded, gesturing for her to take the lead.

Sakura padded to the center of the mat and sat down, legs crossed. "Sasuke-kun, do you know what they mean when they say, 'find your center?'"

"How would I know that?" He grumbled. "Like finding my inner strength?"

She smiled. "You're so cute."

"Cute?" Sasuke spat the word as if it were distasteful. "Only my mother has ever said such a thing."

"At least I know your mom and I will agree on something," she laughed. "Maybe I can convince her to show me your baby photos, too."

"I don't think so." Sasuke scoffed, wishing like hell his mother would. "I'd have to see yours first."

She smirked. "I don't mind. I was even cuter."

"I bet you were… though I wouldn't call you cute now." Sasuke said before quickly adding, "I mean… cute isn't the right word."

Heat rose to her face. Before she could embarrass herself further, Sasuke quickly cut, "Let's just get started." He sat on his black mat quickly before laying back and breathing in deeply to calm himself. Sakura followed suit and sat down on her pink one. She shifted on the mat, and he did too, so now they were facing each other.

Sakura did some research what was the best way to teach yoga, but it was all too complicated. For hours she read on history, benefits, as well as philosophies. It appealed to her at the moment, but now that she thought about it, Sasuke didn't seem like the type to indulge in theories. Sasuke was a mystery to her still, but it was clear that he was a man of little words and big on action. Taking a deep breath, she decided it would be best to just jump right into it.

Demonstrating the poses, telling him the names, and then letting him try went much better than she anticipated. Sasuke was a fast learner and he was eager to get the poses right on the get-go. His piercing gaze made her blush more times than she could count, although Sakura tried to brush it off as much as she could.

He's just looking intently because he needs to copy the pose, she rationalized. The way I look has nothing to do with it.

Even if she repeated in her head over and over again, she couldn't help but feel his eyes roam over her entire body as she demonstrated the poses. His Low and High Lunge was much better with her corrections, but his Warrior Two needed more attention. She walked around him, inspecting his pose.

"Your stance doesn't need to be too wide, Sasuke-kun," Sakura's voice was gentle, soothing. "Bend your knee a little more and don't puff your chest out too much."

Once Sasuke adjusted himself, his form looked so much better. "You're doing great, Sasuke-kun!" she was genuinely pleased. Now she understood how much accomplishment the yoga instructors must feel after successfully correcting a student. "Feel the pull at your shoulder blades and gaze at your fingertips."

"Like this?" Sasuke adjusted his position a little more and Sakura felt his chest brush against her shoulder.

She started. Sakura didn't realize how close they were standing to each other, their faces only inches apart. For a moment, her gaze landed on his lips, and she forgot how to form words.

"Sakura?"

Abruptly, she took a step back and forced a smile on her face. "Yeah, perfect. You're good at this."

"Hn."

A genuine smile came to her face when she noticed the light blush on his pale cheeks. Sakura stayed in the confines of her mat for the rest of the session and continued to teach him the cool down stretches. As she lay on her back, Sakura stared at the ceiling and continued her deep breathing exercises. It was nice spending time with him like this. Sakura imagined she would be a blushing mess, but Sasuke exuded such a calm and reassuring aura. She closed her eyes and listened to his calm breathing, allowing herself to match his pace, calming her beating heart down. It was in that moment Sakura felt their hearts were connected, beating together in perfect rhythm.

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After a quick shower, Sakura was already heading out the door. Sasuke wanted her to stay a little longer but if she did, she would be late for her hospital shift. He didn't insist any further and simply thanked her for the yoga session.

"You're welcome, Sasuke-kun. I'll text you."

"I'll be waiting."

Sakura hopped into her car and started the engine. She hooked her phone up to her stereo before driving out of Sasuke's driveway. Rolling her window down, she smiled and waved before driving off. Sasuke stayed by his door until she could no longer see him from the back mirror.

After a few minutes of driving, her music was cut off. Briefly, she took a look at her phone's screen and found a photo of her best friend flashing. Sakura pressed a button on her steering wheel and started talking. "What is it, Pig? I'm driving."

"Forehead! You weren't at practice earlier! Where are you?"

Sakura sighed. "I had something to take care of. I'm driving to the hospital now."

"Take care of?" Ino was not convinced. "What do you have to take care of at six in the morning? Did you do the walk of shame without me knowing?"

Sakura cringed. "Ino!"

Her friend laughed on the other end of the line and said, "seriously though? Aren't you going to tell me what you've been up to?"

"There is nothing to tell, Pig." Sakura sighed dramatically and continued, "if something were up, I would tell you. You know that."

She felt the pit of her stomach fall.

Lies.

Something did happen, and now she's lying through her teeth. Sakura would call Ino up in a heartbeat just to rant about a difficult patient, but now that she just had a private yoga session with Sasuke, she refused to say a word.

Ino sighed. "Alright, Forehead. I trust you."

Sakura smiled. "Thanks. Hey, I gotta go. I'm already pulling into the parking lot. We can have dinner later if you want."

Ino groaned. "You gotta tell me these things in advance. I already have plans with Naruto. You could come with if you like? Movie and then dinner."

Sakura scrunched her nose at the thought of tagging along. "Eww. I don't want to be your third wheel!"

"Then bring Sasuke-kun and it won't need to be," she replied casually.

Sakura stepped on the break. Hard. "Ino!"

She laughed and responded, "you're far too easy to tease. Anyway, how about we dinner tomorrow? I can fetch you from work and we can go shopping, too. There's this new boutique and—"

"Okay, okay. Sure." Sakura sighed and pulled into a parking space. She really didn't have enough energy to hear Ino go on about clothes right now. "I'm off at three tomorrow."

There was a short pause on the other line before Ino spoke, "earlier than usual, huh? Perfect. More time for shopping."

Sakura laughed. Even if things got crazy, she could always depend on her best friend to remain a constant.

As she got out of her car, she took a quick look at her watch. Her eyes went wide and she jumped out. "Oh shit!" She was late. Dr. Senju did not take kindly to tardiness.

Hastily, she grabbed her bag and rushed up to the East Wing. Sakura usually had time to say hi to the receptionist but not today. She just hoped Dr. Senju was too busy to notice. The door to her office was coming into view. Before she could hold on to the knob, the door snapped open and she was met by blazing, chocolate eyes.

"You're late, Sakura!"

An audible, "eep!" escaped her throat and she hid her face behind her hands in shame. She bowed down and apologized, "I'm so sorry!"

"Hmph!" Tsundere crossed her arms and scolded her for a few seconds before giving her instructions to assist Shizune.

Her shoulders slumped, and her green eyes drooped. Not exactly how she wanted to start her day at the hospital.

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"Sakura-chan," Shizune chimes in.

The pinkette raised her head, as her nose was buried in a medical journal. "Hmm?"

"I'm going to the store to buy lunch. Do you want me to get you anything?"

"Ah, no thank you." She grinned. "I brought my own lunch."

"Alright then." Shizune smiled back and left the office.

A quick look at the clock and she realized it was time for lunch. A few minutes early, but it would be fine to start now, better to have lunch when the pantry isn't full.

She stood up and looked under her desk, only to notice that her lunch box was missing. Her eyes went wide, and a small gasp escaped her lips as she realized, "I left it at Sasuke-kun's house." Her hand flew to her forehead and she shut her eyes tightly. "Stupid stupid stupid!"

Great. Now, what was she going to do? Shizune just left, and if she went out to get lunch for herself now, the lines would be too long and Tsunade would snap at her for over breaking. And her lunch box… She supposed she could pick it up tomorrow, but what would her mother say if she lied and said she left it at work?

"Oh no…" Sakura sank back down on her chair and slumped over her desk. Her stomach grumbled, and she felt like she was ready to cry. Perhaps she was going to get her period, her mood had been rapidly changing since she woke up. Before she could wallow in her grief a little longer, her phone rang.

She was surprised to see Sasuke's name on the screen. "H-hello?"

"Sakura."

"Sasuke-kun?"

"What floor are you on?"

"Wh-what? Why do you ask?"

"Tch." Silence for a few seconds before he replied. "I'm at the lobby, you left your lunch and I brought it over."

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and her heart fluttered. Sasuke-kun was here. And he brought her lunch over! This was not happening. How could this be happening? Half of her colleagues knew him and idolized him. They would watch the reruns of his fights in the pantry for fuck's sake. Everyone would recognize him in an instant! Her hand covered her mouth, trying to muffle her scream.

"Are you still there?"

She forgot he was still on the line. "I-I'll go to you!" she stuttered. "Just… wait there."

"No need," Sasuke replied. "Just tell me where you are."

"But I-"

"Sakura." There was a hint of warning in his voice, and it made her bite her tongue.

"Third floor in the East Wing. Dr. Senju's office. Three-oh-one."

She heard him smirk before replying, "alright. I'll be there in a while."

Sakura sank even deeper into her chair and sighed. This was too much. Feeling this anxious wasn't good for her health. Her heart was fluttering and her stomach twisted in knots at the thought of Sasuke going through the trouble just to bring her lunch. Which she left. Stupid. He probably thought she was stupid.

She crossed her arms on the desk and rested her forehead on them, heat refusing to leave her cheeks. He was here. This was the second time she would see him today. His gym was halfway across town. Why would Sasuke go through the trouble?

There were some muffled screams and squealing coming from the hallway and she snapped her head up. Sakura scrambled out of the office and threw the door open.

There Sasuke was. In a dark blue hoodie and dark grey sweats, holding on to a bright pink lunch box. She wanted to laugh, he looked so out of place in the white halls, and yet, she never knew it was possible someone could look so hot in sweats. It hung just right on his hips, and despite the hoodie being loose, his muscles still shone through. She gulped when his dark eyes met hers.

He ignored everyone around him, and a smirk came to his lips. "Sakura."

"Hi," she smiled shyly. "Thank you for… bringing my lunch over."

He glided towards her and handed her her lunch box. "You were in a hurry to leave this morning."

Everyone in the hall watched their exchange, and her cheeks burned even brighter. "I-I'm sorry! I was running late!" She held on to her lunch box a little too tight, and she stared at it like it was the most interesting object she had ever laid eyes on.

Sasuke only nodded and stuffed his hands in his hoodie's pockets. "Plans for later?"

"What?"

He raised a brow at her, and she mentally kicked herself. Yup. He definitely thought she was stupid and deaf. "I-sorry, I thought you asked me if I had plans later…" that came out way softer than she would have liked.

Sasuke smirked. "I did."

He what now? He what now? She opened her mouth to try to reply, but then nothing came out.

Sasuke smiled at her. "I'm going to take that as a no. Should I pick you up or let's just meet at my place?"

Sakura shook her head to clear it and responded. "I have a car."

"I know," Sasuke replied. "Then I'll just meet you at home."

All she could do was nod. He smirked and flicked her forehead lightly with his index finger and thumb. "You should go eat, you're spacing out."

She never knew it was medically possible to turn crimson. Apparently, it was. Now she wanted to spearhead a study for finding if it was possible to die of embarrassment.

Sakura held on to the spot where his fingers brushed her forehead. "Okay."

"Seven 'o clock." He turned to leave and waved at her before walking past the crowd.

Sakura's gaze never left his back until he disappeared at the corner. All of her colleagues turned to face her, smug looks and teasing. She covered her flustered face with her hands again. How she wished the ground would open up to swallow her.

Now everyone knew she was dating someone. Even if it wasn't true, that's surely what everyone will be gossiping about for the rest of the week.

"Who was that Sakura?" A nurse gushed. "Is he your boyfriend?"

"Don't be stupid, that was Sasuke Uchiha. You know, the MMA fighter?" A male staffer replied. "But seriously, how do you know him?"

"He brought her lunch. Of course, they're together!" Another nursed chirped. "Oh, he's so handsome. Sakura, you're so lucky!"

All she wanted to do was curl up into a ball and disappear. This was too much. She wanted to keep her life as private as possible, but it looked like that wasn't happening now. So many people kept asking her questions and she just wanted it to stop.

"What is going on here?" Tsunade barked. "Don't crowd in front of my office!"

All the people straightened up and made way for her to walk through. "Sakura!"

"Yes!" Sakura stood up straight.

Tsunade looked at her with hard features but softened at her frightened expression. "I'm having lunch with the surgeons. Come and join us."

Her eyes went wide. This was a great opportunity to meet them. The tension in her shoulders eased, and she found herself smiling again. "Yes, shishou."

She'd worry about her date with Sasuke and her colleagues later. For now, her future colleagues awaited her.

A/N:

Thanks for reading! As always, iBloo and I appreciate your support and hope you've enjoyed this chapter!