7. Dinner at Sakura's

"Mum? I'm home. Sasuke-kun and Naruto are here," called Sakura as she opened the door.
"Sakura, I'm in the kitchen," replied her mother.
Naruto sniffed the air and his mouth watered. The air was full of fragrant scents; sizzling meat, garlic frying, simmering vegetables, and rice cooking. Naruto's stomach growled, and Sakura laughed as she led the boys into the kitchen.
"Hi mum. How's your day?" asked Sakura as she gave her mum a quick hug.
"Good, I got a lot of work done today," she replied, and turned off the stove. She wiped her hands on a towel and turned to face the boys.
"This is Saskue-kun, and Naruto," Sakura pointed to them as she said their name.
Sasuke gave an uncertain smile. His thoughts about Sakura were still spinning in his mind like a whirlwind.
"Hi Sakura's mum! Thank you for having us over. The food smells great – I can't believe it! As much as I love ramen, I've missed eating food like this," Naruto said, grinning widely. Something in Sakura's mother's face softened
"Sakura told me about your family. I'm very sorry to hear about it. Feel free to come over when you're craving a home cooked meal okay?"
"Okay! Thanks Sakura's mum," said Naruto, his blue eyes twinkling.

"I'm home!" called a deep male voice.
"Oh, dad's home early," Sakura said to her mother, who just smiled.
"What's with all the shoes blocking the door…" the voice continued as it came closer to the kitchen.
"Welcome home dad!" said Sakura, giving him a hug, "You're home early."
"Yeh, the office wasn't too busy so we got an early mark," he replied grinning at his family. Then his eyes shifted to the two boys.
"What do we have here?" he asked looking at Sakura, "Sakura, I hope you're not two-timing…"
"Daaad!" Sakura cried out, and lightly slapped her father's arm. Her cheeks flooded with embarrassment.
Naruto grinned at Sakura's dad, "Hi, I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I don't mind if your daughter dates me."
Her father looked at Naruto and barked out laughter as Sakura flushed red.
"Naruto, baka, what are you saying!?" Sakura demanded.
I cannot believe this! Is Naruto declaring himself in front of my parents? And why on earth are my parents discussing my love life with Sasuke-kun and Naruto!
Sasuke's eyes tightened as he watched Naruto and Sakura.

"Aw, that was great Sakura's mum! I'm stuffed," Naruto announced, patting his stomach proudly.
Sakura's mother smiled, "I hope you have room for desert. It's Sakura's favorite."
"Ice cream, jelly, and fruit?" chirped Sakura. Her eyes brightened as the desert was brought out.
"So what are you boys here for? I know Naruto is here for Sakura," Sakura's dad, turned to Sasuke, "what are you here for?"
Before Sasuke could reply, Sakura had spoken.
"They're not here for me, dad. It's for our group assignment."
Sasuke poked the desert. He didn't like sweet things, and his stomach felt like he had fallen from a ten-storey building. But he took a small spoonful, knowing it was Sakura's favourite desert.

After the dishes had been cleared, Sakura's parents disappeared, leaving the students in the kitchen. They sat at the table, working through the assignment.
"Ugh, we're gona hafta research the history of Japan and how it affects our family line," muttered Sakura.
"Sounds fun," Sasuke replied in a sarcastic tone.
Naruto was half lying on the table, his elbow propped on the table, and his chin leaning on his hand. As much as he liked being at Sakura's house and learning about her and Sasuke, the assignment was starting to drag.
"What are you guys doing tomorrow?" Naruto asked.
"I have to go grocery shopping with my mum in the morning," Sakura replied.
Sasuke shrugged, "I'm not sure. I think I have to train."
"Train?" asked Naruto.
"Yeh, I'm in this martial arts competition."
"Cool! Can I join?" Naruto sat up straight, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"If you really want…" Sasuke said hesitantly.
"I'll come meet you guys after." Sakura spoke slowly, "Maybe we can go see your place, Sasuke?"
"Maybe," replied Sasuke.

The streetlights glowed in the deeping dusk, as they stood at the door saying goodbye. Saskue's and Naruto's houses were in the opposite direction, so they were going to part ways. Sakura was about to shut the door, when she heard Naruto call out.
"What's wrong Naruto?" Sakura asked as Naruto jogged up her street.
"I was wondering…" he shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Taking a deep breath, he looked into her eyes, and a blush bloomed across his cheeks, "Would you, would you go on a date with me?" he stuttered.
Sakura's eyes widened. She had thought that Naruto was joking around with her dad, and never stopped to think that he might like her in that way.
"I'm Naruto, I uh, I'm flattered, but…"
Naruto's face held a hopeful smile, "Take your time to think about it. You don't have to go on a date with me now."
With that, Naruto disappeared down the street. Sakura stared after him, feeling confused.

Unknown to the both of them, Sasuke had been standing behind a tree, listening to their whole conversation.