Fighting for You-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Twenty-Three

For SSM20D12 Gimme Shelter

Boyfriend. Sasuke-kun was her boyfriend.

Just the thought alone had her squealing and turning on her back on the bed. Her moist hair fell on her face, but she didn't care. She squeezed her eyes shut and grinned so wide that her cheeks hurt. It didn't take long for her to start kicking her feet, too.

"Oh my god, calm down." Ino laughed. She dried her hair with a towel and sat down on her bed, watching Sakura still giggling like a teenager in love. "I'm so happy for you, Forehead. Finally."

"I'm happy." Her wide emerald eyes looked at Ino, her grin appearing permanent on her face. "I can't believe it, Ino. I really can't. Sasuke-kun's my boyfriend." Her voice cracked a little bit, going an octave higher.

"I can believe it. It's about time!" Ino tossed her towel over Sakura's face. "But gosh, that nightie and still nothing? Am I losing my touch or what."

Sakura laughed. How typical of Ino to focus on her sex life instead of her newly found love life. She had never had any of the two, but the latter was extremely exciting to her. It had her heart swelling and her stomach doing backflips. They had only been back for a day, and although the rift with her parents was still there, Sakura was still so over the moon.

"We don't need to rush it, right?" Sakura giggled. "And that nightie can still be put to good use soon."

"Soon." Ino looked heavenward. "Yes, fine. Okay. At least. I swear I was going crazy in the middle of the store when I saw your story."

If she was being completely honest, Sakura was going crazy as well. She didn't know what came over her. It was spontaneous and she just wanted to be a little cheeky and get back at him for taking a candid photo, but it seemed like her subconscious wanted more. His surprise was understandable, but Sakura didn't even think to take it back for a second. Every second she spent with Sasuke only left her wanting more. She knew they had overstepped the friend zone long ago, and it was only a matter of time.

She had met his family, and he had met hers. Their friends knew each other, and they were kissing. Normal friends don't just kiss, right?

"He took it well, though. Like, really well." Sakura giggled and poked Ino's side.

The other girl screamed and swatted her hand away. "Who wouldn't? I told you, he's in love with you."

Love. She hadn't really thought it was on that level before.

"I never said that… He hasn't said it, too."

"Oh my god, he doesn't need to say it, Forehead. Sleeping together? No sex? Totally in love with you."

Her best friend was so silly sometimes but she supposed she was right.

"I'm right and you know it."

Sakura's brows furrowed. She didn't say that out loud, did she? The two of them stayed on Ino's bed, talking a little more about Sasuke's fight, all the people Ino met, and all the shopping they did. Sakura was happy to share with Ino that Sasuke was cooperative when she picked out clothes for him, and even got something matching for the two of them. Ino was quick to tease her, already bringing it to that level. It made her blush, but ultimately had her laughing. Their conversation was light and happy until Ino finally acknowledged the elephant in the room.

"Are you going to tell me why you're sleeping over at my house instead of going home?" Ino looked at Sakura, trying to gauge her expression. "I get you're scared, Forehead. But your dad texted me to make sure you really are here with me."

Her chest heaved for a moment before releasing her breath. "I just… I don't want my happy streak to disappear so quickly. I'm sure my mom saw that post with Sasuke-kun and we already didn't part on such good terms, you know."

Ino nodded and pressed her lips together. "I love having you over, but you can't hide here forever."

"I know." Just when she thought she was growing, a reality check presented itself before her. "I want to see him tomorrow before I go home."

"Doable." Ino gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I have a feeling your dad will be in your corner for this. And it's not like your mom can control your life forever. Just think, in a few more years, you'll be done with Med school, and you and Sasuke can elope or something—ah, no. Make sure you secure your inheritance beforehand."

"Ino!" Sakura laughed. Sometimes she couldn't believe her best friend. "Of all the things to worry about!"

"I'm just saying!" Ino held her hands up in mock surrender. "You could at least get the money in exchange for your parents giving you a hard time and keeping you a virgin all this time."

The two of them ended up laughing. It wasn't that bad. Not having a boyfriend and experiencing what other girls did when they were younger used to bother her, but it didn't so much anymore. But now that she and Sasuke were together, she wouldn't allow her parents to keep them apart. She was already in her mid-twenties, and fully capable of making her own decisions. Sasuke wasn't a bad guy, and she was sure that if it were any other set of parents, they would more than approve of him.

She would just have to bite the bullet and have that talk with her parents after she met up with Sasuke in the morning. The reason why her parents left right after his fight was still hanging in the air, and she knew that Sasuke thought it was his fault. It surely wasn't, but with him being so perceptive, she was sure he already had an idea anyway.

The next morning, Sakura came over to the gym, bright and early. She didn't forget to bring museli for him and even brought some coffee for herself. She wasn't certain if her parents would be home, she kind of hoped they wouldn't. All she needed to do was drop her things off, get dressed for work, and then she could talk to them at dinner. Her day was planned and she hoped she could delay talking to her parents to the end of the day.

Walking into the gym, Sakura gripped the paper bag in her hand and smiled upon seeing Sasuke doing his stretches. He was alone today, or maybe Naruto just hasn't arrived yet.

"Good morning, Sasuke-kun."

"Good morning," he replied with that smile he reserved just for her and then got off the floor to his feet. "I didn't know you were coming."

"I wanted to surprise you." She grinned and pulled out the jar from the paper bag. "And brought you breakfast. Have you eaten anything?"

"No, I didn't even have my protein shake this morning… which is good so I can enjoy your breakfast." Sasuke accepted the jar happily and the spoon she then offered him. "Thank you," he said and then leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek.

The warmth from his kiss had her closing her eyes and sighing dreamily. "You're welcome. I don't want to disrupt your training—or your diet. I promise I'll behave with feeding you."

"I appreciate you feeding me," he told her before his face shifted to a look that told her he'd just remembered something. "I am glad you came, Sakura. I wanted to see you… but there's something I got for you too."

"You got me something? Again? You're too much." It embarrassed her that he had been giving her so much. She appreciated it, but it wasn't necessary for him to gift her something every time they saw each other!

"Well, to be honest… I purchased it when we were shopping together. But, we were having a good time and then you asked me to be your boyfriend so I forgot all about it." He averted his eyes though there was a sly look in the way he narrowed them as he opened the jar to take a bite of the museli.

"That wasn't—" she stopped herself and sighed. Perhaps he was right. But he wasn't wholly right. "Never mind."

Sasuke chuckled on his way over to his bag, having another bite of the museli before he reached it. He knelt down and pulled out a black velvet box with a pink ribbon around it. It was only an inch in width, but long, giving her an idea of what it might be.

"When I saw it I thought you had to have it… I hope you'll like it." Sasuke looked almost shy as he held it out towards her.

Her eyes lit up in familiarity. She knew this brand, and what products they carry. Her first instinct was to decline the gift, but the soft way he looked at her had her reaching for the box and whispering her thanks as she opened the box.

It was a threaded, silver chain with a teardrop shaped diamond pendant. While she was still dazzled at the sight of it, Sasuke removed it from the open case and unclasped it.

"Your hair," he said with a nod of his head in gesture for her to hold it out of the way for him.

She turned her back towards him and swept her hair to one side. Her cheeks were burning, and the butterflies in her stomach refused to stay still. They fluttered faster and she felt his fingertips graze her skin. Sasuke secured the clasp once the necklace was in place and then his lips were on the back of her neck, leaving a not so chaste and very warm kiss just above the chain.

A shiver ran down her spine, and she leaned back into him. Sakura looked at the pendant, winking at her. "It's beautiful, Sasuke-kun. Thank you."

"You're welcome." His unoccupied arm snaked around her, embracing her from behind. "I'm glad you approve. I hope you will think of me more often now that you have it."

Sasuke was always on her mind. A necklace wasn't needed for that to be assured. She chuckled. "You don't need to worry about that. You have a place in my heart, too. Free of charge."

"Good, I hope it's a big, comfy place because I intend to stay." He laughed too and led her to sit on the bench with him so he could eat his breakfast. "This is delicious, by the way. It's not as sweet as usual so I can tell you took my diet into consideration. Thank you for that."

"Of course. It gives me a lot of practice, too. My nutrition classes should pay off this time." Sakura sat down next to him and opened up her tumbler so she could drink her coffee. She allowed him to take another bite before she started. "I wanted to tell you—about my parents—why they left so suddenly. It was my fault. I had an argument with them."

Those obsidians grew wide and he swallowed thickly at hearing her confession, lowering the jar to give her his undivided attention. "Your fault?" He asked, treading lightly.

"Yes. I knew I shouldn't have confronted them right there, right after your fight. I'm so sorry." She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. "I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to ruin your day and to be honest, I didn't want it to ruin mine, too." It was a selfish act on her part, she knew that, but for once she was able to do something that pleased herself before her parents.

"I see… You shouldn't worry about ruining my day, ever, Sakura. I want to be able to support you and help you during trying times too. You could've opened up to me then, but I'm glad you're doing so now."

The night at the hotel came flashing back at Sakura. The earnestness in Sasuke's voice, and the way he reassured her that she could confide in him hurt more now but she was also glad she could tell him now. "I know. Thank you. I haven't really spoken to them since. I will when I get home after work, though."

"I'm sure it will be fine… maybe you all needed time to cool off."

Time and space to think was definitely needed. She had hoped that Ino was right—that her father had liked and understood Sasuke enough to perhaps help change her mother's mind. Even if that was not the case, all Sakura hoped for was that she had enough courage to insist on remaining with Sasuke. She loved both of her parents dearly, and would hate to have to choose between them.

After Sasuke finished his breakfast and Naruto finally arrived, she took her leave, not wanting to distract him from their training. Sakura didn't want to be late for work, too. Tsunade-sama was a great surgeon, but she could be really scary, too. Shizune-san was nice, though. Sakura loved working with them, and they inspired her to be a great doctor like them.

The day seemingly flew by for her. She had to entertain a lot of patients, and Shizune even offered to give her some experience in the emergency room the following week, as per Tsunade's recommendation. It was a lot of responsibility, but she was up for it. On her break, she texted Sasuke about it, and then told Ino. As much as she wanted to text her mother the good news, Sakura held back and decided to tell them in person instead.

The time ticked dreadfully slow on the last hour of her shift, which had her getting antsy. There were barely any patients left to process and all she needed to do was clean up and close Tsunade's office for the day. Her father texted her, and for a moment her heart leaped out of her throat.

Dad: I'm bringing take out for dinner. Will you be joining us?

Sakura sighed. At least she knew they would both be home. She replied and got back to work, closing up for the day. During the drive to her house, Sakura thought of all the possible scenarios that could take place. It ranged from her mother yelling and kicking her out of the house all the way to the two of them simply not acknowledging her existence over dinner and would span for a few days.

They were both bad scenarios, and would surely break her heart. She chewed on her lower lip as she pulled into their driveway, noting that her mother and father's car was already parked and the lights inside the house were already lit. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that it drowned out the cacophony of crickets and frogs that sang for her until she reached her front door.

The moment Sakura opened up their front door, she meekly announced, "I'm home."

It was silent for a few beats, and then she heard shuffling from the kitchen area. Her father's wide eyes were the first thing she saw before his face split into a grin. "Darling, welcome home!"

Relief flooded her chest as her father walked over to her and gave her a warm hug and patted her back. He chatted on, asking how her trip was, and where she went. It gave her a sense of normalcy, which she liked. Her father always was quick to forgive her. She had no other siblings, and her being the favorite should have been a default, but Sakura always felt she was with her father. Her mother on the other hand… Sakura's gaze drifted to her slim figure, standing by the entrance to the dining room.

Her expression was unreadable, and there was a subtle tenseness to her shoulders. Sakura still felt hurt, but she couldn't help but give her mom a small smile. Mebuki relaxed then, and gave her a smile, too. She walked over to Sakura and asked her how her flight back was, and if she was already hungry. "Dinner's ready."

Dinner was good, but the tension and awkwardness still hung in the air. It made Sakura swallow a little harder than usual, but the three of them made it through, with the help of her dad's chatty mood. As they finished and her mother fished out a cake from the fridge, Sakura fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, as she chewed on her lower. "Can I talk to you two… about what happened."

The smile on her father's face melted and he looked at his wife before smiling at her again. "Of course, darling. You can always talk to your mother and I. I know that isn't how we should have thanked Sasuke for his hospitality… so I sent him something. I hope he likes it."

It was a good gesture, one that Sakura was accustomed to. Being a businessman, her father always sent fancy gifts to clients and partners, and to Sakura, anything her heart desired. But the one thing she wanted, she knew she had to get for herself. "Thanks, Dad but I actually wanted to tell you that… Sasuke-kun and I…" Her green eyes met her mother's. "We're dating."

Silence.

Mebuki put the cake down on the table and began to slice it. "I think that's rather obvious, Sakura."

Wait, what? Even if it was, that wasn't how Sakura expected her mother to react.

"I don't think he would take your mother and I to his fight if you weren't, right?" Kizashi laughed.

Sakura's cheeks pooled with heat. "A-Actually, we weren't yet when he did that. But we are now, and I want you to know." She bit her lower lip, waiting.

Mebuki put a slice of cake on a plate and handed it to her husband, who thanked her, and began to eat. "I appreciate you telling us, Sakura." He smiled. "Sasuke is welcome to come over whenever, too."

Green eyes went wide and her lips parted. "H-He is?" Out of the one thousand and one scenarios that she thought of, this was not one of them. It made her brain go blank, her hands trembled on her lap. She quickly looked over to her mother, who handed her a slice of cake.

"Of course. We would rather you be here at home, where we can see you two." Mebuki responded before putting another slice on a plate for herself. "Perhaps we should meet his family, too." She looked at her husband, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Does his father golf?"

All the wind in her lungs left her, and Sakura blinked at her father. "I… I don't know." Was this really happening? Was she in a dream? Were there cameras around, and this was all an elaborate and sick prank? There was a little seed of hope that buried itself in her heart long ago. That one day her parents would actually be okay with her dating someone. Sakura never thought it would actually bloom and flower. And now, she was reaping its sweet reward.

"Shame. Well, we can invite them to the Country Club on Sunday. Are you free, dear?" Kizashi asked his wife, who took a seat next to him and nodded.

"Really?" Sakura thought she would lose her voice—her mind, too. "You're okay with this? With me dating Sasuke-kun? You're not angry with me?"

The couple looked at each other before looking at Sakura. It was her mother who spoke. "We're not angry with you, Sakura. We appreciate that you introduced us to him and that Sasuke invited us to see what he does. Your friends seem to like him as well, and you say you do—"

"-I really do!" Sakura interrupted her mother. "I really, really do."

Kizashi grinned and shrugged. "And it seems like he does, too. I can't really complain, right, darling?" Kizashi looked at Mebuki, who nodded and wiped the corner of her mouth. She looked at her daughter and nodded.

A warmth slowly started to bloom in her chest, spreading all the way up to her face. Her eyes went moist, the corners brimming with tears. She couldn't believe it. They weren't saying as much, but this was much better than any other scenario she could think of.

.

.

.

The news was something that Ino thought was worth celebrating, so she booked a place for the four of them that weekend, essentially pushing their family's meeting. It was a little much and forward for Sakura, anyway. Sasuke was understanding about it and decided to take it upon himself to arrange their families to meet on another occasion. Sakura's parents were kind about it, too. As they had been busy—her father with securing another client and her mother being on rotational schedule in the Emergency Room.

Things were also picking up for Sakura. Her classes resumed and juggling her shadowing work with Tsunade, her studies, friends, family, and meeting with Sasuke were getting a little hard to manage. They were constantly texting, though, and sending each other selfies and having a call that lasted for at least an hour every night.

On the days that she and Sasuke did meet, it was usually early in the morning, right before his training started. Kakashi had said nothing about it, though. At times, Sasuke would come over for dinner and stay to watch a movie with Sakura. She usually felt guilty because she almost always fell asleep half-way, and would wake up in her bed with a text from Sasuke saying he had carried her to bed, and for her to get more sleep when she could.

On those days, Sakura would call him the moment she woke up, profusely apologizing. Sasuke was always kind about it, telling her not to worry. In turn, she knew he was worried for her. Her sleep schedule had been getting shorter, and she would never admit to anyone that she had regressed to her diet of milk and cookies during her breaks and nothing more than a cup of coffee. It felt hypocritical of her, as she would always check on Sasuke's diet tracker that he had shared with her.

His fight was coming up, with only two weeks to go, and exams piling up. Sakura had half a mind to let her shadowing with Tsunade go, but she couldn't refuse when Tsunade told her one afternoon that her request to have Sakura in the Emergency Room with her was approved. Even during surgeries, Sakura was now allowed to watch and assist. All she would be doing was handing tools over at most, and watching from a corner in the least, but it was an experience—and an opportunity that she knew no one else in her batch would be getting.

Her mother didn't even seem surprised to hear it but congratulated her nonetheless. Her father was ecstatic, hugging her and carrying her off the floor. Sakura was a little afraid to tell Sasuke, as it meant she would no longer get to see him in the morning and with her exams coming up, she would need her evenings to study. His response washed all her fear away, though. Sasuke only congratulated her and praised her for her hard work. Even offering help if there was any he could give her.

What did I ever do to deserve Sasuke-kun? She thought. Her classmates were already teasing her for not being able to spend time with him. Although they were half-hearted jokes, Sakura didn't appreciate when some would suggest that Sakura would just see him in the press with another girl due to her neglect.

"He would never do that." Sakura pouted. "Sasuke-kun's also busy. He has a fight coming up and I need to finish everything beforehand so I can go."

It was the one thing she was looking forward to. But their whispers and jokes did make her guilty. She didn't even realize she hadn't seen him in two weeks. Their calls had stopped a few days ago, and their texts got less and less frequent. It bothered her, but she didn't have time to dwell on it since their professor came in, and she had to pay attention to their lecture.

Sasuke-kun understands. She told herself. It's not like I don't want to spend time with him. He's also busy. And things will get better after his fight.

If she asked Sasuke to come and sit with her while she studied, she knew he would oblige. Just as she would to sit and watch him train like she used to. They weren't flashy about their support, or their relationship. But even if it was new, Sakura was confident in it. She didn't need other people to understand them, because she and Sasuke understood each other and that's all that mattered.

Right?