Chapter Summary: Sasuke finally puts a plan into action. And as per usual, nothing goes the way he intends.

AN: I'm sorry it's taken me a long time to update here. I always focus on Ao3 and tend to forget to post here. The story is finished so both chapters will be posted today!

A Crown of Peonies and Primrose
Chapter 8 - Ambrosia and Aster

The rest of the journey to Suna was expectedly tense. Anxiety levels were extremely high, and they moved much more carefully, avoiding paths and streets, and talking far less than before. Once they reached the desert their pace considerably slowed due to the heat of the sun and the difficult terrain. The lack of cover was worrisome, and Sasuke circled around Naruto like some kind of vulture eyeing its last meal. Even on his watch he insisted on sitting with Naruto tucked against his body. His fingers consistently found their way into Naruto's hair, tangling in the strands and tugging his head close. He couldn't bear the thought of losing him again.

Sasuke felt so many emotions inside that he didn't know what to do with them. The first among them regret. After their rough romp in the woods Naruto had been so obviously sore, no matter how much he tried to hide it. Even with the fox's quick healing, it was obvious that Sasuke's haste to have him had hurt him quite a bit. He hated himself for losing control. He hated that he'd been so careless.

The vision of Naruto's bleeding body still haunted Sasuke as he slept, and his dreams became a distorted and violent mix of reality and illusion to the point that he almost considered distancing himself again. But he was smart enough to know now that it would only make everything that much worse. He couldn't leave Naruto. He couldn't push him away. So he did exactly the opposite and hardly left his side.

He apologized in his own way. Quietly, without words, doing his best to make sure the rest of the trip was as painless and easy for Naruto as possible. There were a few moments when Naruto looked ready to protest, but he always hesitated as soon as he took in Sasuke's guilt-ridden posture and tortured expression. Naruto often found his eyes, worry evident in his blue gaze, but Sasuke never elaborated, and Naruto didn't ask him to. Nevertheless he seemed to understand that Sasuke needed the closeness, and Naruto lingered nearby even when unnecessary. Sasuke appreciated it more than he could say. His sharingan had been active nonstop, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for any sign of another ambush. Thankfully, no such attack occurred.

It was a huge relief when they finally spotted the great cliffs of Suna at the peak of a cluster of sand dunes. Their group hurried the remaining distance but it still took them nearly a day to travel through the flats, scarves tucked across their faces as the harsh winds blew sand into their eyes. When they reached the passage into the valley Naruto leaned into Sasuke's side with a sigh and wiped the sweat from his brow. He was clearly tired, likely thirsty and hungry as well, and Sasuke rubbed a hand gently against his lower back and urged him forward. They were nearly there, and once inside, Naruto would be safe. Suna was far too difficult to invade without notice. It was one of the reasons they had chosen to hold the summit there in the first place.

The group of them trudged through the pathway leading up to Suna's gates with slouched shoulders. Under the cover of the cliffs, their exhaustion truly set in. They no longer had the bite of the wind pushing them on, or the incessant heat of the sun burning into their skin. The temptation to simply stop and rest right then and there was huge. But they weren't in the clear yet, not quite, and the prospect of actual lodgings encouraged Sasuke to continue on. The rest of the group did so as well, though Naruto whined the entire way.

They were met by Gaara and his siblings just inside, and finally Sasuke felt the tension begin to leave his shoulders. He hadn't realized just how high strung he'd been throughout the entire journey, and suddenly all he wanted to do was fall face first into a bed and sleep for days. He tore the scarf from his neck and wiped it over his eyes, dabbing at the sweat and sand that had built up on his skin. While he was busy brushing away the sand on his clothes Naruto sped away from his side. It was the first time he'd moved more than a foot away in days and Sasuke felt put off by the distance between them immediately. His chin jerked to the side and he followed Naruto's movements with narrowed eyes.

"Gaara!" Naruto shouted as he ran over and hugged his friend eagerly. His feet practically lifted from the ground and Gaara's eyes widened ever so slightly as he was nearly barrelled over, but he managed to stay upright as he gently patted Naruto on the back in return.

"Naruto! He's the Kazekage, show some respect," Sakura chided, walking up beside them with a heavy sigh.

Naruto stepped away, ducking his head as he rubbed at the back of his neck. "Heh, sorry Gaara."

"It's good to see you Naruto, it's been far too long," Gaara greeted with a nod. He turned slightly gesturing towards the long pathway that led into the centre of the village. "There's food waiting for you inside the Kage Manor. And private rooms, should you need to rest. The meetings won't begin for a few days yet." He glanced towards the rest of them curiously, taking in the rough state of their clothes and weary disposition. "Did you have complications on your journey?"

"Mmm, kind of. But we can talk about it later," Naruto said, laughing it off a bit as he grinned broadly. He nibbled at his lip and glanced sideways at Sasuke for just a second before turning away. Then he practically started jumping in place, his head shifting rapidly towards the aforementioned building. It was a wonder that he still had any energy left at all, but the prospect of food always lightened his spirits. "Is there ramen?" he asked, the excitement clear in his eyes. Gaara raised an eyebrow slightly and nodded, and then Naruto ran off towards the manor without a second thought.

Sasuke clenched his hands and forced himself not to tail him. They would be okay for now. Naruto would be fine. And it was unrealistic for him to be at his side every second of every day. Still, he watched him run away worriedly, only switching focus when Gaara walked directly into his line of sight. Gaara's expression hardened slightly when he acknowledged him, eyes narrowing as his gaze bored into Sasuke's intently. They stared at each other, each waiting for the other to move first. Gaara had grown quite a bit since the last time Sasuke had seen him, and in his Kage robes he made quite the imposing sight. And though his temper had drastically mellowed since they first fought each other during the Chuunin exams, Sasuke knew a shinobi capable of creating a bloodbath still hid beneath his calm exterior. Sasuke's jaw stiffened slightly, and his fingers clenched even tighter into fists, but otherwise he didn't move. Eventually, Gaara relaxed, his gaze shifting up and down Sasuke's body with interest.

"Your eyes are less clouded by darkness than when we last met," he commented, and Sasuke couldn't help but look towards Naruto's disappearing back at that. Of course he had changed. Even Sasuke could admit that. Naruto had lit a spark inside him he had no longer believed existed. He was surprised that Gaara had noticed so quickly, but perhaps the change had been greater than even Sasuke knew. He met Gaara's gaze once again, his jaw less tense, his fingers loose at his sides. "Good," Gaara commented. He nodded slightly, and Sasuke was shocked to see a small, barely there smile, before the Kazekage turned on his heels and beckoned the rest of them to follow.

Perhaps he would survive this trip in one piece after all.

With several free days to do whatever he wanted before any conferences began, Sasuke took his time really exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of Suna while Naruto caught up with friends. He wanted to do something special. To finally take Naruto out on that date he'd promised him. After all, Naruto had confessed to him, hadn't he? And if Sasuke insisted on being too incompetent to say the words back, the least he could do was express his love in another way. With advice from Shikamaru, a regrettable conversation with Lee, Sakura's insistence, and even Temari's unexpected help, he'd managed to come up with a few ideas. He had a plan, of sorts. And the time to execute it, finally.

On their third day in Suna, he put his plan into action. But as per usual, Sasuke's ability to convey his intentions properly to Naruto was non-existent. And Naruto's ability to be completely oblivious to every romantic act persisted.

To be fair, Sasuke had never told him it was a date. But as he escorted Naruto around the city to a small bakery where they had a snack together and chatted over some of Suna's greatest delicacies -and he knew they were the greatest, because Chouji had once told Shikamaru, and Shikamaru had told Sasuke- he had thought it was obvious it was a date. It's not like he would take anyone else out for food like that. He couldn't be bothered sitting and listening to other people chat while nibbling away at sweets. In fact, the entire situation was somewhat detestable to him, but Naruto liked baked goods, and he seemed happy enough talking about his time spent with Gaara the day prior as he licked the sugar from his fingertips.

Sasuke didn't really care about Gaara, or about what Naruto did with Gaara. If anything, he felt a small bit of jealousy at the thought of him spending so much time with him. But Naruto was happy to share. So Sasuke sat and listened, all the while going over the rest of his plans in his head and wondering if they would prove more successful.

Admittedly the flower would not have been his first choice. But Lee had insisted that the way to someone's heart was with a rose. And though Suna did not have traditional roses readily available, like Ino's family shop did in Konoha, there were desert roses, which in Sasuke's opinion possessed a unique sort of beauty. He bought just one, and tucked the shortened stem behind Naruto's ear so that the pink and white petals sat flush against his head. The bold colours looked striking next to Naruto's hair, and his bright blue eyes stood out as he stared up at Sasuke in wonder. Naruto giggled a bit and grinned at him, though he tilted his head to the side in confusion, clearly unsure about the sudden gesture.

"What's this for?" Naruto asked, his fingers touching the petals lightly as he blinked at Sasuke in surprise.

Sasuke felt his cheeks heating slightly, and he coughed and turned away. "N-nothing," he stuttered, and then he grabbed Naruto's arm and hurried along towards the restaurant he had chosen for dinner. He couldn't believe he'd let Lee talk him into doing something so silly. And yet, each time his gaze found its way back towards Naruto, it was a struggle to look away. He looked so stunning, and the flower only added to his naturally playful aura.

The two of them winded through the dusty pathways until they came upon a particular archway that led into one of the upper end establishments in the city. Vined plants and cacti lined the entrance, and Naruto peered up at the hanging baskets overhead as Sasuke led him inside.

"What's this? More food?" Naruto wondered as they were seated, Sasuke even taking a moment to help him into his chair. Naruto lifted his arms awkwardly as the seat hit the back of his knees and he tumbled down into it before Sasuke sat roughly across from him.

"Aren't you hungry? The sweets weren't enough right?" Sasuke muttered, and then he opened his menu and hid behind it. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing away the redness from his cheeks, just barely peering over the top as Naruto eyed him with a strange expression.

"Oh, well…yeah, I guess," Naruto glanced at the patrons seated around them, and then looked down at the plain clothes he'd hastily purchased shortly after they arrived. He fiddled with his hem, and Sasuke wondered why he looked so insecure for a moment. Did he not like this sort of thing? It was clean enough inside, and the atmosphere was nice, though perhaps a bit stuffy. Sakura had assured him it was the finest restaurant in all of Suna, and that if she were to go on a date somewhere, it would have been there. Sasuke clenched his teeth in annoyance. She wouldn't have lied to him, right?

He looked at Naruto again and felt his jaw begin to tense. The idiot hadn't even opened his menu yet. And why did he have that expression on his face? The strange sad one, where his eyebrows scrunched together, and his eyes glazed over a bit as he went somewhere distant in his mind. The one Sasuke hated the most. He nearly growled, and he slid down in his chair slightly before kicking Naruto's shin beneath the table.

"Ow, bastard, what the hell?" Naruto yelped as he jolted and grimaced in pain.

"Just pick something, dobe," Sasuke hissed and Naruto tossed him a glare before pouting and finally opening the menu to look. His eyes scanned it quickly, and then they widened, before he leaned forward and tugged Sasuke's menu away from his face slightly.

"Sasuke this is expensive," he whispered, covering up his mouth and doing an absolutely shit job of hiding their conversation. Sasuke rolled his eyes and shook Naruto's fingers off of the menu, sitting up straight in his seat.

"Don't worry, it's my treat."

Naruto made a strange face and raised an eyebrow at him oddly, his fingers hanging between them limply. He scratched at his nose and sat back as well. "If you're sure…" His eyes squinted as he tried to read about the overly descriptive dishes, and he scrunched his eyebrows together whenever a word confused him. "Hmm…no ramen," Naruto muttered, and Sasuke grimaced slightly. Maybe it was a mistake picking fine dining after all. But he knew that the ramen shops in Suna would never live up to Ichiraku, so what was the point?

After several minutes of listening to Naruto grumble under his breath Sasuke sighed and leaned forward, yanking at Naruto's menu and pointing towards one of the dishes on the left side. "This is a red bean soup, with grilled five spice chicken. You'll probably like it." Naruto nibbled at his lip, his eyes brightening a little bit. He nodded, but then saw the price tag, and once again his jaw nearly hit the table.

"Sasuke! This costs enough to buy groceries for a month!"

"I said don't worry about it."

"How can I not worry about it? That's completely ridiculous!"

In the end Sasuke ended up ordering for him, and the two of them argued about it right up until the dishes were placed in front of them, to the chagrin of everyone seated nearby. Sasuke glared at those staring their way, and that seemed to do the trick, and finally Naruto quietened as he took a hesitant spoonful of the soup. He paused for a moment, licking at his lips as he stared down at the dish, and then took another and another. Eventually he glanced up at Sasuke from beneath his eyelashes and muttered, "It's good."

Sasuke huffed and dug into his meal tiredly. Of course it was good. The idiot.

Once they left, night had fallen, and Suna was surprisingly cool without the sun beating down on their skin. Naruto huddled into his side and let out a heavy breath as his shoulders relaxed. He fiddled with his fingers for a bit, avoiding Sasuke's gaze. "I'll never understand why places like that charge you so much for so little," Naruto commented. He shrugged into himself and wrapped his arms around his body, and Sasuke exhaled noisily in exasperation.

"I thought you said it was good."

"Huh? Well yeah it was, why?"

"You…look glad to be leaving," Sasuke commented, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Naruto wobbled a bit on his feet and gazed down at his toes, wiggling them in his dusty sandals. He looked sad again, and Sasuke pursed his lips in annoyance. "Everything was just so fancy. Most of the restaurants like that in Konoha wouldn't even let me…," Naruto began, but he stopped suddenly and coughed a few times, tugging his sleeves down over his fingers. Sasuke felt like his body was freezing over. He grimaced, just barely holding in his rage. Wouldn't what? Wouldn't let him inside? Let him order? He clenched his fingers into fists and hardly flinched as the nails dug into his palms. "I mean…I've never eaten something that expensive before!" Naruto held out his shirt then, staring at it with a pout before letting it fall back against his torso. "I think I was a bit underdressed too."

"You look fine." It wasn't what Sasuke meant to say at all. Not even close. And he felt his eye twitching irritatingly. Naruto didn't move or look up and Sasuke bared his teeth slightly and lifted his chin up as he looked down the nearly empty pathway ahead. "You look good, Naruto." That wasn't quite right either, and though Naruto smiled faintly at the compliment, he still stared unsurely at the ground. Sasuke groaned, running his fingers through his hair. Why was he so bad at this? Couldn't he do anything right? Couldn't he just make Naruto smile for once? He stepped forwards roughly, standing in front of Naruto and placing a hand at the back of his neck, forcing him to look up. Sasuke stared into his eyes, and he swallowed nervously before blurting out, "You look beautiful."

Naruto blinked at him, face flushing a bit as he mouthed the word back in surprise, and Sasuke felt his skin reddening in response. He pulled away and ducked his head before grabbing Naruto's hand and tugging him down the street. "Come on." Naruto sputtered as he tripped over his feet behind him, but he kept pace, and soon the two of them were lightly jogging down the near empty pathways.

"Where are we going?"

"The library."

"Isn't it closed?"

Sasuke smirked at him, but didn't answer, instead leading him down several winding alleys between rows of clay buildings and homes. They turned a corner, slowing to a walk, and after just a few more streets they neared the centre of the village. Temari was waiting on the large stone steps out front of the library as promised, and the two of them walked up to meet her. She glanced towards Naruto then looked Sasuke in the eyes.

"Don't stay all night, lock up when you're done, and keep the doors sealed while you're inside. I expect these keys back in my hands tomorrow morning, got it?" she drawled, one hand on her hip as she stared them down intimidatingly. Sasuke plucked the keys from her hand with a nod, and then ushered Naruto inside, sealing the door tightly in their wake. Naruto fumbled along after him as Sasuke headed towards a room at the back which housed several of Sunagakure's more valuable scrolls. He slid in the correct key and watched in fascination as the entire framework of seals lit up and loosened, allowing them access.

"S-seriously?" Naruto gasped, as they pushed open the door and inched inside. The room was completely dark, and Sasuke focused on forming a few very specific hand seals. He glanced at Naruto briefly out of the corner of his eyes, and a moment later hundreds of small flickering flames spouted from his fingers and floated up towards the ceiling. They lingered above their heads, lighting up the entire room with a soft glow. It was a jutsu he'd never had a chance to put to use before, and quite frankly, he never thought he would find use for it at all, but it was perfect for this moment. He'd found it in his family archives ages ago, labelled as the firefly release technique. It required both fire and lightning proficiency to master, and was surprisingly difficult to get just right. Sasuke had been shocked the first time he used it. He'd imagined something far more explosive, but it was named quite literally, after the little insects the flickering lights mimicked.

Naruto gasped and looked up in surprise, turning around in circles as he watched the lights dance above their head. "Isn't…isn't this dangerous around so many books and scrolls?"

"Sure, if I was completely inept," Sasuke drawled, and Naruto nudged him playfully before looking at him strangely. His mouth opened and closed a few times, and Sasuke began to feel uncomfortable under the scrutiny. "What?"

"N-nothing." Naruto turned away almost shyly, switching focus towards the hundreds of scrolls stacked on the shelves that framed the walls. They varied in techniques, though most were unique to Suna clan nin and would not be found anywhere else in the world. There were several shelves dedicated to puppetry, some for cloth binding techniques and sand manipulation, others for survival techniques in desert regions. Sasuke knew that the most valuable jutsu would not be found even in such a room, but there was plenty for them to learn from what was present. "How'd you swing access to all these secret scrolls? Doesn't seem like something Sunagakure would want in the hands of foreign shinobi," Naruto commented. He stood on his tiptoes, pulling a hefty scroll off of the shelf filled with various sand release jutsu.

"An awful lot of people are fond of you Naruto." Sasuke grabbed a scroll as well, one that appeared to outline possible methods of harnessing moisture in the air and earth to create drinking water for travel in tough terrain. It might prove useful for their journey home.

The two them sat cross legged on the floor, facing each other as they unravelled the scrolls over their knees. "Fond enough to share their nation's secrets?" he asked.

"You have no idea what kind of impact you have on people."

Naruto looked towards him, tilted his head to the side and frowned. He rubbed at his nose and jutted out his lower lip deep in thought, but eventually turned his attention back towards the scroll in his lap. Naruto peered at the contents curiously, clearly confused by the unfamiliar hand seals, but it wouldn't take him long to figure them out. He was good at learning in such a hands on and visual way. Their academy learning had been largely descriptive, requiring lots of theoretical memorization. Naruto struggled with that sort of thing. He'd always had difficulty with reading and writing assignments, probably because not enough attention had been given to him at an early age when learning to read and write was important. But if you showed him a hand sign, or fixed his hands into position for him, he'd easily be able to form that same sign again. And once he felt the way chakra should feel as it was released to create a specific jutsu, it was a battle won.

Naruto groaned in frustration after a few failed attempts, and Sasuke shimmied closer on the ground to press his fingers against his, manipulating them into the correct form. It didn't take him long to figure out a few basic techniques after that, moving a small clump of sand out of a vase to practise. It was quite the accomplishment for a shinobi who had no prior experience with sand techniques, but Naruto always was a bit of an enigma.

Sasuke smiled slightly as he watched him practice. The little flower was still tucked behind his hair, and his bright blue eyes widened each time he managed to create a new and different shape with the sand. Every so often he'd squeak in delight, and Sasuke's gaze would find his for a moment, before Naruto was back to rifling through the rest of his scroll. Sasuke spent far more time studying the way the warm light flickered patterns across Naruto's face than he did looking at any of the jutsu around them. He couldn't help it. There was just…something so special about him.

It was fairly late when Naruto sighed loudly and rubbed his fingers across his eyes. He fell back against the shelf behind him and groaned, rubbing at the space between his eyebrows. "I'm tired of studying, my head's getting all fuzzy."

Sasuke visibly deflated. The last thing he wanted to do was wear Naruto down when they were supposed to be resting. And besides, visiting a library was probably nowhere near the top of Naruto's list of things to do for fun. If anything, it was self-indulgent of Sasuke to bring him there in the first place.

"I'm sorry," he blurted, fingers tightening around the edges of the scroll in his lap. Naruto spread his fingers apart and stared at Sasuke from between them.

"Huh? For what?"

"Today was probably boring for you. I'm sorry." Sasuke sighed heavily and rolled up the scroll before squeezing it in his hands tightly. "Damn it, I knew we should have gone to the greenhouses instead. The lights were stupid too weren't they?"

Naruto's eyes suddenly widened, and he sat up quickly, kicking several scrolls to the side in the process. "Wait, was this a date?"

Sasuke choked. Wasn't it obvious? "Of course it was a date." Naruto gawked at him, hands flat against the floor in front of his body.

"W-why?" he asked softly.

Sasuke contemplated stubbornly ignoring the question, but eventually he huffed and muttered, "I thought…you might like it." Sasuke turned away a bit bashfully. "I don't really know what I'm doing. I wasn't sure what…," he trailed off. Sasuke tugged his top down away from his neck and swallowed nervously. "It's been a few months already and I haven't taken you on a proper date yet. I just wanted to try."

Naruto was still staring at him, mouth agape, almost like he couldn't fathom the concept of dating whatsoever. He wasn't saying anything. Why wasn't he saying anything? The room suddenly felt so suffocating, and Sasuke was a second away from standing and storming out when Naruto reached out and touched his chin, gently urging Sasuke to meet his gaze. He looked up at Sasuke in wonder, blue eyes flickering along with the lights.

"Thank you Sasuke," he whispered. "Today's been perfect, the best date I've ever had."

"The only da-,"

Naruto practically fell forwards onto him as he moved quickly to connect their lips and Sasuke's head knocked into the shelf behind him hard. He winced as Naruto climbed into his lap and kissed him deeply. Sasuke sat limply for a moment, giving in to Naruto's tongue and desperate kisses, but eventually his hands found Naruto's hips, and he pulled him tighter against his body and pushed back just as hard. Naruto gasped as Sasuke nipped at his lower lip, and then he pulled away and pressed their foreheads together.

"Let's make out," Naruto said breathily, grin wide on his face.

"Aren't we already?" Sasuke teased, and he snapped his teeth at him tauntingly before leaning in to kiss him again. Their mouths moved together more gently this time, and Naruto shivered and moaned as Sasuke's fingers dragged through his hair and guided his head to tilt back. He kissed along Naruto's jaw, and then sucked a mark into the skin of his neck, moving to lick across his chin. "They'll never let us back in here if they find out," Sasuke muttered, closing his eyes as Naruto's arousal pressed against his own.

"Guess we better make the most of it then." Naruto shoved him to the ground roughly, and Sasuke let out a surprised noise as he found himself flat on his back. He stared up into blue eyes in wonder, at a loss for words. Naruto straddled him eagerly, lining up their clothed groins, and he pressed down against him, drawing out a deep groan.

They rocked against each other like that for a bit, until Naruto grew impatient and reached towards Sasuke's pants, but Sasuke grabbed his wrist tightly and pulled him down onto his chest instead. "I'm not fucking you here Naruto," he growled and Naruto pouted at him, even as Sasuke pressed little kisses against his lips.

"Why not?"

"I don't have anything to slick you with."

"Didn't stop you last time."

"Yeah, and you were sore for days," Sasuke insisted. Their gazes met, and Sasuke rubbed at his cheeks, running his thumbs across the whisker marks gently. He felt his brow creasing together as a hint of guilt settled once again in his mind. He squeezed his eyes shut and forced the thoughts away, before staring at Naruto seriously. "I'll take you apart soon. Properly. I promise. But for now, just kissing, okay?" Naruto shifted on top of him, nibbling at his lower lip before he conceded and relaxed atop his body.

"Kay."

Sasuke hummed against his skin, and then pulled Naruto's head closer, easing their mouths together once again. He kissed Naruto leisurely for a long while, satisfied at the little noises he made and the squirming of his body that hinted at just how good he was feeling. Sasuke's hands ran up and down his back, drawing out several shudders as he pushed his tongue in between Naruto's lips. He was so warm and wet, so pliant beneath Sasuke's touch. The temptation to make love to him was incredible. It took every ounce of Sasuke's will to keep from doing so. When they rolled onto their sides, Sasuke immediately wrapped his arms around Naruto tightly. He kissed beneath his eye, then over his eyelid and brow, pausing as Naruto tucked his head beneath his chin and hugged him tightly back.

"I…I liked the lights Sasuke," Naruto whispered. "And the bakery. And the flower. Even the horrendously overpriced dinner." He wiggled away a bit, just enough so that he could look into Sasuke's eyes. "But you don't have to worry about doing things like this for me. No matter what, I'm happy just being with you."

Sasuke felt like someone had reached into his chest, wrapped their fingers around his heart and squeezed. Wasn't that exactly how he felt about Naruto as well? They could have been doing little more than sitting on a dock together, or walking through the market picking out vegetables. Time spent at Naruto's side, was all that mattered. But somewhere along the way Sasuke realised he actually liked doing things like this for him. He liked the soft little smiles Naruto made when surprised, the incredulous expressions on his face whenever he discovered something new, and even the stupid arguments they had about insignificant things like which dessert was best in combination with which entree.

He breathed in deeply, and combed Naruto's hair away from his face with his fingers, pressing another kiss to his nose. "But…you liked it."

"Yeah," Naruto muttered. He sucked in his lower lip and glanced away, and Sasuke watched as blond eyelashes brushed against reddened cheeks. "And if you…wanted to buy me dinner again, I wouldn't complain."

Sasuke couldn't help but smile.

"Hn. We'll see."

The peace summit kept all of them far more busy than expected.

The meetings spanned over several days, and each nation took their turn bringing up various issues that needed tending to, with Gaara at the helm moderating and ensuring a proper discussion. There were many arguments, shouting matches at times, and suspicions between a few of the nations were heavy, especially those with previous war time history, but eventually they were able to create terms and agreements to satisfy most of those present.

It was on the last day of the summit that Gaara brought up their newest threat, a threat that concerned all of them equally.

"I was informed you were ambushed on your journey to Suna," Gaara commented, his eyes searching each of their team's faces one by one.

"Yes, the Mokushiroku," Shikamaru said, only slightly caught off guard. All of them had meant to discuss it earlier, but the various trade agreements had proven a distraction. It was easy to forget certain issues when half your day was spent verbally sparring with others over economics and potential war threats. Naruto stiffened in his seat, and Gaara glanced towards him briefly. His expression did not shift in the slightest, but Sasuke knew he was worried for Naruto, even if he did not show it on his face.

"Then they are going to greater lengths," a delegate from hidden Rock jumped in.

"It seems so."

"I'm surprised they felt confident enough to attack such a large group of you." It was a delegate from Cloud this time, and she folded her fingers in front of herself atop the table, steely grey eyes passing over each one of them.

"They knew who they were up against. At least most of us," Sasuke added. "They had methods of controlling the greatest threats."

"Then…there are spies," Gaara presumed. He breathed in through his nose and turned his head to look around the large table slowly. It was impossible to know if certain nations had already given in to demands and even made alliances with the Mokushiroku. They certainly had things to offer that some villages would feel tempted by.

"At the very least within Leaf. But most likely they are widespread to many of the villages now," Shikamaru explained.

"It would appear their reach is much further than we thought. It would be wise for the individual nations to take action against this threat immediately. The jinchuuriki must be protected at all costs, as well as those with kekkai genkai," Gaara insisted. The Mokushiroku posed a risk to all of them, especially with such unknown goals. But there were few reasons for someone to harness the power of a bijuu, and most of them ended in severe loss and destruction. If all of the nations agreed to do their part and fight against this threat early on, they should be able to eliminate them easily.

His comment was followed by several nods, and a few more discussions about possible joint missions and plans of action. There were specific groups that would be best suited to the tasks, and each nation knew their own jinchuuriki best and what it might take to protect them.

Gaara stood then to summarize the day's events. He took a moment to give the nation representatives time for any additional topics. There were mostly trivial issues brought up, things that were easily resolved. One of the delegates from Mist took the opportunity to brazenly request a marriage proposal with a delegate from Moon, which was adamantly refused and followed by hidden smiles and snickers from around the table. An additional trade agreement was offered between Sand and Waterfall, and as Gaara's gaze shifted to the Konoha delegates Sai raised his hand, sitting up straight in his seat, to the surprise of all those around him.

"A question if I may." He was met with a quick nod from Gaara, and the eyes of everyone present. "Tell me, is it a jinchuuriki trait to confuse pain with pleasure?"

Gaara tilted his head, eyes flickering to Naruto briefly before his gaze returned to Sai. There were a couple other jinchuuriki present who also blinked at him oddly, but offered no answer. Naruto narrowed his eyes and jutted out his lower lip, and Sasuke eyed Sai warily. What on earth was he getting at?

"I ask only because Naruto seems to very much enjoy when Sasuke penetrates his rectum, despite his anguished screams."

Both Sakura and Shikamaru spat out their drinks, unfortunately drenching the poor delegates seated across from them. The entire room froze, and Sasuke was pretty sure he felt the blood drain from his face and leak out onto the floor through his toes. Naruto spluttered indignantly at his side, his cheeks going a very particular shade of red. The Kazekage and his siblings for the most part, looked at him blankly, and then Lee clapped his hands together, his expression filled with wistful joy.

"Oh! To bear witness to the romantic fortitude of two virile young men. Such a wonderful day to celebrate the coitus of two of my most cherished friends," Lee sang.

"S-Sai!" Naruto finally shouted, his shoulders hunching up so far they almost hid his ears, and Sasuke lunged over him and the three others seated between himself and Sai with intent to murder.

"Sasuke! You can't kill him! We're in the middle of a political meeting!" Sakura cried, just barely managing to hold him back as his arms reached out wildly and he narrowly missed taking hold of Sai's collar. Sai only tilted his head to the side and stared at him with his stupid expressionless face.

"Fuck the meeting!"

He might have slammed the door behind them a bit more aggressively than necessary, but he had to take his frustration out on something. Sasuke wanted to crawl into a hole and not resurface for a hundred millennia. He couldn't imagine how Naruto must have felt. Neither of them had said a word as they sped through the Kage Manor towards their shared room. Anything to get away from that stupid situation, and the threat of Sasuke outright committing murder in front of several witnesses.

Sasuke took a steadying breath, counting down inside his head as he tried to reign in his anger. He didn't want to direct it at Naruto by mistake. He practically ripped off the decorative robe draped over his shoulders, tossing it over a shelf as he unstrapped his sword and placed it on top. His eyes shifted slightly to the right, and he scrunched up his face in disdain as his gaze zeroed in on a small container of oil suspiciously. He was certain that hadn't been there before.

"Ugh, how embarrassing," Naruto complained, and he collapsed on the mattress heavily, pressing the palms of his hands against his eyes. Sasuke's anger dissipated slightly at the sight of him.

"He didn't seem that surprised," Sasuke commented. He twisted the container of oil around, and sure enough, the Kazekage's stamp stood out clear as day on the side. Sasuke wasn't sure if that made him feel more or less mortified than before. He tapped on the lid briefly before picking it up and walking towards their bedside table. At least it would be useful.

"Who, because the delegates from Frost looked pretty horrified from my perspective."

"Gaara," Sasuke clarified. He lowered the container with a soft clack, and then walked over towards Naruto, stepping into the space between his knees at the edge of the bed. "I half expected him to threaten me."

Naruto sat up, leaning back on his arms as he stared up at him. "Why?"

"Because he knows I hurt you. That I…left you."

Naruto's gaze distanced for a moment before he focused again on Sasuke. "Gaara understands better than most what it's like to lose control to external forces." He sat up fully then, wrapping his arms around Sasuke's hips and pushing his head against his abdomen. "And he knows I can take care of myself. He trusts me. He trusts my judgement."

"Tch, you're always getting into trouble," Sasuke grumbled, even as he carded his fingers through Naruto's hair. "Without m-"

Sasuke was interrupted as Naruto tugged him down roughly, pulling his face close to kiss him. His arms flung around Sasuke's shoulders, and Sasuke hunched over him, hands on the edge of the mattress as he supported Naruto's weight and kissed him back.

"I've…loved you for a long time Sasuke," Naruto whispered against his lips. "Gaara…knew that. Probably even before I did."

Sasuke looked over his face, startled once again by the confession. "Did he now."

"Mmhmm."

Naruto grinned at him happily, and Sasuke couldn't resist capturing his lips in a slow, languid kiss. "Why didn't you act on it sooner?" he asked, placing one last peck against him before pulling back.

"Didn't want to risk losing you again." Naruto's gaze shifted to the side in shame, and Sasuke's fingers tightened in the blankets. "I thought…," he tried to say, but he had to let out a sigh and close his eyes before finishing. "I thought if I could just be by your side, that was more than enough. I was just…so happy to have you back."

Sasuke nodded slightly, staring at the freckles beneath Naruto's eyes intently. He raised one arm, leaning heavily on the other as his fingertips grazed over the little dots gently. "What changed?" He was met by the sweetest smile, and Naruto's eyes opened up as he blinked at him shyly.

"You kissed me."

The words were spoken so quietly. If Sasuke hadn't been watching Naruto's lips move he might not have heard them at all. He couldn't believe that his one little impulsive act had changed so much between them. How long would they have gone on dancing around each other like lovesick fools otherwise? With them, it could have taken years. They likely would have stubbornly pretended nothing was amiss and pined away until one of their friends got fed up with it all and quite literally knocked some sense into them.

Sasuke kissed him again, and they fell onto the bed together as his hands reached out to encase Naruto's head. Sasuke crawled over him, yanking his body further up the mattress as he started untying Naruto's clothes. The shirt came loose easily, and Sasuke eased it over Naruto's shoulders, never once breaking away from his lips.

"Mmfff," Naruto groaned. He tugged weakly at Sasuke's shirt until he eased off, sitting up astride Naruto to remove it himself. They were naked against each other in no time, kissing reverently, and Sasuke slithered down Naruto's body, pressing his lips against every inch of available skin along the way. He kissed over his nipples, pausing to lick at each of them while Naruto twisted atop the sheets beneath him. Then he went lower, dragging his tongue over Naruto's bellybutton and down towards the base of his cock. Naruto spread his legs apart eagerly and Sasuke rubbed at his thighs, kissing up the inside of one before moving to tend to the next. Naruto was wracked with little shivers, tiny gasps escaping between his lips as his hands tangled in the sheets at his sides. He stared up at Sasuke with glassy eyes, mouth open as he breathed in and out deeply. He was far too gorgeous not to kiss. So Sasuke did so, leaning down again to push his tongue between wet lips.

He didn't know how long they were like that, just leisurely enjoying being so close to one another, legs entangled atop the blankets. Eventually Sasuke pulled back slightly, switching to shorter closed mouth kisses. He took a moment to gaze down at Naruto's glazed over expression, running his fingers down Naruto's sides and back up again. They were such pretty blue eyes. It was like staring out to sea. He tickled at Naruto's hip bones hesitantly, leaving a trail of goose bumps in the wake of his fingers, and Naruto shuddered beneath him.

"I hurt you last time," Sasuke muttered against his lips, and Naruto shook his head slightly.

"Not…not really."

Sasuke sighed, pushed back Naruto's hair and sat up. "I still want to make up for it." He glanced down Naruto's body and back up before nudging his side and urging him to roll over. Naruto did so, but stared over his shoulder at Sasuke with curious eyes. "Let me make you feel good," Sasuke said. He lifted Naruto's hips and shoved a few pillows beneath his belly, then pushed one under Naruto's head and pressed him down against it gently. Naruto cuddled into the pillows, but kept turning his head to glance at Sasuke, like he was unsure of what was about to happen.

"T-this is kind of…," Naruto trailed off. His cheeks were tinted a pretty pink, and Sasuke tucked back a few blond strands of hair that had fallen against the side of his face. He wanted to see him better. To make sure he wasn't feeling any pain.

"Hmm?"

"It's embarrassing."

Sasuke's lips lifted in a slight smile, but he didn't say anything in response, instead leaning over to grab the jar of oil. As he unscrewed the lid he was glad to note it was a fairly mild scent. Just enough to be pleasant. He coated his fingers generously, and then dragged them between Naruto's legs, sliding them over his rim before circling the edges. Naruto gasped in surprise, bucking forward on the pillows, and his hole twitched a few times as Sasuke coated it completely with the oil.

He prepped him thoroughly, running his fingers across Naruto's hole before sliding one inside nice and slow. He used far more oil than necessary, but Sasuke didn't mind getting him messy if it meant he only felt pleasure. Naruto's head shifted on the pillow, his hair fanning out around him, several strands already slick with sweat against his temples. Every so often his eyes opened and he glanced to the side, just barely taking in the sight of Sasuke kneeling behind him. His skin was flushed, splotches spreading up his back and over his shoulders, and to Sasuke's delight even across his ass. Sasuke ran his free hand over the expanse of skin gently, drawing out several pleased groans from Naruto's throat. He couldn't wait to be inside him.

They'd hardly started and Naruto was already hard and leaking, precome dripping down towards the bed between his legs. It was hot as fuck. Like something from a fantasy. Sasuke couldn't believe Naruto was his alone to enjoy. As Sasuke added another finger he reached between Naruto's thighs, rubbing at his erection a few times, stopping whenever Naruto's fidgeting became a bit too desperate. He was so close already. Writhing against the pillows and even whining when Sasuke hit something inside him with the drag of his fingers.

"Sasuke please," Naruto begged, and finally Sasuke relented, pulling free his fingers and shifting up into place. He coated himself thoroughly, lining his erection up and pressing in, eyeing Naruto's face as it slid inside of him inch by inch. He was surprised at how deep he could go like this, and when he stopped he was pressed right up against Naruto's ass. His hands ran around Naruto's hips, dragging along his belly as he thrust deeply a few times, fully taking in the sensation of being completely surrounded by his heat. It was incredible. The way he felt so connected to him. He felt his vision blur for a second, and Sasuke blinked and took a deep breath, willing himself to stay focused.

Naruto panted against the pillow, a line of drool sliding from his mouth as his lips pressed into the soft fabric. He almost looked drugged, the way he was limp and pliant, expression so fucked out. Sasuke wondered why they hadn't done it like this ages ago. It was so. Damn. Good. He liked looking at Naruto's face, feeling his arms wrap around him as they made love, but if he could give Naruto this kind of pleasure it was worth it every now and then. And the view, though different, was no less lovely.

They were both sweating. It didn't take much in the desert heat, and Sasuke licked the salt from his lips as he pulled out and thrust back in at a steady pace. "How is it?" he asked as Naruto's fingers grappled at the sheets, opening and closing as he rocked back and forwards along with Sasuke's motions.

"Um…I…," Naruto gasped. He couldn't seem to say anything coherent, and Sasuke grinned as his hands ran all over his body. He placed a steadying palm in the centre of Naruto's spine, and waited for a moment as Naruto's trembles eased off.

Sasuke pressed up against him, pushing forward as much as possible. He was surprised at the pleasure being so deep inside granted him, and he mentally fought against his body's need to climax. "Feels like I'm deeper inside you than ever," he practically growled. Sasuke dragged his fingers up Naruto's back, into the fine hairs at the base of his skull, entangling in the silver chain around his neck. He pulled out all the way, and then thrust slowly back in, bottoming out in a single motion. Naruto flinched beneath him and let out a deep guttural groan. His fingers loosened in the sheets and his arms wound around the pillows desperately as his hips began to spasm.

"Sasu-"

"Naruto, tell me how it feels."

"Nng!" Naruto bit his lip as he moaned. His eyes opened just a crack as he glanced back at Sasuke. His lashes were wet and clumped together, sweat lining his under eyes, and Sasuke wiped some of it away before tugging gently at his hair. "You're deep," Naruto breathed. "Y-you're filling me up."

Sasuke snapped his hips a bit harder than before and Naruto yelped, his fingers tightening and toes curling as his legs scrambled to keep himself upright even with the support of the cushions. Sasuke exhaled heavily and bent forwards to whisper in his ear. "You feel amazing."

"Sasuke, I have to…,"

"Not yet," Sasuke said hurriedly. He reached around him, sliding a hand between Naruto's hips and the pillows to squeeze at the base of his cock. Naruto jolted against him, letting out a little cry. His legs trembled as Sasuke held fast to him, and he squeezed them together as he struggled not to come. "Mmm, that's it." Sasuke leaned over Naruto's body, and he breathed in an out several times, trying to settle himself as well. Once the urge lessened he pulled away, lifting Naruto's body to join him.

He shifted so they sat at the edge of the bed, Naruto in his lap. Their legs dangled off the end of the mattress as Sasuke pulled their hips flush together, and then Naruto started shaking, his fingers gripping hard at Sasuke's thighs. Naruto's head drifted to the side, and Sasuke realized his eyes were actually teary, the little droplets barely clinging to the ends of his eyelashes.

"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked, holding him close as he kissed the side of his head.

Naruto shook his head, blinked a few of the tears away and stuttered, "N-nothing." He turned his head into Sasuke's chin, taking in a few uneven breaths. "It's just…a lot."

Sasuke understood. Being with Naruto was a lot for him as well. He'd never felt anything so powerful before. Even when his body was thrumming with the energy of his chakra, electricity flickering about his arms erratically, it didn't even come close. It was to the point where he sometimes thought his heart might give out. Like he would stop breathing, or pass out, because he loved Naruto so much. He couldn't believe he'd ever thought leaving this behind was a good idea. That he could possibly be stronger without Naruto than he was with him. It was such an absurd concept to him now.

He held him close, ran his fingers over Naruto's belly and thighs before cradling the side of his face and kissing into his hair. Neither of their erections had flagged in the slightest. If anything, they were even harder than before, and Sasuke gripped Naruto's arousal gently, running his fingers up and down the sticky length. Naruto's head flew back against his shoulder, and he gasped shakily, lips trembling a bit as Sasuke stroked him leisurely.

His other hand played with a nipple, teasing Naruto just right, bringing him to the edge over and over again. It was surprising they had both lasted so long. Sasuke's climax hovered just on the edge, and Naruto was clearly overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of everything. His eyes were so glazed over that Sasuke wondered if he was even aware of what was going on. But he turned again, and whined pleadingly, his hole tightening around Sasuke's cock for a second before loosening. "Wow," Sasuke blurted suddenly, his lips dragging over the back of Naruto's neck as they moved together seamlessly.

He shifted them again, lying down on the bed on his back, drawing Naruto's body with him so he could thrust up inside of him slowly. He was so slick. Sasuke didn't remember using quite so much oil, but between it, the sweat, and his precome, Naruto was wet as can be. The slide was incredible, and Naruto rocked against him in time with each thrust. He knew he couldn't keep going for much longer, so he rolled on his side and pulled Naruto's knees up to his chest. It was a surprisingly intimate position, and Sasuke nibbled at Naruto's neck, drawing out several whimpers as he hit a particularly sensitive spot inside of him.

Sasuke nipped at Naruto's ear and muttered, "You can come now Naruto." It didn't take anything more than that. Naruto shuddered in his hold, and his hole clenched tightly when he did. His hips shook as he released across the sheets and Sasuke gritted his teeth. "That's it, come for me." Once the spasms stopped, Sasuke thrust inside him completely, pressing fully into his warmth. He came more than he ever had before. He felt the seed leaking down around the base of his cock, leaving a wet mess between their bodies, even as he jerked a few more times inside him.

They lazed next to each other for a long time, not quite ready to move apart. Their chests rose and fell as they caught their breath, and Sasuke mouthed behind Naruto's ear mindlessly as he settled into the afterglow. He felt incredible. Exhausted, but completely satisfied. It was by far the best sex they'd ever had and he hadn't thought better was even possible.

After he softened enough to pull out with ease, Sasuke turned Naruto in his arms and kissed him thoroughly. He stared lovingly into Naruto's droopy eyes as their legs entangled atop the bed. Sasuke pulled away slightly, and spent several minutes just looking at Naruto as he rubbed his fingers through blond hair. He really was so damn beautiful.

"Teme, what? You're staring."

"Hn…I love you." It was just a whisper, he could barely hear it over the beating of his own heart, but Naruto's eyes widened, and he shot up in bed. Sasuke stared up at him, wondering about how easily the words had slipped out. He hadn't even thought about it, they had just been right. It wasn't so hard to say it after all. In fact, now he almost wanted to say it ten more times.

"You…"

"I love you Naruto," he muttered idly once more. He was smiling. He could feel the slight lift to his lips, the stiffness in his cheeks as the muscles strained. "I love you."

"You can't just say something like that and expect me to be fine," Naruto spat, and then he tackled Sasuke, and rolled them off of the bed. Sasuke's back hit the floor with a loud thwack, and he winced as Naruto landed on top of him, one of his legs still caught up on the mattress. Once the shock wore off his arms wrapped around Naruto easily, and he pressed kisses into his cheeks and held on to him tight.

"I love you, I love you, I love you," Sasuke repeated as his lips grazed against Naruto's heated skin.

"Sh-shut up."

Naruto nuzzled against him and no matter how much he tried, Sasuke couldn't wipe the silly grin off of his own face. "I've known all along. I should have said it sooner, I'm sorry. I kept you waiting."

"Teme," Naruto hissed, and then he punched him lightly and huddled into him further. "I love you so much Sasuke." His shoulders shook lightly, and Sasuke thought he might have been crying, but he didn't comment on it. Sasuke was too surprised at the burning feeling building behind his own eyes, but Naruto had said that tears weren't always borne of sadness. He understood that now.

Sasuke woke the next morning feeling completely at peace. The early morning light was just starting to peak in through their window, and Sasuke turned his head to the side, blinking drowsily at Naruto's sleeping face. He smiled faintly, reaching out to touch Naruto's cheekbone. Even coated in a sleek sheen from the heat his skin was smooth to the touch. Sasuke watched as Naruto's nose scrunched up, and his whisker marks moved, then two blue eyes opened shortly thereafter and gazed at him tiredly.

"Mmm…Sasuke?"

"Shh, go back to sleep, it's early yet," Sasuke grumbled, his voice still low and gravelly after a few hours of disuse.

They shared a couple sleepy kisses, and then Naruto's eyes drifted shut again as he muttered, "Mmm…kay." Sasuke watched him fall back asleep, the way his breathing deepened, how his mouth fell open slightly as he relaxed. He could have stayed there for hours doing little more than studying Naruto's face, but he forced himself out of bed, doing his best not to disturb Naruto's rest.

He dressed in something casual, with plans to do nothing particularly straining with his day. Sasuke walked leisurely through the Kage Manor, nodding at the few other delegates and Suna nin who passed him by along the way. It was too early for most people to have awoken, but he found Sakura out on one of the balconies overlooking the village, legs up as she sipped at a drink and waited for the sun to rise fully over the cliffs. She hadn't always been a morning person like he was, but in recent years her sleep schedule for missions had altered and forced her to become one. To the point where she was often awake long before him, even on their days off.

She turned to look at him as he hopped over a ledge and leaned against the railing nearby, then handed him a cup of tea.

"Thank you," Sasuke muttered, sipping at the liquid slowly as they watched the morning activity of Suna in silence. He was actually smiling as he looked out at the sun slowly rising, his thoughts drifting often to the blond man still sleeping away in their shared bed.

"Have a good night?" Sakura asked. She was eyeing him curiously, cup held in between her hands as she blew at the steam.

"Mmm." Sasuke tapped his fingers against his own cup, slouching over the railing as he pondered over something that had drifted into his thoughts more and more frequently in recent days. He stared down at the pathways below, not really taking in much of the activity. "I think…when we get back to Konoha, I'm going to ask Naruto to marry me."

Sakura snorted into her cup, then coughed several times as she worked the liquid out of her lungs. She gaped at him for a moment, and then wiped some of the spilt liquid from her shirt before frowning at him. "So soon? You two have only just-"

"Whatever this is between us has been building for much longer than a few months," Sasuke insisted. He turned around, propping his elbows up on the railing as he stared her down. She narrowed her eyes at him, clearly deep in thought. He'd thought this might happen. That she wouldn't support his decision. But it was one of the reasons he insisted on telling her first. "You disapprove."

Her expression was guarded as she eyed him, and not for the first time he didn't have the slightest idea what was on her mind. Was she mad? He didn't think so. She no longer held any interest in him, and he knew that despite his past mistakes, she had mostly forgiven him.

"It's awfully quick Sasuke. I just…don't want him hurt," she voiced. Sasuke wasn't sure how to respond. Surely she knew by now that Sasuke had no intention of hurting Naruto. "I can't help but feel like this is an impulse decision on your part. You have goals. You want to rebuild your clan. You can't exactly do that with another man. And I don't want him to get left in the dust when you decide you want another life."

He felt his jaw tense up, and his eyes narrowed as he glared at her. "I wouldn't do that to him."

"You already left once Sasuke. It was not that long ago you were trying to kill him instead. How can you possibly think you're ready for such a commitment?" Sakura took a sip of her tea, and waited for his answer, and he found he couldn't bring himself to stomach his own any longer. He looked away, feeling guilty for his past. But as he stared out at the rising sun, he reminded himself that he was different now.

"I won't," he insisted. "I won't leave him. Not again."

"And your clan? Have you given up on that?"

Sasuke paused, thinking long and hard. He hadn't…given up on it. It just wasn't as important to him as it once was. "We could adopt. There are plenty of children without families in Konoha."

"And sacrifice your blood line limit."

Sasuke sneered, whipping his head around to glare at her. "The council cared more about that than I ever did," he spat. She didn't flinch at the anger in his voice, but Sasuke reigned in his emotions regardless. He hadn't intended to lose control. "Besides, if there's anyone who could come up with a way for us to…conceive in a more traditional way, it's the medical mastermind, Sakura Haruno."

Her eyes widened, unable to hide her surprise at the implication, like the mere idea had completely thrown her off, but he could see the gears already working in her mind. She tilted her head, eyes shifting around as she processed the concept more thoroughly, and then she pursed her lips and glanced towards him tauntingly. "And if he does not wish to have children?" she wondered, taking another sip of tea.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes as he looked at her. Why was she being so persistent about this? Would nothing he said be the right answer? It didn't matter. None of it mattered. All that mattered to him was being with Naruto. "I've chosen him. If it's not…something he wants, I'm prepared to face that. But the option is there if he does." He thought he saw a glimpse of a smile on her face, and then she lowered her chin, looking down into the steaming liquid as she twirled it around in her cup.

"And what about you?" Sakura glanced up again, meeting his gaze head on. "A family. Is that what you want?"

Sasuke relaxed a bit then, closing his eyes as a light breeze fluttered through his hair. He smiled faintly, recalling how Naruto had felt pushed up against him the evening prior, how captivating he was even in the morning still fast asleep. "With him...I can imagine something like that. I care about him. More than I've ever cared for anyone."

Sakura chuckled softly and smirked at him. "You can say the 'L' word you know."

"He's the only one who gets to hear that," Sasuke muttered.

Her eyes widened then and she sat up almost excitedly. "Then you've told him?" Sasuke flushed and sipped his tea, ignoring the question, but her smirk only broadened.

"Didn't take you for a sap Uchiha." The voice came from above them, and Sasuke startled as he looked up at Shikamaru perched atop the overhanging archway. Sasuke snarled and threw his teacup at his head, annoyed that he hadn't noticed he was there.

"Ow, damn it," Shikamaru groaned as the ceramic bounced off his skull. Sasuke's skin burned in embarrassment. He'd heard everything. Sneaky piece of shit.

Sakura laughed at him and sat back in her chair, shaking her head in disbelief. "I can't believe he was worried. Idiots, both of you."

"Worried? What was he worried about?"

Sakura sighed a bit sadly, her eyes downcast. "He's always worried, that he's not good enough." Sasuke wasn't sure exactly what face he made, but when Sakura looked at him she laughed and her expression softened.

"You were testing me," he realized.

"Of course." Her eyes sobered, and then she stared him down, willing him to even attempt to disagree with her methods. "I told you, he's my dearest friend. I can't let just anyone marry him now can I?" He looked away, caught the grin on Shikamaru's face, and slumped against the railing with a heavy sigh. He was grateful, in a way.

"Sasuke, be good to him, okay?"

He nodded slowly, turning back to face the rising sun. He had her blessing. And though he didn't feel as though it was required, he was glad to have it none the less.

AN: Thanks for reading!

Ambrosia:

Love is reciprocated
Aster: Love, daintiness, trust