Tête-à-tête

Summary: A late night conversation between Sasuke and his wife.

Rating: T

Note: This oneshot takes place after Boruto episode 171.

"It's alright, Sarada. Go to bed now. You're tired," giving her daughter an assuring smile, Sakura starts doing the dishes. Sarada takes a look at her father, silently putting away the induction cooktop. Her eyebrows furrow a little, cheeks puffed. "Why don't Mama and Papa get tired?"

"Eh?" Sakura stops the work at hand and looks at her, an amused smile on her face, "Sarada-"

"I know. I know. Experience. Right? 'I am a jounin of Konoha as well'. Mama, were you bragging to me? Just wait till I become the Hokage."

Sakura laughs out loud, Sasuke silently wipes the table clean while listening to the small banter between his wife and daughter.

"I'm going to bed now. I'll leave the kitchen to you experienced shinobis."

The girl turns around and heads towards her room.

"Goodnight, Sarada."

.

.

.

"She's happy."

"Hn?" Sakura looks up at her husband by her side.

"Getting your acknowledgement, it means a lot to her."

"Does it remind you of when you were looking for your father and brother's acknowledgement in your childhood?"

"Ah."

A faint smile creeps onto her face and she looks down at her lap, fingers fidgeting. "I was... It was like a nightmare... When I got the news... Of course this wasn't my first time. I've waited at the village gate for critical patients before. Several times... But this was my first time waiting for my own daughter..."

Her voice chokes a little. Prompting her husband to move closer to her on the couch.

"Every moment felt never-ending. Sasuke Kun wasn't here either. I was so worried, yet I couldn't show it to anyone. Because I am the head of the medical department. Everyone has so much faith in me, if I break down, who is people going to rely on?"

"I'm sorry I wasn't here."

"No," she shakes her head, "You didn't know. It's just, it's always the most difficult when it's someone you care about. I've healed close people before. You, Naruto, Kakashi Sensei, it's so overwhelming. It hurts to see the people you love so much in such a state, yet you cannot let that affect you because if you do you might make a mistake and it might cost their life. That's why I entrusted Sarada to Shizune San while I handled Boruto. I could not take the risk." She shakes her head.

"You did a good job. You always do," he holds her hand in his, latching their fingers together. Comforting her through the small contact.

"Thanks, anata," with a smile, she rests her head on his shoulder. "I'm still worried that she has taken an interest in mangekyou sharingan already. But... we can't hide things from her forever. We have to tell her at some point."

"..."

"But I decided not to worry about it too much. I have you, we can do it together. And if something happens, we'll protect her together."

"I... Yes," he whispers and she feels his grip on her hand getting tighter.

"You were right, you know. Back then, we used to be like that too. When I went to Tsunade Sama, asking her to accept me as her disciple, she warned me it won't be easy and I just didn't care. I was so desperate to become stronger. I'm sure that kid feels that way too." She looks up at her husband, a smile on her face, "That's why, I've made up my mind. I can't stop her anyway, so better it comes from me than from some enemy who's after her life. Although she's really good. She's better than we were at their age."

"The kids are good."

"You'll know since you've trained them before."

"Ah."

"I wish I could do that too. But I already have so much work at the hospital. It was refreshing, getting some action after so long. I enjoyed it a lot." she giggles.

"You sure did. You didn't go easy on her."

"Of course not," she lifts her head, a frown on her face, "You're too easy on her."

"Weren't you saying I'm too strict with people just yesterday?" Sasuke narrows his eyes.

"We have to be strict with her training. In a real battle, the enemy won't hold back. We have to prepare her for that."

Sasuke doesn't say anything.

"I finally understood what you meant when you said we have to teach her ways so that she can protect herself. We cannot hold back. Besides, Sarada doesn't want us to hold back either."

"She doesn't. She's way too impatient."

"She is at that age now," Sakura chuckles, "She's growing up so fast. Remember when I was pregnant and she would kick me from inside my belly? How eagerly we used to wait for that! That Sarada is already a genin, kicking me on a fight in the training field."

She looks at him, holding his face in her hands, gently moving away the fringe of dark hair that conceals his special eye.

"I'm so happy now you can come home more often. And can see her grow up and train her yourself."

A small smile plays on his face. A gentle smile he doesn't reveal to anyone other than his wife.

"I'm happy too. It feels nice to be home. With you and Sarada."

"I'm very proud of you, the way you help everyone with your work." She puts her arms around his neck, face tucked into his chest, snuggling into his warmth. "To everyone, outside feels like a dangerous place. But not to me. You know why?"

"No."

"Because that's where you are, Sasuke Kun. When I miss you too much, I sit in front of the window and look outside. Telling myself that you are right there."

He puts his hand on her back. "And as long as I am there, I won't let any harm reach you and Sarada."

"I know," she breathes out, "And I'll always be here. For you to return home to."

Sasuke smiles a little.

"I'm sorry."

"Hn?"

"I said such terrible things to you yesterday. I wasn't in my right mind. I know you're just as worried about Sarada as I am. I just-"

Finally understanding what she's talking about, he sighs. Resting his hand on her head, fingers playfully weaving through her soft pink tresses. "Don't worry about it. I understand your concern. Besides..." he chuckles.

Prompting Sakura to loosen her grip to look at him.

"You already apologised."

A frown appears on her forehead.

"Last night. After you came home from your night out."

"I did?" she tries to remember but her memories seem foggy. "I... don't remember. I remember you were going out to look for me when I came home. But that's it."

"Hn. You came in, had a glass of water, apologised to me and passed out at the dining table."

Sakura falls silent.

"You put me to bed?"

"Ah."

"You changed me?"

"Ah."

There's silence in the room for a while.

"Anata?"

"Hn?"

She gives him a peck on the lips.

"Thank you," she breathes out, cheeks turning pink, "For reminding me my strength when I had forgotten it."

"I've been your comrade. I know what you're capable of." He brushes his thumb lightly over her lips, "And I'm very proud of it." And with that he kisses her. Soft and fast. Before removing his lips from hers and taking a quick glance at the door.

"She's really exhausted today, I don't think she'll wake up anytime soon."

Sasuke returns his gaze back to his wife, a small smirk plays on his lips. "Good." He locks their lips back together. Single hand gripping her cherry blossom hair, directing her head for better access. Sakura's arms wrap themselves around his shoulders, long fingers digging into his shirt. The two get busy among themselves. The forgotten late night programme on the TV casting a blueish light on the couple. The monotonus sounds buzzing like a background noise.

Note: I don't follow the anime except for when the Uchiha family is involved. This arc was good, and episode 171 was perfect, I don't have one thing to complain about. I only watched the SasuSakuSara parts, so I have no idea about the rest of the episode lol.

Also, just realised today is October 29th. Exactly two years since I started writing fanfiction. These two years have been so much fun, all the love and support I got from you guys, they've helped me in ways you'll never know. Thank you for everything. Hope you guys are doing well.

Lots of love,

June ❤️

[29.10.2020]