Author Note: Ugh you guys make me so happy and eager to continue this story!

Now time for some fluff and excitement after the rollercoaster of the past two chapters. 3

Karin decided that since Sakura was out of the picture and Sasuke was overthinking how to take the next step with Naruto, it was now her time to shine. She put her hair in a tight bun and put on her best bold lip. It made her ooze confidence even if she felt anything but right now with crippling nausea from her pregnancy.

She popped some anti-nausea medicine and wrapped up the bento lunch she'd prepared for Naruto. Aiko was currently with Mikoto on a granddaughter and grandma spa date. Karin wondered how she wasn't a spoiled brat at this point but not having her around gave her the perfect opportunity to be as vulgar as she wanted.

The redhead got into her BMW, one of the only flashy things she'd let Suigetsu spoil her with. That, their house, and her engagement/wedding ring. She arrived at Naruto's store, giving Hinata a warm greeting when she let Karin know Naruto was upstairs. She excitedly knocked on Naruto's door.

Naruto stared at her with wide eyes, "Hey! Oh – did you bring me lunch?!"

She gave him an enigmatic smile, "Yup. Busy?" Naruto felt a chill go down his spine. She was up to something. But it was a homecooked meal so he shrugged it aside.

"Nah nothing too important. Come on."

They took a seat on a glass table and she opened the containers with the food. She waited until they'd eaten a big chunk of the food before she opened her mouth.

She glanced at him sideways, "Have you spoken to Sasuke?"

Naruto furrowed his brow, "No… why?"

Oh was she going to love this.

She started. "He ended his engagement with Sakura and left her." By the time that the entire story was out in the open Naruto's jaw was to the floor.

Naruto toyed with his sleeves as he apprehensively asked, "How – how is he doing?"

She snorted, "He feels relieved."

Yet she saw that Naruto was more confused than delighted as she expected him to be. "Relieved?"

Karin pursed her bold lips, "Sasuke never really loved her. Cared for her? Yeah. Liked her? I'm sure. But loved? No."

He looked to the side, "Isn't that kind of… heartless?" He didn't think that out of all the emotions Sasuke would feel would be relief. Anger? Hurt? Even if the relationship wasn't what he viewed as a good one, he wondered why that was the emotion Sasuke felt. Maybe it's because he couldn't relate at all. He didn't want to come off as judgmental. He really didn't know Sasuke's situation.

Karin shook her head, "Not really. Sasuke doesn't really have experience in relationships, or I guess expressing himself in general. He's as dry as Suna for most things but there are things he feels deeply for. For example. When you see him look at Aiko, what do you see?"

"Love. A lot of love." He confidently declared, remembering the way his entire being radiated happiness around Aiko.

She leaned forward, "Exactly. But when it comes to everything else, he doesn't know any better. Plus he really had it in his stupid ass brain that no one would probably want to date him with Aiko. And Sakura didn't help by telling him she could put up with it."

Naruto thought back to his couple of interactions with Sasuke. He hadn't seen Sasuke as an insecure person but when it came to his love for his daughter, he could see how that could be his weakness. How Sakura could've manipulated into accepting how things were supposed to be as a co-parent.

He played with his chopsticks, "Ah. I understand."

Karin waggled her eyebrows, "Do you like Sasuke?"

"Wha – huh?" Naruto's face set aflame at the bold question.

She coyly leaned forward, "Do you like him? Want to date him? Fuck in various places?"

Naruto squawked, "Karin!" He ran his hand over his face in embarrassment. "I – don't know. I'm still shocked his engagement is over."

"Well he's very much single and I know for a fact he likes you."

Naruto couldn't deny he'd felt a connection with Sasuke from the moment they'd met. Something about the stoic man drew him in and he couldn't help but wish on occasion they had met earlier. Before Sakura had been in the picture. "Yeah – I like him." He whispered.

Karin, the fucking devious brat, decided to shamelessly get Sasuke to pick up Naruto for the dinner she'd planned. Sasuke waited outside of Naruto's house, stomach twisting and palms sweating as he waited for Naruto to hop in. The two-story modern farmhouse's front yard was full of colorful flowers and plants with an attached garage and a black iron fence. It looked so cozy and Sasuke couldn't help but wonder how the home would look on the inside. Would it smell just like Naruto? Would it be colorful or more muted tones?

The blonde closed the door and quickly got into Sasuke's Porsche SUV. He was dressed in Saint Laurent head to toe with a tight black silk tunic, tucked into high-waisted loose flowing pants with a light dusting of stones, black boots, and a thick belt. It looked absolutely comfortable. Sasuke couldn't help but admire Naruto's fashion sense all over again. It was always so impressive and effortless without labels plastered over them.

"Hey!"

Naruto really needed to fucking stop taking his breath away, "Hey." His gorgeous blue eyes had the same orange eyeshadow and eyeliner from the day he met him. It always accentuated his eyes, Sasuke's favorite feature.

"You smell really good." Naruto blurted out and Sasuke knew the words weren't meant to be said when Naruto's face pinkened.

Sasuke playfully smirked, "Why Naruto, thank you. You do too."

Naruto pouted and crossed his arms, "Don't make fun of me asshole!"

He started the drive for Karin and Suigetsu's house. "I would never."

Naruto drummed his fingers on his thigh, "Damn, so Karin is having another baby."

Sasuke hummed, "She is and she's going to be super cranky."

He sent Sasuke another breathtaking smile, "Aiko must be so excited!"

"She doesn't know yet. We're going to tell her today with a cake."

Naruto let out an audible gasp as he perked up, "Cake?! I love cake."

"Maybe she'll give you a piece."

"Damn I really hope so," Naruto mumbled as he looked out the front window wistfully.

Sasuke loved seeing Naruto's childish grin. They exited the car once they pulled up to the house. Aiko was more excited to see Naruto than Sasuke and he would've been jealous if he didn't completely understand. Naruto was ethereal. The girl jumped in Naruto's arms and the blonde boisterously laughed with her.

"Princess!" He peppered kisses all over her chubby cheeks. "How are you so perfect?"

She cupped his face then played with his hair, "Hi Ruto. Your hair clip is pretty."

"This one?" He pointed to the clip parting his loose wavy blonde hair. "It's for you."

Her dark eyes widened in excitement, "Really?!"

He nodded and bounced her against his hip as she giggled. "Daddy." Oh, now she remembered he was there. "Can you put it on? Please please please?"

He melted, "Of course."

Naruto removed his clip and handed it to Sasuke, their fingers touched and Sasuke felt a thrill go through his body. Naruto leaned closer, bringing Aiko towards Sasuke since she was still in his arms.

He expertly pulled back Aiko's hair, knowing how to do her hair by heart. He finished by putting it in a high ponytail, the shimmering hairclip standing out against her gorgeous dark hair. "There."

"I have to show mommy!" Naruto let her down and she ran off, excitedly calling after Karin.

"The clip wasn't for her was it?" Sasuke put his hands in his pockets and raised an eyebrow.

Naruto scratched the back of his neck, "No, but she doesn't need to know that."

Karin gleefully greeted them, her face radiated mischief. She and Suigetsu were still cooking so they pushed them out of the kitchen. Naruto waved him off when Aiko started pulling Sasuke to her room, wanting to show him something.

Naruto decided to enjoy the weather outside, loving the way the breeze kissed his cheeks as he stood by the pool and gazed at the full moon. It was such a peaceful moment and a content smile spread on his face. Being here, surrounded by Karin, Suigetsu, Aiko and Sasuke, he felt like he belonged. He'd never had a family growing up and they gave him such warmth.

He heard footsteps and saw Sasuke join him. He quizzically looked at the flower Sasuke held in his hand.

Sasuke shifted nervously, "Since you gave Aiko your hair clip, I wanted to give you something."

He tilted his head to the side, "A sunflower?"

Sasuke toyed with the flower, fighting the urge to pluck it from nervousness. "I saw you wearing an orchid the last time we saw each other."

"You remembered?" Naruto breathless asked.

"I remember everything about you." Sasuke leaned forward and gently tucked the flower in his hair.

Naruto's lips parted and Sasuke fought the urge to lean in and kiss him. He really really wanted to.

Naruto whispered, "How do I look?"

Sasuke leaned back and took in the full view. The dark clothes, his blonde hair, supple tan skin, and the moonlight made him look otherworldly.

"Breathtaking."

Naruto looked behind him and Sasuke frowned. What was he doing?

He grinned, "Just making sure you were really talking about me this time." Teasing him from when Sakura thought Sasuke was talking about her in the dress.

Sasuke cupped his chin and gazed into his eyes, "I was. Both times."

"I heard about what happened with Sakura. I'm sorry."

He shook his head, "Don't be."

"Still, I'm sorry it happened. You didn't deserve to be cheated on no matter the circumstances."

The passionate way that Naruto spoke, the amount of fire in his voice drew him forward. He lifted his other hand and ran it through his luscious hair "Thank you. Really." He was so awestruck by the man standing in front of him. He had such a wide range of emotions. So expressive in everything he touched. And instead of feeling terrified of Naruto's passion and fire, he was drawn to it. He wanted more. Needed more.

Sasuke gathered the courage to ask what he'd been wanting to since he met the blonde. "Can I take you out on a date?"

Naruto's eyebrows shot up, "You want – to take me out on a date."

Technically he wanted to do more than that but one step at a time. Sasuke nodded as he took Naruto's hand and played with his fingers, "I do. Since the moment I met you – I was drawn to you. I want to know everything about you. Spend time with you."

Naruto let go of his reservations, giving in to the want, "I was too. I'd love to."

Sasuke darted his eyes, murmuring, "Are you sure you're okay with dating me when I… have a daughter?"

Naruto scoffed, "Are you kidding?! I love spending time with her. She's so sweet and fun. I'll steal her away from you. Watch."

Sasuke bit back a smile. He didn't doubt it for a second. "You're on."

Naruto interlaced their fingers, "Want to go back inside?"

He didn't want to, enjoying the privacy between them, but he was also starving.

When they slipped inside, Juugo had arrived. Naruto was introduced to Juugo and Sasuke couldn't fight the slight wariness when he saw the way Juugo's eyes lingered. It seemed he was also enchanted by Naruto but the blonde only gazed at him. Darting his eyes when he started blushing.

They all gathered around the table, feasting. Aiko had taken a seat next to Naruto, asking him if he could cut her food up and the blonde was more than happy to help. Sasuke's stomach fluttered at the way Naruto cared so much about Aiko. He got up quickly to get Aiko some juice and refilling his drink.

Juugo asked the table, "So what's going to happen now?"

Suigetsu spoke up after swallowing his food, "With what?"

"Now that the wedding is off, what will happen to everything?"

Karin pensively through it over, "That's a good question. There're all these dresses and Sasuke's tux made. They're not going to be used."

Juugo scowled, "Even if the bitch doesn't deserve her dresses."

Everyone looked at Juugo from his offhand comment. The guy was a gentle giant and rarely ever showed an ounce of anger due to copious amounts of anger management in his youth.

Suigetsu whistled, "Damn Juugo, right in the jugular. Just say it got lost in the mail or something."

"Can we not curse in front of Aiko." Sasuke sighed for the hundredth time.

They all brushed him off, used to always hearing the same thing from him.

"Or she can look at it and remember how she's a horrible person and fucks up everything." Juugo apparently was really heated.

Naruto came back from the kitchen after refilling his drink, missing the whole conversation. "What are we talking about?"

Sasuke pursed his lips, "That since there's no wedding there are all these things that are going to go to waste. Like the clothes you worked so hard on."

Naruto nonchalantly answered as he took a bite, "Isn't Aiko's birthday coming up? Use everything you've booked to celebrate that."

The room went dead silent as they all stared at Naruto. The blonde shifted nervously at everyone's intense gaze, wondering if he somehow insulted them.

"Naruto – that's fucking genius." Sasuke's voice laced with awe. He wanted to grab Naruto and fucking kiss him. This blonde perfect man.

The blonde shrugged, "She has the best dress out of everyone. She should show it off."

Sasuke couldn't stop grinning in astonishment, "Sakura wasn't even thinking about having her in the wedding, now the whole party is dedicated to her."

Aiko perked up when she heard the words party and her dress, "My dress soooo pretty!"

Naruto laughed, "It's special, just like you."

The toddler blushed at Naruto's words. She was used to hearing her parents and Suigetsu papa tell her nice things but when it came from Naruto it was extra special.

Karin added, "And you can use the honeymoon as a vacation."

Sasuke's brain was already whirling. If things went perfect, he'd be taking Naruto on that trip. He'd be fucking sure of it.

Sasuke pulled up to Naruto's house after a long time at Karin's. Aiko had been ecstatic at the news of being a big sister after devouring her cake. Naruto had joined in, getting cake all over his face and fighting back a giggle when Sasuke helped clean his face.

There had been relentless teasing as Karin seemed to notice that the two had grown closer. She'd beamed with glee when she realized that they would (finally!) be going on a date.

They shifted in awkward silence as Sasuke gathered the will to be bolder. He'd never had a problem with his self-confidence, but it seemed everything went out the window when it came to Naruto. He was so fucking nervous.

He cleaned his clammy hands then grabbed Naruto's hand and kissed his fingers.

"You really like my hands." Naruto fought back a smile.

Sasuke's eyes shined with mirth, "I like a lot of things about you."

The blonde's face heated up again, "You gotta stop saying things like that. My poor heart can't take it."

He gently ran his fingers over Naruto's cheeks, "I like making you blush."

Naruto pouted, "Meanie. My face is constantly red now."

"I really want to kiss you," Sasuke whispered. "But I'll wait until our first date."

"That reminds me, you don't have my number." He grabbed Sasuke's phone when he handed it to him, inputting his information.

"I want to take you out next week." He didn't want to wait. He'd been waiting since the moment they'd met.

Naruto was touched at how eager Sasuke was to be around him. Butterflies filled his stomach. He definitely felt the same.

"I'm free Wednesday after 6."

"Pick you up at 7?"

Naruto nodded in excitement, "Deal."

He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Sasuke's cheek, "Goodnight Sasuke."

"Goodnight Naruto."

He watched the blonde and left once he saw that he was in his home safe. He pumped his fist in glee, embarrassed at the gesture. He had no idea when he'd become such a fucking loser.

Author Note: Any guesses on where the date will be? 😆

Was it worth the wait? Hehe

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