Sakura sank deeper into the warm water of the hotspring, sighing a breath of relief. She was beyond stressed and her training session with team 7 had only served to amplify her tension. She closed her eyes, leaning her head against the border which contained the water, allowing the warmth to wash over her. Sakura's short pink hair was pulled up into a ponytail to avoid getting it wet. The cool night breeze filtered in from the curtained walls that blocked the soaking area from the outside world.
"Sakura-chan." Ino called out, announcing her presence. Sakura's light green eyes fluttered open, rising to the blonde's sweet face.
"Ino." Sakura smiled, straightening up.
"I thought I might find you here." The blue-eyed girl waded into the water, taking a seat next to her friend.
"It's usually quiet this time of night." Sakura sighed, leaning back against the wall of the bath.
"I can go." Ino offered, shifting nervously. Sakura reached out, clutching Ino's hand without opening her eyes.
"No, I'd like you to stay." She whispered. "It's been a long day and I just need a little peace."
"Wanna talk about it?" The blonde asked, readjusting to face her counterpart.
"No." Sakura admitted. "How was your day? The garden?"
"It is going well. We should have a medicinal output by the end of the month." Ino pulled on Sakura's hand, guiding the girl to turn her back towards her. "But honestly, there isn't much time for anything other than rebuilding and training." Ino dug her thumbs into Sakura's tense shoulders, starting a message.
"Mhmm." Sakura leaned into Ino, tilting her head forward, responsive to the contact. The blond leaned in closer, her hands drifting lower, breaking the surface of the water. "Ah!" Sakura winced as Ino's thumb dug into a tender spot just below her ribs.
"Sorry." The blue-eyed girl apologized, moving her hand lower to avoid any further pain.
"It's okay." Sakura assured her, shifting to look back at Ino. The ladder girl's fingertips grazed Sakura's abdomen. The pink-haired girl gripped Ino's wrist, holding her close. They stared at each other for what felt like ages, silent, faces nearly touching. It had been a while since they'd been alone together, without the watchful eyes of village neighbors. BBQ dates and gardening created a different vibe than naked in a hot spring. The other encounters were innocent and fun, this felt exciting…forbidden. Sakura held Ino's face in her free hand, pressing their lips together. Ino moved closer, shifting onto her knees, her chest exposed just above the water. The pink-haired girl planted tender kisses down the blonde's neck, her lips brushing the pink tinted skin of Ino's chest.
"Sakura." Ino inhaled sharply as Sakura's fingers brushed her inner thighs. She grabbed the pink-haired girl's wrist as Sakura recoiled at the reaction. "No…It's okay." She whispered before instigating another kiss. Sakura slid her fingers between Ino's thighs, messaging the sensitive flesh. She hesitated slightly, nervous, and unsure of herself. The only knowledge she possessed about intimacy with a woman was the things she enjoyed for herself.
…
Naruto took the cup of noodles from the counter and walked slowly to the bedroom, not giving his small apartment another thought. Iruka was busy at the academy, understandably, but it made for lonely times. While training with team 7 had been exhausting, and more difficult than he'd expected, it had also been like a breath of fresh air. A memory brought to life, despite all the turmoil in between. As relieved as he was to have Sasuke home there was something there, something preventing a connection. There was so much anger, so much resentment, for both of them. Alongside the need to prove their individual strengths and abilities had become superior to all others. Sasuke could have stayed, could have relied on his friends for support, his team. Naruto was no stranger to the pain of growing up alone, nor were many of the most important people in his life, they could have leaned on each other. Instead, Sasuke chose corruption and left, chasing power he didn't deserve; power he hadn't earned. Now he was home, and why because Hinata believed in him? Naruto took a bite of the noodles; they were lacking in comparison to his usual meal.
"She only believes in him because she's a good person." Naruto muttered to himself. She'd believed in him before the academy, and every day afterwards. He'd been so naive to overlook that support. But it was good for Sasuke to have it, he needed more in his life, more tenderness. Naruto had prospered under the guidance of Master Jiraiya, Kakashi-sensei, and even Captain Yamato, but Sasuke had been alone as much a pawn to Orochimaru as the ladder was for him.
"I was hoping to catch you before you opened a cup of that stuff." Kakashi's voice called Naruto's attention away from his thoughts.
"Kakashi-sensei, I thought you'd be home reading those dumb books." Naruto beamed, his worried momentarily side bared.
"They are fine works of art." Kakashi rebutted. "Besides, I've finished them all."
"That's a real shame." Naruto's smile fell, a glimpse of true sadness taking hold of his boyish charm. "Since there won't be anymore." The two fell silent for a moment, no doubt acknowledging their individual time shared with the late Jiraiya.
"I thought I'd invite you for ramen." The silver haired man announced, leaning into the open window, causally. "But I see you already have it covered."
"Are you kidding?" Naruto set the now empty cup of noodles down, springing up from his place on the bed. "I could never pass up a good bowl of Ichiraku Ramen."
"I figured as much." The elder of the two chuckled. "Well, shall we?"
"Absolutely." Kakashi waited outside the building for Naruto to join him. It had been a long day and they both deserved a little break. The walk to the ramen shop was quiet, a feat unusual for the naturally 'talkative' jinchuriki.
"Is something the matter?" Kakashi asked.
"Oh, no not really." Naruto shrugged, sliding into his spot at the bar.
"It's okay to admit you have mixed feelings about Sasuke's return." The silver-haired man offered, giving a slight wave to Teuchi.
"I've chased after him for so long." Naruto stated. "And yet I am not the one who brought him back."
"But he is…back."
"Yeah." Naruto nodded. "He's home and I failed again."
"Again?" Kakashi sighed. "That's an interesting perspective."
"Ah, Naruto." Teuchi greeted the pair, a smile on his kind face. "I didn't think I'd see you around given how busy you must be."
"I'll never be too busy for your ramen!" The blonde boy returned the enthusiasm. A stark contrast from his mood mere seconds before. "I'll take the usual."
"I have no doubt." Teuchi chuckled, turning away to begin work on the order.