" " speaking; ' ' thinking

((DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters.))

- What Are Partners For? - Chapter One -

"Hello. I'm Uzumaki Sakura..."

The name rang in Sasuke's head for what seemed like hours. Uzumaki Sakura, formerly Haruno Sakura, Sasuke's old teammate. It amazed him how different she looked, how much older. The last time they had seen each other was when they were both eighteen. Now, at twenty-three, both had changed greatly.

"Please come in," Sasuke said, finally realizing that she was standing in the rain with no umbrella. She entered and he lead her into the living room, shaking his head in disbelief. "Uzumaki Sakura. Those are two names I never thought I hear together."

The two sat on the couch and she replied, "Times change. And what about you? It seems you and Neji have made names for yourselves."

Sasuke smirked. He'd had that same sadistic smirk since he had been a child. "It may surprise you to find out that we honestly don't try. It's just what comes naturally."

"Being a hero and a heartbreaker? Hasn't it always been that way?"

"You flatter me, really." Sakura smiled, amused by Sasuke's lighter attitude. It seemed like forever ago that he had been the depressed teenager who thought the world was out to get him and took everything too seriously. Now, he actually managed to make a joke. "How about you?" he asked. "How's the baby? How's Naruto?"

"The 'baby' is almost five years old. Her name is Mitsuki, and she just can't wait to become a shinobi. Naruto and I are already showing her some of the basics. And Naruto..." Sakura trailed off and her smile faded.

"Things been rough?" Sasuke asked.

"I don't even know what happened, Sasuke. It seems like after Mitsuki was born, he's been a different person. He's a great father, but he acts like I'm not even his wife. I have no idea why, but I feel horrible. I feel like maybe I should've never given up..." She stopped herself quickly. "Oh, nevermind my problems. What's been new with you? Ino tells me you're doing very well."

"Ino, huh? It's been a while since I've talked to her. Last time we spoke was..." He almost said, ' When we were fucking on this very couch,' but he caught himself before he could say that and told her, "About a month and a half ago."

Ino was about the only shinobi girl Sasuke had ever been with, and it had proved very worth it. She'd stuck with Choji and Shikamaru, but she'd dropped hints to Sasuke that she was willing to leave them at any time.

"She babysits Mitsuki a lot now," Sakura informed him, almost making him laugh wildly. "It's amazing, isn't it? She really has a way with children. Since Naruto and I are still doing shinobi work, and Ino is too, it's tough always having someone to take care of Mitsuki."

"Where's Naruto now?" Sasuke asked, his curiousity getting the better of him.

"Some mission. I don't even know where. Ino's watching Mistuki, so I thought, since it's been so long, maybe it'd be nice to see you again."

"I must admit, even though it's great to see you, reminiscing about the old days isn't really something I care to do. After I teamed up with Neji, everything's been going smoothly. It's very different from our Cell 7 days."

"I know. I'm very glad to hear that you're so happy, Sasuke." Her voice rang with sadness and, to Sasuke's surprise, she stood. "Maybe I should be going. I don't want to keep Ino very long."

"Wait, Sakura..."

"Oh, and congratulations on all of the perfect missions..."

"Sakura, wait!" Sasuke stood and grasped her shoulders. His voice dropped to a low whisper and he asked, "Things are terrible with Naruto, aren't they?"

She nodded.

"You're not happy at all, are you?"

She shook her head.

Before Sasuke even knew what he was doing, he wrapped his arms around Sakura's waist and placed his lips on hers. He expected her to push him away, to yell that no matter how bad her marriage was, this was still wrong. She did neither of these things. Instead, she placed her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

Hesitantly, Sasuke broke the kiss. Gazing into Sakura's deep green eyes, he saw how much she wanted him. Quietly, he instructed her, "Go home now, but if you can, come back tonight at ten 'o' clock. Alright?"

She nodded once and they released each other. He saw her to the door and even watched her as she walked away.

"A married woman, eh?" asked a voice, causing Sasuke to jump. "I don't know if I should be ashamed or impressed..."

"Neji, you bastard!" Sasuke shouted. The white-eyed ninja was leaning casually against Sasuke's home with his arms crossed in front of him. He ignored Sasuke's comment.

"Looks like you're finally one up on me, Sasuke. Even I haven't fucked a married chick before."

"Shut up, Neji. Nothing happened."

"Oh, I know, but it's going to. Tonight. Ten 'o' clock. Don't worry, Sasuke. I don't mind. I never thought Naruto and Sakura made a good couple anyway."

"So help me God, Hyuuga, if you say one word...!"

"Relax already. I'll keep my mouth shut." Neji flashed Sasuke a grin; he wasn't sure if he had imagined it or not, but it felt like that smile had meant "But it'll cost you." Neji made no reference to it though. "You don't have a single thing to worry about, Sasuke. Besides, what are partners for...?"

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: God help me. I don't even control these characters any more...! Okay, so I did plan all of that. So? Neji: gotta love him. Sasuke's such a paranoid bastard. Or is he...? I'm using a lot more bad language than I normally do. How shameful. Well, hope you like it. Leave me some love, or hate. Whatever emotion you wish to potray in your reviews. X3

P.S: I know that this fic totally sucks, and I apologize.

P.P.S: I've decided not to post the next chapter until I have 7 reviews!