A little bit of humor in this chapter and some added growth along the way.

…..

Sakura's POV

…..

Sakura flung Naruto's door open like she was bursting through the door of an enemy hideout the following Saturday morning. Naruto shrieked, having just come down the stairs for his morning coffee. Hinata was there in an instant, rushing to bring the pink-haired mess inside, her arm wrapped around her shoulders and ushering her over the doorstep. Sakura had sent a message that she was coming and, thank Kami, it arrived before she did.

"I am going to combust into a ball of flames and burn in hell," Sakura groaned into her hands, Hinata leading her into their sunken living room. Sakura fell on the couch in a heap, wishing that the soft fabric would swallow her alive. It was the least the world could do after she had embarrassed herself so horrifically not thirty minutes earlier.

Sakura Haruno felt like she could die of mortification.

"I'll go get some sake," Hinata said, giving Sakura a small smile.

Sakura smiled weakly back.

"What's the matter with Sakura-chan," Naruto said, coming into the living room. He scratched the back of his neck and scowled down at his friend, his sleep-addled mind still not fully caught up to the present. "You alright, Sakura?"

Sakura groaned. "No. I want to crawl in a hole and die."

She could hear Naruto turn to his wife and ask, his voice a bit uneven, "Uh, Hinata? What on earth is going on?"

Hinata returned to the room with a very large, very warm bottle of sake. "Oh, it's nothing, Naruto. I'm sure Sakura will tell you all about it when she feels better."

Suddenly, Sakura was pulled up off of the couch and shaken. "What did that bastard do," Naruto shouted, fully awake and furious.

Sakura gave him a good punch in the gut and he let her down, groaning. "Ugh, he didn't do anything, Naruto." She flopped back down on the couch, her hands flapping about as she talked, a nervous trait only unearthed in dire circumstances. "You should probably go check on him after what I did."

Naruto, rubbing his stomach, still came to sit by her. Hinata was busy pouring her a glass when Naruto asked, a bit nervously, "Um, Sakura, did you do something to Sasuke?"

Sakura took the cup handed to her and threw it back before responding. "No. Yes. I don't know. I'm just freaking out because I walked in on him when he wasn't…decent."

Sakura flinched. Oh, she had done much more than that. Sasuke was in the shower when she woke up and, for the first time since he moved in, she didn't remember it wasn't her day to shower first. The water wasn't on to signal that Sasuke had just gotten out of the shower, so Sakura had walked right in. And by right in, she meant right into Sasuke, barely toweled, and still dripping wet.

Yawning, Sakura opened the door to the bathroom. The first thing she noticed was how warm it was, enough to make her uncomfortable in her t-shirt. The second thing she noticed was the wall of wet, naked chest her nose and forehead suddenly smashed into. With a jump of fright and now definitely, painfully awake, Sakura looked up.

Sasuke, eyes wide, stared down at her from where he was half in, half out of the shower. Sakura had turned right into him as he was getting out, a dark towel secured around his waist with his one hand.

Sakura was frozen. She didn't know what to do as she ogled the soaking wet Uchiha, his wet hair pushed back from his face as if he had just tried to shake the water out. He looked just as shocked as he did, but his eyes didn't move from hers.

Sakura tried to keep her eyes on her face, but there was so much skin. Her traitorous eyes slid down without her permission, tracking a bead of water as it glided down his throat and between his pectorals. His chest looked like it was satin covered stone, more water falling down in rivulets from his wet hair, down and down his abdomen and-

Sakura's eyes lurched to Sasuke's and immediately, she felt guilty. Sasuke looked unbelievably uncomfortable, his back rigid and his hand clenching tighter and tighter on his towel. His face was blank, but she could see a muscle moving in his cheek. He wanted to leave. He wanted her to leave.

Sakura flinched hard, raising her hands in front of her and apologized profusely. She backed out of the bathroom without another look in his direction and shut the door behind her. Tears were already beginning to well in her eyes, but she fought them. She fought them as she got dressed, dismissing a shower at home. She fought them as she penned a note to Hinata before sending it off with a tiny summoning of Lady Katsuya. She fought them hardest when she heard Sasuke call out her name as she rushed out the door, not trusting the strength of her voice to even utter a goodbye.

She fought the tears all the way until the present.

Naruto frowned. "Really? That's it?"

Sakura glared, her temper rising. "He was uncomfortable, okay? And I just made it worse. I feel awful."

Naruto only laughed harder, dodging the pillow Sakura threw at him. Throwing his hands up when Sakura began to mean business, he gasped out, "I'm sorry! It's just fun watching the two of you date."

"Oh, I'm sure it's so funny to you, Naruto. Well, let me remind you that-"

A banging came from their front door. All three heads whirled at the sound of the Uzumaki residence's next guest of the morning.

"Answer the door, dobe. We need to talk."

Sakura felt like she was going to pass out. Her neck nearly snapped with how fast it turned to Hinata. "You have got to get me out of here."

Naruto placed his hand on Sakura's shoulder, stopping her. "Woa, hang on there. You guys should probably just talk it out-"

"Absolutely not," Sakura seethed, her anger once again rearing its head in Naruto's direction. "I will throw you out of your windows and make lemonade while I watch you rebuild them in a day's time with your clones if you don't take your hand off of me."

Naruto withdrew his hand like it had been burned, chuckling nervously. "You're right, eh heh heh. Why don't you and Hinata go upstairs and-"

"Cover for me, thanks, bye!" Sakura grabbed Hinata to run up the stairs.

She raced as fast as she could to the guest room, planning her escape via the southern facing window. When she heard the front door open, she moved faster, wanting to get out before Sasuke sensed her chakra and wondered why she was here and not at work. Hinata disappeared back downstairs, probably to distract her new guest. It would look suspicious if Hinata didn't welcome Sasuke.

Before she could reach the end of the hallway, Sasuke materialized in place of the small end table, his cloak billowing behind him from his transportation.

Sakura skidded to a halt in front of him, her heart pounding. If this morning wasn't embarrassing enough, she had now been caught running away from him. She had never wanted to disappear more than in that moment.

Sasuke wasted no time. He made the two steps it took to close the distance between them, gathering her to him with his one arm. Sakura squeaked. He ignored her, calling over her shoulder to Naruto and Hinata, "I'm taking Sakura home. See you guys later." Then, with his left eye a blazing magenta, Sasuke pushed them backwards into a portal that dropped them straight into the living room of their apartment.

As soon as their feet hit the floor, Sasuke set her down on the couch and took a step back. Sakura looked up from behind her hair. His stance was the one he took when facing a formidable opponent, waiting for them to either make the first move, talk, or decide for himself if he was going to make the first move.

He decided to make the first move. "You were embarrassed about this morning and ran out of the house. When I sensed your chakra at Naruto's, you didn't want to see me enough to try and leave through an upstairs window."

Sakura shook her head, no words available to her. She was devastated, embarrassed, and guilty beyond belief. The mix of emotions wound within her like wolves, biting and clawing at her resolve. Sakura felt smaller than she had ever felt in front of Sasuke, in all the years she had known him. She knew she couldn't stop the tears, not any more.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her shoulders curving in. She had run. From him. Sakura felt like a failure. Tears fell onto her lap. "I'm so sorry, I-"

"You aren't allowed to say that to me," Sasuke said, immediately in front of her. He was on one knee, his hand cradling her face. His thumb pushed the tears into her skin and his eyes softened, but he still looked so angry.

Sakura couldn't stop the hiccup from tears held in too long, finally breaking free. "But I am. I made you uncomfortable this morning. I just forgot about it not being my day because I was still half asleep and that's not an excuse, it's just the truth, and then I ran and-"

"I wasn't uncomfortable, I was-"

"Yes you were! Kami, I walked in on you basically naked-"

"I wasn't naked, I had a towel on."

"I was completely inappropriate-"

"That's not how I remember it."

"That's not the point!"

"Then what is your point?"

"You looked like you wanted to throw up! Or…or run."

Sasuke took a deep breath, his eyes closing. His hand flexed against her cheek, almost like he wanted to shake her. When he reopened them, his eyes were wide and intent swam within them. He was begging her to understand. "You didn't make me uncomfortable. I made me uncomfortable."

Tears slipped over Sasuke's fingers. "I don't understand," she whispered,

Sasuke's eyes squeezed shut and his head dropped. He looked defeated. Then, he groaned, low and deep in his throat, a sound of utter frustration.

Sakura's chin jerked back. She had never heard Sasuke make such a noise or seen such a reaction from him. She was pushing him, always pushing him, and the guilt was slowly eating her alive. Trying to smile, trying to sound like her cheerful, unaffected self, she said, "Sasuke-kun, it's okay, we don't have to-"

"Yes, we do." His tone was final.

Sakura paused. She had never felt so unsure in their ability to communicate until now. This was like walking in a minefield. She had no idea what to say or what to do. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. So, she stared dumbly up at Sasuke, hoping that he would say something, say anything, to help her understand.

Sasuke didn't look like he would be speaking anytime soon and of course, Sakura shouldered the burden. "Sasuke-kun…when you say that it was you who made yourself uncomfortable…" Sakura swallowed. "Does that mean you didn't tense up…because of me?"

It felt like a thousand years before Sasuke nodded, his eyes still on the floor.

"Okay," Sakura whispered. She placed it on his wrist, squeezing it once. She felt better, but not much better. If he said it wasn't her fault, she believed him. She couldn't see how, but she tried to release the tension in her shoulders.

Sakura could feel his pulse racing against his skin. "You don't have to tell me anything else, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke made that frustrated noise again. This time, it was accompanied by words. "I am desperately trying to maintain some decorum. I am embarrassed because you have no reason to believe that my reaction to seeing you this morning was anything but negative. So please, can you stop being so goddam nice for a second? I made you cry again, so I don't deserve it."

Sakura's whole body jerked back into the couch then, his hand slipping from her cheek. It was almost as if he had slapped her. As biting as Sasuke could be, he had never cursed at her. Ever.

He knew it too. The moment Sasuke finished speaking his eyes shot up, his expression wracked with guilt. She had seen this face only once before, while he bled out from his destroyed arm.

Sasuke's hand fell from where it was frozen in the air and flexed at his side. "I should never have said that. I am sorry. I'm always sorry." He looked like he expected her to push him away, to say something much worse in return. He shielded his eyes before saying, "I am an idiot and angry at myself but never, never at you."

Sakura couldn't control the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She was hurt, yes, but while Sasuke had never spoken to her like that before, he had also never apologized like that before, either.

Sakura lightly placed her hand on his. Sasuke sighed in reply, slowly flipping his hand to grasp hers. He stared at their intertwined hands, his thoughts racing behind his eyes. Sakura could see the internal struggle, his want to explain and his ineptitude with words battling. She tried to ease his conscience. "I forgive you Sasuke-kun, as long as you also understand that you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Not with me."

When he didn't respond, Sakura lightly tapped the underside of his chin. Sasuke looked up at her after a moment, his eyes shuttered. "Sasuke-kun," Sakura said, her voice playfully stern. "I mean it. I won't forgive you if you don't stop being embarrassed. I'll never laugh at you and I'll always listen."

Sasuke tsked, but warmth was returning to his eyes. He shook his head ever so slightly, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was a soft look of wonder that never ceased to make Sakura feel whole. She could see her words weaving in his soul, convincing him that he could be at peace, that he could rest and be vulnerable with her. She felt more accomplished in that moment than she ever did performing surgery or defeating enemies.

It took him a while, but eventually, Sasuke said, "I know. I apologize."

Sakura nodded and smiled reassuringly. She moved to stand, but Sasuke's hand moved to her wrist, stopping her. She looked down, curiously, but let herself be gently guided back onto the couch. "Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke took a deep breath. He didn't look her in the eye when he spoke. "I…want to tell you. Why I was tense this morning."

"You don't have to," Sakura counterred softly, always willing to offer him a way out.

"I have to. You'll think it's your fault until I explain how it wasn't."

Sakura opened her mouth to argue, but she stopped. "You're right."

Sasuke's smirk was gone in a flash. Swallowing audibly, he squeezed Sakura's hand tighter as he spoke. "I was tense because I didn't expect to see you looking at me like that and…like it." Sasuke paused and, when he spoke again, his voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes secretive, like he was about to admit to doing something he shouldn't have. "I wanted you. Physically. It was…evident. And I didn't know what to do."

Oh.

Oh…he was…oh.

Sakura flushed a million shades of pink and red. A deep breath filled her lungs as the heavy, lecherous guilt was chased away by a new emotion. Something akin to shame, but it felt too much too fun to really be shame. Maybe it was daring trepidation, maybe it was madness, but Sakura suddenly felt like giggling.

Pushing those feelings down, Sakura found what a warm sense of affection for Sasuke washing over her. Watching him struggle to explain that he was aroused reminded her of how young they were, of how much they had both missed being in the war, being away from each other. They didn't get to go through the awkward stages of flirting or crushes with each other, with anyone. The world had other plans. Besides, Sakura didn't look to other boys during puberty and she couldn't imagine Sasuke doing anything either.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura gave him a small smile, squeezing his hand in reassurance. "Sasuke-kun…it's totally normal. I-" Sakura paused to push her hair behind her ear, unable to help another soft flush from rising to her cheeks as she tried to force a bit of Dr. Haruno into her voice. "I wouldn't think less of you or think anything negative."

To her surprise, Sasuke nodded. Sakura noticed that if she looked very hard, a faint blush was also dusting the tops of the Uchiha's ears, peeking up from where his hair had fallen forward, as well as his cheeks. He was satiated by her response, but he looked like he was drowning in awkwardness and self-deprecating thoughts.

Wanting to extend an olive branch, wanting to make him feel less alone, Sakura decided to bare herself a bit. "My body reacts to you, too," she said breathlessly, watching the Uchiha stiffen slightly. She winced. "It's a good thing."

His next words were very quiet. "I shut everything off. Before. And now that I'm here…" Sasuke took a moment to gather his words. "I'm feeling so many things."

Sakura felt her chest seize. She felt grief for the pain Sasuke had gone through, but she also felt overwhelmed with joy that he was experiencing new feelings with her. "It's okay to feel new things," Sakura assured him, her hands reaching up to cradle his face. Her hands trembled slightly. "Don't forget that I'm here too. You're not alone in feeling new things, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke looked up at her finally. His eyebrows were still creased with unease, with the vulnerability in his admittance, with her own baring confession. Sasuke placed his hand over her left, gently removing it. Instead of letting it go, he held it tight against his chest. He pulled her back towards him until she was seated at the very edge of the couch, peering up at him with wide eyes.

Even kneeling, Sasuke did really tower over her. His cloak was splayed around him, like a dark cape of a hero. And to Sakura, he was a hero. His hair was away from his face and Sakura could see his features relax into the expression that always filled her stomach with butterflies and sent her heart galloping into her wildest dreams. The love in his eyes couldn't be mistaken for anything else.

"I feel safe with you, figuring it out with you," Sasuke said, his face warming ever so slightly.

Sakura was entranced by the Uchiha's words. She beamed, unable to help it. "I…feel the same way." Sasuke looked like he wanted to argue, so Sakura added quickly, "I do! Even if I still get nervous or flustered around you, Sasuke-kun." She grinned weakly, her cheeks heating. "You're still so handsome and…and, well, you're here, and I sometimes can't catch my breath, but…"

She pressed her hand over his heart and whispered, "I trust you."

The kiss against her forehead was all she needed. It conveyed everything.

….

Sakura found herself home earlier than expected. When she received Sasuke's message via hawk, she was more puzzled than anything. The note said, I overheard Naruto and Kakashi. Dinner for four, unfortunately.

It was vague, but Sakura had just shaken her head and continued on with her day, a bit of excitement bubbling over at the thought of having an original Team 7 dinner. It had been so long since the original four were together and Sakura was beside herself by the time five o'clock rolled around.

She was in the kitchen finishing up when Naruto burst through the front door, yelling "Honey, I'm home!"

Sakura looked over her shoulder to scold the blonde and hopefully greet her other guest and welcome Sasuke home, but it was only Naruto, swinging the door shut behind him loudly before plopping down at the counter.

"Ne, Naruto! You're thirty minutes early!"

Naruto waved a hand at her. "Nah, I just beat the other two here. They had to double back for Sasuke to fill something out at Hokage Tower."

She frowned, turning back to the pan on the stove. "What's he signing?"

"He's legally becoming the official head of the Uchiha Clan!"

Sakura dropped her stirring spoon, whirling back around. "What! Kami, I had no idea…" Sakura felt her heart drop in her chest. She knew Sasuke wasn't hiding anything from her, but she didn't feel like a good partner not knowing. Was she supposed to know? Had he mentioned it and she had forgotten?

Sakura composed herself quickly, but Naruto watched her with a knowing look. "Sasuke found out today, Sakura-chan." He stopped, his hand freezing in the air. "Actually, he'll probably be mad that I told you before he could."

Sakura's smile was much easier when she turned back to face the stove. "Mmm, you're probably right."

"I know I am, believe it!"

Sakura grinned at the old adage, still alive and well in his vocabulary. "Yeah, yeah, Naruto. Make yourself useful and set the table, won't ya?"

Naruto quickly sprang into action, grabbing plates and chopsticks for four, delicately setting the china down. Sakura knew he was thinking of the first time he helped her set up for a dinner party where he broke several plates trying to show off for Hinata. Clones were no longer allowed in the apartment.

Sakura placed the lid on the pan to let the meat and vegetables simmer before she turned to face Naruto, a soft smile on her face. He was carefully setting every cup and plate on the table, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. It was silly, but it warmed her heart to see him take such care with her things.

Sakura sighed, her hand on her chest. She loved Naruto so much that it hurt. She loved him in a completely different way than Sasuke, of course. The love she had for Naruto was intimate, but it wasn't romantic. His part in bringing Sasuke home, helping him more than she ever could, bound her to Naruto, forever in his debt. He would always be around, he would always be a part of her life, no matter what. She didn't always know why or how it happened, it was simply the truth.

Like Kakashi said, you didn't need a reason to love someone.

"So, Sakura-chan," Naruto started. Immediately, Sakura knew he was up to something by the tone of his voice. "How's it going living with the teme?"

Sakura should have known better. She popped her hip against the counter, her eyes narrowed. "Naruto, I'm fine. Stop butting in." Under her breath she added, "And leave Sasuke-alone too."

Naruto looked devastated. "Aw, c'mon Sakura-chan," he said, drawing out the a in the suffix. "Sasuke barely tells me anything and you used to tell me everything! Everything sucks since he came home!"

Sakura laughed, rolling her eyes. "Naruto, you love it that he's back."

"That's not the point! He stole my best friend and you stole my best friend and well, it just sucks!" Naruto pointed a finger at Sakura who only looked back, unamused by his tirade. "That's why we're here! I don't care if I spoil the plan! Kakashi-sensei and I demand to see you two in all your domestic bliss, you hear me?"

So much for feelings of love, that moron. "You know how shy Sasuke-kun is," she hissed at Naruto, taking a step towards him. "Do not embarrass him in his own home, Naruto, or so help me."

Naruto had the nerve to stand straighter in the face of her anger. "We only plan to observe, Sakura-chan."

She didn't care for his high and mighty tone. She took a step forward. "Naruto, you meddling little-"

The lock at the front door clicked and in walked Sasuke, followed by Kakashi. Sakura tried to maintain her anger at Naruto, but found her gaze softening. Her heart tripped over itself when she watched Sasuke's eyes drift to hers. When he first came home, it used to amaze her that her heart would skip a bear each time she saw him, even if it had only been hours. Now, it was as comforting as a welcome home.

"Good Evening, Sakura," Kakashi said, closing the door behind him. He shoved Sasuke lightly in the back, who merely grunted something about Kakashi taking his shoes off before he got dirt on Sakura's new rug. He already looked weary of their teammates.

Sakura's grim expression morphed into a dazzling smile, taking in her three boys. "I hope you guys are hungry! I made a lot!"

Kakashi gave her a crinkly-eyed smile and made his way over to Naruto. Sasuke walked past Kakashi and around to the other side of the kitchen, peering over her shoulder at the stove.

His eyes warmed a fraction. "Thank you, Sakura."

He slipped past her, his hand a ghost of a squeeze against the inside of her elbow, Sakura wondered if he purposefully went out of his way to hide his small version of a hello from their guests. Their normal hello hadn't been that subtle in a while, but with Naruto's plans in mind, it didn't hurt. It almost felt like a fun secret.

Sakura 1, Naruto 0.

Naruto and Kakashi helped Sakura bring the food to the table, thanking her profusely. Sasuke gave her a look that said everything, and Sakura felt more than blessed.

Naruto was the first to speak, his mouth full of half chewed food, his words aimed at the Uchiha. "I bet you remember our conversation every time you taste one of Sakura's meals, teme." Sakura looked up, confused, but Naruto continued on. "She's such a good cook now, huh Sasuke?"

Sakura's head whipped to Sasuke, wondering what on earth was going on, only to find the Uchiha looking somewhat perturbed. "Funnily enough," he said, his voice a low drawl. "I actually do think of that conversation whenever Sakura cooks."

Sakura flushed, keeping her face in her bowl, but she smiled softly to herself.

"I for one love coming to Sakura's for dinner," Kakashi supplied nonchalantly. To this day, they never saw him raise his spoon or move his mask but, in the blink of an eye, his food would be gone. That evening was no different, his bowl plate empty and the ice from his drink rattling in the glass as it settled. "It's always nice to be able to see the tops of tables, for a change."

"We used to come a whole lot more," Naruto grumbled, stuffing his face.

Although Sakura felt a bit bad for not inviting Naruto over as often as she did before Sasuke returned, she did have to admit that their blonde friend was a bit overbearing for this new, delicate time in their relationship. She tried to compromise. "Why don't we resume our Sunday dinners? We can switch locations if…" She paused, looking over at Sasuke. "...that's alright with you?"

Sasuke nodded, swallowing. He looked blankly at Naruto. "Maybe it'll get you to leave us alone."

Sakura laughed at Naruto's false, astonished look. "You guys are the worst! All your friends want is to have some proof that you guys are normal!"

"We aren't, Naruto," Sakura said, her eyes sparkling with a memory. "So, leave it be. Leave us be. We're doing just fine, thank you very much."

Kakashi, ever the instigator, said thoughtfully, "I thought whenever a woman says it's fine, nothing is actually fine?"

Sakura took a deep breath to steady herself. She was only mildly irritated at their intrusiveness. Her main concern was Sasuke. She didn't ever want him to feel uncomfortable about them in their own home. She looked over at him to gauge his reaction, but he had none. He was already looking at her, waiting for her to continue their defense. When she turned back to Naruto, Sasuke closed his eyes, content to let her handle it.

"See!" Naruto whined, slapping his hands on the table. He got a glare from both Sasuke and Sakura. "You guys are totally a team of two and I'm sick of you leaving me out!"

"We aren't leaving you out," Sakura said gently, her guilty feeling rising. She bit her lip, unsure of what to say, of what Sasuke was comfortable with her saying. Kami, she wished he didn't trust her so much. "You see Sasuke-kun nearly everyday, Naruto."

"I want to see both of you! Plus, the bastard keeps you from me!"

"You're not banned from the house, dobe," Sasuke said. He looked rather bored, but Sakura could see the irritation in the lines around his eyes. "You can come over. Give us warning and respect no."

He looked at Sakura. No one saw it but her, but his eyes softened. She dipped her chin at Sasuke ever so subtly before turning back to face Naruto. "Does that sound fair, Naruto?"

The insanely powerful jinchūriki was pouting. "I guess," he mumbled, moving to pick up his chopsticks.

Kakashi sighed. "Ah, just like old times, but so different. It's good to have my favorite students all grown up and alive."

Sakura giggled, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Kakashi-sensei, I don't think I've ever heard you refer to us as your favorite students, plural." She raised an eyebrow, smirking at his astonished expression. "Usually, you save it for whoever's with you at that time."

He waved her off. "Nonsense. I would never do such a thing."

And, just like old times, the three younger shinobi shared a look of exasperation with their sensei.

They finished dinner not soon after, Sasuke washing the dishes and Sakura drying. Their other two guests lounged in the living room, probably trying to eavesdrop without being noticed. They insisted on helping with dishes at first, but Sasuke shooed them away with a flick of his wrist, telling them to stop breathing down his neck. Kakashi responded by steering Naruto in the other direction.

Sakura grabbed the last plate from Sasuke, eyeing the wall that separated the kitchen and living room. She was thankful that Naruto wasn't visible at least, the overbearing but lovable idiot. She still wasn't sure if he was pressed against the wall, or not. She looked up at Sasuke only to find his sharingan activated, looking through the wall instead. Sakura couldn't help but grin, shaking her head as she turned back to drying the dish.

Feeling Sasuke's head turn to her, she said quietly, "It's kind of…funny, to see you use your eyes for something outside of battle or training."

She looked back up. Sasuke was closer than she had previously realized, their shirts brushing. His eyes, now black and purple, were still trained on the wall. "When it comes to him, it's always a battle."

Sakura chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "You guys are the worst of frenemies.."

"I think our bond is super."

"Oh, hush! I know Naruto can be annoying, but he loves you."

"I know. He always means well."

Sasuke usually didn't say such nice things. Especially about Naruto. She eyed him suspiciously, before turning to put the plate away in the cabinet behind them. "I know. He's just so-"

Sasuke's chest brushing her back and his hand reaching around her to grab the plate from her hands stopped all words, all thoughts. He reached high above her to place the dish back on the shelf, his warmth disappearing from her back in nearly the same second.

Sakura let out a shaky breath. She felt colder without him behind her.

"Mmm, I'm sure Sakura-chan sure loves having a tall man around to help her, huh Kakashi?"

Sakura whirled to find Naruto and Kakashi leaning against the opposite counter. Kakashi's eyes danced and Naruto looked too smug for his own good. Sasuke didn't respond, simply ghosting past them and into the living room with an air of indifference.

"Of course I do," Sakura said as primly as she could, walking past them. She then reluctantly handed over a point to Naruto.

Once in the living room, Naruto's childish antics came back with a vengeance. "Ooo, what should we do, guys? What about a movie night? With a pillow fort or a giant blanket and-"

"Movie, yes," Sakura said, holding up her hand, smiling to herself. "But wreck our apartment, no." She blushed when she said 'our'. "You don't clean up now any better than you did at twelve."

Sasuke huffed in agreement.

Kakashi settled onto the lounge chair, fiddling with the movies in the basket next to him. "There's a couple of new ones in here I haven't seen." He paused, bringing his finger to his chin. "Although, I don't see the new Icha Icha movie about-"

"Like I would have that, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said, rolling her eyes. She plucked one from his hands and tossed it to Naruto. "You gave me all of these for Christmas last year, so any of them should be good with you."

Naruto exclaimed, not listening to a word she said, "Oh hey, I love this movie! Good taste, Sakura-chan!"

She sighed. "Thank you, Naruto."

In the end, they did kind of make a pillow fort. Sakura pushed the coffee table to the side and pulled some extra blankets and pillows from the hall closet. Her, Naruto, and Sasuke sat on the floor with their backs against the couch, pillows behind their backs and underneath them, their feet stretched out beneath a blanket each. It was a nice little pallet they all could settle into.

Said blankets were insisted upon by Naruto, making a remark about everyone keeping their hands to themselves. Sasuke slapped his arm on the way to the floor, his ears slightly red. Again, only Sakura saw his blush, but she didn't say anything. She was too busy scolding Naruto.

Sakura sat between Naruto and Sasuke, her hands dutifully holding the popcorn bowl for both of them. Kakashi of course was lazed out across her couch like he owned the place, his heels cocked against the armrest. The movie began and the four of them relaxed into themselves and into the comfort of the blankets and pillows. They were held in suspended ease, like time had reversed.

Sakura had never felt more like her genin self. She closed her eyes and let herself imagine she was twelve years old again, watching a movie at Naruto's apartment. She smiled, unable to help it, the feeling of then so tangible, it felt real. She could see how Sasuke sat on her right, still and watchful with a body that radiated heat. She felt Naruto jab her side in excitement, his voice carrying over the movie so much deeper but so much like Naruto, it left her image unshattered. Kakashi's book's pages flipped behind her, a constant sound to accompany her early adolescence.

Sakura opened her eyes, her toes scrunching while she contained her joy. She was so happy, she nearly burst from the overwhelming sense of light, lovely, bubbling delight. She had her boys. Kakashi and the two of them, alive, well, and with her. It was more than she had ever asked for. She had fought with all of her might for it, but she was prepared to not get there. She wasn't, but she was. And now, living it, she blossomed.

Sasuke knew something was on her mind during the movie. He had tapped her lightly against the back of her hand, his eyes inquisitive. She smiled, flipping her hand under the blanket to grasp his. "I'm just really happy," she whispered, shrugging, but still unable to play at nonchalance. Her voice shook ever so slightly.

Sasuke's eyes softened, understanding etched in his features. He looked at her for a bit too long before giving her hand a light squeeze. He stood, turning the TV off and kicking Naruto and Kakashi awake, telling them none too lightly to get out.

Sakura chuckled under her breath. She was a bit excited to spend some alone time with Sasuke. He had seemed more than vigilant throughout the night. At times, he was downright staring.

Naruto grumbled, but he looked happier than she had seen him in a while. "Yeah yeah, let me say goodbye to Sakura-chan first." He stood, offering her a hand up as well. He gave her a big squeeze, nearly lifting her into the air, before setting her back down on her feet. "Ah, thank you Sakura-chan! This is exactly what I needed." His eyes twinkled when he pulled back. "Just like old times, huh?"

Sakura smiled, her chest warm. "Yep, just like old times."

Kakashi bid them both goodnight, ruffling their heads as he passed. Sasuke gave him a dark look, but Kakashi merely grinned, poofing from the spot as soon as he walked out the front door. Naruto quickly followed, his excitement to get back home to Hinata shouted over his shoulder as he ran out the door.

Sakura took a deep breath in the silence, chuckling lightly. "We can do that once a week, right?"

Sasuke tsked. "I think you'll need to drug me next time."

Sakura rolled her eyes, moving to pick up the blankets and pillows. Sasuke helped wordlessly, taking the pillows from her to put back up. He startled her when he said quietly, "It seemed like you really enjoyed the movie."

She knew he wasn't talking about watching some vague super hero defeat a dragon. She shrugged, smiling. "I just couldn't believe how far we've all come. I closed my eyes and it felt exactly like it did when we were twelve, forced into Naruto's apartment for bonding time." She chuckled to herself, more memories replaying. "You probably didn't enjoy them all too much, but I loved our few movie days."

"I did." When Sakura looked up from her folding, Sasuke clarified. "I enjoyed them. I couldn't admit it to myself until after I left, but I always felt lighter."

Sakura beamed. "Well, I hope you enjoyed this one too!"

Sasuke's response was almost too quick, like he didn't think it through. "It would have been better if it was just the two of us."

Sakura felt her jaw drop slightly. She paused folding to look up at him, his back to her while he put the next stack of blankets in the hall closet. "If I didn't know any better," she called, a bit nervous with her teasing. "I would say that Naruto's accusation of you keeping me from him has some truth."

"Nonsense," he said, walking over to take the last blanket for her. She could hear the air of amusement in his voice.

Sakura grinned at the floor, biting her lip. She loved when Sasuke let her poke fun at him. It was intoxicating, seeing him willfully at her mercy, even with something so small. She walked over to the hallway and leaned against the wall, her heart jumping. Could she take it a step further?

"It was nice having grown versions of you to keep me upright this time around," she said, her eyes dancing. "I always slipped and fell asleep on one of you."

Sasuke shut the door with a click, turning to face her, leaning against the wall himself. He smirked and said, "You fall asleep next to me every night, so what's the difference?"

Sakura felt scandalized by his words even when they were true. Flustered, she didn't have a response. Sasuke knew it, his smirk growing while Sakura fumbled. She let out a breath, her smile still present. "You win, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke huffed a light laugh. His shoulders were relaxed, he had one foot barely propped up behind him, and his free hand rested across his chest. He was the picture of content, a man who had found joy in peace. He looked like Sasuke might have looked all along, never having been plagued by death, pain, and hatred.

It made Sakura take another step forward, almost as if she was drawn in against her will. Sasuke's smile became the soft one she adored, his eyes like liquid power, swirling, testing, easing into letting his emotions loose. He looked happy, but he suddenly looked…more.

Sakura tilted her head back. Sasuke watched her, his lips parting. Slowly, Sakura rested her hand on his arm, her eyes gauging his reaction. When he leaned into her touch, Sakura finally stood on her tip toes and pressed a kiss against his lips.

Sakura felt like she was swimming through champagne. The ability to kiss Sasuke, for him to kiss her back, his hand a gentle caress against her shoulder, caused white, sparkling light to flicker behind her eyelids. Fireworks, in every sense of the word, everytime they kissed.

Sakura settled back onto her heels, her breathing a bit unsteady. Sasuke's hand dropped to her hip, keeping her close enough to make her stutter. "I-I really had a good time tonight." When she looked into his eyes, she poured as much love and adoration for him as she could into them, smiling with all of the joy of her heart. "Thank you."

Sasuke hummed, low and deep. He dropped his head to hers, his breath hot against her cheek. "You're welcome," he whispered, his fingers flexing ever so slightly.

Sakura swayed into the touch, swayed into him. Her hand moved from his upper arm to his chest, splayed across his shirt. She nearly tore it off, but the heat of his chest and the feel of his heart racing beneath the chorded muscle kept it there.

Sasuke didn't seem to mind. He hummed again, the low sound vibrating her fingers. When she looked up, his eyes held all the warmth of the Uchiha clan, those that loved the most. He dipped his head to kiss her again.

His lips were soft, he tasted like Sasuke, and Sakura felt like she was flying.

His grip tightened and didn't release, pulling Sakura closer. She gasped, her breath catching. Sasuke had started kissing her with a bit more vigor and more emotion the more they kissed, but he had never strayed from his normal placements. Lips on lips. Hands on her hip or her cheek. They never moved, not really.

This time, his fingers touched the edge of her shorts before sliding over the curve of her hip. He traced the dip of her waist, and curved around her back to delve his fingers into her hair. He went up and down, tracing and retracing his path like he was committing her to memory.

He didn't just move his hands. His lips trailed across her jawline, his breath hot and heavy against the skin of her neck. Sakura's head tilted back of its own accord and Sasuke's lips slid down her neck, pausing against her pulse, once, twice, three times before he gently leaned back.

Sakura stilled, her eyes watchful as Sasuke stood straighter, his eyes never leaving hers. His hand rose from her waist and rested against her cheek, cradling her face.

"Sakura," he whispered, closing his eyes. He didn't say anything else, but she understood. He was overwhelmed with new feelings, but he was trying.

"That was a wonderful goodnight," Sakura whispered, flushing.

Sasuke merely hummed in response, his hand falling from her waist before hesitantly reaching up. He tucked a stray hair behind her ear, smiling softly.

Sakura bit her lip, her grin splitting her cheeks. No longer afraid or nervous, Sakura asked, "Are you ready to go to bed?"

Sasuke nodded, turning to walk into their bedroom. His clothes had found themselves in two of Sakura's drawers and Sakura took it as a good sign when he simply rolled with it. Sakura followed after, taking her things and heading to the bathroom. Their night time routine changed when Sasuke began sleeping in her bed. She got ready for bed in the bathroom and Sasuke took her room.

Their room, now.

They crawled beneath the blankets and sought one another. Sakura ended up with her hand in Sasuke's, resting on his chest. Her nose skimmed the skin near his collarbone and her cheek was pressed into his arm. He squeezed her hand, kissed her forehead, and softly told her to go to sleep.

Sakura's eyes closed immediately, dreaming of things that had happened in the past several weeks.