Braids
"Just this once."
"Yes, Sasuke-kun, just this once."
"You swear."
"Yes."
Sakura sat him down on the floor by her bedside while she took her own seat behind him on the mattress. Nestled—or trapped, according to the Uchiha—between her legs, she began running a fine comb through his raven locks while humming a buoyant tune. He didn't have to look up at her to know a pretty smile was stretched across her face.
His hair was slightly coarser than it appeared, though it was still straight and slipped through her digits like soft, midnight ribbons. She knew what a privilege it was to touch him just so, as others could only guess what it felt like. She loved running her fingers through it in their more intimate moments, and now—now—she could make art.
"Ready?"
"Go ahead, Sakura," he responded exasperatedly.
She set the comb down, satisfied in clearing any tangles, and worked to part the hairs closest to his forehead into three parts. She gently pulled his fringe out of his face, running her fingers through one more time for good measure, before beginning the process of weaving them expertly into a midnight braid.
Her smooth fingers moved with such finesse, such tenderness, that Sasuke had to stifle a relaxed sigh from leaving his lips. He closed his eyes, moving with the soft tugs and pulls, relishing the sensation of her pads slipping across his scalp.
"Your hair is so nice, Sasuke-kun," she chimed, gathering a strand by the base of his left ear and weaving it into the braid. "I'm almost jealous."
"Mmm..."
He wasn't sure how much time had passed. He just couldn't stop focusing on how soothing her touch was, how artfully, effortlessly she could lull him into the edge of slumber. He also couldn't help but notice, in the back of his mind, how easily he conceded to her requests. He felt her fingers gently tilt his head forward, and he nearly struggled to keep it from lolling bonelessly at her touch.
Anytime, he thought drowsily. Anything. For her.
Sakura gathered the ends of the braid into one thick strand at the base of his head and tied one of her elastics to secure it in place. She leaned back to examine her handiwork in awe. The silken raven locks intricately twisted and turned into the woven style, hardly a hair out of place. She let a single finger trace over the ridges and troughs, satisfied.
"All done," she grinned softly. When Sasuke didn't respond, she leaned forward on his right side and placed her hand on his face, coaxing him to turn her way. Her mouth formed a little "o" at the sight.
Sasuke's eyes were closed, as though he were in a trance. His whole face was exposed, a treat he was careful to reserve for her, and she delighted in it. His brow was absent of his signature scowl, his lips completely relaxed. She noticed the tiniest bit of feathery baby hairs where his natural parting rested and couldn't resist but to touch them with the pads of her fingers.
Suddenly, his mismatched eyes flew open to meet emerald green, and his own long fingers wrapped around her wrist instinctively. She blinked at him, unfazed, before a smile broke across her face. "All done," she repeated, her volume a near whisper.
He hummed in response before pulling her wrist a bit lower, just until his lips brushed fleetingly against her own. Soft, chaste, quick. Despite its brief nature, a flurry of butterflies and electricity passed between them. Even though he appeared impassive at his own gesture, the life-breathing sensation of their contact wasn't lost on him.
Before she could even squeak in surprise, Sasuke released her and leaned his head to rest against her thigh.
"We can do this again," he murmured drowsily.
Sakura took a moment to recollect herself, willing her cheeks to cool, before she draped her arms over his shoulders and pressed her lips against his left temple. "Yay!" she giggled softly.