Aoda's Blessing
The pair entered the gaping stone maw of Ryūchi Cave hand-in-hand, its structure shrouding them in darkness despite the bright light of day a short distance behind them. Every few steps, a modest torch light was mounted to the walls to light their path, the shadows of their forms dancing with each flickering lick of flame.
Sakura's emerald eyes widened in wonder as they winded down paths Sasuke seemed to instinctively know. His fingers held hers carefully as he guided her through the tunnels, glancing back at her to gauge her reaction. A warmth in his chest grew when he realized she looked pleased.
He slowed their pace when they came upon a massive circular room, its walls of stone so tall that they faded into a black abyss above them. Sasuke didn't release her fingers, a comfort she appreciated.
"Sasuke-sama."
She almost missed its form entirely. From the corner of the room, a massive, midnight blue snake uncurled from its sleeping position. Each scale was the size of Sakura's forearm and nearly glittered as it moved. Its large head raised slightly as it slithered towards them, its eyes trained—but gentle—on the pair. It came to a stop before them and offered a small nod.
"Aoda," Sasuke greeted before turning his head to acknowledge the medic. "You remember Sakura."
The snake's eyes looked to her before closing reverently. Instinctively, Sakura's fingers tightened their grip on Sasuke's hand, so he ran his thumb reassuringly over her knuckles.
"Sakura-sama, yes," Aoda's smooth voice sounded. "It's been a few years since the war. You commanded Katsuyu-sama. You're a fierce kunoichi."
"That's right," she responded, relaxing as she realized the snake's kindness. After only seeing the snake in battle, she was surprised to see how docile he really was. "It's good to see you again, Aoda. We came for a visit."
"Welcome." The snake nodded once more, his thin pupils flitting to their joined hands. "I see a development has occurred," he commented, earning him a stern look from the Uchiha.
Sakura followed the snake's gaze and lifted their hands slightly. "Oh," she squeaked as a blush bloomed across her cheeks. "Yes, um...yes."
"We're married," Sasuke said evenly.
Aoda's eyes flickered with emotion before he bowed his massive head once more. "Congratulations," the snake beamed, almost as though he had his own pride for the two of them. He looked to the medic. "He spoke much of you while he traveled."
"Aoda." Sasuke's tone had an undercurrent of warning, silencing the snake.
"Did he really?" Sakura teased, not wanting the reptile to retreat. She glanced at Sasuke's face which was suddenly stoic, though his eyebrow gave a slight twitch. While others wouldn't dare push his buttons, Sakura had no such fear. "Sasuke-kun is never really one to gossip about others. What kinds of things did he say?"
The Uchiha then shot her an unamused expression as Aoda's rumbling chuckle filled the space. "Nothing of ill content," Aoda assured. "Actually, nothing remotely negative." He glanced at Sasuke. "Which, considering today's news, makes sense."
Sakura hummed playfully and tilted her head questioningly toward Sasuke, a smile growing on her pretty face. She studied him and watched with delight as his cheeks began to stain the subtlest of color.
"Well, that's good to know," she smiled, taking his hand in both of hers. He didn't resist; in fact, his expression seemed to soften despite his slight grumpiness at the exchange. She turning to Aoda once more. "Sasuke-kun speaks very highly of you, too. I'm glad to finally understand why."
"I am honored," Aoda responded.
The snake and the medic spoke back and forth for a while, and Sasuke watched with interest at how she managed to ease herself so effortlessly into another part of his life. Her tinkling laugh filled the dim space, radiating their surroundings as she usually did. He told Aoda of this trait often, how she was his personification of spring and that he would bring her to let the snake witness it himself.
After a while, Sasuke made the motion that it was time for them to leave. "We'll return again, Aoda," he announced, grazing his thumb over her knuckles.
"Of course." To Sakura Aoda bowed his head once more. "Please take care of him, Sakura-sama."
The medic raised her free hand and rested it kindly on the massive snake's snout. "With my life," she promised.