A/N: I DON'T OWN NARUTO!!

Raising A Couple

Chapter 2 The Kazekage's Escorts

Sakura stood near the ramen store, waiting for Naruto. She was just asked by him to go out for a date. This was Sakura's first time to say yes on a date. And actually, she can't believe she'd just let him take her on a date.

"What's taking him so long?" Sakura mumbled. "I can't believe he'd let his date wait for him!"

Then finally, Naruto arrived running. His face showed a hint of excitement. Is it because of his first date? Or is it because of something else?

"Finally!" Sakura smiled. "It's about time you showed up. I was here 20 minutes ago! How could you let your date wait for you?"

"I'm sorry, Sakura." Naruto scratched his back in humiliation. "I guess we have to date some other time."

"WHAT!!" Sakura yelled at him as she grabbed his collar. "WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA MAKING A FOOL OF ME!? YOU TELL ME THAT WE'RE GOING OUT AND NOW YOU'RE BACKING OFF!! WHY YOU LITTLE—"

"I-it's not that, S-Sakura!" Naruto stuttered in fright. "Tsunade's calling for us. We're going on a mission."

"Why didn't you say so?" Sakura calmed down as she let go of Naruto. "Let's go!"

"Yeah," Naruto said as she grabbed Sakura's hand and ran. "I can't wait to know what it is."

The two ninjas rushed to the Hokage's office to learn more about the mission. They were really excited to be back on missions. They never had any action for a while. When they reached the office, they entered and greeted Master Tsunade to show respect.

"What's the mission all about, Master Tsunade?" Sakura asked.

"It's pretty easy." Tsunade told them. "You'll just have to escort the Kazekage when he gets here. He'll be here after three days."

"Gaara's going to Konoha?" Naruto grinned. "I'm so excited!"

"He's here to seek help from our village." Tsunade added. "It seems that Suna's experiencing the massive effects of El Niño. And you'll make sure that he'll be safe in here."

"Expect that Gaara's in safe hands, Granny Tsunade!" Naruto flashed a smile as she grabbed Sakura's hand and left. "He'll be singing our praises!"

"He'd better be." Tsunade mumbled. "Or else."

After Naruto and Sakura left the village, they stopped by an ice cream parlor. This time, Naruto decided to treat Sakura. Sakura was surprised by Naruto's actions, but she was happy to know that he has a sweet side after all.

"Hey Naruto," Sakura said as she glanced at him. "Master Tsunade said that Gaara will come after 3 days. Why did you cancel our date?"

"Actually, I'm already making up with that." Naruto grinned. "We're already dating!"

"We are?" Sakura gasped. "Why didn't you say so?"

"Do I really need to tell you that we're dating?" Naruto glared at her. "Everytime that we're spending time together means we're dating!"

"Okay then!" Sakura smiled at him as she blushed. "That means that we're dating on our mission, right?"

"Pretty much." Naruto nodded. "Isn't that great?"

"Yes," Sakura giggled as she gave Naruto a quick kiss on the cheek. "Yes it is."

"D-did you j-just kiss me?" Naruto stuttered as he went red.

"Do I really need to tell you that I kissed you if I just did that?" Sakura snickered.

"Nah," Naruto said as he gave a quick kiss on her cheek this time. "Just making sure."