It was a lovely spring evening.
Sakura settled on her rooftop happily and set her plate of Oreo cookies down carefully. She picked one off from the top and dipped it excitedly into her warm milk. She twirled it absentmindedly around while staring up at the full moon.
She took a bite…
and drifted into much awaited for bliss.
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i.
Her shoulders became limp and she sagged forward against her knees, exhausted from the day's work and grateful to finally take a break.
"Oooooh, sooo good," she moaned happily, closing her eyes, savoring the Oreo cookie. It had been so long since she had eaten and she was just so happy to be eating a cookie.
"What are you doing?"
She choked on her Oreo cookie as her hands came slamming down besides her, upsetting the plate of oreo cookies, sending them rolling down and off the roof, landing on the ground below her.
Sasuke watched amusedly with a slight wrinkle in his brow as he frowned when she kept coughing. He thumped her back a few times and finally, she regained the ability to breathe.
Disregarding him, she stumbled to the end of the roof and gazed down forlornly at the broken Oreos on the ground.
She almost cried.
Sasuke sighed.
"And they were the double stuff too," she said miserably.
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ii.
She was leaning dangerously off the roof and normally, Sasuke wouldn't have bothered but she looked very upset over her ruined Oreos so he came over and tugged her back.
She didn't resist his hold, only rested tiredly against his chest as he pulled her back to the top of the roof. He didn't let go when he got there.
"What are you doing?" he repeated his question.
She crossed her arms irritably. "I was enjoying my hard-earned break with Oreos and warm milk but you came and ruined that," she said crossly.
She felt his hard chest rise against her and she realized he was suppressing a laugh.
"Not happy to see me?"
She sighed before twisting around in his hold. He got a better look at her up close and his eyes widened when he spotted the dark rings under her eyes.
"Of course not. You just scared me, that's all."
He frowned. "You're very unperceptive."
She scowled at him and tried to break from his hold but he tightened his arms around her.
"You haven't been sleeping."
She frowned before turning away from him, her soft pink hair tickling his chin.
"None of your business."
He tugged on a strand of hair. She let out a frustrated sigh.
"I've been very busy. Tsunade's working me like crazy and I just finished healing a bunch of patients with very nasty burns. Do you know how long those take to heal?"
He listened silently.
"And it doesn't help when you and Naruto try to battle each other to the death. I would have gotten over my shift early today, but noooo, you had to scald Naruto with your katon."
Sasuke smirked. "He couldn't dodge."
She elbowed him in the gut and he wisely shut up. She stayed silent for a while too, just gazing up at the sky before she reached for her cup of milk. He let her and watched her silently as she drank it, her delicate throat bobbing up and down with each gulp. She exhaled after she was done and set the cup down clumsily, cup teetering around its side before it finally settled.
Sasuke watched as she breathed slowly with her eyes closed, her hands thrown over her eyes carelessly. He felt slightly guilty for giving her more work.
"Why did you come up to the roof to eat Oreos?" he asked curiously.
"The stars are out tonight," she said softly.
He nodded.
"Besides, I was only taking a short break. I was gonna eat the Oreos and then write up those medical reports for Tsunade."
She groaned. "Those are going to take forever."
"Why don't you ask for her to give you a break?"
Sakura looked up at him startled, her emerald eyes wide with innocent confusion. "Why would I do that? I love my job."
"But you're losing sleep."
"Well, she needs my help and the other medics can't handle my shifts."
"You can't handle it either."
She bristled. "I can."
"Clearly, you cannot."
Her mouth dropped. "What gives you that idea?" she hissed, scrambling out of his hold to glare at him full on.
He crossed his arms. "That fact that you couldn't sense me coming here and the way you look like you're going to drop dead any second proves it." His sharigan came on and he frowned. "You're out of chakra."
Sasuke watched as she clenched her fists, swaying just a little. "Why do you insist on underestimating me?"
"Why do you never listen to me?" he shot back.
"Because you're insane!"
"Look who's talking."
"Says the man who nearly killed his best friend!"
"Says the girl who nearly fell off the roof for Oreos."
"They were the double stuff!"
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iii.
She flopped down on the roof, exhausted. "I hate you," she groaned.
"Funny. I remember you saying you loved me."
She was silent for a while. "That was years ago, Sasuke-kun," she said softly, tiredly, closing her eyes.
Sasuke stiffened but Sakura didn't notice.
"Do you still love me?" he asked, forcing his tone to be indifferent.
She stayed silent and against his will, Sasuke became angry. He was about to open his mouth when she spoke, her eyes still closed, her tone exhausted.
"Does it matter? You don't love me back."
He stopped and stared at her. Idiot. "So you still do."
Her lips lifted in a small smile. "Why are you so curious, Sasuke-kun?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he came over and lifted her gently from the roof. She didn't protest as she allowed him to carry her downstairs, her head lolling limply against his chest.
She was asleep before they even reached the bed.
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iv.
He didn't mind carrying her. She was unbelievably light and his brows creased at this. The way she ate wasn't healthy.
But the way she fit into his arms was perfect. She was a comforting anchor and he wanted to hold on to her forever.
He set her down carefully on the bed and threw the covers over her. Bending down, he kissed her softly on the forehead, his lips lingering longer than necessary.
Before he left, he disabled her alarm clock.
Sleep well, Sakura.
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v.
She woke up, more refreshed than she had been in a long time, and glanced at her alarm clock.
"HOLY BANANAS! I'M LATE!" she screamed, scrambling out of her bed and searching frantically for an outfit to slip into.
After yanking a brush through her soft hair, she slipped on her sandals and flung open her door, only to run smack into a very hard chest.
She bounced back and rubbed at her nose painfully before glancing up at an amused Uchiha.
She tilted her head to the side, confused. "Sasuke-kun?"
"Hn."
"What are you doing here?"
"I thought I might keep you company on your day off."
She frowned, very confused. One, Sasuke did not like company. Two, there was no such thing as a day off at the hospital.
"Ha-ha, out of my way, I'm late." She shoved past him and had made it out two steps before she was snagged back by the arm.
"What did I just say? You have a day off."
She stared up at him. "But…the hospital…"
"Can survive without you for 24 hours."
"Tsunade…"
"Already called to say it's fine. Check your messages."
"…."
He looked at her.
"What?"
She smiled. "Thanks, Sasuke-kun." As much as she loved her job, sometimes, it really was too tiring.
Sasuke looked away to hide the small blush forming at Sakura's smile.
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vi.
"Wow, what to do? I haven't had a day off in soooo long," Sakura said merrily, her head swiveling around to look at possible destinations.
Sasuke glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Not even on weekends?"
She snorted. "On weekends, I'm in my office finishing all the reports and when I'm done with those, Naruto drags me over to have ramen before sparring."
Sasuke nodded. "Why don't you just cancel on him?"
"Aww, I rarely ever see Naruto anymore! I love his company."
Sasuke looked away, silent. Sakura didn't seem to notice and her whole body bounced as she skipped happily in front of him. Sasuke looked back at her just in time to see her stumble.
He stepped forward to catch her put she fell into a graceful cartwheel, landing with two feet solidly on the ground, hands waving happily in the air.
"Ta da!" she sang.
He tried to refrain from smiling but a small one escaped his hold. Sakura saw and her eyes widened as she stared at him, her arms dropped.
Immediately, his smile dropped, changing into a scowl.
"What?"
She blinked and then shook her head before running over to grasp his arm. He stiffened at the contact but his eyes widened when she reached up to pinch his cheek.
"You're so cute, Sasuke-kun."
He struggled out of her hold, annoyed and flushing faintly.
"I'm not cute."
She laughed and skipped away happily. He stayed behind for a while, his hand coming up to touch his cheek lightly. I'm not cute, he repeated vehemently in his head before following her with his hands stuffed angrily into his pocket.
Sakura wandered. She was carefree in her movements and was so happy to just enjoy the spring. She hadn't had a day off in so long and it was all thanks to Sasuke.
She looked back at Sasuke who was staring at her intently and flashed him a smile.
"Sasuke-kun, you're the best!"
He looked away quickly, embarrassed at being caught staring at her.
"Hn."
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vii.
He snatched her hand and she looked down in surprise. "Sasuke-kun…?"
He didn't answer, only tugged her along. She tagged behind him dutifully. She allowed a small smile to come to her face as she felt the warmth emanate from the boy's hand. His hand swallowed her small one completely but it made her feel protected.
"Where are we going?" she asked finally, pulling herself out of her daze.
He glanced back at her with dark eyes and she quieted. Abruptly, he stopped and let her hand go. She mourned the loss.
"Stay here."
She looked up at him confused but nodded. Sasuke surprised her by smiling again and she felt her breath stop.
"Wait for me," he said, and went into the supermarket in front of them.
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viii.
He came back out with a small plastic bag in his hands. He was pleased to find her standing in the exact same spot, her eyes emerald eyes trained on him. He watched as her eyes shifted to what he was holding in his hands.
He smirked and came up to her.
Sakura stared up at him.
"What's that, Sasuke-kun?"
He handed her the bag, which she peered into curiously.
Her eyes widened.
Sasuke had bought Oreos.
With the double stuff.
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ix.
She squeaked happily before tackling the surprised Sasuke in a tight hug.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she said into his shirt.
Sasuke felt his chest do funny things.
Finally, she pulled away and beamed up at him. "We're going to need milk," she said.
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"Do you want yours warm, Sasuke-kun?" she asked from the kitchen, standing on tiptoe, trying to reach the mugs from the very top shelf of the cupboard. She started when a pale arm rose above her and took the mugs easily.
She scowled.
He saw when she turned around and smirked.
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He wanted his milk cold.
She warmed hers.
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"Sakura."
She looked up at him. "Sasuke-kun?"
"…You said you love Naruto's company?"
She nodded. "Yes, I do. He's like the sun. He gives me light to see and the motivation to work hard. I couldn't have gotten this far without him. Naruto's very much like a sun, don't you think?"
Sasuke's fists clenched. "You love him."
Sakura smiled. "Yes. Very, very much."
Sasuke set down his mug with more force than he should have. He stood up abruptly and she did so too, looking at him in concern.
"Sasuke-kun?"
He turned to her and she shrank back a little at the intensity in his eyes.
"More than me?" he demanded. She gaped at him, blinking.
"Wh-what? S-Sasuke, you know I love–"
"If Naruto is like the sun to you, what am I?"
She stared at him, her eyes wide. He waited with growing frustration for her answer.
"Sasuke-kun."
"Answer me."
She looked away and he felt intense rage course through him. His hand shot out and gripped her arm tightly. Her head snapped up to look at him.
"What am I to you?" he demanded.
She became angry in response to his rough behavior. "What's your problem, Sasuke? What does it matter to you?" she said, trying to free her arm from his increasingly tight hold.
He didn't let go though, only brought his other hand up to lock her in place.
She grew alarmed and struggled more violently. "Sasuke!"
"Tell me," he said, his eyes holding hers prisoner.
She snapped. "YOU'RE AN OREO COOKIE, OKAY?"
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x.
He blinked. "What the fuck?"
She glared. "Yeah. That's right, you're an Oreo cookie, so now let me go."
"Naruto's your sun and I'm an Oreo cookie?"
She rolled her eyes heavenward, exhaling in frustration. "Yes, yes, that's right. Happy?"
"No. Why the fuck is Naruto your sun and I'm just an Oreo cookie?"
She sighed exasperatedly.
"Sasuke, I never said that. I said he's like the sun because he's always optimistic and bright and funny. You certainly are not the sun, you're so freaking cold you could freeze it and make it into Sunny D Popsicles!"
He glared. She returned it.
"But you are an Oreo cookie so let go, damnit!"
His expression darkened. Suddenly, he let her go, stepping back quickly.
"I'm sorry I asked," he said softly before turning to leave.
He stopped when Sakura's hand shot out and grabbed on to his. Her other hand came to hold on to his one hand also.
He heard her sigh tiredly.
"Sasuke-kun."
He didn't answer, feeling his chest hurt with her insulting comparison of him and an Oreo cookie.
"You're not just an Oreo cookie, okay?"
He still did not look at her.
Her hands suddenly dropped his and she stepped back. He turned to look at her expectantly. She didn't meet his eyes.
"I can't describe what you are with words," she said softly, looking to the side.
"All I know is that…"
She brought her eyes to meet his and flinched back at the intensity in his dark orbs. She shook her head angrily, suddenly embarrassed.
"Never mind," she mumbled, turning away, raising a hand to wave carelessly over her shoulder.
He caught her wrist.
"Eh?"
She turned around to find Sasuke very close in front of her, his tall frame towering over her small one. She glanced up meekly.
"Sasuke-kun?"
He didn't say anything, only looked down at her intently, his eyes searching hers. Suddenly, he brought his other hand to his head and tilted it up before his lips came down and touched hers tenderly, for one sweet moment.
Sakura's knees collapsed on her.
Sasuke quickly dropped her wrist to secure her around the waist, supporting her whole body against his. He frowned down at her.
"Sakura?"
He panicked, seeing crystal tears starting to gather in her emerald eyes.
"Sakura?"
She grasped his shirt tightly and tried to calm down her rapidly beating heart. His pretty, oh so pretty face was so close and it just too unrealistic.
Oh, heart, you're so cruel.
Her small hand came up and her fingers pinched his cheek tightly. He jerked in discomfort and glared at her.
"What the hell was that for?"
Her emerald eyes stared up at him, oh so wide, the tears suddenly stopping themselves from falling. He stared at her.
"Oh. So it's not a dream," she said in surprise, so soft he barely caught what she was saying.
And she fainted, right there in his arms.
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Sasuke twitched before closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. Sakura's head fell back against his arm limply and he sighed.
Why, oh why did these things happen to him?
He shifted so that he was carrying her more comfortably. His gaze fell on the sleeping Sakura and his expression smoothed out into one of tenderness.
I can't describe what you are with words.
He allowed himself a small smile.
All I know is that…-
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xi.
She woke up with a start, her upper body coming up, throwing off the covers. Her head swiveled around, looking left and right before she exhaled.
Oh…what a cruel dream.
Her fingers came up to her lips. They were still tingling.
Sakura threw her legs over her bed, standing up and stretching before she noticed something on her nightstand.
A note was propped on top of a plate of Oreo cookies with a cup of milk. It was still warm.
Sakura,
You can't live without Oreo cookies, right?
Sasuke.
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He hides a faint blush of embarrassment.
So…whenever you eat Oreo cookies, you better think of me.
But nooo, Sasuke-kun, you're not just an Oreo cookie!
He smirked.
So then what am I?
You're the double stuff Oreo cookie!
He growled.
But that's why I love you!
And he just can't bring himself to stop smiling when he kisses her.