Date: 8/26/13
Rating: T
Genre: Cute, Humor, Romance
Prompt: Sasuke has no alcohol tolerance.

Sakura.

She didn't get it.

S-sakura.

She didn't know how it happened.

S-sakuura.

Actually, she did. She just didn't think things would end up like this so quickly—leaving the bar right when the party was beginning to liven up, stumbling through the streets of Konoha just barely past midnight—to the countless passerby's amusement, to her sober embarrassment, and to his blissful ignorance. He said her name again. And again. And again, until she couldn't ignore it anymore. She turned. "Yes, Sasuke-kun?"

"Where—Where are we going?" he asked, slurring his words, the slight stench of alcohol reaching her senses every time he breathed. Sakura frowned. Two drinks. That's all it took. Two drinks, and already his cheeks were flushed, his eyes half-lidded, his balance shot.

"I already told you before, Sasuke-kun," she said in a voice that conveyed a patience wearing thin, huffing as she shifted his arm around her shoulder to a more, but not by much, comfortable position. She cursed under her breath. Two drinks. Sakura knew Sasuke was many things—strong, intelligent, the occasional idiot—but she never would have pegged him as a lightweight. Two. "I'm taking you home."

He nodded, bobbing his head up and down in pseudo-comprehension as he leaned more of his weight against her body, stumbling on air. Sakura shook her head. She knew he wasn't really listening; he never did. And she couldn't help but wonder how long he'd wait this time until he'd ask again.

Three minutes, apparently.

But before she could answer his question for the umpteenth time, Sasuke's apartment finally came into view, prompting Sakura to pump whatever chakra she could into her arms and legs and run towards the door, dragging Sasuke in the process, not that he seemed to care—or notice. Throwing a haphazard apology once they stood outside his door, Sakura took his arm off her shoulder and asked him for his keys, thankful that they'd made it in once piece; freedom was but a tucked Uchiha away.

However, just as she was about to take them from his hand, Sasuke raised his arm above his head, the keys just out of her reach. She swore. "Sasuke-kun—"

"Wait," he said, his words slightly less slurred, though still quite and very drunk. "You asked me, before, you asked me—why I went out tonight." Sasuke placed his other hand back on her shoulder, leaning forward to steady himself, though poorly so. "Do—Do you remember?"

Sakura rolled her eyes and quickly grabbed onto him before he leaned too forward and fell on top of her. "Of course," she grunted, still unable to take the keys from him, "I do."

How could she forget? It happened not even half and hour ago, and though she knew it wasn't entirely her fault, she was responsible for Sasuke's current state. They'd all arrived at the bar around 10:30, ready to drink, ready to dance, ready to let loose the one night no one was away on a mission. All of them, except for one.

She found him sitting by himself at the bar, watching, brooding, and scaring off anyone brave enough to flirt with him—men and women alike. Sakura laughed; that was just like Sasuke. He was never one for social gatherings, usually opting to spend his time training or, well, training. But, Sakura told herself as she made her way over to him, she would change that—or at least she would try.

Come on, Sasuke-kun! Live a little! If you're not going to have at least a drink, why did you even decide to come tonight?

Two drinks.

And that's all it took. Two.

Sakura paused in her efforts to retrieve his keys. Sasuke said something, mumbled it, but from the looks in his eyes—his drunken eyes—she knew it was something important. She lowered her hand. "What?" He bowed his head, mumbling the same words again. She huffed. "Sasuke-kun," she said, her tone stern, exasperated, tired, "I can't understand what you're saying. You have to say it louder."

He looked up, but he didn't say anything.

He looked up, and he lowered his hand.

He looked up, and he kissed her.

But there were no fireworks, no electricity, no sparks—just a gasp and a quickened heartbeat; just her back and two palms pressed against the door—because her eyes were open; because it was unexpected; because it was weird. He wasn't even moving, but neither was she, both frozen as their lips were pressed together in a chaste, yet awkward kiss.

And after what couldn't have been more than five seconds, Sasuke finally pulled away and opened his eyes. "I went—I went because," he said slowly, lifting her palm off the door with the hand that held the keys, intertwining their fingers, leaning his head forward so his lips brushed her ear, so his breath tickled her skin, "because I like you. Really—like you."

Her eyes widened, wondering if she heard him correctly, wondering if he meant it, remembering the phrase 'In vino veritas.' She swallowed. In wine there is truth. But she didn't even know what to say, or what to think, or how to respond. Blank. "I—"

But he collapsed against her before she could utter another syllable, falling limp, releasing her hand and inadvertently giving her his keys. She sighed, the corners of her mouth turning upwards into a small smile. "I think it's time you get to bed."

Carefully maneuvering Sasuke's body and placing his arm around her shoulder once more, Sakura unlocked his door and entered his apartment, slowly leading him to his bedroom and tucking him in. She smiled, relieved, refusing to think about what tomorrow would bring, shoving her worries and questions to the back of her mind. Maybe, she thought as she went to turn off Sasuke's—not quite sure if she wanted to be right or wrong—he wouldn't even remember what happened. Maybe—

"Wait, don't go." His hand held on to her wrist tightly though his eyes remained closed, refusing to let go despite Sakura's protests. "Stay with me."

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Sasuke-kun."

He opened his eyes. "Sakura, please. You—You don't have to worry. I just want you to be—to be here. With me." He tugged on her arm lightly, pulling her closer to the bed. "Even when I wake up. I want you to be here."

Sakura sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Sasuke-kun, listen to me," she said gently, "I really don't think now's the best time for this. It's getting late, and I'm tired."

"I'm tired, too, Sakura."

"I know. That's why you're in bed now."

Sasuke shook his head. "No, that's not—that's not what I meant," he said, looking up at her with eyes that made Sakura heart clench, "I'm tired—of being alone." He let go of her wrist, giving her the freedom to choose. "So please, stay. Please."

She bowed her head.

One word. And that's all it took. One.

"Okay."