Soon the snow started to damper. Naruto had taken gotten the hang of goat farming. Sakura was busy full time between teaching and healing. The snow eventually melted down to a tolerable level and the roads opened back up. Spring passed and then summer. It was harder to gauge the time of year in Wellsprings because they had pine trees which didn't change color or loose leaves.
"To think it's been a year," Sakura remininced.
Naruto put his arm around her shoulder and joined her looking out the window. "How's Mika's training coming?"
"She'll be the next doctor of this town for sure," Sakura admitted. "Tonight I'll touch up your hair."
Naruto was still bald. He had a little prickly stubble coming in and Sakura rubbed his head, enjoying the feel. "I wish you'd let it grow out. I did," she motioned to her hair, now down to her chin in a bob.
"I still could be recognized. I cant let this town pay for my crimes," said Naruto.
Sakura wasn't about to argue with him, they'd had this argument a dozen times before. She just rubbed his head again. "You know I've been thinking Naruto..."
"Should I be scared?" He put on his best scared face.
She swatted him playfully. "Actually I was thinking about us, our future and all."
"We're staying here right?"
"Yeah. That's my point. I want to settle down and I want to try being involved with someone."
Naruto went still and nodded. "Okay. I understand."
"I mean to say that, well it would be hard since nobody can know about our past. And it doesn't feel right knowing that we'd be lying to them."
"So what do you want to do?"
Sakura took a few deep breaths and turned, taking his hands. "What do you think about us Naruto? We wouldn't have to hide from each other. I know you used to like me. I mean it just makes sense really..."
Naruto pulled his hands away and looked repulsed. "Sakura you want to start a fake-"
"It's not fake," Sakura was taken aback that he would think that.
"But you don't love me. I don't want you to be with me just because it's convenient."
"I do love you," Sakura whispered. "I know I feel something for you Naruto."
"You love Sasuke," he whispered back.
"Well, where is Sasuke? He's left us. He didn't come after us. He made his choice and so have I. I'm sticking by you forever."
"Sakura..."
"I told you I love you once before didn't I? Look at me in the eyes. Tell me I'm lying again. I dare you."
He looked her deep in the eyes. He searched for the lie like he had three years prior. He didn't find it. After a second he began laughing. "I cant believe I'm trying to talk you out of liking me."
"you're such an idiot Naruto," Sakura said endearingly. She put her hand on his cheek and he put his over hers. "But I'm so serious. I want to give you a chance. Let me. Please."
Naruto hesitantly nodded. "I'd like that."
"Um..." Sakura glanced at her feet then back up. "Can I... um..."
"That's something you never have to ask," Naruto grinned big. His face softened.
"Don't look at me," snapped Sakura lightly. "Close your eyes."
Naruto did so, having to go by touch alone. Seconds later he felt her lips on his. The first time this had happened. He'd never had this happen. His heart skipped a beat and he opened his eyes instinctively. Sakura had hers closed.
"Oh. Um. Wow."
Sakura nodded and put her head into his chest, hiding her blush. "I just wanted to check."
"Check what?"
"That I felt something."
"And... did you?"
"I did," she smiled up at him and laughed lightly.
He pulled away and opened a cupboard, a small ceramic vase was pulled down and he uncorked it. "I got this from Taka. It's some Sake," he poured it into two glasses.
"Drinking in the day? What's the occasion?"
He handed her one and took the other for himself, clinking the glasses together. "To the future."
"To out future."
They raised the glasses to their lips and swallowed. For a moment they were lost just staring at one another. Sakura opened her mouth.
A knock interrupted them.
They turned to the door. "Oh," Sakura couldn't mask the disappointment in her voice as she made for the door. "I promised Mikasa some goat cheese for her grandparents."
She opened the door and instead of a friendly greeting she nearly flew back with a gasp, tripping over her own feet and nearly falling. Naruto caught her, starting to joke about how clumsy she could be, but his eyes widened when he saw who was standing at the door.
"Well, are you gonna let us in or do we have to stay out here?" Kakashi smirked.
