a/n
This chapter is rather short because it is one broken into two. Part two should be out tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
xxx
"This is pointless." Sakura hears Sasuke say from a few paces behind her. She can feel his frown from here, and she knows that he hasn't been pleased since they received this B rank escort mission. She assumes that he wanted something grittier, and instead they are stuck with the Fire Daimyo who was in Konoha for annual negotiations between the lords and the shinobi of Fire.
Unlike Sasuke, Sakura doesn't mind too much. Naruto looks happy as well, as he chatters over his shoulder, at her and the Lord, about the wonders of ramen broth. The sun is shining brightly down on them, there is a breeze, and they won't have to travel too far. Additionally, the sharingan research is encased safely in her satchel, and this situation feels like a win win. -How can it not be? Her team are together again, and the dynamic is surprisingly familiar – and comfortable.
The medic looks over her shoulder at her grumpy teammate. Their eyes meet, and Sakura feels her chest squeeze. She turns back in time to feel her cheeks heat, and she forces herself to look forward. Sasuke doesn't look happy, but he doesn't seem to be upset either. He has already aired his complaints, but Sakura knows that he would not have turned Kakashi's mission down; Sasuke likes leaving the village too much for that.
"It's not all bad, Sasuke-kun." Sakura says without looking back, the older man beside her nods in agreement.
"The sun is shining, we're alive, and I've got a pretty lady by my side." The Daimyo says, and Sakura can't help the giggle that rises to her throat.
"You're very kind." She says, and the man shakes his head.
"Is it kindness if it is truth?" The Daimyo flirts.
Sakura smiles wryly at the man, and accepts the compliment. He reminds her of a few of her civilian patients.
Sasuke scoffs from behind, and Sakura's mood is threatened, just a little. He doesn't need to be rude just because he doesn't agree.
"Relax, young one." The Daimyo says to Sasuke, while still looking ahead. "I'm much too old to be stealing your girl, but can't a man dream?" He finishes, directing the last part at Sakura, who blushes. If only the Daimyo knew the truth.
Sasuke doesn't reply, and Sakura apologises on his behalf; the Daimyo is their guest until he arrives home, whereupon they will be his guests for the night.
"Sorry about Sasuke. He is just a little off at the moment." She says, and Naruto barks a laugh from in front, while Sasuke scowls.
"Yeah." He grins, turning around. Naruto walks backwards with ease, and he winks at Sasuke. "He was born that way." The blond says, and Sakura sees Naruto's reaction to what she can assume to be Sasuke's silent (and probably very rude) retaliation.
Naruto moves to respond, and Sakura stops him.
"Naruto." She says calmly, but commandingly, "You are going to be Hokage. You should remember that."
Her friend's hand lowers, and he rethinks giving Sasuke a rude hand sign. He does nod in understanding, however.
"You're right." He sighs. "Thanks Sakura-chan. I apologise Daimyo-sama."
"It's quite alright." The old man replies, looking wistful. "I remember what it was like to be a lad…"
It is nightfall by the time the small group reach the feudal lord's home. The estate is shrouded in darkness, but Sakura can still see the traditional layered building, with Japanese roofing, and the trees that surround it. The Fire Country is known for its lush forests, and this place is no different; there is greenery everywhere. There are steps that lead up to the large building, lined with fiery posts.
The Daimyo's people await him at the top of the stairs to greet his safe return, and Sakura smiles as their 'cargo' is passed off.
A servant is instructed to prepare their sleeping arrangements, and the Daimyo commands that he be fed.
"But, my lord, your bath." Someone pipe's up, and the leader shakes his head.
"It's late, and I am hungry. My chambers will be prepared during dinner." He replies curtly, sounding more serious than Sakura has heard today.
"Yes, my lord." The servant man replies, bowing his head.
"Do not question me next time." The Daimyo orders, and he receives an apology in return.
"Would you care to join me, Naruto-kun? Your Hokage has told me much about you. I'm sure that we will have much contact in the future." The older man asks and Naruto beams happily.
"Sounds great." The Hokage-to-be replies, and the Daimyo looks pleased, before moving his attention to Sakura and Sasuke.
"You are also welcome, of course." He gestures with his hand as he speaks, and Sakura peers into the large dining area.
"Ah. No thank you, Daimyo-sama." She says apologetically. "Sasuke and I have some work of our own that needs to be done." She replies, patting her extremely full satchel. "I hope you don't mind." Sakura smiles. She doesn't want to offend the man.
"Nonsense, if you must work, you must work." The Daimyo smiles in understanding, and ushers a servant forward to attend them.
"Please show the shinobi to our guest quarters." The man says, and the servant girl nods silently.
"This way." She says politely, and Sakura is first to follow. Sasuke falls into step beside her, and they walk in silence.
It is a fairly short walk to the second floor where the bedrooms are located. The floors are carpeted red, and the walls are a deep cream. All of the doors seem to be a deep coloured wood, matching the trees in the surrounding forest; they are all shut aside from one.
"I hope this will do." The servant says, standing just outside the open doorway. She motions to go inside but not before asking, "Would you like dinner served to your room?"
There is a pause as the medic processes the question. Then, Sakura coughs (more like sputters), as she realises -
"Room." She sounds it out - as if to confirm that a plural definitely wasn't used.
Her eyes widen a fraction and Sakura begins to say,
"I'm sorry but –"
Sasuke cuts her off.
"Yes." He confirms with a nod.
Sakura sputters some more, and directs her question to Sasuke,
"What?" She asks, glancing up at her team mate.
"We will eat here." Sasuke reiterates blankly, and he looks annoyed for some reason. Without another word he disappears through the open door and out of sight.
She isn't quite sure what just happened, and the girl in front of her asks,
"Is there anything else that you require?"
Sakura frowns slightly, and bites her bottom lip, as she thinks of Sasuke's choice.
"No. I don't suppose there is..." She replies. She can hear the curious, but baffled, lilt in her own voice; it is unsurprising.
The servant nods, "Your meals won't be long." She assures, inclining her head as she releases herself.
"Thank you..." Sakura replies absently.
She stands for a moment, and takes in a deep breath. Her eyes close and Sakura attempts to process the situation; she is doing a poor job of it so far.
It doesn't make sense to her - Sakura just doesn't get it. There are plenty of other rooms attached to this corridor, and she is certain that the Daimyo would allow another…so why did Sasuke cut her off?
Why are they sharing a room?
Will Naruto be sharing with them?
Her eyes narrow and Sakura crosses the threshold.
She will have to ask Sasuke.