AN: This story starts a few years after the chapter 699 of the manga.

Discaimer: Pycnopyrex do not own the Naruto series except for this story's plot.

Chapter 3

The Rokudaime decided to get out of his office early. He was invited by Shikamaru to have dinner at his house but he declined. He told him that he'll swing by Icharaku and buy ramen on the way back home. His adviser often invites him to eat dinner at his house because he knew that the Hokage eats alone on his home. Shikamaru didn't want Naruto to eat ramen all the time no matter how delicious it is.

On his way back, he thought of eating first but it's still early and he wasn't hungry yet. He was also surprised himself for not having any appetite at all. He decided to skip dinner and head home.

When going home, Naruto decides to go to Hokage-iwa which overlooked the entire Konohagakure to see his bustling village embraced the coming of night. He stayed a little while and then decided to go back to his place.

By the time Naruto reached his house, he can smell a delicious smell and of course, he already sensed Sakura inside.

He entered his house and untied his shoes at the doorway when he heard Sakura coming towards him and greeted him.

"Welcome home, Hokage-sama!", Sakura greet enthusiastically.

Naruto blushed deeply. He was not used to this. No one greets him whenever he comes home. He just stared at Sakura. It was so heart warming.

"Hey Hokage-sama!", Sakura called him as he shaked himself in his daze.

"Oh. Ummm", he diverted his gaze, scratch his neck in the back and replied, "I... I'm back!"

Naruto didn't noticed but Sakura blushed back. She immediately turned around and get back to the kitchen.

"Just wait a little, Hokage-sama. Dinner is almost ready."

"It's fine. Just take your time and I already told you to address me casually." , he replied loudly as he watched her walked away from him. He was still not used to be called Hokage especially by his friends.

Naruto went straight to his room and changed clothes. Through his door, he can sensed Sakura while she is cooking.

'What are you doing, Sakura-chan? If this continues, I will get used to this and I will never let you go.', he thought.

'Then don't let her go.', Kurama butted in.

'What?! Kurama, what are doing here?! And why are you listening?!', Naruto asked surprised in his thoughts.

'I'm originally inside you, kiddo.', Kurama sarcastically answered.

'Tsk. So you're back. How are the others?'

'They're fine and still glad you made that meeting place yo.'

'Hey, why are you sounding like Bee?'

'Tsk. That doesn't matter. What matters is the woman in your kitchen. I didn't know you already have a wife.', Kurama teased.

'Shut up Kurama! She's not my wife.', Naruto denied.

'But you want her to be.', Kurama shot back.

He didn't answer back.

'What's holding you back, idiot? Why can't you just tell her that you still have feelings for her. Look at the circumstances, she's giving you chances.'

'But we can't be sure…'

'What's not to be sure of? Is this not enough?'

'Maybe.', he thought sadly.

'Maybe, what?'

'Maybe she's just missing Sasuke. Maybe she's thinking of him and not of me.'

'Tsk. I don't want to talk you anymore. You have a lot of cowardly excuses.'

He was silent again. Kurama decided then to leave him alone.

"Naruto, dinner is ready.", Sakura announced.

"Okay. I'll be right there, Sakura-chan.", he answered.

…...…...…

The two eat silently. Naruto was in deep thoughts while Sakura started to worry that Naruto didn't like her cooking. Maybe he didn't like the taste or maybe he's mad because of her invading his kitchen.

"Uhm. Naruto, are you ok? Does the food taste bad?", she asked worriedly.

"No, Sakura-chan. It's really delicious-ttebayou.", he said with a big smile in his face.

"Really? Then why are you silent? I really thought you think it taste bad."

"Well…"

He tried to think of a reason.

"Are you mad?" She asked worriedly again.

"Mad? Mad on what?", he asked.

"For staying here longer and for invading your kitchen. And for filling up your refrigerator.", she answered shyly.

"What?", Naruto asked confusedly.

"I'm sorry. Well, you have lots of instant goods here and I thought of buying groceries so that you will be forced to eat healthy food as my thanks for letting me stay here. Also, I'm your doctor after all. I should see to it you're always healthy.", Sakura said confidently.

"Eh.. Well, you know, I don't always eat instant food. I sometimes asks my maid to prepare food for me." Naruto replied.

"Really?", Sakura asked doubtly.

Naruto just scratched his neck.

"Anyways, I'll be gone tonight. I'm on night shift duty tonight. But I'll go home tomorrow because it's my day off.", she told him.

"Oh! Well, take care, Sakura-chan.", Naruto said.

"Thanks for accommodating me, Naruto. Tomorrow, I'll find a place near the hospital, so I won't be invading houses anymore.", she giggled a little remembering her sleepovers.

"So you've stayed in many houses?" Naruto was curious.

'Did she slept over to another man's house?' Naruto thought.

"Yup. At first, I've stayed with Ino. They welcomed me but they have a child. I really can't sleep well and I sometimes took care of Inojin. It's not that I'm complaining but I really want to rest. I also stayed with Hinata. The Hyuugas were really hospitable but it made me uncomfortable. They have a lot of maids and every time I try to do something, they'll asked me if there something I want. I felt like a princess there and I'm not used to that.", They both laugh. "Tenten's house was very far, so I've never been there. So yours' was the third one. At first, I doubt I can stay here since, you know, you're the Hokage and you're currently avoiding me." She stared at his eyes and he stared back.

"I took the risk hoping that after this, you won't avoid me anymore," she said sadly. " and hopefully, with Sasuke too." Sakura continued to look at his eyes but Naruto looked down. He didn't want to answer. It stayed awkwardly silent after that and they finished their dinner.

He tried to clean up, insisting that Sakura already made dinner and had to be ready for work so he has to clean it up. But she was adamant that as part of her thanks she'll clean it. He then excused himself to his room saying he has to follow up some work. Sakura just nodded.

Naruto tried working on his desk but he was distracted. He can sensed Sakura preparing for work.

"Hokage-sama, thank you for your hospitality. Till then."

He can hear her through the door and as she stood there waiting for his reply. He can hear her sigh as she walked away. Naruto heard the door close. Sakura is off to work and tomorrow she's not going to be here anymore in his house. Naruto then decided to go to bed. He dropped to his bed. He shifted so that he can see the ceiling of his room while he put his one arm on his forehead. He closed his eyes and sighed while willing himself to sleep.

...…..

Author's note: thank you for the reviews. Pycnopyrex is so thankful. It's soooooo heartwarming.

Another authors note: pycnopyrex told someone that she will not follow the canon, but she mention Inojin. Its because she support other ships. This is the list of ships she supports (some are canons, some are not). Naruto x Sakura, Sai x Ino, Shikamaru x Temari, Sasuke x Karin, Kiba x Hinata, Lee x Tenten. This list doesn't mean that they will appear in this story. It depends…hehe

Additional author's note: salamat iannerie for editing