Damn, another update!

Saturday Morning.

Naruto's phone buzzed softly on her nightstand, the dim morning light filtering through the curtains and illuminating its screen. The name "Dr. Bastard" flashed, bringing a slight smile to her lips.

Dr. Bastard: "Morning, Dr. Sunshine. You up yet?"

Naruto chuckled at the nickname and shot back a response:

Dr. Sunshine: "Barely. What's so urgent?"

Seconds later, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Sasuke. She hesitated for a moment, then answered, chuckling, Naruto replied, "A bit eager this morning, aren't we?"

His deep voice, filled with a warmth that made her heart race, replied, "Well," he began, his voice a little more hesitant, "I wanted to hear your voice. It's a good way to start the day."

The pair found themselves easily sliding into a light conversation, sharing trivial details of their mornings, laughing about the mundane. They spoke about mundane things: the weather, what they had planned for the day, and some office gossip. But underneath the casual chatter was a palpable tension, the unsaid feelings making every word heavy with meaning. But Sasuke, never one to miss an opportunity, soon let his flirty side emerge. "I bet you look stunning right now, even if you just woke up."

Naruto, taken aback and blushing furiously, managed to sputter out, "Why would you even say that?"

He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Naruto's spine. "I can imagine that blush on your cheeks. Am I right?"

Caught in her embarrassment, she stuttered, "Maybe... What does it matter to you?"

The tone of the conversation shifted, taking a more profound, more intense turn. Sasuke's voice softened. "I thought about last night. About that kiss. I've waited for that moment, for what feels like forever, Naruto." Taking the edge off, he continued, "So, about last night," Sasuke started, a hint of mischief evident in his tone, making Naruto's heart race. "Were you perhaps... blushing when I kissed you?"

Naruto's heart raced, her mouth going dry. She could hear the raw emotion in Sasuke's voice, as well as mischievousness, and it mirrored the turmoil and ache within her. Naruto's cheeks warmed at the memory, and she responded with feigned indignance, "What if I was?!"

Smiling, Sasuke continued, "Every time I dreamt of love, every time I tried to understand what it meant, it was always your face I saw. But that also scares me. I'm walking into something I've always wanted, and I'm terrified."

Naruto felt like a toad had settled in her throat; as much as she tried to respond, her voice just refused to leave.

Sasuke chuckled, "I wish I could see you right now. You have this adorable way of blushing right from the tip of your nose."

Naruto rolled her eyes as she rubbed her throat, hoping that the lump she felt in her throat would go away. To lighten the mood, she softly smiled, "Who knew the great Uchiha Sasuke was such a romantic at heart?"

He sighed, "Only with you, Naruto."

Feeling shy and slightly overwhelmed, Naruto muttered, "You have a peculiar way of noticing things, Sasuke."

They both lay in silence; there were many words that needed to be said, yet none at all.

Naruto broke the silence, hoping to elevate some of the tension and the familiar ache she felt within her body. "You know Uchiha," she started, with a playful edge to it, the one that made Sasuke's heart race, "for someone who's supposed to be so brooding and mysterious, you're doing a terrible job at hiding your feelings."

Sasuke smirked, "Maybe I don't want to hide them. At least, not from you."

There was a slight pause; Sasuke asked with a smirk in his voice, "By the way, how many shades of red can you turn? I've counted at least three since we've met."

Naruto rolled her eyes, again.

He chuckled, "I'd argue there's more, but then again, I've seen you turn a very fascinating shade of tomato red."

Naruto laughed, "Oh, please! I don't turn tomato-red. Maybe... cherry-red, at most."

"Cherry-red, tomato-red, same difference," Sasuke teased. "Besides, I've seen you go even redder. Especially when I caught you singing to yourself in the chem lab that one time."

Naruto gasped dramatically, "How dare you, Uchiha. You promised never to speak of that! I forgot that happened; it's been two decades!"

Sasuke laughed, "Well, I think it's only fair game now. After all, I've been putting my heart on the line here."

Naruto's voice softened, "You know, for all your teasing, you're quite the softie, Uchiha."

Sasuke pretended to be offended, "I'll have you know that's a well-guarded secret. If word got out, my brooding reputation would be ruined."

She giggled, "Your secret's safe with me. But only if you promise to keep my stellar singing skills under wraps."

He chuckled, "Deal. But only if I get a private concert sometime."

Naruto laughed, "You're pushing your luck now, Sasuke."

With a grin that Naruto could almost hear through the phone, Sasuke replied, "With you, Dr. Sunshine, I always will."

Listening to him and the raw edge in his voice made Naruto's eyes mist over. The vulnerability in his voice as they spoke mirrored her own feelings. She took a deep breath, her voice quivering, "Sasuke," she began, her voice shaky, "I feel the same. This is new and terrifying for me, too. I've been so careful with my heart, especially after everything. Reuniting with you... It feels like coming home. But it also scares me so much that my veins become ice."

Sasuke let out a deep breath, "I know. It's just... this is new territory for both of us."

Naruto chuckled softly, "Look at us, two grown-ups scared of falling in love. You'd think we're in some cheesy romance novel."

He laughed, "Well if this were a novel, I'd definitely be the brooding, mysterious lead. But there's one thing that you got wrong, Hatake."

Curious, Naruto asked, "What's that?"

Naruto could hear Sasuke pulling the covers off and the sheet rustling. "Sasuke?" she asked.

"Naruto," Sasuke said seriously, "I'm not falling in love. I am in love, truly, madly, deeply." Sasuke took a deep breath, "Naruto, I'm not merely 'falling' in love with you. I've been in love with you – truly, madly, deeply. It's not the fleeting kind of love that brushes past you like a gentle wind; it's the consuming kind that engulfs every fibre of your being. Every sunrise reminds me of your smile and every sunset of the warmth of your eyes. My days begin and end with the mere thought of you. It's the kind of love that makes it hard to breathe when you're near and even harder when you're far away. I've never felt like this for anyone else, Naruto. You're not just in my heart; you've become a part of it. And I was going to tell you this after graduation, but you never showed up. I looked for you, I asked Kakashi, and he told me you left, and you requested that none of your high school peers ever contact you."

Naruto's heart raced, her azure eyes widening with surprise and vulnerability as Sasuke laid his feelings bare. Each word resonated within her, striking chords of memories and emotions she had long suppressed. The weight of his confession, the intensity of his voice, left her feeling like she was floating and sinking at the same time. A myriad of emotions welled up within her – surprise, joy, guilt, and a deep pang of sadness. Sasuke's revelation about searching for her after graduation brought tears to her eyes. She remembered making that request to Kakashi, a bid to move past the pain of her tumultuous last year of high school. It was a protective measure, a way to shield herself from old wounds. But learning that Sasuke had actively sought her out, only to be turned away, made her heartache. She had inadvertently constructed barriers, pushing away the very person she had hoped would break them down.

The static hum of the phone connection mixed with the heavy breathing of two nervous souls on either end. Naruto began, "Sasuke, about the request... after graduation, I—" but she was quickly interrupted by Sasuke's voice, firm but gentle.

She was interrupted by Sasuke's voice, more assertive now, but filled with a quiet understanding. "Naruto, you don't need to explain. I get it. I was blind, driven by jealousy, and I let it dictate how I treated you." His voice softened. "I was a complete jerk."

Naruto chuckled softly, "That's one way to put it."

She could almost picture him running a hand through his raven-black hair, an old habit whenever he was frustrated or contemplating. Naruto opened her mouth to interject, but Sasuke continued, "I know words can't change the past, but believe me when I say I'm not that same thoughtless teenager anymore. You were my anchor, even if I never showed it. And when I saw you with Itachi, my stupidity made me act out in ways I regret now." A playful smirk entered his voice, "I've matured quite a bit, and if I may say, I've grown into a rather handsome man."

Naruto's voice wavered as she tried to find the right words, but Sasuke gently cut in, "All I want you to know is that the boy who hurt you back then has grown. I want to be the man who makes things right, Naruto. So, please... trust in that."

She laughed, the warmth of it breaking through the tension. "Always so modest, huh?"

He chuckled. "All I want now is to show you how much I've changed, Naruto. If you're willing to give me, us, a chance."

The raw honesty in his voice melted Naruto's remaining defences, and she whispered, "Let's take it one step at a time, Sasuke. One step."

"One step," Sasuke agreed.

"But," Naruto said, grinning, "That said, if you break my heart, I'll personally kick your ass. Then I'll sync Kakashi onto you, and he's a lawyer. Trust me, he can do some damage."

Sasuke laughed softly, "That's a deal. But Naruto... thank you. For feeling the same."

Their conversation continued, filled with flirty banter and deep confessions. Both were stepping into uncharted territory.

Sunday evening.

The room was quiet, filled only with the light chattering of dishes as Sarada prepared tea for her grandmother and uncle Itachi. Sarada called him early Saturday morning, informing him she had questions and needed his help. Lo and behold, the doorbell rings Sunday afternoon with her grandmother and uncle at the front door. To say Sasuke was surprised and annoyed was an understatement. The older Uchiha had come over as soon as he had gotten Sarada's call. Sitting on the living room couch, Itachi's sharp eyes analyzed his niece, sensing what might be on the mind of the young Uchiha.

Finally, Sarada broke the silence, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and hurt. "Uncle Itachi, why didn't anyone tell me about Dad and Dr. Uzumaki? About their...relationship?"

Itachi sighed, sipping his tea thoughtfully. "It's a bit complicated, Sarada. They both share a deep history, one filled with many misunderstandings and hurt feelings. After Naruto and Sasuke went their separate ways, the pain was evident. The family decided it was best to give them both space. We kept in touch with Naruto but never mentioned her to your dad, and vice versa. We didn't want to open old wounds." Itachi sighed. "Sarada, some stories are buried deep because they carry pain. It's not that we wanted to keep it a secret from you, but we didn't want to open old wounds, especially when both Naruto and Sasuke had seemingly moved on."

Sarada narrowed her eyes, "But everyone in the family knows her, don't they? And they still meet her? But that seems so... dishonest."

"It wasn't about deception," Itachi clarified, "It was about respect for their feelings. Naruto and your dad they had a powerful bond. But misunderstandings, especially at a young age, can cause deep rifts. We wanted them to heal separately. And now, seeing them reconnect may be the right decision."

"But Dr. Uzumaki has been an important friend of the family?" She questioned.

He nodded slowly. "She might not be a Uchiha by blood, but your grandparents had always seen Naruto, Kakashi and Iruka as family. To answer your question, yes, we are still in contact with Naruto. After all, she's family. Her brother Kakashi and I have been friends for years – you know Kakashi. But we made a conscious decision never to mention Naruto in front of Sasuke and vice versa. It seemed easier. We also ensured that they never came into contact during family gatherings or events, respecting their past and the pain associated with it."

Sarada mulled this over. "So, everyone's still in touch with Dr. Uzumaki?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes, she's close to Kakashi and Iruka, and attends family events occasionally. But we always ensured she and Sasuke never crossed paths. Which is also why you've never met her."

Sarada leaned back, absorbing all the information. "Thanks for being honest, Uncle." Sarada looked visibly upset. "But that's so unfair! If they still have feelings for each other, shouldn't they have been given a chance to sort it out?"

Itachi paused, trying to find the right words. "Sarada, adult relationships can be complicated. It wasn't our place to push them together or interfere. They had to find their way back to each other if it was meant to be. We could only support them from a distance."

She bit her lip, processing the information. "I just wish they had found each other sooner."

Itachi smiled gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Destiny has its timing, Sarada. And sometimes, the journey makes the reunion even sweeter. Trust in their journey and in their decisions. They'll find their way if it's meant to be."

Sarada hugged her uncle, taking solace in his wisdom and warmth. Sarada held her tea mug, the warmth seeping into her hands, mirroring the warmth she felt around her uncle.

The ambiance in the Uchiha living room was relaxed, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions both Itachi and Sarada were feeling. Itachi studied her with gentle eyes. "Sarada," he started, "I've been wondering... how do you feel about your dad possibly dating again?"

Sarada looked into the distance, her expression contemplative. "It's... strange. Dad's always been about me. Even after mom and he separated, he never really brought anyone home. I've been his focus. So, the idea of sharing him is... weird." She paused, biting her lower lip. "But he deserves happiness. Everyone does."

Itachi nodded in understanding. "It's only natural to feel that way. But everyone, including your dad, deserves happiness and companionship. Especially after all these years. And what about Dr. Uzumaki? You've spent some time with her now. How do you feel about her possibly becoming a consistent presence in your life?"

Sarada looked up, her eyes shimmering. "I know. And that's why when I see him with Dr. Uzumaki, or...Naruto," she corrected herself with a shy smile, "I can't help but feel hopeful. She's kind, warm, and understanding. It's like... like she's always been a part of our lives." She paused, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I love how she's able to handle Dad, put him in his place, and make him understand my perspective." Sarada smiled slightly, "I like her. Naruto is kind and funny, and she listens. It's like... she fits, kind of like a missing jigsaw puzzle. Plus, Shinki's pretty cool too." She paused, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's comforting, you know?"

Itachi's heart swelled with relief and hope. He had always wished for his brother to find happiness and Naruto seemed to be the key to that. "That's a wonderful thing, Sarada. Change is inevitable, but it can be a good thing. If Naruto and your father make each other happy, then it's a blessing." Itachi looked thoughtful. "Speaking of relationships, how do you feel about Sakura? I've noticed you don't mention her as often."

A shadow passed over Sarada's eyes. "She's... distant. I know she loves me, but it's like there's always been a wall between us. She's always busy, and even when she's home, she's not really 'there', you know? I just wish she was... closer. More present." Sarada took a deep breath, "I just wish mom was more... I don't know. I understand she has her own life, her own commitments. But sometimes, it feels like I'm a mere obligation, which I know is not true, but ..."

Itachi reached out, placing a comforting hand on Sarada's. "Your mom loves you in her own way. But it's okay to seek comfort and connection where you find it. The heart has a unique way of finding its solace. Families are complicated. But know that everyone loves you in their own ways. Give Sakura some time. Maybe she'll find a way back to you with the changes happening now." "

Sarada smiled, wiping away a stray tear. "Thank you, Uncle Itachi. You always know what to say."

Itachi winked. "It's a big brother thing or an uncle thing, take your pick."

Sarada nodded, looking hopeful. She then looked up at Itachi with a cheeky grin. "Speaking of feelings and fighting chances, tell me more about Aunt Izumi. How did you two end up together?"

Itachi blushed, a rarity. "Ah, well, that's a story for another time."

The two shared a laugh, the bond between uncle and niece evident. As the cozy atmosphere between Sarada and Itachi continued, a soft shuffle sounded from the corridor. Mikoto Uchiha, Sasuke and Itachi's mother had been listening from the kitchen, her experienced ears picking up the sound of her granddaughter talking. She walked in with an extra cup of tea and a playful smirk. "Did I hear someone talking about love stories?" she asked.

Sarada looked up in surprise. "Grandma!"

"Ah, look at my favourite people bonding without me!" she playfully scolded, her voice warm as she approached. Mikoto chuckled, taking a seat across from Sarada and Itachi. "I believe your uncle hasn't told you everything about his youthful days. Would you like to hear a little tale?"

Itachi's eyes widened, and he shot his mother a look of mock horror. "Mother, you wouldn't..."

Sarada's interest was piqued. "Oh, please, Grandma! I want to hear this!"

Sarada's eyes lit up with curiosity while Itachi groaned, knowing all too well where this was headed. "Not that story, Mom."

Mikoto smirked, her gaze teasing. "Oh, most definitely that story." Mikoto leaned forward, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

As Sarada sipped her tea, Mikoto settled herself comfortably and began, "You see, Sarada, love in the Uchiha family has its... peculiarities. Your father had or is having his own moments, and so did your uncle here."

Sarada leaned forward, intrigued. "What happened?"

Mikoto sipped her tea before saying, "It was during a festival. Itachi was around … 26 or 27 then, and he had eyes for only one girl, your aunt, Izumi Uchiha. He was smitten, but being Itachi, he was rather... shy about it."

Itachi groaned, burying his face in his hands, but Sarada urged her grandmother to continue with eager nods. Sarada chuckled at his discomfort.

"Your uncle was nearing the end of residency when he came home for a few weeks. Just so it happens, it fell during a festival. Izumi was working on her Ph.D. thesis then, so she was often in the library as Itachi, where Itachi saw that many of the guys there were hitting on her. Feeling jealous, he decided to buy Izumi a beautiful trinket during the festival in hopes of asking her out for dinner. With his heart pounding in his chest."

"It was not mother," Itachi groaned.

Mikoto ignored her son, continuing, "he went up to her, ready to express his feelings. But, instead of a heartfelt confession, he stumbled on a loose stone, and the trinket went flying, landing right in a pond."

Sarada's eyes widened in surprise, and a laugh escaped her. "Uncle Itachi did that?"

Itachi hid his face in his hands, but Mikoto continued, undeterred. "Oh, it gets better. Instead of playing it cool, he decided to retrieve the trinket. He took off his shoes and waded into the pond. But as fate would have it, he tripped again, this time on a particularly slippery rock, and took a rather ungraceful plunge into the water."

By now, Sarada was in fits of laughter, imagining the always-composed Itachi in such a situation.

"However," Mikoto said fondly, "Izumi has always been a kind soul. Seeing Itachi fall in, Izumi, without a second thought, jumped in to help him, thinking he might have hurt himself. The two of them ended up floundering about in the water, trying to find their footing."

Sarada looked at Itachi while clutching her stomach from laughter.

Itachi interjected, "To be fair, that pond was deeper than it looked!"

Mikoto chuckled, "Anyway, by the time they managed to get out, they were both drenched from head to toe. And the weather, which had been warm earlier, turned cold."

Sarada's giggles became full-blown laughter, "Oh no! Poor Uncle Itachi!"

"Indeed," Mikoto said, nodding. "Both of them emerged, dripping from head to toe. Itachi, embarrassed, mumbled about still wanting to take her on that date. But the drenched duo had another problem; they both began shivering from the cold."

"Itachi," Mikoto continued, "stubborn as he was, insisted that he should walk her home as a gentleman. Even though he was shivering, and his teeth were chattering, he was determined."

"What happened next Grandma?" Sarada asked.

Laughing Mikoto continued, "Well, he did end up asking your aunt out to a lunch dare for the next day. However, the next day found both Itachi and Izumi with a very bad case of cold, sore throat, and red noses. If you know your uncle, he insisted that the date much go on."

Sarada looked at Itachi wide-eyed, "Do I want to know what happens next?"

Itachi blushed slightly. "Ignore him child," Mikoto said, "this is the sweet part. Instead of a fancy restaurant or a scenic spot," Mikoto continued with a chuckle, "they found themselves at the local walk-in clinic. Their date comprised of sitting side by side, sipping the homemade lemon tea that the kind-hearted nurse made for them."

Sarada's eyes sparkled. "That's... strangely romantic."

"It was," Mikoto smiled warmly. "It wasn't the date Itachi had imagined, but it was memorable. Both of them, under those warm blankets, nursing colds together, realized they enjoyed each other's company, even in the most unexpected circumstances."

Sarada laughed, holding her sides. "That's the most unique first date story I've ever heard!"

Itachi looked up; his cheeks tinted red, but his eyes were fond. "It was the best first date ever. Because I got to know the real Izumi in that simple, unpretentious setting." Itachi sighed, "It's memorable, alright. But it was also the beginning of something special." His eyes softened as he remembered those days, reminding everyone in the room that the most unplanned moments could sometimes lead to the most cherished memories.

Mikoto reached over, patting Itachi's hand gently. "Love isn't always about grand gestures or perfect moments. It's about finding happiness in the little things together."

As the room filled with a warm, heartfelt silence, Sarada wondered if she too would one day be privy to such a feeling of love.

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