A/N: UPDATEEE!
Two days later.
Sasuke stared at his phone screen for what seemed like an eternity. Drafting a text to Naruto proved to be more challenging than he had expected. He'd been at this since the moment she gave him her number.
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Hey Naruto, fancy some ramen? Or... you know, coffee? We should talk."
He immediately re-read the text and sighed at his awkward attempt at humour. Was referencing their shared love for ramen in their school days too much?
Before he could overthink it, his phone buzzed with a notification, indicating a reply.
Sasuke couldn't help but smile, feeling relieved as he looked over her light-hearted responses.
The soft ping of a new message echoed through Naruto's apartment, momentarily drowning out the chaos of dinner preparations and the blaring TV. Naruto retrieved her phone from the counter while wiping her hands on a dish towel. The name flashing on the screen caught her off guard: Dr. Sasuke Uchiha.
"Hey Naruto, fancy some ramen? Or… you know, coffee? We should talk."
Naruto read the message a few times before quickly replying before she chickened out. She'd been waiting for a text for a while now, and for a moment, it seemed like Sasuke was going to back out. Naruto chuckled softly, rereading the message. Sasuke trying to make a joke was both endearing and entirely unexpected. But it was clear, buried under the awkward attempt at humour, there was genuine concern for Sarada. The only reason for his text now.
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Dr. Uchiha, are you using ramen as a bait to lure me out? Coffee sounds good. Let's set a date."
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "But I'm swamped for the next couple of days. How's next week?"
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "How about Monday morning, say 10 am? Gives me an opportunity to miss the boring staff meeting?"
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Works for me, see you then."
With a sigh, she leaned against the counter, realizing the weight of balancing her roles as a mother, a pathologist, and now as a mentor to Sarada. There were only so many hours in the day, and her personal time was already stretched thin. However, the thought of a candid conversation with Sasuke, away from the pressures of work and parenthood, was strangely enticing. Nevertheless, she was touched that Sasuke wanted to reconnect, mainly since it revolved around concerns for his daughter.
The next evening, as Naruto was reviewing some samples under a microscope, Sarada approached her hesitantly. "Dr. Uzumaki, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Naruto looked up, pushing her glasses atop her head. "Of course, Sarada. What's on your mind?"
Sarada shifted her weight from one foot to another, looking a mix of excited and nervous. "Well, it's not really related to the lab... It's about the school dance."
Naruto raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Go on."
She watched as the younger Uchiha hesitated, biting her lip. "It's silly, but... I need advice on picking a dress for the school dance. I've never really done this before, and I thought... well, you always look so confident." Stumbling, she continued, "I mean, you always look so... put-together, and I thought maybe you could help? I mean I could ask my aunt or my mom, but mom's away on a medical mission, and I -"
"Sarada, it's not silly at all! I'd be honoured to help." Naruto said, cutting the nervous girl off. A smile spread across Naruto's face. "Thank you for feeling comfortable to ask for help. But you do realize that we'll be shopping on the weekend, right? I rarely get time during the weekdays."
Sarada nodded eagerly. "That works for me! Thank you!"
As Sarada left the room, Naruto couldn't help but chuckle. Who would've thought the day would come when she would be giving fashion advice to the Uchiha heir? As the evening progressed, Naruto felt a whirlwind of emotions. The pride in mentoring Sarada, the anticipation of the upcoming conversation with Sasuke, and the constant struggle balancing her life. She could only hope that the days ahead would offer answers and maybe, just maybe, a little peace.
As she was lost in her thoughts, Naruto's phone buzzed again. It was another message from Sasuke; they'd been messaging on and off since his initial text. It had mostly centred around Sarada, but an underlying message was unspoken. The weight of their past and the entwined present seemed both daunting and exciting.
Monday, 10 am.
The familiar chime of the café door rang throughout the cozy space as Sasuke stepped inside. Even though it was a Monday morning, the place was abuzz with activity - students with laptops, friends catching up, and early meetings taking place. As Sasuke made his entrance, a brief, appreciative murmur passed through the room.
The immediate hush that spread across the room was almost tangible. Sasuke looked breathtakingly handsome, his hair slightly tousled, and the lines of age only accentuating his striking features. His sharp eyes scanned the room, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow down.
In a corner nook, Naruto's heart raced as she caught sight of him. The light filtering through the cafe's blinds gave her a soft glow, emphasizing the subtle makeup she'd taken extra care to apply that morning. She looked beautiful, and her nervousness only added a certain charm.
Sasuke's eyes wandered until they stopped at one corner. Naruto sat in a cozy nook, her golden hair reflected the sunbeams that danced through the window, making her seem almost ethereal. Her eyes met his, revealing a hint of nervousness. The same nervousness he felt all week. Sasuke's gaze settled on her, a soft smile curled his lips. He walked over, his strides confident. "Good morning, Naruto."
Naruto swallowed, willing herself to calm her racing heart. "Morning, Sasuke," she responded, then, trying to ease the tension, she added, "Decided to grace us mere mortals with your presence, huh?"
Rolling his eyes, he ignored her slight jab. "Great to see you without a microscope in front of your face," Sasuke began, the slight quirk of his lips betraying his attempt at levity.
Naruto chuckled, though it was a bit high-pitched, betraying her nervousness. "And nice to see you outside of an operating room, Sasuke. Do you always cut into coffee shops like you're performing surgery?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the forced joke but smiled nonetheless. They ordered their coffees and settled down into the comfortable nook. The two settled into the booth, the clinking of cups and the soft hum of conversations around them creating a cozy atmosphere.
The first few sips of coffee were silent, the tension palpable. Naruto finally cleared her throat, "So, how has your approach with Sarada been?"
Sasuke frowned. He had been trying to reach out to his daughter, but it seemed she would not open up. Instead, Sarada would chatter about mundane things like her latest Model UN arguments or what she was working on with Dr. Uzumaki, yet nothing significant. He had taken a few of Naruto's suggestions over text on trying to start conversations, but nothing avail.
Searching Sasuke's frowning face, Naruto decided it was better to rip off the band-aid. Naruto took a deep breath, diving straight into the topic. "So, Sasuke, Sarada... she likes a boy. Or rather she might have mentioned a certain boy she's taken a liking to."
His expression shifted instantly, eyebrows furrowing. "What boy?"
Naruto sighed, anticipating his reaction. "It's part of growing up, Sasuke. I'm sure you remember what it was like. She's also excited about the upcoming school dance." She sipped her coffee, looking at him over the rim. "She needs advice on dress shopping, and I offered to help."
Sasuke glared at his coffee, "I do not recall liking a boy growing up!"
Naruto rolled her eyes, honestly! "Glad to hear that; otherwise I pity your ex-wife."
Eye narrowed, Sasuke asked, "What's that supposed to mean, Hatake?"
As the morning light streamed through the cafe windows, casting a gentle glow over their table, Naruto took another sip of her coffee, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, Sasuke," she began, "I've heard some rumours around the hospital. Nothing to do with your surgical skills, of course, but... let's just say, some whispered doubts about... other areas of expertise. Also, its Uzumaki, or Hatake-Uzumaki now."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, really? What areas might those be? And have you been asking about me, Uzumaki?"
Naruto grinned cheekily. "Oh, just some whispers about you not quite living up to the Uchiha name in... certain intimate departments. Some even suggest that you might be swinging for the other team."
Sasuke laughed, leaning back in his chair, clearly not fazed. "Is that so? Well, I assure you, I've always had a keen interest in women. And as for my performance," he paused, smirking at Naruto, "let's just say my ex-wife had zero complaints. In fact, I could share some tales that might make even you blush."
Naruto felt her cheeks heat up, realizing she might have bitten off more than she could chew. But she wasn't one to back down from a challenge. "I'm sure you have a plethora of stories, Dr. Uchiha. But I've got my own stories to tell. And trust me, they're equally riveting."
Sasuke leaned in, his eyes darkening playfully. "I'd love to hear them sometime. Maybe over another coffee? Or something stronger?"
Realizing the conversation was veering into dangerous territory, Naruto decided to steer it back to safer waters. "Ahem, speaking of stories," she said, clearing her throat, "remember how we all had our high school crushes? Sarada's going through the same phase. It's all a part of growing up, Sasuke. While you might not have been interested in boys, I'm assuming that you liked girls at least?"
Sasuke chuckled, taking the hint. "Perhaps one or two girls. Seems like just yesterday, we were all in school, navigating the murky waters of teenage love. Or rather, trying to get away from it," recalling his own experience of trying to hoard off the girls asking him on dates or whatnot.
Naruto chucked. As much of an asshole Sasuke was in high school, he recalled how difficult it was for him to do anything without a stream of fangirls. Naruto placed a calming hand on his arm. "Sasuke, she's growing up. It's natural. Instead of shutting it down, maybe guide her on how to approach relationships. You know, open communication, trust, setting boundaries."
Sasuke's jaw tightened, but he met Naruto's gaze, his eyes searching for answers. "I just want to protect her."
Naruto smiled softly. "I know, Sasuke. But instead of building walls around her, equip her with the wisdom to make good decisions. It's a part of life she has to navigate. And she's lucky to have a father who cares so much. Plus, she will either hide it from you now or refrain from dating until she goes off to university, where she'll definitely date. Isn't it better that she dates now where you can guide her, and help her understand how to keep herself safe?"
Sasuke took a deep breath, letting the weight of her words sink in. "You're right, Naruto. Thank you." Naruto was right. Of course, she was. Itachi had said something similar when he spoke to him, too. But he didn't have a teenage daughter.
Before the moment could grow too intense, Naruto chuckled, "I guess this is where I tell you that she asked a boy already, and he said yes."
Sasuke clenched his jaws. Naruto rubbed her thumb in his hands. "You okay?"
Sasuke nodded. He hated that he didn't know. He hated that Sarada was growing up.
He looked down, a war of emotions playing on his face. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded slowly. "I just... I want to protect her from everything."
Naruto smiled gently. "I understand, but sometimes the best way to protect is to prepare."
Feeling out of his element, he looked at her, "How?"
At that moment, all Naruto wanted to do was wrap her arms around Sasuke and hold his head into her chest. He looked so lost and confused. Gone was the arrogant boy who made her life difficult in high school, replaced by a man who wanted nothing but to protect his daughter from the world. Somehow, he'd become even more attractive. Naruto pulled her hands away, cupping her coffee, and forcing herself to take a sip and calm her racing heart.
"Sarada asked if I could help her pick a dress for the dance soon. If it's okay with you, I'd like to take her dress shopping, and perhaps you can join us for as week?
Sasuke nodded. He trusted Naruto.
Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "Would it be okay if I joined you and Sarada for the shopping? But I'd like it to be a surprise for her."
Naruto's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Of course, but only if you promise not to scare away any potential suitors at the store."
He chuckled, "Deal."
The weight that had settled over their coffee meetup lifted, and the two found themselves chatting easily, old acquaintances catching up on lost time. As they left the café, the initial awkwardness was replaced by a mutual understanding; they both felt a sense of camaraderie. As they left the coffee shop, Sasuke walked Naruto to her car, "Would it be okay if I continued to message you about Sarada? I'm way out of my element here?"
Naruto nodded, "I believe you have my number, Uchiha."
Sasuke smirked as he waved her goodbye.
Tuesday evening.
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Hey, have you figured out where you're taking Sarada for dress shopping? I feel like a fish out of water when it comes to this stuff."
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Hi Sasuke! I was thinking of taking her to that new boutique downtown. They've got a great selection, and it's not too pricey. But I get your feeling. My son is always throwing me off with his style choices. Sometimes, I question his taste in clothing."
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "You have a son? How did I miss that?!"
Wednesday evening.
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Yes, Shinki Sabaku. Well, I didn't exactly bring him up when you first visited the lab. He's 10, and a fantastic kid. He's with his dad most weekends. We co-parent."
Thursday afternoon.
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Right, you mentioned that you're divorced. I'm glad to hear you're able to co-parent. Why the divorce, if I'm not overstepping."
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "It's cool. We realized we worked better as friends than lovers. Life is smoother now. What about you and Dr. Haruno? If you don't mind me asking."
Friday evening.
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "We... rushed into things. She got pregnant by accident and being 19 and filled with a sense of duty, I married her right away. Our relationship became toxic, though. We decided to split when Sarada was just a toddler. I got custody, obviously. She's a good mother, but I'm the better parent."
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "I'm sorry to hear that. But look at you now, a dashing surgeon and an amazing dad. 😉"
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Haha, thanks. Speaking of dashing, I've heard pathologists have an... intriguing way of looking at the world. Gives them an edge in other "areas.""
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Oh, you have no idea. Dissecting things, getting to the heart of the matter... it's all in a day's work. But don't get too carried away with your imagination. 😜"
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Too late. But tell me, how do you manage? Being a pathologist and a single mom?"
Saturday afternoon.
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "It's not always easy, but I love what I do, both in the lab and as a mom. And I have a strong support system. Shikamaru, for one, has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions. It also helps that he's my ex-brother-in-law. He's married to my ex's older sister."
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "He's the pineapple-haired guy in your lab, right? Good to know. Maybe I can be part of that support system too? You know, as a fellow single parent."
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "I'd like that. After all, we're in this parenting thing together now, right? Yup, that Shika."
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Right. One step at a time. And the next step? Dress shopping."
Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Get ready to enter a whole new world, Dr. Uchiha. And keep your surgical precision handy. We might need it to find the perfect dress! 😂"
Monday evening.
Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Sorry, I was called into an emergency at the hospital. Just got back this morning. Challenge accepted, Dr. Uzumaki."
A/N: Soo? whatcha think? leave a review.