A/N: Update again! Wooo!

The sun bathed the downtown streets in a golden glow, casting playful shadows against the cobblestone paths. The bustling district was filled with infectious energy, with music playing from nearby cafes and the aroma of freshly baked goods permeating the air. Among the myriad of boutique shops stood "Elysian Elegance," renowned for its beautiful dresses. Outside the shop, Dr. Naruto Uzumaki waited with an expectant Sarada, her figure elegantly draped in a simple summer dress. The fabric, a soft shade of blue, complemented her sun-kissed skin, and her hair, usually in a messy bun, cascaded down her back in soft waves.

As Sasuke approached, he had to take a moment to regain his composure. It wasn't just the dress; it was the way Naruto wore it, with an understated confidence that only added to her allure. He had always known she was beautiful, but in that moment, she looked breathtaking. However, before he could greet her, Sarada's voice, laced with shock, pulled him back.

"Dad?!" Her eyes darted between her father and Naruto, seeking answers. "Why are you here? Did you..." Her voice trailed off, not needing to complete the sentence.

Sasuke cleared his throat, "Sarada," he began, voice tinged with regret, "I knew about the dance. I know it might seem like I'm intruding, but I just wanted to be here for you." His gaze softened, "Liking someone it's a part of growing up. I want to understand and be there for you."

Sarada blinked back her surprise, replaced quickly by a wave of emotion. "I thought you'd be mad, or worse, disappointed," she admitted.

Naruto watched their exchange, a quiet observer to the mending of a father-daughter relationship. She stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Sarada's shoulder. "Your dad just wants to be involved, Sarada. Just like when we were your age, we had confusions and crushes."

Sasuke nodded, "And when I felt lost, I sought advice. I wanted to know how to be there for you, so I turned to Dr. Uzumaki."

Sarada looked between them, her initial shock giving way to understanding. "You were scared I was pulling away, weren't you?" she whispered, voice laden with empathy.

Sasuke nodded, a vulnerability in his eyes that Sarada had seldom seen. Without a word, she closed the gap between them, hugging her father tightly.

The trio entered "Elysian Elegance", surrounded by various dresses ranging from elegant silks to playful sequins. Inside the "Elysian Elegance" boutique, the world was a medley of colours and fabrics. Sarada was clearly in her element, her eyes shining with excitement as she flitted from one rack to another, pulling out dresses that caught her fancy.

As Naruto trailed behind Sarada, she began sharing her insights. "Sarada, remember, the dress you choose should make you feel confident and beautiful. It should be an extension of who you are." Sarada nodded, absorbing every piece of advice. "And," Naruto continued, her tone slightly more stern, "try to avoid anything too strapless or short. It's important to be comfortable and not constantly adjusting your dress."

Sarada made a face. "I know, I know. Modesty lecture." But a twinkle in her eyes showed she appreciated Naruto's advice.

Meanwhile, Sasuke, looking somewhat like a lost puppy among the maze of dresses, found himself designated as the official dress holder. Sarada handed him choice after choice, his arms becoming a rainbow of fabric. The weight of the dresses was nothing compared to the weight of feeling out of his depth in this unfamiliar territory.

Sensing his discomfort, Naruto decided to lighten the mood. "Comfortable there, Uchiha? You look like you're training for a new kind of endurance challenge," she teased.

He smirked, "I've faced many battles, but this," he glanced at the dresses draped over his arm, "is a unique kind of challenge."

Their banter continued, with Sasuke seizing every opportunity to make flirtatious remarks. "You know, Naruto," he began, eyes glinting with mischief, "seeing you here, helping Sarada...it's a reminder of how stunning you'd look in these dresses. Especially that red one over there."

Naruto's cheeks coloured, but she shot back, "Trying to distract me from your clear discomfort, Uchiha? Nice try. But you do remember the last time you saw me in a dress, right? At the academy's winter dance?"

He chuckled, "How could I forget? You looked as radiant as the full moon. Though I'm sure now, with years added, you'd outshine it."

Naruto bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "Keep the flattery for someone who hasn't known you for decades."

As they shared these playful exchanges, Sasuke revelled in the moments when Naruto blushed, finding it endearing. And Naruto, for her part, was enjoying the back-and-forth, feeling a mix of nostalgia and a new budding connection.

As Sarada vanished into the dressing rooms, Sasuke took the opportunity to browse through some accessories, contemplating buying a matching set for his daughter once she'd chosen her dress. On the other hand, Naruto ventured to the shoe section, her eyes scanning for a pair that would be perfect for Sarada.

As she bent down to inspect a silver pair of heels, a voice interrupted her thoughts, "Those shoes would look incredible on you."

Naruto looked up to find a tall, sandy-haired man smiling down at her. "Thank you," she replied politely, keeping the conversation short.

However, the man seemed undeterred. "Waiting for someone?" he asked, a hint of a flirtatious tone in his voice.

Naruto smiled politely. "Just helping someone pick out a dress."

Unbeknownst to her, Sasuke, from his vantage point, had a clear view of their interaction. He could feel a familiar tug of jealousy that he hadn't experienced in years. The man's advances and how he looked at Naruto took Sasuke back to a night that still haunted him: the spring dance of grade 11.

Radiant in a cerulean blue gown, Naruto had been on Itachi's arm that night. The mere sight had been a stab in Sasuke's chest, even more so as he had secretly hoped she'd be his date. Watching his elder brother and Naruto laugh and dance together had been a torment. It had always been an unspoken truth between the brothers that Sasuke harboured feelings for Naruto. But seeing her with Itachi had intensified his rivalry with her, his teenage pride manifesting as cold competitiveness.

Meanwhile, as Naruto tried to deflect the sandy-haired man's advances, her gaze caught multiple women approaching Sasuke, striking up conversations, and even attempting to subtly touch his arm or laugh at his non-existent jokes. Each interaction sparked a pang of jealousy in her. In that bustling store, she too was pulled back to their high school days.

She remembered the agonizing days leading up to the spring dance, wrestling with her feelings and the anxiety of asking Sasuke. But she never found the courage. Itachi, ever the observant one, had sensed her dilemma and, in an act of kindness, had asked her himself. That night, while magical in many ways, was also the beginning of a colder, more distant Sasuke.

By the time Sarada emerged from the dressing room, Sasuke and Naruto were deep in their memories, lost in a whirlwind of 'what-ifs' and the sharp sting of past regrets.

The dressing room curtain swished open. Sarada stepped out, adorning a deep lavender gown that flowed seamlessly to her ankles. With intricate silver patterns, the bodice hugged her just right, accentuating her slender figure. At the same time, the chiffon-like material gave the dress an ethereal quality. The room seemed to come to a halt as all eyes turned to her.

Naruto was the first to speak, her voice full of pride. "Sarada, you look absolutely stunning!"

However, the reaction that stunned Sarada most was her father's. Sasuke, usually stoic, had an unmistakable shimmer in his eyes. He was evidently holding back emotions, seeing his little girl transform into a beautiful young woman right before his eyes.

Naruto, reaching down, handed Sarada the pair of silver heels she had chosen earlier. "Try these on," she said with a smile.

Slipping into the shoes, Sarada twirled around, enjoying the sensation of the dress billowing around her. She felt like a princess, and the reflection staring back at her was of a confident, radiant young woman. "I feel... I don't know," she began, searching for words, "I feel powerful, beautiful... like I can take on the world."

Naruto chuckled, "That's the magic of the right dress. It's not just about looking good, but feeling empowered by it."

Sarada's keen eyes noticed a subtle dynamic shift as the trio revelled in the moment. She watched as her father's gaze often flitted to Naruto, taking in every detail. Wanting to tease Naruto a bit and gauge Sasuke's reaction, Sarada nudged her subtly and whispered, "Dr. Uzumaki, see that guy by the counter? I think he's been stealing glances at you since we got here. Maybe you should, I don't know, ask for his number?"

But before Naruto could respond, she saw Sasuke's eyes narrow his jaw clench. The playful atmosphere turned slightly tense. Although he tried to maintain his composure, Sasuke's protective and perhaps possessive side made an appearance. His body language screamed danger, every fiber of his being resonating with the desire to keep that man away from Naruto.

Naruto gave a light laugh to ease the tension, playfully pushing Sarada. "You and your matchmaking ideas," she teased. "But I think we have more important things at hand, like finding you the perfect clutch and matching accessories."

Sasuke, still struggling to contain his emotions, simply nodded, glad for the change in topic. As they exited the store, the undercurrents of emotions and unsaid words between Naruto and Sasuke were palpable. Sarada, caught between the two, had her mind spinning, after all, whatever was going on between her father and her role model, well it could be a very good thing.

The quest for the perfect clutch and accessories turned out to be much more daunting than the trio had anticipated. They flitted from one store to another, each store's wares either too extravagant or too plain for Sarada's taste. It was one of those rare days when the universe just didn't seem to be on their side.

The fatigue grew with every store they exited, and the weight of hunger began pressing on them. Sarada checked her watch. "It's almost 3. How about we grab something to eat first? We can resume our hunt after refuelling."

Sasuke and Naruto exchanged weary looks, both in agreement.

As they made their way to a nearby food court with multiple cafes, Sarada's face suddenly lit up, recognizing a group of friends from school. Giggles and shrieks filled the air as they greeted one another, and Sarada got caught up in their infectious enthusiasm. Upon seeing Sarada's stunning dress bag, the friends gushed and demanded an impromptu fashion show.

One of Sarada's friends, Hana, proposed, "Why don't you join us, Sarada? Is that Dr. Uzumaki? Let Dr. Uzumaki and Dr. Uchiha have some time together, and we'll catch up with them in an hour?"

Sarada, ever the intuitive one, quickly glanced at Naruto and Sasuke, sensing the brewing tension and unsaid words between them. "Alright," she agreed, "Just promise you'll not keep me for more than an hour. We still have a mission to complete."

With Sarada's group laughing and moving away, Sasuke and Naruto were left to their own devices. Sasuke led the way to a quiet corner cafe, its ambiance perfect for intimate conversations. As they sat across from each other, Sasuke couldn't help but try his hand at being flirtatious, "So, do all pathologists have such impeccable taste in dresses?"

Naruto laughed, a little surprised by this side of Sasuke. "Only those who've faced countless teenage battles and survived," she replied, adding a playful wink.

They both shared a comfortable silence for a while, savouring their meals. But as the minutes ticked on, curiosity bubbled inside Naruto. "So, Sasuke," she began, her voice gentle but probing, "Is there someone special in your life right now?"

Sasuke looked up, a little caught off guard by the directness of the question. He took a moment, weighing his words. "No, not right now. After my divorce with Sakura, I've been focused on Sarada and my work."

"But," Naruto added with a teasing smile, "it's been years. No one caught the mighty Uchiha's eye?"

Sasuke smirked, "Maybe someone just did. But it's complicated. What about you? Someone out there making your heart race?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment, then shrugged, "It's been a while since someone did. But, who knows, maybe the winds are changing."

As they continued with their playful banter, an elderly woman with silver hair, tied in a neat bun, approached their table. Her eyes sparkled with recognition as she looked at Sasuke. "Oh, dear Dr. Uchiha! It's been so long. How have you been?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Sasuke greeted her with a respectful nod, "Mrs. Nakamura, it's good to see you. How have you been?"

"I've been much better after the surgery you performed on me. You truly have magic hands," she replied, affectionately holding Sasuke's arm.

Her eyes then wandered to Naruto, studying her with a mixture of curiosity and approval. "And who is this beautiful lady by your side? Your wife, I presume?" she inquired.

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, and she began to stammer, trying to find the right words to correct the misconception. Sasuke, however, had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Before Naruto could reply, Mrs. Nakamura turned to her and asked, "My dear, what do you do?"

Clearing her throat, Naruto managed to answer, "I'm Dr. Naruto Uzumaki. I work as a pathologist."

Mrs. Nakamura nodded, "Ah, two doctors. A match made in heaven. It only makes sense that a man as handsome as Dr. Uchiha would have such a beautiful and intelligent wife by his side."

Sasuke leaned in, whispering loud enough for only Naruto to hear, "It does feel nice not to have old ladies trying to set me up with their daughters and granddaughters for once." His cheeky grin made Naruto chuckle.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mrs. Nakamura bid them farewell and went on her way.

With a sigh, Sasuke leaned back in his chair, looking slightly embarrassed. "I have to admit something," he began, looking somewhat sheepish. "I bought a wedding ring to wear on occasions to deter people from playing matchmaker. It seems to work better when they think I already have someone."

Naruto couldn't contain her laughter, "Really, Sasuke? Going to such lengths?"

He smirked, "Well, if it means I get to pretend to be married to someone as enchanting as you for a day, it might be worth it."

She rolled her eyes but smiled, "You're incorrigible. But I must admit, it's quite a compliment."

The ambient noise of the cafe surrounded them, yet Sasuke and Naruto seemed wrapped in their own world. The table between them was cluttered with remnants of their lunch, empty coffee cups, and a single shared dessert plate. The atmosphere was dense with revelations, surprises, and buried emotions.

"Did you know," Sasuke started, eyes fixed on the remnants of the cheesecake they shared, "Itachi is now a father of three?"

Naruto nodded slowly, "Yes, I ran into him a while ago. He mentioned his twins and the recent addition. It seems like a busy household."

Sasuke studied Naruto's face, searching for signs of concealed emotions. "I sometimes wonder," he began hesitantly, "how you can maintain contact with Itachi but chose to cut me out so abruptly after high school. I mean, we were close rivals, after all."

There was a brief silence as Naruto looked out of the window, trying to come up with a fitting response. "Life took us in different directions, Sasuke. It's as simple as that."

Sasuke leaned in, his eyes intense, "Why didn't you attend Itachi's wedding?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment before replying, "I couldn't make it. There were some... complications at work around that time."

It wasn't entirely a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. Naruto had avoided the wedding primarily because she wasn't ready to face Sasuke and his then-wife, Sakura. The emotional complexity of the situation was more than she could handle. But she couldn't let Sasuke know that.

Seeing her discomfort, Sasuke chose not to probe further. Instead, he decided to divert the conversation, "How's Kakashi? I remember he was quite the overprotective older brother during our school days."

A soft smile tugged at Naruto's lips at the mention of her brother. "He's doing well. He's established himself as a top-notch lawyer a few cities over. I miss him, though. We used to be so close, but distance has a way of creating gaps."

Sasuke nodded, empathizing with her sentiment, "I understand that feeling. But I'm glad he's doing well."

As the afternoon sun filtered through the cafe's blinds, Sasuke and Naruto continued to reacquaint themselves with each other's lives. "It's hard to find time to meet up with Itachi these days," Sasuke confessed, looking slightly melancholic. "He's become one of the most sought-after neurosurgeons in his field. But I can't help but miss our little sibling rivalries."

Naruto's eyes softened with understanding. "Life often gets in the way. But deep down, family ties never truly sever."

After a brief pause, she inquired, "How are your parents, Sasuke?"

Sasuke took a deep breath, and a hint of pride appeared in his eyes. "My father's retired now after a long, fulfilling career as a neurosurgeon. Mother, on the other hand," he chuckled, "refuses to settle down entirely. She's still taking on the occasional midwifery job."

Naruto smiled, imagining the fiercely independent woman she remembered from their high school days. "Sounds like her."

Taking a sip from her drink, Naruto decided to divulge more about her family. "You remember Kakashi, of course. I was shocked when he finally decided to settle down. He and Rin make such a lovely couple. They have two adorable children."

Sasuke's eyes gleamed with recognition, but he masked his emotions well. He was privy to most of this information due to Kakashi and Itachi's strong bond. Still, he chose to play along, curious about how Naruto would recount these tales.

"Oh, and guess what?" Naruto continued, excitement evident in her tone. "Iruka became the principal of an elementary school. He got married a few years back. I never thought I'd see the day when Iruka would be responsible for an entire school!"

Sasuke chuckled, nodding. "It's amazing how time changes things. It feels like yesterday Iruka was getting yelled at by Kakashi for being irresponsible and painting the teacher's lounge florescent pink!"

Naruto laughed, "I almost forgot about that. Looking back, Kakashi did a great job of stepping up after my parents died. I don't think Iruka and I can ever thank him for that. He put his life on hold for us."

Sasuke reached over and cupped her hands, "He loves you. Both of you and his sacrifice placed you and Iruka to be as successful as you are now."

Naruto nodded, squeezing his fingers, "You're right."

"Yes," Naruto responded, her voice distant. "Time indeed has a mysterious way of reshaping our lives."

The ambient noise of the cafe served as a gentle backdrop to the conversation that was growing increasingly personal. "Naruto," Sasuke began, his voice holding a hint of curiosity, "I've been meaning to ask. I noticed the change in your last name. Why Hatake-Uzumaki?"

Amid the gentle murmur of conversations around them, Sasuke noticed the slight change in Naruto's expression when her family lineage was brought up. There had always been an aura of mystery surrounding Naruto's family, a topic she rarely delved into during their school years. He remembered the whispers about the sudden demise of her parents, the speculation surrounding the reasons, and Kakashi stepping in to care for the then-orphaned Naruto. But he never expected the revelation that was about to come.

Naruto looked down, a sombre expression clouding her face. "It wasn't an easy decision, but after much reflection, I honoured both sides of my heritage. I owe so much to Kakashi. He didn't just raise me; he loved me like a father after my parents passed."

Naruto took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts. "I changed my name to Naruto Hatake-Uzumaki after I found out more about my family lineage," she began, her voice still tinged with a hint of emotion. "Kakashi raised me, and I owe him so much. Iruka too. But there was a part of me that felt I was neglecting the very roots from which I sprang. I wanted a connection to that past."

"That's understandable," Sasuke replied gently, sensing the depth of emotion behind her words. Sasuke nodded, intrigued, "I always wondered why you didn't carry the Namikaze name. Minato Namikaze was your father, after all," Sasuke inquired. However, he trod lightly, aware of the sensitive nature of the topic.

Naruto smiled faintly, her blue eyes momentarily distant. "When I was younger, my godfather Jiraiya told me stories about my parents. Apparently, my father wanted to honour my mother's clan, the Uzumaki clan. They had initially planned to name me Naruto Uzumaki."

"That's a beautiful gesture," Sasuke commented.

"My mother, Kushina Uzumaki, had a rich history and a strong lineage, which my father deeply respected. By choosing 'Uzumaki,' they wished to honour that lineage."

Sasuke nodded, realizing the weight of Naruto's decision. "It's a beautiful sentiment. Our names, after all, aren't just identifiers. They're a connection to our past, a tether to our ancestors."

"It is," Naruto agreed. "The Uzumaki clan was known for its long lineage and intelligence. After discovering this and understanding its significance, I felt it was only right to take up the Uzumaki name alongside Hatake. It was a way to honour both Kakashi and my biological parents." Naruto's eyes glistened, "And while I am and will always be grateful to Kakashi, I felt the need to carry a piece of my parents with me. Their love, their legacy."

For a moment, they sat in contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. The journey of rediscovering one's roots was profound, and both Naruto and Sasuke felt the depth of it in that shared moment.

It seemed that the conversation had taken a deep turn, more profound than either had expected. The ambiance around them had settled into a quiet lull, their surroundings fading as the two doctors got lost in their memories.

Naruto took a moment, then chuckled, breaking the silence, "Names and legacies aside, it's still surprising to see how we've all grown up and taken on our roles. From school crushes and rivalries to now talking about family history over a meal. It's surreal."

Sasuke smirked, "True. One moment we're bickering over silly things in school, and the next, we're responsible adults with kids of our own. Time really flies."

As they finished their meal and the waiter brought the bill to the table, Naruto reached for her purse, her intentions clear. However, Sasuke was quicker, grabbing the bill before she could even blink.

"Hey! I can pay for myself, you know?" Naruto protested, her independent streak showing up.

Sasuke smirked, "I know you can, but allow me. Consider it a thank you for helping me with Sarada."

Naruto narrowed her eyes, not one to be outdone, "I wasn't doing it for a meal, Uchiha. Besides, why do you get to pay?"

Sasuke leaned in, his face just inches away from hers, his voice a husky whisper. "Because, Naruto, it gives me the pleasure of imagining you in other ways where you can... return the favour." The glint in his eyes was unmistakable, and Naruto felt her cheeks burning.

Flustered, she retorted, "I should've known better than to get into this with you. Fine, have it your way this time."

It was time to meet Sarada and continue their shopping. As they walked out, Sasuke said in a more playful tone, "For the record, Naruto Hatake-Uzumaki has a nice ring to it. Suits you."

Naruto smiled brightly, "Thank you, Sasuke. That means a lot coming from you."

They left the restaurant, and as they made their way through the streets, Sasuke could sense other men's eyes following Naruto's every move. The sight of her in the summer dress, the way it hugged her figure, accentuated her curves, and the gentle sway of her hair with every step she took was entrancing. Sasuke felt a pang of jealousy, protective instincts kicking in.

Acting impulsively, Sasuke slid his hand around Naruto's waist, pulling her slightly closer. Naruto looked up, a bit surprised by the gesture, but didn't pull away. "What are you doing, Uchiha?" she asked, her voice playful.

Naruto picked up on his movements, looking up at him with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Jealous, are we?"

Sasuke scoffed, "Of what? I'm just making sure you don't trip," Sasuke retorted, the corner of his lips turning up in a sly grin.

Naruto rolled her eyes, "Always the gentleman."

He looked away, his face a shade redder than before, "Just ensuring they keep their distance."

Naruto laughed heartily, finding Sasuke's slight possessiveness amusing and oddly endearing. "Come on, tough guy," she teased. "Let's find our dress shop."

As they walked, their banter continued, light and flirtatious. Every now and then, Sasuke would drop a teasing remark, eliciting giggles or playful swats from Naruto. The atmosphere between them was charged with electricity, a mix of playful rivalry, newfound camaraderie, and an underlying tension neither was ready to address.

Soon, they arrived at the store Sarada had mentioned. Taking a deep breath and letting their flirty shields drop momentarily, they stepped inside, ready to continue their day with Sarada.

A/N: Soooooooooo? Whatcha think?