A/N: Soo, how are you liking the story so far?

As Naruto stepped into her apartment from her grocery run, the familiar smell of her place surrounded her, providing comfort and warmth. She hadn't expected any visitors that day but hearing the doorbell ring just after she had settled down, she was more than pleasantly surprised to see Gaara standing there with their son, Shinki. They were much earlier than anticipated. She immediately noticed the boy holding onto a backpack, a telltale sign that he had some schoolwork pending.

"Gaara," Naruto greeted with a genuine smile, "This is a surprise."

"Hello, Naruto," Gaara replied, stepping aside to let Shinki enter. "You look... well."

Naruto chuckled lightly, "Thanks, I feel good."

Gaara responded with his piercing seafoam green eyes, "I thought it'd be good for Shinki to spend some time with you. He seems to be more scared of you and, thus, procrastinates less than when he's with me."

Shinki, hearing the familiar banter between his parents, interrupted, "I'll just go to my room and get started on my homework."

Naruto bent down and ruffled Shinki's hair, eliciting a reluctant smile from the young boy. "Go on inside, sweetie. Get started on your homework, okay? And stop giving your father a hard time."

Gaara nodded, "Finish it before dinner." With a brief nod, Shinki entered her apartment and made his way to his usual study spot, leaving the two adults alone at the doorway.

The atmosphere was a bit tense, as was always the case when the two exes met. Gaara, ever perceptive, asked, "Something's different about you. You seem... lighter."

Naruto shrugged, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink, "Maybe I am. You know, life and its little surprises."

Gaara stepped inside, taking a moment to scan the apartment. His eyes landed on a shopping bag that Naruto had left on the sofa yesterday, and his curiosity peaked. "Been shopping?"

Naruto laughed softly, "Actually, it was for Sasuke's daughter, Sarada. She needed a dress for her school dance."

Gaara raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, "Sasuke Uchiha? You two are hanging out now?"

Naruto nodded, "That's the one. We bumped into each other, and I ended up helping his daughter Sarada with her dress shopping for a dance. Sasuke came along. It was... an interesting day."

Gaara, noticing the twinkle in Naruto's eye, stated, "Seems like there's more to the story than just dress shopping." Gaara leaned against the kitchen counter, looking contemplative. "I noticed you've been... lighter these days. Happier." He repeated, his gaze was direct and searching, trying to understand the shift in her mood.

She met his eyes, and for a moment, there was a silence between them. A silence filled with memories of the past, of their shared journey, both the highs and the lows. Naruto rolled her eyes, "Always the investigator, huh? We just reconnected, and it was nice. It was like going back to our school days with all the bickering and playful jabs. It's nice to have someone from the past around, you know?" She stood silently for a bit, putting away some of the groceries before continuing.

"I am happier," she admitted, "It's not just because of Sasuke, but... I guess running into an old friend has been therapeutic in a way. Reconnecting with the past, understanding it, and finding a way to move forward."

Gaara, though not one for excessive emotion, did wear a small smile, "I'm glad, Naruto. After everything, you deserve happiness and someone who can match your fiery spirit."

Naruto laughed, "Thanks, Gaara. It's just a friendship right now. I am unsure if it will ever be more than that; we have a complicated past. Besides, I'm focused on Shinki and my work."

Gaara glanced toward Shinki's room, "He's growing up fast, isn't he?"

Naruto sighed, "Too fast. Before we know it, he'll be going off to dances, too."

They shared a moment, reflecting on their shared journey as parents. After a few more exchanges about Shinki's progress in school and other updates, the two began discussing Shinki's recent school achievements and activities, falling back into their familiar roles as co-parents, always looking out for their son's best interests. Gaara took his leave, but not before casting one last glance at Naruto, hoping this new chapter in her life would bring her the joy she deserved.

In the quiet confines of his office, Sasuke scrolled through his contacts, stopping when he reached the name "Itachi". Taking a deep breath, he dialed, and within seconds, the familiar baritone of his elder brother answered.

"Hey, little brother," Itachi greeted warmly.

"Been a while, hasn't it?" Sasuke replied, the edges of his mouth curving upward.

Sasuke leaned back in his chair, "Busy, as always. How are the twins? And the little one?"

Itachi chuckled, "Energetic and keeping me on my toes. Hikari has started to crawl and is causing quite the commotion around the house."

Sasuke smirked, "Sounds like karma for all the trouble you gave our parents."

As the conversation drifted, Itachi, being the ever-observant brother, commented, "You sound tired, Sasuke. Are you overworking yourself again?"

Sasuke sighed, "It's been hectic. But I'm managing."

Itachi laughed heartily at that. Itachi's tone turned a tad more serious, "Sasuke, when was the last time you took a break? You can't keep pushing yourself like this."

"I'm managing," Sasuke retorted, a hint of defensiveness in his voice.

"Sarada needs you, and not just as a provider," Itachi pressed. "It's not just about managing, Sasuke. Sarada's growing up, and she needs a father who's present, not just physically but emotionally too. And you? You need a life outside the OR and fatherhood."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, though Itachi couldn't see it. "I know, Itachi. I've been trying. Sarada's actually started volunteering at the pathology lab with Dr. Uzumaki."

Itachi's eyebrows raised slightly, catching the name immediately. "Dr. Uzumaki, you say?"

Sasuke hummed in acknowledgment, "Yes, she's been a positive influence on Sarada."

Itachi pondered on this information, trying to gauge how much Sasuke really knew. "Did Sarada mention anything about Dr. Uzumaki? Perhaps her background?"

Sasuke thought for a moment, wanting to gauge Itachi's reaction. Naruto had confirmed yesterday that she had been in touch with Itachi, so Itachi definitely knew of the name update. "Not much. Just that she's experienced and Sarada learns a lot from her."

Deciding to tread carefully, Itachi inquired, "I see, and have you been to the lab our young Sarada has been working at?"

Sasuke paused, "Of course. Why do you ask?"

Itachi held his breath for a moment, debating on whether to continue, "No reason. Just that... I've heard that Dr. Uzumaki is quite accomplished in her field. Her lab is in your hospital, right?"

Sasuke's demeanor changed subtly, ohh how he wanted to strangle his brother. "Yes, and why the questions? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Itachi sighed, realizing he may have just opened Pandora's box; Sasuke was not stupid. "So you know."

"So I know! Why didn't you mention anything?" Sasuke asked.

Itachi was silent for a few moments, deliberating his next words carefully. "Because I remember how you retraced after she moved across the country for her studies. It took you ages to get over you're feelings for her, I didn't want to cause you more pain or did I think that you might be interested. I was aware she had changed her name but never thought it would be relevant to mention."

Sasuke felt a twinge in his chest at the mention, "I remember. But it would have been better if I didn't look like a fool entering her lap asking her who Dr. Uzumaki was."

"Oh little brother, you know better to just walk in. Don't you know better than to Google a person before meeting them?" Itachi chuckled.

Sasuke stayed quite; oh how he wished he could throw his phone at his brother.

"You two were quite the pair in high school," Itachi mused, trying to gauge Sasuke's emotions.

"We had our moments," Sasuke admitted a touch of wistfulness in his voice. Sasuke was quiet for a long moment. The memories, the rivalry, the lingering feelings - everything came rushing back. "You still should have told me."

Itachi sighed, "You stopped asking about her after she moved away. I didn't think you wanted to know."

Sasuke remained silent, memories flooding back.

Itachi, with a hint of sadness, replied, "You stopped asking about her, and I thought it was for the best. She made a new life, and so did you. You married Sakura, and you had Sarada. Naruto … Naruto, she was doing well."

Sasuke let out a long breath, processing the information.

"Just promise me something, little brother," Itachi began, "Balance your life a bit more. Whether it's with old friends or new experiences, you deserve more than just the four walls of an operating room."

Sasuke smiled, "I promise."

With a few more exchanges, the brothers bid each other goodnight, but Sasuke was left with a whirlwind of thoughts, centring mainly around a certain pathologist named Naruto Uzumaki.

As the morning light poured into the spacious corridors of Konoha General Hospital, Sasuke was intently reviewing a patient's chart, oblivious to the looks the fellow nurses were sending him. The rhythmic sounds of footsteps and distant chatter echoed through the sterile halls of the hospital. Dr. Sasuke Uchiha, engrossed in reading a patient's file, nearly collided with a familiar face rounding the corner.

"Looks like someone's deep in thought," Naruto remarked, her heels clicking against the tile floor as she grabbed Sasuke's biceps to steady herself.

"Dr. Uzumaki," he greeted, lifting an eyebrow in surprise. "Fancy meeting you here."

Naruto looked up, her cerulean eyes brightening in recognition. "Dr. Uchiha," she responded playfully. "Hospitals are known to be frequented by doctors, or so I've heard."

Sasuke smirked, "Indeed. Do you want to join me for lunch? Unless you're swamped with slides."

A slight blush tinted Naruto's cheek. "I think I can spare a few minutes. Lead the way."

The pair navigated their way to the hospital's private lounge, a secluded spot away from the bustling cafeteria. Over sandwiches and coffee, they exchanged stories of their recent cases. Sasuke mentioned a particularly challenging case he was working on, a young patient with a rare vascular condition that required intricate surgery. Sasuke began describing a perplexing case he'd recently taken on, "It's a young male, early twenties. Symptoms seem pretty straightforward, but his scans... they're not adding up."

Naruto leaned in, her intrigue evident. "What do the scans show?"

"Some anomalies in the cerebral region. It's confounding." Sasuke admitted, rubbing his temple in frustration.

"Well, maybe a full pathologist report could help shed some light," Naruto offered, sipping her coffee.

Naruto listened attentively, her medical mind piecing together the pathology even as her personal feelings fluttered with the thrill of Sasuke's proximity.

As they wrapped up their lunch, Sasuke's pager beeped urgently. Glancing at the screen, his face took on a serious expression. "I need to go. That surgery I mentioned. It's been moved up."

Naruto nodded, understanding the demands of his profession. "Good luck, Sasuke."

Back in the OR, Sasuke's day took an unexpected turn. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating urgent surgical intervention. Realizing the importance of the pathology report, Sasuke pulled out his phone, and composed a text to Naruto.

Dr. Sasuke Uchiha: "Hey, Dr. Uzumaki, care to put a rush on that patient's pathology report for me? It would be much appreciated... and perhaps I'll owe you another lunch? - Dr. Uchiha"

In her lab, Naruto felt her heart race as her phone buzzed with the incoming message. Reading Sasuke's text, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. She quickly composed a response.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "For you, Dr. Uchiha? Consider it done. And I'll hold you to that lunch! 😊 FYI, no need to sign your name, you're saved as Dr. Bastard on my phone."

As she worked on the pathology report with a newfound urgency, Sarada, volunteering in the lab, noticed Naruto's flushed face and the subtle smile that tugged at her lips. "Who's got you smiling like that?" Sarada teased.

Naruto caught off guard, chuckled, "Oh, just some persistent surgeon who can't seem to get enough of my expertise."

Sarada raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Who could that be, I wonder?"

Naruto chuckled, trying to act nonchalant. "Of course, Sarada. Just some... hospital business. You're here early. Skipping class?"

Sarada tilted her head, clearly not buying it, but she let the subject drop. "Class ended at 1 today; thought I'd come in early, plus its easier to study here than at the school library. But forget that, if there's a 'hospital business' that makes you smile like that, maybe I should be involved too."

Naruto laughed, ruffling Sarada's hair affectionately. "Maybe when you're a bit older. If you're free, go help Dr. Sai. He was muttering about something not matching up."

Sarada nodded, still giving her mentor an odd look. As the day wore on, amidst the chaos and challenges of the medical world, two hearts inched closer, their pasts intertwining with their present in the most unexpected of ways.

The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows of the pathology lab, casting long shadows across the pristine countertops. Sarada engrossed in examining a specimen, didn't notice her father enter the room. Sasuke stood by the doorway for a moment, his dark eyes searching for a certain blonde-haired pathologist.

Sasuke, after a long and challenging surgery, found himself impatiently pacing outside the pathology lab, waiting for Sarada to finish up. His fingers subconsciously brushed over the small card he had tucked in his coat pocket. It was the thank you note he intended to go with the bouquet he had ordered for Naruto. While he was known for his composed demeanour, he couldn't deny the eagerness to see Naruto again and witness her reaction to his gesture.

As Sarada busied herself with a few finishing tasks, the door to the pathology lab swung open, revealing a delivery person holding a lavish bouquet of lilies, roses, and orchids, the arrangement reflecting an amalgamation of grace and vibrancy. The room filled with soft murmurs of admiration. "Is there a Dr. Uzumaki here?" he asked.

Naruto, in a deep conversation with Shikamaru, raised her hand with a puzzled expression. "That would be me." "For me?" she asked, slightly flustered. She received the bouquet, searching for a card. The scent of the flowers and the unexpectedness of the gift painted a soft blush across her cheeks.

The room fell silent as she took the flowers, her cheeks tinting a soft shade of pink. The card attached read, 'For your unmatched expertise and charm. Thank you.'

The card had no name, but her friends knew immediately who sent them. After all, only one surgeon had had for expedited path results from Naruto today. Before Naruto could respond, Sai, always quick with his remarks, teased, "Seems like our beloved pathologist has an admirer."

Shikamaru, never one to pass up a chance to tease, nudged Naruto with a smirk, "Looks like someone's trying to make an impression."

Tenten, passing by with some reports, chimed in, "Or maybe someone's trying to get on her good side for some rushed results?"

Sai, flashing his signature faux smile, added, "Indeed. And with such exquisite taste."

Sarada caught her dad's eye and grinned mischievously, "Whoever they are, they sure have such a romantic side?" She had seen how her father behaved around Naruto all of Saturday, and while he may not have signed the note, she also knew her father's taste in flowers.

Tenten chimed in, her voice dripping with curiosity, "Come on, Naruto! Who's got you turning all shades of pink?"

Sasuke cleared his throat, trying to hide the smirk playing on his lips. "I believe I'm here to pick up Sarada. Are you done for the day?"

Sarada packed up but, before leaving, gave Naruto a playful nudge. "Looks like you've made quite an impression, Dr. Uzumaki."

Naruto, in a rare moment, found herself at a loss for words. She buried her nose in the bouquet, attempting to hide her growing smile.

With Sarada and Sasuke gone, Shikamaru leaned against Naruto's workstation, a teasing glint in his eyes. "So, how did that shopping date with Sasuke go? You've been oddly silent about it."

Naruto rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. "It wasn't a date, Shika. We were helping Sarada."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, "With flowers now arriving at your doorstep? Interesting."

Naruto laughed, placing the flowers down; thankfully, the flowers came with their own vase. "It's just a thank-you gesture, nothing more."

Shikamaru leaned closer, a smirk evident, "You can't fool me, Naruto. There's more to this story, and I'm all ears."

Naruto playfully swatted him away, "Get back to work, lazy genius. And stop trying to play matchmaker."

Shikamaru chuckled, heading out, but not before tossing one last remark over his shoulder, "When the roses are red, and the Uchiha's near, just remember, dear Naruto, love is clear."

Naruto shook her head, smiling. Ping. Naruto looked down to see a new message.

Dr. Bastard: "Thank you for the expedited results. It made a significant difference in the OR. Also, I request a name change."

Naruto smiled, ignoring Sasuke's texts, going back to her microscope. A couple of minutes later, a soft chime sounded, indicating a new text message.

It was from Dr. Bastard.

Dr. Bastard: "Why do I have the feeling you still haven't changed my contact name?"

Naruto smirked. She was aware of the antiquated moniker she had saved for him since their high school days. And now, amidst the blossoming relationship they were navigating, it seemed more ironic than ever.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Why change perfection? 😉"

Dr. Bastard: "Ouch! If you're holding on to it for nostalgic reasons, couldn't you at least upgrade me to "Dr. Annoyance" or "Dr. Arrogance"?"

Dr. Bastard: "You really need to change that name you've saved me as."

Naruto giggled quietly. His wit was always sharp, even over text.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "It's an homage to our childhood. You should feel honoured! Besides, Dr. Bastard is catchy. It has a certain...charm."

Dr. Bastard: "A charm only you would appreciate. But really, can't I convince you to change it? What would it take?"

Dr. Bastard: "There's a fine line between nostalgia and torture. Besides, we aren't kids anymore."

Naruto giggled. This back-and-forth banter was becoming a delightful routine. Naruto leaned back in her chair, twirling a strand of her golden hair. She tapped out her message with a glint in her eye.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Admit it, you secretly love it."

Dr. Bastard: "Okay, I admit it makes me chuckle. But it's about time you upgrade me. How about Dr. Charming? Or McDreamy?"

Naruto snorted.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "I think you might be pushing it with that one. But I might reconsider if I knew who sent those lovely flowers."

Sasuke took a moment before responding, the three dots on Naruto's screen keeping her in suspense.

Dr. Bastard: "Guilty as charged. I thought you might have guessed. I wanted to thank you...and maybe impress you a bit."

Naruto's heart raced. She felt a warmth spreading across her cheeks.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Well, Dr. Uchiha, consider me impressed. But that doesn't mean I'm changing your name just yet! You might have earned a few points."

Dr. Bastard: "At least give me a chance to earn a better title."

As she contemplated a new nickname for Sasuke, her phone buzzed again. Naruto chuckled, typing out her response.

Dr. Naruto Uzumaki: "Fine. Let's see how our next few interactions go, and I might consider an upgrade."

The text exchange was interrupted as Naruto's screen blinked, her phone automatically updating Sasuke's contact information.

Dr. Bastard: "By the way, I've updated your name on my phone to "Dr. Sunshine." Seems fitting."

Naruto's cheeks reddened. Before she could craft a response, Shikamaru, who had come to discuss a patient with her, leaned over, glancing at her phone screen.

"Dr. Sunshine, huh?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "The Uchiha sure is laying it on thick."

Naruto rolled her eyes. "Mind your business, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru chuckled. "Well, if Dr. Bastard is trying to charm you with flowers and cute nicknames, he must be serious."

Naruto laughed, "Just focus on the patient details, will you?"

But as she turned back to her work, her phone screen still displayed Sasuke's last message, and she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.

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