Ohh, my longest chapter yet!

"I don't think you can what Sasuke"

The evening had settled in, casting long shadows on the road. The car hummed softly, accompanied by the occasional chirping of crickets outside. Naruto gazed out of the window, the faint city lights in the distance merging with the stars above, waiting for Sasuke to respond. She had an inkling of what he was referring to but needed to hear the words.

The car's interior was draped in a quiet calm as they sped through the deserted roads. The luminescent shine from the streetlights penetrated the windows, illuminating Naruto and Sasuke in a golden hue. Naruto fiddled with the hem of her shirt, avoiding Sasuke's lingering gaze.

There was a lingering heaviness in the air, remnants of the recent encounter at Gaara's house. Sasuke took a deep breath, breaking the silence. "Naruto, I've meant to talk to you about something that's been bothering me for years."

"More so since I saw you again," Sasuke began, as Naruto's gaze pierced him, "And I think it's high time we talked about it."

Naruto turned to him, intrigued, "What is it, Sasuke?"

He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Our past. I've never been able to let go. Especially... the day you left right before graduation. I looked for you everywhere, but it was like you vanished. Why did you leave?"

Naruto took a deep breath. She knew what he was referring to. The past they shared had its shadows and wasn't always pleasant. Naruto sighed, her gaze returning to the road ahead. "Do you remember the Spring dance in grade 11?"

Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. "I... I do. But what does that have to do with..."

Naruto cut him off, "Everything, Sasuke. Everything." Naruto's voice held a twinge of pain, "After that dance, you treated me differently. It felt like you despised my existence. You either ignored me or argued with me over the smallest things. It broke my heart, Sasuke. I couldn't take the pain, so I decided to leave."

Sasuke swallowed hard. He remembered the dance all too clearly. "I acted out of line, I know," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But I had reasons." Sasuke looked pained, his brows furrowing in deep thought. "I'm so sorry, Naruto. I didn't realize how my behaviour affected you. The truth is, I was jealous, incredibly jealous."

Naruto looked at him in confusion, "Jealous? Of what?"

Sasuke's face darkened, his eyes clouded with regret. "That Spring dance, you took Itachi as your date. I wanted to ask you, but I was too much of a chicken. Then when I was going to, you were joking with Kakashi and Itachi on how much fun the dance was going to be now that you had Itachi as your date."

Sasuke paused. "I know we were rivals since childhood; heck, you were the person I was closest to until stupid puberty hit, and I noticed you had boobs. But you also know that my biggest competitor was Itachi. Itachi was better at everything, but I had you. And when I saw how close you two had become, it ate me alive. You were my best friend, and I felt like I was losing you to my own brother."

Naruto stared at him, stunned. "Wait... you were jealous? Of your own brother? A guy who is no less than seven years our senior?"

Sasuke said nothing but gripped the steering wheel tighter. He didn't say his feelings were smart; looking back he could see how irrational he was being.

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the road. "I couldn't handle the idea of you being with someone else. Especially not Itachi. I saw how close you two had become, and I... I felt replaced, overshadowed. I know it was immature and childish, but those feelings consumed me. Instead of confronting them, I chose to push you away."

Naruto's eyes widened in realization. "Sasuke, Itachi and I were never more than friends. I asked him to the dance because I thought you were going with someone else. I'd overheard Ino talking to my cousin Karin, and she said you had asked a girl out. Brough her a corsage and everything. So, I cried. Kakashi found me upset and asked why. I told him I felt like a loser with no date to the Spring Dance, so he offered to be my date. But the only thing worse than have no date was having your older brother be your date! So Kakashi did the next best thing: he told Itachi to go with me."

Sasuke slammed the brakes on his car. Looking into the rearview mirror to ensure no cars were behind him, he looked at Naruto. "Those corsages were for you, you dumbass. I didn't know how to ask you. So, I kept carrying it around. Neji asked who they were for, and I said my date. I meant YOU! Ino must have overheard. Next thing I know, you're going with ITACHI!"

Naruto looked at him, mouth wide open. The corsage was for her. Twenty years later, she finds out that the corsage was for her and that Sasuke had wanted to ask her out. Not knowing how to react, Naruto's eyes brimmed with tears, a mixture of pain, understanding, and two decades worth of feeling anger at the man she once loved deeply. "I had no idea, Sasuke. All I felt was rejection and hurt. And with everything else going on in my life, I couldn't handle the pain. Iruka had left for university once we got to high school. Kakashi was getting busy with his LSATS, and you were just so frustrating to deal with. So, I wanted to leave by the time our senior year ended. So, I left."

A heavy silence enveloped the car. The weight of years of misunderstandings and unresolved feelings pressed down on them. Sasuke spoke after what felt like hours, his voice filled with regret, "I'm sorry, Naruto. I wish I had been brave enough to tell you how I felt back then. I was just so angry at you, at Itachi. At everything. And than you left, not a word. You never even came back for the holidays. So I just stopped caring. I let go, I let you go."

Sasuke's hands tightened on the steering wheel. The soft hum of the car's engine was barely audible over the wind rustling outside. Memories of the past hung between them, a delicate balance of pain and nostalgia.

Naruto finally broke the silence, "You know, Sasuke, you weren't just cold to me after that dance. You became downright mean. Do you remember how you never missed a chance to call me flat-chested all through 12th grade?"

Sasuke cringed, the memory now coming back to him. "Look, Naruto," he began cautiously, "It wasn't meant to be hurtful in the way you think."

Naruto cut him off with a scoff, "Oh, so you genuinely believed that calling me flat-chested wouldn't hurt me? Every time you said that, I felt humiliated. Do you have any idea how much you hurt my self-esteem?"

He took a deep breath, "I never meant to hurt you, Naruto. As weird as it sounds, I said those things because... because it was the only way I knew how to get your attention. Honestly, I said those things because it was the only way I knew how to get your attention. After the dance incident, I felt so left out, so... distant from you. I loved seeing you blush, even if it was out of anger. You were so fiery, so full of spirit. And every time I made you mad, I felt like I had captured a piece of that spirit. It gave me some sort of twisted satisfaction. I wanted your attention, even if it was negative."

She looked at him, her blue eyes filled with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "So, you insulted me because you were jealous and wanted my attention?"

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, visibly uncomfortable. "I know, Naruto. I realize now how incredibly stupid I was. The irony is that all those comments were the exact opposite of what I felt. You were beautiful, and I... well, I was too jealous to say anything nice." Sasuke nodded sheepishly, "It sounds dumb, I know. But I was a confused teenager. Seeing you with Itachi, I felt replaced. And making those remarks was a twisted way of feeling like I still had some kind of connection with you. Plus I honesty did not think you were flat-chested. I've been obsessed with them for way too long, and it was the only insult that would get to you."

Naruto stared at him for a moment, taking in his words. She could see the regret in his eyes. "While I appreciate your honesty," she began, her voice softer, "It doesn't excuse the hurt you caused. Those comments stayed with me for a long time." Naruto sighed, "As much as I understand where you're coming from, it doesn't change the fact that those words hurt. A lot. And I'm unsure how I feel about you being obsessed with my breasts."

"I'm genuinely sorry, Naruto," Sasuke murmured, his voice sincere. "If I could take back those words, I would. But to be fair, your breasts were great to a teenage boy; you have no idea how much I appeached Kakashi, making you dress in loose clothing." After a slight pause, he continued, "I'm truly sorry, Naruto."

She smiled faintly, "You were such a dumb kid, Sasuke."

"And you were, and still are, incredibly resilient and beautiful," he replied, a hint of flirtation in his voice.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Are you trying to flirt with me to make up for your past mistakes?"

Sasuke grinned, "Is it working?"

She laughed, the tension from moments ago melting away, "Maybe a little."

Sasuke glanced at her with a slight smirk forming on his lips. "By the way, in my defence, every time I called you that, it was because I was hoping you'd tackle me just to shut me up."

Naruto chuckled, playfully nudging him. "Oh, so you wanted me to attack you, huh? Typical Uchiha, always seeking a fight."

"Well," Sasuke retorted, winking, "Maybe I was just seeking a kiss to shut me up. Ever think of that?"

Naruto blushed, her lips curling into a small smile. "You're incorrigible," she teased.

The tension in the car finally started to lift as the two shared soft laughter, memories of their past slowly coming to light, and the hope for a brighter future ahead.

In Sasuke's luxurious living room, Naruto and Sasuke sat opposite each other on comfortable couches, an array of snacks spread on the center table. Both tried to distract themselves with light conversation and the growing sexual tension that kept intensifying. The large clock in Sasuke's living room continued its rhythmic ticking, amplifying the anticipatory silence between Naruto and Sasuke as they waited for Sarada's return. Naruto fidgeted with her fingers, a sign of her nervousness. At the same time, Sasuke maintained a stoic facade, his gaze fixed intently on the clock.

Suddenly, Sasuke's phone vibrated. Relieved by the distraction, he quickly grabbed it. The caller ID displayed "Itachi."

Sasuke glanced at Naruto before he swiped to answer, his face breaking into a smile. "Hey, big brother."

"Itachi?" Naruto whispered, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Itachi's deep voice resonated from the other end, a touch of amusement in his tone. "I saw a picture of Sarada on social media. She looks stunning. Almost didn't recognize her. She's growing up so fast."

Sasuke's gaze softened, pride evident in his voice. "Yes, she does. But all credit goes to Naruto. She helped Sarada get ready for the dance."

Itachi paused momentarily and then, teasingly, said, "Ah, Naruto. The sunshine of Konoha Medical Hospital. How has she been doing?"

Hearing her name, Naruto leaned in closer and said, "Hi, Itachi."

Itachi's voice became noticeably more animated, "Ah, Naruto! Long time. You did a fantastic job with Sarada. She looks beautiful. Just like someone else I know." The playful flirtation in his tone wasn't lost on anyone in the room.

Naruto, catching onto Itachi's game and seeing it as an opportunity for a bit of fun, replied, "Well, thank you, Itachi. You always were quite the charmer."

There was a playful lilt in Itachi's voice. "You always had a way of brightening up a room, Naruto. I remember how you used to light up any place you entered. It's been a while since we last met. Perhaps we should catch up?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, irritation evident in his posture. He hadn't anticipated a casual call with his brother turning into a flirt fest.

Naruto, sensing the game Itachi was playing, decided to indulge him. "I'd like that, Itachi. It's been ages. Maybe we could get some tea together when you're in the city next time?"

Sasuke's eyes darted between the phone and Naruto, irritation building up. "Itachi," he interrupted sharply, "Was there a specific reason you called?" Itachi chuckled lightly, "Always protective, aren't you, Sasuke? I was just making conversation. It's good to hear Naruto's voice after so long. And yes, Naruto, I feel our tea date will be sooner than expected."

Naruto smirked her blue eyes twinkling, glancing at Sasuke who was visibly fuming now, "And it's always nice to hear from you too, Itachi. I look forward to it. Tell you wife I said hello."

Sasuke's patience was waning, and the familiar emotion of jealousy bubbled up. "Alright, that's enough. I'll talk to you later, Itachi." Without waiting for a response, Sasuke ended the call. The irritation in his voice was palpable.

There was a distinct ping as the call ended. Sasuke looked at his phone to see a text from Itachi flashing on his screen.

Itachi: "Alright, little brother. I'll let you be. Take care and give my love to Sarada."

Sasuke closed his phone and glared at Naruto, his dark eyes sparkling with a mix of annoyance and jealousy. There was a momentary silence before Naruto broke into giggles. "Did I just witness the mighty Sasuke Uchiha getting jealous?"

Sasuke looked away, attempting to hide his embarrassment. "It's not like that."

Naruto inched closer, placing a comforting hand on his. "Hey, look at me," she coaxed softly. Sasuke glared at the wall.

The recent confession in the car was still ringing in her ears. Naruto held up her hands defensively, trying to hold back her laughter, "Come on, Sasuke. It was just some harmless fun. You know I was just playing along."

Sasuke huffed, "That's my brother you were flirting with."

When their eyes met, Naruto's expression was sincere. "Sasuke, I never had feelings for Itachi. We were just friends. I only flirted back to rile you up a bit." Naruto moved closer to him, "Listen, Sasuke. I never had feelings for Itachi. That was all in your head."

"Why?" Sasuke sighed, "And I-I know. But it still annoys me." His gaze softened, looking into her eyes.

Naruto chuckled, rubbing his shoulder, "Well, that's something you'll have to work on. But for now, know that my attention is all yours." And with a playful smirk, "Because it's fun to see you flustered. And... maybe I wanted to see if you still cared."

Sasuke raised his eyebrows, oh, he cared. Perhaps it wasn't only him that was still insecure. Sasuke leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "Of course, I care, dobe," he whispered.

The whisper of his childhood nickname for her had her heart beating in her chest. Naruto didn't realize how much she missed him calling her that; the last time he called her dobe … was before the Spring Dance. Naruto smiled, her eyes softening. "I know, teme. I know." She held no more resistance when Sasuke pulled her into his arms, seeking solace in their embrace.

The soft glow of the porch light illuminated Sarada's face as she stepped out of the limousine, her eyes filled with a mix of excitement and exhaustion from the dance. As she approached the door, it swung open, revealing an anxious Sasuke, with Naruto leaning against the wall behind him.

Before she could say anything, Sasuke was already peppering her with questions. "Are you okay? Did anyone bother you? Did Mitsuki behave himself?" Sasuke peered around her to make sure everything was okay, eyes scanning Sarada for any signs of distress or discomfort. "How was it?" he asked, voice laced with paternal concern.

Sarada rolled her eyes, slightly amused. "Dad, I'm fine. You worry too much." Watching him give her one of his famous Uchiha glares, Sarada smiled, rolling her eyes affectionately at her father's overprotectiveness. "It was fun, Dad. I had a great time."

Sasuke's eyes scanned her as if looking for signs of distress. "It's my job to worry," he retorted, but there was warmth in his voice and a sigh of relief.

Sighing, Sarada replied, "It was a fun night. And don't worry about Mitsuki. I like him, but not in a 'dating' kind of way."

Naruto chuckled, standing up to approach the young Uchiha. "Oh you have no idea how much of a relief your father feeling right now." She playfully pinched Sasuke's arms. Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn't contradict.

Sarada blushed, but her smile was bright. "Thanks, Naruto. And thanks for helping me get ready again. I'm surprised that you're still here. I thought you were leaving soon?"

Naruto snickered at Sasuke's pinched expressions, her blue eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh I had full intention of leaving, but your father was ready to ninja himself after the limo. Thought it is easier to reign him in and stop him from crashing your dance. I'll be leaving soon, now that you can keep an eye on this big baby."

Sarada laughed.

Sasuke, not yet appeased, continued his line of questioning. "Were you safe? Did anyone try to harm you or make you uncomfortable?"

Sarada sighed, but her tone was patient. "Dad, everything was fine. Mitsuki was a gentleman. Honestly, you have nothing to be worried about." She looked at Naruto, biting her lip. "Thank you so much. Something tells me that my father would have definitely crashed my first dance without you here."

Sasuke visibly relaxed, a hint of relief evident in his eyes. Sarada was safe, and there were no stupid boys he needed to worry about, for now. Naruto, ever the mediator, interjected, "So tell me, anything interesting happens at the dance? What's the drama? Any boy standing by the food watching a girl dance with someone else glaring at the wall because he was a big chicken?"

Sarada raised her eyebrow, "No …" she said, "Isn't that a way to a specific scenario? But I'll let you know if I hear anything."

Sasuke glared at her but remained silent, letting Naruto take the lead. Laughing, Naruto gestured, "Come on, Sarada. Let's get you out of that dress and those shoes. I bet your feet are killing you."

Nodding gratefully, Sarada followed Naruto towards her room, leaving Sasuke in the hallway. "Make some snacks, Sasuke. The girls danced all night. She needs to refuel," Naruto called out over her shoulder.

Nodding in agreement, Sarada added, "Sounds good."

Naruto nudged Sasuke, "Go on, Sasuke. Whip up something special."

Sasuke grunted, though there was a playful glint in his eyes. "Fine, fine. But only because you both are giving me that look."

As Sasuke made his way to the kitchen, Naruto gently took Sarada's arm, leading her toward her room. "Come on. Let's get you out of that dress."

Inside her room, Naruto helped Sarada unzip her dress; the young Uchiha hesitated before speaking, "Naruto?"

"Yeah?"

Sarada's demeanour was more reserved and contemplative. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers playing with the frills of her dress. "Naruto... can I talk to you about something?"

Nodding, Naruto looked at her with concern. Naruto's blue eyes softened; her face filled with concern. "Of course, Sarada. Anything."

Taking a deep breath, Sarada's voice trembled slightly. "He... Mitsuki, I mean. He wanted to kiss me. But I... I just didn't feel ready, you know?" Sarada paused, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "Mitsuki... he wanted to kiss me tonight. I just... I wasn't ready. I feel so... behind. Some of my friends have already had their first kiss, and here I am..."

Naruto took a step forward, wrapping her arms around the younger girl, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Sarada, it's okay to not be ready. Your feelings are valid. You should never feel pressured to do something you're uncomfortable with. And about feeling 'behind'? Everyone has their own pace. There's no rush."

Sarada bit her lip, looking down into her hands. "It's just that... everyone talks about their first kiss. And I feel like I'm lacking or something."

Naruto gently lifted Sarada's chin, making her look up. "Your worth isn't determined by a kiss or the lack of it. When it's right, you'll know. Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place."

Sarada buried her face in Naruto's shoulder, taking solace in the older woman's words. "Thank you, Naruto."

A single tear trickled down Sarada's cheek, and Naruto wiped it away, keeping the young woman in her arms. "You're special, Sarada. Don't ever forget that."

Outside the door, Sasuke stood with his ear pressed against it, and myriad emotions played across his face. He had come to bring the snacks, but he stopped in his tracks after hearing the conversation. The weight of fatherhood pressed upon him, and he realized how many emotions and experiences his daughter was going through. But hearing Naruto's comforting words, he felt reassured that Sarada had someone she could confide in, a positive female presence. Which made his resolve even stronger to hold into her. Sarada came first, before his love and happiness. But is the reason for his love and his Sarada could co-exist simultaneously, then perhaps it was worth walking out of his comfort zone. Taking a deep breath, Sasuke knocked lightly and asked to enter the room, carrying the tray of snacks.

"Still changing," Naruto yelled.

Rolling his eyes, Sasuke informed them that the snacks were ready and to meet in back in the kitchen.

After a hearty late-night snack, the trio sat in the living room, wrapped up in comfortable silences and sporadic conversations. The atmosphere was light and easy, but Sarada, with the curiosity of youth, had a burning question.

"Okay, wait. I have to know," Sarada started, "When was your first kiss?"

Naruto choked on her drink, coughing and sputtering. Sasuke calmly handed her a napkin while raising an eyebrow at his daughter, "Why would you want to know that?"

Sarada shrugged, "Curiosity. Many of my friends were sharing stories about their first kiss, and I want to know yours. It wasn't Mom, was it?"

Sasuke shook his head, smirking at Naruto. "Oh, it definitely was not Sakura."

Naruto, smiling, rolled her eyes.

Looking back and forth between the two doctors, Sarada asked, "Umm, Dr. Uzumaki, do you know Dad's first kiss?"

Sasuke's face went an attractive shade of red, and Naruto burst out laughing after an initial moment of shock. "Oh, that's a memory," she said, grinning. Sasuke groaned while Naruto chuckled. She raised her eyebrows, silently asking Sasuke for permission. He shrugged his shoulder. "More like I was here, Sarada."

"Huh?" Sarada looked wide-eyed between the two adults. "Explain."

Seeing the bewildered expression on Sarada's face, Sasuke took a deep breath. "It was... unexpected. We were twelve," he began, recalling the memory.

"We?" Sarada questioned. Both adults nodded.

"We were running around after school," Naruto continued, her eyes distant, "I think it was Kiba or maybe Rock Lee – I can't remember who – but someone pushed me, and I ended up colliding with your dad." She paused, chuckling. "Lips first."

Sasuke groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "If you're going to say it properly, dobe. We were twelve. Some kids were goofing off, Dr. Uzumaki here being one of the prime participants, and Rock Lee, a classified moron during our lineup thought it would be cool to do a handstand."

"Oh yeah! I forgot that!" Naruto exclaimed. Ignoring the blond, Sasuke continued, "But he failed to realize that we were on pavement and not the gym floor, so his hands landed on a sharp pebble and knocked him off his balance. He, therefore, pushed Naruto while we were talking. She ended up colliding into me, and, well..."

Sarada's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean to tell me you two had your first kiss with each other? Like … Wait, have you known each other since you were kids? Why have I never met you before, Naruto? I mean, Dad has never even mentioned you."

"It wasn't exactly romantic. It was more of an accident." Naruto chuckled. Naruto's gaze shifted to Sasuke, who looked back at her fondly. "Well," Naruto began, "We drifted apart during high school. I kinda of know your entire family, Sarada. In touch with most of them too."

"Wait a second," Sarada interrupted, "How come I've never met you before, Naruto? I mean, if Dad has known you since childhood... Even if you two drifted apart, I've never heard anyone mention you before." Sarada looked at her dad, trying to put the puzzle pieces together.

Sasuke looked a little uncomfortable. "Well, Naruto and I... we drifted apart. And since everyone knew about our complicated past, they usually avoided talking about her in my presence. You've met her brothers at Itachi's, actually, Kakashi and Iruka."

A sense of realization dawned upon Sarada. "Oh, so you're Kakashi's little sister? Oh my god, you're the one who helped Uncle Itachi put frogs in dad bedroom when he was a kid!"

Naruto laughed while Sasuke glared at her. Oh, he remembered that incident and the feeling of slimy amphibians on his legs when he went under his covers. "Well, that would be me."

Sarada looked at both of them, "that makes so much sense."

Sasuke's brows knitted in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Sarada leaned forward, eyes shining mischievously. "It was strange to me how close you and Dr. Uzumaki seemed, especially since you don't take too much to a stranger's dad. You also avoid women like the plague, yet you couldn't leave Naruto's side when we were dress shopping. I thought you were finally growing up, but it's more like you were reuniting with an old friend again."

Naruto laughed softly, "You're too observant for your own good."

Beside her Sasuke nodded his head in agreement.

Sarada looked at her father, eyes shining with curiosity. "Why have you never mentioned Naruto before? How come?"

The atmosphere grew slightly tense. Sasuke hesitated, looking into the distance, "Naruto... she was someone special. It's complicated." Sasuke shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with both Naruto and Sarada. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke, his voice soft. "I've known Naruto since second grade. And...," he hesitated, taking a deep breath, "I've been in love with her since then. So, when she moved away and cut contact, it was too hard to mention or hear her name."

Sarada's mouth dropped open in shock, and Naruto's eyes widened, not expecting Sasuke to confess so openly.

Sarada glanced between the two, picking up on the underlying tension. "There's more to this, isn't there?"

The room was filled with a heavy silence, Naruto trying to find the right words to say, and Sasuke was surprised at his own confession. Sarada broke into a wide grin. "Well, whatever it is, I'm happy you're finally in our life again, Naruto. Someone needs to get Dad to stop being such a grouch."

Sasuke groaned, burying his face in his hands, while Naruto chuckled. "Life has a funny way of bringing people together," Naruto mused, her gaze softening as she looked at Sasuke.

Sarada nodded, her heart full of happiness seeing the bond between her father and Naruto. "That was a lot of information to digest in one night. But thank you, both of you, for sharing. It makes me happy to know there's so much history between you." She smiled warmly at Naruto, "I'm glad you're in our lives, Dr. Uzumaki."

The three sat silently for a bit, enjoying their marshmallowy-smores and the comfort of having someone beside them. Soon, Sarada announced she was retiring for the night, recognizing that the two adults needed to sort things out for themselves.

A small fake yawn escaped her lips as she stretched, "I'm heading off to bed. Thanks for the smores and stories."

Naruto smiled warmly, ruffling Sarada's hair, "Sleep well, kiddo."

Sasuke nodded, watching as his daughter left the room. Once the sounds of Sarada's footsteps faded, an awkward silence settled between Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto began fidgeting with her fingers, the atmosphere heavy with unsaid emotions.

The atmosphere in the living room grew slightly thick. The fire crackled, casting a warm orange glow over the room. Sasuke finally broke the silence, "I heard what you told Sarada earlier in her room." Naruto looked up in surprise. He continued, "Thank you. For being there for her when I couldn't. She needed someone like you tonight."

Naruto blushed slightly, scratching the back of her neck. "It's what anyone would do, Sasuke. Sarada is an amazing girl."

Sasuke smiled, a rarity, and that alone made Naruto's heart skip a beat. "You always were a sucker for a Uchiha smile," he teased.

Rolling her eyes, she retorted, "Oh please! It was your brooding that always got me."

His dark eyes sparkled with mischief, "Well, there's plenty more brooding where that came from."

The two sat silently for a moment, the air feeling stiffer, stealing glances at each other. Sasuke smirked, "You know, I miss seeing you blush like that. It's always been one of my favourite sights."

Naruto's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Really, Sasuke? That line?"

He chuckled, "Well, it's the truth."

Naruto rose from her seat, glancing at the clock, "It's getting late. I should head home."

Sasuke hesitated, then finally spoke up, "You don't have to go. You can stay. The guest room's always ready."

Naruto looked at him, her blue eyes searching his. "Sasuke, I..."

Sasuke looked into her eyes slowly, his hand reaching to lightly touch hers, "Stay. Please."

She glanced down at their entwined fingers, heart racing. "Sasuke..."

He sighed, "Look, Naruto, tonight has been... overwhelming. I just... I don't want the night to end yet. I've been wanting to say so many things, to do so many things." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Like wanting to kiss you senselessly." He looked deep into her eyes, "I want to... but I'm afraid," he whispered, leaning slightly closer.

Her blue eyes darted to his lips and back to his eyes, "Afraid of what?" Naruto's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing. They stood inches apart, the tension intense.

"That if I start, I won't be able to stop," he confessed, the heat between them palpable.

The gap between them diminished as they drew closer, but neither dared to bridge that final distance, to take that step into the uncertain world of their shared feelings.

"Maybe...," Naruto whispered, her breath warming Sasuke's lips, "Maybe we shouldn't stop." Naruto bit her lip, contemplating. The weight of years of shared history pressed upon them. They stood there in the amber glow of the fire, letting the moment linger, each contemplating the next step.

But before they could fully act on the magnetism pulling them together, a soft voice echoed through the house. Sarada's voice floated, "Dad? Did Naruto leave? Grandma called; she wants to talk to you, too."

The moment shattered, but the spark remained. Naruto and Sasuke pulled apart, the unsaid promise of another time lingering between them. "Go" Naruto whispered, looking into his deep eyes, emotions of love and frustration dancing across. She pulled away, her eyes darting towards the hallway where Sarada's voice had come from, and then back to Sasuke. The weight of their closeness still lingered, but the moment had been interrupted.

"I have to go," she whispered, taking a step back. The heat of his touch still tingling on her skin.

She turned to make her way towards the entrance, her steps slightly hesitant, the conflict of emotions evident in her posture. She reached for the doorknob, but a hand on her wrist stopped before she could open the door. Sasuke had moved with a speed that defied his earlier hesitation.

"Wait," he murmured, pulling her back towards him. Before she could process what was happening, she found herself enveloped in Sasuke's embrace, their lips meeting in a kiss that spoke of years of pent-up feelings, regrets, and yearning. It was a moment where time seemed to stop, where the past, present, and future blurred into one.

As they pulled away, Naruto looked up, her blue eyes meeting his obsidian ones. There was a certain urgency, a need in his gaze that made her breath catch. Without another word, she closed the distance between them again, capturing his lips in a fervent kiss. It was a kiss of longing, of years of unsaid words and feelings, of memories shared, and of promises to come.

Sasuke pulled away after what felt like an eternity, resting his forehead against Naruto's. They both breathed heavily, their breaths mingling, trying to process the depth of what had just transpired.

"I've wanted to do that for so long," Sasuke whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Dazed by the sudden surge of emotions, Naruto nodded, her voice a little shaky, "I'm glad you did."

From the distance, Sarada's voice echoed again, sounding slightly impatient. "Dad? Grandma is waiting?"

Sasuke cleared his throat, trying to mask the apparent tremor in his voice, still holding onto Naruto, and called back, "Just a moment, Sarada! I'm locking the doors. Tell Mother I'll be there in a few minutes."

Naruto chuckled softly, "You better go. She'll get suspicious."

He sighed, releasing her slowly, "Alright. But promise me this isn't the end of our conversation."

With a reluctant sigh, Naruto stepped back, "I should really go now, Sasuke." Naruto added, "I promise."

He watched as she slipped out the door, the night engulfing her form. There was a heavy sensation in his chest, an overwhelming urge to pull her back into his home and life. But he knew some things take time, and they had all the time in the world. With one last lingering glance, Sasuke watched as Naruto stepped into her car, the door closing softly behind her. He closed and leaned against the front door for a moment, feeling a heavy weight in his chest. A part of him wished he could have held onto that moment to pull her back inside and never let her go.

With a deep breath and a last glance at the door, Sasuke turned back, ready to face his mother. Apparently, without a doubt, Sarada, Itachi, or both had informed her about Naruto's entry back into his life. But with newfound hope and determination burning in his heart.

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