Sakura woke up to the smell of coffee and smiled lazily. She got up and stretched, yawning. She rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock. It was a little before six in the morning, which meant she still had some time before her shift began. She pulled on her nightgown and padded outside the room. In the apartment kitchen, Itachi stood, pouring coffee into the two cups in front of him. He was only wearing shorts. Sakura gazed at the toned muscles of his bare back and bit her lip. Then she came up and wrapped her arms around him.
"Good morning," she whispered, tracing her lips over his shoulder.
Itachi laced his fingers with hers and squeezed. "Morning. Did you sleep okay?" Itachi asked.
"Like a baby," Sakura replied happily. She unwrapped her arms and came up to stand beside him. They shared a long kiss. Then she took the cup of coffee that Itachi had offered her.
"Mm," Sakura moaned as she took a sip, "this is just what I needed to wake up. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Itachi replied with a proud smirk. "So, what would you like for breakfast?"
"Actually, I have to go back to my apartment. My shift begins in an hour and I have to get ready."
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "You know you can always move your stuff here, right? There's no need to move back and forth between two places so often."
Sakura bit her lip. It wasn't like she hadn't thought about moving in with Itachi before. At this point, she was practically imagining marrying him sometime in the future. Maybe that's why she wanted Itachi to propose before she moved in with him. But telling him that would mean putting pressure on him. She wanted him to come to this conclusion on his own.
"Why don't we talk about this some other time?" Sakura said. She put down her cup and planted a kiss on his cheek. Itachi stared at her. She turned to get her stuff but he wrapped his armed around her and pulled her tightly against him. Sakura gasped. He traced his lips along her jawline up to her earlobe, and whispered beside her ear, "I will hold you to that." Then he let her go. Sakura stood there with red cheeks and weak in her knees.
"Let me pack you a sandwich at least so you can take it with you," Itachi said.
"What..." Sakura breathed.
"The sandwich," Itachi repeated, amused by Sakura's reaction.
"Oh, yeah, thank you," Sakura said, regaining herself. She turned with a smile on her lips and went to the bedroom to gather her things.
Once Sakura reached her office at the hospital, she was greeted by the sight of blonde hair.
"Good morning, Sakura-chan!"
"Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed, "What are you doing here so early in the morning? Did you injure yourself again?"
"Oh no, nothing like that. I just wanted to meet you and see how you were doing." Naruto said, smiling toothily.
Sakura raised an eyebrow and sighed. She put down her bag and started towards her desk which had a mountain of files on it.
"Why are you really here, Naruto?" She asked, not buying his excuse. Naruto gave up and rubbed his hair sheepishly.
"I have a favor to ask."
"A favor?" Sakura asked, leaning on her desk, "okay. I'm listening."
"Well," Naruto began, "we kinda need you to play volleyball with us."
This caught Sakura completely off guard.
"Excuse me?!"
"You see," Naruto started explaining, "each year we play a match of volleyball against a group of rivals from highschool. The winning team gets bragging rights for an entire year. It is a pretty big deal for us. Last year Neji's team won and they rubbed it in our faces whenever we met. This year we want to one-up them."
"Okay," Sakura said slowly, "and how do I fit in any of this?"
"We're one team member short. Actually, we were two members short but Shikamaru convinced Ino to join the team. And she might've told us that you used to play volleyball player in high school too. And that you were pretty good. So, here I am." Naruto explained.
"Interesting that Ino didn't tell me about it herself," Sakura said.
Ever since she'd started dating Shikamaru, Ino and she hadn't really had a chance to catch up.
She rested her chin on her hand, thinking. "Alright, I guess I can play for you."
"Really?" Naruto exclaimed happily and bowed, "that's so great. Thank you!"
"No worries," Sakura said waiving her hand, "when is the match?"
"It's tonight. We'll come to pick you up." Naruto said, turning to leave.
"We?" Sakura asked.
"Me and Sasuke. If and when we win, we will also have a grand party." He said determinedly. "Alright, see ya then!" Naruto waived and left without waiting for a reply. Sakura stared after him.
Volleyball. She stood there wondering what she had gotten herself into.
Sakura sat down on her couch to tie her shoes. After shuffling through her stuff, she had managed to find her old volleyball outfit which she now wore. She was initially nervous about the whole thing, but after talking to Itachi about it, she felt a little more confident. He had assured her that it was nothing but a friendly game between a group of childhood friends and that she would have fun. She wished Itachi would also come to see the game, but ever since he had joined his father in the business, his schedule left little room for other activities.
"And they say it's the doctors who are always busy," Sakura huffed and stood up. She stood in front of the mirror and took an appraising look at herself. Satisfied with how she looked, she turned to pack her gym bag. Just as she up her phone buzzed. She picked it up. It was a text from Naruto. They were outside.
"Okay," Sakura took a deep breath, "here goes nothing."
Naruto waved at her as she stepped out of her building. He was standing outside his car, and she spotted Sasuke sitting in the driving seat. Sakura waved back.
"Wow, you look amazing! Is that your outfit from high school?" Naruto asked, winking at her. Sakura rolled her eyes and ignored him.
"I can't believe you got me to agree to do this," she muttered, climbing into the backseat of the car.
"Hey, Sasuke!" She smiled at him as she settled down. Sasuke glanced at her from the review mirror and gave a nod. Naruto climbed onto the passenger seat.
"Where's the rest of the team?" Sakura asked.
"We'll meet Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino at the court. Normally there would also be Kiba and Shino, but they're not here so Shikamaru got Ino to join. And we got you." Naruto explained.
"And who are the players in the competing team? Old friends of yours?"
"No!" Naruto scoffed. Sasuke snorted. Sakura felt like she had missed something.
"They were our seniors in high school. A group of bullies led by a guy named Neji. A real prodigy. An apple of every teacher's eye." Naruto said darkly.
"Bullies?" Sakura asked, surprised. Itachi had told her they were friends. She was confused.
"They would always beat us at volleyball and then make fun of us. But Sasuke and I trained hard and eventually beat them a few times. Ever since then, it has turned into a rivalry. It's more serious now than ever since I got together with Hinata."
"Hinata? How does she fit into all this?" Sakura asked.
"You see," Naruto said, now scratching his head sheepishly, "Hinata is actually Neji's cousin. Neji was really pissed off when we got together. And when he heard that she and I were engaged, he demanded a match so I could prove to him that I was worthy of her."
"Wow," Sakura said, now she was really feeling under pressure. She cleared her throat. "Naruto, maybe I shouldn't be on the team. I haven't played volleyball in so long and I would hate to be the reason for your loss."
"Don't worry about that," it was Sasuke, who had spoken for the first time. "We've strategized the game in a way that Naruto and I will be doing most of the heavy lifting. We'll explain it to you with the rest of the team."
Sakura felt a weight lifting from her shoulders and sighed with relief. She smiled at Sasuke and thanked him.
When they reached the volleyball court, the rest of the team was already there. Sakura spotted Ino standing next to Shimakaru and another guy which Sakura assumed to be Choji. Ino noticed Sakura and waved at her excitedly.
"Hey! Naruto convinced you to come!" Ino exclaimed, hugging her friend.
"Why didn't you tell me about it?" Sakura asked, mildly annoyed but mostly happy to see her friend.
"Oh, you know, I figured Naruto could handle it himself," Ino replied, waving her hand.
"Hey, Sakura. Wow, you look good," Shikamaru had joined Ino and couldn't help himself. Ino elbowed him, eliciting a low moan of pain.
"Of course, my Ino looks better," he croaked and planted a kiss on her head. Ino looked satisfied. Sakura grinned, shaking her head.
"Look sharp, guys! They're here." Naruto announced, looking all serious and determined.
Sakura turned to see where he was looking. A group of six people entered the court. Her attention immediately went to the long-haired, silver-eyed man. Mainly because he had an uncanny resemblance with Hinata. She assumed he was Neji, Hinata's cousin. He was also clearly the leader of the group. He spotted Naruto and Sasuke and the rest of the group immediately and smirked. He walked over to them.
"Hey, it's game time. You guys ready to lose?"
"Ha! Don't get too confident. We're not going down that easily." Naruto retorted.
A man behind Neji stepped up. He had a bowl cut and an expression just as determined as Naruto's.
"Oh, you don't stand a chance. We know all your weaknesses, and we've got a strategy that's going to leave you in the dust!" He declared, first pumping in the air.
"And when we beat you yet again," Neji continued cooly, "maybe Hinata-sama will realize the mistake she's making by agreeing to marry a loser like you."
Naruto growled, stepping up, but Sasuke held him back.
"You're in for a rude awakening, Hyuuga," Sasuke replied, matching Neji's tone. "We're going to beat you so badly, you'll be begging for mercy."
"Big talk," Neji scoffed. "Enough foreplay. Let's start this game and see who comes on top." The group turned back to prepare.
"Wow," Ino whistled lowly. "They're taking this way too seriously."
"I know, right?" Sakura muttered beside her. "But I must admit, I'm a little angry myself by the way he talked to Naruto. Let's give them all the support they need to win this match."
Ino nodded. "Agreed."
The two teams stepped onto the volleyball court. Neji's team had an air of confidence, knowing that they had won the previous year's game. Naruto and Sasuke, on the other hand, were determined to prove themselves. They had spent countless hours practicing and strategizing, and they were ready to give it their all.
The game started with Neji's team quickly taking the lead. They seemed to be effortlessly returning every serve and smashing the ball back over the net with power and precision. Naruto's team initially struggled to keep up, but they refused to give up.
As the game progressed, they began to find their rhythm. They started anticipating Neji's team's moves and making smart plays. Neji's team started to feel the pressure, and they began making mistakes.
With each point, Naruto's team gained more confidence. They were diving for every ball and communicating effectively. Neji's team, on the other hand, was getting frustrated and making more errors.
As the game approached its final moments, Naruto's team found themselves only a few points away from victory. Neji's team tried to mount a comeback, but it was too late. Naruto's team continued to fight hard, and in the end, they came out on top.
As Sasuke scored the winning point, he and the rest of the gang erupted in cheers, while Neji and others looked on in disbelief. After the game, they celebrated their victory, hugging each other and high-fiving.
Neji walked over to Naruto. He looked at him, then at the rest of the team, then back at him.
"Congratulations," Neji started, still as cool as ever, "looks like you've learned a thing or two this past year."
"I'm more than what you saw today," Naruto replied calmly, "and Hinata knows that. That's why we're together."
Neji pursed his lips for a moment then nodded.
"I will see you at the wedding." He then turned to leave. Naruto smiled broadly, clearly relieved. Sasuke scowled at Neji's back.
"This isn't over, Naruto," he muttered. "We cannot let one win get to our heads."
"Heh, I know, of course," Naruto said relaxedly, putting his hands behind his head, "but it won't be the same. He knows we've become just as strong as him."
The man with a bowl cut came up to Sakura and smiled flirtatiously.
"Hey, I'm Rock Lee," he said, outstretching his hand. "I must say you were really amazing tonight. Might I know your name?"
"Back off, Lee!" Naruto said, looking mildly amused, "that's Sakura and she's dating Sasuke's brother, Itachi."
"Oh," Lee said, looking clearly disappointed. "Why are the good ones always taken?" He pouted then left.
Sakura blushed. Then she saw Sasuke come up to her.
"Thank you for coming to play for us today." He said, trying to look indifferent but failing. "You didn't have to, but you still did."
Sakura smiled gently, then said in a teasing tone. "Anything for Itachi's little brother."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "It sounds weird coming from you. We're more or less the same age."
Sakura laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Hey, you guys!" Naruto came up to them. "We're going to the bar to celebrate. You in, Sakura-chan?"
"Well," Sakura said, wishing Itachi should've been there to watch them play. She missed him. "I should probably get going. It's getting late anyway and I have an early shift tomorrow."
"Oh, okay," Naruto said, clearly disappointed. "Well, let us drop you off since you came with us."
"I'll drop her off," Sasuke interrupted. Sakura looked at him, surprised. Naruto was equally surprised.
"Aren't you chivalrous," Naruto said, smirking. Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"I will join you guys at the bar later." He said, nodding at Naruto then turned around.
"Well, see you around," Sakura said to Naruto. "Congratulations for one-upping that jerk, by the way."
Then she stepped up and gave him a hug. "And also, thank you for asking me to come. I had fun tonight." Naruto patted her back, looking very happy. They both bade goodbye to each other and Sakura ran off the join Sasuke towards the exit.
They both got in the car and drove off.
She texted Itachi, asking him if he was free from work. His reply came a few moments later. He was tied up for the night. Sakura felt a rush of disappointment.
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked. He had noticed her fallen expression.
"Oh, nothing," Sakura said, giving a fake smile. "Just tired from the game. I need a long and hot relaxing bath." Sasuke tried not to imagine Sakura in a bathtub and cleared his throat.
"Itachi's busy tonight?" He asked.
"How'd you know?" Sakura exclaimed. He shrugged.
"He's my brother." He said it like that explained it all.
"Yeah," Sakura sighed. "But that's okay. I have some pending paperwork that I need to complete anyway."
"Hm," Sasuke said. They remained silent the rest of the drive. Sasuke pulled outside her apartment.
"Thank you for the ride. You didn't have to do it, but you still did." Sakura said, matching the words Sasuke had said to her earlier.
Sasuke gave a half smile and nodded. As he drove back to his friends, he wondered. Why did he do it, though? It wasn't because she was his brother's girlfriend, that was for sure. He tried to keep the real answer out of his mind, determined not to succumb to such feelings.
When he reached the bar, he walked up to Naruto who was predictably the loudest person in the already loud bar. When he reached him, he looked at Sasuke questioningly.
"I think I'm open to dating now." He declared.
If Naruto was surprised by his statement, he didn't show it. He simply nodded and handed him his drink. Sasuke didn't realize how well Naruto really knew him. If he did, he would never have said those words.