The restaurant's ambiance grew more intimate as the evening wore on, the dim lighting casting soft shadows across their table. Naruto couldn't help but notice how Sasuke's eyes lingered on her, his gaze dropping to her lips every so often before flicking back up to meet hers. It was subtle, but it sent a shiver down her spine. She wasn't used to this version of Sasuke—the one who wasn't hiding behind walls or deflecting with sarcasm. This Sasuke was open, almost vulnerable, and it was intoxicating.

"You keep fidgeting, Dr. Uzumaki," he observed, setting his glass down. "Nervous?"

Naruto rolled her eyes, but the teasing warmth in his voice made her blush. "Oh, please. Like you're not the one who took fifteen minutes deciding whether or not to text me first about tonight."

Sasuke chuckled, the deep sound sending a thrill through her. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Their phones vibrated almost simultaneously, the screens lighting up with messages from Itachi.

Itachi: "Behave, little brother. Try not to stare too much."

Itacho: "And Naruto, keep him on his toes."

Naruto giggled, showing her phone to Sasuke, who sighed, shaking his head. "He has too much time on his hands. I swear to you he has one of his henchmen here spying on us."

"Probably," Naruto nodded. "Sounds like someone's worried about you."

"Sounds like someone's meddling."

Their waiter arrived, placing their plates before them, and as they started their meal, Naruto's mind drifted to the conversation they had earlier in the week, the quiet confessions, the lingering feelings neither had fully addressed.

"So," she started, twirling her fork in her pasta. "Is this our first date? Because technically, we've had plenty of dinners before."

Sasuke leaned back, considering her with an unreadable expression. "That depends. Do you want it to be?"

Naruto bit her lip, feigning deep contemplation. "Well, that depends. Are you going to try and woo me properly?"

Sasuke smirked. "Depends. Are you woo-able?"

Naruto laughed, the sound drawing the attention of a nearby couple. "You know, for someone who spent years avoiding me, you sure are eager now."

Sasuke took a sip of his wine, his dark eyes never leaving hers. "Let's just say I'm making up for lost time."

Their easy banter was interrupted when a voice called Naruto's name. Turning, she saw Dr. Kaito, a colleague from the hospital, approaching their table. Tall, charming, and always impeccably dressed, Kaito had always been friendly with Naruto—perhaps a little too friendly for Sasuke's taste.

"Naruto! What a surprise seeing you here," Kaito said smoothly, glancing briefly at Sasuke before returning his attention to her. "You look stunning."

Sasuke's grip on his fork tightened, his posture shifting ever so slightly. "Dr. Kaito," he greeted coolly.

Naruto, oblivious to the brewing storm beside her, smiled. "Kaito, fancy meeting you here."

"I was actually hoping to talk to you about a case," Kaito continued, leaning in slightly. "Do you mind if I—"

"She's a little busy at the moment," Sasuke interrupted, his voice smooth but laced with unmistakable possession.

Kaito raised an eyebrow but smirked. "Ah. I see. Well, I won't intrude. We'll talk later, Naruto."

As soon as he was gone, Naruto turned to Sasuke, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Jealous much?"

Sasuke stabbed a piece of steak with a little too much force. "I don't like people interrupting my dinner."

"Uh-huh," Naruto teased. "It wouldn't have anything to do with Kaito blatantly flirting with me, would it?"

Sasuke said nothing, just took another sip of his wine, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Naruto leaned in, resting her chin on her palm. "Sasuke Uchiha, are you jealous?"

He met her gaze, a slow smirk forming. "I don't get jealous."

Naruto laughed. "Liar."

Their phones buzzed again. Another text from Itachi.

Itachi: "Tell Sasuke to unclench his jaw. It's obvious."

Naruto nearly spit out her drink, showing Sasuke the text. He sighed, shaking his head. "I hate him."

Naruto giggled, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "I kind of like you like this. All possessive and broody."

Sasuke squeezed back, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Then maybe you should stop making me jealous."

Naruto smirked. "No promises."

And just like that, the air between them crackled with something unspoken, something inevitable. The night was young, and for the first time in a long time, Naruto felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

"So," Naruto began, swirling the remaining cola in her glass, "what's the plan after this? Are you going to whisk me away to some secret Uchiha hideout or something?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk. "Do you want me to?"

"Depends," she said, leaning forward slightly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Will there be more fizzy drinks, or better yet, an iced latte?"

He chuckled, the sound low and warm. "I think I can arrange that."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by moments of charged silence where their eyes locked, and the air between them seemed to thicken. Naruto found herself stealing glances at his hands—strong, elegant fingers that she imagined tracing patterns on her skin. She shook the thought away, but not before a flush crept up her neck.

When the waiter brought the check, Sasuke reached for it before Naruto could even glance at the bill. She protested, but he silenced her with a look. "Let me take care of it," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Naruto smirked. "You know, chivalry isn't dead after all."

"Don't get used to it," he replied, though the glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.

As they left the restaurant, the cool night air brushed against Naruto's skin, a welcome contrast to the warmth that had settled in her chest. Sasuke's hand found the small of her back, guiding her gently toward his car. The touch was light, but it sent a jolt of electricity through her. She glanced up at him, catching the way his jaw tightened as he looked ahead, as if he were fighting some internal battle.

The drive to her apartment was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. The tension between them was palpable, a mix of anticipation and restraint. Naruto couldn't help but steal glances at him, admiring the way the streetlights illuminated his sharp features. She wondered if he could feel her gaze, but he kept his eyes on the road, his hands steady on the wheel.

When they pulled up to her building, Sasuke parked the car and turned to her. "I'll walk you up," he said, his voice firm but soft.

Naruto nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. They walked side by side to her door, their shoulders brushing occasionally, each touch sending sparks through her. When they reached her apartment, she turned to face him, her back against the door.

"So," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "this is it."

Sasuke stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "This doesn't have to be the end of the night," he murmured, his voice rough with restraint.

Naruto's breath hitched. "What are you saying?"

He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek. "I'm saying I want to do this right," he said, his tone serious. "I don't want to rush this."

Naruto's heart swelled at his words, but the ache between her thighs begged to differ. She wanted him—badly. But she also very much respected his decision, even if it left her frustrated. "You're really going to leave me like this?" she teased.

Sasuke's lips curved into a smirk, but his eyes were dark with desire. "Trust me, it's not easy for me either," he admitted. He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "But when I finally have you, I want it to be perfect."

Naruto shivered, her hands gripping the front of his shirt. "You're killing me, Uchiha."

He chuckled, the sound sending a thrill through her. "Good. Now you know how I've felt all these years."

Before she could respond, he slowly planted butterfly kisses on her neck, making his way up to her ears before be took a step back. Onyx eyes met bright blue ones, both in hunger and desperation. Sasuke closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. It was passionate, almost desperate, as if he were pouring all the years of longing into that one moment. Naruto melted into him, her hands sliding up to tangle in his hair as she kissed him back with equal fervour.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Sasuke rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed as he tried to steady his breathing. "I should go," he murmured, though he made no move to leave.

Naruto nodded, her own breathing uneven. "Yes. You should."

Neither of them moved for a moment, their bodies still pressed together. Finally, Sasuke stepped back, his hands lingering on her hips before he let go. "Goodnight, Naruto," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"Goodnight, Sasuke," she replied, her voice just as unsteady.

He turned and walked down the hallway, leaving Naruto leaning against her door, her heart racing and her body aching. She watched him until he disappeared around the corner, then let herself into her apartment, closing the door behind her.

As soon as she was alone, Naruto let out a frustrated groan, collapsing onto her couch. She was giddy, happy, and so turned on it was almost unbearable. She replayed the kiss in her mind, the way his lips had felt against hers, the way his hands had gripped her hips. She wanted more—so much more.

But she also respected his decision to take things slow. It was exactly what she wanted as well – this wasn't a one-night stand; this was Sasuke – this was the boy who had captured her heart, and she never fully got it back. It was rare to see this side of Sasuke, the one who was thoughtful and considerate, and it only made her want him more. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're going to be the death of me, Uchiha," she muttered to herself.

As she lay there, her body still humming with desire, Naruto couldn't help but smile – and give a sigh of relief. Her son was with his father tonight, allowing her the time to compose herself and let herself feel.

As she replayed the memory of his kiss and the promise of what was to come, Naruto tried not to feel too much like her teenage self, the one full of a million daydreams of what dating Sasuke would be like.

The soft chime of the jeweller's bell rang as Sasuke stepped inside the small boutique, the air thick with the scent of polished wood and velvet-lined cases. Rows of glistening rings sat displayed under warm lighting, their brilliance catching his eye as he took a deep breath. He ran a hand through his hair, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it. He had never imagined himself in this position again—not after everything he'd been through—but with Naruto, things were different. She was different. He had let her go once, and he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. This time, he was going to make sure she knew exactly how much she meant to him.

But before he could take that step, he realized he couldn't do this alone. This decision was going to effect more than one person. Which meant that there was something else he had to do first.

He checked his watch, Sarada would start her second period soon. He called the school ahead, letting them know he was on his way to pick her up – it was a family emergency. On his way he stopped to grab two cups of hot chocolate, after all, a little bribing never hurt anything.

By the time Sasuke reached Sarada's school, she was standing at the front gates, her brow furrowed with worry. The sight of her father showing up unannounced during school hours was unusual, and her mind immediately raced to the worst-case scenarios.

"Dad? What's going on? Is everyone okay?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Her dark eyes scanned his face, searching for any sign of trouble.

Sasuke gave her a small smirk, the corners of his mouth lifting in a way that was rare for him. "I thought it would be fun to skip class for today. Don't you think so?"

Sarada gaped at him, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Wait, what? You wantmeto skip class? Are you feeling okay? Did you hit your head or something? Should I call Uncle Itachi?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I'm fine. There's something important I need to talk to you about. Get in the car."

Curious but slightly wary, Sarada climbed into the passenger seat, her schoolbag clutched tightly in her lap. She shot him a sideways glance as he drove away from the school, her mind racing with possibilities. They ended up at a nearby park, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the empty pathways. A few joggers dotted the landscape, but otherwise, the park was quiet. Sasuke found a clean bench and sat down, gesturing for Sarada to join him. She did, her expression still a mix of confusion and curiosity.

After a moment of silence, Sasuke finally spoke. "Sarada," he started, his voice softer than usual, "I want to marry Naruto."

Sarada blinked, her mouth opening slightly in shock before a slow, radiant smile spread across her face. "Oh my god, are you serious?" she exclaimed, leaning forward in her seat. "Dad, that's amazing! I mean, I knew you two were getting closer, but this… this is huge!"

Sasuke chuckled at her enthusiasm, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I wanted to tell you first. And… I wanted to ask for your blessing."

Sarada's face softened, and she reached over to place a hand on his. "Of course, you have my blessing, Dad. Naruto is amazing. She's kind, she's smart, and she makes you happy. And honestly… I've really liked the changes I've seen in you lately."

Sasuke tilted his head, his dark eyes studying her. "Changes?"

She nodded, her gaze drifting to the trees swaying gently in the breeze. "You smile more. You joke more. And you seem… lighter. Happier. It's nice. For so long, it felt like it was just me and you against the world, and you were always so closed off. But Naruto—she brings something out in you. Something good."

Sasuke felt a warmth spread through him at her words, a lump forming in his throat. "She does," he admitted quietly. "She makes me want to be better. For her. For you."

Sarada hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Dad… can I tell you something? Something I've been thinking about for a while?"

He nodded, his expression serious. "Of course."

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "I've always felt… I don't know, like something was missing. Growing up without Mom… it was hard. I know you did your best, and I'm so grateful for everything you've given me. But sometimes, I felt like I was just… there. Like you were so focused on protecting me that you forgot to reallyseeme."

Sasuke's chest tightened, and he opened his mouth to respond, but Sarada held up a hand. "Wait, let me finish. I know you love me, Dad. I know you've always tried to give me the best life possible. But there were times when I felt overlooked. Like when I'd try to talk to you about school or friends, and you'd just nod and say, 'That's nice,' but I could tell you weren't really listening. Or when I'd ask about Mom, and you'd shut down. It made me feel like I couldn't really talk to you about the things that mattered to me."

Sasuke's heart ached as he listened, his hands clenching into fists on his lap. "Sarada, I… I didn't realize. I'm sorry."

She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It's okay, Dad. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad. I'm saying it because… things are different now. You're different. And I like it. I like seeing you happy. I like that you and Naruto get along so well. And Ireallylike that I can talk to her about things I can't talk to you about."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Like what?"

Sarada's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, embarrassed. "Like… boys. And dating. And all the stuff that makes you uncomfortable."

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Do I even want to know?"

She laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Probably not. But the point is, Naruto listens. She doesn't judge me or try to fix everything. She just… gets it. And it's nice to have someone like that in my life."

Sasuke nodded, his expression softening. "I'm glad. I want you to have that. And I'm sorry if I haven't always been there for you the way I should have been."

Sarada reached over and squeezed his hand. "You're here now, Dad. That's what matters. And I'm really happy for you. For both of you. Naruto's amazing, and I think she's exactly what our family needs."

Sasuke's throat tightened, and he pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her tightly. "I love you, Sarada. Forever and always."

She hugged him back, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "I love you too, Dad. Forever and always."

They sat there for a moment, the warmth of the sun and the quiet of the park wrapping around them like a blanket. When they finally pulled apart, Sarada wiped at her eyes and grinned. "Okay, let's go. We've got a ring to buy."

With that settled, they finished their threw their hot chocolates in the trash and walked back to the car and made their way to the jeweler. Sarada bounced beside him, practically vibrating with excitement. "Okay, Dad, let's find her the perfect ring. Something elegant, timeless, and that screamsNaruto."

Sasuke chuckled at her enthusiasm as they walked into the boutique. The clerk greeted them warmly, and Sarada immediately started scanning the display cases with an intensity that made Sasuke smirk. "Something simple but meaningful," he murmured to the clerk.

Sarada pointed to a ring in the case—a delicate band with intricate details etched into the metal, surrounding a brilliantly cut sapphire in the center. "What about this one? It's blue, like her eyes. And the design kind of reminds me of those calligraphy swirls she loves."

Sasuke studied the ring, his heart clenching as he imagined slipping it onto Naruto's finger. "It's perfect," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

The clerk took the ring out for closer inspection, and Sarada watched as Sasuke held it between his fingers, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're really in love with her, huh?" she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Sasuke smirked but didn't deny it. "More than I can put into words."

Sarada sighed dramatically. "Ugh, gross. But also kinda cute."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

After finalizing the purchase, they left the store, the small box tucked securely in Sasuke's pocket. They walked side by side in comfortable silence, the weight of the moment settling over them. As they approached the car, Sarada stopped and turned to him, her expression softening.

"Dad?" she said, her voice quieter now.

"Hm?"

She hesitated for a second before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around his waist. "I love you. You know that, right?"

Sasuke's breath hitched as he looked down at her. He swallowed past the lump in his throat and tightened his arms around her. "I love you too, my little peanut."

They stood there for a moment longer, wrapped in a quiet embrace, before Sarada pulled back, wiping at her eyes. "Okay, let's go. I want to be there when you give her the ring."

Sasuke smirked. "Not a chance. You'll have to wait like everyone else."

She groaned but laughed, linking her arm with his as they walked back to the car. "Fine. But if I don't get a front-row seat at the wedding, I'm disowning you."

Sasuke chuckled, shaking his head. Then, with an unexpected warmth in his voice, he said, "Sweetie, you're my best daughter. You're standing next to me when I marry her."

Sarada blinked, coming to a full stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as the words settled in. Best daughter. Standing next to him.

It took her a moment to process. Of course, she was his only daughter, but that didn't matter—the words meant everything. She had always assumed that if her father ever remarried, it would be Uncle Itachi or even Grandfather who would stand beside him, guiding him into this next chapter of his life. But instead, he had chosen her.

Her chest tightened, a flood of emotions overwhelming her. Sasuke had never been the type to voice affection so openly, and hearing him say this now, in such an important moment, was indescribable. He wasn't just making her a part of his future—he was putting her first.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she fought them back with a smile. "You mean it?"

Sasuke nodded, his expression softening. "Of course. There's no one else I'd rather have by my side."

Sarada exhaled sharply, unable to contain the happiness bubbling inside her. She felt like a kid again, the little girl who used to cling to his hand, always seeking his approval and reassurance. And now, in this moment, she knew—she had always been his priority.

With a watery laugh, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Dad. That means everything to me."

Sasuke sighed, ruffling her hair gently. "You're everything to me."

They stood there for a few seconds before she pulled back, wiping at her eyes again and trying to regain her composure. "Alright," she said, clearing her throat. "But you better prepare yourself. I'm giving the best speech at the wedding."

Sasuke smirked. "Oh? Should I be worried?"

Sarada grinned, nudging him playfully as they started walking again. "Probably."

The warmth stayed with her the whole way home, a rare, irreplaceable feeling she would cherish forever. And as she glanced at her father, seeing the rare contentment on his face, she knew—this was the beginning of something truly special.