Dinner For Three, NaruSakuSasu
My naruto_wishlist assignment. Lots of fuuun :)
Recipient's name: crazy_toffee
Genre(s): General/Slight Romance
Word Length: 4182
Notes: Thanks to horses_and_men for the quick beta and awesome ideas!
Edited: September 27, 2007
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“How is everything? I don’t often make home cooked meals like this so let me know if something isn't tasting the way it should be." Flustered green eyes shifted back and forth between the two other people seated at the table, "It’s okay, right?”
“It’s fine, Sakura. Really, you did an awesome job!” Naruto gave her a thumb up with the chopstick-free hand and a wide, food-filled grin.
Sakura sneaked a peak at her other ex-teammate only to see him give his all-too-familiar soundless nod. A small relieved breath escaped as she finally picked up her own chopsticks and began eating…
…Only to let that uncomfortable silence settle among the three ex-members of Team 7 yet again. But luckily, before Sakura could open her mouth to risk conversation, a loud belch sounded from none other than the shinobi sitting next to her, Naruto.
He gave her a sheepish look. “Whoops. Don’t know where that one came from.”
Sakura couldn’t help but smirk. “God, to think that a possible candidate for Hokage is this…” She tried to search for the right word, and settled for, “Unsightly.” The pouting lips that followed made her roll her eyes, and before she knew it, Sakura was scooping meat and vegetables onto Naruto’s plate as she normally would. “Just eat, Naruto.”
For a moment, Sakura had almost forgotten that Sasuke was even there, but then the soft sound of him placing down his chopsticks to take a sip of his tea instantly reminded her of his presence.
“Sasuke,” Sakura began while placing a piece of meat in her bowl, “How have you been?” Naruto slightly stiffened next to her despite her attempt.
“Fine,” he responded quietly, his dark eyes still, unmoving from tabletop. It left Sasuke to miss Naruto’s searching gaze filled with worry. By now, Sakura could read Naruto's thoughts as if they were her own. Your house arrest was up two months ago, why is it only now that we finally see you? the blond's face was conveying. If we hadn't repeatedly showed up, pounding at your door day after day, you never would have come, would you.
“Been training often?” Naruto asked, following Sasuke and peering down at his own rice.
“Hn,” was all that Sasuke could come up with, his answer giving away as much as his indifferent expression.
A soft ‘Oh’ fell from Naruto’s lips and Sakura gently laid her hand on his forearm underneath the table. He quickly bounced back, barely skipping a beat. “Well that’s good to hear. You better keep up Sasuke, I haven't sitting on my ass, picking my nose, that's for sure.” He gave his trademark grin, but the usual umph and enthusiasm seemed to be missing today. Sakura gave another squeeze; keep on trying, she wanted to say,
Keep on trying.
Sakura was surprised when Sasuke begrudgingly accepted her invitation a month later to join her and Naruto for dinner again, but more than anything, she was relieved-relieved to see that maybe, just maybe, he wanted to attempt to reconcile their torn friendship. It had been a long seven years without Sasuke: there were moments of fits of anger; of various objects being flung against the walls; and of an aching sadness that took over Kakashi's team. Despite having Naruto by her side, Sakura couldn’t help but feel the hole left by the missing piece. So now that Sasuke had returned-or rather, was entrapped in their lives, she was going to make sure they work things out and finally put together the disassembled pieces that was Team Seven.
Yes, things were definitely not as they had once been, but Sakura knew that the fact that Sasuke was making an effort to again be part of their lives was a big step.
Even if earlier she and Naruto had to forcibly corner him in that alley to pressure him to come for dinner, Sakura felt there was progress.
Although, if she didn't hurry, she knew they were going to be back at square one. Hopefully, Naruto would be able to keep his big mouth shut long enough for Sakura to pick up something for dinner. She winced, her foot tapping faster and faster in anxiousness; there was no way that was going to happen.
If anything had remained unchanged over the years, Sakura knew it would be Naruto’s ability to piss Sasuke off and Sasuke’s inability to not let him. Even now-though it was left unsaid-theirs was still a greater and stronger bond than that between any other two people Sakura had ever known.
Just cross your fingers Sakura, she told herself, that your apartment isn’t completely destroyed when you get home. As soon as the take out was ready, Sakura took to the rooftops to get to her place quicker. Within moments the apartment building came into view, and she was relieved to find the balcony and door still intact. In fact, she heard no sounds of argument or breaking dishes, or anything, really. Sakura opened her door and found the floor, walls, table-everything exactly the way it was before.
Well, except for the two very silent men sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Both had their backs to her, but she didn’t need to see their faces to feel the tension in the air.
“I’m home,” she announced, “Let’s eat.”
They both stood up and made their way to the table. “All right Sakura, it’s about time you came back.” Naruto began pulling out the small cardboard boxes, “I’m starving!” Sasuke didn’t say anything and helped them set the table.
“Itadakimasu.” The three of them murmured in unison before quickly delving into their food. Both Sakura and Naruto had just returned from a two-day mission earlier that morning. Although only a B-class mission, it had drained more energy from her than usual.
Sakura was turning to say something to Naruto when she noticed the slight grin on his face. Nostalgia quivered through her body; she hadn’t seen that expression on his face for quite some time. The feeling grew stronger as she looked at Sasuke. His lips were turned down in a frown and his eyes were distant-anything but upset.
What’s going on with them? She wondered.
“Water?” Sakura asked. They both nodded and Sakura went to the kitchen to fill up a small pitcher. While she waited, she watched as they said nothing to one another. They didn’t even look at each other. Still, it seemed as though they were eating together.
Sakura was searching for three glasses to bring with her when she noticed something different about the kitchen counter. The flower vase that used to sit there was gone. She looked up, and suddenly everything was where it hadn’t been before. The couch was supposed to be more tilted towards the balcony, the dining table more at an angle, and a few of the hanging pictures were slightly crooked.
“Naruto! What did I say about fighting in the apartment!”
It was about a week and a half later before the three of them sat down together for dinner again. This time, they had found Sasuke at one of the hidden practice grounds. Actually, Naruto had found Sasuke, or so he had said. The story went like this: somehow, they had just happened to bump into each other, and somehow their fists had just made their way towards each other, and before they knew it, they were sparring.
Yeah right.
Sakura guessed that by the time she found her two ex-teammates, they had already been at it for half the day. Neither shinobi even acknowledged her arrival; they seemed solely concentrated on each other. After twenty minutes, Sakura had hit her limit. She was hungry, having not eaten since breakfast and having to spend the entire day at the hospital, so she was going to eat whether they liked it or not.
Using the strength that she was getting famous for, Sakura literally dragged both men-kicking and (in Naruto’s case) screaming-back to the apartment for dinner.
“Couldn’t you have waited just a little bit longer, Sakura?” Naruto asked, chewing on his chicken viciously. “Sasuke hadn’t gotten his ass fully kicked yet.” The other man across the table didn’t say anything but sent a small sneer Naruto’s way.
Sakura swallowed. “If I hadn’t stepped in, you two idiots would have been at it for God knows how much longer. Besides, I didn’t feel like having to waste chakra healing either of you.”
Before the silence fell between them again, Sasuke spoke up. “Sakura, you’re strong, “ he said matter-of-factly, to which Sakura almost dropped her bowl of rice. She knew she was strong, everyone knew Sakura was strong, but to hear it coming from Sasuke was different. Sakura could see Naruto’s hanging jaw from the corner of her eye; Sasuke had yet to say anything about Naruto’s abilities. “You should train more,” Sasuke added quietly.
It was hard to steady lips that wanted to move into a smile. She couldn’t calm the blush that appeared on her cheeks. In Sasuke-language, that was an invitation. If there had ever been anything that Sakura had wanted as a young girl on Team Seven, it was to be acknowledged by both Naruto and Sasuke.
Now, it was her chance to step up to their level and show Naruto and Sasuke she could handle anything they could.
Despite the very different lives they led, the ex-members of Team Seven tried their best to make time for dinner together. Although it was quite sporadic at first, soon the affair became more and more frequent until finally after a few months had passed, it was a weekly occasion.
It was Naruto’s birthday this week so the decision (much to Sakura and Sasuke's dismay) was to eat at Ichiraku’s. As they approached the small ramen stand, Sakura couldn't help but remember the last time the three ate together at Ichiraku's was before Sasuke had left.
“Ah, old man, how are you tonight?” Naruto called out as he moved the flaps aside to step into Ichiraku’s. Sakura and Sasuke quietly followed behind him. Teuchi, the owner, waved and smiled as soon as he spotted Naruto but Sakura noted how his expression faltered when he noticed Sasuke.
“You kids hungry tonight?” Teuchi looked at Naruto, then at Sakura, his eyes quickly shifting past Sasuke who sat between them.
Naruto patted his stomach. “It’s my birthday tonight, and these two here have the honor of paying for all the ramen I’m going to eat. So you better be ready old man, I’m going to have you making ramen all. Night. Long.” The blond gave a wink to Teuchi’s daughter, Ayame, who giggled as she poured the trio tea.
“It’s your birthday, Naruto-kun? In that case, I think we’re going to have to make that special ramen, right father?” Ayame gave an exaggerated nudge to her father.
“What? Are you serious?” Naruto turned towards Sakura and Sasuke with a frighteningly huge grin. “It’s the Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special,” he explained, his eyebrows moving up and down vigorously. “A specialty that used to be cooked for the Yondaime himself.”
Ayame nodded. “The Yondaime happened to be quite the fan of ramen so we created this special in his honor and serve it to only to our favourite costumers. So, what will it be tonight?”
“The Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special for us all!” Naruto shouted before Sakura could even open her mouth.
“Now wait a sec! I’ve seen this monstrosity. Not only does it have everything and anything, it would take me a week to finish it off by myself!” Sakura protested.
“No. I refuse. It’s my twenty-fifth birthday. You will do what I say, and tonight, I say you are both going to eat the Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special.” Naruto turned to Ayame. “You got the orders? Bring them on Ayame-san!”
“Got it, Naruto-kun!” Then she quickly disappeared into the kitchen where the sound of her father crying out in surprise could be heard: “Not one, but three?!”
“Don’t order for me Naruto! I don’t want the Ultra Ramen Special!”
“Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special, get it right Sakura. Besides, what you don’t eat means more for me.”
“Fine. You’ll probably eat all of mine and Sasuke’s anyways, right?” Sakura turned to Sasuke but noticed that he wasn’t even paying attention to their conversation; his eyes were blank, staring straight ahead at the wall.
“Isn’t that Haruno Sakura? And Uzumaki? Eating with the traitor.” Both Sakura and Naruto heard the whisper at the same time and whipped their heads around simultaneously. The villagers walking past all stared at the trio and spoke crudely, not bothering to lower their voices.
“They better mind their own business,” Naruto growled and spun back around, his face darkening in anger.
Sakura wasn’t doing much better and took a deep breath to ease her tense body and release her clenched fists, ready to strike. ”Let’s just have a good time,” she said quietly, and they didn’t say anymore about it after that.
Their next dinner date, Sakura tried her best to put up a brave front. At least it was reassuring when Sasuke showed up because all week she had heard nothing but rumors of a change in Sasuke's sentence. When she had spoken to Tsunade about it, the Godaime hadn’t been able to give her a definite answer either.
'The villagers are upset about Sasuke’s release. They’re uneasy, and the tension is growing.
They don’t want to see one of Konoha’s most skilled medics and Naruto, a jinchuuriki, spending their free time with someone whom they believe is a traitor.'
'And that would move the elders to change their decision?' Sakura had asked.
'They want Konoha’s trust and belief that the elders will make the right decisions on the village’s behalf. Any wrong move that Sasuke might make, the council and myself will be partly to blame. It was my decision to lift the house arrest sentence, and now the council is in doubt of my judgment.
Sakura, whatever happens, I will always try to do my best for Konoha.
I won't let Konoha lose their faith in their Hokage.'
Sakura understood, and she was positive that Sasuke was aware of the situation as well. Tsunade was their leader, the one person everyone in the entire village believed in. She was their Hokage.
And if Naruto was to be the next Hokage, he needed more than just power, strength, and determination; he needed the support of Konoha to convince the council of elders.
And what village would trust Naruto to lead them if his confidant was none other than the traitor.
“Sasuke, could you set the table?” Sakura passed him plates, bowls and chopsticks. ”Naruto should be home any minute.” He nodded and started arranging everything on the table systematically.
“What’s for dinner?” he asked as he placed the chopsticks.
“There's fish, some soup and a few other things as well. It’s good, hopefully.” Sakura started bringing the dishes of food to the table.
At the same moment, Naruto chose to rush into the apartment only barely missing Sakura and almost sending the food crashing to the floor. “Watch where you’re going Naruto!”
He ignored her. “Why didn’t you tell us, Sasuke!” Naruto had one hand fisted on the table as he stared at Sasuke angrily.
“What are you talking about, Naruto?” Sakura began slowly when she saw the way Sasuke didn’t seem to want to respond. Instead he stood staring right back at Naruto with nothing but a blank expression on his face, the last set of chopsticks held tightly in one hand.
”The council already summoned him earlier this week. They wanted to reexamine his sentence.” The words were roughly ground out. Naruto kept his eyes trained on Sasuke. ”Don’t go through this alone, Sasuke. We can fight it together.”
This time Sasuke did respond. He punched Naruto with enough force to make him step back, but not enough to bring him down. Sakura retaliated with her one of her own punches before Naruto could strike back and before she realized herself what she had done.
“That’s for getting blood on the carpet,” she said quietly, her hands fisted at her sides as she watched her boys wipe the blood from their mouths.
Sasuke had his face turned away from them, his eyes unreadable, shadowed by the hair swept across his face.
“Let’s go see Tsunade together. Now.” Naruto moved to stand next to Sakura and face Sasuke. “It’s just the elders, it matters most what the-“
“Don’t.” Sasuke’s voice was low. “It won’t matter what you say.”
“Yes it will. They have to listen to Tsunade. Sasuke, don’t give up now.”
Sakura placed her hand on Naruto’s shoulder. “It’s not about giving up, Naruto.”
“There’s nothing for me here. I won’t spend the rest of my life confined to that compound.”
“What do you mean?”
But Sasuke didn’t say anything. He only moved to the kitchen and Sakura noticed he was grabbing a new pair of chopsticks; the one in his hand had been snapped in half. Then he sat down at the table and waited. Sakura followed and sat down across from him without saying a word. Naruto, however, stood still, looking at them in disbelief.
“I refuse to let you go.”
Sakura saw Sasuke tense, but his face stayed the same. “It’s not your choice.” He began picking at the food at the table, ignoring them. The silence wouldn’t settle easily in the air, between the sounds of Sasuke’s soft chewing and Naruto’s hard breathing and the way neither one them could meet the other’s eyes.
Naruto left as soon as he had inhaled his food. Sakura and Sasuke both knew where he was headed straight for, and neither did anything to stop it. It would be no use.
It was silent as Sakura poked at her fish, while Sasuke seemed to be eating slower than usual.
“More tea?” Sakura said finally, hoping to get some kind of conversation but Sasuke only nodded. She picked up their cups and went to the kitchen to start boiling some more water. “When did they summon you?”
“Monday.”
That was four days ago. It was right after she had spoken to Tsunade. “What exactly did they say?”
“Exile.” If Sasuke was in any way upset about this, he gave no indication. Sakura, however, almost dropped the glass she was holding.
“What,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Sasuke…” Sakura walked back to the dining room and to stand in front of the table facing Sasuke. All at once she felt the weight resting on her chest bear down, pushing down harder, deeper. It was hard to look at him as she spoke her next words. “Is it definite?”
Sasuke took a bite of rice and chewed slowly as if it was an unimportant answer to an unimportant question. “No,” he said finally, “There's a choice.”
“What kind of choice?” Sakura asked quickly, wanting to hang onto any kind of possible hope.
“To live freely in exile, or as a prisoner in Konoha.” His tone was neutral yet it still left a bitter aftertaste.
Sakura took a few steps towards Sasuke but fell short just within arm’s reach. “Stay, Sasuke, stay. Naruto and I…” A sob somehow escaped past her lips, and she grabbed Sasuke’s shoulder in desperation, as if her grip would keep him there forever.
“Don’t need trouble,” Sasuke finished for her and quickly stood up and gently pried her hand off of him. Sakura held onto his hand instead, refusing to let him go.
“No, that’s not it. Naruto and I are here for you. We will always be here for you, Sasuke. We will stand by your side and fight. Not just for you, but for ourselves as well. This isn't about just you, Sasuke, don't you realize?”
Sasuke had his back to Sakura. “Then you two are idiots. I live for only myself.” He tried to pull himself away again, but Sakura held on tight.
“I live for you and Naruto. You two are more than just my teammates, you're part of who I am. I want to be there to help you, to support you until the end. Naruto lives for us. He takes good care of me and cares deeply for you Sasuke. We are his everything.
And Sasuke, when you come to realize that we will always stand by you, you too will live for us,” Sakura said while watching Sasuke, hoping that her every last word had reached him. She gave one last squeeze before finally letting go of his hand.
Sasuke stood still for a moment before swiftly turning and walking towards the door, never showing her his face.
“Thank you, Sakura,” he said and left.
Sakura had her head rested on Naruto’s chest, listening to the quickened beat of his heart while they lay on the couch together. After Sasuke had left the apartment, Sakura went to go search for Naruto. As she predicted, Naruto was to be found at his favourite training grounds, the very same that he and Sasuke used to train at often when they were younger. Sakura ended up joining him in taking out some anger at various trees in the surrounding area before they finally heading home.
Sakura and Naruto ended up sprawled on the couch, holding each other comfortingly, wondering the exact same thing: Sasuke’s whereabouts.
“The final decision will be made today,” Naruto began quietly. “At least Sasuke wanted to spend his last meal with us.”
Sakura moved to rest her chin on Naruto’s chest so that she could look at him. Despite having seen this expression on countless occasions, it felt unnatural to see his features wound in worry and frustration. “What happens if he chooses to stay in Konoha?” Sakura asked.
“He will have one last day before they confine him. Tsunade says he will be house arrested for an indefinite amount of time. This time, it will be until the council sees fit,” he explained. “Fucking elders,” he added.
Sakura didn’t even want to ask about Sasuke’s other choice. She already knew.
“Why can’t they just leave Sasuke alone? He’s already been living freely for these past few months and nothing has happened. The fucking council and villagers should just trust Tsunade. If she says that Sasuke is ready to be back in society, then he is,” Naruto said.
“Maybe the house arrest won’t last for long,” Sakura said in hope despite knowing the truth, “I’m sure Sasuke can hold out for a little while longer.”
But she could feel Naruto shaking his head. “You know he won't. He can't stand it there, he can't." And how Sakura could blame him, she wouldn't want to be confined to the very place where her entire clan had been murdered.
“There must be another way…”
Naruto shifted beneath her. “We can’t lose him now, Sakura. Not after all this time. We finally have him back and we’re not going to let him go now. He needs us, I know he does.”
Sakura found his hand and held on tightly. “We need him too,” she said quietly.
“We do!” Naruto's voice didn't falter as he continued on, “Why can’t he see that we need him too? I want to be able to see him everyday, to be with you and him everyday. I want to eat dinner with the both of you and live our lives together. Fight together. I want us to be here together.” His fingers linked with hers.
“I want to wake up each day knowing that you two are by my side,” Naruto finished as his voice fell to a soft whisper.
“Me too,” Sakura answered.
That was all she needed: to have Naruto and Sasuke by her side.
They both lay silently on the couch, thinking and listening to the other breathe. Sakura didn’t know what to say; there were so many thoughts going on at once. And for once, she knew that Naruto didn’t know what to say either.
Hours passed, not a word was said and before they knew it, they fell asleep. In her dreams, Sakura saw an endless, empty meadow, a place her heart told her she'd been to before. And the sun, she could feel the sun bathing her in warmth as her feet seemingly moved on their own. So close... She heard an amused grunt and that all-too-familiar boisterous laughter. The smile on her face widened. She knew they were waiting for her, waving and beckoning her over. Come on, Sakura! They called.
And then there was a knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Sakura’s dream world slipped away as she opened her eyes to find Naruto stirring.
“There’s someone at the door,” he said.
Recipient's name: crazy_toffee
Genre(s): General/Slight Romance
Word Length: 4182
Notes: Thanks to horses_and_men for the quick beta and awesome ideas!
Edited: September 27, 2007
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“How is everything? I don’t often make home cooked meals like this so let me know if something isn't tasting the way it should be." Flustered green eyes shifted back and forth between the two other people seated at the table, "It’s okay, right?”
“It’s fine, Sakura. Really, you did an awesome job!” Naruto gave her a thumb up with the chopstick-free hand and a wide, food-filled grin.
Sakura sneaked a peak at her other ex-teammate only to see him give his all-too-familiar soundless nod. A small relieved breath escaped as she finally picked up her own chopsticks and began eating…
…Only to let that uncomfortable silence settle among the three ex-members of Team 7 yet again. But luckily, before Sakura could open her mouth to risk conversation, a loud belch sounded from none other than the shinobi sitting next to her, Naruto.
He gave her a sheepish look. “Whoops. Don’t know where that one came from.”
Sakura couldn’t help but smirk. “God, to think that a possible candidate for Hokage is this…” She tried to search for the right word, and settled for, “Unsightly.” The pouting lips that followed made her roll her eyes, and before she knew it, Sakura was scooping meat and vegetables onto Naruto’s plate as she normally would. “Just eat, Naruto.”
For a moment, Sakura had almost forgotten that Sasuke was even there, but then the soft sound of him placing down his chopsticks to take a sip of his tea instantly reminded her of his presence.
“Sasuke,” Sakura began while placing a piece of meat in her bowl, “How have you been?” Naruto slightly stiffened next to her despite her attempt.
“Fine,” he responded quietly, his dark eyes still, unmoving from tabletop. It left Sasuke to miss Naruto’s searching gaze filled with worry. By now, Sakura could read Naruto's thoughts as if they were her own. Your house arrest was up two months ago, why is it only now that we finally see you? the blond's face was conveying. If we hadn't repeatedly showed up, pounding at your door day after day, you never would have come, would you.
“Been training often?” Naruto asked, following Sasuke and peering down at his own rice.
“Hn,” was all that Sasuke could come up with, his answer giving away as much as his indifferent expression.
A soft ‘Oh’ fell from Naruto’s lips and Sakura gently laid her hand on his forearm underneath the table. He quickly bounced back, barely skipping a beat. “Well that’s good to hear. You better keep up Sasuke, I haven't sitting on my ass, picking my nose, that's for sure.” He gave his trademark grin, but the usual umph and enthusiasm seemed to be missing today. Sakura gave another squeeze; keep on trying, she wanted to say,
Keep on trying.
Sakura was surprised when Sasuke begrudgingly accepted her invitation a month later to join her and Naruto for dinner again, but more than anything, she was relieved-relieved to see that maybe, just maybe, he wanted to attempt to reconcile their torn friendship. It had been a long seven years without Sasuke: there were moments of fits of anger; of various objects being flung against the walls; and of an aching sadness that took over Kakashi's team. Despite having Naruto by her side, Sakura couldn’t help but feel the hole left by the missing piece. So now that Sasuke had returned-or rather, was entrapped in their lives, she was going to make sure they work things out and finally put together the disassembled pieces that was Team Seven.
Yes, things were definitely not as they had once been, but Sakura knew that the fact that Sasuke was making an effort to again be part of their lives was a big step.
Even if earlier she and Naruto had to forcibly corner him in that alley to pressure him to come for dinner, Sakura felt there was progress.
Although, if she didn't hurry, she knew they were going to be back at square one. Hopefully, Naruto would be able to keep his big mouth shut long enough for Sakura to pick up something for dinner. She winced, her foot tapping faster and faster in anxiousness; there was no way that was going to happen.
If anything had remained unchanged over the years, Sakura knew it would be Naruto’s ability to piss Sasuke off and Sasuke’s inability to not let him. Even now-though it was left unsaid-theirs was still a greater and stronger bond than that between any other two people Sakura had ever known.
Just cross your fingers Sakura, she told herself, that your apartment isn’t completely destroyed when you get home. As soon as the take out was ready, Sakura took to the rooftops to get to her place quicker. Within moments the apartment building came into view, and she was relieved to find the balcony and door still intact. In fact, she heard no sounds of argument or breaking dishes, or anything, really. Sakura opened her door and found the floor, walls, table-everything exactly the way it was before.
Well, except for the two very silent men sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Both had their backs to her, but she didn’t need to see their faces to feel the tension in the air.
“I’m home,” she announced, “Let’s eat.”
They both stood up and made their way to the table. “All right Sakura, it’s about time you came back.” Naruto began pulling out the small cardboard boxes, “I’m starving!” Sasuke didn’t say anything and helped them set the table.
“Itadakimasu.” The three of them murmured in unison before quickly delving into their food. Both Sakura and Naruto had just returned from a two-day mission earlier that morning. Although only a B-class mission, it had drained more energy from her than usual.
Sakura was turning to say something to Naruto when she noticed the slight grin on his face. Nostalgia quivered through her body; she hadn’t seen that expression on his face for quite some time. The feeling grew stronger as she looked at Sasuke. His lips were turned down in a frown and his eyes were distant-anything but upset.
What’s going on with them? She wondered.
“Water?” Sakura asked. They both nodded and Sakura went to the kitchen to fill up a small pitcher. While she waited, she watched as they said nothing to one another. They didn’t even look at each other. Still, it seemed as though they were eating together.
Sakura was searching for three glasses to bring with her when she noticed something different about the kitchen counter. The flower vase that used to sit there was gone. She looked up, and suddenly everything was where it hadn’t been before. The couch was supposed to be more tilted towards the balcony, the dining table more at an angle, and a few of the hanging pictures were slightly crooked.
“Naruto! What did I say about fighting in the apartment!”
It was about a week and a half later before the three of them sat down together for dinner again. This time, they had found Sasuke at one of the hidden practice grounds. Actually, Naruto had found Sasuke, or so he had said. The story went like this: somehow, they had just happened to bump into each other, and somehow their fists had just made their way towards each other, and before they knew it, they were sparring.
Yeah right.
Sakura guessed that by the time she found her two ex-teammates, they had already been at it for half the day. Neither shinobi even acknowledged her arrival; they seemed solely concentrated on each other. After twenty minutes, Sakura had hit her limit. She was hungry, having not eaten since breakfast and having to spend the entire day at the hospital, so she was going to eat whether they liked it or not.
Using the strength that she was getting famous for, Sakura literally dragged both men-kicking and (in Naruto’s case) screaming-back to the apartment for dinner.
“Couldn’t you have waited just a little bit longer, Sakura?” Naruto asked, chewing on his chicken viciously. “Sasuke hadn’t gotten his ass fully kicked yet.” The other man across the table didn’t say anything but sent a small sneer Naruto’s way.
Sakura swallowed. “If I hadn’t stepped in, you two idiots would have been at it for God knows how much longer. Besides, I didn’t feel like having to waste chakra healing either of you.”
Before the silence fell between them again, Sasuke spoke up. “Sakura, you’re strong, “ he said matter-of-factly, to which Sakura almost dropped her bowl of rice. She knew she was strong, everyone knew Sakura was strong, but to hear it coming from Sasuke was different. Sakura could see Naruto’s hanging jaw from the corner of her eye; Sasuke had yet to say anything about Naruto’s abilities. “You should train more,” Sasuke added quietly.
It was hard to steady lips that wanted to move into a smile. She couldn’t calm the blush that appeared on her cheeks. In Sasuke-language, that was an invitation. If there had ever been anything that Sakura had wanted as a young girl on Team Seven, it was to be acknowledged by both Naruto and Sasuke.
Now, it was her chance to step up to their level and show Naruto and Sasuke she could handle anything they could.
Despite the very different lives they led, the ex-members of Team Seven tried their best to make time for dinner together. Although it was quite sporadic at first, soon the affair became more and more frequent until finally after a few months had passed, it was a weekly occasion.
It was Naruto’s birthday this week so the decision (much to Sakura and Sasuke's dismay) was to eat at Ichiraku’s. As they approached the small ramen stand, Sakura couldn't help but remember the last time the three ate together at Ichiraku's was before Sasuke had left.
“Ah, old man, how are you tonight?” Naruto called out as he moved the flaps aside to step into Ichiraku’s. Sakura and Sasuke quietly followed behind him. Teuchi, the owner, waved and smiled as soon as he spotted Naruto but Sakura noted how his expression faltered when he noticed Sasuke.
“You kids hungry tonight?” Teuchi looked at Naruto, then at Sakura, his eyes quickly shifting past Sasuke who sat between them.
Naruto patted his stomach. “It’s my birthday tonight, and these two here have the honor of paying for all the ramen I’m going to eat. So you better be ready old man, I’m going to have you making ramen all. Night. Long.” The blond gave a wink to Teuchi’s daughter, Ayame, who giggled as she poured the trio tea.
“It’s your birthday, Naruto-kun? In that case, I think we’re going to have to make that special ramen, right father?” Ayame gave an exaggerated nudge to her father.
“What? Are you serious?” Naruto turned towards Sakura and Sasuke with a frighteningly huge grin. “It’s the Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special,” he explained, his eyebrows moving up and down vigorously. “A specialty that used to be cooked for the Yondaime himself.”
Ayame nodded. “The Yondaime happened to be quite the fan of ramen so we created this special in his honor and serve it to only to our favourite costumers. So, what will it be tonight?”
“The Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special for us all!” Naruto shouted before Sakura could even open her mouth.
“Now wait a sec! I’ve seen this monstrosity. Not only does it have everything and anything, it would take me a week to finish it off by myself!” Sakura protested.
“No. I refuse. It’s my twenty-fifth birthday. You will do what I say, and tonight, I say you are both going to eat the Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special.” Naruto turned to Ayame. “You got the orders? Bring them on Ayame-san!”
“Got it, Naruto-kun!” Then she quickly disappeared into the kitchen where the sound of her father crying out in surprise could be heard: “Not one, but three?!”
“Don’t order for me Naruto! I don’t want the Ultra Ramen Special!”
“Ultra Deluxe Ramen Special, get it right Sakura. Besides, what you don’t eat means more for me.”
“Fine. You’ll probably eat all of mine and Sasuke’s anyways, right?” Sakura turned to Sasuke but noticed that he wasn’t even paying attention to their conversation; his eyes were blank, staring straight ahead at the wall.
“Isn’t that Haruno Sakura? And Uzumaki? Eating with the traitor.” Both Sakura and Naruto heard the whisper at the same time and whipped their heads around simultaneously. The villagers walking past all stared at the trio and spoke crudely, not bothering to lower their voices.
“They better mind their own business,” Naruto growled and spun back around, his face darkening in anger.
Sakura wasn’t doing much better and took a deep breath to ease her tense body and release her clenched fists, ready to strike. ”Let’s just have a good time,” she said quietly, and they didn’t say anymore about it after that.
Their next dinner date, Sakura tried her best to put up a brave front. At least it was reassuring when Sasuke showed up because all week she had heard nothing but rumors of a change in Sasuke's sentence. When she had spoken to Tsunade about it, the Godaime hadn’t been able to give her a definite answer either.
'The villagers are upset about Sasuke’s release. They’re uneasy, and the tension is growing.
They don’t want to see one of Konoha’s most skilled medics and Naruto, a jinchuuriki, spending their free time with someone whom they believe is a traitor.'
'And that would move the elders to change their decision?' Sakura had asked.
'They want Konoha’s trust and belief that the elders will make the right decisions on the village’s behalf. Any wrong move that Sasuke might make, the council and myself will be partly to blame. It was my decision to lift the house arrest sentence, and now the council is in doubt of my judgment.
Sakura, whatever happens, I will always try to do my best for Konoha.
I won't let Konoha lose their faith in their Hokage.'
Sakura understood, and she was positive that Sasuke was aware of the situation as well. Tsunade was their leader, the one person everyone in the entire village believed in. She was their Hokage.
And if Naruto was to be the next Hokage, he needed more than just power, strength, and determination; he needed the support of Konoha to convince the council of elders.
And what village would trust Naruto to lead them if his confidant was none other than the traitor.
“Sasuke, could you set the table?” Sakura passed him plates, bowls and chopsticks. ”Naruto should be home any minute.” He nodded and started arranging everything on the table systematically.
“What’s for dinner?” he asked as he placed the chopsticks.
“There's fish, some soup and a few other things as well. It’s good, hopefully.” Sakura started bringing the dishes of food to the table.
At the same moment, Naruto chose to rush into the apartment only barely missing Sakura and almost sending the food crashing to the floor. “Watch where you’re going Naruto!”
He ignored her. “Why didn’t you tell us, Sasuke!” Naruto had one hand fisted on the table as he stared at Sasuke angrily.
“What are you talking about, Naruto?” Sakura began slowly when she saw the way Sasuke didn’t seem to want to respond. Instead he stood staring right back at Naruto with nothing but a blank expression on his face, the last set of chopsticks held tightly in one hand.
”The council already summoned him earlier this week. They wanted to reexamine his sentence.” The words were roughly ground out. Naruto kept his eyes trained on Sasuke. ”Don’t go through this alone, Sasuke. We can fight it together.”
This time Sasuke did respond. He punched Naruto with enough force to make him step back, but not enough to bring him down. Sakura retaliated with her one of her own punches before Naruto could strike back and before she realized herself what she had done.
“That’s for getting blood on the carpet,” she said quietly, her hands fisted at her sides as she watched her boys wipe the blood from their mouths.
Sasuke had his face turned away from them, his eyes unreadable, shadowed by the hair swept across his face.
“Let’s go see Tsunade together. Now.” Naruto moved to stand next to Sakura and face Sasuke. “It’s just the elders, it matters most what the-“
“Don’t.” Sasuke’s voice was low. “It won’t matter what you say.”
“Yes it will. They have to listen to Tsunade. Sasuke, don’t give up now.”
Sakura placed her hand on Naruto’s shoulder. “It’s not about giving up, Naruto.”
“There’s nothing for me here. I won’t spend the rest of my life confined to that compound.”
“What do you mean?”
But Sasuke didn’t say anything. He only moved to the kitchen and Sakura noticed he was grabbing a new pair of chopsticks; the one in his hand had been snapped in half. Then he sat down at the table and waited. Sakura followed and sat down across from him without saying a word. Naruto, however, stood still, looking at them in disbelief.
“I refuse to let you go.”
Sakura saw Sasuke tense, but his face stayed the same. “It’s not your choice.” He began picking at the food at the table, ignoring them. The silence wouldn’t settle easily in the air, between the sounds of Sasuke’s soft chewing and Naruto’s hard breathing and the way neither one them could meet the other’s eyes.
Naruto left as soon as he had inhaled his food. Sakura and Sasuke both knew where he was headed straight for, and neither did anything to stop it. It would be no use.
It was silent as Sakura poked at her fish, while Sasuke seemed to be eating slower than usual.
“More tea?” Sakura said finally, hoping to get some kind of conversation but Sasuke only nodded. She picked up their cups and went to the kitchen to start boiling some more water. “When did they summon you?”
“Monday.”
That was four days ago. It was right after she had spoken to Tsunade. “What exactly did they say?”
“Exile.” If Sasuke was in any way upset about this, he gave no indication. Sakura, however, almost dropped the glass she was holding.
“What,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Sasuke…” Sakura walked back to the dining room and to stand in front of the table facing Sasuke. All at once she felt the weight resting on her chest bear down, pushing down harder, deeper. It was hard to look at him as she spoke her next words. “Is it definite?”
Sasuke took a bite of rice and chewed slowly as if it was an unimportant answer to an unimportant question. “No,” he said finally, “There's a choice.”
“What kind of choice?” Sakura asked quickly, wanting to hang onto any kind of possible hope.
“To live freely in exile, or as a prisoner in Konoha.” His tone was neutral yet it still left a bitter aftertaste.
Sakura took a few steps towards Sasuke but fell short just within arm’s reach. “Stay, Sasuke, stay. Naruto and I…” A sob somehow escaped past her lips, and she grabbed Sasuke’s shoulder in desperation, as if her grip would keep him there forever.
“Don’t need trouble,” Sasuke finished for her and quickly stood up and gently pried her hand off of him. Sakura held onto his hand instead, refusing to let him go.
“No, that’s not it. Naruto and I are here for you. We will always be here for you, Sasuke. We will stand by your side and fight. Not just for you, but for ourselves as well. This isn't about just you, Sasuke, don't you realize?”
Sasuke had his back to Sakura. “Then you two are idiots. I live for only myself.” He tried to pull himself away again, but Sakura held on tight.
“I live for you and Naruto. You two are more than just my teammates, you're part of who I am. I want to be there to help you, to support you until the end. Naruto lives for us. He takes good care of me and cares deeply for you Sasuke. We are his everything.
And Sasuke, when you come to realize that we will always stand by you, you too will live for us,” Sakura said while watching Sasuke, hoping that her every last word had reached him. She gave one last squeeze before finally letting go of his hand.
Sasuke stood still for a moment before swiftly turning and walking towards the door, never showing her his face.
“Thank you, Sakura,” he said and left.
Sakura had her head rested on Naruto’s chest, listening to the quickened beat of his heart while they lay on the couch together. After Sasuke had left the apartment, Sakura went to go search for Naruto. As she predicted, Naruto was to be found at his favourite training grounds, the very same that he and Sasuke used to train at often when they were younger. Sakura ended up joining him in taking out some anger at various trees in the surrounding area before they finally heading home.
Sakura and Naruto ended up sprawled on the couch, holding each other comfortingly, wondering the exact same thing: Sasuke’s whereabouts.
“The final decision will be made today,” Naruto began quietly. “At least Sasuke wanted to spend his last meal with us.”
Sakura moved to rest her chin on Naruto’s chest so that she could look at him. Despite having seen this expression on countless occasions, it felt unnatural to see his features wound in worry and frustration. “What happens if he chooses to stay in Konoha?” Sakura asked.
“He will have one last day before they confine him. Tsunade says he will be house arrested for an indefinite amount of time. This time, it will be until the council sees fit,” he explained. “Fucking elders,” he added.
Sakura didn’t even want to ask about Sasuke’s other choice. She already knew.
“Why can’t they just leave Sasuke alone? He’s already been living freely for these past few months and nothing has happened. The fucking council and villagers should just trust Tsunade. If she says that Sasuke is ready to be back in society, then he is,” Naruto said.
“Maybe the house arrest won’t last for long,” Sakura said in hope despite knowing the truth, “I’m sure Sasuke can hold out for a little while longer.”
But she could feel Naruto shaking his head. “You know he won't. He can't stand it there, he can't." And how Sakura could blame him, she wouldn't want to be confined to the very place where her entire clan had been murdered.
“There must be another way…”
Naruto shifted beneath her. “We can’t lose him now, Sakura. Not after all this time. We finally have him back and we’re not going to let him go now. He needs us, I know he does.”
Sakura found his hand and held on tightly. “We need him too,” she said quietly.
“We do!” Naruto's voice didn't falter as he continued on, “Why can’t he see that we need him too? I want to be able to see him everyday, to be with you and him everyday. I want to eat dinner with the both of you and live our lives together. Fight together. I want us to be here together.” His fingers linked with hers.
“I want to wake up each day knowing that you two are by my side,” Naruto finished as his voice fell to a soft whisper.
“Me too,” Sakura answered.
That was all she needed: to have Naruto and Sasuke by her side.
They both lay silently on the couch, thinking and listening to the other breathe. Sakura didn’t know what to say; there were so many thoughts going on at once. And for once, she knew that Naruto didn’t know what to say either.
Hours passed, not a word was said and before they knew it, they fell asleep. In her dreams, Sakura saw an endless, empty meadow, a place her heart told her she'd been to before. And the sun, she could feel the sun bathing her in warmth as her feet seemingly moved on their own. So close... She heard an amused grunt and that all-too-familiar boisterous laughter. The smile on her face widened. She knew they were waiting for her, waving and beckoning her over. Come on, Sakura! They called.
And then there was a knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Sakura’s dream world slipped away as she opened her eyes to find Naruto stirring.
“There’s someone at the door,” he said.