NARUTO: UchiSaku - "Pop the Top" - Finale [Snippet]
["Pop the Top" on AO3]
The night was late as Itachi and Sakura stood in the front entrance of her home.
Warmth tingled down Sakura’s arms as Itachi’s hands trailed away. Her heart hammered in her chest as he gazed down at her fondly, the soft, tender look on his face at odds with the pain she could read in his eyes.
“We’ll figure it out,” he promised, lifting a hand to cup her cheek.
Without meaning to, Sakura sighed.
‘It’ being their situation. It had been two and a half months since they had last made love. With the loss of Shisui as a potential triad partner, Itachi had refused to risk Sakura’s wellbeing by inviting anyone else into their relationship, and while Sakura was grateful he prioritized her so highly, she missed him. The most Itachi would do was cuddle with her while still wearing their underwear, or bring her to completion with his hands or lips. She was very appreciative, but he refused to let her return the favour because of the risk of him knotting. It was considerate and adorable and driving Sakura to desperation as he often left her alone even when she was wanting, out of the urge to protect her from himself and his own needs.
There were some evenings when she felt so pent-up she could admit to perhaps abusing their bond, stroking herself under her covers as she touched the brand at her shoulder, ignoring whose name crossed her lips. The dark eyes and hair, imagining the way they would pull her up their body, or push into her, or whisper her name like a prayer, would send a shiver across her skin as she would crest and shudder. Out of courtesy to Itachi, she would wait until he was home before doing so, after what happened the first time.
“We will,” agreed Sakura, though her tiredness came through in her tone.
Itachi heard it. She could tell by how his eyes sagged at the corners. A muscle ticked in Itachi’s jaw but Sakura forced a smile.
“Go home,” she said, giving his suit jacket a gentle shake. “Get some rest.”
“I love you,” he whispered, kissing her brow sweetly.
TBC