Fanfic: Love the One You're With Chapter 4 (NarutoxSakura) rated PG
Title: Love The One You’re With
Chapter: Sequel to What It's Like
Chapter 4
Author: StarbearerTM
Pairing: NarutoxSakura,
Genre: Romance, drama,
Rating: pg/T
Summary: After the kiss in What it's Like, Naruto wants to help Sakura in any way she needs. He gets his chance when she asks for his help affected by an enemy jutsu. Now back at the village, can both start from scratch and actually date?
Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto created and owns Naruto Shippuden. I don’t. It is licensed by Shonen Jump and Viz.
Once she walked through the front gate clutching Naruto’s hand she felt the weight of dozens of eyes on her. Or that was what it felt like. In reality the two chunin Izumo and Kotetsu on duty noticed them first walking hand in hand after Sai and Yamato. Of course Naruto’s grin spanned from ear to ear, Sakura realized. Like some damned trophy she would be on display for the entire world to see.
At least he wasn’t carrying her bridal style like he almost did. A fierce glare squelched that in a hurry. She could almost hear that irritating yet endearing giggle of his which drove a nearly permanent blush to her face.
“So, your mission was a success?” Izumo asked.
“It sure was, dattebayo!” Naruto announced cheerfully.
“You got lucky in many different ways didn’t you?” Kotetsu quipped. His eyes darted down wards to glance at the clasped hands between the young couple one second. The next they darted upwards so Sakura swore his smirk started the instant he saw the blush on her face.
“Well... yeah...” Naruto began. To Sakura’s mortification both inseparable chunin began to whisper.
“Is there a PROBLEM HERE?” Sakura snapped at them, forming a fist. “Or do you make a habit of staring at everyone like we’re in a freak show?”
“N... no!” they both stammered, eyes turning white.
“Good. I’d hate to have to get ANGRY, you know,” Sakura threatened in a very sweet tone. Face turning blue Naruto clung to her hand for survival while she strode gracefully past with him in tow behind her.
“Scary,” whispered both of them watching Sakura’s hips swaying with an extra swish in her step next to the blonde jinchuriki. Oh yes, they HAD gotten lucky. Yamato clapped his hands quickly.
“All right, all right, let’s report to Tsunade sama, and call it a mission, team Kakashi!” he announced, breaking up the tension. Still clutching Sakura’s hand Naruto caught his breath. His rapidly drumming heart finally skidded to a stop realizing that Sakura wasn’t angry at HIM, but someone else.
“Phew,” he whispered to himself. “That was CLOSE.”
“Sounds good to me, Yamato Taicho. I’d hate to have to get angry at anyone else,” Sakura said with a slight smile that creeped Yamato out, and anyone that happened to be looking in their direction. That look in her eyes would scare the pants off anyone. Naruto merely put on a disarming grin, giggling his usual, “Ehehehee...”
“They really do represent yin and yang,” whispered Sai to Yamato, who nodded.
“I don’t know who to feel more sorry for, Naruto, or anyone who makes a comment about them,” Whispered back Yamato to the former ROOT member. Already more people’s eyes gravitated towards Naruto and Sakura leading Team 7 towards the distinctive shape of Hokage Tower. A good green eyed death stare from Sakura or a nervous giggle from Naruto quelled their visual inspection for long but failed to quash the whispers.
Accustomed to people staring at him Naruto didn’t give it too much thought. Let’s give ‘em something good to stare about. Sakura meanwhile felt more and more irritated at the people glaring in Naruto’s direction. A fierce sense of protectiveness arose within her towards her new ‘boyfriend’. Yes, that’s what he was. In full view they held hands, and it was as good as announcing it with the blast of a trumpet. When her parents found out she was sure she’d get a blasted lecture.
Maybe it would shut her father’s jokes up, but her mother was going to give Naruto hell if they went out on a formal date. By the will of fire that was going to be excruciating hearing her father embarrass the hell out of her by getting out a photo album, and her mother giving her advice she didn’t want to hear in a million years and would want to sink into the living room floor after hearing.
Then her father would hound her about when the wedding was, and her mother would bitch about when they’d give her grandkids. She felt sorry in advance for Naruto and what he’d have to go through on her account. It was no secret Sakura’s mother scared off boys more so than her.
“You ok Sakura chan?” Naruto whispered feeling her sweaty palm with his fingers.
“I was just thinking about my parents. You realize they’ll want to meet you and give you the third degree and humiliate the hell out of you thanks to this,” Sakura mumbled.
Naruto still beamed at her without any worry. “I’ve got nothing to be worried about, and neither do you! You’re holding hands with the future Hokage!”
“The will of fire help me,” Sakura groaned, wanting to sink into the earth with a very good jutsu.
They just HAD to pass by the Yaminaka flower shop, didn’t they? She noticed Ino’s wide eyed look instantly through the window and wanted to wilt like last week’s discount flowers. Oh no, this was going to be painful. VERY painful.
“Help,” she inwardly pleaded. That stupid Ino was going to crow at her how Sasuke was all hers now. Give me strength please, she thought to herself making a fist. At least Naruto was very good at putting on a grin because she found her cheeks hurting. Even though she was mortified by all the attention she’d pound whoever said a cross word about her and Naruto. He wasn’t going to get embarrassed on HER account.
**
The walk to the Hokage tower felt like the longest few minutes in Sakura’s life. She let go of Naruto’s hand with a look of apology at the top of the stairs leading to the curved hallway. Sai’s grin cast their way was far from false because it held a hint of smugness. Those stupid books of his probably predicted this a million miles away and Sakura was sure her denial would make it worse.
Hiding their relationship was close to impossible. While she knew she was going to face consequences either way, she didn’t want to crush Naruto. In addition the tingling need awakened in her body wouldn’t allow her to get away without thinking about their night together. How satisfying he made her feel, how handsome his grin was, and that hard muscular body hidden under that loose black and orange jacket she wore.
His smell was driving her mad. Sakura felt as if she was going nuts. Damn Naruto for making her feel so... so aroused.Was it just because her desire had been awakened or was she starting to really fall for him? It terrified her and exhilarated her because there were so many things about him that made her cringe. Nevertheless she found she didn’t mind being around him, and even felt... pretty good.
The look in Tsunade’s eyes was unreadable. Between curious and matter of fact. Could she guess from Sakura’s body posture that she and Naruto had slept together? Because Tsunade had trained her to read people so well, it must be written all over his face and hers that they had sex. She knew that two people intimate with one another had a different stance and body language and a healthy glow.
Naruto’s insufferable grin said it all. Plus that ever present blush on her face. Shizune’s slightly widened eyes could tell.Oh no... And now Tsunade was twitching her nose a bit. She knew all right.
“The mission was fulfilled successfully, Godaime sama,” Yamato said aloud, bringing her mind back to a sharp focus in the here and now.
“Good work,” said Tsunade. “Though I heard rumors of an aphrodisiac...”
“Which we found an antidote to, Tsunade sama!” Sakura immediately blurted out.
“Everything’s fine, Granny!” Naruto almost chirped, still grinning all the more.
“Is it? Well Team 7, you’ve earned a few days off. Make sure you spend them getting rest and relaxation. All of you should get a physical. Sakura, make sure you write down the notes on the antidote as soon as you can...”
“Right Tsunade sama,” she said, breathing deeply.
“Team 7, dismissed. Yamato, may I speak to you privately?” she asked, glancing at each of them in turn.
“Of course, Godaime sama,” he said, nodding. Sakura spun around and walked quickly out the door, feeling Naruto at her heels.
Sai smiled at both of them and whispered, “Congratulations. Are you two going to be getting together tonight?”
“Sai, you don’t just ask someone that!” Sakura hissed as she glared at him.
“I suppose the answer is yes then?”
“Sai, stop bugging Sakura chan,” Naruto grumbled, glaring at him. He gently grasped Sakura’s hand and tugged her behind him.
“Have fun you two. I hope you enjoy your sex...” Sai began but before Sakura could punch him, Naruto whisked her off.
“Sakura chan how about we get you to that hospital right away!” Naruto nervously laughed, bolting out with her close behind, reluctantly.
“Hey, now WAIT, let go of me you idiot!” Sakura yelled at Naruto who ran quickly with her in tow.
“Bye Sai! See you later”! Naruto called back through the hallway and down the stairs. His voice echoed loudly throughout the Hokage mansion.
***
“Naruto, let me go you idiot!” Sakura yelled.
“Sshh, Sakura chan, calm down, it’s no big deal,” whispered Naruto, dragging her behind a nearby tree. He glanced back and forth, trying to calm her down.
“That stupid jerk, flapping his mouth making it worse!” she hissed.
“Well Sai just is trying to be nice, you know! Remember he doesn’t know about emotions and all...” began Naruto, waving his hands. “Give him a break!”
“Why didn’t you let me clobber him, Naruto?” Sakura grumbled, glaring at him as she crossed her arms over his chest.
“Because um... I thought you didn’t wanna make a scene?” Naruto guessed.
“You’re lucky that’s the right answer, idiot,” Sakura grumbled, feeling as if she was pushed under a microscope. “And now I’ve got to get to the hospital and now Ino’s going to tease me to hell...”
“Let her tease you. It’s not like it’s not true,” Naruto chuckled, resting a hand on her shoulder. HE was reluctant to wrap an arm around her just in case she would clobber him.
“Let’s just go to the hospital already,” mumbled Sakura, marching off with him quickly behind her.
“I’ll meet you there once I’ve gotten my stuff put away,” Naruto offered.
“You don’t have to...” she began, but saw the hurt look on his face.
“But don’t ya wanna let me treat you to dinner? You did promise a date,” Naruto said.
“Fine, but don’t get in the way okay?” grumbled Sakura, who blushed at the feeling of a kiss on her cheek. Naruto had darted away before she could say another word.
**
Someone waved a bright red and orange slip of paper between her view of the test paper and the pipette. “They’re having a two for one ramen special at Ichiraku’s, Sakura chan.”
Glancing up from the medical tests she was performing Sakura could not drop the pipette she held to clunk Naruto on the head so she just glared at him. Instead she griped, “You almost made me screw up this test, idiot.”
“Whoops, sorry Sakura chan!” Naruto stammered, grinning awkwardly in that endearing and annoying way. Eyes half shut with sweat that accumulated on his brow he took a step back. At least he wore a lab smock over that bright orange and black outfit, and had grabbed a pair of protective safety glasses this time.
“Naruto, what was that again?” Sakura mumbled. “I’m really busy.”
“Well if you don’t wanna,” he mumbled clutching the coupon in his hand so it crumpled in the middle. “But you can’t keep working without eating Sakura chan!”
Sakura’s pink brows knitted into a mass of wrinkles. “I hope that wasn’t a crack about m…”
“C’mon Sakura chan! You look pretty! Granny Tsunade would kill me if you didn’t eat something so you could keep doing those test things the right way,” he pleaded, poking out that bottom lip. He looked so forlorn like a puppy yelled at for peeing on the carpet that Sakura felt sorry for him.
“Oh no not the pout,” Inner Sakura yelled at her. “Are you stupid? Are you trying to get him to heel or going to whack him with the newspaper?”
“Okay, okay,” Sakura clarified as she snatched the coupon from him.
“All RIGHT! Yes I’m so happy Sakura chan!” Naruto whooped.
“Not so loud!” she hissed, reaching over the lab counter to seize him by the ear.
“Ow… ow… ow!” Naruto yelped, almost yanked on top of the surface. He knocked the beakers and test tubes onto the floor but managed to catch the rack. Gripping the edge of the table, he managed to get one knee up onto it so his ear was not pulled off.
“What are you doing?” she snapped, glaring at him holding the rack, tipped at a 45-degree angle, in one hand at the edge of the table.
“I don’t want to throw your stuff on the floor Sakura chan! Then you’ll have to do it over again!” Naruto protested. Seeing that he would save her research she carefully let him go. As if it were a kunai or explosive tag Naruto passed the test tubes over to her in their rack.
“Thank you, Naruto,” said Sakura with the smallest hint of a smile. “But next time knock on the door unless you want me to paste you across the room?”
“Y… yes Sakura chan,” Naruto stammered, sweat dropping at the sweet smile and deadly look in her eyes.
“Come to think of it, you wanted a date, let’s go on it tonight,” said Sakura as she looked up at him.
“R... really?” asked Naruto, eyes huge. He bounced with nervous anticipation.
“Now, I’m going to go home and get ready. Meet me at home around six. I’ll be ready then. Make sure you wear something nice for our date,” Sakura said.
“Woohoo! Great Sakura chan!” Naruto whooped. He bent down and suddenly swept her up, spinning her around. Sakura gasped in surprise.
“I’m getting dizzy!” she gasped before he gave her a soft kiss and put her down. With a dance in his step he ran off towards his home leaving her breathless.
**
Just like she predicted, her parents had given Naruto the third degree. To her joy he had ridden it out well with that disarming smile of him. At least he seemed to have won her father over. Yet her mother’s blue eyed stare was what she expected.
“You’d better be a gentleman around our little Sa-sa,” Meibuke lectured, wagging a finger at Naruto who sat down on the sofa next to Sakura’s father Kizashi. She was pacing around with her hands on her hips as they waited for Sakura to come down from her bedroom.
“I’ll remember, Meibuki san,” said Naruto, grinning at her. He wore a blue button up shirt, and a pair of black pants. Sai had suggested this outfit thankfully. Naruto had found his teammate right there waiting for him at home. He must have been spying on them, to his chagrin, but he was grateful for the hints.
“The book says that a button up shirt on the casual side but not too formal is appropriate for a first date. Also you should take her a flower and something for her parents,” Sai had told him. This meant stopping by the Yaminaka flower shop on the way over. Ino’s father had given him a knowing grin and Naruto had chuckled back.
Another well-wisher hoping him the best for his date with Sakura. Now sitting between her parents, for Meibuki had lowered herself to sit NEXT to him, he continued his nervous chuckling.
“So Naruto, I’ve heard a good deal about your success saving the Kazekage. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?” Kizashi said with a chuckle.
“If you’re such a big hero then you know that our little Sa-sa should be given the best, Uzumaki san,” said Meibuki. “I’m sure you know what would happen if you ever hurt...”
“Believe me I know. And I won’t hurt her, Meibuki san. She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me,” Naruto reassured her.
“Hmm, sounds like you’ve got the right idea, Naruto kun,” said Sakura’s father, chuckling. “Now Meibuki chan, see if our little cherry blossom is ready.”
“Make sure you go over the rest of the rules,” said Meibuki as she rose and moved upstairs.
“So... Naruto kun, you still want to take Sakura chan out?” asked Kizashi once they were alone, with a slight chuckle.
“Of course! She’d kill me if I backed out now! And I don’t want to go back on my word!” Naruto said firmly, resting his hands on his thighs. He said up straighter on the edge of the sofa cushion.
“Good idea. Whatever you do, just say she’s right. That’s the best way around Haruno women,” whispered the man with distinctive hair.
“You bet,” mumbled Naruto, nodding at the knowing look in Kizashi’s eyes. Both of them swiveled their heads at the exact same moment at the sound of cloth rustling. They could hear Meibuki whispering to someone and a hissed response fired back on the way down.
Naruto’s blue eyes focused eagerly on the pinkette wearing a lovely red kimono that came to just past her knees, along with a pink obi that matched her hair. Crimson silk festooned with white and gold thread floral patterns swished around her knees. Instead of down, her distinctive hair was pinned up with silver combs in a twist so a few pieces of hair framed her face.
“Wow Sakura chan you look GREAT!” Naruto called out, grinning at her.
“That’s my little girl!” Kizashi called out to her. Meibuki strode a few steps behind her daughter, pressing her hands together.
“Dad, could you stop embarrassing me! I wanna go already,” Sakura grumbled. Two lines between her brows furrowed.
“I want to take a picture first. Our daughter’s first date…”
“It’s dinner… not a huge big deal…” Sakura blurted out.
“It’s a date, Sa-sa,” Meibuki corrected her, rolling her eyes. Naruto held out the flowers wrapped in green tissue paper.
“Here you go,” he said, beaming at her. He loved that blush spreading over her cheeks lightly that made her look so demure and ladylike.
“Thank you… oh no Dad, don’t take a picture please!” Sakura groaned, watching her father rush off into the other room.
Meibuki snapped, “Sa-sa dear, stand next to your date and let your father take a picture, now!”
“But MO-OM!” Sakura whined, positioned by her mother right next to Naruto. She clutched the flower in her hand, looking as if she wanted to disappear or die. Naruto flinched at the sight of her shivering.
This entry was originally posted at http://starbearertm.dreamwidth.org/81490.html . This entry has
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Chapter: Sequel to What It's Like
Chapter 4
Author: StarbearerTM
Pairing: NarutoxSakura,
Genre: Romance, drama,
Rating: pg/T
Summary: After the kiss in What it's Like, Naruto wants to help Sakura in any way she needs. He gets his chance when she asks for his help affected by an enemy jutsu. Now back at the village, can both start from scratch and actually date?
Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto created and owns Naruto Shippuden. I don’t. It is licensed by Shonen Jump and Viz.
Once she walked through the front gate clutching Naruto’s hand she felt the weight of dozens of eyes on her. Or that was what it felt like. In reality the two chunin Izumo and Kotetsu on duty noticed them first walking hand in hand after Sai and Yamato. Of course Naruto’s grin spanned from ear to ear, Sakura realized. Like some damned trophy she would be on display for the entire world to see.
At least he wasn’t carrying her bridal style like he almost did. A fierce glare squelched that in a hurry. She could almost hear that irritating yet endearing giggle of his which drove a nearly permanent blush to her face.
“So, your mission was a success?” Izumo asked.
“It sure was, dattebayo!” Naruto announced cheerfully.
“You got lucky in many different ways didn’t you?” Kotetsu quipped. His eyes darted down wards to glance at the clasped hands between the young couple one second. The next they darted upwards so Sakura swore his smirk started the instant he saw the blush on her face.
“Well... yeah...” Naruto began. To Sakura’s mortification both inseparable chunin began to whisper.
“Is there a PROBLEM HERE?” Sakura snapped at them, forming a fist. “Or do you make a habit of staring at everyone like we’re in a freak show?”
“N... no!” they both stammered, eyes turning white.
“Good. I’d hate to have to get ANGRY, you know,” Sakura threatened in a very sweet tone. Face turning blue Naruto clung to her hand for survival while she strode gracefully past with him in tow behind her.
“Scary,” whispered both of them watching Sakura’s hips swaying with an extra swish in her step next to the blonde jinchuriki. Oh yes, they HAD gotten lucky. Yamato clapped his hands quickly.
“All right, all right, let’s report to Tsunade sama, and call it a mission, team Kakashi!” he announced, breaking up the tension. Still clutching Sakura’s hand Naruto caught his breath. His rapidly drumming heart finally skidded to a stop realizing that Sakura wasn’t angry at HIM, but someone else.
“Phew,” he whispered to himself. “That was CLOSE.”
“Sounds good to me, Yamato Taicho. I’d hate to have to get angry at anyone else,” Sakura said with a slight smile that creeped Yamato out, and anyone that happened to be looking in their direction. That look in her eyes would scare the pants off anyone. Naruto merely put on a disarming grin, giggling his usual, “Ehehehee...”
“They really do represent yin and yang,” whispered Sai to Yamato, who nodded.
“I don’t know who to feel more sorry for, Naruto, or anyone who makes a comment about them,” Whispered back Yamato to the former ROOT member. Already more people’s eyes gravitated towards Naruto and Sakura leading Team 7 towards the distinctive shape of Hokage Tower. A good green eyed death stare from Sakura or a nervous giggle from Naruto quelled their visual inspection for long but failed to quash the whispers.
Accustomed to people staring at him Naruto didn’t give it too much thought. Let’s give ‘em something good to stare about. Sakura meanwhile felt more and more irritated at the people glaring in Naruto’s direction. A fierce sense of protectiveness arose within her towards her new ‘boyfriend’. Yes, that’s what he was. In full view they held hands, and it was as good as announcing it with the blast of a trumpet. When her parents found out she was sure she’d get a blasted lecture.
Maybe it would shut her father’s jokes up, but her mother was going to give Naruto hell if they went out on a formal date. By the will of fire that was going to be excruciating hearing her father embarrass the hell out of her by getting out a photo album, and her mother giving her advice she didn’t want to hear in a million years and would want to sink into the living room floor after hearing.
Then her father would hound her about when the wedding was, and her mother would bitch about when they’d give her grandkids. She felt sorry in advance for Naruto and what he’d have to go through on her account. It was no secret Sakura’s mother scared off boys more so than her.
“You ok Sakura chan?” Naruto whispered feeling her sweaty palm with his fingers.
“I was just thinking about my parents. You realize they’ll want to meet you and give you the third degree and humiliate the hell out of you thanks to this,” Sakura mumbled.
Naruto still beamed at her without any worry. “I’ve got nothing to be worried about, and neither do you! You’re holding hands with the future Hokage!”
“The will of fire help me,” Sakura groaned, wanting to sink into the earth with a very good jutsu.
They just HAD to pass by the Yaminaka flower shop, didn’t they? She noticed Ino’s wide eyed look instantly through the window and wanted to wilt like last week’s discount flowers. Oh no, this was going to be painful. VERY painful.
“Help,” she inwardly pleaded. That stupid Ino was going to crow at her how Sasuke was all hers now. Give me strength please, she thought to herself making a fist. At least Naruto was very good at putting on a grin because she found her cheeks hurting. Even though she was mortified by all the attention she’d pound whoever said a cross word about her and Naruto. He wasn’t going to get embarrassed on HER account.
**
The walk to the Hokage tower felt like the longest few minutes in Sakura’s life. She let go of Naruto’s hand with a look of apology at the top of the stairs leading to the curved hallway. Sai’s grin cast their way was far from false because it held a hint of smugness. Those stupid books of his probably predicted this a million miles away and Sakura was sure her denial would make it worse.
Hiding their relationship was close to impossible. While she knew she was going to face consequences either way, she didn’t want to crush Naruto. In addition the tingling need awakened in her body wouldn’t allow her to get away without thinking about their night together. How satisfying he made her feel, how handsome his grin was, and that hard muscular body hidden under that loose black and orange jacket she wore.
His smell was driving her mad. Sakura felt as if she was going nuts. Damn Naruto for making her feel so... so aroused.Was it just because her desire had been awakened or was she starting to really fall for him? It terrified her and exhilarated her because there were so many things about him that made her cringe. Nevertheless she found she didn’t mind being around him, and even felt... pretty good.
The look in Tsunade’s eyes was unreadable. Between curious and matter of fact. Could she guess from Sakura’s body posture that she and Naruto had slept together? Because Tsunade had trained her to read people so well, it must be written all over his face and hers that they had sex. She knew that two people intimate with one another had a different stance and body language and a healthy glow.
Naruto’s insufferable grin said it all. Plus that ever present blush on her face. Shizune’s slightly widened eyes could tell.Oh no... And now Tsunade was twitching her nose a bit. She knew all right.
“The mission was fulfilled successfully, Godaime sama,” Yamato said aloud, bringing her mind back to a sharp focus in the here and now.
“Good work,” said Tsunade. “Though I heard rumors of an aphrodisiac...”
“Which we found an antidote to, Tsunade sama!” Sakura immediately blurted out.
“Everything’s fine, Granny!” Naruto almost chirped, still grinning all the more.
“Is it? Well Team 7, you’ve earned a few days off. Make sure you spend them getting rest and relaxation. All of you should get a physical. Sakura, make sure you write down the notes on the antidote as soon as you can...”
“Right Tsunade sama,” she said, breathing deeply.
“Team 7, dismissed. Yamato, may I speak to you privately?” she asked, glancing at each of them in turn.
“Of course, Godaime sama,” he said, nodding. Sakura spun around and walked quickly out the door, feeling Naruto at her heels.
Sai smiled at both of them and whispered, “Congratulations. Are you two going to be getting together tonight?”
“Sai, you don’t just ask someone that!” Sakura hissed as she glared at him.
“I suppose the answer is yes then?”
“Sai, stop bugging Sakura chan,” Naruto grumbled, glaring at him. He gently grasped Sakura’s hand and tugged her behind him.
“Have fun you two. I hope you enjoy your sex...” Sai began but before Sakura could punch him, Naruto whisked her off.
“Sakura chan how about we get you to that hospital right away!” Naruto nervously laughed, bolting out with her close behind, reluctantly.
“Hey, now WAIT, let go of me you idiot!” Sakura yelled at Naruto who ran quickly with her in tow.
“Bye Sai! See you later”! Naruto called back through the hallway and down the stairs. His voice echoed loudly throughout the Hokage mansion.
***
“Naruto, let me go you idiot!” Sakura yelled.
“Sshh, Sakura chan, calm down, it’s no big deal,” whispered Naruto, dragging her behind a nearby tree. He glanced back and forth, trying to calm her down.
“That stupid jerk, flapping his mouth making it worse!” she hissed.
“Well Sai just is trying to be nice, you know! Remember he doesn’t know about emotions and all...” began Naruto, waving his hands. “Give him a break!”
“Why didn’t you let me clobber him, Naruto?” Sakura grumbled, glaring at him as she crossed her arms over his chest.
“Because um... I thought you didn’t wanna make a scene?” Naruto guessed.
“You’re lucky that’s the right answer, idiot,” Sakura grumbled, feeling as if she was pushed under a microscope. “And now I’ve got to get to the hospital and now Ino’s going to tease me to hell...”
“Let her tease you. It’s not like it’s not true,” Naruto chuckled, resting a hand on her shoulder. HE was reluctant to wrap an arm around her just in case she would clobber him.
“Let’s just go to the hospital already,” mumbled Sakura, marching off with him quickly behind her.
“I’ll meet you there once I’ve gotten my stuff put away,” Naruto offered.
“You don’t have to...” she began, but saw the hurt look on his face.
“But don’t ya wanna let me treat you to dinner? You did promise a date,” Naruto said.
“Fine, but don’t get in the way okay?” grumbled Sakura, who blushed at the feeling of a kiss on her cheek. Naruto had darted away before she could say another word.
**
Someone waved a bright red and orange slip of paper between her view of the test paper and the pipette. “They’re having a two for one ramen special at Ichiraku’s, Sakura chan.”
Glancing up from the medical tests she was performing Sakura could not drop the pipette she held to clunk Naruto on the head so she just glared at him. Instead she griped, “You almost made me screw up this test, idiot.”
“Whoops, sorry Sakura chan!” Naruto stammered, grinning awkwardly in that endearing and annoying way. Eyes half shut with sweat that accumulated on his brow he took a step back. At least he wore a lab smock over that bright orange and black outfit, and had grabbed a pair of protective safety glasses this time.
“Naruto, what was that again?” Sakura mumbled. “I’m really busy.”
“Well if you don’t wanna,” he mumbled clutching the coupon in his hand so it crumpled in the middle. “But you can’t keep working without eating Sakura chan!”
Sakura’s pink brows knitted into a mass of wrinkles. “I hope that wasn’t a crack about m…”
“C’mon Sakura chan! You look pretty! Granny Tsunade would kill me if you didn’t eat something so you could keep doing those test things the right way,” he pleaded, poking out that bottom lip. He looked so forlorn like a puppy yelled at for peeing on the carpet that Sakura felt sorry for him.
“Oh no not the pout,” Inner Sakura yelled at her. “Are you stupid? Are you trying to get him to heel or going to whack him with the newspaper?”
“Okay, okay,” Sakura clarified as she snatched the coupon from him.
“All RIGHT! Yes I’m so happy Sakura chan!” Naruto whooped.
“Not so loud!” she hissed, reaching over the lab counter to seize him by the ear.
“Ow… ow… ow!” Naruto yelped, almost yanked on top of the surface. He knocked the beakers and test tubes onto the floor but managed to catch the rack. Gripping the edge of the table, he managed to get one knee up onto it so his ear was not pulled off.
“What are you doing?” she snapped, glaring at him holding the rack, tipped at a 45-degree angle, in one hand at the edge of the table.
“I don’t want to throw your stuff on the floor Sakura chan! Then you’ll have to do it over again!” Naruto protested. Seeing that he would save her research she carefully let him go. As if it were a kunai or explosive tag Naruto passed the test tubes over to her in their rack.
“Thank you, Naruto,” said Sakura with the smallest hint of a smile. “But next time knock on the door unless you want me to paste you across the room?”
“Y… yes Sakura chan,” Naruto stammered, sweat dropping at the sweet smile and deadly look in her eyes.
“Come to think of it, you wanted a date, let’s go on it tonight,” said Sakura as she looked up at him.
“R... really?” asked Naruto, eyes huge. He bounced with nervous anticipation.
“Now, I’m going to go home and get ready. Meet me at home around six. I’ll be ready then. Make sure you wear something nice for our date,” Sakura said.
“Woohoo! Great Sakura chan!” Naruto whooped. He bent down and suddenly swept her up, spinning her around. Sakura gasped in surprise.
“I’m getting dizzy!” she gasped before he gave her a soft kiss and put her down. With a dance in his step he ran off towards his home leaving her breathless.
**
Just like she predicted, her parents had given Naruto the third degree. To her joy he had ridden it out well with that disarming smile of him. At least he seemed to have won her father over. Yet her mother’s blue eyed stare was what she expected.
“You’d better be a gentleman around our little Sa-sa,” Meibuke lectured, wagging a finger at Naruto who sat down on the sofa next to Sakura’s father Kizashi. She was pacing around with her hands on her hips as they waited for Sakura to come down from her bedroom.
“I’ll remember, Meibuki san,” said Naruto, grinning at her. He wore a blue button up shirt, and a pair of black pants. Sai had suggested this outfit thankfully. Naruto had found his teammate right there waiting for him at home. He must have been spying on them, to his chagrin, but he was grateful for the hints.
“The book says that a button up shirt on the casual side but not too formal is appropriate for a first date. Also you should take her a flower and something for her parents,” Sai had told him. This meant stopping by the Yaminaka flower shop on the way over. Ino’s father had given him a knowing grin and Naruto had chuckled back.
Another well-wisher hoping him the best for his date with Sakura. Now sitting between her parents, for Meibuki had lowered herself to sit NEXT to him, he continued his nervous chuckling.
“So Naruto, I’ve heard a good deal about your success saving the Kazekage. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?” Kizashi said with a chuckle.
“If you’re such a big hero then you know that our little Sa-sa should be given the best, Uzumaki san,” said Meibuki. “I’m sure you know what would happen if you ever hurt...”
“Believe me I know. And I won’t hurt her, Meibuki san. She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me,” Naruto reassured her.
“Hmm, sounds like you’ve got the right idea, Naruto kun,” said Sakura’s father, chuckling. “Now Meibuki chan, see if our little cherry blossom is ready.”
“Make sure you go over the rest of the rules,” said Meibuki as she rose and moved upstairs.
“So... Naruto kun, you still want to take Sakura chan out?” asked Kizashi once they were alone, with a slight chuckle.
“Of course! She’d kill me if I backed out now! And I don’t want to go back on my word!” Naruto said firmly, resting his hands on his thighs. He said up straighter on the edge of the sofa cushion.
“Good idea. Whatever you do, just say she’s right. That’s the best way around Haruno women,” whispered the man with distinctive hair.
“You bet,” mumbled Naruto, nodding at the knowing look in Kizashi’s eyes. Both of them swiveled their heads at the exact same moment at the sound of cloth rustling. They could hear Meibuki whispering to someone and a hissed response fired back on the way down.
Naruto’s blue eyes focused eagerly on the pinkette wearing a lovely red kimono that came to just past her knees, along with a pink obi that matched her hair. Crimson silk festooned with white and gold thread floral patterns swished around her knees. Instead of down, her distinctive hair was pinned up with silver combs in a twist so a few pieces of hair framed her face.
“Wow Sakura chan you look GREAT!” Naruto called out, grinning at her.
“That’s my little girl!” Kizashi called out to her. Meibuki strode a few steps behind her daughter, pressing her hands together.
“Dad, could you stop embarrassing me! I wanna go already,” Sakura grumbled. Two lines between her brows furrowed.
“I want to take a picture first. Our daughter’s first date…”
“It’s dinner… not a huge big deal…” Sakura blurted out.
“It’s a date, Sa-sa,” Meibuki corrected her, rolling her eyes. Naruto held out the flowers wrapped in green tissue paper.
“Here you go,” he said, beaming at her. He loved that blush spreading over her cheeks lightly that made her look so demure and ladylike.
“Thank you… oh no Dad, don’t take a picture please!” Sakura groaned, watching her father rush off into the other room.
Meibuki snapped, “Sa-sa dear, stand next to your date and let your father take a picture, now!”
“But MO-OM!” Sakura whined, positioned by her mother right next to Naruto. She clutched the flower in her hand, looking as if she wanted to disappear or die. Naruto flinched at the sight of her shivering.
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