Time Spents

Past

"Those others…" Sakura opened her eyes and stared at him meaningfully, "They helped me survive."

"…When we weren't there…" Sasuke finished quietly.

"…We don't exactly have the…right…to keep her all to ourselves."

That was why Naruto was understanding of the situation – why he wasn't mad with Sakura for spending time with other people; why he wasn't mad with Sasuke for his overreaction – because he had overreacted also, several years ago, when he had initially noticed these changes in Sakura.

"I'm not going to make promises that I won't spend time with them," Sakura avowed firmly, "Because they took time to spend with me when I was at my loneliest. They were there and I'm grateful for that. I always will be." She exhaled and pinned him with another hard look, "But that doesn't mean that I am not loyal to Team Kakashi. I've fought for you – for us."

She brought a hand up and mechanically wiped away her tears; although she was unapologetic for conveying her feelings.

"Sakura – I'm sorry. I'm honestly, truly sorry." His words were sincere, filled with shame, but they were strong with conviction. "I shouldn't have said what I said. You're right. Naruto was right. I was…I was being selfish." He sighed with internal acceptance, "…I was being jealous."

Sakura stared at him, her eyes fractionally widened with surprise towards his sudden apology – and confession – before a small smile twisted her lips.

"…There's no reason to be jealous, Sasuke-kun…" Her right hand left the warmth of her tea, reaching out to grasp his fingers across the table, "…Just because I spend time with others doesn't mean that I won't spend time with Team Kakashi…or even just you. Just…ask." She squeezed his fingers with reassurance, "You and Naruto are back – that's what matters now." She smiled, "We're teammates – friends – family. We're not lonely anymore."

Sasuke nodded, shifted his hand so that it encompassed hers, and allowed his lips to twitch upward into a small, grateful smile, "Aa."

Two days after Sasuke and Sakura reconnected, Team Kakashi left Training Ground Three after several hours of sparring and meditation, headed in the general direction of the avenues filled with restaurants and food stands. Naruto grinned upon witnessing Sakura's and Sasuke's renewed friendship, sharing a significant stare with both of them. Sai smiled, reveling in his personal inclusion of the team.

"Where should we eat, guys?"

"Not Ichiraku's Ramen, again, Naruto."

"Aww, Sakura-chan!"

"Sakura!"

Team Kakashi gazed further down the street where a crowd of ninja had gathered in front of a popular restaurant of the district. Kiba grinned, waving the team down in a gesture to join them, promptly causing Sakura to grin and lead her three boys towards the large group of shinobi. Her hand reassuringly slipped into Sasuke's.

Team Gai. Team Kurenai. Team Asuma. A spectrum of varying glances regarded Sasuke – especially after the most recent conflict – ranging from suspicious and wary, to hopeful and assuring. Sasuke could clearly see in their eyes that they were all protective of Sakura's well-being and the fragility that might still be present from their youth, but they were also entrusting her delicate happiness to Sasuke once more – something he had possessed and carried so many years before – something he wasn't going to take advantage of ever again.

"Uchiha."

Sakura released his hand, pulled away by the excited murmur from her fellow kunoichi, leaving Sasuke in the company of all of the men – Shikamaru, Chouji, Lee, Neji, Kiba, and Shino.

"You going to take care of her?" Kiba asked gruffly, arms crossed over his chest.

A hand immediately slapped against his left shoulder, strong arm curling around him in a supportive hold, "Sasuke-teme and I got her. And, I can't say this enough guys, but thanks."

That one word conveyed so much more – but Sasuke felt that it should be spoken.

"For taking care of her." He looked beyond the bodies of multiple ninja, to where Sakura smiled and laughed among her friends, "Thank you."

"Troublesome," Shikamaru sighed, "Don't screw

it up."

"She's a good girl." Shino emphasized.

"Indeed." Neji agreed firmly.

"They will prevail," Lee nodded his head for extra emphasis, "I am sure of it." slowed her steps until she brought up the rear of the group with Sasuke, her hand finding his again.

"I think you were just given approval, Sasuke-kun." Her tone was light and teasing.

"Aa." His hand gripped hers fractionally tighter and she turned to him with an inquiring expression.

"Sasuke-kun?"

"…After dinner…" He swallowed – recalling 'just ask' – and plundered on, "Would you…dessert?"

Sakura slowly smiled with comprehension, "Would I like to get dessert?"

Sasuke nodded, "Aa."

"With you?"

"…Aa."

"Just you?"

"Sakura."

Sakura grinned, leaning into his side and happily making sure that he sat beside her at their chosen table, "I'd love to, Sasuke-kun."

It takes three instances for Uchiha Sasuke to question Haruno Sakura's loyalty to Team Kakashi.

It takes five incidences for Uchiha Sasuke to wonder where he, personally, stood in Haruno Sakura's life.

It takes three instances before Uchiha Sasuke allows his selfishness to react.

It takes two conversations for Uchiha Sasuke to realize his errors.

It takes one moment for Uchiha Sasuke to decide that he wasn't going to make the same mistakes, concerning Haruno Sakura, again.

And it's with every smile Haruno Sakura gives Uchiha Sasuke, he's reassured that every second together, is time well spent.