Happy Accidents

Chapter 23: Believe

She was going on a date. For the first time in her life, someone had asked her on a date. The only thing she was bummed about was the fact that it wasn't with the person she wanted to go on a date with, but at this point, she was convinced it was never going to happen anyway. She was just getting ready to leave as she heard the door open, seeing Sasuke having made it home. She was dressed in a pair of sleek black dress pants with a sheer pink blouse, with a matching soft pink camisole underneath the shirt. The blouse was nice and loosely fitting, a slightly rosier pink than her hair. She opted for pink ballet flats to match the shirt and a black headband in place of her usual red one.

"Oh, hey," she said cheerfully, bounding up to him at the door. He stared at her for a moment, seeming to take in her appearance; it was like he wanted to say something, but refrained from doing so. His expression was stiffer than usual, and he replied only with a grunt. What, was he mad now that she was going on a date? He had encouraged it to begin with!

The sound of a horn outside caught her attention, causing her to peer out the window to see Naruto's car. "Well -- my date's here, so I'll be back later sometime. There's, um, leftovers in the fridge from yesterday if you want some." She slipped her shoes on and grabbed her purse.

"Sakura?" He asked softly, looking hesitant before he spoke again. "You... you look nice."

Her cheeks flushed pink. "Thanks," she said shyly, turning and ducking out the door before she allowed herself to change her mind. She slid into the passenger seat of the car, receiving a warm greeting as she did.

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He was torn between saying something and letting it happen. The logical, rational part of him knew that it was better to let Naruto have her. He was better for her in so many ways; even if he was also an orphan, he was better-mannered, more socially apt, and less... scarred.

Despite that... there was a certain feeling that the Uchiha couldn't shake. The fact that it upset him just made him more agitated; he knew why he was upset. He was jealous, deeply so. He'd done his best to keep it under wraps, but he was certain that she noticed. She always seemed to notice when he was bothered. Was this her intention, perhaps? To make him jealous so he'd make a move?

Clever, if it was.

Opening the door to his home he was met with her standing before him. The sight almost took his breath away; he'd thought she was pretty before, but now... now it was even more so. She wore a beautiful sheer blouse with a camisole, sleek black pants, and pink flats. She was breathtakingly beautiful. He could swear he'd never seen a woman with such beauty. By his standards, she was angelic. She was perfect. The way her hair just tickled the sides of her face, reaching just past her chin; the way she always wore a headband as a simple accessory, which did wonders. Her hair always smelled nice; it was the faint scent of cherry blossoms and strawberries, giving her a natural perfume that he found intoxicating.

And she was so... small. Delicate in a way, but not so much a damsel; she'd proven she could take care of herself in most situations. He worried not because she was weak or useless, but because he cared. She was special to him.

Stop it, he scolded himself, realizing he'd been staring. Even as she left he still stared; he couldn't get the image of her out of his mind. He didn't know what to do; lately every time he looked at her, all he could think about was how much he wanted to grab her and kiss her. How much he enjoyed listening to her talk, just to hear the sound of her sweet voice. How it pained him when she cried, tugging at his heartstrings. How angry it made him when she was tormented by her fears because he couldn't do a damn thing about them.

He knew what was happening.

He was falling for her. Hard.

And in the end... he knew he wouldn't be good enough for her. Not for a sweet, gentle, beautiful soul like her. Not if she were to get the life she deserved, safe and sound.