Forged Beyond

Green and Oynx go well together

Ok So, THIS IS basically like a filler chapter, It doesn't relate much to the plot and is basically for the fun of Team 7 and OFC SASUSAKU <3 cuz the previous chapters have been serious and emotional unfortunately, SO YES I NEED COMMENTS ON THIS one YES I think I did a pretty good job with the SASUSAKU-ness of this chapter! ENJOY (COMMENT PLEASE)

"Oh... this is so relaxing..." Sakura sighed, sitting on a small stool with a steaming bucket of hot water in front of her. The bathroom was warm and misty, and she took her time, pouring the hot water over her head and thoroughly washing her hair. With no one-neither Sasuke nor Naruto-in a hurry to bathe, she indulged herself in the soothing heat.

After her bath, she wrapped herself in a towel and reached for her clothes. She slipped on her extra pair of safety shorts, layered her maroon skirt on top, and secured a snug, comfortable bra before pulling on her loose black top. Drying her feet carefully on the mat, she opened the door-only to bump into someone.

"Ow-!" Sakura stumbled back, her foot slipping on some soapy water. She flailed, about to fall, when a strong arm caught her around the waist.

Sasuke.

With his left hand gripping her waist and his right bracing against the doorframe, he steadied her. His left leg instinctively stepped forward to balance them both. Gently, he pulled her upright, ensuring she wouldn't slip again.

"Careful," he said quietly, his expression calm, though inwardly, his heart was racing.

Sakura blinked up at him, her cheeks tinged pink. "Sorry-uh, what were you doing outside the bathroom anyway?" she asked, quickly folding her arms.

"I was about to knock," Sasuke replied, his gaze lingering on her damp hair, which only made her look... cuter than usual. "I wanted to go next."

"Oh no! Did I take too long? I'm sorry!" she blurted, rushing off toward the ladies' room in embarrassment.

Sasuke shrugged, watching her retreat, then stepped inside the bathroom.

As Sasuke closed the bathroom door behind him, he leaned briefly against it, letting out a quiet sigh. His hand lingered on the frame for a moment as his mind replayed what had just happened. He could still feel the faint warmth of Sakura's waist where his hand had steadied her.

She's so clumsy sometimes... but cute, he thought, his cheeks flushing lightly despite himself. He shook his head, running a hand through his dark hair.

Turning toward the bucket of warm water Sakura had left behind, he frowned slightly. The scent of her shampoo-something faintly floral-lingered in the steamy air. He tried to ignore it but couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. She apologizes too much... like it's her fault for existing.

As he sat on the stool and poured hot water over his head, his thoughts drifted to Naruto. That idiot was probably somewhere loud, stuffing his face with ramen or challenging someone to an arm-wrestling match. A part of Sasuke envied Naruto's carefree nature-the way he could always wear his heart on his sleeve.

But then there was Sakura. She wasn't loud like Naruto, but she had a way of softening the sharp edges of their team. She cared-really cared-about him and Naruto. It was something Sasuke hadn't fully understood until he saw her crying during missions, pleading for their safety, or offering her support, no matter how insignificant it seemed.

Sasuke's heart gave an uncomfortable twist.

But then, his thoughts darkened, his gaze hardening. I can't let myself get distracted. Not by her, not by Naruto.