On The Same Path [SasuxSaku]

Chapter 9: Heartbeat

~ Sasuke's POV

Sasuke's heart was beating faster than usual as he leaped from branch to branch on their journey to Sunagakure. The rhythm of the forest blurred around him as he moved effortlessly through the trees, years of training making each landing precise and silent.

Yet his thoughts were anything but calm.

His eyes constantly drifted back to ensure that Sakura wasn't too far behind. Something told him she was intentionally keeping a distance between them, and he could not have been more grateful. Whatever it was that he was feeling, it was definitely new... but somewhere in his heart, he felt like they had skipped a step.

His mind flashed back to his visit to Naruto's house after leaving Kakashi's office.

~ Flashback Starts ~

"Sasuke! Welcome to my home, dattebayo! It's been a while!"

"Hn." Sasuke looked around the spacious house with its beautiful view of the Hokage Monument. The interior was tastefully arranged, clearly reflecting the elegance and refinement of the Hyuga clan, but he could also spot traces of Naruto everywhere—like a giant ramen poster hanging completely out of place. A warmth settled in Sasuke's chest, and he realized that he was genuinely happy for his friend.

"Hinata's not home right now, she's gone to shop for the groceries, but umm, I can offer you... ano... eto... instant ramen? I have a huge stock hidden in my office!"

"It's okay." The last thing Sasuke wanted right now was some instant ramen, but he was again surprised and proud to hear the word 'office' from Naruto. He was clearly working hard to be the next Hokage. "Congratulations on your wedding."

"Oh, arigato!" Naruto said awkwardly. He wasn't used to being the recipient of Sasuke's formal side. "How's Sakura-chan!?"

"Sakura..." It was now his turn to be awkward. "We are leaving for a mission tomorrow to Suna."

"Oh! That's amazing teme! You can probably skip the dating part and go straight for marriage at this rate!"

Sasuke had to think about a lot of random things to prevent his face from getting red. "It's not like that." He said in an almost whisper.

We are not there yet. Is what he was thinking, but his Uchiha blood didn't allow him to say this.

"Oh..." Naruto's eyes widened a bit, but quickly switched to an understanding nod. "Oh, I see."

It wasn't his place to probe on this matter further, and Sasuke could not be more relieved that Naruto dropped the topic. Marriage has definitely knocked some sense to the knucklehead.

"Oi, Sasuke! There's a dinner tonight. Most of the old Konoha 11 will be there. It'd be a good chance to reconnect with our old comrades."

"Hn," Sasuke replied after thinking about it for a moment. He had no plans for dinner that evening, and besides, he owed Naruto this much after missing his wedding altogether. His thoughts briefly drifted to a certain pink-haired kunoichi, but he quickly snapped himself back to reality.

"Do you think you'll ever settle in Konoha? Kakashi told me about your mission over the last two years... it seems there's a lot going on. Something about Otsutsuki remnants..."

They continued their discussion for a while before it was time for Sasuke to leave. But before he was about to head out, Naruto cleared his throat and said something that made Sasuke grateful that he was already facing the door.

"Dating... is a good place to start."

~ Flashback Ends ~

Sasuke's mind returned to the present.