Of Armor and Pink Petals

Chapter 21

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 21

The next morning found them in the same position. She was nestled on his chest, him holding her lower back tightly to prevent her from falling. When Sakura woke up, she did not open her eyes yet. She just enjoyed the regular beating of his heart and his slow breathing. His scent surrounding them and his warmth made her want to go back to sleep. It was so peaceful.

As she was about to drift away, she felt his fingers twitch on her back and his large intake of air. Opening her eyes, she glanced up at him and met his crimson eyes that were barely open. His mouth stretched into a tired smile. Seeing him half-asleep and relaxed was another thing to add to her list. He was so handsome... For a moment she could not take her eyes of him. Her heart was beating madly against her rib cage and she hoped he could not hear it.

Tobirama had to admit that waking up to those emeralds on him was something he could get used to. She looked well rested and at peace this morning. The dark circles under her eyes were paler and he could feel her chakra level back to a somewhat normal amount. Her nightmare did not come back and she had been able to sleep for the rest of the night. She smiled a him and like it was the most normal thing in the world, he bent forward and kissed her lightly, his grip tightening on her waist.

Hearing her front door open, Sakura cursed under her breath. Suddenly her bedroom door flew open and Madara stood there, speechless. He raised his hand and looked at them, opening his mouth, but closed it right after, not sure about the right thing to say. If anything. Tobirama and Sakura, who had pulled away from the sweet exchange, shared a glance and focused their attention back to the Uchiha. Madara regained his composure and became serious. His voice sounded strained and he seemed to be containing his anger.

"I don't mean to interrupt anything, but it is passed noon and we have people from the Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi clans waiting in the office. You and Tobirama need to be there since I cannot."

Passed noon?! Even Tobirama looked surprised when he heard the time of the day. Noon. They had slept fourteen hours? Catching on the last part of Madara's words, Sakura carefully sat up, with a small frown on her face.

"What do you mean, you "cannot"?" She did not understand where it was coming from. He was one of the founders. He had to be a part of those talks.

"They do not want to have anything to do with me. They only want to talk with Hashirama, so I won't be present." Sakura jumped out of bed and stood in front of them, determined. Placing a hand on her hip, she met his onyx eyes.

"As if that was going to happen. Madara, meet us in front of the office in thirty minutes." With that, she started to grab some clothes from her drawers.

"But-" Raising her hand, she gave him a serious look over her shoulder.

"You are coming. There will be no negotiations without you, and I'll make damn sure of that."

Madara looked at her, unsure, but agreed. He left the house and when she heard the door close behind him, Sakura turned over to peer at Tobirama, still sitting in bed. He was slowly stretching his arms above his head and her gaze fell on the rippling muscles uncovered by his undershirt. She had to will herself to tear her eyes from this tempting picture. She was getting used to see him in her house and she did not know how to feel about that. Seeing where her eyes have been and the way they darkened slightly, a smile tugged on Tobirama's lips.

"Locking the door isn't your forte is it?" Coming back to her senses, she grabbed a pillow from the ground and threw it at him. A deep laugh rumbled in his chest and the sound made her shiver, but she continued to gather her things. Getting out of bed, Tobirama grabbed his armor and shirt. Seeing him about to leave, she grabbed his arm. He paused, looking down at her with a raised eyebrow.