Sakura's New Bedmate

December 1510:15 p.m.

———It was getting late so Sasuke and Sakura got ready for bed. Sakura sat on her bed, thinking about ways to ask Sasuke to come sleep with her. But she realized that she was just wasting time and overthinking things. Sakura sighed and made her way to the living room. When she opened her room door, she found Sasuke standing on the other side of it. "Oh! Sasuke-Kun...what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I wanted to say goodnight." he said. That wasn't entirely true...he mostly just wanted to see her. He then turned around and began to walk away.

"Wait! Don't go..." Sakura said as she grabbed his hand. When he turned to look at her, Sakura blushed a little and let go of his hand. "You could sleep with me if you want..." she said shyly.

Sasuke's blank expression didn't change so Sakura didn't realize just how much her question had affected him. On the inside, however, Sasuke was freaking out. He'd never slept in the same bed with anyone else. As much as he wanted to say 'yes', he knew that he'd be too nervous to enjoy sleeping with her. "Are you sure you want me to sleep in your bed?" he asked, hoping that she could reassure him.

Sakura smiled softly and nodded. "It's our bed. Don't forget that we're together now." she chuckled. Knowing how reserved Sasuke is, Sakura wanted to be as inviting as possible.

The moment she said this, Sasuke felt his chest tighten and shivers went down his spine. Sasuke liked the idea of sharing things with Sakura so hearing her say this relieved his mind and calmed his nerves. As always, Sakura managed to reassure him. "That's true. I guess I can sleep with you." he said.

"Thanks...I was scared you'd say no." Sakura giggled as she took his hand and pulled him into the room. She was nervous but still excited to sleep with Sasuke.

Sasuke smiled from seeing how happy she looked. First Sakura got into bed and then Sasuke. They laid down facing each other and Sakura noticed just how nervous he was; it wasn't very obvious but Sasuke's red cheeks and his hyper focused gaze on Sakura gave it away. "Am I making you uncomfortable?" Sakura asked.

Not knowing how to answer this, Sasuke sighed and changed his position to lying on his back. Sakura was technically making him uncomfortable but it wasn't her fault. He's just overwhelmed by this foreign, intimate interaction. Sasuke turned his head and looked at Sakura. She seemed pretty worried. "You're not making me uncomfortable. This is just...new." he said as his expression softened. He'd hoped that that was a good response.

"This is new for me too." Sakura giggled, "But we'll get used to it someday." She moved closer to Sasuke and lightly kissed him. "Goodnight." she said with a smile.

Sasuke smiled before turning his head to face the ceiling. "Goodnight Sakura." he said.

As much as she hated how quiet and direct Sasuke was when it came to talking to her, it was also something that made Sakura like him even more. It was intriguing and she hoped to one day understand Sasuke completely without having him say a word. Sakura closed her eyes and silently enjoyed having Sasuke in her bed as she drifted off to sleep.

On the other hand, Sasuke was struggling keeping his eyes on the ceiling. Having Sakura right next to him made him want to look at her. If he looks at her, he knows that he won't be able to go to sleep. Sasuke forced his eyes closed and eventually fell asleep.

—December 162:33 a.m.—

Sasuke rarely woke up randomly in the middle of the night, but for some reason, he did tonight. When he opened his eyes, he found out what woke him up. He looked to his side and saw that Sakura had her arm around his waist and her head was resting on his arm. Sasuke's body tensed up when he really processed the situation. He tried to slowly and carefully move Sakura away from him but when he did, she just pulled him closer and held him tighter.

After a while of trying to move Sakura, Sasuke gave up. But when he stared at Sakura peacefully sleeping, he remembered that he was trying to be a better person for her. Sasuke wouldn't be able to be the person that she needs and deserves if he kept allowing his nerves to get the better of him.

For the sake of Sakura, he wanted to his hardest to open up to her. Sasuke hesitantly turned his body to face Sakura's and he slowly put his arm around her and held her close. His heart was pounding at first but the longer he held her, the more comfortable he became with it. Sasuke, proud of himself for this, smiled. His fingers touched the tip of Sakura's hair and played with. As he played with her hair, it started to sink in that he was in a relationship...and not just with anyone. He was in a relationship with Sakura...they've kissed before...they're lying in bed together.

Sasuke never saw himself being here, in this moment. He'd only ever seen himself having a rough life after his clan was assassinated. But somehow, he's managed to find something that made happy...someone that made him happy. Sasuke's eyes teared up as he cherished this moment of peace, having Sakura in his arms.

Suddenly, he felt an overwhelming desire to protect her at all costs. Sasuke has always wanted her to be safe and protected, even when it didn't seem like he did. But this? This was different...this was intense. He's never felt this strongly about keeping anything or anyone safe before...not even himself. Sasuke took this as a sign that meant that he's making the right choice in being with Sakura.

The emotions that Sakura invokes in him are always so strong and after years of pure hatred, the emotions that Sakura brings out of him is exactly what he's been needing. Sasuke held her even tighter, feeling a newer and more intense love for her than other. He hoped that she'd felt that hug in her dreams as he went back to sleep.———

This is the end of the chapter! I hope you enjoyed!