Colliding Paths: AU SasuSaku

An Unexpected Evening

The storm outside had intensified, casting a soothing rhythm of rain against the windows of Sasuke's beachfront house. Inside, Sakura and Sasuke found themselves navigating the unexpected turn of events with a mix of amusement and growing intimacy.

-

The kitchen was warm and filled with the savory aroma of food being prepared. Sakura and Sasuke moved about, each finding their place in preparing a simple yet delicious meal. The occasional clink of utensils and soft laughter filled the air as they worked together in comfortable silence.

Sakura glanced up from chopping vegetables to find Sasuke watching her with an unreadable expression. She smiled, feeling a flutter of warmth in her chest. "What's on your mind?"

Sasuke hesitated, then admitted quietly, "I'm enjoying this. Being here with you."

Sakura's heart skipped a beat at his sincerity. "Me too," she replied softly, meeting his gaze. "It's... nice."

As they continued cooking, Sasuke couldn't help but ask, "Is your hair naturally that pink color?"

Sakura laughed lightly. "Yes, it is. I get asked that a lot. It's something I've always liked about myself."

Sasuke nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's unique. It suits you."

"Thanks," Sakura said, feeling a bit shy under his gaze. "How did you learn to cook so well? You seem very comfortable in the kitchen."

"My mother taught me when I was younger," Sasuke replied, his voice softening at the memory. "She believed it was important to know how to take care of oneself."

"That's wonderful," Sakura said, genuinely impressed. "And the tomatoes? I've noticed you seem to have a particular fondness for them."

Sasuke chuckled, a rare sound that warmed Sakura's heart. "They're my favorite. My mother used to grow them in our garden, and we had them with almost every meal."

They finished cooking and settled at the dining table, enjoying their meal and each other's company. Sakura poured them both glasses of wine, and they shared stories from their pasts, gradually peeling back layers of themselves to reveal more personal anecdotes and shared interests.

"I must admit," Sakura teased after a particularly funny story, her voice playful as she glanced over at Sasuke, "you're getting to see me in your clothes, but not my swimsuit. How's that for a reversal?"

Sasuke chuckled softly, a rare lightness in his eyes as he responded, "I suppose you'll have to plan another beach day to rectify that."

"You look good in my shirt," he added, his voice a bit more serious.

Sakura grinned mischievously. "I'll hold you to that. And who knows, this could be my new favorite dress."

-

The living room was cozy, lit by the soft glow of the TV. Sasuke and Sakura lounged comfortably on the couch, their sides brushing lightly against each other. They were engrossed in the movie but occasionally exchanged glances and small touches that spoke volumes.

During a quiet scene, Sakura nudged Sasuke playfully. "You know, this isn't how I imagined spending the night after a storm. I thought beach dates were supposed to end with starlit walks, not cozying up indoors."

Sasuke glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Plans change. Sometimes, it's the unexpected moments that turn out to be the best."

As the movie continued, Sakura found herself stealing glances at Sasuke when she thought he wasn't looking. She admired the way his eyes focused on the screen, the slight furrow of his brow when the plot thickened, and the way his hand rested casually on the armrest, occasionally brushing against hers.