Colliding Paths: AU SasuSaku

Togetherness

The night air was cool as Sasuke and Sakura drove home from the gala, their thoughts still lingering on the events of the evening. Despite the unsettling encounter with Sasori, there was an underlying sense of relief and gratitude for the support they had received.

As they arrived home, Sasuke held Sakura's hand a little tighter, silently reassuring himself of her safety. "Are you okay?" he asked softly as they stepped into their apartment, the subdued ambiance a stark contrast to the gala's lively atmosphere.

Sakura nodded, offering him a small smile. "I will be," she replied honestly, her voice tinged with lingering unease. "Thank you for being there, Sasuke."

He squeezed her hand gently, his eyes reflecting his unwavering resolve. "Always," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination.

The following day, life resumed its usual pace, though the memory of the gala and Sasori's intrusion remained a sobering reminder. Sakura threw herself into her work at the hospital, finding solace in the familiar routines and the supportive camaraderie of her colleagues.

Meanwhile, Sasuke juggled his duties at the police force with a heightened vigilance, ensuring every detail of Sakura's safety was addressed. The incident had only strengthened his commitment to protect her at all costs.

-

The morning after the gala, Hinata navigated through her busy workday with a heart still fluttering from the events of the previous evening. She found herself pausing outside Sakura's office door, a gentle knock announcing her presence.

"Come in," Sakura's voice called from within.

Hinata entered, finding Sakura seated at her desk, sorting through paperwork. "Hey, Sakura," Hinata greeted warmly, crossing the room to stand beside her friend. "How are you feeling after last night?"

Sakura looked up with a soft smile. "I'm good, Hinata. It was quite the night, wasn't it?"

"It really was," Hinata agreed, taking a seat opposite Sakura. She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Sakura, I wanted to ask you something..."

Sakura raised an eyebrow curiously. "Go ahead, Hinata."

"I've been thinking," Hinata began slowly, her words carefully chosen. "After everything we've experienced recently, especially with Sasuke's proposal and everything that followed, I can't help but feel... inspired."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly in understanding. "Inspired?"

Hinata nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes. Inspired to make some changes in my own life. Naruto and I... we want to get married sooner rather than later."

A smile spread across Sakura's face. "Hinata, that's wonderful!"

"I know it's sooner than we originally planned," Hinata admitted, her tone earnest. "But seeing you and Sasuke, how you faced everything together... it made me realize that life is too short to wait."

Sakura reached out, squeezing Hinata's hand gently. "I understand completely, Hinata. And I'm so happy for you and Naruto."

Hinata took a deep breath, her heart racing with nervous excitement. "Which brings me to why I'm here," she continued, meeting Sakura's gaze with determination. "Sakura, will you be my maid of honor?"

Sakura's eyes welled with tears of joy. "Hinata, I would be honored," she replied warmly, her voice filled with sincerity.

They shared a moment of quiet happiness, embracing each other in celebration of their friendship and the journeys they were embarking upon. As they parted, Hinata pulled out her phone, sending a quick text message to Naruto: