Chapter Text
It was the time of year again, when the world was painted white by overnight snow. Sakura quickly closed the door behind her, making sure that the wind didn’t seep into the house. Their heater wasn’t working that well this year and the plumber would only be available later this week to fix it so they had to be careful not to break it even more. Her father’s health was not as good as it once was so it was better to keep the apartment as warm and toasty as possible.
She carefully stepped down one plank at a time, her beige-coloured fur-lined boots making crunching sounds against the frozen rain. Ino may have criticised her boring sense of style, but she preferred function over fashion. Besides, no need to waste chakra when practical clothing would do the trick.
Walking through the streets of Konoha in the beginning of winter was always peaceful, most people were still indoors unwilling to leave the comfort of their own homes except for those who had to go about shoveling snow away from the streets. It was nice to see things still remained the same, even with the looming changes coming their way.
The warmth of the sun was a pleasant contrast to the chill in the air, it’s rays reflecting on the ground almost lighting her path. The romantic part of her fluttered at the thought of this could be a sign, that her road was always leading towards him. And just that notion made her cheeks flush and added a spring in her step, though she was careful not to jostle her backpack too much. She wouldn’t want her gift to spill over.
On the way to her destination, she saw him, their eyes meeting each other. Green and white shared a greeting that contained more affection than any words could ever express. A fond smile grew on his face as she drew nearer. He pulled off the scarf around his neck and gently wrapped it around her, surrounding her with the scent of coffee and vanilla.
It was a habit formed from months of learning about each other. He most likely knew that her leaving her scarf or jacket at home was just an excuse for her to borrow his. But she never mentioned it and he never complained, it just became another thing that was a part of them.
They then made their way towards the Hokage mountain, the hike up was relatively easy for any seasoned shinobi. And it was relaxing, just taking in the sights the higher up they go. He had tried to sneakily take her backpack from her halfway through, but she pulled it back with a quip that she was always going to be physically stronger than him so there was no need to act so chivalrous.
That one line had broken the ice and the conversation then flowed between them about the past few days, his ongoing training session with his team and his family, her mounting responsibilities in the hospital, preparations for the upcoming march, interspersed with teasing and in-jokes that could only be understood by those who grew up with the Konoha 11.
When they finally reached the top of the Godaime’s head, they found their place relatively easily. It was a funny tradition in Konoha. With the Hokage mountain having the best view, most shinobis would have dates here. So to prevent any awkward encounters, people often leave signs that marked their place in the mountain. And theirs was in the small space below Tsunade-sama’s hair. It was a hidden spot where a small alcove was built in, enough space for 2-3 people and has enough cover that can protect them from the elements. No one knew about it except those who saw the blueprints. Being the Hokage’s apprentice did have its perks.
Sakura finally let go of her backpack, pulling out two thermos filled with hot cocoa and a container of freshly made steam buns, daring him to have the one with spicy curry. As they sat side by side enjoying their breakfast, it finally started. Small flakes of snow drifted down from the skies, enhancing the sunlit view with one of her now favorite colors.
Pearl white and chocolate. She wondered if he knew that she could no longer look at that combination without thinking of him. The thought made her sigh as she snuggled against him, his arm coming around her in a one arm hug while he rested his cheek against her hair.
Maybe she’d tell him. After the war.
“After the war…” He started, the vibrations against her back making her pull back to look at him, a questioning smile on her face.
“I’d like to ask you something. After.”
There was really no need to. The look on his face and the meaning behind his words were already so clear, the corresponding answer on her own expression equally transparent.
Her smile grew as tears almost ran down her face, only to be removed by his gentle touch, the tenderness in his eyes only growing more loving. He drew her back into his embrace and slowly stroked her hair, already imagining the future that they would be fighting for.
“I would like to hear what you have to say. After.” Her muffled whisper was almost lost in the wind if not for his sharp senses.
“Yes, it’s a promise.”