Work Text:
It started during their travel. It was actually Sasuke who first initiated it.
They were currently in Frost and it was snowing. And even though Sakura have prepared for it—wearing layered clothes and a cloak, Sasuke could still see her shivering. So he just did it. He pulled her body to him, placed the cloak he's wearing over her body & hugged her from the back, sharing his body heat.
Sasuke had noted she blushed then, caught a little off guard. But she also smiled at him and thanked him. And in a few moments, she stopped shivering.
After that, he'd do it whenever he sees her cold. Whether it was because it was raining, or simply because it was a bit of a cold night. And then they found out she was pregnant, and she started doing it whenever she wanted to, whatever the weather was.
She had claimed it was the hormones and their baby is making her crave his smell. He didn't mind it whether it was really the baby or just Sakura being affectionate. They were married and about to be parents, but sometimes he still feels it surreal that he's living this life where he has a loving wife. Sometimes it feels like a dream. So whenever she goes and hides under his cloak, in whatever excuse she could make (valid or not), it was like a reassurance to him. Feeling her warmth, her body close to his, it reminds him that it was all real.
He got very used to having her close by. He got very familiar with her body, her touch that he knew he would have recognize it even at the slightest contact.
And even when they already had Sarada, she would constantly do it. Whenever and wherever they are.
It has evolved to some sort of an affectionate gesture that only the two of them understands. So when he have to go on his very long mission, it was one of the things that he missed dearly. Not feeling her close by seems to emphasized his loneliness, his homesickness.
So it brought a smile on his face when he received one of Naruto's letters. It was a reply to his regular report and he thought it would just be the usual inquiry of updates with him and his well-being (he usually ignores that). But there was an anecdote about his wife.
'...When you get the chance, do visit your wife! Sakura-chan's been missing you too much, I think. The other day she was being weird and trying to hide under my cloak. Then she got angry with me because I (obviously) smell different than you! Why is she like that???'
He had shaken his head, amused, visibly imagining his wife and best friend. He was a little envious that Naruto was close by Sakura—it reminded him of his days as a missing nin, and realizing how much he had missed out when he finally returned.
It was a similar situation, but at least this time, this is for their sakes. The sacrifice is well worth it because this can keep them safe. He folded the paper and put it on his pocket. He usually only collect Sakura's letters, but just for that small anecdote, he wanted to save this one, too.
He thought of his immediate plans and started readjusting it. He probably can visit Konoha for a short time. He just needs to do a few more things first.
END