Chapter Text
Sakura sighed, Sasuke smirked, and Naruto groaned. The three were currently on a basic intel gathering mission in a run down village, and of course things hadn’t been easy.
Currently, Naruto was arguing with an innkeeper. The woman was old and stout, dwarves by Naruto in height but not width. She gave off the vibe of a wise and all knowing grandmother, clearly driving Naruto up the wall with her riddles, as he put it.
“YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND LADY!! We need a room with TWO beds just for the night, TWO!!” Naruto yelled, exasperated. The woman just smiled in response, wrinkles setting deeper as she spoke.
“I’m afraid we only have a room with one bed available. It seems destiny is cranking its cogs.”
Sakura sighed and chimed in, taking pity in Naruto, “Excuse me, but that doesn’t make sense. This town is in the middle of nowhere, so how could all the other rooms be unavailable?”
The woman smiled, “Child, what’s meant to be will always find a way.”
“SEE!” Naruto exclaimed, turning to Sasuke and Sakura while pointing accusedly at the woman. “I swear, this lady is nuts! I can’t share a bed with you and Sasuke, I’m already third wheeling enough as it is!” Naruto exclaimed in distress.
“Naruto,” Sasuke spoke, unperturbed, “quit arguing with the old woman and just take the room. We’re weary from travel and it’s only for a night.”
“Arrggh, fine! But you two better not get all lovey dovey while I try to sleep!” The jinchuuriki complained, scratching his head.
.
.
.
So, how did Naruto end up here, in between Sasuke and Sakura in bed as the couple shared conversations through glances? Naruto groaned, snapping them out of whatever they were discussing with their eyes. This was bad. This was so bad. How was Naruto supposed to fall asleep in between his two childhood friends slash the only objects of his love and affection. Hell, why was he even between them when they were ere the ones dating? Naruto tried to shove down his inappropriate thoughts, feeling guilty for loving them both when they already had each other.
“Hey Naruto.. we have something we’ve been wanting to tell you.” Sakura spoke after a few more minutes of silence. Naruto had a bad feeling about this.
Then, Sasuke spoke up, “we like you.”
And it felt like ice water had been poured down his back? They like him? The headstrong Sakura who burned for Sasuke? The quiet Sasuke with piercing eyes that only softened for her? Those two wanted him? Naruto had already resigned himself to the fact that the two were made for each other, that he’d have to stand in the sidelines and support them as their best friend. Hell, Naruto was prepared to be the best man at their wedding.
The blonde let out a dry, awkward laugh. This must be another prank, another time where Naruto and his feelings are the butt of the joke. It stung, but he couldn’t bring himself to be too angry at them for it.
“That’s not funny guys. Stop trying to mess with me!” Naruto tried to play it off, but the crack in his voice betrayed him. Then, Sasuke’s hand found his shoulder and Sakura’s hand found his face, gently guiding him to turn his head towards her.
“We’re serious Naruto. You don’t have to reciprocate, but we thought you deserved to know.” Sakura assured.
Sasuke chimed in, “we can find somewhere else to sleep if we’ve made you uncomfortable.” Yet his hand stood firm on Naruto’s shoulder.
Naruto felt his cheeks heat up by the second. This wasn’t good. How was he supposed to think when the two people he cherished and loved were this close and saying such sweet things?
“No..” he started, Sakura and Sasuke both exchanging a glance with each other, “you guys don’t need to leave. I’m not uncomfortable.. I guess I’m really just confused.”
The two stared at him, clearly wanting him to continue.
“Why would you two want me..? I mean, you guys are perfect for each other, and I might ruin that! Sakura.. you’re strong and beautiful and smart, something I’ve never been.” He muttered, wringing his fingers.
“And Sasuke.. you’re cool and calculating, someone who’s strength constantly rivals my own. You two complement each other and I.. I just don’t know if I could fit in.”
“Tch, dobe..” the ravenette huffed indignantly.
Sakura took this as a cue to speak, knowing the two boys would never get anywhere in a conversation with each other.
“Look, Naruto.. of course you fit in. Even before Sasuke and I got with each other we’ve always been a trio!” She continued, “You’re kind, a person who’s both strong and forgiving. Even when you’re a knucklehead we love you, and if anything you’re the missing piece of our puzzle.” Sakura smiled gently.
“Naruto, you ground us. Sasuke and I have spoken countless times, dancing around our love for you, until we realized it was right. I want to be yours just as much as I want Sasuke to be mine, and the same goes for him.” The pinkette pauses, gauging his reaction.
When Naruto stays quiet, she adds on, “Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are. Of course we considered the fact that you may only like me or only like Sasuke, or maybe neither of us. But, you’re too worth it for us to not try.”
Sasuke nodded in agreement, “you may be an idiot, but we want you to be our idiot. You saved me Naruto; saved us.”
And how could Naruto say no? Sakura, with all her beautiful softness hiding firm muscles, was on his left, and Sasuke, with his mysterious allure and lean body, was on his right. The room suddenly felt way too hot and yet there was nowhere else he’d rather be. Naruto’s cheeks felt wet, and oh, those were his tears.
Both Sakura and Sasuke were alarmed, unsure if they had just ruined everything. Then, in the blink of an eye, they were squished together as Naruto pulled them into a bear hug.
“I promise I’ll treat you well and protect you guys! I promise!” Naruto sniffled into their shoulders, unable to contain his joy.
“NARUTO!! YOU’RE GETTING SNOT ALL OVER ME!” The pinkette chastised, not quite serious in her anger, with a grin on her face. Meanwhile, the ravenette clicked his tongue and smiled, looping his arm around the crying boy.