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The heat was unbearable, even to shinobi like them. With all the gruelling missions they’ve been on they deserved a break. And considering they had finished a mission which just so happened to be by a beach, it was perfect timing.
But Sasuke didn’t think he would have to beg his other two teammates.
“I’m sure Tsunade will understand why we took a detour, we deserve a little unwinding.”
“Don’t we need to report back immediately?”
“I can send my hawk with the report? It’s not like this was an A rank mission, come on Menma. Loosen up.” He only rolled his eyes in response.
“I’m not sure… couldn’t we go somewhere else?” Sakura asked with some uncertainty. She wasn’t even making direct eye contact with them. Was she scared of the water or something?
“But the beach is the perfect place for this type of weather, and I’m sure you would look great in-” He was swiftly kicked by Menma who looked at him as if saying ‘do you want to die?’ Surprisingly though Sakura had yet to threaten him herself, too busy in her own world.
“Let’s just stay here for a couple of hours, and if you two really hate it that much then we’ll go home. Deal?”
“Urgh, fine. As long as it will shut you up, besides I’ll do anything to get out of these clothes.” Perhaps taking a vacation wouldn’t be so bad if it meant getting out of sweaty clothes. Sakura looked like she wanted to protest but seeing how happy Sasuke looked she quickly backed down. Surely it couldn’t be that bad?
“Who’s stupid idea was it to go to the beach anyway?”
“Uh, yours?” Menma pointed out as his teammate sulked and really what did he expect?
Of course, Sakura would attract many men on the beach, she was attractive, the fourth Hokage’s daughter, the best medical ninja and most importantly right now, wearing a red bikini.
‘She told me it’s what’s ‘fashionable’ right now. It’s not like I was packed or prepared for us to go to the beach.’
Although to her credit she was showing disinterest and ignoring the men walking away from them to get to their direction. Even if they were persistent. And it wasn’t like they were in the clear either with the number of women that flocked them, but Menma just ignored them whilst Sasuke was too busy glaring trying to burn the men alive.
Quite literally.
“Your sharingan is on, might want to put that away before you amaterasu someone.”
“That’s the idea.”
“Why are you so worked up about this anyway? It’s not like she’s enjoying the attention, unlike someone I know.”
“Oi-”
“And in case you haven’t noticed, she’s been depressed since we got here. Before the men before you go blaming them.” Sasuke looked at him offended, of course he knew there was something wrong with Sakura. He could always tell.
“I noticed.”
“So?”
“So?”
“So, ask her what’s wrong. You’re the one who has feelings for her.” Uncharacteristically his face turned red and he even almost stumbled on his word.
“Wha- what? Me? Have feelings for her? That’s ridiculous, she’s only a teammate-”
“Yeah, and you’re over here trying to burn men alive because of the way they’re looking at her. How very teammate of you to do.” Sasuke growled looking away.
“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm. And I don’t have feelings-”
“Who doesn’t have feelings for who?” Sakura asked, finally appearing before them. Can everyone please stop interrupting him. Although Menma watched amused as now Sasuke was caught in a bind. She wasn’t the type that would gloss over something he was purposely trying to avoid, and she would be able to tell when he’s lying. Great.
“Uh, no one! Menma has in it his head that I like someone, I mean can you imagine? He’s lost it.” It was subtle but Menma had caught the look of hurt in Sakura’s eyes. Perhaps his feelings weren't as one-sided as he thought. Either that or the heat must be affecting him worse than he imagined.
“Oh? You like someone? That’s… rare. She must be something.” Wait, she didn’t believe him now did she?
“Hey! Why do you believe him over me?”
“Well, for one thing. You were so quick to be defensive for no reason. Two, this is Menma we’re talking about. He’s not the type to go saying such things if he doesn’t believe it. And finally.” Sakura looked him up and down.
“Your body language, your rubbing your head, avoiding eye contact with me and fidgeting. If none of this was true, you have nothing to hide.” Well, she had him there.
“Besides, I don’t see why you have to be in denial about your feelings. I mean, have you even confessed yet?”
“Yeah Sasuke, perhaps she’s the one.” Menma mocked him, smirking away.
“You’re enjoying this aren’t you.” He would love to wipe that smug smirk off his face.
“So, who is she? Is she someone we know?” That of course was the one question he didn’t want to hear as he froze on the spot not knowing how to answer. If he named someone they knew, she might tell them and try setting them up. But he couldn’t make up a name on the spot.
“She’s uh…” He noticed that he started rubbing the back of his head nervously. Well, what do you know? She was right, she can read him like an open book and that was just one of the reasons he loved her so much.
“She’s…” Sakura looked at him with anticipation. She’s always so cute, the way she looks at him with those big green eyes. He’ll do anything she wants… except for confessing his feelings when he wasn’t ready.
There was a light tap on Sakura’s shoulder as some of the men from before came back trying to flirt with her, unsuccessfully.
‘She’s way out of my league.’
He doubts Sakura would ever feel the same and he wouldn’t blame her. He was the second son of Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha, he wasn’t a prodigy like his brother and was easily distracted. Whilst he is a skilled shinobi he was far from the best.
Sakura deserves someone better, way better.
“Well, that was lucky.” Menma came to his side, the two sweat-dropped as Sakura huffed, crossing her arms telling them she wasn’t interested. She’s probably heard of all the pickup lines from yours truly. Sasuke started to feel agitated again seeing all their confidence and egos as they tried to persuade Sakura.
None of them were good enough for her anyway.
Although the men were in perfect range.
“Did you just put their pants on fire?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. It must have been the sun.”
Yeah, because the sun could easily produce black flames.