Sakura felt around Sasuke's chakra pathways, pleased when she couldn't find a single issue in his optic nerves. She kept her hands on his temples and hummed happily. "Now that I've got you under my control, I think it's time we had a chat, Sasuke-kun!"

If possible, he stiffened even more under her hands. "I'd rather not."

Sakura laughed. "Oh, well, I'm the medic. I think I know what's best for you."

His face twitched into a slight smirk. "Somehow I don't think it applies in this situation. I decline."

Sakura removed one of her hands to poke him hard in the ribs, not losing her grasp on his pathways for a second. "Too bad. I'll get the information out of you one way or another. I'm pretty good at it."

He sighed slightly, blowing his bangs out of his face. "You should have gone to work for Ibiki instead of Tsunade."

She smirked. "Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment." She moved away, disconnecting from his pathways and sat on the stool next to the exam table. She put an hand on his leg gently. "I just want to make sure you're happy. And Naruto too. He's my best friend."

"And me?"

She pursed her lips, looking thoughtful. "You're on probation, buddy. I have a spot open for another best friend, but the requirements are pretty harsh. I don't know if you'll be able to handle them."

Sakura could see that he was struggling not to roll his eyes. "You're ridiculous."

She nodded. "And nosy! Naruto was the one, huh? When you interrogated me about my sex life?"

Sasuke raised his eyebrow at her. "I did no such thing."

She spun in her stool a little and grinned at him. "Call it whatever you like, Sasuke-kun. We both know what it was." She shook a finger at him. "Don't evade my questions!"

He closed his eyes and muttered to himself, "Because you always answer me when I ask."

She slapped him on the chest with her palm and he crack an eye open to glare at her. "You ruined your chances at that when you kept pestering me about marrying you." Sakura's grin had a vicious edge. "Not still thinking of that are you, Sasuke-kun?"

"Not marrying you, in any case."

Sakura perked up. "Oh? But marriage still?" She tapped a finger on her chin thoughtfully. "Can I be the best maid of honor?"

"I'm certain that's not a real thing."

She flapped a hand at him. "Bah, what do you know about weddings? I've had Yoshino-san not-so-subtly throwing brochures at Shikamaru for weeks. I'm basically an expert."

He sat up suddenly and stared at her. "You're marrying the Nara so soon?"

Sakura was a bit shocked at his vehemence, but patted his leg in a patronizing manner. "I'm sure you'll beat me to the altar, Sasuke-kun. But we're not talking about me. Don't change the subject."

He sighed, this time a weary, full-bodied breath of air. "What am I to do about my clan? The idiot doesn't exactly have the right parts for the job."

Sakura tried not to show how much she was celebrating internally. He had finally, sort of, admitted his relationship directly! It was a step in the right direction for everyone involved. "We're not even nineteen yet, Sasuke-kun. Surely you can wait for children."

"A shinobi's life is not measured the same as a civilian's."

She snorted. "The only ones likely to be capable of killing either of you are each other." She drummed her fingernails against the table. "It's not like you to assume you would die early, Sasuke-kun. Where did all that arrogance go?"

"I'm not concerned about my own mortality."

Aw, that's almost cute, in a certain light. "Are you worried about Naruto? That's adorable." She went to pinch his cheeks, but he grabbed her wrist before she could make it and glared. "So rude, Sasuke-kun. I'm beginning to think you don't want the best friend job after all."

"Hn." He crossed his arms and leaned back against the table again, looking every inch the pretty statue. Sakura was just glad she always scheduled him as her last appointment of the day. He was such a stubborn, pig-headed man.

"You know, I'm still waiting on that story. Shikamaru told me all about your illicit activities on the training ground." Sasuke closed his eyes and his cheekbones turned the slightest bit pink, much to Sakura's delight. "I never knew you were such an exhibitionist." Thoughtfully, she mused, "Though there was that outfit you used to wear with the rope and the open shirt? Makes a girl wonder …"

Sasuke growled at her, "You are the worst person I have ever met."

Sakura's eyes widened in mock hurt. "Wow, ouch. Right up there with Orochimaru, huh? Damn. I'm almost impressed with myself."

He eyed her with resignation. "You are never going to let this go, are you?"

She grinned at him cheerfully. "I learned more than just recklessness from Naruto, you know." His fingers clenched into a fist and then relaxed and she realized he was actually nervous. Sakura sighed heavily. "You don't have to tell me, Sasuke-kun. I promise I won't pester you about it if you really don't want me to know."

"I do." He looked at her and then glanced away quickly, face still flushed. "I don't have anyone else to talk to about … this. It was easier when I didn't get close to anyone at all."

She shrugged. "It's easier and harder at the same time. I think you've probably discovered that for yourself."

"It's disgusting when you get so smugly superior."

"You only think so because you're not the one doing it." She leaned forward on her elbows and looked at him imploringly. "I'm all ears."

Sasuke snorted. "I bet." After a moment of silence, he said, "He was the one who started it, you know."

"I never doubted that. He's always been the one chasing after you." Sakura patted his shoulder condescendingly. "And you've always been emotionally constipated."

"You keep that up, we will never get through this horrifying discussion."

She sighed. "Men. So touchy about even having feelings. So did he just blurt it all out to you?"

Sasuke shifted on the table. "No, the idiot just broke into my house and molested me while I was half-asleep."

Sakura burst out laughing, unable to contain her absolute joy at the image. "Oh, he didn't! I wish I could have seen that." She wiped tears from the corner of her eyes, still giggling. "Was this before or after our conversation?"

"Before." He finally looked her in the eyes. "It was what prompted it. He just mumbled something about families and waiting for the right person before he stuck his tongue down my throat."

She sighed. "That was probably my fault. I told him to talk to you about, you know, the whole proposal thing. I did not suggest that he man-handle you." Sakura grinned at him lasciviously, eyeing him in a predatory way. "Sounds like you didn't mind that part, though."

"He left my place with a broken nose."

She poked him in the ribs and he grunted. "And a big grin too, I bet. He always has the same look after sex."

He wrinkled his nose and managed to look elegant while doing so. Idly, Sakura railed at the unfairness of it all. "I don't even want to know how you know that."

She shrugged helplessly. "We all have needs, Sasuke-kun. Just because you choose to be a repressed jerk doesn't mean the rest of us have to."

His eyes went red momentarily. "You didn't …"

Sakura waved her hands in denial. "Calm yourself. I merely once introduced him to someone and they hit it off." She looked off into the distance, thinking. "You know, now that I think of it, she resembled you quite a bit. Funny, that."

"Something tells me your interest in this is more than just friendly."

She cleared her throat. "You're both attractive men. Can't a girl appreciate a good looking couple when she sees one?"

Sasuke stared at her in disbelief. "You have been spending too much time with Kakashi. His books have clearly rotted your mind."

"Pft, Kakashi-sensei's books are for children." Her grin returned, looking even sharper. "I have some very informative novels that you can borrow, if you'd like. Just because I want to make sure Naruto isn't getting the same shitty deal as Karin."

He grunted, but didn't reply. Sakura made a note to bring them in on his next appointment, knowing she'd be able to force them on him eventually. She was surprised at how easily he gave in to her demands and figured it was his way of making friends without appearing to want them.

"So about the clan thing …" She looked at him meaningfully. "I mean, you're just starting out with Naruto, even if you have known each other for years. Children are a big deal."

Sasuke interrupted her. "He loves kids, you know that." Sasuke's shoulders slumped uncharacteristically. "But it seems … unfair that I am the only one who gets to add to my bloodline."

She raised an eyebrow at him. Unfair? Who is this person and what did they do to Sasuke-kun? "What makes you think that it would happen that way?"

He grimaced. "Whatever happens, we will have to use a surrogate. Obviously we can't mix our own genes."

Sakura clapped her hands together triumphantly. "Hah! But what if you could? What if I were to tell you that your brilliant best friend has managed to find a way?"

"So I attained the best friend status already?"

"No, I'm clearly your best friend, based solely on the fact that no one else wants the job. You still have to work for the title. I'm very much in demand." She wagged a finger at him admonishingly. "Don't distract from my amazing announcement!"

He settled back, intrigued despite himself. "Have at it, best friend."

"Ugh, you're such a jerk. I'm not sorry I slapped you the first time you proposed."

Sasuke sighed. "Sakura."

She wiggled on her stool. "Fine. You're familiar with Naruto's sexy no jutsu, obviously." He nodded, a vaguely disturbed expression on his face. "Well, through various scientific methods-"

"You mean you used Naruto like a guinea pig."

She glared, but continued instead of admonishing him. "I've determined that everything changes and the eggs his ovaries produce are viable."

"While I am sure that's very interesting to you, it's not actually helpful. Not even his ridiculous chakra would allow him to henge for an entire pregnancy." He frowned. "It would disperse the first time he fell asleep."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Yes, obviously, Sasuke-kun. Thank you for pointing out the glaring flaws in my plan."

"So?"

She huffed at him. "So? I extract the eggs from him and fertilize them with your sperm, after which it will be implanted into a surrogate. You'll still have to use one, but the child she produces will be Uchiha and Uzumaki." She hummed. "Though it may be children, since this process tends to veer toward multiple births. Something about the implantation with chakra leads to split eggs. I'm still studying that."

"That sounds very clinical." His voice was flat, but she could see the beginning of a smile curving his lips. "Do you think it could work?"

"Please. I'm no genius like you or Shikamaru, but I am still damn good at my job."

"Would you be the surrogate?" Sakura sighed. She should have figured this would be his next question. Sasuke had no lasting attachments to any of the other women in the village. Dealing with a stranger who was carrying the next generation of his clan was going to be a nightmare for everyone involved. Still …

"Only if you want to wait ten years to have kids, Sasuke-kun."

He raised an eyebrow at her, a touch of surprise on his face. "Is this your way of saying no or are you actually willing?"

"Ten years, Sasuke-kun. Ask me then."

He smiled at her them, a full, happy smile that left her breathless for a moment. "I'll hold you to that, best friend."

She could only answer him with a bemused look, laughing at herself a little. I've given myself a decade reprieve from his ridiculous requests on my bodily autonomy. Sakura was successful at pinching his cheeks this time. "It's so hard to stay mad at you, Sasuke-kun. One of your only charms."

He managed to look blank and offended at the same time. "Only? And you used to think so highly of me."

She waved her hand. "Your pretty face will fade with time." She grinned at him and pointed to the seal on her forehead. "I've got a much longer springtime of youth to look forward to."

Sasuke's lips curled in a disgusted snarl. "You really need to stop picking up other people's speech patterns."

Sakura stood and stretched her arms over her head. "I might just do it more, now that I know it annoys you." She shuffled around the small exam room, picking up her notes and putting everything away in her Sasuke file. She was suddenly thrown by how incredibly content she was with her life. Things had fallen into place, despite the betrayals, lies and danger. She turned to smile at Sasuke. "So things are good with you and Naruto?"

He slid to the edge of the table and let his legs touch the floor, though he remained sitting. "As good as they ever get with him involved."

Sakura hid a grin, remembering very similar words she said to Shikamaru about Sasuke. "I'm happy for you, Sasuke-kun." The beginnings of that devastating smile were on his face and she felt something warm bloom in her chest at the sight. "Now then, if you could just do me the tiniest of tiny favors …"

Shikamaru was waiting outside the hospital for Sakura, enjoying the cool breeze that wafted through the summer air and was unprepared for an attack from behind.

"Shikamaru!" Sakura had attached herself to his back like a monkey, wrapping her arms around his neck like a vise.

In a strangled voice he said, "Sakura, can't … breathe." Her hold loosened and she stepped away, grinning at him when he spun around. Shikamaru considered pretending to be upset, but dismissed the thought. He still found it difficult to do anything but waver between deliriously happy and fondly exasperated when it came to her. Still, he looked at her dubiously and said, "Why are you so happy?"

Her eyes sparkled suspiciously, but she only hooked an arm through his and pulled him into a leisurely stroll. "Today was a good day."

"Oh? Did you manage to hook up two more unlikely people in the short time since I saw you this afternoon?" He had insisted on taking her out to lunch, still internally giddy from the night before. He was resolutely not thinking of his mother's reaction to her only son moving out of the Nara Clan home. That would ruin anyone's mood.

Sakura laughed. "I haven't started any new projects yet." Her eyes widened excitedly. "What's Choji-kun's love life look like these days?"

"Sakura …" Shikamaru warned, already half-way resigned to her meddling. Silently, he sent apologies to his best friend for his weakness against his own girlfriend. "I think Choji is fine. He's always moved at his own pace."

"Hmm, we'll see." With that, he knew that she was just letting it go for now. The topic would come up again at the worst time, probably just as he was about to eat something. She seemed to take a great deal of pleasure in making him choke on his food in surprise.

Still, he didn't pursue it either. He was fine with waiting for the other shoe to drop on his head. "How were the kids?"

Takeshi and Hayato had brought all the children into the hospital for a thorough official check up to add them to Konoha's system. Sakura had extracted the promise from them the day before as they were leaving the Uchiha Compound.

"Depends on which ones you mean." She grinned. "They were all well-behaved as usual, though the twins are going to be absolute monsters if they spend too much time around Naruto. He was encouraging every "ingenious" idea of theirs the entire way back to Konoha."

Shikamaru sighed, "I can't believe that idiot is going to be our Hokage some day."

Sakura elbowed him the ribs. "Don't call him that."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "The Uchiha does it all the time."

"It's pretty much an endearment coming from Sasuke-kun. I don't pretend to understand all the weird dynamics of their relationship."

"I don't believe that for a minute. You're too understanding of their oddities." She shrugged, not willing to argue the point. "So are the kids okay?" Shikamaru tried to ask casually, like he hadn't gotten attached to Sakura's weird little family she had brought home.

She wasn't even the slightest bit fooled. "Of course, Shika-kun. All of them are in perfect health, barring the strange and torturous experimentations Orochimaru subjected them to. I will be overseeing their mental health exams." Sakura frowned. "It's a lot for one person, but I've asked shishou to discharge some of my other duties so I can take them on. The kids seem to trust me enough."

"Toshio would go to the moon for you if you asked, Sakura. I've never seen a kid with a crush that bad." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Except maybe you."

"Ugh, must you always remind me of my childhood mistakes? So mean to your poor, beleagured girlfriend!" Despite her words, Sakura smiled at him brightly. "I do have a favor to ask you, though."

He wondered what horrible thing she was about to spring on him. Warily, he said, "A favor?"

"I've been doing research on play therapy this afternoon between appointments. I want you to sit in on my sessions with Jun." She rushed through the rest of it, seeing his obvious objections. "Takeshi and Hayato have already agreed to it! They said Jun has gotten very attached to you already!"

"Sakura, you know I'm not qualified to do anything like that." Moreover, he was very uncomfortable with the idea of being responsible for someone's mental health, especially a toddler's.

Sakura patted his arm. "You wouldn't really be doing anything, just hanging out in the room as a reassurance." She grinned. "Like a big sarcastic teddy bear!"

If would help the little boy, Shikamaru didn't think he could bring himself to reject the idea outright, though he dearly wanted to. "I'll do what I can, though I have no idea why he's picked me of all people to take a liking to."

She shrugged. "I've always found great comfort in your presence, Shikamaru. Maybe Jun is like me."

He was flustered at her casual words, still unused to the emotional affection she easily threw around. Quickly, he decided a change in topic was needed. "Are we going out for dinner tonight?"

That damnable sparkle was back in her eyes and he was instantly wary. "Oh yes." Sakura practically purred the words. "We are certainly are!" Without another word, she led him toward the restaurant district with a distinct air of triumph.

"Sakura? Where are we going?" He wasn't quite dragging his heels, but they had already passed Yakiniku Q and the other three restaurants they frequented.

"Here!" They came to a stop in front of an unfamiliar open-air restaurant and she peered around curiously.

"What are you looking for?" Sakura's eyes brightened as she looked over his shoulder and waved. Shikamaru groaned when he saw Naruto and Sasuke waiting by the hostess stand, respectively looking ridiculously excited and slightly murderous. "You planned this, woman."

She sniffed. "Of course I did." Heedless of their location, she leaned up to kiss him senseless, her arms winding around his neck to pull them closer together. When she pulled back to smile at him, Shikamaru had quite forgotten why they were even there.

"Get ready for the first of many double dates, darling."

Oh, right. That.

note: and so it ends! this story was a lot of fun to write - there isn't much shikasaku out there and even less exploration of a platonic friendship between sakura and sasuke. thank you to all the reviewers who took the time to comment! encouragement just helps me write that much faster. :)