Author's note: Hello there :) This is my first story! There's not any Sasusaku fluff because I tried to make this as close to character as possible. And that means the usual I-am-avenger-hear-me-roar-Sasuke. Enjoy! (Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters)
Sakura only shows because in her mind this is their closure. Their story together has finally come full circle, and it's only right she be there for the end. She doesn't feel disappointment, maybe a twinge of sadness for all that could have been.
When she hears the familiar sound of ninja sandals on stone, her nerve falters. A small, quiet part of her can't help but hope that she was wrong, that things had not come to this. Sasuke would stay in the village and get better. Naruto would finally be free of his burden. She could be with the person she's spent her whole life pining over.
Sakura feels her heart sink when his face appears around the corner. This time he doesn't look determined and cold, but confused and regretful. She takes a little comfort in that.
"I should have known." He offers a watery smirk and stops in front of her.
She stays silent, drinking in this last image of him. The way the moonlight makes his ebony hair shine… the backpack securely strapped around his chest. His eyebrows are furrowed and his eyes, for the first time, are completely focused on hers. Once upon a time this would have made her knees weak and heart pound. Now it just leaves a bitter taste in her mouth.
"I'm not here to stop you… I guess I just felt like I should say goodbye." Sakura nearly jumps at how loud her voice sounds in the dead night. The word goodbye echoes off the stones and trees, assaulting her ears over and over.
Sasuke seemed to read the slight widening of her eyes as a plead for him to stay, and sighs deeply. "I can't be here, Sakura."
Sakura frowns, because he always did see her as a crybaby and fangirl, and steps out of his way. "You don't understand," she sticks up her chin, "there's the door you can leave. I know how much it must hurt to be around people who care." She curses at herself for letting the bitterness come out, this was supposed to quick and easy. Like ripping a band-aid.
Sasuke's dark eyes flicker with surprise, but he doesn't move from his spot on the sidewalk. Sakura watches his face carefully, sees him debating over something.
"Sasuke-kun, really, I understand. Naruto told me what happened between the Elders and your family. I know it's too hard for you to stay." She offers an understanding smile.
That's what they say right? If you love someone set them free. She watches him walk by slowly, a glint of respect in his gaze as he passes. Sakura surprises herself by waiting; she intended to leave immediately in her plans, but instead seats herself on a familiar, cold bench.
When Sasuke reaches the gate, he tilts his head toward her and says in a thick voice. "Thank you, Sakura, for understanding." And then he's gone in a whirl of leaves.
(A/N): I would love a Review or two!