Disclaimer: Naruto (c) Kishimoto. Fic is (c) Midnight-Dreamer-11's from DeviantArt
"talking"
'thinking'
"Do... do you ever wonder what it would be like, if he never left?"
Sakura and Naruto were sitting on one of the many benches in Konoha, after eating dinner at Ichiraku's Ramen Shop. At least once every week they'd go to Naruto's favorite ramen shop, then walk along the streets of Konoha while the sun set in the distance.
The first time it had happened, it soon turned into a ritual. One they cherished every week. They always talked about different things. Sometimes what they had in common. Sometimes what they didn't. Once about Pervy Sage. Once even about Tsunade. But, they never dwelled on the subjet of Sasuke.
It was always too... touchy. Too painful. But, in the last few months of these weekly rituals of going out to eat and conversating on the streets, they had become closer. And both knew they weren't imagining it.
Naruto had bravely asked the question. He had no Idea how she would react to it. 'What the hell.' he thought. 'Take a risk.'
Sakura turned her head to the side to look at him. Her eyes were glistened, a sad smile upon her face.
"Everyday." He had no idea what to do. Should he comfort her? Say something reasuring, right? He hesitantly reached out his hand and laid it on top of hers. He looked her in the eyes:
"Me too." She rested her head on his shoulder, he tucked his arm around her shoulders.
"I-I know I've already made this promise to you, Sakura. But, I promise you; I will bring him back. We will be team seven again." he brung his arms around her in a hug.
"I promise." he said feircly. Her tears silently flowed and she held on to him tighter then ever. 'What would I do without you Naruto?' she thought. She didn't wanna know.
"I know, Naruto. I believe you. I believe in you." she said, tearfully. She snuggled into his neck, tears still streaming. He gently rubbed her back. I refuse to cry. He had to be strong. For her.
Always, always for her.
Just her.
They embraced until the sun was fully set, and the moon had fully risen. Regretfully pulling away from each other, they looked at one another and smiled weakly. Sakura's tears long gone, her eyes were brighter but awfully tired. She grabbed his hand.
"Walk me home." she said. It wasn't a question.
He nodded, smiling at her. He helped her up, walked her home, and slowly gave her kiss on the cheeck.
"Goodnight, Sakura." he said, pulling away.
She slightly blushed at his unexpected actions, and smiled at him.
"Night', Naruto." she unlocked her door walked in shut the door. Still blushing she leaned against the door, thinking...
After Sakura had closed the door, Naruto; slightly flushed, scratched his head, turned around, and walked home. Thinking as well...
'Who'd ever thought it'd come to this?'