A/N; I was watching a KakaSaku AMV (Kakashi x Sakura: Memories, by Anomaly45), and I noticed that both were looking at their team photos. Those scenes are always so angsty!


Photographic Memory


Kakashi glances at the second team photograph on his dresser; the one with the bubbly pink-haired girl, the brooding surly dark-eyed boy, and the hyperactive blond go-getter. And, of course, himself, hands on the boys' heads in an affectionate gesture, encircling the young lady protectively. At the time his love for them had not been even close to the depth that it was presently.

The blond boy has grown. He takes his work more seriously; he jumps into action just as quickly, if not with more vigor and skill; he radiates with warmth and hope. He has saved more than he has fought, Kakashi is sure.

The scowling lad is... gone. Perhaps not forever. Perhaps they will retrieve him from his fate; perhaps the others' love for him will destroy (or at least penetrate) his veil of hatred. Perhaps he is waiting to be saved.

Their smiling, shining star is so different now. She rarely smiles anymore. Pain and revenge and years of training has worn away the little girl she once was and the careless grin she wore in the photo shows no sign of returning.

Kakashi sighs, tracing the top of the frame with his fingertips. Has it really been three years? Have the past years (empty, nothing-years) flown by that quickly?

Is Sasuke really coming back?

He shakes his head. Has it really turned out like this?

No. No, he tells himself, tapping the frame before letting himself smile just a little. It hasn't 'turned out' like anything, because it hasn't ended. Not at all.


In this world you tried
Not leaving me alone behind
There's no other way
I prayed to the gods let him stay
The memories ease the pain inside
Now I know why

- Fin -


Lyrics: Memories, by the Within Temptation
For those who have nearly lost their faith in Sasuke's return, or Naruto and Sakura's happiness.
-Bya