Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable Naruto characters, settings, etc. are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha Inc. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended. AKA I don't own Naruto (and if I did 469 and 470 would have been better Naru/Saku moments)
Now and then
It was five years to the day when he found her, sprawled lazily in the old training grounds. He sat next to her and reminded silent as they reflected on things past
Jiyara gone, Tsunade gone, and the ninja world as they knew it was in turmoil. They'd never come back from that summer the same, it could never be the way it was before.
A vow made, a vow released, a confession made.
Konoha would be destroyed for the wrongs they had done to him and his clan. They would suffer as he had suffered; his body merely an instrument in the land of fire's unraveling.
The promise he'd held for her, was no longer a task he needed to complete for her, he had to do it himself for different reasons. He understood his brother still, and wanted to confront him of deeds long past. He didn't want to fight him, yet somehow he knew he would have to.
When she'd told him she loved him in front of them all, he couldn't help but question her motives. Yet her words were true, but yet were so hollow. He rejected her in front of them all, and she was determined to prove her word and her love.
When they all met again, he had to make a choice, and he'd choose her. The blood of his brother stained his hands red, but the woman who's claims where rejected, were now embraced.
Five years to the day he had found her, as he had now.
Five years to the day, and now she kissed him and he kissed her back. They savored the moment now as they did then, a moment that was one of many more to come.
Five years to the day they may have failed Sasuke, but never would fail each other.
Author's note: Amazing what a bit of kissing action will do for one's spirits. I was planning on submitting something that was five years after my SE series, but I decided to go this route. Entered for the The Heaven & Earth Fanart/Fanfiction Contest 5!, Happy 5th