Letting Us Go
AUTHOR'S NOTE (Feel free to skip to the real chapter under the line!)
Hi, guys! My name is Nakoujou! I've been writing fanfiction since the summer before 8th grade and now I'm about to enter UCSD as a college freshman! Man, time does fly! Thank you for stopping by! As the summary states, this is a story about the breakup between Sasuke and Sakura. It's not in first person, but the perspective is mainly from Naruto. In other words, you learn things the same time as Naruto does about their breakup. Learning things in Naruto's position reminds me of every time when a couple recently broke up, but you're really good friends with both of them so you become that middle person in the relationship. I feel that Naruto fits that status perfectly because he offers a neutral opinion, yet will also keep this story from being too angsty and depressing.
I've wanted to do a story about their breakup because I wanted to experiment with this area. I was interested in it, so here it is! I have a long summer to kill before I school starts, so we shall see how long this takes? (Seriously, I finished all three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender in two days, no joke. And I've never watched it before) If I go according to my outline, it should take about ten chapters, give or take, but who knows? Originally, I didn't want to start this until school started, writing one-shots instead. However, I figured that I would NOT have the time to write a big story, so gotta take advantage of my free time right now!
Dedication: This story is dedicated to many people. The people who regret breaking another person's heart. The people who had their hearts broken. But mostly, the people who have been in that poor position known as "the mutual friend," enduring the moodiness and wrath of both parties when breakups went real ugly.
Stage 1: False Acceptance
"They broke up."
For the first time in his twenty years of life, Uzumaki Naruto lost the desire for his routine, post-mission ramen.
"Sasuke-teme and Sakura-chan did what?" He asked, ignoring how loudly the answer echoed throughout his head. Or how his limbs went numb. Naruto knew that when Yamanaka Ino dragged him into her family flower shop, she would not bear good news.
His two best friends. Two people that he thought were meant for each other. Soul mates, if he dared enter that territory. For others, it sounded strange; Konoha's top medic-nin and the former traitor? Impossible, the civilians repeated like a mantra. But Naruto always thought they were a match made in heaven. Her light saving his darkness, her red clothes complimenting his blue tones, her optimism contrasting his cynic nature, all those opposite attraction theories that explained why the idea of Sasuke and Sakura together was perfect.
Because they were happy three weeks ago when Naruto last saw them holding hands, wishing him good luck for his mission.
Behind the counter, Ino nodded.
"It's true. Just last week," she explained. "It was really shocking."
"No shit it was! They can't be over! Before I left, I caught them getting frisky in the bed! That's what people in love do!" Naruto started to regret taking that three-week mission to transport the Fire Daimyo across borders. Guilt consumed himself; if only he had been here…
"First of all, Naruto, that's nasty! Stop barging into people's apartments! Secondly, a lot can happen in three weeks," said Ino. "Sakura wouldn't tell me about it. She just kept saying 'it was meant to be' and all that crap."
"I'll talk to her. Sakura-chan would never say that to me," Naruto convinced himself, exiting the shop.
"It was meant to be, Naruto," Sakura said casually, trudging through files in her cabinet.
Naruto scowled, silently cursing Ino for being right. At first, he went straight to Sakura's apartment, expecting to find her in pajamas, curled up on the couch with a pound of ice cream while dark mascara mixed with her tears. When he realized that Sakura was not at her home, he immediately ran to the hospital. It was there he unexpectedly found Sakura in her doctor's coat, standing up confidently with her hair tied up in a neat bun.
"But Sakura-chan, you guys were so happy! And perfect! What happened? How are you feeling? Do you need anything? 'Cause I'm right here! If not, there's Ino, but tell me too!"
"It just didn't work out. It's best that we stay friends," Sakura answered as her eyes trailed back and forth over the file cabinet.
"I'm not settling for that; please tell me! I'm your best friend! I know you and teme wouldn't end it after three years! And why did this happen when I was out of the village?" If Naruto had to be furious of anything, it was the fact that his two best friends decided to break up when he wasn't around.
Sighing, Sakura pulled out a red folder before shutting the cabinet. "I'm sorry you had to come back to this Naruto, but...it just happened, so we have to move on."
"I won't! This can't be happening! What about Sasuke? Every since he came back, I've never seen him so happy! When he's with you, he's less of a jackass!"
Sakura laughed, but Naruto felt it was hollow. "Because that totally says something."
"And you too! Remember after he left, you never really smiled? I mean you did, but it was so..." Naruto closed his eyes, picturing a twelve-year-old Sakura crying her eyes out the morning after Sasuke's betrayal. "...forced. Then Sasuke comes back and you were your old self again. That's why I gave him permission to date you."
"Really now?" Sakura eyebrows furrowed as her green eyes scanned through the file. "I did have some fun times with him, but just because he returned from Konoha doesn't mean I promised to stay with him forever. If we were any other two people, you wouldn't be making a fuss out of this."
"That's because you two aren't any other people. You two are my best friends," Naruto grumbled, before adding quietly. "And you love him."
"Look, Naruto," he knew Sakura was irked, judging by her strict tone. "Everything is fine. I know he's still adjusting to coming back, and I'll continue to support him. Now, it's just as a friend, not his..." she faltered, her eyes downcast to the white tiles of the floor.
Naruto did not miss the new grip Sakura had on her file. She recovered quickly, smiling that fake smile she perfected during the years of Sasuke's departure. Others would think that smile meant she was well; Naruto had years with Sakura to know that it wasn't.
"It's done, okay? You may not like it, but Sasuke-kun and I are fine. It's best for the both of us."
Naruto made a noise similar to a strangled hyena. He crossed his arms, leaning against Sakura's desk when he noticed a framed photo in the corner of his eyes. As he examined closer, Naruto felt his stomach lurch.
In the photo was Sakura, wearing a red kimono, smiling cheerfully next to Sasuke. Though it was a festival that day, he still wore his standard white collared shirt and dark blue pants. His face showed no smile, yet one could see how relaxed he was next to Sakura, how softer his onyx eyes were than its usual grimness. Sasuke even had a hand resting on her small waist. They were so comfortable, Naruto thought.
Over a week passed since their so-called "breakup," and the picture never left its spot. "It's best for the both of us" my ass. I bet teme's brooding over this like the angsty bastard he is...
"Yeah, we're over," Sasuke confirmed nonchalantly. He lazily threw an array of shuriken at a training dummy.
"What is wrong with you two? You guys cannot be alright this fast!" Naruto screamed into Sasuke's face, annoyed by his indifference. "Weirdos!"
"Hn," Sasuke walked over to the dummy, pulling out his weapons.
"Sasuke, you and Sakura-chan just broke up after three years. That's a long time," Naruto explained, his voice weakening. "Are you sure you're alright? I know you're not much of a talker, but I'm here if you ever need anything-"
"Are you here to spar or yap?" Sasuke interrupted. "You're wasting my time."
"Talking about your breakup is not wasting time! Especially when it concerns Sakura-chan! The girl that was always there for you! Your only girl in the world! If you don't get back to her, it might be too late! You two were so happy!"
"If we were happy, we wouldn't have broken up," Sasuke muttered, rolling his eyes.
Curling his fists, Naruto glared at Sasuke. First, he had to deal with a stubborn Sakura about their breakup and now, an even more stubborn Sasuke. This breakup could not be real; he refused to acknowledge it until he found the answers. And the moment he found those answers, Naruto would do everything in his power to return his best friends to the way they were. Naruto lunged toward Sasuke, grabbing him by the shoulder.
"Teme, if you did anything to Sakura-chan…" Naruto growled dangerously. "...anything stupid like 'leave to protect her' bullshit even though Tobi and Kabuto are dead, 'cause it's not as noble as it sounds…"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "It didn't work out, so we broke up. Don't make a big deal out of this."
"I have to make a big deal because you two won't! Stop acting like this means nothing when I know it's killing you inside, you bastard! I won't accept it!" Maybe Naruto wasn't sure about the "killing you inside" part, but he liked to think that Sasuke was feeling miserable inside, whether he was the heartbreaker or the broken-hearted.
"You should," Sasuke pushed Naruto's hand away, freeing himself. "Accept that we tried and failed. Sak-She's more than fine with it." Hesitation, Sasuke rarely did with his words.
Say her name, damnit… It irked Naruto that Sasuke didn't. He tried to read into those black eyes for any sign that those words did not match Sasuke's heart. In reality, Naruto only found mild irritation from his nagging.
Shoving his hands into his pockets, Sasuke walked away from the training grounds.
"I'm not giving up on this," Naruto stated lowly. Not when you two haven't.
Sasuke did not slow down his pace, continuing to walk farther from Naruto. Even when his best friend was ten feet away, Naruto could see wrinkling on Sasuke's right pocket, formed from a newly clenched fist within.
Lying on the blue hammock, Naruto tipped the chilled glass of sugarcane juice to his lips. It had been an exciting first day at the beach resort. Naruto and Sakura had eagerly jumped into the cool, shimmering ocean. Kakashi sat under an umbrella, quietly reading his orange book as always. Sasuke would have been lying on a beach towel if four of Naruto's clones carried him across the sand, dumping said Uchiha in the ocean. Within thirty seconds, the two boys engaged in an underwater duel that ended just as quickly from a fiery Sakura. She had lectured that they were here to relax, not commit homicide.
Evening had fallen too quickly, and Naruto was beyond exhausted. When his lips met only ice cubes, Naruto stood up, seeking to refill his empty glass. He walked to one of the many bars on the resort, requesting another. Leaning against the counter, Naruto expected to see the beautiful, orange sunset over the ocean, framed by the curved palm trees. He grinned; he found something better.
Walking barefoot down the beach were Sasuke and Sakura. He wore a plain white shirt and dark shorts; she, a mint sundress. From where Naruto sat, it appeared that Sakura was animatedly telling a funny story, which Sasuke listened intently, smirking.
Sasuke must have said something to tease her, for he immediately ran away from a pissed Sakura chasing him. He dodged a playful kick from her, causing Sakura to accidentally fall into the water. She rose up, her clothes drenched and seaweed mingled in her hair, glaring at her boyfriend. Sasuke burst in laughter, atypical of him, until Sakura threw a starfish smack in his face. Shaking his head, Sasuke reached forward to help her up, pulling Sakura close to his chest. He whispered a few words, and then pressed his lips to hers. Smiling in delight, Sakura wrapped her arms around Sasuke's neck.
Naruto chuckled. As much as he enjoyed interrupting their makeup sessions, he couldn't this time for a tender moment as this. They were lucky that he was extra thirsty at the moment, sipping his refilled drink. Plus, they were on vacation.
Only one year passed since they had their Team Seven beach trip to the coast of the Land of Waves. Yet, Naruto thought he just saw Sasuke and Sakura fondling on the beach just yesterday. They made their relationship look so easy, full of love. It hurt Naruto to imagine those two not cuddling on the couch or walking together or holding hands.
"No, it was probably over something stupid," Naruto told himself quietly, kicking a pebble on the road. "They didn't breakup! They're on a break. Yeah, that's more like it."
"But it's been a week, Naruto," Sai said next to him, his eyes reading the small book, Men, Women, and the Logic in Between. "According to this book, it means they're done."
"Shut up, Sai! This is Sasuke and Sakura-chan we're talking about here! I don't care what people say, they are not over!" Naruto shouted angrily. He didn't need people to tell him otherwise. Because if they are, I don't know what will happen to Team Seven…
"I understand that you are their closest friend, but why are you overly emotional about their breakup? Should that not be a matter between Sasuke-san and Sakura only?"
"Those two don't know any better, so shut up Sai!"
"If you say so, Dickless. But their reactions are unorthodox, don't you think so? They don't follow the Kubler-Ross model."
"The Kabbla what?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"The Kubler-Ross model, or the Five Stages of Grief. It is a widely-accepted model of the patterns of emotions people go through after experiencing a traumatic event, whether it is death of a loved one or a breakup," Sai explained, pointing to a circular diagram on a page. "As Sasuke and Sakura are fresh from their breakup, they should be in 'denial," the first stage. Denial is used as a coping method for dealing with the shock-"
"I know what denial is, Sai. What does this have to do with anything?" The last thing Naruto wanted on his mind was a textbook to tell him something he didn't like.
"Well, according to your observations of the two, they appear to be in 'acceptance.' That is the last stage."
"First, Sai, they aren't really accepting it. And a stupid model isn't going to help; people react differently than science."
"But according to this book, it is scientifically proven that 95% of the human population follow the Kubler-Ross model from a study spanning over fifty years. From the books I have read, I've concluded that Sasuke and Sakura are an abnormal couple. Abnormality tends to be the minor population, so I assume they would be part of the 5% that do not follow the model. Therefore, we cannot predict their reactions accurately."
A mini seizure ran through his spine, Naruto figuring it was most likely out panic. He already had enough trouble dealing with Sasuke and Sakura at the moment, their too-quick acceptance of their breakup. He had dealt with those two on many, different times of their lives. A depressed Sakura after Sasuke's betrayal. A bloodthirsty Sasuke seeking to destroy Konoha. A motherly Sakura every time she treated his wounds. A lost, lonely Sasuke as he sought redemption. A sobbing, but overwhelmingly happy Sakura when she hugged Sasuke moment he first walked through the front gates after so many years. A caring Sasuke when he embraced her back. A cheerful Sakura when Sasuke asked her out nine months later. A mischievous Sasuke when people bothered a blushing Sakura about the several bruises around her neck.
For those times, Naruto knew how to take care of them properly. He knew how each of them would act, so he adjusted accordingly to their needs. If those two were having a moment, he would back off. If they were in the middle of a crisis, he would step in regardless of what they said. Though difficult, he always found a way to make everything better for them.
Swiftly out of nowhere, a new challenge crashed into Naruto's life, blindsiding him like nothing else: a post-breakup Sasuke and Sakura.
Whoo, there's the first chapter! Thanks to all of you guys who made it through to the last word! Hopefully, due to my summer lovin' schedule, I can update again next week! This is so weird, writing again after I just finished a huge story too! If any of you guys are fans of the TV show Friends, I hope you caught the reference. Let me just tell you it concerns Ross and something he likes to say about his relationship with Rachel ;)
Just something I want to do with you guys if you decide to review. I have a question for you guys, just a game:
Why do you guys think Sasuke and Sakura broke up? I want to do this because when I finish this story, I want to look back and see what everybody thought. It's always fun to look back at our guesses.