The Various Observances of Haruno Sakura
Team 7 drabbles. Sakura always felt like she was constantly watching their backs. However, this leaves her in the perfect place to observe.
1.(should have) known better.
Sakura thinks that the worst thing about Sasuke being gone is the looks.
Naruto doesn't seem to notice these looks, or care about them if he does. He'll just stand proudly before her, eyes and cheeks crinkled in a wide grin, proclaiming that he'll bring Sasuke back no matter what. Behind him, the Jounins will blink a few times as if they expected him to have given up already. Their arms may cross and they'll look to one another - the look, one of pity and concern – before sighing and shaking their heads sadly.
If she focuses on just that look too long, she starts to doubt. While they may no longer be kids anymore, they are still not completely adults, and she fears that this kind of unwavering optimism is the last vestige of childhood still waiting to fall away - like baby teeth and fat.
She tries to tell herself to just focus on Naruto and when he comes back home after two and a half years she finds that it is much easier to do. Jounins don't tower over him like they used to and he shines with an unnatural aura of light and confidence, and even maturity.
In those times, she realizes that it's not childish to believe; that Naruto has succeeded in spite of doubt hundreds of times. She really should have known better.
