ICE COLD HEARTS
It has been a year since he forgave Konoha for killing the ones he loves and came back home. He came back for the ones who love him. They were still waiting for him with forgiveness even after all those despicable things he did to them. Even though he was dragged by Naruto, he did it willingly. He could have just left or beat the crap out of Naruto and fled, but he didn't. He stayed and accepted all the punishment for his treacherous acts. He was very grateful that Tsunade was kind enough to consider the fact that he killed three of Konoha's biggest threats and saved him from a death sentence. He was under house arrest for three months and he was forbidden to go on any mission for six whole months. It was a pain in the ass and the boredom could even make one go insane, but he got through it with the help of his loud mouthed best friend. He hates to admit it, but being in Konoha with his friends, makes his cold heart feel a little warmer. But there was one thing that bothered him, Sakura. It wasn't because she was acting like an annoying fan girl like she used to, but the fact that she avoided him and always tried to make up an excuse whenever Naruto ask her to join us hang out like they used to when they were still genins. He told Naruto about it, but the blonde said it was only his imagination and negative thinking that made him feel that way. He knew Naruto noticed Sakura's cold behavior too, but decided to not push the matter even further. He didn't want it to seem like he cared about what she thought of him, even if he does. The fact that they only spoke to each other only twice since his return didn't help at all. The first time they talked was when they were on a S-ranked mission as Team Seven. And it wasn't because she wanted to, but because she had to. The first time she talked to him shocked him like electricity. Even though she was just asking for a strategy, it warmed his heart. He noticed every little thing about her, her hair was longer, her body gained a few curves that made her even more beautiful than she used to and he even noticed the lack of love and excitement in her green eyes. She was nothing like she used to be when they were younger. Her smile never seemed genuine anymore and she only gave out a chuckle even when Naruto made a complete fool out of himself when he was around.
He thought to himself, "So this is how she felt when I ignored her years ago, painful." It was even more painful to see her smile and laugh at other guys' stupid jokes when she didn't even spare a glance at him.
He was sitting under a tree in his backyard, reminiscing about how the past. How she used to call him Sasuke-kun with her sweet and melodic voice. How she used to cry and overreact when something happened to him. He used to think that those sweet gestures were annoying, but now he missed it and he would trade anything for it. She poured her heart out and even confessed to him the night he was leaving Konoha, but he didn't care. Now that he was back and ready to love her back, she acted like he didn't matter and like he was never important to her. The irony, it hurts. He didn't know when he started to fall for her, but he can honestly say that she got him wrapped around her little finger. Maybe he was already in love with her since they were still genins, but he was blinded by the ugly hatred to see the beauty of love, the beauty of her. "God, why was I so stupid?".
His train of thoughts was interrupted when an ANBU 'poof'ed in front of him. "Sasuke-san, Hokage-sama has asked for you. She expects to see you in her office immediately." The man disappeared after Sasuke gave him a slight nod. Sasuke sighed, "What could it be this time?". He performed a hand seal and appeared in front of the Hokage's office. He knocked on the door and waited for her permission to enter.
"Come in, Uchiha.". He walked inside and he was surprised to see Sakura standing infront of Tsunade's desk. "You asked for me, Hokage-sama?" he said monotonously, hiding his nervousness upon seeing Sakura's angelic face.
"Yes, I need you to go on a retrieval mission with Sakura. You are needed to retrieve a scroll that was stolen by a rouge ninja. This might be a S-ranked mission, but I believe the two of you will be sufficient to complete this mission as the enemy was reported injured and has no team or gang to back him up. I expect this mission to be completed in a day, but I'll give you a week before this mission expired and you are considered as rouge ninjas. I already gave a briefing of this mission and the details to Sakura, you may ask her on the way there. You are both dismissed." With a polite bow, they both exited the office.
He thanked God for giving him this chance to be alone with her. He hoped they could talk things out, and maybe they can even go back to being friends again. That word pained him but he would be very grateful to just go back to how they were used to. Though, this time, he promised that he would treat her better and appreciate her more.