Pretty nervous. Feel free to give constructive criticism. I planned this story to be pretty long, but I promise it won't drag and make you bored. This first chapter is just to test the waters, then the real action starts. Alright, read on fellow SS shippers.
Full Blown Summary: Sasuke has returned home after the war, finally stabilizing his life. When Sakura returns too, they find themselves spending time together. He was learning new sides he hadn't known before. She had somehow wormed her way into his everyday life.
Disclaimer: Do you think I'd be this broke if I owned Naruto?
Chapter One
The sun began to sink into the horizon line, creating an array of colors that blended together like soft velvet. The soft humming of crickets could be heard if one listened for them.
In the village of Konoha, dusk began to take over the sky. The busy-bodied villagers crawled back into their homes for a night of well-earned rest. That meant the streets were quieter, and Sasuke could openly wander wherever he pleased. It was one of the better times of day, for him to put it simply. His cobalt eyes darted to the sun, watching it slowly dip into the shadows. The rest of its warmth feathered over his ghostly skin. He then closed his eyes one last time to bask in the heat.
Sasuke had indeed returned to the Hidden Leaf after the war ended. The commotion of the recent war had rattled up the reaction of his homecoming. Sasuke mostly suspected exile or bounty –dead or alive– on his head, but nothing of the sort came. He'd been especially surprised by the Elders' lack of fight on their behalf, but he supposed they had other matters at hand. Becoming an ally in the war had its benefits… after all, he had a hand in their victory.
However, they'd be damned if Sasuke was getting off the hook. A former S Rank criminal was getting away with past crime without a scratch? For Christ's sake, he'd killed the innocent! The council bellowed in mock at that dreamlike proposal.
Usually, they would gut all ordinary criminals like a fish, but Sasuke was a very special case indeed. They had not, and could not, forget all that was done to him. That included the massacring of an entire clan, a lifetime composed of revenge, and fingers pointed at each other to blame. They had seen it all unravel, like a play before them. A boy was growing into a man, yet he was filled up with hatred in between all the steps. They had done nothing to help him, serving only to watch him choose the darkness and succumb to it.
Well, chopping his head off and throwing the body down a lake was downright insulting, and perhaps it was a poor choice because Sasuke would resist with ease. You don't simply kill a man who could set you ablaze with just his eyes. Guess looks really could kill.
Alternatively, it was settled that his rank as a Shinobi would be removed. In the Shinobi world, loosing your title was frowned upon, almost dishonorable.
Not like it mattered though. Sasuke was still feared and that was all he required. He could bend a person's will easily, gaining access to practically anything with raw intimidation. He had quite the ego and an even bigger reputation.
Often, he was on probation when outside of his home. He knew he was being watched by special forces but never cared for it. Just because they saw him didn't mean they could actually stop him, could they?
Other days, he would face financial punishment. One way or another, there had to be some sort of penalty. The paper and coin was of no issue to Sasuke, considering he still had his inheritance funds rolling in.
They were trying to yank on his chain, weren't they?
The dark haired man let out a sigh, thinking of all the stress that managed to rile up on him. He now found himself alone at a pier, with heavy thoughts in his head. A river ran underneath him as he sat at the very edge, where his legs would dangle off and the ripples of water dared to touch. The dock was a bit rickety, exposing old age.
He remembered the area from a long time ago. More than a decade ago, to be precise. Albeit, he was a bit surprised to see the surrounding unchanged. He had to smile at the thought, a token of his youth was remained untouched by his now corrupt lifestyle. Not even the calming sound of rushing water could tame his current mood, though. A calloused hand ran through black locks, slightly tugging in self frustration.
"Sasuke-teme," a blunt voice called. Just the sound of the rough, improper voice brought the owner's face to his mind. Sasuke turned to the side, observing his visitor with a shrewd eye. Tufts of golden hair stuck out in random directions above his headband. Bright, blue eyes danced with mirth as he stared back.
"Naruto," Sasuke greeted him. He cleared his throat, "What brings you here?"
The blonde made way to sit down next to Sasuke. "I've got some news to tell you."
Sasuke raised a brow, giving Naruto permission to continue.
The blonde folded his knees underneath his chin then began to speak. "Ever since the war ended, Sakura-chan has been non-stop requested by our neighbor villages for medical assistance. Y'know, I'm really glad she's being recognized as a leader. But it's been a while since I've seen her, and even longer for you."
"Ah. So what does this propose?" Sasuke curtly asked.
Naruto turned to him and smiled into his words, "Sakura-chan is coming home!"
It had been months since the end of the war, and Sasuke had finally managed to settle down. It had not occurred to him that she was away from the village to continue to help with the aftermath. He had little time to worry for others while returning home. Of course, clearing his name of record was his first priority, but had he really not seen her for that long? It had never crossed his mind until Naruto brought it up. He gave a small nod, acknowledging her upcoming arrival.
Naruto averted his gaze out to the open water, watching it run from east to west. "You should see her. She has become very beautiful these days," the blonde spoke in a rich tone, making the affectionate words ring in his ears.
Sasuke hummed in response, neither agreeing nor oppressing the statement. He had yet to judge Naruto's words.
A calming moment of silence passed by, deterring Sasuke a moment to process all the information. The sun sank farther in, making each shadow grow longer.
Naruto then crossed his arms over his chest, a rather defensive position for someone so open. His eyes turned into stony blue marbles, meaning he was getting serious. Sasuke could tell, just by the way his lips would tighten, as if trying to conceal any words getting stray. "Look," Naruto began, steadying his voice, "I have something very important that I want you to know."
Sasuke could feel a pair of eyes boring into his side, forcing him to stare back. He didn't say a word, simply waiting for Naruto to continue.
The blond drew in a breath, quietly speaking. "Tsunade appointed me to become the sixth."
Then Sasuke waited, and waited. He searched for any sign of expression on the dobe's face. However, Naruto appeared to be in a world of his own, his eyes distant and unreadable. Sasuke wasn't sure what was wrong with him at all. It was too unlike Naruto to be completely silent and humble about becoming the leader for an entire nation. Right about now, he should be letting out a prideful roar. Maybe that was the exact reason for his silence, though.
Even Sasuke could recall his first formal introduction with the blond. A boy cloaked in a golden aura, swearing to claim the hokage's title for himself. He aimed high from the start, always taking bites too big for him to chew. The kid was dumb and naïve, but who would have thought his dream would become reality?
Sasuke knew what it was like to have a life long ambition. He knew what it was like to feel hopeless. He knew the words forever and never well.
He would forever be weak within his mind. Likewise, Naruto would be forever hated.
He would never be able to rewrite the past. Also likewise, Naruto would never become hokage.
His own life was controlled by revenge, becoming obsessed to take his brother's life. Trying to end one man's life ended up sacrificing his own. He was a man of his word though, because he prevailed in the end.
He killed Itachi.
Yet, he could never bring himself to smile at it.
The feeling of numbness racked through Naruto too. He reminisced of every hard ship he had ever encountered. "I've only ever been laughed at for my dream. They mocked me, ridiculed me for my spirit," Naruto gave a dry laugh, "but I soon learned that I grew stronger from that same hatred. The feeling of wanting to be loved and accepted was my only drive. I wanted to prove myself worthy."
Sasuke nodded, knowing all too well of his conviction. He understood that Naruto craved affection because of his ugly, scarred childhood.
Naruto patted his belly softly, looking down at the folds on his jacket. "I remember I couldn't go out in public, because everyone would chase me out of their stores. People would either look at me in disgust or terror, all because of the demon within me. The tides have changed though. I've become accepted among my own." Naruto looked up at the sky and huffed. "Kurama is a curse, though I have learned to treat him as a blessing." At last, a genuine smile grew on his face.
Sasuke marveled at that. It was bizarre, how one could make amends with their inner pain. "Look, Naruto," Sasuke gently coughed into his fist, " I'm not good at this but…
"Congratulations."
Naruto blinked, then broke into his cheeky grin, "Sasuke, that was actually pretty good. You're the only one I could tell."
"What about Kakashi… or Iruka?" Sasuke asked. He was aware that Naruto viewed them as father figures.
"I was surprised, but they were already there, helping Tsunade-baachan make the decision. When I left the office, I couldn't think of anyone to just… say it to." Naruto said with a calm expression.
It was true. When Naruto stepped outside, he suddenly remembered that he was an orphan. He carried his parent's will proudly, and could only imagine their smiling faces from above the clouds. As he continued to walk to his house, he pictured them; Kushina promising a celebratory meal and Minato challenging a good spar to test his abilities. It was wishful thinking, because he knew within his gut he would be returning to an empty house.
Naruto continued to walk with a golden grin on his face. He knew they would be proud of him. They would be very proud. His eyes began to sting, wetting with each step he took.
No, now wasn't the time to feel like this.
He could not, and would not spite their death. But his eyes wouldn't listen, and continued to pool, and his chest continued to tighten.
Naruto could no longer decipher if they were tears of happiness or tears of pain.
"So I came to you instead," Naruto affirmed. Then he relaxed from the tension, going back to his care-free self. Sasuke scoffed at the idiot's mood swings. "I really wish Sakura-chan were here," he whined, "and when she gets back, the three of us are going to Ichiraku. I want her to know."
"Hn." Sasuke couldn't help but recall the more innocent times of his life. He shut his eyes, picturing Team Seven and the countless amount of ramen bowls they shared. "I'll be there."
A slit of sunlight peaked through the curtains, effectively stirring Sasuke from his sleep. He rose from the bed, glancing at the clock for a brief second before heading to the bathroom.
Ten minutes before 7'oclock. As usual, he started his day early.
As he walked past the mirror, he caught his reflection. His eyes looked tired. When was the last time he had a good sleep?
Stripping off his black briefs, he stepped into the shower. A cool ring of water dowsed over his hair and dripped into the crevices of his taut muscles. The cold water turned lukewarm, heating with each second. Sasuke stared deeply into the tiles, listening to the lulling of the shower-head.
"Be at Ichiraku in the morning. I'll be picking up Sakura at the front gate, and we'll meet you there."
Sasuke sighed. Naruto had better not be up to his usual shenanigans. He lathered up the soap on his body, quickly cleaning himself. After rinsing off the suds, he dried off with a towel and draped it around his waist.
He pulled a loose collared shirt over his head. The Uchiha crest stood boldly on the back of his shirt, prideful as ever. He pulled on black arm bands to cover his forearms. Black trousers and regular ninja sandals covered his bottom half. He grabbed a few items before leaving.
Knowing Naruto, he'd probably arrive late and come up with some excuse. Old habits die hard, after all. Sasuke couldn't complain though. A part of him was looking forward to seeing his old team.
x
Naruto slept heavily, snoring in a rhythm and mumbling a plethora of words. Even with his alarm clock blaring, he continued to sleep through the rooster call. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinking multiple times before rubbing into them with his palms. Half-awake, he turned to his alarm to silence it.
8'oclock. Too early if you asked him.
Wait... his eyes burst open in realization. He rushed around his messy room, tripping over the piles of dirty clothing and trash lying on the floor. He knew he should have been more tidy. "Oh well," Naruto thought. He lit his scented candle, hoping to mask the smell. The scent of peaches began to waft in the air, replacing the stench of processed ramen.
Naruto hopped in the shower and dressed in a rush, probably beating his last record. He ran out the front door, grabbing his keys on the way there.
x
Sasuke had learned over the years that patience was a virtue... but that didn't mean Naruto's lateness was acceptable. He let out a grunt, resting his head between his hands. He'd been at Ichiraku, waiting, for over half an hour.
Sasuke hadn't ordered yet, choosing to use his manners and instead received a glass of water. Any minute now, Naruto would be arriving.
A shadow appeared from behind, entering the shop. "Sasuke, before you yell, I can explai-" the words uncontrollably fell out of his mouth.
Right on target. "Save it, usuratonkachi." Boy, he hadn't used that name in a while. "Where is she?"
"You mean Sakura-chan? I already met her at the front, but she told me she needed to unpack her stuff and change first. So I walked her to her house and waited, but she forced me to go before you got mad."
Sasuke nodded approvingly. "Should we order?"
"Yeah, she said to go ahead, she wouldn't take long," Naruto agreed, then yelled from behind the counter, "Old man! Serve me up some pork shashu!"
The ramen master appeared from the back kitchen, giving a smile to his number one customer. "You got it, Naruto," he looked over to Sasuke, remembering him from years ago. "Ah, Sasuke, long time no see. What can I get you?"
"Large beef combination," Sasuke gave a nod.
"...and I'll have shrimp as usual, Teuchi-san." A voice called out after Sasuke's order. The sound of her voice was soft in his ears, he knew it was Sakura.
Naruto and Sasuke both turned in their chairs, looking over to the last member of their group.
No Kakashi for several reasons (laziness being one of them). Any questions? Feel free to PM or ask through a review.