Chapter 4

As Sasuke and Sakura continued their walk, the silence between them allowed them time to ponder.

Sasuke made up his mind to not continue the conversation any further. He wanted to reach his house and rest before meeting with Naruto. Sakura, on the other hand, wanted to tell him all about her progress in the hospital and things that happened during the time of his absence. She had so much to share with him, but she doubted he'd be interested. There were many things Sasuke didn't care for and she didn't want to speak in fear of that harsh reminder. So she just remained silent. She could tell Sasuke was grateful for that, too.

Usually silence made her uncomfortable, but Sasuke has always been a man of few words. Additionally, Sasuke's presence made her feel more at ease, comfortable, safe… With Sasuke, she didn't feel her usual impulse to fill the silence. Silence, she noticed, was probably one of the things she admired about him. He always observed his surroundings, and was mostly deep in thought. That's what makes him so mysterious to her. It made her want to know more about him, but of course, Sasuke doesn't share his thoughts nor his feelings when asked.

Because of Sasuke, silence wasn't so scary. She grew to enjoy it as their walk brought them closer to their destination.

Sasuke glanced at Sakura, noticing slight changes about her. He sensed how much stronger she's grown, 'because of all her work at the hospital, perhaps?'

As minutes passed, and their mutual contentment of silence continued, Sasuke wondered why Sakura hasn't tried to fill him in on what has happened while he was away. Usually she'd be fumbling over her words, but not today.

As they approached Sasuke's home, Sakura stood behind Sasuke as he opened his front door. She was preparing to say farewell, as she assumed that was the plan. As Sasuke walked inside, he placed his pack on the floor beside his couch in the living room, pulling off his cloak. Sakura stood in the doorway, staring at Sasuke's arm.

'Did it heal properly..? It must have… I hope so.'

Sasuke turned to hang his cloak in his room, returning to find Sakura still standing in his doorway. To be brutally honest, he expected her to have gone already.

"Sakura… I will see you later." His face didn't change or give way to any emotion if there was any to express.

Upon hearing this, she was extremely disappointed, but not surprised.

'Of course, how could I forget. This is my cue to leave. Silly me.'

And there it was, that familiar, painful tug at her heartstrings that she loathed so much. Now she regretted not speaking to him at all. What a wasted opportunity. She stood in place for a few moments, trying to gather some kind of response.

"Sasuke, I know this is sudden, but... Can I please take a look at your arm? I want to make sure it healed properly..."

Sasuke didn't hesitate to approach her and reveal to her what remained of his injured arm. Sakura was taken aback, but quickly placed her hand on it, chakra flowing through her to her palm. She was checking for any sign of infection, but it turned out that his arm was completely fine. She sighed in relief, not noticing she was holding her breath. She looked at Sasuke, serious now.

"Sasuke, could you please come by the hospital later? During the Afternoon? I would like to give you your new arm, please..."

She didn't know how he'd respond, but more than anything she hoped he would say yes to her request.

Sasuke could only stare at her. He always knew she would ask him this. He watched her tend to his arm, watched her concentrate so hard, making sure he was truly alright. Then he noticed she held her breath. She will always fret over him, he discovered. But... The least he could do was follow her request. He nodded, hoping that was all she really needed from him.

Sakura sighed again, in relief. She stepped outside, "Bye, Sasuke... Please come by."

With that she walked away from his house, not looking back as she did so. She had to prepare herself at the hospital to get his arm ready.

Sasuke watched Sakura walk away, seeing the bounce in her walk. He could feel her determination to help him. At that moment he grew to admire that about her. How headstrong she always was. There was a lot of things he admired about her that he wasn't well aware of. But he always silently felt proud of her growth.

Sasuke closed his door, and sat down in his couch, sighing in comfort. He looked up and stared at the ceiling.

He's done a lot of horrible things in his past. Looking back now, he doesn't know how to feel, or how to mend the aftermath of what he's done. The feeling of it all is so overwhelming. He thought about how his whole life from the very beginning, was put forth on a path to destruction. All because he didn't know the truth. He spent his life looking for revenge on Itachi, only to find out what really happened and losing a brother in the process. And in his pain and anger, took it all out on the village that started it all. He still carries this anger and pain with him every day, trying to calm it. But it's so hard to forget the trauma and pain he's endured to this point. But after battling with Naruto, it gave him...hope that he had a chance, that he could be saved. He just needed...time.

Later on, Sasuke went out to meet with Naruto. He had heard that he would be at the school, teaching the village's younger ninjas. Now, when Sasuke heard this he thought he heard it wrong, but it turned out to be true as he entered the campus grounds and saw Naruto playing soccor with the kids.

Somehow, he could see why this job suited Naruto.

Naruto caught a glimpse of Sasuke across the field and waved, bursting with energy, "Sasuuukkeeeee!"

Sasuke slowly approached Naruto and his students. Naruto told the kids to go on home, waving goodbye to them all. He turned, broadening his smile.

"I heard you came back! How was your journey?" Naruto wiped his face on his shirt, covered in sweat.

Sasuke smirked, "It's not over, if that's what you're asking." He waited for Naruto to drink water and catch his breath.

Naruto half-heartedly smiled, "I figured. Have you told Sakura? She... Well, you know."

Naruto hung his towel behind his neck, smiling fondly at the thought of Sakura's face brightening at the mere sight of Sasuke. He tried to help Sakura get through the past several months, knowing full well how she felt. He's been worried, watching her get sadder by the day. He voiced his concerns with Hinata, who felt the same, but reassured Naruto that she's headstrong. She told him to believe in her, that she will get by. Naruto agreed, reminded of why he loved Hinata. She always knew what to say with her gentle voice.

He turned to Sasuke, waiting for a response, but didn't get none. He sighed, "Sasuke... She's been...really sad lately. I'm not asking you to return her feelings. But... you should talk to her more. Her thoughts and prayers have always followed you." Naruto trailed off, not sure how to express this without making it sound like a guilt trip. He didn't want to pressure Sasuke into doing anything. It would lose meaning if Sasuke didn't act on his own.

Sasuke closed his eyes, facing the floor. He remained quiet, not responding to Naruto. Instead, he turned to exit the campus.

"H-hey! I'm serious!" Naruto yelled after him, catching up.

Sasuke didn't wait for him and continued walking, "...I know."

Naruto, puzzled by his response, asked, "Where are you going..?"

Without looking at him, Sasuke sighed in annoyance, "I promised her I would visit the hospital..."

Naruto's face lit up, but tried to hide it, "Oh, well, tell her hi for me! I'll meet with you guys later! I should probably hit the showers, haha!"

With that, Naruto said farewell on the way, hoping Sasuke will behave while visiting Sakura. If he says anything...

'He better be nice.. I don't know what'll happen if she snaps.' Naruto shivered at the thought. He definitely doesn't want to be there if that happens.

At that, he hurried home, thinking of his later plans with Hinata.

Sasuke was annoyed at constantly being reminded of Sakura. He wanted to avoid it, but it seemed inevitable. He just cannot escape her no matter where he goes. He just couldn't understand why he was badgered every time about her. He's aware of her feelings, but didn't feel obligated to seek any kind of relationship past their current one. No one can just let it be and accept that. Everyone certainly feels that they should 'push' him towards her, but he wasn't anywhere near ready to have that kind of relationship. He just wish it was left alone, but he knows it never will be. A part of him blames Sakura for her incessant feelings for him. He always thought it was just her infatuation going obsessive, but he knew deep down her feelings...matured. He knows...feels it. It's different than how it felt years ago. Her feelings before weren't as strong and full as they are now. He just wish she wasn't into him.

Sasuke exhaled, suddenly feeling tired.

'The sooner I leave, the better it will be for the both of us.'

Sasuke arrived and stood a few feet from the entrance that lead inside the hospital.

He contemplated going inside.

Or leaving altogether.