The Amazing Doodle Presents:
Thank Goodness You've Forgotten

Disclaimer: Naruto and characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto and Shonen Jump

Chapter Six; Final.

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[Naruto]

"Every thing's packed!" I exclaimed.

Gaara glanced at me before closing his briefcase and nodding. "I'll be outside, waiting by the Tower."

"Okay!"

So... it's already time to leave Konoha. I wonder when the next time Gaara and I will visit can be. Although, I... I kinda don't wanna leave. But... But I told Gaara I was going back with him! There's only one thing to do now.

Go say goodbye to Iruka!

"You're leaving already, Naruto?" Iruka asked, already in front of the Hokage Tower.

I nodded firmly. "Yes. I told Gaara I would go back with him to Suna, and I meant it. I need to be serious about my decisions, and part of being serious is to stick with the choices that one makes."

Kakashi, who had arrived with Iruka, smiled under his mask. "I see that I taught you something after all. I'm proud of you. I can send your goodbyes to the others later." He stepped closer to me and whispered, "But you should seriously consider speaking with Sasuke before you go. Loose ends aren't a good thing to have when starting a new life. You must resolve the problems you have here, before you can ever move on in Suna. You know that."

I gulped. "I... I know, Kakashi."

Without thinking, I looked up at the giant window of Sasuke's office. Part of me hoped that he was standing there, looking down at me... acknowledging me. But, to my misfortune, he wasn't there. Although, I could see that raven hair of his leaning over the chair. That's if I looked closely.

"Gaara, I'm... I'm gonna go and tie up some loose ends before we leave."

Gaara nodded his understanding, and I could see that he was hoping that Sasuke and I could make things right, or, at least, as close to right as we could get it.

I threw caution to the wind and stepped inside the tower.

[Sasuke]

As I stare at the stacks of paperwork on my desk, my mind keeps wandering to Naruto's soon departure. I wanted to say goodbye, possibly forever, but I couldn't get myself to do it. I don't know what it is that's holding me back. Pride, maybe? Or could it possibly be that I don't want him to go?

How selfish would that make me? Begging and pleading for him to stay, knowing that he no longer had the life here he once did; no longer had the will to look me in the eyes (hence the meeting with Gaara. All he did was stare at the floor); no longer... no longer had me for a lover, or even a friend. I guess that it's one bond that Naruto wants to forget, in order to move on.

Who could blame him? Besides, life would be so much easier for him if he just forgot that we ever had such relations... for I know first hand how it feels to not be able to forget. I'm stuck in place, and as long as I love Naruto, I'll remain there. Which, on my watch, will be for many, many years to come. I don't think I'll ever fall out of love with him. It was something, we were something made to be, soul mates even, and I ruined it.

No more chances. You've had enough.

It makes me think back to when Naruto and I first started dating, around sixteen. We were on and off for about a year, until one day, he came up to me and said, "This is the last time I'm coming back to you, in your arms. The last time you fuck up and I stay with you. No more chances, Uchiha. You've had enough."

At first, I just snorted at him, but I can remember as clear as day how happy I was to know that I still had him to hold at night. Feelings like those don't go away, and for me, are only meant to be felt with one person and one alone.

I miss you, Naruto. Know that before you leave. Or at least before you forget.

I never even heard the door to my office open, but I sure felt the familiar stare of a certain pair of blue, gorgeous eyes.

[Naruto]

There he was, just staring blankly at a document long forgotten on his desk. He hadn't even heard me come in, but I knew for sure that he knew I was there. He glanced up at me, and I could've swore that I saw a hint of liquid in his eyes.

"I came to say goodbye," I stated. Even though I felt a pang of hurt stabbing at my heart, I knew this had to be done.

Sasuke's eyes were on me fully now, and he frowned. "I know," he said softly. "I assume you don't have long. I caught a glimpse of your transportation outside. Not to mention the group of people seeing you off."

It was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, "I hope... I hope that you forgive me, for everything. Lying to you, backstabbing you... being immature at moments. I just... I want to have the knowledge that you don't hate me before I possibly never see you again."

I bit my bottom lip. "I don't hate you, Sasuke, and you're not the only one at fault."

Sasuke motioned for me to stand before him, and I silently obeyed. When I got close enough, he pulled me on his lap. I found myself staring into his sorrowful eyes before he held me tightly. "I'll always love you, Naruto. Always." He was slightly shaking, and I could feel his tears soaking my shirt. My throat clogged as he continued, "But I know... I know that it's over. We're done."

Tears of my own started to fall. "Sasuke..."

"I understand that I hurt you, but I desperately need your forgiveness. Even if that's all you spare me."

Sasuke clutched me a bit tighter. I, in turn, hugged him back. "I... forgave you long ago, Sasuke. You've always been forgiven."

Sasuke slightly nodded, taking in a shaky breath. He pulled back a bit, meeting my both equally teary eyes. "I'm sorry. I had to get that off of my chest."

My eyes lowered a bit. "Ne, Sasuke... are you sure that you still love me? How do you know for sure, that after everything we've been through, you can still say 'I love you' as easily as you used to?"

Sasuke chuckled. "I'm sure. I can say it because if anything, this whole experience has only made me love you more, because now I know that I can't really live unless I know you're okay. Every moment since you've been gone, I've tried to reassure myself that you were okay, that you didn't leave me totally alone." He smiled. "I'll always love you, dobe. I'm doomed to."

I laughed. "Say it like loving me is a chore, teme. I was just curious because Kakashi told me that once you're really in love with someone, you'll never fall out of it."

Sasuke hugged me closely once more before totally loosening his grip, but he still had his arms around my waist. Somehow, I felt the warm and fuzzy feeling I always got around him when he was so loving toward me. Like when we'd cuddle after a long day's work, or right after we made love. The kind of feeling that assures you that you're needed and wanted. I wanted more of this feeling, but I would only be hurting us more if I asked.

"Naruto," Sasuke asked carefully, locking gazes with me. "Would it be alright if I were able to kiss you one last time?"

I lovingly smiled. Once more wouldn't hurt.

I felt as if I were in heaven when our lips met. His movements were slow and deep, a rare kiss that was ever exchanged between us. His hand felt its way to the back of my neck, deepening the kiss. It felt like an eternity, a life-long dance our lips thrived in. It was an amazing feeling to know that these adoring feelings from Sasuke were ones that he'd only ever show to me. That I was the only one they were meant for.

The kiss had ended, leaving us a little breathless, and Sasuke gently stood up. As my feet safely landed on the ground, Sasuke gave me one more soft kiss on the base of my neck. "I'll always be here, Naruto. When you need me the most. I promise I'll be here."

The tears from before had shown up again. "Hold me a bit longer, Sasuke. Just a bit longer."

He nodded, pulling me close to him. Our bodies fit together perfectly, and I got lost in the beating of his heart and his even breathing.

I love you. I love you so much. Why can't I be yours again?

"Do you remember what you promised me, after the very first time we made love? I held you so close to me, and you gazed up at me with your beautiful blue eyes."

I stayed quiet and listened to him. What promise did I make to you? I don't remember, dammit!

"Do you... remember, Naruto?" He asked softly, his breath tickling my ear.

I tried so hard to remember that beautiful night with him, and while I could picture it, I couldn't remember whispering a promise to him. "I... I can't... can't remember. Sasuke, what did I--"

He cut me off with a shake of his head. "It's not important, Naruto. It's probably for the best that you..." He trailed off.

When Sasuke let me go, he gently grabbed my shirt collar to whisper in my ear, "Thank goodness you've forgotten, Naruto. You can move on now, I'm sure of it."

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It was a quiet ride back to Suna. I just watched the passing landscape the whole way back, trying to ready myself for a life there. It seemed so unreal to me, though. I know I'm making the right decision, but yet...

"Do you remember what you promised me, after the very first time we made love?"

I can't. What did i say?

"It's not important, Naruto. It's probably for the best that you..."

That I what?

"Thank goodness you've forgotten, Naruto. You can move on now, I'm sure of it."

Bastard. I can never move on, no matter how hard I try.

"I'll always love you, dobe. I'm doomed to."

Same here, teme.

My eyes widened as that night came back to me. I could remember everything... the movement of his hands roaming my body; the hot air that surrounded us; the mumbled words that weren't really words at all; the passionate, wild kisses; the nips that had marked the event... everything.

And I remembered looking into Sasuke's eyes like he had said, and I was so scared to let the words slip out that had wanted to. I realize that I was afraid of his reaction, but now I see how stupid I was in thinking so.

I remember, Sasuke. The promise I made to you that night.

"'From here on out, I'm yours. I'll never leave your side, and I'll always be here with you, no matter what happens between us. Even if... Even if you were to take something precious from me... intentional or unintentional, you're not... gonna get rid of... me, teme. That's... that's a--'"

I couldn't finish the sentence, for the sobs that escaped me prevented me from doing so.

Don't worry, Sasuke. I'll be alright. Even if I am a dobe... I'll show you.

At the back of my mind, the only image I could see was Sasuke holding me tight the very night that promise was made, whispering that he loved me over and over until I fell asleep. Then, the light peck of his lips on my forehead.

"I'll show you, my love."

/The End/

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The story is now over, and I have re-read it and fixed the many grammar mistakes and tenses I found.