Hi guys so sorry that this next chapter has come late but these past few weeks have been SO BUSY I've had four tests last week and an assignment and it just got insanely crazy. This is quite a short chapter since I've had some writers block. It's more so getting the words down and heading into the direction I want the story to go!
This chapter isn't that eventful compared to the previous ones, but it's a stepping stone for the next chapter (which I'm looking forward for you to all read)! I really wanted to capture the friendship between Sasuke and Naruto, so I hope it's not OOC.
Also, I have really mixed feelings about this chapter. I don't hate it but I don't overly like most bits of it. So I'd appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for all the reviews as well and what not xxxx
Chapter 7:
Sasuke sheathed his katana beside his hips as he sauntered back into the village. He took off his hawk mask and flicked his hair, attempting to move his bangs away from his eyes. It was dawn when he returned from his solo mission and the Village Hidden in the Leaves was peacefully sleeping. Sasuke wondered if this was how Itachi had envisioned peace. Silent and content. Although, Konoha had many things to rebuild, they had focused a lot of their efforts on helping small neighbouring villages that lacked the resources of a village with a Kage. This peace and content the whole village had with just being able to be alive was... serene. Sometimes it had made Sasuke irritated and envious. Much of the peace this village was built on was due to the oppression of his clan. The peace they had now was due to his and Naruto's efforts. Naruto whom this village once ostracised and shunned. Tch. Sasuke sometimes had to remind himself that Naruto no longer had resentments about it – he had forgiven them. Sasuke, on the other hand, had tried but he couldn't. He would not and could not forgive what this village has done to both his family and Naruto. The only sentiments he had for this village related to the memories with his family, his bond to Naruto, his familial feelings towards Team 7 and the sacrifice Itachi had made. He would protect Konoha because of those sentiments and nothing else. Nothing else mattered but those feelings.
Speaking of the dobe, I wonder if he's moved from his bed. It had been two days since Sasuke had left the village. The last time he had seen Naruto, he had been in bed and had looked solemnly depressed. His replies had consisted of one worded answers. His bright eyes and mind were now distant and gloomy.
It had all began the day after the Hinami festival. I was right, that day was cursed to be a bad one the moment it began. Following his normal routine, Sasuke had gone to visit Naruto early in the morning to drag him out of bed for a spar. However, when he had arrived, Naruto was already awake. He was sitting on his couch, with his head in his hands. Sasuke had noticed that his body was tense. Momentarily, there was a coarsely laugh. Naruto had then said that he was an idiot, it was over a long time ago. It was not difficult for Sasuke to narrow down Naruto's agony to come from Hyuga Hinata.
Sasuke frowned as he got closer to Naruto's apartment. From what he had learnt at the festival, Hinata and Naruto had not been together for a few months. Then, they had gotten together for the day out of the blue. It had made no sense to anyone. The two appeared to be content together but anyone close to them could tell that those feelings were a façade. Hinata and Naruto had a tense atmosphere between them. Sasuke knew it was not the 'I strongly dislike you' atmosphere. But, he knew it was tense. Something happened. Something that Naruto can't even talk about. Something neither of them can talk about. He clenched his fists as he made his way up the stairs to the apartment. It was in moments like these that Sasuke became agitated at himself. He owed Naruto everything. Yet, there was nothing he could when his best friend was miserable.
Sasuke stood in front of Naruto's door hesitantly. What do I do? He had no idea how he should help him. Sasuke was not the type to lend helping hand out of the blue. He sighed, he still had to hand in his mission report. I'll do it after this.
Using the spare key under the mat, Sasuke unlocked the door. There was a tiny bit of him hoping that Naruto was his energetic and loud self again. However, he had crushed that in seconds, I've got to be realistic here. Naruto probably hasn't even moved. Sasuke trailed right in to Naruto's quarters as if he lived there. That statement was mostly true as he did always end up sleeping at Naruto's more than he did at Kakashi's. For one, Naruto hardly nagged Sasuke about doing things or questioned his every motive.
Sasuke groaned as he walked into Naruto's room. He was right to crush every tiny bit of hope he had. Naruto was still in bed. There were ramen cups everywhere and he was positive Naruto had not bothered to keep his hygiene in check.
"Oi, dobe."
Naruto groaned and rolled over, "Sasuke? Aren't you leaving for your mission?"
Sasuke's eyes twitched, well at least he replied with a sentence this time. "I just came back from it."
"Oh." He rolled back over, and buried his head back into his pillow.
Sasuke unsheathed his katana in seconds and had the tip of the blade resting on Naruto's neck. "Don't give me such a pathetic reply. It's been two days – "
"I know," Naruto croaked out. Naruto's fingers circled around the blade and gripped it.
"Sasuke, you could stab me with this and I wouldn't even notice. It already feels like I'm being speared to death."
"Hn," swiftly he pulled the katana away from Naruto's hands and sliced Naruto's back open.
Poof!
Naruto's shadow clone disappeared and Sasuke massaged the bridge of his nose. Well at least he got out of bed. Guess I'll go change or have a shower.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It didn't take long for Sasuke to find Naruto. Ever since the war, it was never too difficult to sense his presence. Sasuke didn't mind. It was as if the world was reminding him he would always have someone.
Naruto was crouched over a garden bed in the Uchiha district. It was beside the house Sasuke was currently building.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
Naruto wiped the dirt off onto his orange pants and smiled sadly. "Just some gardening. Hinata also liked gardening…"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Are you as stupid as you look?"
"Eh?"
"Did you really think a shadow clone would fool me? Also if you plant ugly flowers I'll actually slice you in half this time."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, awkwardly laughing. "I didn't realise you'd be coming back so soon. And hey! You didn't actually have to listen to what my clone said."
"Whatever, let's go." Sasuke turned on his heel and walked out of the district with Naruto following behind.
"Sasuke… I don't really feel like sparring," he called out.
Sasuke gritted his teeth. He really needed to spar to let out some tension. Sasuke had to always hold back in missions now since his strength overpowered many very easily. It was only in his spars with Naruto could he fight at one hundred percent.
"Don't make assumptions," he spat out. "We're going to the Hokage tower first and then I'll treat you to some ramen for breakfast or lunch." He muttered out the last bit because he had hoped Naruto would never tell anyone about his sudden kindness.
From the corner of his eyes he saw Naruto smile sincerely. "Brunch sounds good."
Sasuke let a small smile creep onto his face, pleased that Naruto had smiled.
Xxxx
After handing in his mission report, Sasuke headed back towards the exit. He nodded his head at Naruto, whom was kneeling against the wall, with one leg propped against it and his arms crossed over his chest.
"Why'd ya drag me along just to hand in a report?"
Sasuke shrugged, as he placed his hand in his pocket. "I thought I should give you a reminder."
The two saviours of the world walked down the stairs, side by side in silence. As they finished one flight of stairs Naruto looked at Sasuke condescendingly.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Sasuke pushed Naruto against the wall abruptly and sneered at him.
"Isn't it your dream to become Hokage?"
"Of course it –"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "Then start acting like it. You'll be responsible for a whole village Naruto. If you can't take care of yourself over some stupid heartbreak then how do you plan to take care of a village?"
Naruto lowered his eyes, "It's not stupid –"
"Who gives a shit? She certainly didn't," he yelled out.
Naruto's jaw clenched, he pushed Sasuke off of him. "Shut up! You don't know anything Sasuke!"
"You're right, I don't know anything. It's ironic, you go around asking me about my problems but when it comes to you Naruto, you refuse to tell a damn soul!"
Sasuke grabbed Naruto's collar and punched him in the jaw.
"Don't let your personal feelings get in the way of your work, you idiot."
Naruto laughed as he wiped the blood off his mouth. "Leave me alone you ass. I got a week off the roster. I'll mope about as much as I want this week."
Sasuke pressed his lips together into a thin line. "Whatever." He shrugged and turned on his heel, continuing to walk down the stairs.
Naruto stood up and followed behind him, "Hey teme! You're still buying me ramen dattebayo!"
Sasuke smiled, "Hn."
Xxxx
Sasuke rested his chin on his palm, staring off into his other hand. His other hand slowly spun a cup of sake. During his travels he had learnt the wonders of alcohol and the comfort it provided. It was intoxicating and blurred out a lot of the pain. It tasted bitter and burnt his insides, especially his throat. But the end result was always consistent. It would take away the agony for a few hours and it relaxed him. There was nothing else he could ask for.
Don't be such a fool. Tch. Sasuke massaged his forehead and sighed. It was only when he had a few drinks would he let his thoughts wonder. Liar, liar, liar. Sasuke smiled bitterly. That's right. There's nothing else I want? Such bullshit. Sasuke wanted the agony to be gone. He wanted the weight of it all it be lifted from his shoulders. It was a fruitless desire though. The suffering and hatred would never disappear. The darkness of it would always lie dormant in his heart. He was slowly healing though – it's all thanks to Naruto.
Sasuke looked at him and smiled. He seems a bit better now. Naruto was slurping away at his large bowl of miso pork ramen. He had spat out some words here and there and Sasuke had nodded in response.
He was uncertain on how long both he and Naruto had been at Ichiraku Ramen. But once the shop had gotten busy due to it being lunch both he and Naruto had decided to take their leave. The two had waved their goodbyes to both Ayame and Teuchi, and were told to come again whenever they please.
Naruto yawned and stretched his arms in the air as they walked. He placed his hands behind his head.
"I don't know how you convinced the old man to let you have some sake. Especially this early in the day!"
Sasuke shrugged.
"You didn't use your sharigan or rinnegan on him did you? Because if you –"
Naruto stopped midway as he felt Sasuke glare at him.
"Does it look like I would use my eyes for something so insignificant?"
He gulped and shook his head.
"Hn."
The two continued to walk down the road, here and there girls would fawn over them from afar or run up to them. Whenever they did, Naruto would converse back to them. Sasuke on the other, would continue walking. He had no time for girls whom only cared about his looks and status. Moreover, he didn't even know how to talk to them. Hence, whenever Sasuke would walk off, Naruto would run after him leaving the girls behind. It was a continuous routine they followed until one particular girl ran up to them.
"Naruto-kun!" Hyuga Hanabi called out. He watched as the younger Hyuga sister, waved her hand in the air and ran to them. She was the opposite of her older sister. Hinata had more of a womanly figure and had a hint of lavender in her eyes. Whereas, Hanabi lacked curves and breasts. Sasuke gritted his teeth, why am I even thinking about that damn Hyuga girl?
"Oh! Hanabi-chan, hey!"
She flashed a smile and then blushed as she realised Sasuke was also there, "Uchiha-san," she grasped her hands together and bowed before him, "sumimasen about before. I did not mean to call you such rude names nor address Uchiha-san like that."
Sasuke was taken aback. She had apologised to him, as if the remarks she had made were life threatening. He turned his head away from her, "How trivial. I didn't even remember."
He heard the girl gasp. She stood up and turned her head away from Sasuke and Naruto. He observed her trying to control the faint blush on her cheek. Sasuke wanted to walk away but her next question had sparked his curiosity.
"I just thought I should apologise… Ah, Naruto-kun are you busy this afternoon?"
Naruto titled his head and scratched his cheek. "Hmmm… guess not, why? Does Hinata need help with something?"
Hanabi shook her head, "I just came back from visiting the Academy and Iruka-sensei was planning on asking you to hold another demonstration class this afternoon?"
"Nani? Wait – what were you doing at the Academy?"
Hanabi blushed as she responded. "Ever since I got promoted, I took on the job of teaching there. Since there's hardly any missions now I thought it would be nice. Also, since I'm at home I can look after my onee-san more."
Naruto grinned, "That's great Hanabi-chan! I'll be there this afternoon, yosh!"
"Arigato! Oh, Uchiha-san, if you want you could also –"
"No."
Naruto pouted and nudged him, "C'mon Sasuke, it'll be fun dattebayo!"
Sasuke curled his lip, disgusted at the thought of looking after children fun. "I'd rather be stuck in a room with Orochimaru."
Hanabi looked horrified at Sasuke's response.
"He really doesn't mean that Hanabi-chan."
"I do. That way, I could stab him as I please," Sasuke smirked, "you can't do that with children, can you?"
He waited for Hanabi to call him a monster or any other degrading term. Instead she laughed, "That's true, half of those kids are brats. But they are the future, so we need to look after them."
"Hn."
Naruto scratched his cheek, "Ah anyway…. How's Hinata?" He mumbled.
Hanabi looked down at her feet. "She's okay."
"I see… well, please look after her Hanabi-chan."
Hanabi raised her head and nodded, "Hai… Anyway I've got a clan meeting to attend to. Ja ne!"
Xxxxx
The rest of their walk was quiet. For once, Sasuke could not handle the silence.
"Why do you even care so much about her?"
"Huh? Well… I guess I just do. It's natural. "
Sasuke stopped in his tracks and Naruto followed in his stead. He glanced at Naruto and noticed him staring at the sun, he smiled sadly.
"You of all people should know what I'm like. I never gave up on you Sasuke."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "That's different Naruto."
Naruto looked back at Sasuke and sighed.
"Do you know what it feels to be in love Sasuke? Sakura-chan's always been in love with you. Despite everything, she gives you endless love and never asks for more. I guess that's how I feel now about Hinata. I won't ask anything from her anymore since she's given me all of her love. She poured and poured and now she's empty Sasuke. She can't love herself because she can't forgive herself. I just want her to be happy again. I want her to experience love again. I'll always love her, that's never going to change. But, the next time she'll experience love, it won't be with me. All I can do for her now is make her understand that I'll cherish what he had forever. She's important to me. It's just like how you're important to me Sasuke… Do you see what I mean? You're the first person I've ever had a bond with. You're my first friend. Hinata… she's my first love. I just can't forget these relationships I've had which impacted my life."
Sasuke's eyes were wide, his eyebrows were raised and his eyes locked with Naruto's.
"What exactly did happen between you and Hyuga?"
Naruto smiled sadly, "A lot and nothing at the same time."
Xxx
As I said, quite a short chapter. I wanted to post a least something for you all, because I didn't want to drag on posting this chapter up. Please review !
Thanks for reading! Xx
