Theme: #187 - "Destiny"
Warnings: None really.

The walk home was silent and awkward. Team 7 was returning from the Village Hidden in the Mist from their mission escorting and protecting Tazuna, and things had not returned to the usual routine of constant bickering between Sasuke and Naruto, the fangirl chiding from Sakura, and the constant sighs and eye rolls from Kakashi.

In fact, it was like the tension between them had grown ten-fold--

--especially between Sasuke and Naruto.

Even since Sasuke sacrificed himself to save Naruto, nobody could put things into words that would lighten the situation. It was too close, much too close, for comfort.

Each time Naruto tried to confront him, all the brunette would say was 'My body moved on its own, don't ask me'. It was bringing them into a game of circles and loops, and Naruto was frustrated.

"All right, let's take a short break." Kakashi dropped his pack and stretched out of the ground at the base of a tree lazily. "We can start up again in a few minutes. For now, take a breather."

Sasuke, knowing that Sakura would be on him in a heartbeat, made his way through the path into a clearing ahead. He'd just hide here until Kakashi called them back or went looking for them.

"Neh, Sasuke?"

The brunette turned and stared. "What?"

Naruto shuffled, looking far more awkward that what Sasuke was used to. "Can I join you?"

The Uchiha stared some more, then shrugged. The blonde seated himself next to him and they sat in silence.

It was short lived though.

"Why--" Naruto started but Sasuke interrupted him.

"Don't."

"But--"

"I said don't."

Naruto sighed. "So you'd give up your dream?"

Sasuke shrugged. "Is it really a dream, or just a wish? What defines it?"

"You do, it's how you look at it that makes it what it is." Naruto pointed out. "My dream is to be Hokage, and you--to kill your brother. You'd give that up just for me?"

The Uchiha shrugged again. "What's more important? The killing of one man or leading a village?"

"That's IF I can!" Naruto exclaimed, and Sasuke whirled on him.

"You think that I can kill him?! You've got serious problems if you think that!"

"It takes time!" Naruto shot back. "You'll get stronger, and then you'll be able to! I know it! Just like with me, if I work hard enough, I'll get to be Hokage."

"Is that what you really think?" Sasuke raised a brow. "You think that's what's in store for us?"

Naruto nodded furiously. "Yes!"

The brunette mutely stared at the blond before he shook his head, stifling a laugh. Said blond's eyes widened in shock. "Wha--what?"

"Naruto, you're an idiot."

"WHAT?!"

Sasuke leant against a tree and closed his eyes. "Your dream will come true. I'm sure of it."

Naruto watched him before he smiled. "Yours will too, Sasuke."