She raps her knuckles against his door, crosses her arms as she leans against its post. "Hey," she says, watches surprise flit across his features.
"Sakura-chan!" he exclaims, brightening at the sight of her. "You're back." A grin spreads across his face, displaces the whisker-like markings on his cheeks—it reminds her of Gaara's dark-rimmed eyes, awakening a new sort of fondness for her blond friend.
"Was I missed?" she smiles, stepping forward as Naruto stands from his chair. He circles his desk, spreads his arms to embrace her. She walks right into it, props her chin atop his shoulder, his scent—warm and familiar—fills her with nostalgia.
"You have no idea," he says, voice vibrating within his chest—sometimes she forgets he's no longer a kid, details like these reminding her of such facts. She releases him, steps back, meets his gaze with a confident smile. "You look amazing," he notes, eyes roaming her features.
She appreciates his words, feels they help cement the validity of her decision. "I actually came to thank you."
He raises his brows, grin lingering. "What for?"
"For sending Sasuke."
Instant relief crosses his features, his happiness two-edged to her. "You've made up?"
She's well-aware how far his expectations differ from the truth, but the knowledge doesn't deter her from telling it—if anything it encourages her to be blunt. "No."
Silence, a frown, followed by confusion. "What do you mean?" Normally so confident, Sakura doesn't miss the hint of uncertainty in his voice; completely incongruous with his usual demeanour.
"I told him we couldn't be together." Like ripping off a bandaid, she welcomes its quick sting, hopes to get it over with swiftly—there's happier news she'd rather focus on.
A frown knits his brow, gaze boring into hers as he searches for words, shock momentarily silencing him. "But you love him?"
"That's the thing," she pleads, tipping her head. "I don't think I ever did."
His frown deepens, something akin to hurt flitting across his features. "Of course you do! We did everything to get him back—I thought you'd be happy, the two of you, together!" It's the emotion in his voice that gets to her, infiltrates her heavy heart, leaves her soured.
"I thought so too—but I'm not, and I'll never be happy with him. Thanks to you, I'm at least certain about that." She offers an apologetic smile, but it's short-lived in the face of Naruto's denial.
"Sakura-chan, I think you're just confused. You and Sasuke were always-"
"I love Gaara!" she snaps, crossing her arms.
He falters, blinks several times as he processes the words, hand rubbing his face. "What?"
"Gaara," she repeats, feels lighter saying it out loud, "I love him."
"Sakura..." She doesn't miss the sudden lack of a honorific. "I really hope you're being serious, or els-"
"Of course I'm being serious!"
He takes her shoulders, levels his gaze with her. "Did you tell Gaara this?"
"Yes," she huffs, annoyance wearing down her patience.
"Then I hope you know what you want this time, because Gaara isn't some fling for y-"
"A fling!" She pulls away from him, anger boiling her blood. "You think I'm that shallow?"
He crosses his arms. "You claimed you loved Sasuke for years, and now you don't? What am I to think?"
"This isn't just a whim!"
"You've been talking to Gaara for how long? You never showed interest in the guy before and now I'm supposed to believe you love him?"
"What could I possibly stand to gain by lying?"
"I don't know!" He pauses, gaze hardening. "But it wouldn't be the first time."
She falters, blinks against the fog in her eyes, tries her best to stop the tears from forming—he's wrong, doesn't know what he's talking about—feels them stick to her lashes, then roll down her cheeks. "I thought you'd be happy for us- I-" she cuts herself off, quickly wipes at the unwanted sorrow spilling from her eyes.
He deflates, the anger melting from his features. "Even if you're serious... You're a Konoha medic, Sakura, a valuable one at that. Surely you wouldn't turn your back on your village?"
He's not saying what she thinks he is, right? Not Naruto, of all people. It's adding insult to injury, and she can't keep the bitter scowl off her features. "I don't even have a bloodline-limit, so I'm of no true value to your precious village and you know it," she spats.
He pinches the bridge of his nose, releases a long breath, then continues in a softer tone: "I just got Sasuke back... you can't expect me to be okay with losing another friend." He shakes his head, reaches out, then changes his mind, holds his hand to his chest. "I always imagined we'd be together again; the three of us, finally able to pick up where we left off."
"And Gaara's happiness? Where does he factor in?"
"Don't make this about him."
"It is about him!" She can't believe it; this man who claims to be their friend, who should—at the very least—know better. She raises her chin, confident in her decision. "You know what? You and Sasuke deserve each other!" She turns, ignores his attempts at stopping her, instead slams the door, silencing his voice behind the practiced walls she erects, and leaves.
It's not that she's surprised, not at all—in fact, she thinks she understands perfectly. It's just like Naruto; somehow it's about him, yet again, like it's always been. It's laughable, really, how honestly she believed he'd be excited upon hearing the truth. His earlier actions should have been a clear indication, and somewhere deep inside she'd already known. But, if there's one thing she thinks she can take away from their conversation, then it's her own resolve at wanting to prove him wrong. Nothing, not even a Hokage, is going to deter her from loving who she wants—she'll leave behind her village a hundred times over if she has to.
With that in mind, she heads for the training grounds, aware she's expected at the hospital in a few hours. She'll blow off steam first, hopes she can forget some of her anger that way. She's relieved to see them deserted, not in the mood for conversation. As she makes her way across, she appreciates how the grounds are perfectly level, not a single crack or crater in sight; there's nothing more satisfying than breaking apart smooth terrain. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she begins her work, gathering chakra into her fist before unleashing it upon the rock below. It's a sweet kind of satisfaction, every rumbling break and crevice allowing the release of her frustrations: Sasuke, Naruto, and the distance between Gaara and her.
It doesn't take long before the grounds have been transformed into a landscape of cliffs and craters, and she watches her work—out of breath, yet energised—with smug satisfaction. It's short-lived, however, noticing her outfit to be equally ruined. Covered in dust and rubble, she heads home, the streets growing busier as people start their day. It's completely different from Suna—yet, at the same time, so much alike. There's acquaintances who wave at her as she passes, as well as the familiar places she often visits. Truly, it's all very well replaceable, from the shops and bars to the landscape itself; there's nothing she isn't equally appreciative of in Suna, she decides.
Arriving home, she releases a long breath, immediately strips her dirtied clothes and decides a shower wouldn't be too bad an idea. The heat helps wash the tension from her muscles, revives her good mood, skin pleasantly warmed as she steps out. While dressing, she notices someone knocking, and she calls for a moment as she rushes through her routine. Cheeks flushed and hair damp, she opens her door, surprised at her unannounced visitor.
"Ino!"
The blonde grins, hands on her hips, confident as she always is. "Couldn't help but notice you were back in town. For a second I thought there was an earthquake," she says, winking as she side-steps her, allowing herself into Sakura's apartment. "So where have you been?"
Sakura follows, trying to think of an appropriate answer; she's not exactly in the mood for a repeat of her morning. "Actually, I-"
Ino gasps: "Forehead! What's this?" Sakura rushes after her, inwardly curses as she spots Gaara's note between the blonde's fingers, berates herself for not storing it away yet. "Spill the beans!"
How is she supposed to talk herself out of this one? "It's... I-" She chews her lip, rubs her hands together, eyes darting across the room in search for an excuse: she finds none, deflating as she sends Ino an apologetic look. "First tell me if you'd be angry at me if I left."
Her friend looks back at the note, scrutinises its handwriting. "Did Sasuke write this?" she tries. "Is he asking you to leave with him?"
"Answer the question, Ino."
"Of course not," she immediately rebuts, and Sakura doesn't doubt her sincerity.
She nods, offers her a seat before sitting down herself, anxiously smoothing her still wet hair. "It's Gaara's."
"Sakura!" Ino gasps with a smile, taking her hands as she leans in closer. "Does that mean-?"
"We-" she pauses, swallows her nerves, takes a quick breath. "We agreed we'd try."
"That's amazing!" Ino's enthusiasm proves contagious, a shy smile tugging at Sakura's lips. "Really though Forehead, a Kazekage, way to go!"
"I said we'd try! Nothing's set in stone yet," she laughs, the nervous flutter of her heart bringing a flush to her cheeks.
"Oh please," Ino waves a hand, winking for good measure, "before you know it you'll be overrun by tiny redheads."
"Ino!" Sakura straightens in her chair, eyes large. "We've only just started dating—besides I- we-" More blood rushes to her face, fingers massaging her temple as she averts her gaze. "We're taking things slow."
Ino scoffs. "Tell me you've at least seen him naked."
She shoots back up. "What? No!"
"Your blush says otherwise," the blonde teases, waving an accusatory finger at her.
"No! I-" she stammers, throat closing up, "we kissed, okay!"
Ino squeals, taking both of Sakura's hand again, pulling her closer, excited blue eyes blinking up at her. "What was it like?"
She opens her mouth, pauses, feels something hot rush through her. "It was really..." she smiles, averting her gaze, "very nice."
"Who would've thought!" She releases Sakura, leans back in her chair, casually crosses her arms. "I'll have to hand it to Gaara; that man is full of surprises."
She smiles in agreement, touches her necklace, then—albeit hesitantly—wonders if Ino could offer some much needed insight. Her friend's enthusiasm, so far, has her feeling more at ease, and she couldn't imagine talking to anyone else—not about these sort of things. "There was an issue, though," she starts, carefully watching Ino's reactions. "The kiss, it freaked him out."
A seriousness settles over the blonde, much to Sakura's relief, eyes taking on a thoughtful gleam. "Why is that?"
"It's complicated." She averts her gaze, fingers absentmindedly drawing circles across the table. "He told me it confused him." How much would be appropriate to share? Though Gaara's known to be honest, that doesn't mean he wears his heart on his sleeve—like her. Then again, Ino knows how to keep a secret, and she doesn't doubt her friend would respect them both. She briefly closes her eyes, then says: "He was afraid he'd lose control and kill me."
The blonde nods, crosses her legs, then tips her head as she mulls over the information. "Well the guy's obviously repressed."
She raises a brow. "Repressed?"
"Come on, this is Gaara we're talking about," Ino says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world—to Sakura, it's not.
"... So?"
"So," the blonde shakes her head, "have you ever looked at the guy? He's usually stiff as a board—no offence—and it's no wonder with how he used to be."
Sakura scowls, crosses her arms as well. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Ino raises a hand. "Allow me to phrase it this way—now bear with me, I might not get everything right." She leans forward, places her elbows onto the table, levels an unusually serious gaze with Sakura's. "He most likely never controlled his urges—never had to—that is, until Naruto beat some sense into him. He was 12 then, and after that I bet control became an obsession: he had a lot to prove. Most teenagers going through puberty start desiring the other teens around them, instead Gaara only focused on bettering himself and controlling his desire to kill." It's a lot to take in, yet Sakura can't help but feel it makes sense, in a way.
"Do you think..." It's absurd, but who else could she ask? "Desire, wether to kill or sexual, could feel the same?"
Ino nods. "Definitely. It's all lust, you know."
Lust. All-consuming desire; it reminds her of his words. Ino might have a point. "So, how am I supposed to go about this? I'm not exactly experienced myself..." She'd always believed she was saving herself for Sasuke, however silly that might seem in retrospect.
"You're in luck!" Ino throws her a smug grin, flicking a finger against Sakura's forehead. "I just so happen to be available for a sleepover tonight, and from the sound of things it's been long overdue."
Sakura leans away from her, rubs the assaulted skin with a chagrined look, grumbling about pigs and boorish behaviours.
The rumours surrounding her absence were to be expected; she'd randomly disappeared, hadn't even made an effort to explain to her fellow medics where to. Their surprise at her return had been predictable, too; she hadn't announced her return either. What she hadn't expected, however, would be the absolutely ridiculous conclusions they'd collectively come to. Truly, if she has to explain one more time how she hasn't actually staged an elopement with the Kazekage to make Sasuke jealous... However, even she can admit the idea isn't too far-fetched, and she's dismayed to hear how aware they are of her time spent with Gaara—more-so because they all seem convinced the redhead and she are friends, nothing more. It irks her, to have everyone assume she couldn't possibly be interested in a man other than Sasuke, but... she knows she herself is fully to blame.
So, reminded of that fact, she tries her best to remain patient, quickly denying the rumours whenever possible. It's a job in and of itself, progressively wearing her down as the day progresses, time slipping by almost unnoticed. She doesn't realise when the end of her final shift arrives, too preoccupied with yet another conversation about Sasuke—she isn't about to share his rejection, but she also isn't going to have anyone believe her absence had anything to do with him, either. She refuses to award him the credit. It's another nurse who reminds her, urges her to go, spare her energy for tomorrow. In no mood to argue, Sakura complies, rushes out knowing there's preparations to be made. She stops by the market, buys all the pleasures she never permits herself, determined to indulge in her every bad craving. It's been a tradition between Ino and her since childhood, and she feels almost like a kid again as she piles different unhealthy snacks upon a variety of wines, filling her bag with them.
Arriving home, she takes another quick shower, changes into something more comfortable. She's already started on their dinner when Ino arrives, carrying several large bags into the apartment, making it hard to believe she's only staying for a single night. It feels just like old times; the two of them, huddled together in her apartment. Sakura tells her about her day at the hospital, airing her grievances with her colleagues, grateful for her friend's willingness to hear her out. In return she listens to Ino's frustrations, which consist mostly of not having been proposed to yet. Eventually, even these complaints turn trivial as they enjoy their deserts on Sakura's couch; Sai has a habit of leaving ink and brushes everywhere, sometimes getting them mixed up with her make-up—which turns out to be quite the expensive mistake, Ino grumbles.
The phone interrupts them, reminding Sakura she's failed to respond to any of her mother's messages—no doubt her parents have already heard of her return. Rolling her eyes, she leans across the couch to pick up the receiver. "Mom, I-"
"Mom?" an obviously male voice replies.
"Gaara!" She straightens her back, glances at Ino—the blonde snickers, sends her an encouraging look and a thumbs up.
"Am I interrupting?"
"No! I mean-" She folds her legs beneath her, ignores her friend making kissing faces in the background. "Ino is here—but it's fine, she doesn't mind. You're free to talk however long you want." She smirks, sticks out her tongue at the blonde, finishing: "even if it takes all night."
"Don't encourage me," he warns, and she doesn't doubt his seriousness.
Meanwhile, Ino perks up in the background. "Hey, Sakura," she starts in a half-whisper, "ask him if he's an ass or tits man."
"Ino!"
"What's that?"
"Ass or tits?" the blonde repeats, louder this time, to which Sakura leaps up, attempting to silence her, the cord stretching awkwardly in the process.
"Ass... or tits?" the redhead mutters, as if seriously considering the question. Sakura freezes, chokes at his words, covers her mouth as the heat continues to rise to her face. "I don't know."
She glances in Ino's direction, sees her mouth the word 'repressed', then quickly turns away. "So," she tries to change the subject, her voice unusually high, "how are you?"
"I'm fine- actually, there was something I wanted to tell you."
She frowns, sits back down again. "I'm listening."
It takes him a beat to continue, and she wonders if it's bad news. "Sasuke's headed home."
Her heart stutters, a nervous shiver running down her back. It's the last thing she'd expected to hear. "What, why?"
"He didn't say. I wanted to give you a head's up."
Gratitude warms her, softens the news, glad his return won't be unexpected. "Did he mention anything else?" Anything about her, she thinks, aware he doesn't know she mended things with Gaara.
"No," he sighs, falls silent, then: "How are you holding up?"
"Fine, I'm... I'm okay. Thank you—for letting me know." After years, Sasuke has finally decided to come home. Something he wasn't willing to do for her, which has her wondering whatever reason he might have now. Surely, her rejecting him wouldn't have anything to do with it? Perhaps he just wants to see Naruto again, especially after everything that's happened; he might need his friend.
"I don't want you to worry."
"No, I'll be fine. Besides, I'll have Ino around."
"That's good," he pauses, and when he speaks again it's much gentler: "I miss you."
She smiles, feels her heart flutter. "Miss you, too." She chews her lip, feels her smile spread to a grin. "And thank you for the picture." She thinks she can hear him smile through the receiver. "And the note, of course."
"No anger this time?"
"Just this once, it's forgivable."
"I'm relieved, though I wouldn't mind another interruption from you."
She chuckles. "I'll remember that." She'd love for nothing more than to march back to Suna, right this instant, but knows she couldn't just leave again. Besides, in a month he'll be here, back in the privacy of her apartment.
"I shouldn't keep you," he then says. "Have fun, I'll call again tomorrow."
She rolls the cord around her finger, watches the way it stretches, smiles warmly. "I'd like that."
"Goodbye," he rumbles, a fondness in his tone. She opens her mouth, ready to reply, when he suddenly speaks again. "Oh, Sakura?"
She raises her brows. "Yes?"
"I've given it some thought." He pauses, and she holds her breath, notes the amusement in his voice when he says: "I'd have to go with ass." A click, followed by a low tone, suggesting he's hung up.
She's frozen, not quite processing the comment, when Ino bursts out laughing. "Who would have thought the Kazekage has a sense of humour. Sai was right."
Sakura stares at the receiver, silently returns it to the holder. Her face burns, a shy smile curving her lips as she turns to Ino. "You're incorrigible, you know that?" She chuckles, the conversation replaying in her mind, then quickly stands. "We should get some drinks." Ino agrees without hesitation, follows her to the kitchen, helps her grab a pair of glasses, fills them with their favourite wine.
"I didn't know you liked plants, Sakura. Last I saw, you killed them all," Ino notes, staring at the small succulent.
"Gaara gave it to me," she says, taking her glass, "he promised me this one would survive even my care."
"It certainly looks cute," Ino smiles, returning the bottle to the fridge. "I didn't know our desert-man liked plants."
"Oh, he loves them—actually," she says, reclaiming her place on the couch, "I wanted to surprise him next time he comes. That is, if you'd be willing to help?"
Ino joins her, raises her glass to the proposal. "Of course, that's what friends are for."
"Thank you," Sakura smiles, pauses, rotates the glass between her fingers, "I really appreciate all you're doing—being here and all."
"Well, I've missed you," she admits, taking a sip before continuing in a more serious tone: "I know we've both been caught up in our lives—obligations get in the way, and before you know it it's been several months. I could have been there more. For you, I mean."
Sakura follows her example, enjoys the familiar burn down her throat, quickly brushes off Ino's words. "It's not your fault, I know how busy both you and Sai have been, and I understand. Your relationship comes first."
Her response is met with a stern glare. "That's exactly it. Friendships are just as important, and I suppose I lost sight of that. I guess I never noticed how unhappy you were until I finally saw you smile again."
Sakura frowns, watches her wine slosh in its glass, met with her own dancing reflection. "It's as much my own fault," she mutters. "I could have told you how I was feeling, too."
Ino laughs, pokes the tip of Sakura's nose, causes her to raise her eyes. "That's just who you are, you never want to be a burden to anyone." She winks. "But you're not, okay?" Placing her hand atop Sakura's, she squeezes the limb. "You can talk to me about anything."
"Thanks." She smiles into her glass, feels a new sense of appreciation for her childhood friend, and wonders what will remain of them were she to leave Konoha...
"Now where's that picture the two of you were talking about!"
"Picture, what?" Oh right, she- "Hey, wait!" She scrambles after the blonde, tries to stop her from upending her entire apartment, but finds herself already beat, her appreciation quickly forgotten.
"Aw, Forehead!" her friend exclaims. "Look at the two of you, you're going to have such attractive children, I can tell."
"Thanks," she grumbles, slumps back down in defeat. "If we have any—he once told me he wanted to adopt."
"You could do both."
"It's not that simple, what if there's a good reason for, you know..." She gestures awkwardly.
"What, like he doesn't have a penis?"
"That's not what I-!" She cuts herself off, closes her eyes as she rubs her temple. "You're starting to sound like Sai." She frowns, takes another gulp of wine, shaking her head as she swallows. "Anyway, let's not talk about... you know."
Ino raises a brow. "I'm just saying, you should get comfortable discussing these things if you plan on working through whatever's bothering him. Take it from me."
"I'm not sure I'll ever have the confidence to be like you," she sighs, already feels the wine do its work, thoughts spilling from her lips unchecked. "I just can't imagine myself like that."
"Are you kidding me?" Ino snorts, holds up the picture. "Look at this bombshell!"
Sakura laughs, snags the frame from her friend's grasp. "Now you're just exaggerating!"
"That's the thing, I'm not." She pauses to drink more wine, then waves a berating finger at Sakura, smirking. "Besides, we both know Gaara thinks you're beautiful."
She almost chokes, spluttering as she fights the blush staining her cheeks. "I know he's said that, but is it really so strange for me to have a hard time believing it? I mean, I'm still me, and, well, he's..."
Ino 'tsks' her. "Now you're just projecting your lack of self-love onto him."
Sakura winces, hides the expression behind her glass.
"It's the truth," her friend insists.
"Am I really that transparant?"
"Not at all," she grins, "I just know you well." She finishes her drink, dumps the glass onto the table, and adds: "You know what we need? More wine!"
With a chuckle, Sakura agrees, happy to indulge her. It's been too long, and—more than ever—she understands the value of moments like these.
By the dim light of the moon, she watches her friend as she sleeps, smiling to herself as she recounts their conversations. She hadn't before realised how much she'd needed the advice, intensely grateful for Ino's astute perspective. In hindsight, she almost can't believe their rivalry—too many years wasted on a petty competition. How many times had she missed her friend due to her own childishness? There's many things she wishes she could take back, but, seeing as such things aren't possible, she instead vows to be better; a better friend and confidant—even if, one day, she leaves for Suna.
She thinks of Temari, and how much she and Ino would like each other, wishes distance wasn't a thing between them. But, she figures, the both of them will have plenty of time to get acquainted—Temari will move here, after all. It'll be nice, the three of them, for however brief it may be. Closing her eyes, she nestles closer to Ino's warmth, slowly feels herself drift off. It's safe in their little shelter, their cocoon of trust, and she's glad she doesn't have to be alone—even if it's just a single night. Sleep is peaceful, a comforting dive into dreamless depths, consisting of only their echoes; soft voices unfolding their hearts. When morning arrives, a new sort of understanding has grown between them, and they part promising familiarity. At least once a week, they agree, their next evening together already scheduled.
It's back to work after that, Sakura's absence already near-forgotten due to the regular hustle and bustle. It's surprisingly easy to fall back into schedule, life picking up right where she left off—except, this time, she has something to look forward to. There isn't much need left to explain herself, and she prefers keeping it that way; once she finally succumbs to her mother's calls, she cleverly avoids any mention of Gaara, for now pretends to have been on a mission. It's easier that way, she'll tell her parents once he's here—and she won't deny she enjoys the novelty of her little secret.
Days pass by peacefully, a steady rhythm helping her readjust. She continues to avoid Naruto, and, by extension, Hinata. She's stung by his words, yet aware she'll have to face him eventually. Even if it's something she'd rather not. She knows they'll pull through—they've always managed to overcome their differences—but it doesn't make accepting his harsh judgments any easier. And even if they do, there's still the proverbial elephant in the room: Sasuke's return is imminent. With everything that's happened—or rather, hasn't happened—between them, she isn't sure she can handle his sudden presence. After their kiss, followed by her rejection, she isn't sure what's become of them.
In the past, their relationship had been clear cut: teammates, and eventually even friends. Her affection had been a one-sided thing, most often met with annoyance. Now, she's the one keeping distance, denying his advances. It's not a position she ever imagined herself to be in, and the thought of seeing him twists her guts. Of course, as would be her luck, such an occasion presents itself sooner rather than later. Knowing his impending arrival, she really should have been more prepared. She'd been warned—well in time—yet still finds herself caught off guard when he's at her door. He's as stoic as ever, one hand on his hip, eye distantly staring ahead.
"Good morning," she says, a panicked chill running through her.
He grunts, meets her eye, then looks away again. They remain silent for a bit, an awkward air settling between them. "I came to talk..." he says, eventually. "If that's okay with you."
She sucks in a breath, leans against her door, directs her gaze somewhere past him. "I don't know," she mutters. "I'll be expected at work soon, and..."
"I'll be brief."
She pauses, reluctantly meets his eye, feels her stomach drop. "Alright." She steps aside, allows him to pass, closes the door behind him. He walks ahead, stops in her kitchen, looks entirely out of place there. She follows, avoids further eye-contact, instead heads for her counter. "Anything to drink?"
"No, thank you." It's the first time he's ever visited, she realises, swallowing something thick. "You have a nice place."
She nods. "Thank you." Rubbing her arm, she wonders what's prompted him to stop by.
He sighs, rubs at his brow, shows an unusual amount of emotion. He looks lost, tall frame dwarfing the tiny space they occupy. She can sense there's something on his mind, but can't pinpoint the exact emotion flickering behind his sheltered gaze. "I-" he starts, closes his eyes, gathers what she assumes to be courage. "I don't think I can do it." There's a break in his voice, and she instinctively steps forward.
"Do you want to sit down?" she offers, hopes he'll be more comfortable that way.
He blinks, looks between her and the chair, nods. Taking a tentative seat, he stills, stares off into nowhere.
She takes place across from him, observes his conflicted expression with worried eyes. "What's wrong?"
He glances her way, lips pulled into a frown, shoulders straight with tension. It's not easy for him, she can tell, his guard raised, a flightiness to his posture. "Nothing," he tries, crosses his arms, fingers fumbling with his sleeves, then sighs. "Maybe just me."
She frowns, folds her hands in her lap. "There's nothing wrong with you, Sasuke."
He scoffs, dips his chin, and she notices the tightness of his jaw. They remain silent for a bit, her clock ticking away in the background, filling the air with an uncomfortable sense of urgency; she'll have to leave soon. "I just thought if I- with you- I'd finally feel..." he stops himself, turns his head away, leg bouncing impatiently before he abruptly stands, already moving away.
"Wait," she says, reaches out, fingers wrapping around his sleeve. "You can talk to me, you know. It's okay."
He stills, doesn't turn to face her—yet she somehow feels the weight he carries around, an unfamiliar kind of hurt, settling against her skin and raising bitter goosebumps. "I don't think I can revive my clan," he murmurs, almost too soft for her to catch, and just like that, leaves, his words left to settle in his stead.
A/N: Heeeeeeeellllooooooo! Don't worry, Gaara will be back next chapter, but there's of course plenty of development to go through first, especially concerning Sasuke and Naruto. I also couldn't resist having Ino pipe in. She's such an overlooked character, and I feel like if someone understands psychology, it'd be her. She's exactly what Sakura needs at this point, and you can expect to see a lot more of her, because we stan healthy friendships between women. Also, special shoutout to Cinnamonbun24 because omg your comments had me smiling like an idiot all day! And of course thank you so much to everyone else for sticking with my silly little fluff-piece turned pwp yet still without the actual p but don't worry we're getting there-let's face it, there's a single reason we're all here and it's to read about these characters naked both body and soul. I also hope you're all going to like what I have in store for Sasuke, because if there's something I enjoy it's giving these characters valid reasons for their actions and redeeming them because there's nothing as satisfying as a happy ending for everyone.
And, as promised, linked below are the adorable pieces Prosynica made for this fic! It's the first time anyone's made art for something I wrote and I couldn't be more honoured!
prosynica . tumblr post/637858047816024064/finally-got-around-to-coloring-some-old-stuff
prosynica . tumblr post/634504763488272384/decided-to-draw-another-scene-from-creosote-by