-A/N: Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Nartuo series

Italics like this mean its thoughts in a character's head

Love of Elements

Ch. 8 Seperation

Naruto smiled as he made his way around what just a few hours ago was a battlefield, but now it was full of Fire and Air soldiers aiding each other's injuries and building relationships. It was so clear how neither country truly wanted to be involved in a war. Yes, there was a group of Air soldiers with bitter feelings, that Gaara and Temari were speaking to now, but overall everyone just wanted to be at peace.

The blonde took a deep breath as he watched from a distance Sasuke closely read the list of dead. His smile fell a little. Despite the beneficial end of Rasa's attack, there was still lives lost on each side. Naruto knew Sasuke took every death of his citizens very seriously, just as a king should. The blonde's stomach began to twist at the thought. King…

Just as Naruto began to get lost in thought, a young man adorned in Air armor walked up to him. The young soldier smiled, "You're Naruto right? King Minato and Queen Kushina's son?"

The blonde's heart twisted in bitter sweetness at his parents' names, "I am."

The young man's face beamed, "My parents taught me so much about all the great things your parents did." His face began to tense a little, "Does…Does everything that happened mean you'll…be king?"

Naruto felt his throat dry as the question haunting everyone's mind the past couple days was said out loud. He took a slow, deep breath trying to not let his emotions show. The blonde knew it was likely to happen, and the weight of the sudden life change was nerve racking. However, he forced a small smile, "I don't know, but we'll find out soon."

_inside the Fire country_

Hinata sadly glanced out toward the city gates, still being protectively guarded with her water dome, yearning to see Naruto return but knowing he wouldn't. Her heart ached. There had never been a doubt in Hinata's mind that her beloved blonde would make an incredible king. She had complete and utter faith in his character and power; she just hadn't expected their tragic love story to end so soon.

The Water princess gripped her hands in her ivory dress, trying to not let her emotions outwardly show. She clenched her jaw as she heard soft footsteps stop behind her. She breathed slowly, "Do you suppose the battle is over yet?"

Neji's eyes softened, knowing all the emotion his dear cousin was bottling up, "Possibly…but we both know that's not the biggest thing on your mind right now."

Hinata bit the inside of her cheek. She just wanted a break from all the emotion, "And we both know there's no use in discussing it. It won't change anything…"

The stoic Hyugga frowned, "No…but you don't have to keep up your appearance around me. You're allowed to have feelings Hinata."

The Water princess felt a snap in her heart as hot tears began to roll down her face once again, but she kept her back to her cousin. The two cousins had always been honest about their feelings, especially when it came to their complicated romances. But this was different…this was worse. She didn't know how to talk about or handle her broken heart.

Neji placed a sympathetic hand on his cousin's shoulder, but only to be met with her stepping away. Hinata sucked in a deep breath between sobs as another feeling entered her heart. She quickly faced him, "You're right that I can't change anything…but you can Neji."

Neji felt a mix of pain over his cousin's tears and apprehension over her statement. Hinata uselessly wiped tears from her face, only to be met with more. "I can't be with Naruto, but you can be with TenTen. It doesn't matter that it's hard, because you can have her!"

Neji froze as his cousin pleaded to him between her sobs. The Water princess put a hand to her heart, feeling like a ragged sword was being dragged through her chest, "You don't have to give up on love Neji. The two of you don't have to feel like this."

The Water princess fought the urge to crumple over as her agony continued to grow. She needed to get inside before someone saw her.

Hinata swiftly dashed back to her room, leaving Neji alone on the balcony. He tilted his head down and hid his eyes.

_a couple hours later_

SONG: "Next To Something" - Imagine Dragons vs A Great Big World (Mashup)

Sasuke gave a relieved sigh as supplies, the dead, and the injured were loaded into the repaired wagons. The battle was over, time for rest had passed, and it was finally time to head home with news of victory. The Fire king turned to the side and felt his heart tense as he met familiar blue eyes. His jaw clenched as Naruto offered a weak smile.

Gaara and Temari soon made their way to Naruto's sides as the blonde stared at his best friend, "Looks like this is it."

Sasuke gave a small nod as the reality began to sink in of the hole Naruto would leave in his everyday life. No more sparring, no more honest conversations, no more annoyance that Sasuke secretly enjoyed…no more Naruto, except maybe once every few years. The Fire king bit his tongue, he hadn't faced a goodbye this hard since his family fell apart.

Naruto gave a sympathetic look, knowing how bad Sasuke was at emotional matters. He reached out his hand, "Promise you'll find someone good to listen to in my place? Someone like TenTen or Sakura, not Danzo."

Sasuke's heart sunk further as he thought about the good influence the blonde brought to his rule that he would now be missing. Naruto was the one who kept him from being a hated king; Sasuke wasn't sure he could manage that alone.

The Fire king reached out and shook Naruto's firm hand and gave a small nod, "I'll do my best…Air is fortunate to have you."

Naruto gave a bittersweet smile, "And Fire is lucky to have you, you just have to keep showing them that."

Sasuke gave another grateful nod as he tried to fight off thoughts of the loneliness he would soon face. Happiness was certainly not left for the royal. The Fire king felt his throat tighten a little, but made sure to keep his proud stance, "You better take care of yourself, you can't be eating ramen every day."

The blonde gave a small laugh as their hands released from its firm handshake, "I'll try…and I'm going to miss you too."

Sasuke stared into his best friends eyes a moment longer before meeting the gaze of Gaara. The Air prince understood the look in his eyes, "We'll take care of him. Thank you for your help; I hope this sets our countries toward many years of peace."

The Fire king did his best to continue setting his emotions aside, "You saved many lives of my people with your warning. I won't forget that."

Temari and Gaara grew smiles of hope at what seemed like a bright future for the two countries. Sasuke tilted his head as he heard his horse being brought beside him; he took the reins and looked back into Naruto's eyes. The time of Naruto's constant prescence was at its end. Sasuke ignored the pit in his stomach and offered another look of gratitude before getting on his black stallion. His heart yearned for a way for the blonde to return to Fire with him, but he knew personal wants weren't left for people like them.

Naruto tried his best to ignore the pain in his chest as he watched Sasuke turn away and begin to ride off to lead his army home. The blonde's life has been turned completely upside down in a matter of less than two days. He had to come to terms with no more Sasuke, no more Fire country (and all the friendships it included), no more freedom of royal pressure, and no more heart-twisting visits to see Hinata.

The blonde watched as the Fire army began to march it's way home, and he felt like a piece of himself was going with it. He shut his eyes and after a moment forced himself to turn around. He opened his eyes and plastered on a fake smile for Gaara and Temari, "I guess we should head out too, huh? We have a lot to talk about."

Gaara forced on a small smile too, knowing how Naruto was truly feeling deep down but knowing there was nothing he could do. The red-head knew, after everything his father did, that Air wouldn't trust his family to rule again. Naruto would have to give up the life he loved and rule. Gaara shoved down his own feelings and stared back into his friend's blue eyes, "Yes, we must get back quickly. We have to let everyone in Air know they're safe again."

_six hours later_

SONG: "All Too Well (Piano Version)" – Taylor Swift

Sakura laid quietly on her bed and stared at the dark ceiling. She had hardly slept the night before due to oncoming war, but her mind was so tortured she still didn't know how to find rest. It was past ten at night, but all she could think about was the raging battle and her newly discovered feelings for Sasuke.

The pinkette groaned again and rolled over, shoving her frustrated expression into her pillow. She yearned to sleep just so she could stop thinking. "Do you have feelings for Sasuke?" Sakura gripped her hands in her sheets as concern won out over panic this time. As confused and scared as Sakura was of her feelings, they wouldn't matter unless the dear Fire king made it home. The pinkette took a slow, deep breath and sat back up.

Sakura pulled her pillow into her arms and squeezed it tight as she looked out her tall, glass window. It was dark, but she could still vaguely make out the rotating dome of rushing water around the city. She sighed as she glanced at the buildings with lights still on, it was clear she wasn't the only one struggling to sleep.

Sakura ignored her tired eyes and stood up, dressing herself back into her silky, burgundy dress. If she was going to sit up awake, she might as well do something.

The pinkette quietly exited her room and made her way down the hall; she hoped that those around her were able to rest. She pursed her lips as she considered where to head. She didn't want to do anything that would wake anyone up. Sakura sighed. I can't focus on reading right now…but I need to do something. She made her way down to the next castle floor and contemplated working on more herbal remedies. That would certainly distract her brain, but she wasn't sure if she was mentally fit in her tired state to be creating medicine.

Sakura tapped her fingers on her dress as she walked further down the hall and gazed out the long, series of windows; she halted. The pinkette narrowed her eyes as she tried to make out the figure sitting on bench in the darkened courtyard. Her expression softened as she noticed the young woman with long, dark hair dressed in an ivory gown. Sakura hesitated a moment, but soon made her way towards the same spot.

The pinkette breathed slowly as she made her way down the last set of stairs. She knew her new acquaintance was probably having even more trouble sleeping than her. She slowed her pace as she made her way into the dark courtyard, lightly lit by the moon. She clenched her jaw. I wonder if she'd rather be alone?

"Unable to sleep?"

Sakura jumped a little at Hinata's emotionless words. The pinkette's throat tightened, but she made her way closer, "Yes…I can't seem to relax…you?"

The Water princess gave a small nod as Sakura sat at the opposite edge of the marble bench. The pinkette could slightly make out the redness around Hinata's eyes; she frowned. The two young women sat there silently a moment as conflicting emotions swirled in each of their hearts. Hinata sensed Sakura's discomfort and tensed her shoulders, "I'm sure Sasuke will be back soon."

The pinkette's heart leaped a little at the mention of the Fire king's name, but her butterflies were immediately suppressed knowing that all Hinata could think about was the blonde's lack of return. Sakura offered a small smile at Hinata's encouragement and looked up at the circling water dome, "Is it true different royalty doesn't see much of each other…?"

Hinata felt her heart sink further in her chest. She frowned, "Every few years at best."

Sakura gave an inward sigh, wishing she could do something to change Naruto and Hinata's circumstances. The pinkette pursed her lips and offered the Water princess a sympathetic look, "I know it doesn't change anything…but I think Naruto really wished he could love you forever too."

Hinata felt tears prick her eyes again and she gripped her hands in her dress. Naruto and her never actually confessed their love for each other. She titled her head down and tried to hide behind her midnight hair. Hot tears began to roll down her cheeks for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, "I always knew it would end in heartbreak…I just didn't know it could hurt so much."

Sakura felt tears of empathy come to her own eyes as she watched Hinata's shattered state. The pinkette couldn't begin to understand what it felt like for nearly two decades of friendship and love to meet a tragic end. For so much deep longing to be held in for so long, and then ripped to pieces. The pinkette felt her face began to grow wet as she watched Hinata try to shove her sobs down. She reached for her hand.

The water princess looked up as she felt a comforting squeeze to her small hand. Her lavender eyes widened slightly to see tears coming out of Sakura's eyes too. Hinata had never opened her heart enough to be able to see someone's heart break alongside hers.

Hinata began to sob harder as she felt an overwhelming sensation that it was safe to be vulnerable. Sakura felt her heart crack further and she quickly slid closer to allow the broken princess to cry in her arms. The pinkette shut her eyes tight trying to hold her emotions back so Hinata could have the freedom to let out all of her own. To let out the years suppressed agony over her tragic love story.

In the distance Neji quietly watched from a balcony, standing in the same place he had since Hinata had ventured outside. He let his expression take on a solemn look, knowing nobody was watching. Neji had always wished to save Hinata from heartbreak…from what he was seeing now. His dear cousin and Naruto had truly fallen into a tragic love.

Neji tightened his crossed arms. He was unbelievably grateful to see Hinata opening herself up to Sakura and to let out the emotion she tried to hide from him earlier. Naruto and Sasuke trusted the pinkette so he knew that meant they could too…and that Sakura could provide a different kind of comfort than he could.

"I can't be with Naruto, but you can be with TenTen." Neji sunk further back in the shadows as Hinata's words continued to haunt his mind. He couldn't seem to end the emotional war inside over wanting TenTen, but also not wanting to ruin everything she had worked so hard for.

_twenty minutes later_

The two young woman shot their eyes up as large streams of fire began to light up the sky and shine through the circling, water dome. Sakura's heart shook in anticipation, she quickly looked back down at Hinata, "Is that…"

The pale princess quickly blinked away her tears and dried her weary face as she stood. She nodded and took a couple steps forward to give herself space, "They're back!"

The pinkette shot up as her mind was flooded with thoughts of the Fire king. She wanted to run to the kingdom gates, but couldn't seem to think of where to run. She darted her jade eyes back to the Water princess. Hinata inhaled slowly as she began twisting her arms through the air and spinning around in graceful circles.

Sakura looked back up at the dark sky and watched as the rotating dome of water slowly began to break away, and the stars began to come into view. Cheers of victory began to echo through the air as the water dome came down, and soldiers began to shoot up victorious streams of fire in the air.

The pinkette smiled at the optimistic noise and looked around to find hundreds of lights quickly turned on. Fire had won. Her heart beamed as she found security in the celebration that Sasuke was alive and well. The man she cared for so much had returned safely. Her smile faltered as she began to wonder if she could handle seeing him after realizing her feelings. Sakura's heart was full of gratitude that Sasuke had returned, but it was also full of fear. Every fiber of her being yearned to see the handsome Fire king, but she also had the overwhelming sensation that her feelings could destroy their relationship, one of the only relationships in Fire she had.

Sakura cast her anxious gaze to her side to find the Water princess' lonely stance. Sadness swirled its way on top of her nerves. Naruto isn't there… Hinata probably couldn't bring herself to go near the city gates either.

Sakura slowly walked over to the pale woman, ignoring the people racing out of the castle. She offered an empathetic look and began to sadden further over Hinata's interrupted emotions, "Would you like to go somewhere else? I'm sure everyone will be by the gates for a while."

_at the gates_

Sasuke gave a relieved, quiet sigh as he rode through the city gates and was surrounded by cheers of victory from both his soldiers and the citizens running towards them. The yells of joy caused a slight, happy tilt in his lips despite the daunting feeling of exhaustion weighing on his shoulders. They were home.

His dark orbs drifted around as he watched soldiers reunite with his loved ones. He tensed as TenTen made her way beside him, riding her caramel colored horse. His eyes narrowed, "Make sure everyone knows where to go to find the list of those who died. I'll lead the injured back to the infirmary and discuss funeral arrangements with you in a few hours."

The brunette woman gave a bittersweet nod; they had gained victory, but not without loss of life that would break families' hearts. Sasuke took a deep breath as TenTen rode to the side to make her announcement and to lead the wagons of dead bodies behind her. The Fire king looked back at the men pulling the wagons of injured and motioned to follow him.

As Sasuke moved forward, he continued to look through the crowd of his citizens, nodding back at the approving cheers they gave him. The Fire king swallowed hard, he had won over his people this time…but wasn't sure how well he would do in the future without Naruto by his side. Sasuke was naturally cold and selfish; he often put power over the feelings of his people, but Naruto was the influence that kept him from carrying out his selfish wishes every time. Naruto was who kept him from being hated. "Promise you'll find someone good to listen to in my place? Someone like TenTen or Sakura, not Danzo."

Sasuke's heart twitched at the thought and he quickly found himself looking through the crowd for a familiar shade of pink. He subconsciously held his breath as his eyes searched to find her. It had been just under two days since she asked him to stay home from the battle, just a short time since he promised she would see him again.

Confusion began to slowly trickle through his mind as he rode further through the crowd. She wasn't there. Sasuke forced himself to not display a frown as he stared off towards the castle, still searching for her. He tensed at the rushing sense of eagerness to see the pinkette. Where is she?

_twenty minutes later_

Sakura jogged quickly down the halls, holding her long dress as her pale legs hastened. The pinkette had spent further time comforting Hinata, but was soon met with the realization that there would be dozens of soldiers in the infirmary waiting for treatment, far too many for the healers to handle themselves.

Thankfully, Neji had finally stepped out of hiding and offered to take the pinkette's place of comfort. She just hoped she could get there in time to prevent anything tragic.

The pinkette breathed deeply as the infirmary doors soon came into view. Her heart pounded as she quickly burst through the doors. Her jade eyes scattered around at the several dozen soldiers laid out across medical beds and the floors. The healers were far outnumbered.

Sakura quickly made her way into the room and looked at the head healer, "How can I help?"

The older woman kept her gaze on the bleeding man before her, but speedily gave a reply, "Take the numbing and antiseptic medicine you made and start applying it to those not being tended."

The pinkette immediately obliged and began to make her way around the room. Everyone brought to the infirmary had gained serious injuries; those with less need preferred to go assure their families they were okay first and to seek treatment when healing wasn't in so much demand. The men and women around were clearly in pain, but they would all survive. Sakura gave encouraging smiles to each soldier she treated and offered her best comfort, "You're going to be just fine. You're home now."

_a couple hours later_

SONG: "Your Call (Naked Twist in My Story Version)" – Secondhand Serenade

Sakura slowly cleaned her hands and looked back around the room at the resting patients. Due to the healing team's diligence and her herbal remedies, all the soldiers had been treated and were facing much needed rest. The pinkette gave a small smile as she felt the bags under her tired eyes. It was after midnight and the second night in a row she hadn't slept, but her exhaustion was worth the healing men and women in front of her.

The pinkette set down her hand towel and gave thanks of gratitude to the healers as they dismissed her to find sleep. She needed rest before creating medicine that mistakes could easily ruin.

Sakura gave a tired but relieved sigh as she left the infirmary and began making her way towards her room. Her bed seemed so enticing. She paused on that thought. If only she could've slept some earlier that night instead of being entrapped in the overwhelming realization over her feelings for Sasuke.

The pinkette halted. Her jade eyes widened. Sasuke… Sakura had yet to see the dear Fire king and yet to figure out how she was going to react once she saw him now that she understood her feelings.

She gripped her hands tight as her heart began to pound and warmth grew in her cheeks. She slowly turned and cast her jade eyes out the window. Her heart was torn between utter joy that Sasuke returned safely and complete fear over her feelings ruining the friendship they had finally built.

The pinkette took a couple steps toward the window and looked around the castle grounds. I wonder where you are right now…

"Sakura?"

The pinkette quickly jumped and spun her head toward the voice, causing her long hair to swing. Her eyes widened. It was Sasuke.

The Fire king watched as surprise filled the pinkette's clearly tired eyes. Sasuke had spent the past hour in a meeting over funeral arrangements for soldiers lost at war, but still came to check on his injured, only to find the woman he'd secretly been searching for all night standing in the hall. He assumed she had just left the infirmary.

Sakura fought the urge for her hands to shake as so many conflicting emotions rattled through her heart. Her chest seemed like it could break open with how fast her heart was pounding. He was right here in front of her with no warning and no preparation.

His presence quickly brought safety to her mind and she looked him over for injuries to find only a mildly bandaged arm. Her heart eased a little and she looked back into his dark, obsidian eyes. She couldn't help it as her heart began to melt and a smile emerged on her face, "You're back."

Sasuke felt a deep flicker of eagerness as he saw a beautiful smile grow on the pinkette's tired face. He gave a lightly amused look, "Did you expect otherwise?"

Sakura's smile grew as she took a couple steps toward him, "No…I…I'm just so glad to see you."

The Fire king tilted up his lips as he felt relief finally begin to sink in after looking into her eyes. It was like being with her could finally melt away the stress of the past two days. His shoulders loosened as he looked at joy radiating from her face. He felt an odd sensation in his heart, "I meant it when I promised you would see me again."

The pinkette felt her heart begin to flutter again and a blush to begin to dust her cheeks as she thought over how she had asked Sasuke to stay before he left for war. Her throat tightened as she suddenly felt the draw to go closer to him. She tried to ignore the racing in her chest as she looked longer upon his face, "I'm glad you did…it wouldn't be the same without you."

Sasuke's heart tensed as the pinkette expressed care for him once again. He tightened his jaw as he took in her features and felt a nagging sensation in his chest. There was something about her that seemed to capture his whole being…something that made seeing her like finally coming home. Sasuke felt a small sensation of fear as a rushing sensation to grow closer began to seep through his body.

He quickly shut his eyes as he felt his body begin to lean forward. Sasuke further planted his feet into the ground and forced himself to look over at the infirmary door, purposely looking past her face, "How are they?"

The pinkette's state of longing to be near him broke as he diverted his attention away from her. Her throat still felt dry as she glanced back at the infirmary door. She tried to quiet her heart, "Banged up but healing well. All of their injuries were treated and now they're resting which will help their recovery along."

Sasuke gave a relieved nod, he was a little worried more would die in the infirmary, "I won't wake them then."

Sakura looked back at him and gave small smile. He came to check on them…even though he must be exhausted. She smiled more as he looked back at her, "Fire is lucky to have you as their king."

Sasuke instantly froze. Those were the same words Naruto offered before they were forced to part ways. He clenched his jaw as the loneliness of Naruto's absence began to sink in again.

The Fire king took a deep breath and shoved his emotions down, not wanting to break the pinkette's smile. He looked into her tired, jade eyes and tried to focus on something unemotional. He narrowed his mind onto her exhausted features, "And as king I order you to go get some rest. You look like you haven't slept since Gaara got here."

The pinkette gave a small laugh and didn't bother to deny it. She truly was worn out; she wasn't sure how much longer she would be able to keep her legs from giving out.

Sakura gave a small nod and looked at Sasuke one more time; she knew he was exhausted too. Her smile grew, she couldn't express how glad she was that he was home safe and sound. She took a step closer before walking away and said, "I'll go pass out right now, I promise…Just get some rest too. Even the best kings still need sleep."

Sasuke's eyes followed her as she gave an endearing smile and then began to proceed her way down the hall. He pondered over the sense of comfort she seemed to consistently bring and then focused his gaze as she stopped in her tracks.

The pinkette nerves begin to rattle through her figure, but she took a deep breath and turned half way around. She smiled as she met his eyes and longing coursed through her heart, "Thank you for coming home…Nobody could replace you…Goodnight."

Sasuke's eyes slowly widened as he watched Sakura quickly returned to her journey back to her room, to get some much needed rest. He felt his jaw tighten as a strange sense of warmth seemed to spread from his chest; and his eyes seemed stuck on her form until she was no longer in view. "Nobody could replace you."

Sasuke stood there a few more moments in silence as his mind remained captivated by her words and existence. He swallowed hard as he found himself beginning to feel the weight of her prescence. He had been truly clueless to the impact she would make in the two months since she washed up on shore. It was only a matter of time till he found out what she truly meant.

_author notes_

Hope you all enjoyed! It was a bit more of a somber chapter, but I still snuck some SasuSaku in there. Please review, and stay tuned! I have something big planned for the next chapter, the question is for who?