Title: Sasuke's Heart: Denied?
Author: Ladye Black
Warnings: Implied Character Death, a bad word or two
Notes: I really want to thank everyone for their reviews so far, I know I don't do that enough, but I really do appreciate them. They help me write.
Chapter 5
We regret to inform you...
They always started out that way, Sasuke realized, always regretting to inform you. He had received one for his parents' death, like he hadn't already known. Naruto and Sakura had received the exact same thing for this time around. The same words, the same cold unfeeling sentiment, it was disgusting. Sasuke wanted to find out who was on this committee of 'We' and introduce them to a Chidori or five.
'We regret to inform you,' what an utter load of bullshit, Sasuke thought nastily. They had no idea how he felt, how any of them felt. Kakashi had been more than just a teacher to them, he'd been a friend, and – in Sasuke's case – a lover.
Oh, Kami.
'Had been'. Sasuke had never wanted to use those words in relation to Kakashi, he didn't want to now, but the proof was almost undeniable.
The Anbu team that Kakashi had been a part of went missing for three weeks. They should have been done in one. There had been no contact, no clues as to what happened to them except that most of their belongings were left at the camp they'd made. The recovery team said that even their emergency rations had been left mostly untouched, as though they'd only been there for a day or two before they had disappeared.
Sasuke suddenly felt a wetness dripping down his cheek and hastily wiped it away. Naruto and Sakura would be here soon, and then together they'd head to the temple for the last rites ceremony. There were no bodies.
The boy gathered himself up when he heard the expected knock at the door. It was time to go, to lay the men and women's spirits to rest. It was time to mourn. He answered the door.
"Hey," Naruto greeted, subdued. "You okay?"
"Not really." Sasuke's small smile was strained.
"I'm sorry, Sasuke," Sakura offered. Naruto echoed her condolence. He appreciated it, even if it didn't help at all. At least, they understood. He nodded and they left.
On the table, where Sasuke had left it, lay the note.
From: The Committee of Internal Affairs- Ninja Personnel Information Branch
We regret to inform you that as of Friday, July 11, Kakashi Hatake has been pronounced deceased. He served his country to his fullest ability, and will surely be remembered for it. We offer our condolences for your loss and hope that you are comforted by the knowledge that he was a great ninja.
Sincerely,
Futaka Hiroki, President
He wasn't comforted at all, the bastards.
TBC...
Well, how was it? Don't kill me! There's still more, you can't find out what happens if you kill me! However, you may ask nicely for the next chapter.