Uchiha Sasuke

After finishing all the food that his former teammate prepared for him, he placed the containers and utensils neatly inside the woven basket. Doing everything one-hand was something he now had to since his arm was torn off after his and the dobe's fight. It wasn't easy, of course, eating, bathing and moving things around one-handed. But he was slowly getting used to it.

He reached out for his medicine and took a gulp. The bitter taste was strong. Entirely different from the semi-sweet barley juice that Sakura brought earlier.

Sakura, again. She's always appearing in my thoughts.

"OiI! TEME!"

He knew that voice even through the thick, heavy metal and concrete walls. He gave an almost exasperated sigh. What is that dobe doing here?

"Oi, Naruto keep it down!", came another voice that was clearly familiar as well.

He could understand the Dobe for being here. He was always finding ways to talk to him even in the past. But he couldn't understand why the Nara heir was here as well.

Before he could figure out the answer to this, his cells opened up for the second time this morning. And he saw two new anbus flanking Naruto who was grinning like a fool in a wheelchair and was being led by Nara Shikamaru inside.

Naruto whistled. "Wow, you look awful, Teme."

"Hn." Sasuke gave a small smile. "I could say the same to you."

Shikamaru stopped positioned Naruto's wheelchair close to Sasuke. Then casually leaned back on the wall. "At least he doesn't need a wheelchair."

"Oi, oi, the war took a lot from me, ya know!" Naruto laughed embarrassingly.

"Yeah, right." Sasuke said.

"You guys can wait outside." Shikamaru said to the two anbus who escorted them.

"Hai." They replied and went out, closing the doors immediately behind them.

"They obey you easily." Sasuke said to Shikamaru.

"Ah." The shadow manipulator replied. "If you're wondering why they obey when it's me giving the orders…well, simply put, it's because Tsunade-sama always asks for them not to leave Sakura alone with you."

"Eh?" Naruto turned to Shikamaru.

"Being cautious is better than regretting later on." Sasuke nodded.

"Oi, whadya mean?" Naruto retorted then turned to address Sasuke. "No way you're gonna hurt Sakura, I know it."

"No." Sasuke immediately answered. "Never again."

Naruto smiled at Shikamaru. "See?"

Shikamaru took out a silver cigarette lighter. Asuma-sensei's lighter. And started flicking it open and close. "I know that, too."

The shadow manipulator sighed and stared at Sasuke. "Tsunade-sama knows it as well but…not everyone believes that you've really gone straight after the war."

"As you know, except for us, your old classmates and teachers, everyone else have lost faith in you." Shikamaru continued. "And though they may eventually come around, I'm sure it's gonna take a while."

Sasuke nodded. "I know. And I'm not asking for everyone to forgive me. My sins are too much to be simply forgotten."

"Oi, Sasuke – ", Naruto started to say.

"It's fine. I'll still make amends and pay the price of what I have done in the past." The dark-haired ninja said. "I'll keep Konoha safe. Even if it costs me my life."

Itachi's face flashed before his eyes. "Just like what my brother has done in the past."

"You don't need to go that far." Naruto said. "Sakura, Kakashi-sensei and I didn't fight teeth and claws to bring you back and just have you die, Teme!"

"I know. And I appreciate what you guys have done." Sasuke answered back. "But I know that this is what I can do to atone for my sins and keep my brother's dream alive."

Shikamaru flicked the lighter once more and it lit up with warm flames. "Your brother has the will of fire. And I'm sure he wants you to continue protecting the village." He closed the lighter. "But I'm also positive he doesn't want you ending up dead like him."

Sasuke met Shikamaru's eyes. Then Naruto's.

"He's right. Itachi would want you to live and be happy. Here in the village that he fought hard to protect. If you really value his sacrifice, then you have to embrace your life."

Naruto held out his only hand in a fist bump manner towards him. "In a few more years, I'll become Hokage. And I'd appreciate it if you'd help me keep our village safe."

Sasuke could feel a lump in his throat.

Here was his former teammate. Rival. Friend. Brother. One of the few people left who still haven't given up on him.

He surprisingly found himself raising his arm up to give Naruto a fist bump.

At that moment, an unspoken oath passed between them. A promise that they'll support each other's dreams.

For the sake of the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

From the corner of his eyes, he could see Shikamaru smiling as well while staring at the old lighter.

I'm surrounded by good people, Nii-san. I'll do my best to protect Konoha, like you once did.

"Huh?" Naruto broke his reverie about his elder brother. "Who else came to visit you today?" He inquired while staring at the woven basket.

"Just you guys and Sakura."

"So, Sakura-chan brought you that?" Naruto pointed at the basket.

"Yeah."

"EH?! How come I didn't get any?" Naruto replied with a frown.

"Oi, oi, you get food from Hinata every time she visits, don't you?" Shikamaru said incredulously.

Naruto cheered up right away at this. He was blushing and giggling sheepishly. "Yeah, about that, well, ahahaha!"

I would've thought she made some for Naruto as well. Sasuke wondered. Then again, Shikamaru said the Hyuuga girl's been visiting and bringing food often to the dobe.

Still, Sakura would have at least brought food for Naruto at least once, right?

"Well, I heard you're finally getting out in two weeks and then you'll be transferred to another holding facility." Shikamaru said.

"Yeah, Sakura mentioned earlier."

"Well, Tsunade-sama, Kakashi-sensei and the other teachers have been discussing your situation. I'm sure it will be okay." The shadow manipulator said.

"Yeah. They'll definitely vouch for you." Naruto supported. "You've done a complete turnover. And you're cool by association with the War Hero and all." He proudly grinned while pointing at himself.

Sasuke could only raise one of his eyebrows at this remark. Shikamaru on the other hand scratched his head.

"Shikamaru-san, a scroll just arrived. Hokage-sama wants you present in today's meeting." One of the anbus said as he opened the cell doors.

"Well, guess we gotta get going, Naruto." Shikamaru said as he walked towards the war hero.

"Oh man." Naruto looked genuinely sad at the thought of leaving. "Oi, I'll probably see you again tomorrow, Sasuke. I know you'll miss talking to me, after all."

"Dream on." Sasuke replied. "I'd rather not have you visit. You're too loud."

"Huh?! You're mean as always!" Naruto grumpily answered back. "Humph. Whatever." But then he smiles and waved. "Well, see ya, Teme! I know I'll recover faster than you!"

"Yeah right." Sasuke said and laid down on his makeshift bed.

"Well, see ya later, Sasuke." Shikamaru said and led Naruto out.

"Hn." He nodded and with that, he was alone once more.

Not entirely. His mind was again filled with a certain person's smile and voice.