Sasuke slid the door to the classroom open, meeting Shikamaru's gaze as he looked up from the desk. She gave him a short nod and he replied in kind.
"Shikamaru, evening."
"Sasuke."
Despite Sasuke's apologies and the months that had passed, most of her peers were still awkward around her.
She didn't blame them. In fact, she understood their caution.
However, Sasuke could only endeavour to show that she truly changed. And with Naruto's support, she felt optimistic that she could atone for her sins and be accepted once more.
And honestly, she was more than fine with Naruto's acceptance alone. It was a sort of fulfillment she didn't deserve, but he gave to her whole-heartedly.
One of the many things that made her adore him.
As if on cue, Naruto turned around, beaming at her.
"Hey! Is it that late already?"
"Hm, I can wait if you're still studying."
Naruto yawned and stretched his arms up, "Nah, I'm done for today. Thanks, Shikamaru! You'll help me out next week too, yeah?"
"I suppose if I can make the time," Shikamaru's lips twitched in amusement as he stood up preparing to leave. Naruto gave him a warm slap on the back and then began packing his things.
"Is he doing alright?" Sasuke asked softly as Shikamaru approached the door.
The Nara head tilted his head, observing her for a moment before answering, "You help him out as well, don't you? So, you should know."
Sasuke bit her lip, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, "I think he should be ready in a few more months."
"Seems about right to me," Shikamaru scratched his head, and an awkward pause overtook them, "I'll see you around…"
Sasuke dipped her head in a small bow, "Thank you for your help."
Shikamaru blinked at her in surprise but dipped his head as well before leaving.
Naruto walked over to her with his bag slung over his shoulder taking her hand in his own and running his thumb over her knuckles in a soothing pattern.
"You look refreshed, take a nap?"
"Yes. And how did your studying go?"
Naruto smiled and winked at her, "You know me, it was a piece of cake."
"I'm sure," Sasuke drawled, rolling her eyes. She gently slid her hand out of his grasp slightly, readjusting the position so they could walk side by side while holding hands, "Come, I'll let you buy me Ichiraku's."
Naruto let out a loud snort but let himself be led out of the classroom.
As they entered the courtyard, Naruto paused, tugging on Sasuke's hand to stop her, "Hey, wait a second. Follow me."
Sasuke frowned but acquiesced, letting Naruto lead her away from the main street and instead over to the giant tree in front of the main entrance of the school where parents tended to wait for the younger academy students to finish their day.
Attached to the tree was a swing and Naruto smiled at Sasuke, letting go of her hand and pointing at the seat with his chin.
Sasuke placed a hand on her hip and raised a brow at him.
"C'mon!" Naruto rolled his eyes, placing his bag against the base of the tree and standing behind the swing set, holding onto the ropes, "I'll look like a loser if I push an empty swing, Sasuke."
Sasuke let out a soft sigh and made her way to the front of the swing, sitting down on the rickety wood. The swing was perpendicular to entrance of the academy, but with a small tilt of the head one could clearly see the entrance.
Back then she watched Naruto watch the parents and their children after school, right from this exact swing set.
Naruto pushed her back gently, keeping her swinging back and forth at a distance where they could still easily talk to each other.
"I used to spend a lot of time here."
"Hmm," the cool evening air fluttered through Sasuke's hair as Naruto kept up with his rhythm.
"And I—this is going to sound a bit creepy," there was embarrassment in Naruto's voice, and it was so very rare for him to be that way with her now.
"Don't worry, my opinion of you couldn't possibly drop any lower," and the gibe was a perfect response because Naruto laughed warmly.
"Oh, fuck off," Sasuke could almost taste the smile on Naruto's lips, "I, well, even back then I noticed you, from this swing set. Everyone would come here, and their parents would ask them about their day and take'em home and I'd watch them. I'd feel all alone, back then, and I'd watch you, and how you were like me but so different.
"You were all alone too, but you didn't sulk around like me. You ignored everyone and went home and trained like crazy, and then you'd come to class and kick-ass even though you didn't have anyone to teach you anything. I was really jealous of you. I wanted to be just like you, too. And, most of all, I wanted to talk to you and get to know you. But I was a real loser back then, I barely knew how to talk to anyone, especially not someone as cool as you, and I kept insulting you over and over, when I only wanted to be your friend.
"I guess—I wish I just told you the truth back then. I wonder if that would have…"
Sasuke closed her eyes, breathing slowly and swallowing the lump in her throat. She dug her feet into the ground, stopping the swing and placed her hand over Naruto's right hand, feeling the bandages underneath her fingers.
A reminder of her mistakes.
"I have a thousand regrets, Naruto. There are so many 'what ifs,' and 'I should haves,' but those don't matter. Despite all our regrets, I'm here with you now, Naruto, and I'm not going anywhere, okay?"
"Is that a promise?" Naruto's left hand found its way around Sasuke's neck, tilting her head back and making her look at him.
His eyes were wet, but behind that, there was awe.
If she were Naruto, she would probably say something like "she promised on her life" or some such.
Instead, she reached up, grabbing his shirt and pulling him down, teeth clacking and lips bruising. Needy and desperate and sure.
She never said it, but she knew he understood.
You're mine and I'm yours.
It wasn't just that kiss, but everything between them that was rough and gentle and everything else in between.
That boy from back then, who was unable to become her friend, became the man she loved unconditionally. And for that, she had no regrets.
This came off way better in my head.
Probably back to smut next chapter.