Sasuke's POV:
I was so sure on the precision of that throw. Maybe I was just too sure. I really didn't mean to hit her. How is she going to join me if I get her injured on purpose? I wanted to fight her to impress her in a way but I'd never tell her that.
I took off my shirt to stop the bleeding but we were unspeakably close.
I was inching closer to her. I wanted her to succumb to me, to give in as much as I was. But she didn't. She fell back and started bringing up the past.
I was tired of hearing her talk of the past. I wanted her to look at me. I wanted to feel her...
I don't know what I was thinking or why I was thinking like that.
As we walked back, I couldn't help but avoid her. How do I tell her I want her to see a future? I don't care if my team isn't involved. If it's just... us... but she'll never see that. She was too dense.
I was angry.
I lead her back to the cave and stood out with my team for the night. I got on a new shirt and paced.
"You seem tense Sasuke. Was that fight that bad?"
"Did she win?"
"No. None of that."
I sat down and rubbed my forehead.
This is the worst.
Karin and Suigetsu were waiting for something out of me.
I dropped my hands and stared into the fire they made.
"She isn't ready yet."
"When will she be?"
I only gave her a week. There's only a few days left.
"I'll know. And when I do, I'll tell you. I don't want to talk about this anymore."
This is personal. This has nothing to do with Madara or the Akatsuki yet.
I sat there pondering my thoughts. I have to think of a way for her to stay, to come with me.
But first, she has to move on from the past.
Maybe I should do what I wanted to do in the first place. She may hate me for it but it'll be worth it. I've been wanting to do it for too long. I've held back but not anymore. The time for action is now.
Naruko better be ready for what's to come. She has no idea.
—
Naruko's POV:
The next morning was quiet. Sasuke let me have my space last night.
I got up and stretched. I was rubbing my head and fixing my pigtails when I got outside. I wonder if my team has heard from Granny Tsunade yet. I want to leave. I should go now while it's early and light out.
The sun was rising and the early birds were chirping. Dew touched the leaves on plants. Sasuke was shirtless. Sasuke was shirtless?! Why is this an ongoing thing with him?!
He was practicing forms with his sword. That damn blade near killed me last time I saw it.
I folded my arms. "Do you think you're cool or something?"
He sheathed his sword.
"You're awake."
Oh. He's looking at me. Maybe I'll change my tune as well.
I stepped up behind him, folding my hands behind my back.
"Can I try?"
He glanced over his shoulder and smirked again.
Sasuke pulled out his sword and handed it off to me.
It was a bit heavier than I expected but I could manage.
I held it in stances I remember him holding it in.
"If you're trying to copy me, your posture is all wrong."
He came up behind me, grabbing my wrists.
Hah! Is the perv trying to snake a move?!
"Back straight, head up."
I craned my stiff neck up.
"Soften your knees and tighten your grip."
His hand wrapped tightly around mine that was holding the blade. I felt his other hand ease against my waist.
His chest was rising and falling on my back and his breath was on my neck as he spoke.
He was so close.
His fingers entwined with mine and I felt like I was being drawn into him.
I closed my eyes and got lost, floating in the sea. It was like we were dancing but we weren't moving. His body was holding mine in all the right ways, in all kinds of curves. I'm vulnerable right now. He could kill me but he's not.
He is using a jutsu...right?
"Sasuke!"
He dropped his entrancing hold on me and I stumbled forward, dropping the blade from my hands.
"We have something to show you."**
Sasuke started walking away. "Stay here."
I collapsed to the ground, taking in heavy breaths. My body was burning from the inside out. What did he do to me?