Disclaimer: Do not own or why the heck would I write fanfiction, eh?
Warnings: Possible spoilers. Mature themes. Sasuke/Naruto friendship fic. Don't like, don't read.
Resolute Deference
Tireseus
Naruto's POV
I'm gaining on him, as he leads me deeper through the mountains outside of Sunagakure no sato. Sasuke Uchiha lingers just outside my reach, outside of my vision, but never too far away.
He doesn't want me to lose him quite yet, because once I do the game is over. Yeah, this is just a game to him. A game he plays to entertain himself on those long, uneventful days away from Konoha. A game of cat and mouse.
Usually, he decides when the game begins and when it ends, though this time that won't be the case.
Today, I resolve, you won't get away.
"SASUKE!" I scream. Never have I felt more determined to catch up to him. I'm oddly faster than usual, I must have unconsciously tapped into the Kyuubi's power, for as I leap from rock to rock on the mountainous terrain, I realize that I can almost reach out and grab the collar of his robes.
Close. I'm so close.
Suddenly Sasuke slows. Then he halts altogether. I know better than to think it's due to fatigue. Perhaps he simply feels I've proven myself worthy enough to speak to him. Still, he doesn't turn around.
"What is it, dobe?" he says that usual nonchalant way of his.
My hands fall to my knees. I hunch over sucking in crisp autumn air, trying to catch my breath. "I-It's Kakashi-sensei!" I start. He stills, and I know the name of his former sensei has caught his attention. "Pein did him in. I came because . . . I thought you should know . . . "
He turns to face me, cool dark eyes bore into mine, and I don't really need to continue. He gets it right away.
We understand each other more than either one of us cares to admit.
Sasuke draws well-toned arms over chest, scoffs lightly. "This some lie you've concocted in hopes that I'll return with you to the village?"
I gape at him, incredulous. "The hell?" I cry. "No way! This is real Sasuke." It takes everything in my body, all my will, not to weep in front of him. "Kakashi's gone," I choke out, swiftly dropping my gaze to the dirt covered ground beneath our feet. I'm tearing up despite myself.
Sasuke says nothing, simply spins on his heel and starts to walk away. A rather cold, hard realization hits me that maybe . . . maybe he doesn't care.
Saddens overcomes me at the thought, but it quickly gives way to anger.
"Kakashi-sensei probably cared for you as much as I do, you goddamn jerk!" I bellow to his slowly retreating form. "You know he always liked you best. But you – you don't give a shit about him."
The Uchiha stops mid-stride. A long moment passes, and I fail to notice the slight tremble of his shoulders.
" . . . that's not true," he speaks low-voiced.
Tears I'm unable to hold back escape my eyes, and stream freely down my cheeks. "Then why the hell're you walking away!?" I protest.
He glances over his shoulder. His eyes soften a fraction as he notes my reddening eyes, my tear-streaked face.
"Because, Naruto," he says gently, "I'm going to find Pein."
FIN
Meh, I felt like writing a Naruto fanfic. There's been huge controversy over whether Kakashi is dead or not. This is my take on the events that would follow if he is.
Read & Review, please. =3