1st November 2016

A/N Based on real experiences about someone I know who is in many ways, similar to Sasuke. To my bestie, with love.

Concert


It was noisy and crowded that night in Camden, where shops selling miscellaneous Goth-looking goods lined the road down to the river. People milled in and out of shops, spilling onto streets. Sakura had never been here before, but it was both exciting and slightly unnerving at the same time. She barely had time to look at everything; she was already late and was trying to navigate her way through people whilst holding up her iPhone for directions.

She pulled up her infinity scarf, so that it reached her nose – someone walking in front of her was smoking, typical. As a medic-nin, Sakura knew exactly what sort of damage smoking did to the body, and she was having none of that second-hand smoke if she could help it.

There they were. Naruto and Shikamaru stood near the entrance of the food market Camden was so well known for. He wore a bright orange t-shirt; Shikamaru went with black, his hair tied back into his signature high ponytail.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto called out excitedly. Sakura broke into a run and wrapped Naruto into a big bear hug. He returned the hug with enthusiasm. She giggled. Naruto always had a way of making her feel better.

"Hey, Shikamaru."

"What's up Sakura?" Shikamaru gave a lazy wave, but grinned.


And so they had dinner at the food market, chatting about Naruto's relationship with Hinata, his plans to steal Kakashi's mask, Ino's crush on Sai, and so on. The market had so many choices, from Korean burritos to steak and fries, to Taiwanese hot rice dishes. Sakura was mesmerised by all, but as soon as she saw mac'n cheese, there was no question. As they stood there, munching on their dinner, Sakura suddenly thought about Sasuke, and whether he'd remembered to eat before coming. She hoped he did, despite all the work he was buried under lately.

As they lined up for the concert, Sakura's phone buzzed. It was Sasuke.

"He'll be here in about 20 minutes," said Sakura. They stood at the side of the queue into the concert venue, waiting.

"That's alright! We're waiting anyways! So I was saying Shikamaru, there really is no way around it, the rasengan is the best move you can use in that situation…"

She was no longer paying attention to the other two. Her stomach lurched. That mac'n cheese was heavier than she thought (but of course, it was mac'n cheese). Or maybe it was to do with the fact that she and Sasuke hadn't seen each other in person for almost over two months now. Not after she'd confessed to him again, and he'd rejected her, again. She was never going to be more than anything but a friend, possibly a close friend. But a friend she remained. She felt trepidation and anticipation at the same time. The thought of seeing him thrilled her, and yet she dreaded it too.

"Hey."

He was here, all of him. Sakura couldn't help but notice that he looked even better than she'd remembered. He always did, every time. Donning a black long coat, jeans and loafers, his hair slightly longer, she observed. And then, she smiled.


It was getting extremely hot and cramped now, as a full-thrown concert should be. Sakura knew all the lyrics to this song; it was one of her favourites.

Cause you and I we're good together

Oh, you always get me feelin' better

She was singing, her mouth dry, her lips in a wide smile as she belted out the words. Then, her world burst into a sky of flying birds.

It was the first time she saw confetti thrown at a concert. Jubilated, she turned to Sasuke, only to find that he was almost frowning, his hands stuck in his pockets, not even rocking to the music.

Sakura tried not to let it get to her. Maybe he was simply feeling the heat, and Sakura knew Sasuke didn't much like being squashed with lots of other people, nor was this the kind of music he was into. But he'd agreed to come, and she thought he knew what he'd gotten himself into.

It was fine, she thought. But the idea that Sasuke wasn't enjoying himself bothered her, and didn't sit well with her.


"That was quite hot in there wasn't it? And squishy!" Sakura piped up cheerfully. She was not going to let his bad mood ruin her own.

"Hn. It was."

Doors of their train opened, and they fell into the first empty seats, their legs giving out after hours of standing.

After a moment of silence, Sakura plunged in. "By the way, I've already planned for you to come to my graduation." She turned to him with a playful grin.

Graduation was in December, after having finally finished a year of studies and research for her specialist degree in gynecology. To get to the best positions at the hospital, there were necessary qualifications for specialist streams. She'd of course been hoping Sasuke could make it, but had no false hopes about him even coming. It didn't seem like the kind of thing he'd make an effort to come to. Most likely he'd say something like 'we'll see if I have time then' or something along those lines-

"Sure. I'll take time off."

Sakura felt her chest swell. How wonderful it was to be able to feel this much over something as small as that, she thought.

And from that moment on, they fell back into their usual way of conversation; him stoically poking her nose, her belly button, her forehead; her punching his arm lightly and laughing widely.

The concert was amazing, but the journey home was even better.