Naruto's POV
Recovery wasn't easy, and my days spent in the hospital were dreadful…yet oddly enjoyable.
My parents did everything they could and stayed by my side for the first few weeks of it, but soon enough they both had to get back to their jobs, and I spent my days in that white linen bed alone for the majority of the day.
Sakura would keep me updated on her life, how everything was going down with job, her schooling, and her life at home.
Turns out her aunt was now engaged so she had become less harsh, and Sakura was saving enough money to move out once she graduated from her little high school homeschool.
Gaara was starting to open up a bit and has become a tad more behaved. And I still haven't heard from anyone at school, although I did check my messages and noticed I had some from Kiba…I never found the energy to reply.
After my little outing it with Sakura, my legs became useless yet again, and the physical therapist was pissed. I didn't blame her. But, therapy got harsher and getting my body back into shape distracted me from the challenges I'd have to face with school.
My parents came to visit every evening, I saw Sakura mostly on weekends but we called each other every second we got, and Gaara and Matsuri seemed to pop in every once in a while.
I also caught up on school work. My parents both dropped off a bucket load of papers and I got help from the nurses when they were drawing blood, or simply bringing up food. To my surprise, Gaara was pretty helpful and when I questioned him about his school life, his eyes turned dark and he got up without a word and left.
I never questioned him about it again.
Sakura helped too, making a schedule and a goal for when to get my assignments done and turned in. And thankfully I seemed to get most of it done.
Granny helped in every way possibly for me to get a quick recovery and finally after five and a half months, I'll get to go home.
Home sweet home.
Today is finally the day.
Standing in the main lobby of the hospital, wearing my usual orange sweatshirt and black slacks, I take a good look at the crowd gathered before me.
Granny is whispering something privately to my parents while Matsuri is scolding Gaara, hitting him lightly on the head before crossing her arms over her chest and muttering something along the lines of "five year old" and "grow up."
Gaara attempts apologizing, but the brunette seems to have had enough of it.
I can't help but laugh at their antics.
My parents finish off their conversation with Granny and retreat to my side, whispering in my ear that they'll be waiting in the car. They bid the group goodbye, before heading out the main doors.
The silence settles in. I scuff my foot on the ground, feeling a thousand of emotions being poured into this one moment.
I'm finally leaving. After five and a half months of being stuck in this crummy hospital, you'd think I'd be happy to leave? But, a part of me doesn't want to go, to let go of the memories I've made here.
I met Gaara here, actually he's the first real friend I've made here, I've made ever. Then slowly, Matsuri came along and then lastly…Sakura.
What would have happened if I never got cancer? If I never got sick? I would probably still be hopelessly chasing after Hinata.
I was such a fool…
"So, you're finally off huh?" A certain mental patient asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. His lips curve into that familiar smirk I've grown to only see on his features.
"Yeah…" I trail, feeling tears fill up the corners of my eyes.
Why am I getting this feeling? This feeling that I'll…I'll miss this place. I'll miss them.
Before I even got ill, I never wanted to be near a hospital, I absolutely hated the fact of having to step foot in one…and now I'm going to cry over leaving?
Things sure have changed…
"You're not going to start crying, are you?" Gaara asks, a bit of fear shining in those teal eyes of his.
I snort, forcing those small tears to stop from trailing down my cheeks.
"In your dreams." I retort, flashing him a foxy grin.
Gaara only rolls his eyes, reading right through my prideful remark.
I shift my attention to Granny, who clears her throat loudly.
"Don't over do it Naruto, just because you're being released doesn't mean you're in perfect condition. And don't forget…" Granny blabs on, reading millions of things off of her clipboard and looking at me with focused eyes and a stern expression.
Letting out a nervous chuckle, I smile brightly at her before extending my hand.
Slowly, her blabbering comes to a stop and she just stares at my hand a confused expression glazing over her features.
"You're supposed to shake his hand." Gaara insists, staring at Granny as if she's dumb.
Granny huffs, giving Gaara a stern glare, where he just mutter "stupid old woman."
A vein pops on the doctor's forehead, but before she can clobber the redhead, his nurse already has it covered.
"Gaara, shut it." Matsuri warns, elbowing him in the ribs and shooting him a cold glare.
He shuts up after that, scowling at the brunette who simply puts on a cheery yet irritated smile.
I sigh at their actions.
They sure know how to ruin a sentimental moment.
The blonde doctor grabs my hand, and my smile drops slightly. She notices and eyes me questionably.
"I want to thank you," I begin, already feeling my throat constricting but I swallow the lump and force out the words that need to be said, "You never gave up on me and you nursed me back to health even when I myself believed I was…I was gone."
I choke up a bit, sniffling up the tears that are dangling from the corners of my glassy eyes.
"Thank you for saving my life, Lady Tsunade." I grin widely, tilting my head to the side and giving her hand a compassionate squeeze. And the tears finally escape; two twin rivers fall down my bony cheeks.
Her chocolate eyes widen slightly out of shock that is before her lips curl into a genuine smile.
"I told you a patient never dies on me, and that includes you Naruto Uzumaki." She says, her voice wavering as she tries to keep a smile on her features.
"Now get out of here, your parents are waiting for you." She says, letting go of my hand and shooing me off with a wide grin.
I notice the unshed tears glossing over her brown eyes and smile softly.
"Yeah, yeah I'm going Granny. Don't miss me too much!" I say loudly, chuckling as she rolls her eyes and turns on her heel.
A vein pops, for the second time that day, and she scowls at me.
"I'm not that old, idiot." She mutters, folding her arms over her chest.
I only chuckle light heartedly and turn toward Gaara and his nurse.
"Well, I'll see you two around. Don't forget about me!" I say, smiling brightly at the two.
I notice Matsuri's cheeks turn a tint of red as she nods her head.
"How could we forget someone who wears that ugly of a color?" Gaara teases, smirking and staring at my neon colored jacket.
"At least I have eyebrows." I retort smoothly, earning an eye twitch from Gaara.
And I practically hightail it out of there as Gaara grabs a stack of magazines and practically chases me to the car, accusing me of being an overdressed ball of sunshine and how he wouldn't regret hitting a recovering patient over the head with some magazines.
And slamming the car door shut, I only laugh as Matsuri grabs the stack of magazines from his hands and whacks him in the head with it.
Yeah, I'm going to miss them.
It would have never ended up like this, had I not been hospitalized.
Although, I think it's funny, how I was denying my illness since the very beginning, believing that it would bring me all of the unhappiness in the world. That because of my cancer, I'd become an empty void, living in a world that only wanted me dead.
And now, looking back on it all, my cancer is the one thing that brought me all the joy in the world.
My one and only joy…
"Ne, Naruto?" Sakura asks, tilting her head to the side as she looks up at the stars.
"Hm?" I reply softly, finding her hand and intertwining my fingers with hers.
"When are you going back?" She asks, her voice no louder than a whisper.
At her words I tense up, my shoulders stiffening slightly at her unexpected question.
Noticing my reaction she immediately gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.
"N-Nevermind forget I asked…" She murmers, looking down at our intertwined fingers and then back at the stars.
Taking in a breath, I relax on the soft grass. Letting the wind play with my hair, I close my eyes and inhale the sweet scent of the air.
Vanilla.
It was beginning to get colder each day, indicating the end of summer and the beginning of another school year. I'd be a junior, attending high school, but with my slow paced recovery my parents aren't forcing me into going back so soon.
I missed a large chunk of my second year, but with promising hard work, I was able to finish off the work with the help of Sakura during summer break and the days I was hospitalized.
But, the thought of going back to the one place where I now really didn't belong, well it set an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Just how exactly would everyone treat me? When they found out I was diagnosed with a disease so severe, everyone cut ties with me, even the one friend, or so I thought, didn't even bother talking to me like before. Our conversations were sugar coated, too nice, too sweet, and too fake.
The majority of the school decided to treat me like a disease, never getting too close.
So, how would they treat me now?
"Are you scared?" Sakura whispers, the wind causing her hair to dance across her paled complexion. I only stare at her deep green eyes, fearing that if I answer my emotions won't be able to contain it.
Noticing my hesitation, the rosette wastes no time in nuzzling her face in my chest, causing warmth to spread all throughout my body. From the tingling in my toes, to the blood rushing to my cheeks.
I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her in closer.
And we lie there, for who knows how long, before I muster up the courage to trust my voice and answer her honestly.
"Aa, I'm scared." I answer, my voice practically inaudible. But, her sharp ears pick it up and I can feel her smile into my chest.
"Why?" She asks, her voice a bit wavered as if she's uncertain if the question will cause me to shut down.
I bite the inside of my cheek.
"They treated me like trash, and then when they found out about my disease they felt guilty…their eyes…those pitiful eyes…" I trail, and clench my fists. Sakura stays quiet, listening patiently.
"All they could ever do was stare at me…I thought I'd have my quote on quote 'best friend' by my side, but even he distanced himself from me. The only human contact I ever got at school after the big secret was out was those large eyes staring at me wherever I went."
I close my eyes and inhale sharply, feeling my insides churning with emotion of betrayal, sadness, and even some hatred.
"Not once did anyone from school come to visit me when I was hospitalized…I never got a text…nothing." I admit, feeling sadness wash over me at an overwhelming pace. And suddenly I feel tears sliding down my cheeks, and I open my eyes to see Sakura staring at me, her green eyes wide in shock.
Without saying a word, she wipes my tears with her thumb, and rests her forehead against mine.
Staring into those deep emerald eyes, I feel myself at a loss for words. It's like I'm snapped into some kind of trance.
And then she smiles.
"There's a reason for everything."
She stops, as if choosing her words carefully.
"If your friends suddenly came back, and decided to start a budding friendship with you out of pity, would you really be happy?" She asks gently, brushing her thumb lightly over my cheek.
I shake my head, feeling my throat constricting as her gaze only deepens.
"So why worry so much over what will happen? Go back and prove to everyone that you kicked cancer's butt." She smiles, a genuine and sweet smile that leaves my heart thumping wildly in my chest.
"You beat the impossible, you should be proud of yourself."
I only gape at her. How could she possibly know the exact words to say, the exact things to boost my confidence to make me…believe in myself?
"Have I ever told you that you have a way with words?" I tease, pulling her down so that our lips are merely centimeters apart.
"Hmm, I suppose not." She retorts, before grazing her lips over mine, teasing me.
"Sakura…" I breathe, desperately wanting her to just kiss me already.
"Nuh, uh, uh, not until you promise to go back."
Darn this woman, she really does know how to get me wrapped right around her finger.
Sighing, I pull her down until our lips crash.
And then as soon as they meet, I pull away having her face hover above mine. She stares at me, with a piercing gaze, and my cheeks turn a bright red.
"Fine."
And she bends down into a deep kiss, laughing at how cute it is when I get flustered.
I pull away and whisper something in her ear, and the reaction I get is priceless.
That's right, two can play at that game.
Adjusting my hair in the small mirror of the car, I flick it up just a bit to give it that extra oomph. Staring at my self at the mirror I notice that my cheeks have gotten a little plumper, my color has come back to my face, and my hair is starting to grow back. It's still pretty short, but hey it's there.
And my condition is starting to get better, I'm finally beginning to feel like my old self...but sometimes my hands still get shaky, and I have moments where I get lightheaded and don't feel like eating or drinking.
It's like I'm getting better, and then the cancer comes back to haunt me reminding of my place.
I hate it, yet it's kind of comforting in a way…maybe I'm just weird.
It's the first day of school, and I already have sweaty palms and have used the bathroom five times this morning.
To say I'm a nervous wreck is an understatement.
Rinnnng
Jolting up and out of my seat at the vibration of my cellphone in my pocket, I check the caller ID and smile spreads a cross my lips. I answer within a second.
"Oi, Saku-"
"Naruto, you answered my call that means you aren't at school!" She accuses over the phone, and I can practically see her scowling at me.
Anime sweat drips down my face and I chuckle nervously.
"I'm actually at the, uh…" I begin, and then feel embarrassed when I realize I can't just tell her I'm sitting in the parking lot like a fool while school's already started!
I hear her sigh on the other end.
"You're in the parking lot aren't you?" She asks, annoyance in her voice.
I gulp and nod, and then realize she can't see me nod so I answer with a defeated "yes."
"Do I have to come over there and lug you out of the car?" She asks, and I don't doubt that she'll actually do it for a second. So, quickly I recoil and open the car door.
"Nope, I'm stepping out right now!" I respond hastily, shutting the door loudly so that she hears it.
"Perfect, and don't stress. You're going to be just fine, now I'm giving you a virtual push to step through those doors!" She says enthusiastically and I can imagine her fist pumping the air as she says it with a bright and goofy smile on her face.
"You're too happy Sakura." I mutter into the phone with a sigh, but I only hear her laugh on the other end before bidding me a quick goodbye and hanging up.
Putting my cellphone in my pocket I look up and stare at the ugly green doors of our school, my hand only a small extend away from the doorknob.
And then that anxiety comes back and I'm getting all sweaty and jittery again. I back up a bit, giving myself some space from those intimidating doors and what lies ahead.
Maybe today's not a good day…
I'll just come back tomorrow, yeah tomorrow sounds great. Sakura will understand…yeah it'll be perfect!
Click!
My breathing hitches as I notice the door opening slowly.
No, I was just about to leave now I can't escape!
And then the door reveals someone I definitely did not want to see.
Long strands of lavender hair fly aimlessly in the soft wind, the immediate chill of air flush her pale cheeks, and her eyes widen immediately upon staring onto my shocked face.
"N-Naruto-kun?"
I clear my throat awkwardly.
"Hinata…" I begin but have absolutely no idea where I'm even going with this conversation.
I just wish she'd leave so I didn't have to deal with her…the last time we met we left on some bad terms.
"I-I…you're…alive?" She asks, her mouth hanging open slightly as her eyes scan me up and down, as if not believing that I'm standing before her.
I feel my heart drop to the pit of my stomach.
"Aa, I'm standing right here aren't I?" I spit out rather harshly, feeling irritated that she thought I died.
Did everyone in school think I…died?
"B-But, we haven't h-heard from you in so long?" She asks, coming closer but still gaping at me with an awed expression.
"That's because you never reached out to me." I burst out, feeling all of the anger boil up inside of me.
"I…I didn't think you'd care to h-hear from me…" She says, her head hung low as she fiddles with her fingers, mere inches away from me now.
I only sigh, running a hand through my short hair.
"You're right I didn't." I snap bitterly and her head jolts up, small tears beginning to fill in the corners of her eyes. I ignore her hurt expression and continue.
"You only visited me to get on better terms, to give me false hope that we could start something after you found out I liked you since…well since forever! And you weren't even doing it because you returned the feelings, you only came to 'confess' to me because you, you knew I had cancer and you pitied me!"
I practically yell at her, and I'm about to say so much more when suddenly fragile arms wrap around my back and grab onto my shirt. I feel her warm tears on my chest, and only stare down at her in utter shock. Completely frozen by her sudden gesture, I just continue to stare at her purple hair.
"It's true okay!" She yells into my chest, her voice muffled by her increased sobbing. And it's the first time I have ever heard her yell without stuttering.
"I only did go because I felt bad, but after you kicked me out I realized that all along I really did love you…" She trails, pulling away slowly and blushing madly.
"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have hugged you like that." She apologizes, bowing her head at her impulsive actions.
I iron out my shirt with my hands and give her a blank stare, and she just takes it as a sign to continue.
"Sasuke and I broke up shortly after that visit, and I began to realize that I always did hold feelings for you, but I was just too afraid to confess because I felt like Sasuke would hurt you if I did." A blush creeps up on her pale cheeks, and she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Staring up shyly into my eyes, her expression falters as I grit my teeth and clench my fists.
"You don't love me Hinata, you pity me and that pity turned to love." I say, my voice becoming calm and collected.
Her expression falters yet again, and now she's forcing a tight knit smile.
"I do love you, and now we can be together, just…just like you always wanted!" She screams out, clenching her heart and staring at me with glossy eyes.
I sigh loudly.
"Hinata, I don't love you…I gave up on you the minute you kissed Sasuke back that day freshman year."
"B-But you…Sasuke told me that you l-loved me." She tries to defend her point, but I shush her quickly, holding up a finger.
"Sasuke isn't me. You shouldn't go around believing everything everyone tells you, especially when you know Sasuke hates me." I say, once again calmly but don't mind emphasizing Sasuke's true feelings towards me.
"S-So, this w-whole confession y-you're just going to i-ignore? What about m-my feelings?" She asks in desperation, her bottom lip quivering.
The wind blows harshly, rustling up some fallen leaves as they dance in the air.
I don't answer right away, and I approach her leaning in so that my mouth is inches away from her little ear.
"Yes. Just like you ignored me all those years ago." I whisper, venom seeping into my words. I can feel her shiver, not from the wind, but from my tone of voice.
I smirk and stand up straight.
"Take care, Hyuuga."
And with that I step through the doors, slamming them shut behind me.
Going through school was a breeze surprisingly; turns out some people actually didn't assume I was dead. Kiba greeted me with open arms, excited that I'm back. Although, I did have to mention to Kiba that visiting me would have been nice and I was kind of mad at him, but after his sincere apology and hearing that he's having trouble at home I let it slide.
I need have at least one friend at school.
I won a hot dog competition between Choji and I in cooking class…I was pretty proud of myself. Ino caught me up on all the latest drama, and heck even Karin waved at me.
It wasn't too bad after all. Although, there are a lot of issues to sort out, I'll think about those later… for today I'm too tired…or maybe just in too good of a mood.
Walking out of school at the last bell, I head for my car when I notice a certain raven-haired classmate walking to his own automobile.
Running on pure impulse, I shout out his name and run up to him, it kind of reminds me of old times.
"Oi, Sasuke!" I shout out, putting a hand on his shoulder and shooting him a smile, only to have it falter at the completely shocked expression on his face.
He freezes immediately at my touch, but then recoils quickly and rips his hand off of my shoulder.
"Oh, so you think we're friends?" Sasuke asks coldly, but I ignore his usual cold stare.
"Uh yeah?" I question, chuckling awkwardly. He just rolls his eyes and continues walking towards his car.
Looking at Sasuke I wonder why he asked such a question. Sure, we had our misunderstandings at the hospital, but still that scene of him helping me out at the locker room I kind of feel like we could start over and go back to being friends. And it would feel good to have an old friend back…cancer made me realize I shouldn't give up so easily.
Maybe he's just in a crabby mood, it is the first day of school after all.
I decide to follow after him. He notices me and rolls his eyes while sighing heavily.
"You trying out for soccer?" He asks, shoving his hands in his pockets and keeping a blank expression.
"Are you crazy? No way, not with my condition." I retort, chuckling and rubbing the back of my neck.
Sasuke just stares at me in shock.
"I mean, I can't play anymore…but uh want to grab something eat and we can catch up? Just like old times, right?" I ask, a bright smile shining on my face.
His eyes turn cold with rage.
"You're not trying out for soccer why not? You always loved the sport?" He asks forcefully, his eyes boring into mine. I gulp at his sudden intensity.
"Sasuke, I'm still recovering from cancer, I can't do that stuff anymore. Besides why do you even care so much? Come on let's just go catch u-"
"Naruto, we aren't friends." He snaps coldly, and some people even begin to look at us as his voice echoes harshly throughout the parking lot.
I stare at him with wide eyes.
"What? Why not?"
"You're a dead last. Besides you just survived cancer, go waste your time on someone else." He says with a monotone voice, and leaves me, as I stay paralyzed watching him go.
I watch his figure disappear as he climbs into his car and drives away. People begin to stop watching and they whisper to each other as they walk away from me.
I grit my teeth.
Where did the old Sasuke go? No.
What happened to the old Sasuke? What made him so cold…so…so full of hatred?
Where's the Sasuke that used to push me on the swing set? Who promised we'd always have each other's backs?
Were all those memories nothing to him?
Was being a best friend just a faded memory now?
Clenching my fists and feeling tears well up in the corners of my eyes, I search for his black sports car. Upon spotting it, and seeing that it's already heading out of the school's property I race to my own car and ignite the engine.
I'm not letting this go unresolved. I'm not giving up on my childhood friend.
Pressing on the gas, I begin driving to where I know he'll definitely be.
When we were younger, every time we broke into fights, he'd always head over to this small pond that we discovered one time.
It was at that pond that we promised to stay friends forever.
"Like brothers…" I mutter taking a turn onto a dirt road.
Driving down the dirt road sets a nostalgic feeling in the pit of my stomach.
It was these exact spots I remember taking "adventures" with Sasuke. Using long sticks as walking sticks as if we were real adventurers. We'd use bowls with glued leaves as helmets and search for mysteries to solve. It was usually something that one of us imagined like a ghost or whatever and we'd play around pretending to hear noises or see footprints.
A sad smile forms on my lips.
Were all those good memories a waste?
I step on the breaks, noticing that Sasuke's car is parked just along the path leading to the small pond.
I guess I just know him too well.
I park as well and hop off, venturing into the woods to find him.
I wonder through the woods and I find him sitting on a rock, staring into the pond with a gloom expression on his face.
"What do you want?" He snaps impatiently, staring at me with cold eyes.
I don't say, and find a seat on a fresh patch of grass.
"So you're just going to stare at me?" He barks, annoyed at my actions. He taps his foot impatiently, the constant thudding the only thing making sound in the clearing.
I pick at the grass, sliding it between my fingers while thinking of a good way to start this.
"Why did you betray me freshman year?" I ask, looking up at him and letting the grass be carried by the gentle wind.
"What other choice did I have?" He spits coldly.
I stare startled by his response.
"What are you talking about?" I say, raising my voice.
Sasuke shifts his gaze to the pond, staring at his own grim reflection. Sighing, his tense shoulders deflate and he shakes his head.
"You won't give up until I tell you, huh?" He mutters.
"That's right." I say firmly, smiling a tad at his realization.
He sighs, and only clenches his folded hands tighter and hanging his head so that his midnight bangs cover his eyes before answering.
"You were too high-spirited, too happy. I couldn't look at that smile of yours anymore. You were this…this ball of sunshine, taking everything good you had for granted while I was living miserably between two separate houses" He confesses, lifting his head to meet my eyes. His deep onyx eyes, looking so lifeless.
Honestly, just what happened to make him this way?
"My parent's got a separation freshman year." He mutters, and I notice his jaw tighten and his knuckles turn white from clenching them together as he keeps them folded in his lap.
My eyes snap open. And Sasuke only continues, ignoring the look of astonishment.
He must have gotten a lot of those.
I always pictured Sasuke to have a well-rounded family. At least, when I was over, they acted loving…although his father always did seem to be stern and cold from the very beginning…. but still a separation? How bad did things get?
"It was constant fighting in the house and then one day when I came home from school my mom wasn't home, neither were her things. Then my dad explained that I'd be living with my mom and he'd be living with Itachi because I was a disappointment to his reputation. My father never really cared for me as an individual, he would constantly compare me to Itachi telling me to be more like him."
Sasuke spits the words, as if they taste bad on his tongue. I notice his eyes turning dark, and I shiver at his sharp tone of voice.
"Even living with my mom it was difficult. She was a bit lighter on the topic of me being more like Itachi, but still the look in her eyes gave it all away. She was disappointed in me. Just like my father. " He spits and grits his teeth.
I open my mouth to shoot in an "I'm sorry" but the Uchiha just continues talking.
"And then seeing you at school, always taking about your parents how they take you to this and that and all the constant love they gave you…it made me jealous."
Once again, my eyes widen and my mouth hangs open.
He was jealous of me? All this time?
"I couldn't keep you around because you made me mad, I didn't understand why you always had to have the good life and why mine was so unbearably miserable and lonely."
I stay silent, beginning to somewhat comprehend Sasuke's actions towards me during that year of high school. But still, he should have told me. Didn't he trust me at all?
"So, since I broke off our friendship this uneasy loneliness settled in and I just…I had to replace it. So, I went after the one thing you loved most because I figured if I weren't happy why should you be?" He looks dead at me, and his eyes are dull almost lifeless.
I shiver.
"Hinata." I answer for him, my voice barely a whisper.
He laughs, an awkward and forced laugh.
"Bingo." He snaps his fingers, and buries his head in his hands.
"I couldn't bare being lonely anymore, and I my parents weren't able to give me the love I well deserved, and Hinata…she was able to replace that love and I just I had to feel something."
He rubs his temples, obviously feeling some emotional exhaustion by telling this story.
"Even if it was all fake, I used her and somehow managed to convince myself that I was finally loved. But, every time your name was brought up her cheeks would heat up and I knew, I freaking knew she had feelings for you. And it made me mad, so mad." He bawls up his fists, and I can practically feel the anger radiating off of him.
"So, when I forced her to try and talk to you because I felt bad you had cancer and she practically ran out of the room crying that you don't love her I got pissed. Of course you would get the girl in the end, because you got everything you ever wanted practically handed to you!" He screams now, and I can clearly see the tears of frustration peeking at the corners of his eyes. He seems unstable, like he's so engulfed by his jealousy he can't even think straight.
Something in me snaps at those words, and I can't take it anymore. I've listened to his rant, I've sat through him talking down at me and now it's my turn to talk.
I shoot up from my lazy position and glare hard at the Uchiha.
"Practically handed to me?!" I shout, causing the Uchiha to look up at me with raised eyebrows.
"I went through high school with no social life! All freshman year I wondered what I did ever did wrong to you, why you just decided to hate me one day and steal the girl I told you I liked since, since forever!" I yell, bawling up my fists and I can feel myself getting light headed.
Sucking in a deep and much needed breath I continue.
"If you had just told me that you were having trouble at home, Sasuke I would have helped you! Do you really think I would have abandoned you?! I was, I was your best friend for goodness's sake!"
He freezes, and I feel dizziness take over me. Bending over, I let my head rest on my propped up knees.
A silence settles in.
And then Sasuke speaks, his voice low.
"Maybe I should have told you, but it's too late now." He admits, curling his hands in his lap.
He inhales sharply and then continues on.
"After I broke up with Hinata, I was so pissed and out of it that I called up some of my friends and we went out to some random party at some girls house. Everyone there was dead drunk, heck, people were doing crazy things all over the place."
I shiver at the thought; high school parties always intimidated me.
"And then, one of my friends takes me to the back yard where a few other guys are seated and they begin passing around some…stuff."
I notice he stops talking and his lips turn into a straight tight knit line, so I decide to press on.
"What stuff?" I ask, folding my hands in my lap and staring at him with anticipation.
"Weed." He replies, and I notice him twitch as he says it.
My mouth drops open.
"What?!" I practically scream in shock. He inhales, shakes his head at my expression as if being concerned is a nuisance.
"It only started with a little bit, it was…like a relief, a breath of fresh air. I didn't intend to get, you know, addicted I suppose, but I couldn't stop after just one. And I started craving it, 'cause without it I felt empty." He confesses, and now I understand perfectly why his eyes are so dull and lifeless.
He's completely lost, so he's turned to drug abuse to fill that empty void in his life.
"Sasuke," I start, but he puts his hand up signaling me to stop.
"I know what you're going to say. 'Sasuke get some help.' But you know what Naruto, I've been trying to get help, and nobody has helped me. My parents will just tell me to go be more like Itachi, my school friends don't really care since they do it too, and you…heck why would you help me? It's not like I've helped you before." He answers honestly, his mouth twisting in some kind of weird smile that looks hurt and confused.
"Besides, what's the point of trying anymore, my parents sent Itachi off to college this year, that means we're now in a financial struggle, so I might not even go to college. And soccer? That's out of the question, Itachi's already competing in star athletic programs. He's already taken my dream. So, what's left for me? Nothing."
I shoot up, outraged by his stupid talk, and grab him firmly on the shoulders.
"Enough!" I scream into his face expecting some kind of shocked expression, but all I receive is those lifeless eyes staring back at me.
"Stop with this bullcrap Sasuke! You're not like that; you're not some weed addict who's given up on life. Darn it!" I yell frustrated that I hadn't been there to help him. Frustrated that I didn't even realize this change in him. I was too blinded by the confusion to realize that there must have been some meaning behind his actions.
Sasuke only stares at me, a stoic expression on his face.
"I'm not the old Sasuke, I've changed Naruto." He states blankly, and I only tighten my grip on his shoulders.
"No, you haven't changed at all."
He blinks a few times, and I know I've finally peeked his attention.
"You're still down there somewhere. You're still that same kid who wanted to become the world's best soccer player, who smiled while eating tomatoes, and always bragged about his cool older brother." I say, smiling at the memories. The soft and warm memories, the ones I've clung onto hoping that my best friend really isn't gone.
Sasuke shakes his head.
I grit my teeth in frustration.
"Naruto, I've changed." He persists yet again.
"Don't give me that crap." I snap, my tone turning harsh and serious. He stares at me, a bit of shock reading on his features.
"You may hate me, heck I don't even care. You may think I have the perfect life, but you're forgetting that I went through practically incurable cancer. I was on the verge of life or death! I could have died. Do you know how stressful that was? To think that my death would cause so much pain in the hearts of the ones that loved me… I felt like a burden for even being born, heck I started asking myself what my purpose even was? Why be brought into a world only to die and leave nothing behind?" I stop abruptly, catching my breath and feeling all of the pent up anger flood my mind.
Breathing heavily and sweating slightly, I stare at Sasuke's monotone expression. His droopy eyes, his fixated jaw, those piercing onyx eyes…so lifeless…so dead.
All these hidden feelings, feelings I've kept locked away for so long, they just tug at my emotions and I halt my words feeling bile rise up in my throat.
This is all just too much.
Frustration and anger fill into the corners of my eyes, digging into my flesh and pinching my cheeks. Heat, lots of heat pours into my cheeks and I feel my vision growing blurry.
Hot tears pour down the sides of my face. Tears of frustration, of anguish, of past memories that bring a sentimental feeling in the pit of one's stomach.
He watches me uncomfortablly, and before I become a snotty mess, I force back my tears and continue with a muffled voice.
"And I never hated you Sasuke. If you had just asked me for help, I would have dropped everything and helped you in a heartbeat. What happened to that promise we made here years ago?" I ask, my voice trembling and my hands beginning to shake as I grab onto his shoulders, crumpling the cloth of his jacket.
Sasuke stares up at me with wide eyes, and for the first time that day I actually see some life in them. Like a spark of something.
"Y-You still remember that?" He asks, shock written all over his face.
I nod slowly, letting the cool wind rustle my growing blonde locks.
"How could I forget, it was the promise of a lifetime."
And now it's Sasuke's turn to look completely defeated. His face crumbles, and I watch as he looks down, letting his black bangs cover his eyes. I finally reached him, I finally found my childhood friend underneath that cold exterior.
I feel him tremble, and it's good to see him finally let go.
"I'm such an idiot." He mutters, his voice cracking, his big ego breaking down as he finally admits it.
A small laugh slips from my lips.
"Yeah you are." I say, smiling that I was able to accomplish in resolving our issues.
After a small moment of comfortable silence, I bend down so that I'm at eye level with him.
I open my mouth to speak but he beats me to it.
"I'm sorry, for hating you and getting jealous. For everything." He apologizes, looking up at me with tear-glazed eyes.
Shocked by hearing his apology, I blink a few times and then smile, rubbing the back of my neck.
"You're forgiven, and I'm sorry for not helping you out." I say, giving him a sad smile.
He doesn't say anything but the small nod assures me that he's moved past it as well.
He then stands up, dusting his pants off from the dirt and tears collected on them.
Turning to me he extends his hand, and gives me a genuine smile.
"Friends?"
I grip his hand firmly, and he pulls me up so that our eyes meet.
"The best of them."
And we both grin.
It's fixed.
Finally.
We walk out of the clearing, wiping out tears and fixing up our attitude.
"Sasuke," I say sternly, and he turns around to face me.
"Yeah?" He asks, opening the door to his car.
"You need to get some help, about your addiction." I say, shutting his car door.
He sighs, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Fine, but I don't even know if anyone is able to help me." He admits, and I watch him fidget a bit, completely embarrassed.
A small smile plays on my lips a I reach out and give his shoulder a squeeze.
"Hey, we're friends, I won't let you suffer through this alone. Besides, I have some friends who work at the hospital and they deal with this stuff. You'll be fine."
He smiles at me and nods his head.
"Aa, thanks Naruto. You're a good friend."
I only smile wider.
And that night we went to the hospital.
"Ready?" I ask, standing before the main entrance doors.
Sasuke only nods.
Here we go.
AN: Hope you all enjoy this long chapter! I am quite satisfied with it, and honestly if you don't like it I don't care because I put so much hard work into it that my brain is actually fried. I listened to deep instrumental music, pretty much put myself into the character's shoes, and wrote my little heart out.
Poor Sasuke, had to go through all of that. But, in all seriousness, don't do drugs please. It's not the answer, and as you can see, Sasuke is still miserable even AFTER taking drugs and thinking it's like "a breath of fresh air" more like a breath of death if you ask me. But honestly, so many children from broken families go for drug abuse and end up with bad influences as friends, so please if you're in that position be positive and find the good things in life. One small slip up and you may end up somewhere you can't get out of. Please be careful!
But, how did I do? Although I do feel satisfied I have this strange feeling that you all might hate this chapter...I don't know why...but I just do! It's weird and I've been kind of afraid to post this chapter because of it! D: And please do remember that this story has a TON of mistakes, but I'm not a professional writer...just a girl who loves anime and creating AU type stories. So please, if some mess ups in the plot really upset you don't take it all too seriously, this is all purely just for fun and entertainment. And I do try really hard in writing these!
I'm becoming way to paranoid...xD
Well, please to leave a review! They really make me happy and I'm so thankful for all of them. I do read them and they make me smile and motivate me to write more. Also, you all have really great ideas, I love reading them! So, thank you! :D
Also, not sure how much longer I'm going to carry out this story, but expect an ending soon...since really what else for me to put? I do have some ideas for endings, but before I did end it I wanted to clear things up with Naruto's relationship with Sasuke and Hinata.
Would you guys like to see a Gaara/Sasuke interaction next chapter? (obvs not romance but some humor XD) I have a pretty good scene in mind, but I could just skip it and write something else I have in mind.
Ehm, this is a long AN, sorry about that I just had a lot to say! Well, I'll be going now, thank you for reading and giving this story so much support!
Until next chapter, toodles~