Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Rating: K

Summary: The red bridge is a place of another confession.

The Change of Heart

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The red bridge was a nostalgic place for Team Seven's members, associated in their genin memories with hours of waiting for the pathologically late teacher to arrive. After his return to the village, Sasuke honestly didn't expect that place would be any different and he was right. That's how one fine spring morning he found himself there alone with Sakura, waiting for the rest of the team to show up.

Sasuke, though stoic and inexpressive, noticed right away that Sakura was unusually quiet. He could possibly chalk it up to her obvious growth in skills and maturity, but something wasn't quite right. She was sneaking glances at him and biting her lip worriedly. He wondered what could be possibly on her mind.

"I don't love you anymore, Sasuke-kun," Sakura declared suddenly.

The Uchiha looked over at her, a brief flicker of surprise passing through his features. Was she serious?

But as far as he could tell, Sakura wasn't laughing. She took in a deep breath and continued her unexpected confession.

"You know, I only thought that I loved you, but my feelings were just a crush. My real love was out there all the time and only recently I saw that clearly. I don't know why it took me so long to realize this. I'm sorry, Sasuke," she revealed apologetically.

Sasuke turned away from her, forcing himself to keep his sight on the calm currents of the river. "Good for you," he said gruffly.

"Thanks! I feel so relieved that you understand. Now I can pursue him with a clean conscience."

Sasuke's fists involuntarily clenched.

"Is it Naruto?" he couldn't help himself but ask, lacing his voice with mild curiosity and nothing more.

He thought it would make sense if she fell in love with Naruto. Naruto didn't leave her for revenge. Naruto always took care of her. Naruto was a world hero and deserved her love. In comparison, Sasuke's achievements were laughable, no matter how much strength he had gained and how many powerful opponents he had faced, because his motives had been impure and selfish all along. Who could love someone as tainted as him?

It was, in hindsight, inevitable, that Sakura's feelings would change.

He was broken out of his reverie when the kunoichi leaned on the railing beside him and peered up at his face. "Are you jealous?" she asked innocently.

Sasuke glared at nothing in particular. "Hn."

A quick peck on a cheek stunned him. He regarded her with wide eyes, uncomprehending of the reason for why would she do that now, a hint of pink subtly tinting his face.

Sakura giggled. "April Fool's!" Her expression was warm and affectionate. "I still love you, Sasuke-kun," she said softly and linked her arm with his, pressing their sides together.

Sasuke didn't hide the contented smile that appeared on his lips.

He didn't even mind waiting longer for the idiots of the team. For him, it was enough that she was there.

AN: So I felt like writing Sasusaku and I got this idea. At least April Fool's was this week, so I'm not that late.

Initially I planned a longer fic, but I guess it could wait for after I'm done with Yatori week.

Hope you enjoyed! :)