Date: 8/19/13
Rating: K+
Genre: Angst, Drama
Prompt: Continuation of the transplant prompt (Chapter 66)

It began with whispers.

But Sasuke wasn't surprised. It always began with whispers, always began with something small, insignificant, just barely perceptible. And just as he anticipated, it wasn't long until pointed fingers and elbowed sides accompanied these whispers; it wasn't long until forced smiles became frowns; it wasn't long until the villagers stopped whispering altogether, rather choosing to talk—freely, blatantly, and snidely—just so he could hear exactly what they thought of him. Not that Sasuke ever paid attention, or cared for that matter—because what did they know? Nothing.

It was only when Sasuke was with Naruto that he ever felt something akin to guilt—because when Naruto spoke to him, it was never about what he did or what he said; it was always about her. And Sasuke hated him for it.

She won't tell me what happened, teme.

She hasn't stopped crying, teme.

She just wants to know what she did wrong, teme.

And yet, as guilty as he made him feel, it wasn't Naruto's comments that made him fully regret what he did and change his mind. It was Sakura herself. Because for six weeks straight, amidst the third-party glares and Naruto's relentless pestering to just talk to her, not once did Sasuke ever see his teammate—not even a glimpse, not even in passing. Even when he began to seek her out, Sakura was nowhere to be found. He couldn't understand how she did it. It was almost as if she no longer existed, and it bothered him.

Sasuke knew he told Sakura that he didn't want to see her, but he didn't expect it would be like this. He didn't expect her take his request so seriously. He didn't expect her to just disappear. He wasn't prepared for it, and the village was beginning to feel lonely again.

He finally found her on her way home from the hospital, walking along the same path they took all those weeks ago. Two months had passed, and Sasuke had to wonder how long she'd been taking this route home, had to wonder why he never thought of checking it before.

It was dark, the village lit by the few streetlights that lined the road. For a moment Sasuke questioned whether of the person approaching was actually Sakura; it was too dim to tell. But he knew that chakra signal. He'd know it anywhere. However, her figure stopped momentarily just as it came to view before continuing forward, albeit grudgingly. Sasuke smirked, unsurprised. This path was already out of the way from the hospital, turning around would only make her walk home even longer than it already was. She had no other choice but to continue. Perfect.

"You declined the mission," he said just as she passed, not even sparing him a glance. "Again."

There was a brief pause. "You seem surprised."

She sounded tired. But Sasuke couldn't tell if it was because she just finished her night shift at the hospital or if it was because of him. He bit the inside of his cheek. He hoped it was the former. "I'm not."

"Good," she said, "I'm glad."

"But why?"

"You've got to be kidding me," she said under her breath. He heard her sigh before she continued stiffly, "I'm only giving you what you asked for, Sasuke-kun."

"Well," he said, turning around. "I change my mind."

Beat.

"That doesn't mean I've changed mine, Sasuke-kun."

His eyes widened. "Wait," he said, quickly grabbing onto Sakura's arm before she could walk away. He felt her tense under his touch, but she didn't resist. Tired. She was just tired. Sasuke bowed his head. He was tired, too. "Just let me explain."

"Are you sure you're going to give me the truth this time?" Sakura asked, turning her head slightly, edge in her voice. He nodded slowly, hesitatingly—irritatingly. She shook her head. "You know what, just forget—What are you doing?"

"I'm giving you what you wanted," Sasuke said as he pulled Sakura toward the closest streetlight, letting go of her arm once they were finally under the light. He couldn't say it. He knew he wouldn't be able say it.

But he could show her.

At first, as she stared into his eyes, Sakura didn't understand. He gave her what she wanted, and yet, she didn't understand what was wrong. But then, she saw it. And suddenly, it wasn't so dim anymore."Your eyes," she said slowly, "they're—they're not yours, are they?"

Sasuke looked to the floor, the corners of his mouth turning upwards into a small smirk. He knew it. She noticed. She always did. She always would.

But this time, he was unafraid.

"No," he said, looking back at her, "they're Itachi's."

She blinked, putting the pieces together. "So this," she said, furrowing her eyebrows, "this is why you didn't want to look at me? Because you transplanted your brother's eyes?"

"I didn't know how you'd react," he said, sighing, knowing how stupid he sounded, how weak his reason was. "I didn't want to know."

"Well, do you want to know my reaction now?"

Sasuke nodded "I think—"

She slapped him.