Third Timeline's Sasuke P.O.V
She's here again...
I watched the strange blond girl that I had met a month ago wave at me happily from the school's gates. "Sasuke!" she called out to me.
I sighed as I walked out the gate, passing her, paying her no attention as she joined me on my walk home. A month has passed since she claimed me to be her husband in the future. At first, I was scared, angry, and confused as to why this blond girl was so obsessed with me. She came out of nowhere, claiming something as ridiculous as me marrying her in the future. She even knew my name without us ever meeting before.
I used to find every possible way to avoid her until her smile slowly began to make me melt. One day, I found myself waiting at the end of basketball practice, wishing for everyone to leave as quickly as possible so I could be with her. She was my secret. A secret I couldn't believe I had allowed myself to grow attached to, and I hated myself for that.
I glanced to my side to see her walking by my side, talking to me casually as if we had known each other for a long time. I never once contributed to the conversation; I would listen occasionally, only to hear her speak about my supposed future self. She was in love with him; even I could tell just by the way her face would light up when she would bring him up.
It made me angry. Why was she so persistent in being with me when she knew I was nothing like my future self? It wasn't me she wanted; she wanted my future self.
I felt a knot in the pit of my stomach as I thought about this. It made me angry that I seemed to almost be competing with my future self.
"You know, Sasuke," I heard her say, "You've become softer...almost like him," She giggled before turning to smile at me. "I kinda miss when you were giving me a hard time," she joked.
Him? Again, I'm being compared...
I looked away as she laughed. Her comparisons were beginning to irritate me. I wanted to run away and find a way to stop all the sudden emotions I was beginning to feel since I had met her. I wanted to stop the emotions that I never wanted to feel for anyone.
I need to get away from her. She isn't good for me. She's making me weak with emotions-
"Sasuke?" she called to me in concern as she tugged on the sleeve of my uniform.
As I turned to face her, her genuine expression of concern for me began to make me melt again. I had never seen anyone show such care for me other than my mother and brother. And now, this girl, who I've never bothered to learn the name of, is showing me an affection that I don't deserve.
Fear began to consume me as I felt myself falling into her beautiful blue eyes. This isn't good. I need to stop this now before it gets any worse.
"Is everything okay-?"
"Stay away from me," I spat harshly while pulling my hand away from her grasp.
Her eyes widened in shock from my sudden outburst. "What?! Why?!"
I clenched my fists in anger, knowing I had to lie to her so I wouldn't let my innermost feelings known. "I've tolerated you for the past month. This is the extent of my generosity. Don't approach me anymore, or I will get the law involved."
"The law?! Sasuke, what the heck just happened?!" She yelled in a state of confused anger.
I bit my lip as I felt the knot in my stomach grow. Don't say anything.
"We were just fine! I don't get what happened!"
"Of course you don't!" I accidentally shouted.
"Okay...then help me understand-"
"There's nothing to understand. Just leave me alone!"
"Huh?! You're not making any sense. We were just fine a moment ago!" She reached out to me, trying to grab ahold of my hand. "Sasuke-"
The way she called me tugged at my heartstrings, sending butterflies throughout my body. Why am I reacting this way?! What is wrong with me?!
"Stop saying my name!" I shouted while moving away from her. "Don't ever say my name again!"
She scrunched up her nose in disbelief before reaching to grab my shirt by the collar. "What's going on?! You're being a moody girl!"
"I'm not!" I spat while growing red from embarrassment.
"Then what's with the mood swing?!"
I couldn't tell her I had lost my cool due to jealousy of my future self. Not only would it be pathetic, but it would also mean that I had developed feelings. I didn't want to let her know, so I continued to put up a wall and spat the nonsense from the deepest part of my heart:
"Why are you so obsessed with me?!" I yelled angrily while pushing her hand away. Crap! Why did I ask that?!
She flinched from my sudden outburst. "I told you already; you're my future husband-"
"I'm not him!" I retorted. "I'm...I'm not him, so stop comparing us!" I repeated regrettably. I was instantly mortified by my sudden display of jealousy toward my future self.
I quickly turned to run away. I wanted to escape the sudden emotional confrontation I had created. Uchiha's aren't so low that they display any form of weak emotions, especially not jealousy. I've become a shameful Uchiha...
"Where are you going?!" I heard her shout.
I ignored her as I kept running away.
"Sasuke!" she yelled while chasing me.
I have to stay away from her. She's making me weak! I'm turning into a lowlife-I need to stay away from her!
As I was about to turn the corner, my bookbag was pulled back, causing me to lose balance. I fell back into the arms of the very girl I tried to escape from. My heart skipped as our eyes met.
"I never took you for the jealous type," she joked while trying to catch her breath.
My face flushed red from embarrassment. "I-I'm not jealous! Why would I ever be jealous of myself-if what you say is even true!" I pushed myself away from her, ready to run again, but she grabbed my hand, holding it tight so I wouldn't escape again.
"Go out on a date with me," she blurted.
"Huh?!"
"You're right; you're not the Sasuke I know, so I want to get to know you and every flaw that makes you perfect. So let's go on a date, and this time, we'll only talk about you."
Her words made my heart skip, sending an uncontrollable blush to my face. I feel so pathetic! Why is she being so blunt?!
"I won't stop trying until you go out with me. Just one date! That's all I ask."
I watched her determined expression. Why is she trying so hard?
I looked away, embarrassed by what I was about to agree to. "On-only because you're begging...B-but just one and nothing more!" I yelled like a child. I can't believe I agreed so willingly! I've really become pathetic, and it's all her fault.
Before I could run off again, she pulled my arm, causing me to lower to her height. She smiled at me before kissing my cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow after school then, Sasuke."
I held the cheek that she had kissed as I watched her walk away with another piece of my heart.
The next day came faster than the others. The fear of anyone finding out what I was about to do this afternoon had me spiraling into destructive thoughts.
Why did I agree to go out with her? She's a commoner, a non-Uchiha! I should have stayed away from her. She was bad news to begin with...She's making me weak...
I hid behind the gym doors, watching her from the distance. I shouldn't have ever agreed to go out with her. No good would come from it.
I felt my heart sink into my chest as I watched her from afar. I should have never met you-
"Who's that girl, Sasuke?"
I jumped from the sudden intrusion. I looked to my left to see Obito-senpai standing beside me with a smirk. "She's pretty cute, don't you think? You don't ever see blonds like that in the estate." He smiled at me slyly as he placed a hand on my shoulder, "Don't tell me the goodie-two-shoes Uchiha finally found a girl worth fighting for~"
I brushed his hand off of me with a glare. "I'm not like you. You're lucky the estate let you back in after living in the outside world for so long."
He shrugged his shoulders, unbothered by my comment. "So much anger in such a little body...Well, since she's not yours, it's free game."
Before I could respond, he patted my shoulder before making his way to the gate to talk to the blond.
I watched as her expression gave away her feelings as she conversed with Obito-senpai. Her smile irritated me, especially when she was giving it to someone other than me.
How can she smile at him like that after all the ridiculous things she said to me the other day? "She wants to get to know me blah blah blah." Aren't I her future husband? Tch. What're they even talking about...?
My body began to move on its own, leading me to Obito-senpai's side.
"That sucks to hear," my senpai said while crossing his arms, "That you and Kakashi are no longer together."
I flinched at the sudden reveal. What? She never told me she was dating the captain from Konoha High...
She laughed nervously while rubbing the back of her head. "Ha ha, yeah, we dated for a little, but in the end, we just weren't meant for each other...Maybe in a different universe, but for now-" her eyes slowly shifted in my direction as she finished speaking, "-I belong with someone else."
I felt my face warm up as I looked away in embarrassment. Why does she keep saying things like that...?!
Obito-senpai chuckled: "That's too bad. Such a beauty as yourself is fighting for unrequited love." He smirked, raising his hand to ruffle her hair. "If this stupid kid hurts you, I'm always free to take you away from him."
She gave an awkward laugh while fixing her hair.
I rolled my eyes at his failed attempt at flirting. Who does he think he is? She doesn't want you.
I found myself glaring at my senpai, causing him to break out into laughter. "Don't worry, Sasuke. I won't take her away unless you fumble." He gave me a mischievous smile before leaving. "See ya around, Sasuke, Naruko."
His sly smile made me uneasy. No one ever knew Obito-senpai's intentions. He was an outsider within our clan, someone who couldn't be completely trusted.
Why did he give me that face? Is he going to tell someone about her? Am I going to be reported to the head of the estate?! He wouldn't do that, right?!
While lost in the endless negative thoughts, I felt her grab my hand, grounding me back.
"Relax," she said, "Let's go have fun!"
She pulled me out of the school gates and through the town. This time, I didn't pull my hand away and allowed myself to indulge in her comfort.
"Another one, old man!" she shouted while stacking her fifth bowl of ramen.
"Is that always the amount you eat...?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, pretty much. I love ramen," she stated before beginning her new bowl. "Don't worry," she started while slurping her noodles, "I'll pay since I'm the one who asked you out."
I felt my face begin to warm up from her words, so I quickly went back to eating my ramen to hide my embarrassment. I'm so stupid...getting flustered by her words...
She let out a sigh of relief as she finished her sixth bowl of Ramen. "So...let's start from the beginning." She turned to face me, showing me her hand, and smiled: "I'm Naruko Uzumaki, the deviant princess from Konoha High."
"Deviant princess?" I asked with a chuckle.
"Mhm. Deviant princess and troublemaker," she replied playfully.
I couldn't help but give her a small smile as I reached for her hand. "Sasuke Uchiha."
"Boo, boring! Add a title."
"No."
"Fine, I'll add it for you: 'Sasuke Uchiha, the moody Uchiha from Saint Madara Academy."
"Moody?!"
As the night went on, I slowly began to realize that she was the person I wanted to be around. She allowed me to be me with no judgment. She made me feel safe.
"You should make me some ramen sometime, Chef Sasuke," she teased while playfully tapping on the back of my hand.
"Maybe," I smirked while turning my hand over so I could feel her touch against the palm of my hand.
I couldn't look away from her. She was even more beautiful than before, inside and out. Slowly, our fingers began to intertwine as our playful touches became more intimate. I want you...I want to be with you...
"Aren't you two something, huh~?!" laughed the owner of the ramen stand.
We both jolted back in embarrassment, letting go of each other.
"Hahaha, I haven't seen you this happy in a while, Naruko." He continued to laugh, embarrassing both of us. "You treat her right, ya hear," he added while turning to look at me.
I glanced over at her to see her flustered and turning shades of red. I smiled to myself in relief. So I'm not the only one who gets embarrassed, huh?
Suddenly, his laughing stopped, catching our attention. "Say, you look familiar."
I looked at him in confusion. "This is my first time here."
He crossed his arms, staring at me in question. "No...I've seen you before...Oh, that's it!" he shouted, "You look like that older fellow that came by once a few months ago! It's funny how similar you two look, hahaha!"
My heart dropped, feeling betrayed. Did she only bring me here because this is where she came with my future self?
I clenched my fists in anger at the thought. I knew it...she doesn't want me. She's just using me...
I stood up in a hurry to leave. I was hurt, disappointed, and betrayed. I can't believe I allowed her to get so close to me! I can't believe I let myself start to feel things!
She grabbed onto my arm and looked at me in worry. "Sasuke, where are you going-?"
"Let go!" I pulled my arm away and left. Please, don't follow me...
"Sasuke!" I heard her yell, "Please let me explain!" She ran up to me, grabbing ahold of my hand.
"Don't touch me!" I shouted while pulling away from her.
"Sasuke, please listen-!"
"No! What's there to listen to? It's pretty clear you're just using me to get something you couldn't have!"
Her demeanor changed as she glared at me: "Take that back," she growled.
I rolled my eyes, fed up with the situation. "Don't get near me again-Ah!" My eyes began to burn. "Did you just pepper spray me?!" I asked in pain.
"I-I panicked!" she shouted in fear.
"Panicked?! Are you stupid?!"
"I am!" she admitted while taking my hand. "Don't worry, I'll help you!"
We sat on a park bench while Naruko tried her best to cure my eyes.
"Does it feel any better?" she asked while throwing away a bottle of milk.
"Yeah..." I crossed my arms, still angry that she had done that.
She sighed before sitting next to me. "I'm sorry...I just wanted to talk, but you were having another tantrum, and I didn't know what to do."
"Hn."
"Look...I know you think I took you there because I was there once with your future self, but that isn't the reason. Ichiraku Ramen is my favorite ramen place in the world! The only reason Sasuke and I were there was because he knew Ichiraku's my favorite, so he used it as a means to bribe me into listening to him."
"Huh? Bribe you?"
She laughed awkwardly while playing with her hair. "Well, I'm a little hard-headed, and I didn't want to listen to his whole "I'm your husband from the future" speech. I mean, to suddenly have a grown man come up to you and say he's your husband was crazy and unbelievable!"
She laughed awkwardly as she saw my annoyed expression. "Heh, I guess I did the same thing to you, showing up outta nowhere and calling you my future husband."
I scoffed at her idiocy. And then she wonders why I kept running away from her at the beginning.
"Look," She began while taking my hand in hers, "I know you feel as if you're being compared, but I want you to know that I like you no matter what you're like. I've only had memories of your future self because that's who I've spent time with.
But we can do the same. We'll spend so much time together that I'll never think about anyone but you. Does that sound okay, my jealous Uchiha?"
"I'm not jealous..." I mumbled while melting from her touch. Slowly, I began to let my wall down again. "How can you like me when we bearly know each other?" I muttered, still slightly unconvinced.
She reached over, touching my cheek as her other hand held mine. "I dunno...I can't help but be drawn to you..."
My eyes widened in shock at her words. Even if she hadn't met my future self and looked for me, I couldn't help but feel that we would have eventually met. It was almost as if we were meant to be in each other's lives in one way or another. I was drawn to her, even before the note on my desk.
However, none of that mattered. I'm engaged to Naori, and I have to marry her for the sake of our clan. Our situation was less than ideal. Even if we wanted to be together, there were too many factors that were stopping either of us from being completely happy.
She never once told me why I had returned from the future, but if I had to guess, he probably wanted to stop us from ever meeting. There is no doubt in my mind that he was in love with her, but his blind love probably caused their future to suffer. Being an outcasted Uchiha, having no one to go to but himself when faced with issues that would destroy anyone's spirit, even mine.
I knew what I needed to do; I needed to stay away. Nothing good would come from this for either of us.
I pulled my hand away and removed her hand from my cheek. "Only you feel that way..." I lied while building back my wall.
Her eyes dimmed as if she knew what I was trying to do. "Sasuke..."
I bit my lip to hold back the pain I felt inside. "Stay away from me," I said while standing up to leave her again.
"Tch. You always run away when you're having a problem! Please just talk to me." As before, she walked up to me and took my hand. "Sasuke, help me understand what you're feeling-"
"There's nothing to understand. Just stay away from me," I said coldly while pulling away from her. "Don't follow me again."
"No!" she yelled while running to stand in my way. "I'm never gonna stay away from you!"
"You're an idiot." I wanted to be with her, but I couldn't. So I swallowed my feelings away.
"And you're stupid!" she retorted, "So so stupid!" Tears started to form in the corners of her eyes as we argued. "Please...Give me a chance to make you happy!"
I clenched my fists in frustration. "We're nothing but a means to an end...An Uchiha with a lowlife like you is preposterous and impossible."
My heart sank as I watched her cry. I wanted to hold her in my arms. Comfort her the way she had been comforting me when I didn't deserve it, but I couldn't. I needed to stay away from her for both of us.
It had been a week since I last saw her. She did what I said for once and left me alone. It bothered me that she didn't try and come after me like the times before. I was convinced that she would always reach out to me if she really "liked" me as much as she said she did.
I looked out the school window as I rested my chin on the palm of my hand. She's not here today either...I know this is what I wanted, but that never stopped her before. Hn.
It was hard staying away from her after I had already tasted what could have been true happiness, but it was for the best. I don't need her.
I closed my gym locker with a small sigh. Basketball practice went poorly. I couldn't score any baskets or dribble properly. Even the freshmen were in awe of how badly I had played today.
I ground my teeth in frustration. It's all because I keep thinking about her! I need to get her out of my head. I don't need her-
"Hey, Sasuke."
I flinched as I heard my name. "Obito-Senpai..."
He sat down on the locker bench and patted it with his right hand, inviting me to sit next to him. "What's been going on?" he asked, "You've been off your game for the past week. Did something happen between you and Naruko?"
My blood ran cold as I heard her name. "Why would I ever be affected by her? I'm a noble Uchiha. Nothing ever affects me-"
"Let me stop you there," he said with a sigh. "Sasuke, you do know you're human, right?"
"What?"
"Uchiha or not, at the end of the day, we're all human. We all feel things-"
"Feelings are for the weak!" I shouted, blinded by pain and anger. "Only those who can remain indifferent and emotionless are superior to any other!"
I was lying to myself. Using the words I was fed my whole life to try and bandage the pain I felt in my heart.
He shook his head in disappointment. "Those who can feel and know how to cope with their emotions are the superior people. Feelings don't make us weak, Sasuke. They make us human, and humans aren't perfect."
I sat quietly as I processed his words. Being human isn't an excuse to disobey your clan's traditions. I can't do that. I can't let my family down. I can't let my emotions take over. My family is counting on me-!
"Go to her," I heard him suddenly say, breaking me away from my spiraling thoughts.
"What?"
"Naruko. Go to her, you idiot. You're never going to please everyone, so the least you can do is please yourself."
My eyes widened as he enlightened me. "But-"
"No buts! Lower your pride and let yourself want. You're an Uchiha. Uchiha's are meant to be selfish." He patted my shoulder before getting up and leaving. "Don't worry, Sasuke, I won't tell anyone, so go be happy."
Please myself...? I can't...I'll only hurt her, and it won't be good for either of us.
I sighed again while standing up to leave. This is stupid...I don't need her.
I walked out of the locker room and through the halls to exit the school. I don't need her.
I then pushed open the school doors, ready to make my way home. I don't need her-
Suddenly, my feet began to move on their own. I turned in the opposite direction and began to run. I don't need her, but I want her!
I saw her at the ramen stand she had taken me to on our date. She was eating a single bowl, slowly, unlike before when we were together. She seemed lifeless, and it was my fault. I had hurt her.
What am I doing? I don't deserve to be here after what I did-
"Sasuke?" she called from the stand.
It was too late to go back. I took a deep breath and walked up to her. I wanted to tell her that my feelings for her were mutual. I wanted to be with her and no one else, but I was too embarrassed to say any of that. My pride wouldn't let me.
So I said the first thing that came to mind: "I thought you said you were in love with me, so why did you suddenly stop showing up?! My words never stopped you before, so why now?!"
She stared at me while holding in a laugh. "Your face is all red!" she shouted while bursting into laughter. "You're a Tsundere, huh?"
She stood up from her stool, holding her bowl of ramen. She then raised her chopsticks and fed me her noodles. "Have some ramen. You're not you when you're hungry."
After eating, we spent the rest of the evening in each other's company. I had finally opened my heart to her and allowed myself to be selfish.
"You're an idiot," she said while we made our way to her apartment, "I can't believe you both thought that pushing me away would solve everything. You're still an idiot no matter how old you are, huh?"
"Shut up!"
She giggled, taking my hand in hers. "I'm never going to let you go, Sasuke," she reassured sweetly.
I moved my hand away so I could intertwine my fingers with hers and hold her properly. "But what about my family and Naori?" I mumbled.
"We'll figure it out."
We had reached her apartment, marking the end of our time together. She turned to face me, looking at me sweetly as she used her free hand to caress my cheek. "We're going to be okay. Don't worry about the future; we have the rest of our lives to do that."
She let go of my hand to touch my other cheek. She held my face gently, slowly bringing me closer to her. "We're going to be okay," she repeated before kissing me.
Her kiss sent shivers throughout my body. I had never felt so warm, content, and safe before. She was where I needed to be and who I wanted to be with forever. In just two months, I had fallen in love with a girl I never thought I would ever meet.
"Naruko," I whispered between kisses to catch her attention.
"Yeah?"
I slowly pulled away to look at her. "I've been drawn to you since before we met."
Her eyes opened in shock at my sudden confession. "What-When?!"
I chuckled as I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Since the moment our eyes accidentally met during that rival basketball game almost three months ago."
Her jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wait, so I wasn't going crazy that day! It felt like the world had stopped for a second."
I nodded my head in agreement. "That's why it scared me when I saw you for the first time outside the school." I didn't want to believe that moment was real because I never thought I would ever meet her one day.
"How did you recognize me from the game?" She asked, still in awe.
"How could I forget your pretty blue eyes," I whispered while leaning in to kiss her again.
She made me happy, and the thought of losing her was enough to make me irrational. But I trusted her. If she said we were going to be okay, then we were. She was my future wife, after all.