Another ficlet

Theme: #35 - Recalling things that other people desired
Character(s)/Series - Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura
Rating - PG
Notes - I think the story speaks for itself, but it’s Naruto and Kakashi talking about Sasuke and Sakura.

And comments of all kinds are greatly appreciated!



“They’re reviewing this past year of his parole the day after tomorrow,” Kakashi spoke softly. His tone was serious and Naruto glanced at the grey-haired man. They both knew who Kakashi was speaking of.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen him because of the difference in levels,” Naruto replied equally somber.

“I think this year he’ll be free to take the Jounin exam. Most of the shinobi have forgiven him.”

“I don’t know if I have, and his case will be under my jurisdiction.” They fell silent again, each sifting through their own views on the man in question. It had been eleven years since their team had been together again only to be ripped apart for due process.

“Do you know when she’ll be returning?”

“What does that have to do with him?”

“I think you know, Naruto,” Kakashi side and rubbed his jaw.

“He doesn’t deserve her. He won’t make her happy.”

“How do you know that, Naruto? So much time has gone by-”

“He wouldn’t allow her to visit him. She would sit outside the Konoha Strict Correctional Facility for hours, in all kinds of weather, just to be near him. The bastard didn’t care at all. Didn’t have the courage to face her after all he did to her. Why should I take into consideration how she felt about him?”

“Because she might still feel that way. She’s been gone for several years, Naruto, but that doesn’t mean she stopped loving him.”

Naruto drew his legs to his chest and placed his chin on his knees, “If she knows what’s best, she’ll have given up on him. She’s only hurting herself by loving him.”

“Ah, but that’s what love is, Naruto. Even though he wouldn’t allow any of us to see him, I’m sure he knew that Sakura was always there, waiting for the day he would be a free man. He’ll probably expect to see her at the hearing. I wonder what he’ll think when she isn’t there,” the Copy Ninja mused.

“He probably wouldn’t even notice, he’s too concerned with himself,” Naruto replied bitterly.

Kakashi looked down to his former student. Naruto was curled up as he had often done when he was younger. Kakashi always thought he did it when he didn’t want to be brave, when he wanted someone to comfort him. “Maybe you’re looking at it the wrong way. Maybe you’re too biased to judge Sasuke fairly. Isn’t there some loop hole where the Godaime or Jiraiya or a member of the town council can judge him in your place.”

Naruto went silent as he thought about his former teacher’s words. “The only people he owes anything to anymore are Sakura, you, and me.”

“He doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve long since came to terms with my grievances concerning him.”

Naruto glanced at Kakashi, curiously. “You really think that Sakura would be happy to have him back?”

“You know she would be.”

“It’d make things difficult for her, even while making them somewhat easier for her to make her dreams come true.”

Kakashi’s small smile was hidden beneath his mask, he knew Naruto was finally coming to a decision. “What do you mean?”

Naruto unfolded himself and stood. “All the girls used to chase Sasuke. When he ran off in the first place only a handful of people knew, and we kept silent about it. The girls all just assumed he was off on a long-term mission. They figured that Sakura and I had gotten special instructors, Sasuke probably did, too. Their attentions turned to other things and boys. Seeing him after all these years would only make them remember the days they used to chase him. Sakura’s the only one who hasn’t given up on him. She has no competition to worry about.
“And Sasuke doesn’t have anyone he depends on, but Sakura’s always been able to sneak past his boundaries and affect him. He hasn’t been able to complete one of his life goals. There’s only one option for him to take. Father’s in their right minds won’t allow their daughters to marry him, even if he is an Uchiha. Even if they didn’t care about his prison record Sakura’s the only one who can see beyond his good looks and broody nature,” he stopped and sighed. The stars were shining brightly, as if telling him to let his former teammate go free in two days.

“So, what conclusion have you come to?” Kakashi asked gently.

“Sakura has only eve seen Sasuke. Sasuke has only ever let Sakura into his mind. For the both of them, there is only one match. Each other.”

“So you’ll let him go?”

“Only if he notices Sakura isn’t at the hearing.”

“What would that prove?”

“That he desired Sakura all along. That he needs her. That he’ll stay. That he finally realizes people love him.”