chatterbox
Sasuke was beginning to feel like it was a tragic mistake making that deal with Naruto.
It had been about 5 hours of walking, and in true Naruto fashion, he had spent most of it talking nonsensically about the first thing to grace his mind. It was hard to tell if he even noticed that Sasuke had tuned him out almost immediately.
Being trained shinobi, they had the stamina to continue walking for a long time without stopping.
But Naruto’s incessant babbling was weathering Sasuke’s patience. He was feeling the rising need to stop somewhere, anywhere, just to catch a break.
Sasuke supposed he ought to be used to it, considering in their youth, Naruto had done the same thing. Except he had the company of Kakashi and Sakura to shoulder the weight of Naruto’s demanding presence.
A pang of guilt resinated in Sasuke’s gut as he thought about his squad mates. He knew, in the dark, broken part of his heart, that he was not deserving of their forgiveness, of their mercy.
He had been blinded by his hatred. The effects of it still lingered, the edges of his mind and heart feeling raw and empty. He knew he would have a lot of work to do to earn the forgiveness of his squad. Of his village, of the world.
But there was someone who had welcomed him back without hesitation or apprehension.
Someone who had never given up trying to fight Sasuke’s hatred, fighting for the small glimmer of light that Sasuke himself still didn’t see.
And he was the person right beside him, still talking his ear off.
Sasuke caught the tail end of Naruto’s latest tangent. ”Y’know, you’ve missed out on a lot of special limited edition Ichiraku flavors. I don’t think you were as much of a ramen guy as I am. But you still missed out.” Naruto walked with his arms behind his head, casual.
Well, given he only had one arm, it looked kind of stupid. Sasuke scoffed.
“You look like an idiot.” Sasuke accidentally blurted.
He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but it’s not like his assessment was incorrect.
“What the hell are you talking about? You’re the one wearing that big black cape in this heat! If anyone looks stupid, it’s you.” Naruto defended. It was simple banter, but it felt… familiar.
Sasuke wasn’t happy about it. He had no intention of allowing himself to get comfortable with Naruto. The last thing he needed right now was friendship, with anyone.
He needed to focus on himself. Time for friendship could come later.
But that plan was slightly impossible when he could feel himself and Naruto settling into a familiar rhythm, one they shared when they were new genin.
He could almost feel Kakashi trailing silently behind them, copy of Make-out Paradise in hand.
He felt like he could look to his side and see Sakura, who would look shyly over at him every few moments.
It felt.. comfortable. It felt strangely natural, walking with him. The guy who had sacrificed his arm, just to finally get through to Sasuke.
And that was terrifying.
The light of the lowering sun caught on Naruto’s blond hair. It reminded Sasuke of his nine tails mode that surrounded him in golden power.
Sasuke’s stomach twisted. He did not want to get comfortable. He had to remind himself of that. But he couldn’t pull himself away.
And that was exactly why he needed to get away.