Happy Accidents

Chapter 25: Support

"So... you said you had something you wanted to ask me?" Sakura questioned as she and Naruto took a seat in one of the quiet booths of the cafe.

"Yeah. Look, I hate to keep bringing it up 'cause I'm sure it's tough on you, but I wanted to ask. Why did you really go home early that day?" Sakura knew what day he was talking about. The day she'd been attacked.

"I told you at the hospital. I wasn't feeling well." It was a lie, but not one that would have any bearing on the investigation. She just didn't want to admit how upset she'd been over one statement.

"Sakura... please. I know that's not the full story," he coaxed softly. His tone was gentle and warm, and he seemed genuinely concerned. "Whatever it is, I know you wouldn't have left it out if it could have helped the investigation. You're too smart for that. But whatever it is, you can tell me. I won't say a word. Swear on it."

She awkwardly looked down at her cup, rubbing the side of it in an attempt to console herself before speaking. "I... I overheard the conversation you were having with Detective Uchiha," she said quietly. She didn't dare look up at Naruto. "I-I left it out because it... it wasn't relevant to the case, at the time. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have withheld, but--"

"No, Sakura, it's okay. I understand. And you're right--it wouldn't have helped the case anyway." He reached a hand out to gently rest on hers. "Take a deep breath, okay? What you heard is... not exactly what he meant, even though I'm certain you believe otherwise." Naruto knew what had been going on with Sasuke in that conversation. He was doing what he always did: distancing himself, not letting anyone get close enough to matter.

"What do you mean?" She asked, turning sad green eyes at him. His blue eyes stared back at her, warm and comforting.

"Listen, I've known Sasuke since we were kids. We call each other annoying pains-in-the-asses all the time, but at the end of the day, he's my best friend. He's not very good at letting people in. Honestly, I was surprised when I realized he let you stay with him. He hasn't even let me over to his house before, let alone you." Naruto was effectively confirming a lot of what she already realized: that Sasuke was distant and that he was running hot and cold, back and forth, over and over again.

"The truth is, deep down he cares. I've never seen him so determined to stay by anyone's side the way he did when you were hurt. I think he knows that you overheard what he said--and he didn't mean it. He was just trying to shut me up as usual." Naruto let out a soft chuckle. "You mentioned last night that you had your eye on someone else, so... I'm guessing you meant him." Damn, he was perceptive. Within seconds he'd put the whole scenario together with only a single piece of information.

"Yeah," she admitted somberly. "You... you really think he cares that much?"

"Are you kidding? I know it. He tries to hide it, but he's fixated. The problem he has is... he's not good at getting close to people. He's scared. His whole family died in a fire, and he was scarred--physically and emotionally--from it. He's afraid to let anyone in because they might get hurt like anyone else he's been close to. Hell, he still keeps me at a distance sometimes. I just know how to read him."

This was more than Sakura was expecting to learn about Sasuke. She was still uncertain about what Naruto was saying, but she was going to take it under consideration. "So... what do you think I should do, then?" She asked. "I think he's upset you and I went out last night, but it's strange; he encouraged me to go."

"Yeah. Sounds like him. And if you ask him, he'll tell you that you're better off." He took a sip of his coffee. "I think you're smart enough to make that decision for yourself, and I respect that. You told me we wouldn't work as a couple. If that's what you think, then that's that. It'd be unfair of me to try and force it, but I'm not going to throw away the chance at a friendship, either. It didn't work. That's just life." He shrugged. "I won't deny I'm a little bummed, though."