Can't Help Myself 2.0

.9

Today was the day where team 7 was together again after a while. They were waiting for Kakashi to show up, of course him being late as always.

Kakashi had visited him from time to time while he was at the hospital and even at his apartment. Hearing the news, he didn't want someone as young as Naruto to go through such thing. He felt like they had a small connection, as Naruto reminded him of a certain someone from long ago.

Kakashi took him out to eat ramen as a treat. Naruto tried to use this opportunity as to get a glimpse of what's under his mask but somehow, he managed to eat the bowl without him seeing it.

Anyways, the trio are gathered at an open training field. Sakura and Naruto talking amongst themselves while Sasuke sat silently. It was obvious there was tension between him and Sasuke but Sakura tried her best to ease it down.

Sakura leaned a bit towards Sasuke's direction, using her friendly tone as she was beginning to grow gloomy at the tense air.

"Sasuke, how come you didn't join us to meet Naruto? He is a little sad that you didn't go and see him."

Sasuke side eyed her, "I didn't want to, there was no need for me to see that Dobe."

"There's no need to be all doom and gloom like that," Naruto grumbled, crossing his arms as he couldn't help but listen to the conversation. "Being there for your friends is a good reason to go."

A sound that is similar to an airy laugh escaped out of Sasuke's mouth. Sakura and Naruto both snapped their heads to look at him, confused to what exactly was funny.

"Us? Friends? What made you think of something like that? Both of you guys aren't even close to that to me," Sasuke snickers, glaring at them. Sakura was stunned to speak, eyebrows knitted together and hands clenched.

Naruto grew angry at that, standing up from his seat and turning his body fully towards Sasuke.

"That can be true between us but what about Sakura? She clearly cares about you and don't act like you don't either!"

"We are only acquaintances. I could care less about anyone, and everyone. I am here for one goal only."

Naruto clicked his tongue, "No wonder majority of our team hates you."

Sasuke shrugged nonchalantly, not completely phased by that fact.

"I don't need them or anyone, they'll just get in my way. Especially you, Dobe, you're nothing but a bother."

Just when Naruto was going to shout at him, the two boys watched as Sakura quickly stood up from her spot and turned towards Sasuke.

Unexpectedly, a loud slap echoed throughout the training field.

Sakura had slapped Sasuke right on his cheek, glaring right at him as Sasuke rested his hand on his redden cheek in disbelief.

"Don't talk to him like that," she told him angrily, teeth clenched together with her eyebrows knitted together. Before Sasuke could fully process what had happened, she grabbed Naruto's hand and walked away from him and dragged Naruto along with her.

Naruto was fighting so hard to hold back a whine, feeling Sakura grip onto his hand hard. He was almost losing his senses in his hand.

He watched as Sakura stomped as she walked, seething in rage as if smoke was coming out of her head. It kind of surprised him to see her defend him to that extent instead of Sasuke as she always had. As much as he hates to admit it, she had always favored the other more than him.

He also felt bad. She had an obvious crush on Sasuke as well but chose to defend Naruto.

"Sakura? You didn't have to do that for me."

Sakura halted her steps, turning around and smiled at Naruto.

"I wanted to. Sasuke was way out of line and I wasn't going to let him talk to you like that," she sighed out sadly, "He might not care about me like how I do but I have you. I care about you a lot and we have better chemistry together anyways!"

Naruto's heart skipped at that, eyes glowing as warmth spread throughout his body. He never knew she thought of him like that.

A wide grin spread over his face as he pulled her forward. Sakura stumbled a little bit was quickly engulfed in a big hug.

"Let's be the best together, Sakura!"

Sakura didn't move for a few seconds before melting into his embrace, wrapping her arms around Naruto and squeezing him.

"Yes, together!"

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