Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 39

Chapter Inspiration: Alone In This Bed by Framing Hanley

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A week went by and then another as the Uchiha remained in the Village. The others began to grow used to the Uchiha's presence, though not all ninjas were understanding. They were at least thankfully civil since he was here because the Hokage allowed it. Kakashi was rather surprised to find Sasuke present upon returning from a mission. Even the length of his stay was rather unusual too. The young man watched him carefully when around his former students instantly noticing how Mai seemed to be comfortable around her childhood friend again.

There were no guards up and no wariness to her movements and words. More often than not he would catch sight of the two of them walking through the Village side by side. And that made the Jounin worried because Sasuke was not one to stick around long and if he disappeared for a lengthy bit of time again Mai could get wrapped up in her missions once more. The last thing he wanted was for the older teen to pull away from them once more.

Sasuke stayed another week and a half, which surprised Mai. She almost expected him to be gone come morning of the original timeline without a word. But upon waking and finding him lying beside her was a pleasant surprise. Most days when not wanting to be bothered by the crowds in the streets and their friends, they retreated to what remained of the Uchiha compound.

It was still in visible disarray, but most of the destruction from Pein had been cleared away as the plant life around it began to consume the structures from the ivy and vines that crawled along walls, flowers and trees sprouting in various places. And Sasuke knew, watching as Mai climbed inside their once childhood home, that when she had her free time she was the one to be sure the compound didn't fall completely to ruin. It almost had a beauty about it now in its abandonment.

"Thank you," he muttered, having wrapped the Be Fong in his arms from behind when she was examining a structure. Her hands rested on his arms, head leaning back against a shoulder. Maybe one day, they both thought, the two of them could return and restore it.

"I won't be gone so long this time," he reassured.

It was nearing his fourth week in Konoha and they were lying in bed staring up at the ceiling as crickets chirped outside. One of the sliding walls were open slightly to allow the gentle breeze to drift inside.

"Is that a promise?" Mai asked.

"Yes." He rolled over so his upper body hovered over hers on the bed. "I love you."

One of her hands came up and caressed his smooth cheek. She knew. While the ex-rogue had never said it aloud before, Sasuke proved it every day that he was here since that night what his feelings were towards her. To hear it aloud... it made the Phantom Ninja's heart flutter a bit. This wasn't a friendly 'I love you'.

"I love you too."

He caught her in a searing kiss.

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It was barely dawn when Sasuke woke. There was just enough light spilling into the room to able to make out shapes around them. Glancing down at the ninja wrapped in his arms his head bent down face burying in the messy black hair and kissed her softly. He wished to stay longer, but there was work that needed to be done. Sasuke didn't realize until these four weeks that sleeping beside Mai felt right with their bare skin brushing against each other. It made it all the more difficult to let go.

Slowly, carefully, the Uchiha removed himself from the bed collecting his clothes along the way to the bathroom. He had gathered all the Intel he needed for his next venture, and set up a plan for his journey in order to return quicker than he had in the past. He always thought that he had all the time in the world. That no one would care what it was he was doing. He had been stupid and blind to the fact that one person could be affected by his decision to roam so much. The Uchiha had been selfish and wanted to make it up to Mai in any way possible.

Walking back into the bedroom Mai was still sleeping on the bed now on her stomach, head turned towards the door. The bed sheet had fallen just below the shoulder blade, black hair framing the face. Sasuke paused taking in the sight before him. She was strikingly beautiful even with scars from years of battle. He had quite a few himself. Walking to the side of the bed the ex-rogue leaned down to lightly kissed the side of her head and whispered,

"I'll see you soon."

Turning to leave Sasuke gathered his weapons by the doorway before exiting. Slowly, quietly he closed the door behind him. But unknown to the ex-rogue, Mai's eyes cracked open and watched him take his leave, not looking back.

"See you soon," she whispered before falling back to sleep. [song ends]