Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 56

Chapter Inspiration: Wicked Game by Ursine Vulpine

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When Sasuke returned from training with Naruto, he quickly headed for the shower. Mai wasn't home yet realizing it was dark out and worried for a moment as to where she was. The Be Fong could take care of herself, but figured she'd be back hours ago. He hoped she returned soon, entering the bedroom and collecting his things.

"Are you leaving?"

Turning Sasuke saw Mai standing in the doorway.

"I was going to slip into the night and head west after I said goodbye," he said. Continuing to pack his bag once more. The room was silent for a few moments.

"How long have you known you were going to leave today?" Mai asked.

"This morning. You were already gone." There was a long pause as he pulled on his uniform.

"Sasuke... please don't go back out there."

He cocked a brow, turning to look at her. "What's brought this on?"

"Nothing... but I missed you. And every time you're gone... this feeling gets worse."

"You know I always return."

"I know, but I still can't help but worry you'll get hurt in some way. And is it wrong to want to see you more than a week or two out of months at a time?"

No, it wasn't because he missed her presence too, but...

"I can't stay," he said.

"Why?"

"Why are you so adamant on this matter all of a sudden?"

"Because my last mission made me rethink some things, all right. Answer the question."

"I can't stay and you know that. I have yet to reach my full potential and I can't find that in Konoha."

The young woman's brows narrowed, not wanting to hear that answer. "But why?" Mai shouted. "Why do you have to keep going out there? Haven't we grown strong enough? More than we could ever hope for since we first became Genin? Haven't the both of us done enough? For our allies and enemies? When do we get to say enough?"

"We never get to! Not since we were children and not being ninja now. There will always be something out there that threatens our existence and we have to keep fighting for survival. You of all people should know this with your line of work. It's never enough till everything that is out there that could cause harm is destroyed. But there's always something that comes around to take its place. So it's up to us to be stronger to prevent another war from breaking out."

"I can't think like that," she whispered. "I have to believe that there is something better for us than the constant death and war. That there is such a thing as peace and a chance for us to live happy without being used as a puppet or weapon. Isn't that what you want?"

"Of course, it is. It's all I ever wanted. To continue the Uchiha Clan. To have a family. I don't go beyond the gates of Konoha to run away from that future. I go out there because of you."

Mai's brows pinched, eyes slightly growing in wonder.

"You deserve everything in the world," Sasuke reasoned, "but I know everything that you've gone through. Out of everyone in the Village you're the one always in the most danger. I want you to be happy, to be content to give it all up, so you no longer need to be on the front line. If I become stronger, I can take up the burden placed on you."