SasuSaku Prompts

21. Off the Breach

prompt: The Deep End

A/N: This is late. But I know that somewhere in the world, it's still the seventh so there you go.

--

He knew this would happen. He knew that he couldn’t just come back and people would be there with open arms. He never did anything that would make them happy with his comeback. He’s hardly a loyal shinobi of the village— he’s a traitor, for gods’ sake!

But he is Uchiha Sasuke and there are still people who will always wait for him, love him, no matter how far he’s gone to the deep end. Team 7 will always be there for him. Even if no else would be willing to.

It’s been three months since his probation started. He wasn’t allowed to leave the village for a year, and would only be given D-rank missions. He has been reinstated as a member of Team 7—much to Naruto and Sakura’s happiness. They decided that after their training sessions, which are rare, because of Sakura’s hospital duties, they would have a picnic, breakfast, or even lunch right there at the training grounds.

He and Sakura are the only ones left since the others have been called for a mission briefing. Good thing that the tension has been long gone.

"Hey," she called out suddenly.

He looked at her, she’s busy with cleaning out the things they used. “What?," he responded. If there’s one thing he learned ever since he came back, was that Sakura could throw a good punch. A strong, good, painful punch. So better keep himself from her temper by giving her a proper conversation.

She paused with what she’s doing, seemingly trying to think of what she’s going to say. She turned her gaze at him. “I’m glad you’re back." she said softly. She gave a bright smile before returning her attention to what she has been doing.

He wasn’t expecting that. He expected a babble about her work, a rant about Naruto’s foolishness, or jabber about Kakashi’s usual tardiness. Just not that.

When he didn’t answer, Sakura spoke again. “I mean, it’s been three months, it’s late but I thought that you should know." She looked at him. Again. “The villagers haven’t accepted you yet. You did awful things, after all. They’re not saints that would forgive you in an instant."

He held her gaze. “I already know that. I don’t care, you know."

She gave a sly grin and raised her brows. “Really?" she challenged. He just kept staring. She laughed. It’s his turn to raise his eyebrows. Wiping her tears away, she said, “Jeez, don’t be a denial king. I know it’s been bothering you." she stopped and turned serious in an instant. His heart started pounding. “But you know that I love you, right?"

He froze. The last time she said that was the night he left her on a bench. She should hate him for that. He even tried to kill her! You can’t love someone who tried to end your life! She should hate him. She can’t love him! He doesn’t deserve it! 

His mind was running rampant that he didn’t notice that she’s right in front of him. He got his senses back when he felt her arms around him.

It seemed like she has read his thoughts as if he screamed it out loud because what she said next was—

"You don’t have to deserve it. And for the record, I tried to kill you too. We’re even. They can hate you forever for all I care. I’ll love you forever, instead."