Letters we wrote

Letter 17

Months went by, it had almost been a year since they had started writing to each other.

Naruto was doing better with Hokage training. He had gotten used to filing and organizing documents, something he never thought he could do. Shikamaru didn't have to remind him the procedures anymore. Naruto was even replacing Shikamaru most of the times when Kakashi had to stay overnight with reports. He found himself spending more and more time in the Hokage tower and in meetings. Meetings where he finally was able to participate more, since he finally was more aware of how things worked. Kakashi looked less and less surprised each time Naruto made a smart comment in the meetings. He even found himself smiling of pride each time it happened. Naruto was proud of himself too, he didn't knew he could be so mature, he surprised himself most of the times. The job still scared him, being in charge was going to be very different, but he was starting to believe he was able to do this. As Sakura had told him millions of times already. He was getting excited for when it was his time to step in.

Sasuke's letters came every two weeks. Naruto was not the only one doing better. He was still working on the living complex. He had gotten a temporary residence just as all the other workers, but still denied any payment for the job. A small group of Yugakure workers had taken him in as part of their friend circle, and although Sasuke was apprehensive and shy at first, they grew on him, and now Sasuke considered them comrades. They'd go out, drink and joke around every Friday. He even started training that boy Kai once every week. Naruto was especially happy about this last one.

Soon, Sasuke was news in every village. "The redeemed rouge" they called him in the newspapers. Sasuke was not so happy with the name, it was too soon, but to his dislike, it caught up and everyone started calling him that. Naruto even saw a picture of him with other workers in one of the articles about it. He looked better, more in peace, more happy. His letters confirmed this too. Not like he said it, but the way he talked about his everyday life was happier, hell, he even made a joke in one of them.

Sasuke was indeed feeling better. He was tired, as hell, but the work was rewarding. Every night he'd go to bed and think of the people that had taken him in, the bonds he was creating, something he didn't think he was capable of doing anymore. Kai was growing on him too, it'd remind him to a younger Naruto. He'd also re-read Naruto's letters sometimes, if there wasn't any new ones, his constant words of encouragement made it all worth it. Everytime the work got frustrating, or he'd start overthinking again he'd come back to them, they reminded him that he was worthy of forgiveness, of maybe even love. Someday.

None of them had addressed their feelings to each other, they didn't want to do it through letters. At least not directly. Some "Hope you have a good week" and "Don't just eat ramen everyday, you'll get sick" scaped at the ends of those letters, holding a deeper meaning. And they both suspected it, but ignored the thought as soon as it came. After all, they weren't going to put their hopes too high, right? They knew they could figure it out later. For now, knowing about each other was enough.

"Naruto, could you look through the mail today?" Kakashi asked pointing at the pile of scrolls left at the front of the desk.

"Sure" he said as he quickly went through them. "Report of the refugee situation from Shibuki, maybe they've started the moving" he said as he continued, handing the more important ones to Kakashi. "Mission report, mission report" he read, putting the scrolls in the report trail. "Huh, a message from the Raikage" he said as he saw the personal seal of the leader.

"Like, a direct one?" Kakashi asked. "What does it say?"

Naruto read out loud.

"You and Gaara were right about Uchiha, Naruto. I know when to admit my mistakes." A smile appeared on Naruto's face. "I trust your instincts will be your greatest tool as Hokage. Good job, kid." His smile faded, he didn't know what to do with this praise.