Unfortunately Yours (SasuNaru) ✔

Chapter 21: Good-Bye

Naruko P.O.V

An awkward silence surrounded Gaara and me as he walked me to my apartment. Even though we had left things more or less okay, it was still awkward. But he was my friend, so I had to try and revive what we had before.

"So...how's everything?" I asked awkwardly.

"Uh...not bad...How're you and Sasuke?"

I felt my heart tighten in guilt at the mention of his name. "I love him...We're really happy right now...I'm happy..." I then stopped walking to look at him sadly. "Gaara, I'm so sorry...For everything I did, and I know no amount of apology can undo what I did, but I'm truly sorry..."

He smiled sadly as he reached over to hold my hand. "I know you are. It's not just your fault...It's also mine..."

"Huh?! How is any of this your fault?!" I yelled in shock at his response.

He sighed, turning his gaze away from me. "I knew you didn't have the same feelings for me, but I still tried to be with you...I just thought, maybe, just maybe, I would have a chance if you spent more time with me..."

"Gaara..." This is a mess...

"Naruko, it's going to take me a while to get over you-"

My eyes quickly shifted to the ground in guilt. 

"-But I don't want to lose what we had...You were my first friend..."

 He smiled weakly as I returned it. I opened my arms, commanding him to hug me. "Bring it in."

"You'll always have a place in my heart," he whispered while holding me dearly.

"...we'll always be friends."

As we stood there, I could feel his tears fall against my hair. Words were not needed to express how we were feeling. Our bond as jinjuriki was stronger than most. Knowing that we had each other at that moment, was all we needed.

We'll always be friends...forever and always.

***

We were approaching my apartment, laughing as we took each step. I stood before the stairs to my apartment, saying my last goodbyes to my friend.  

"When are you coming back?" I asked.

"Maybe in a month or so. I have to get back to the village to finish up some work."

I crossed my arms, disappointed by the fact that he was always working. "Is being Kazekage really that much work?"

He nodded his head. "You'll see in a few years."

"Believe it."

I sighed in relief, slowly but surely, we were going to fine. "Hopefully, we'll see each other soon," I said with a smile, "If not, hit me up through Kurama," I added playfully.

He chuckled while beginning to walk away. "I will."

I watched him walk away, waiting until he was out of sight before I went upstairs. We're getting there...Oh-Sasuke!

A smile consumed my face as I thought about him. I sprinted up the stairs to see him, but as I approached my door, I saw him standing outside, waiting for me.

"Sasuke!" I yelled happily, running to wrap my arms around him. My embrace was wholehearted, and I couldn't wait to feel his arms around me. But as I waited for him to return it, it never came. He was as stiff as a board and lifeless like the dead.

Huh? Is it just me or is he acting weird?

"Sasuke? Is everything okay?" I asked worriedly.