Mᴀᴅɴᴇss | Sᴀsᴜᴋᴇ Uᴄʜɪʜᴀ

Chapter Three

The usual calm and composed Sasuke paced back and forth under the shade of a large tree, the name of which he did not know, yet remembered Karin mentioning it. He was slowly recalling the events of the past week. The week replayed in his mind in slow motion to the point where he thought that his brain already started atrophying. Soft footsteps reached his ears and turned around abruptly to see Karin quickly approaching him.

"Sasuke," she called, her voice trembled lightly. "What's wrong with you? Ever since you came back, you are not yourself." Sasuke did not rush to grant her a reply, so the girl leaned on the tree and waited patiently.

"Karin, I need you to do something for me," he said, his voice low. Karin raised her eyebrow addressing him a curious look. "Examine me." The girl was unsure of what to reply, so she just watched the man she fell in love with, trying to interpret his dead seriousness. Sasuke did not flinch. With a swift move he removed his white shirt, revealing his toned body. Karin's eyes widened. She felt a few drops of blood drip onto her clothes, so she rushed to press her hand to her nose. Uchiha acted as if he did not notice.

"Not...here." she let out a muffled sound and turned around on her heels. "Follow me."

***

The sound of ticking clock mixed with the sound of heavy droplets crashing against the window. The kettle whistled, indicating that the water as boiling hot. All those noises made Mei sleepy; she yawned sweetly and turned her gaze back at the blonde man who was staring at her intently. His gaze seemed to pierce her through, yet she gave it no thought. He rested his chin on his hands feeling a shiver when their eyes met once again.

"I told you, I don't know what you are talking about." Mei repeated monotone. She sighed knowing that he did not believe her. And he was right to do that.

"I have different information." He returned calmly. *He matured over the years...* Mei noted in her mind yet did not mention it, knowing how annoying that could get.

"And what does your "information" say?" she asked curiously. Mei tilted her head to a side, pushing her long hair back.

"Sasuke...he was here. I know it."

Mei chuckled. "Naruto, for the hundredth time, Uchiha was not here. I haven't seen him," she exclaimed. "I do wonder who put these crazy thoughts in your mind," Naruto jumped up from his seat, clenching his hands. His intense gaze met hers. Sending shivers down Mei's spine.

"Mei, I beg you!"

Naruto dropped on his knees in front of the girl and took her hands in his; his lips quickly pressed to her palms, kissing them gently. Mei raised her eyebrows, feeling a tingling sensation in her chest. Naruto was gentle, he always was. Ever since they were younger, he secretly came to her house to spend time with her. At first, she never spoke to him, it was always the blonde initiating the conversations, friendship and later something more. She felt uncomfortable. "Please tell me. You know how much Sasuke means to me. I need to know." She gently pulled her hands away and stood up, turning around, letting him face her back.

"Sorry." Her voice was distant with a hint of sadness. Naruto clenched his fists fighting an urge to grab her and shove her against the wall. The blonde sucked in the air and took a step forward. His chest was almost touching her back. She could feel strong heat coming from his body, along with a pleasant scent that was embedded on the man behind her. His hands landed on her shoulders in a gentle yet forceful manner.

"I know," he started quietly. "I know that you've had feelings for him." his hands clenched her shoulders making it almost too painful for her to bear, yet she did not move an inch. "Even when you were with me...you were thinking about him. I've always known." Mei closed her eyes feeling the pain and guilt quickly building up in her chest. "Please understand me; Sasuke is my friend, a very special friend. I've been searching for him for too long." A small kiss was planted on the back of her neck. "And you know it. I will step aside, I won't interfere with your relationship, please just allow me to talk to him." the begging in voice made her feel too uneasy. The gentle feelings she had for Naruto, did not allow her to torment him, yet the mixture of emotions she experienced towards Sasuke...what she felt towards him...was unrelated. Mei turned around abruptly. A soft smile played on her lips. Instinctively, she cupped Naruto's face and stroked his cheek.

"I'm sorry Naruto, but I can't help you." she said quietly. They stood in silence for a while; neither of them saying a word nor moving; both absorbed into their own thoughts. Mei felt Naruto's hands once more clench her shoulders before he released her. The sound of door being opened and closed reached her ears. Cold wind blew through her hair caressing her skin with its freezing touch. The girl looked down and mouthed: "Sorry."