Chapter Text
“Sasuke is to be released today under the rules and guidance of the Kage. Many of you will help acclimate him into this new position. He will pay for his crimes by serving Konoha and its people.”
Kakashi kept his tone cool and calm. Naruto had shown up late to the event as he had wrestled with the idea of showing up or not, ultimately deciding the pull was too strong. He now stood beside Sakura and a few others as they awaited Sasuke’s release.
Two trusted leaf ninjas opened the door and from the shadows… Sasuke emerged. He wore a dark cloak, likely to cover his missing limb. His raven hair had grown longer, his eyes so very tired. Naruto had to remind himself to breathe. Kakashi gave Sasuke a warm expression encouraging him to speak.
“I…”
He pauses, considering his words before continuing.
“I’d like to apologize for all the pain I may have caused in my absence and actions leading up to now.”
His voice is stoic. His eyes briefly flick to Naruto. His gaze burns into his soul, even if only for a short moment. Naruto feels a cool chill run up his spine uninvitedly.
“I will spend the rest of my days making it up to Konoha and… my friends whom I have hurt.”
He says. Kakashi takes it from there, explaining further as to what everyone's job was. He then gives Sasuke a nod. Permission of some sort. A moment later Sasuke jumped off and was gone just as soon as he was there. Naruto was still in a bit of a daze
Naruto was still in a bit of a daze by the time he got back to his apartment. The sun was setting yet his emotions had not. As he reached for his pocket where he kept his keys he felt a presence. A chakra he knew all too well.
“Naruto”
Sasuke’s voice was low, warm, and tired. Naruto slowly turned to face him, his heart beating rapidly.
“Sasuke”
He responds softly.
It was a bit of a blur but a moment later Naruto is filling his kettle with hot water for tea. Sasuke was sitting at the small table nearby quietly. The tension was practically strangling. Naruto kept fidgeting with his sleeve as the kettle began to boil.
“How’s your arm?”
He finally asks to break the silence. Sasuke chuckles softly.
“Phantom pains occasionally, Sakura says that's normal.”
He says.
“So you’ve been seeing sakura?”
Naruto says.
“That’s not what I said”
Sasuke responds with a huff as if what he said was ridiculous. Naruto rolls his eyes, getting annoyed.
“How is that ridiculous? Sakura is perfect for you, and she’s liked you forever”
“Yah but I don’t like her in that way”
“Then who do you like?”
“I never said I liked anyone”
The tea is long forgotten at this point. Sasuke continues.
“What do you want me to say, Naruto?”
“I want you to admit you have feelings for Sakura because that’s how things are supposed to be”
Naruto’s voice cracks slightly.
“That’s not what you want”
Sasuke responds calmly.
“Then tell me what I want.”
Naruto pleads. Sasuke steps closer, his gaze calm and cold.
“You want me to tell you that I love you. That all those years of yearning and searching were worth something.”
His words are soft. Naruto’s throat tightens.
“Then tell me, please… Sasuke tell me”
Sasuke steps closer again until he inches away.
“Naruto there was only one reason I came back, and that reason was you. I don't love Sakura…”
Naruto's breath hitches as he waits for Sasuke to continue.
“I love you”
Sasuke says. Naruto’s eyes grow damp. They stand there for a moment, the only sound being their hushed breathing. Then. Naruto’s hand reaches around to pull him into a kiss. Sasuke doesn’t resist, instead he wraps his arms around Naruto’s tall frame, clinging to him desperately threading his fingers in his blonde curls.
“Fuck, Sasuke”
Naruto gasps as their lips open to each other. When they finally separate for air, Naruto rests his forehead against Sasuke’s.
“I love you too…”
Naruto can’t help but smile as he says it. Sasuke gazed at him intensely, before kissing him again.