Until Then

Chapter 11 ~ Friend

"But until that day, I'll find a way
To let everybody know that you're coming back
You're coming back for me,

'Cause even though you left me here
I have nothing left to fear"

•••

Pulling down the material that wrapped around his head, the young adult took residence on the branch of a tall pine tree. This would have to do for tonight.

He couldn't recall just how many days he had been on the road for, not like it made a difference because he had lost count years ago, when he first stepped out of the village.

Letting out a sigh, he watched as the trickling of light drizzle made it's appearance. Luckily the thick leaves sheltered him from getting wet. It hadn't been long since the Uchiha had last seen his past teammate, in a rush of the moment and both being surprised by the impromptu encounter.

He didn't want to think about it, really he didn't. But some things just slip into your mind without realizing. Sakura had most definitely grown up since their genin days, and he couldn't deny the fact that he was proud of the drastic change and improvement she had gone through. He knew she was strong, she had become capable on her own. She just needed a chance to prove that, not to everyone else, but to herself.

And she did that on countless occasions, more than he was even aware of.

He had caught glimpses of her on the rare incidents their paths had crossed over time. It could barely be called an interaction, but it was enough to see that while he and Naruto had gone on different paths to gain the power and strength they both desired, but obviously for different purposes, their pink haired friend had achieved that right there in the village.

The word 'friend' felt so foreign to even think in his mind. And it was yet another thing he had mercilessly left behind.

Undoubtedly, things had changed. Things had to change. It was inevitable. He wondered where his place was in this big world, if he even had one.

Despite the unwavering declaration from Naruto that Konoha was where he belonged, even if he had to drag his ass back (which he quite literally did)to prove it, Sasuke couldn't help but wonder otherwise.

Closing his eyes in frustration, he almost instaneously regretted the encounter with Sakura. Why didn't he just keep quiet as he always did, instead of telling her something that wasn't a sure truth.

He should have never done that. Thinking it was foolish of him to give her hope. Something so intangible. But he remembered when he had looked into her eyes, so full of uncertainty and hurt, while trying to be happy for him. He simply couldn't help himself from saying those words.

Words he didn't even know if he meant.

____________________________

"Thank you! This will be sufficient." Tsunade's student said politely, as she visually weighed the contents of a glass test tube.

Rukia, one of the pharmaceuticals nodded to Sakura, happy to be able to help. It was the third day, and they had already become accustomed to the Leaf ninja who seemed equally at ease working amongst them.

What was originally supposed to be a break for Sakura, actually became further from reality and the medic would be lying if she said she wasn't secretly glad.

After she had settled into her room, which by the way was enormous for just herself, she had gotten down to work once again. Unexpectedly, the plants which the Sand Herbalist Team were eager to show her, was even more rare than they had imagined.

It was by chance that someone had discovered the plant, but there was only so much as a sample size available for which they could work with. It was clear that it did not originate from here, but rather made its way through pollination or some other sort of physical human method.

"Instead of it having healing properties, it's actually doing the exact opposite." She announced, frown lines appearing on her forehead as her eyebrows knitted together in fixed concentration.

She lifted up the fragile slide from under the microscope, inspecting it carefully. She jotted something down on a sticky note as she handed the slide to Rukia.

"Okay, we're going to send this for testing and see what results come back." Rukia said, fixing her brown rimmed glasses back into place.

"It's already late, Haruno-san. We'll only get the results in the morning." One of the other members stated, looking as tired as she was.

"You're right, let's call it a day."

Everyone shortly bustled out of the lab, and even though the pinkette said she was leaving, she couldn't help but stay alittle longer. Her mind still trying to figure out what was happening with this new plant which left her stumped for the moment.

___________________

Finally resting for the day, she pulled the white blanket closer. Her hand fished around on the bed in search of her cellphone. She rarely got a chance to look at it, so luckily there was still some battery left.

As soon as she turned it on, she was met with text messages from her usual friends, and she tried to reply to all. Somehow people she didn't even know, more often than not, guys, had gotten ahold of her phone number. They felt no shame in messaging as though they'd just happen to stumble upon her number in their directory.

She curiously wondered what it would be like if Sasuke had a phone. Even her parents had one. However, it took a long time to teach them how to use it, and at first they treated it like some kind of technological bomb. But she was happy with the instant connection between them, especially with her being so busy.

She laughed to herself imagining how she would even go about talking to Sasuke via phone.

Sending notes by Hawk was something he preferred-it was easy and to the point- it was something that made him- Sasuke. He certainly didn't think he needed a phone, and if he did it would be quite the sight. He most definitely would grow irritated, and see no use in it, especially with Naruto who would no doubt be sending him hundreds of unnecessary pictures and videos of things he deemed 'funny.'

Would he reply to her messages with "hn." like he did in real life? Or maybe he was the type to simply leave it on read.

Deciding it was enough thinking for today, she placed her cellphone on the nightstand and drifted off to sleep.

••••••••

Be safe you guys! Wash your hands and stay at home🧼

Posted: 26 March 2020
07:13pm.