Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Together Forever. I Promise. ❯ Forever Promise ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

The calm nights that have passed recently gave a certain pink-haired kunoichi a long sigh. It had begun to pour the tiny droplets of water only just a few days ago. Walking around in the silent streets of Konoha in these rainy days was what kept her from slipping away because of her realization that he wasn’t coming back. Or so she thought…though her hopes of believing and promising to wait for him were slowly fading. She couldn’t seek for him even if she desired to. She remained hidden from her friends, mourning for her life. He was her life, and he was gone, so why is she still here?

Of course, her friends had kept her amused while he was away. She had heard that he was alive, and that the mission was postponed a little longer upon his group’s return. She had also heard the mission was a failure, and that the group was not coming back. How could she bare this for so long, breathing as a lonely medic-nin? She had remembered his last words clear as crystal. She could even hear it now, whispering to her for her not to give up her existence in desolation. It wasn’t long until she would accept the eternal sleep that had entranced into her mind one time too many. But maybe it still wasn’t long until she may see him again.

Her thoughts were broken when she heard the rain tap louder on the rooftops and roads. It was raining harder, and she knew she’d catch a nasty fever. However, she could care less in this state of deep thoughts, fumbling around for an answer to its way out to freedom. She felt the droplets trickle down her cheeks, as if they were tears she had held in her heart for some time now. Suddenly, her beliefs gave in and she suddenly found herself collapsing to the earth and her tears shed down in regrets. She couldn’t take it. She couldn’t hold it in anymore. She wanted to be with him for eternity. Was that so much to ask for? Apparently, yes, because he was asked to leave for another damned ANBU mission.

And I thought love conquered all she bitterly screamed out loud. No one heard for the roars of thunder blocked out her echo. Whoever made that quote should drop dead, for love can’t conquer many things. Or was their love not strong enough to conquer at all? No, she and he were to be happy for the many years to come. They were going to settle down for the remaining years. They were going to be together no matter what.

‘Sakura. Do you not think that you are being a bit unfair to him and his duties as a member of ANBU, aswell as being a jounin?’ the dark haired man countered her.

‘No.’

‘Oh? Why is that?’ He narrowed his eyes a little, waiting for her response. Intelligent she has been ever since he met her, she was quite the stubborn female who only sees her way in future and life.

‘He had said that he would stay with me. Until death did us apart. But even if death does come across us, we’d still be together in the afterlife. I believe too much to be forced to undergo misery. I fear I cannot handle the separation between him and me. I fear I can never let go of him, and even if I could, it will hurt forever. ’

He took in the words that she let out softy. She was truly inlove. Had destiny meant to pull them apart? Was this the cruelty of fate that chose to show at this time? ‘Did he promise that he’d stay with you? Did he promise anything to you?’ he questioned.

Sakura looked immune to the shockness that broadens across her face. I see that I have found the loophole he must’ve left out. Knowing him, he must’ve purposely left out that loophole, for her own safety, the dark haired man though. His eyes burned into Sakura’s with seriousness, yet a gentle touch that told her everything was okay.

‘No, he didn’t. I suppose he had done that intentionally. The reason I hadn’t made him swore to me that he’d come back, I do not know.’ Her head turned away. Tears were forming and one slipped down.

‘Sakura, he is a strong man. He has taught us for so long. Do you believe he cannot survive this mission? He is with others, who are willing to protect him with their lives and him himself in return.’

‘Yes, I know, but I cannot live with this any longer, Sasuke. What if the rumors I hear are true? What if he’s… he’s…’

Fingers touched her hand in reassurance. She looked into his eyes with frightening thoughts.

‘Sakura. Believe in him. He is fine. He will come back.’

‘But it has been so long! Atleast a year now!’ she broke into sobs and soon collapsed. Sasuke got out of his chair and moved next to her, arms embracing her small figure. Her scent of cherry blossoms and vanilla traveled into his nose.

‘Shh. He is fine. He will come back. I promise.’

The girl in the man’s arms nodded.

Sakura tried to pull herself together and stood up, ignoring the extra weight her clothes were bringing from the soakness of rain. She remorsefully walked home, hoping that Sasuke’s promise was true. It would pain her to know another man had yet to lie to her once more.

Walking home, she heard a scream of her name somewhere beyond the trees. She turned around so see a blond-haired jounin running to her. She smiled at his laughs as he caught up to her and breathed heavily. He shook his head and hugged her tightly. She smiled and returned his embrace. She felt his warmth, but only remembered it wasn’t as warm is his when they were together.

“Oi, Sakura!” The boy pulled back and looked at her. His smile vanished slowly. He frowned when he saw that she had been crying earlier. He brushed her cheeks with his thumb.

“What’s wrong? Geez, I come back from a long mission, in hopes that you were better, but yet to see you in a sad mood again! Sakura, I know he’s alright. He’s still alive. News spread around quickly.”

“Well, right now it’s late.”

“Um, well, what about the whole morning and evening?”

“I had not received any word of him.”

“Oh.”

Both stood silently in the rain. It was now raining lightly.

“Naruto… is he really alive? Will he be coming home soon?” she whispered softly while looking straight at him, with worried emerald eyes.

He looked away, gazing at a sunflower. His eyes showed no sign of promise to her question.

“Naruto…” he heard her whisper

He sorrowfully looked back at her. He only shook his head. “I can’t answer you.”

She only nodded. “I see.”

She was running to his apartment. She needed to be near where he had been for all of his life. She couldn’t hold it. She couldn’t take it. She needed him. A year was an eternity. She couldn’t wait for many other eternities to pass her like birds flying by in the skies. The rain had stopped. She was still soaked, and could feel her nose was running a bit stuffy. She held back a choke of sobs that was wanting to come out. It was soon to be morning, and she could spot the sunrise. The grey clouds were dispersing, and saw glimpses of blue. She closed her eyes, and began to fumble with the beautiful and most treasured memories of her and him. They had only such a short time to enjoy those memorable moments. So sudden that he had to be taken away from her made her anguish with desires to burn away. But now, she was livid at Naruto for leaving her so sudden, just to tell her the shitty news. She had expected him to comfort her for a little while. Just to talk about things that would take her mind off of him for a while. Was she becoming such an irritation to him? Did he not care that she was suffering? Did he not know of what was burning inside her heart? She wanted to scream forever until she had no voice left. She wanted to die happily and stay at rest with his soul. But she couldn’t make that decision yet for she did not know whether he was alive or not. She had to be sure. She braced herself for the many hours to come. She closed her eyes and dozed off for a little nap. But instead, she fell asleep.

She was walking down the lovely path filled with cherry blossom trees, when all of a sudden, a pair of hands covered her lovely emerald green eyes, and felt her waist being snaked around by a slender, muscled arm, and heard him whisper, ‘Yo.’

The young woman yelped and giggled, and tried to pout in surrender. He turned her around and snuggled into his arms even more. He inhaled her scent and placed a kiss on her forehead. She looked up and gazed into his eyes. She slowly lifts her hands to his mask and pulled it down. She saw him smile, and her lips were crushed with his own. She moaned in bliss, and felt his hands fumble with the hem of her shirt. She giggled even more. She pulled away and whispered, ‘Not here…’ He nodded and both poofed away and found themselves inside his bedroom. He couldn’t wait, and gently tugged her shirt off. He grinned at her squeals. Her cheeks were a bit pink. He chuckled softly. He embraced her with his arms. ‘You know I couldn’t wait any longer…you realize I could never get enough of you, and I won’t ever. I know I don’t ever want to get enough of you either.’ She blushed and melted in his embrace. She lovingly kissed his mouth and then and both of his cheeks. She cupped his face and stared longingly into his eye and Sharingan. He took her wrists and pinned her down to the bed. He smirked down at her. She hauled his black shirt off and her small hands wandered on his chiseled, smooth chest. He bent down and kissed her.

‘I love you…’ he whispered gently against her neck.

‘Kakashi…’

But the sweet moments hadn’t last for too long.

‘KAKASHI!’

‘I’m sorry. I must leave.’

‘No, NO! You can’t! You promised!’

‘I never promised.’

‘How long will you be gone?’

‘As long as it takes.’

‘How long?’

‘…forever.’

She woke with a startle. Her breaths were short. She clutched her heart, and dug her nails into the ground. She closed her eyes and recapped the dream she had. Although the last bit wasn’t like anything how he left her at all, it was frightening that may happen in the near future. She definitely would not enjoy looking forward to it. She prayed she would never hear those words. The rain had stopped, and now it seemed to be noon. She forced herself to stand up. She was covered in mud, and her clothes were tattered and crinkled. She trotted back to her home quickly and broke free into the showers. The hot water poured down her body and she sighed in relaxation.

“Ehem, Naruto, have you seen Sakura?”

Naruto’s lips quivered a little. Remembering the small incident last night, he didn’t want to be bothered with it too much. He hated feeling bad. He hated the feelings that weren’t happiness. Especially if they were from Sakura. He liked to see her smile. He loathed it when she was in pain. He couldn’t bare it. She was his best friend afterall, and knowing that he was the one who angered her, he felt horrible inside. Looking at Ino, he shook his head as a yes. Noting his silent response, Ino decided to play it safe and not bother to ask anymore questions concerning about Sakura.

“So, what’s going on? How was your mission?” she questioned.

Eating ramen, as usual, he answered with his mouth full, “Not so good. Sasuke is injured. And I mean, really really badly injured.”

“Oh dear! What happened?”

“Not sure, but he’s at the hospital. I was hoping to visit him.”

“I see… um, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened between you and Sakura?”

“I… I ditched her… I told her I couldn’t answer her whether Kakashi was coming back or not. I realized she was going to ask about Sasuke, and I didn’t want to trouble her with anymore pain… but I guess I kind of made her really ticked off by saying I just had to go. And I left her in the rain too… I guess that wasn’t the right thing to do… but I don’t want her crying for Sasuke aswell. I just hope he recovers quickly.”

Only nodding, Ino stared at her drink. Both sat in silence, hoping Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi the best.

Many weeks had passed shortly. Sakura accepted Naruto’s apologies. She had learned about Sasuke’s life-threatening injuries, and did her best as a medic-nin to heal his wounds. The rest was upto him if he decides to wake up from his coma. Ino, Naruto and her sparred for a while for enjoyment. The evening had come quickly, and now they had gone separate ways to home. The sky was tinted with orange and red, and the breeze with cooling. She inhaled the fresh air while walking home. She felt better now, understanding the many ways of tragedy. Or so Naruto called it. She let herself believe Naruto’s theory of love and decided it was better than clinging to a false hope. She would try to come out of her shell. But she still felt empty with him beside her. She hoped he would come home soon. She couldn’t bear to live forever without him. She just couldn’t.

Reaching for her keys in her pocket, she bumped into someone. Repeating sorry twice, she heard no response and looked up, only to see who she’d thought she’d never see ever again. Dropping her keys, she embraced him so tight, his body went a little rigid, but chuckled lightly, and wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m not dreaming.” She whispered in question.

“No, you’re not dreaming.” He smiled under his mask.

“You’re here. Hugging me.”

“I’m here, hugging you.” He held her tighter.

“Oh, Kakashi.” She cried in happiness, tears sliding down her cheeks, as she snuggled closer into his embrace. Kakashi smiled widely, and nestled his face into her hair. He placed kisses on her face and she smiled widely aswell.

“You don’t know how worried I was. I kept waiting and waiting, and even though a year isn’t so long… it just horrible, Kakashi, without you here. Oh, I’ve missed you so… those nasty rumors about you being… being…”

“Shh, I’m here…”

She pulled back in sudden anger. Tears still dripping from here eyes. “What took you so long? Why! You said you’d come back soon! You didn’t even promise!”

Kakashi looked away, frowning. “My apologies.”

“My apologies? That’s all you have to say? Kakashi, I can’t believe-“ her words were cut off by a kiss. Her rage melted down, and she gave into his kiss.

“We’ll be together forever.” Sakura spoke softly.

“Together forever. I promise.” And his words were true for many eternities to come.

No… no, it was a dream. A dream. She had been dreaming. She thought it was real. It felt real. But it was surreal.

I had been dreaming… again. Why? Why couldn’t it have been real? Why… She burst into tears. She couldn’t help it. She couldn’t stop it. She couldn’t make the pain go away. She doubts she ever could. She wondered if she would ever forget the pain and live in death. There was no where for her to clear her mind. They were fogged up with the words he spoke in her dream. If only if was real. She somehow knew he was gone. She couldn’t fight the fact. She believed he was gone. She didn’t want to believe, but she had to. Soon, her tears dried, and she felt a feeling that she had been wanting to let go.

She wanted to pass on. And she was ready to. She had nothing to lose. She already lost the one she loved. There’s no reason to stay in the living world anymore. It was time for her to close up her feelings and rest in everlasting peace.

She walked into the woods. The birds were singing melancholy. She wiped her tears as she came to a clearing. Beyond the clearing was a cliff that lead deep into the ocean. She braced herself for the moment.

“SAKURA!”

She looked back, and saw Naruto, Ino and Sasuke. He was on crutches, so Naruto had to carry him. Ino had a terrified expression. Naruto’s face paled as he saw Sakura and a kunai in her hand, ready to pierce it into herself. Sasuke was also terrified.

“Sakura, please, don’t. It’s not worth it. There’s always a chance he’s-“

“No, Naruto. It is worth it. I’m finished with hoping and believing. I can’t wait forever. I can’t feed off of grief and wretchedness. I can’t anymore, Naruto. I just can’t… “ Sakura whispered the last bit. “He’s not alive. He can’t be. The mission can’t survive for a whole year. It just can’t!”

“It can! And he’s alive! We know he is! It’s just a matter of time that we have to wait-“

“That’s the problem!” Sakura screeched in irritation and fury. “I can’t wait any longer! I’d probably wait for another eternity to pass. Maybe even more, if I’m lucky.”

“Sakura…”

“I can’t, Naruto. Sasuke, I’m sure you understand me, don’t you? You know how it feels. Even if you haven’t experienced it, I’m sure you and your brother had felt something similar to my pain.”

Sasuke only nodded.

“I’m sorry. I can’t. Please. Leave.”

Ino broke out of her trance. Ino lunged at Sakura and tried to take the kunai away from her grip. But she only failed.

“Sakura. No, please, no. Don’t!”

“Ino, I’m sorry.” Sakura whispered.

“No, no you’re not!”

“Maybe a little, I am. But I’m happy to finally free myself. I want to be with Kakashi. Please. Leave me be.”

“Sakura…”

Sakura turned, and felt their presence fade away. She could hear Ino and Naruto’s tears.

For everything I’ve lived for until now…I know I won’t come back. Maybe in a new life I am able to see you again. It’s for the best. I need to free myself from sorrow. It can end like this.

Taking the kunai and staring at it, she was ready. She pierced into herself, moaning in pain. She crawled to the cliff, and let herself drop.

“No, NOOO!” Naruto came running back and stared down as Sakura was falling.

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

I know this is foolish of me.

I can understand why I can’t wait forever either.

But I can only hold it in for so long.

It wouldn’t be fair to me if I were to wait for eternity.

But you know, I really do believe I’ll be with you.

I can truly stay happy.

Before letting her drop into the water, she smiled at her last thoughts forever.

We can be together forever. I promise.

End