Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Tomorrow That Never Comes ❯ Chapter 4: And Darling ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tomorrow That Never Comes

Warning: Angst, swearing, OOCness...


Chapter 4: And Darling

I am not too surprised that nearly a week has gone by and I remain undisturbed. Haru and I have settled into the house I once called home years ago. I took my parents old room and Haru took mine. I replaced the decrepit furniture and painted the walls, refusing to allow the memories to boil up within my mind. I even let Haru paint her own designs on the walls of her room.

I smile now as I watch over her as she sleeps peacefully, my eyes wandering over the walls and what appears to be ninjas fighting and training. It's amazing that she seems to have some artistic ability even if she is just three and a half years old. I shake my head and turn out the light before going down into my living room to read for a bit.

It feels strange, but soothing to be home once more. I am not on active duty as a shinobi, but I can't seem to miss it at the moment. I am enjoying raising Haru. In the past, I would have been pacing a hole into the floor in impatience for the next mission, now though, things are different. I don't even feel the need to kill my brother so much any more. I snort to myself as that thought strikes me. I haven't even thought of him in almost a year. Haru is more important now.

I feel a familiar chakra signature approaching my home and stand before the individual makes it to my door. I open the the heavy mahogany door slowly after the soft rapping sound. A much more mature Sakura than the one I remember from my childhood stands before me. She is wearing a long red tunic and black ninja tights. Her hair has grown since I've last seen her; it's almost to the small of her back. She has it tied back securely in a ponytail and she is still flat-chested. I can't help but smile at the sight of her. It's been so long since I've spoken with her.

She doesn't speak at first when I open the door, just stands and regards me in disbelief before she nearly bowls me over. Her arms are tight around my waist as she hugs me. I let my own arms come up to wrap around her in a return embrace. I am not so awkward as I once was. I imagine having a child has changed my former frigidity. I close my eyes as we stand, holding each other. And for some reason I feel as if I am holding a long lost sister or something. I breathe in her scent and realize it has not changed. She still smells like the cherry blossoms of her name.

She reluctantly releases me and I let her go as well, smiling serenely as we look at each other, taking in our new appearances. I fight the urge to ask her where 'he' is. Why isn't he here with her? Finally, she speaks.

“It's really you. I couldn't believe it when Lee told me that he had seen you in town at the hardware store. Where have you been?” Her voice is different, softer and no longer that of a boy-crazy teen. I shake my head a little and motion for her to enter into the living room. The story is long.
“Would you care for some tea? Sake?” I offer as she seats herself in one of the soft floor pillows that sit around the coffee table. I move towards the kitchen, intending to get us something to drink. She smiles at me.

“Honey tea if you have it.” She replies quietly. I nod and prepare the tea quickly. I sit across from her once the tea is finished and we sip at the steaming liquid for a moment before I decide where to begin with my story. She is silent as I tell her where I have been.

“I can't believe you have a child. Where is she?” She asks after I finish my rendition. I point upstairs.

“She's asleep. So how have you been fairing Sakura?” I ask, taking another sip of my tea and watching her as she begins to answer.

“I've grown up a lot and learned much more than you probably ever thought I would. I'm a lot stronger now and I'm a medical ninja now. I started training under Tsunade after you left. I was determined that I would be able to become strong enough to bring you back here. It was so silly,” She pauses for a moment, a nostalgic smile on her lips, “I grew out of my crush too and began dating Lee when I was seventeen. Lee and I will be getting married in the fall. Do you have anyone?” She asks curiously. The question is innocent enough, but it sends pangs of pain through my chest as memories of that chaste, young kiss with my blond comrad come back into my mind's eye. Cerulean eyes have never stopped haunting my dreams in all of the six years that I've been gone.

I shake my head, “There was at one time, but it has been years. I'm not sure if he's waited for me.” I say, not really caring what she thinks of my preferences. I am not surprised that Sakura and Lee have finally hooked up. I knew that she'd come around and warm up to him some day.

I look up at Sakura as I hear her giggle behind her tea cup. “What's so humorous?” I inquire, curiosity lacing my voice. She shakes her head, her emerald eyes still laughing as she holds my gaze.

“You two are humorous.” She replies, mischief in her tone.

“Us two?” I echo in confusion. I have no idea what she's talking about.

“Yes, the two of you, you and Naruto, that is. I always knew that there was more to your relationship than simple rivalry or friendship. The two of you are just so stubborn.” She states, grin back in place. I raise an eyebrow at her and open my mouth to reply, but the chime of the clock on the wall interrupts me and Sakura jumps to her feet.

“I have to get going. Lee will start to worry if I take too long. You know how he is. We'll do this again soon. Oh, that reminds me, Lee wanted me to invite you for dinner on Saturday, say six thirty. Bring your daughter. We're all so curious to meet her.” She invites as she walks to the door and I follow after her.

“Saturday will be fine. Haru will love it, I'm sure. Thank you for your visit Sakura. It was wonderful to see you.” I say as I lean in to give her a hug once more. As she pulls me in tight, she speaks once again.

“He's still waiting. Don't be afraid to go to him.” She whispers before she disappears into the darkness outside. I stand in my doorway, stunned. I am shocked at this new woman that seems to have taken over Sakura. Where did the little girl go that I knew in the past?

For the several hours, I lay awake and her words echo off the walls of my mind. He's still waiting for me? It's been so very long. How can he have waited for me? Will I even know him anymore? Questions force sleep to allude me deep into the morning hours before dawn. I toss and turn agitatedly. I don't know what to do. Emotions have never been my forté.

Finally, just a few short hours before sunrise, my eyes close with exhaustion and the blue-eyed angel of my past is there to greet me as he has always been and I understand now.


I will go to him.



TBC...