Chapter Text
Naruto fidgeted, walking around the dining room table, ensuring everything was perfect. He re-arranged and re-re-arranged the placement of the food dishes on the table. A glance at his watch made him aware that it was getting closer to 7, the time Sasuke told him he would be arriving home today.
He cleared his throat as he adjusted his tie and resisted the urge to run his hand through his hair, his go-to for when he was too anxious or overly excited.
Today was their anniversary, and Naruto had been planning this quiet dinner date for the last few months. For dinner Naturo ordered all of Sasuke's favorites and organized the food on the nice silverware. Sasuke's apartment was cleaned, not that there was much to clean since Sausuke was always overly orderly, in Naruto’s opinion.
Naruto was tempted to call Sakura for a pep talk or just for some help calming down, but he resisted the urge; she and Ino probably already had plans anyway since this was one of her few
days off from the hospital.
Naruto eased himself onto the couch instead of the table. He worried that if he sat down at the table, the placements would be ruined.
He waited.
He watched as the time passed, from 7:00
to 7:15
to 7:30.
He glanced at his watch and his phone, unsure if he missed a text or call. Recently Sasuke hadn’t been the best at notifying him when he was coming late, but tonight had been highlighted, an Evite had been sent, and Naruto had reminded him this morning.
‘It’s just 30 minutes, relax. He’s coming’ He shook off his worry and decided to remain seated. Naturo began leaning back just enough to refrain from causing wrinkles to his dress shirt while remaining comfortably seated on the couch.
As he sat, the worries of all that could go wrong tonight crept into his mind.
He started practicing the deep breathing techniques that Sakura had taught him to clear his mind of intrusive thoughts. He allowed his eyes to close and his weight to drop against the couch cushions. Everything would be fine, he repeated as his mind drifted into a slumber…
*RING RING*
Naruto’s eyes shot open as he quickly grabbed his phone and answered, a bit disoriented from his nap to glance at the caller ID.
“Uzumaki speaking.” He announced, his voice scratchy from his nap.
“Hey, sorry to wake you up. It’s Shikamaru from the Volunteer Vet fair. I normally call before nine, but I realized late that I hadn’t called to say thank you yet” Naruto blinked a few times, trying to get himself back to the present.
“Shikamaru?” he mumbled, wrecking his brain to remember. “OH SHIKA, how are you?” Naruto heard a light chuckle on the line.
“I’m good. I wanted to thank you for offering your time to the pet fair. It’s hard to find vets that can participate, let alone one who’ll stay the whole day. The animals loved you, and so
did the owners. You were great with our workers as well. So we really appreciate it.”
Naruto couldn’t help the grin that took over his face. About a month back, there was a request
for local vets to donate their time in the community to see animals whose owners simply couldn’t afford the costs. It provided neutering, spaying, exams, and the like. It also was to increase adoptions in local shelters. He jumped at the chance to do it, getting the time off work to help. It had been the most amazing week of his life. He got to expand his horizons by seeing farm animals that he normally didn’t get the chance to provide care.
“No, I should be saying thank you. I was just happy to be included.”
“Look, I probably shouldn’t ask because this is super last minute, and you probably have things going on, but we’re going to be traveling for a while holding these fairs in different cities, and I
was wondering if you’d like to join?”
Naruto froze at the request.
“You’re one of the few vets that everyone enjoyed working with so I figure I’d ask. We leave in the next two days so lemme know either or.”
Naruto cleared his throat, he had joked with Shikamaru that he’d love to do this every day.
Getting to give back and help in that way had been one of his biggest goals when pursuing vet school.
“I…ahh…well”
Could he really…
“Hey no rush, I know it’s a lot in the middle of the night so sleep on it and let me know,”
Shikamaru suggested, sensing his worry with the question. “Also, do you remember Karuma?”
“Of course, I remember Karuma,” Naturo shouted, standing up in his excitement. “Did someone finally adopt him?”
Karuma was a rouge-colored coydog that had been taken to a shelter, because of his coyote nature, it had been very difficult for not only the shelter but for the adoptees to keep him.
During his time at the fair Karuma had stuck to Naruto like a shadow, always right by his side as he treated any animal. He was soothing to the pets that were anxious and friendly to those that
wanted to play. Naruto was seconds from taking him home but knew that Sasuke had a firm ‘no pets’ mindset.
“Sadly no,”
Naruto felt his heart drop, he had been at a kill shelter, and the staff implied that because of the lack of interest and multiple returns, they weren’t sure how long they could keep him.
“But they were about to put him down, so I took him home with me. I figured I could hold him until you were ready to adopt him.”
“Shik..”
“Don’t overthink it.” Shikamaru said, cutting him off, “I’ve got some space and some land for him to run around in until you can get him. I saw how he was with you, and honestly, it won’t kill me
to have him around. I know how much you liked that dog, so you two can visit until things get settled, and you can have him for good.”
Naruto had given the excuse that right now wasn’t the best time for him to get Karuma but he hated knowing that this opportunity was passing him by.
“Anyway, it’s pretty late so we’ll catch up tomorrow. Lemme know what you decide whenever.
You could even join us later on if you want. No rush. “
They exchanged their goodbyes and Naruto looked at his reflection on the black screen of his
phone. He exhaled and lifted his hand to check the time, 10:00 on the dot.
He couldn’t help the sadness that just seemed to come over him. Tonight may have been their anniversary but it was also a chance to prove Sakura wrong. The uncomfortable but undeniable remarks from last week still echoed in the back of his consciousness...
_________________________________________________________
The three of them had been having game nights post college to keep them in touch, catch up with everything that was going on and to unwind after a stressful week. They always rotated homes to make sure not just one person was always stressed with hosting. Sakura had decided to start inviting Ino once the two of them finally got together stating that it wasn’t fair that he and Sasuke always had each other.
Their regular game night was taking place at Sasuke’s apartment for once and things had gotten a little too heated.
It could have been the drinks, the stress of the week, or just plain agitation, but Sasuke had decided to poke fun at Sakura and Ino’s relationship…again. Except for this time, Sakura hadn’t let the comment slide, sadly Naruto became a casualty.
“Oh please,” Sakura started, green eyes looking as though they had flames in them.
“You’re one to talk. You’ve been with Naruto for how long, and he has what, one drawer of clothes in your dresser? Ino and I aren’t moving too fast; we just love each other enough to make moves. If you loved Naruto half as much as he loved you, he’d already have a ring. But 5 years later, and you’re still in the same spot, in two separate apartments.”
Naruto froze, and the words seemed to bounce around the room, echoing in the back of his mind.
The living room was silent, tension filling the space between the four of them.
Naruto’s eyes caught Ino’s and he felt the apology in them as Ino started to stand.
“I think game night is over. We’ll be taking our leave.” Ino spoke softly, out of the norm for her usual, as she grabbed Sakura by the arm and headed out, not even bothering to put on their
coats inside the apartment.
Naruto remained fixed in his seat, feeling his throat close up, jumping as a few fingertips
grazed his arm.
Blue eyes caught onyx, and couldn’t read them, making the words louder in the silence.
“…Are you ok?” Sasuke finally asked, keeping his hand lightly on Naruto’s forearm. Naruto could only nod because common words had left him.
Sasuke gave a curt nod in response and started picking up, putting away the living room, and
placing the glasses along with the plates in the kitchen.
“I figured we could clean tomorrow, let’s head to bed.” Naruto felt Sasuke’s light pull and allowed his body to follow.
He watched Sasuke go through his nighttime routine and moved sluggishly to grab the set of clothing that Sasuke had laid on the bed for him to change into.
As Naruto settled in bed, Sasuke slipped in beside him, he couldn’t help but think about the truth in Sakura's words.
He had exactly one shirt, a pair of shorts, and a pair of boxers in the upper right drawer that only took up half the space. Meanwhile Sasuke’s socks filled the rest. Sasuke wasn’t a fan of a
mess, so he allowed those, but only so Naruto wouldn’t take the extra set of pajamas that he had bought for him to his home by accident.
Naruto’s eyes remained open, staring at the ceiling, listening to the even breathing beside him. The most disturbing portion of the night infested his thoughts, preventing him from proper rest.
Naturo's mind couldn’t help but fixate on how Sasuke didn't deny the statement.
He didn’t even try.
___________________________________________________________
Since that day, Naruto had been trying to prove, at least to himself, that while Sasuke wasn’t a man of words, he proved his love through actions when it came to him. The only flaw to this fact was that Sasuke’s actions seemed to be a bit slower than intended.
Naruto remained seated on the couch, watching the second-hand circle around until finally, It was 11. He heard the turning of the lock and the slight twisting of the door knob before the door slowly creaked open. Near the entryway, Naturo listened to the soft clink of the keys being settled into the glass bowl and could hear a pair of heavy set shoes being placed on the hardwood. The familiar footsteps grew closer to the living room and Naruto's breathing gradually came to a halt. The mere thought of words escaped him.
“…what are you doing up?” Sasuke asked as soon as he arrived at the foot of the living room. There was a hint of confusion emanating from his voice. Sasuke slightly turned his head to glance at the clock to look at Naruto as he walked deeper into the living room, slowly loosening his tie.
“and what’s up with the outfit?”
Naruto looked at his black dress pants and dress shirt, remembering that a cold dinner laid on the dining room table for the past 4 hours untouched…
He shrugged.
“Felt like dressing up today.” It was much too late for explanations, and for once, Naruto didn’t want one. “Late night.”
Sasuke faintly nodded and walked up to where Naruto sat. He placed a small kiss on Naruto’s forehead as his greeting.
“Well, I’m gonna turn in for the night. I’m exhausted.”
Deflated blue eyes watched as Sasuke disappeared into the bedroom.
“Yeah me too.” He whispered. The disappointment in his heart was overwhelming. However, what could have been done? His excitement was long gone and his current mood would only spoil the food. He stood with all the strength he could muster and slowly cleaned up the table. Disposing of the uneaten food, placing the dirty dishes in the washer, and returning the champagne back to its small bag.
Ino and Sakura would probably enjoy it.
Naruto grabbed his phone and began to make plans.
He sent a quick meet-up text to Ino and Shikamaru for later in the day. After sending out the texts, he walked into the room, grabbed the pajamas, and proceeded to change into them.
Then he heard a faint groan.
“Oh, Remember to take your clothes home. If you’re not doing laundry tomorrow, just place them on the couch so you don’t forget them here.” He heard from the bed.
Naruto felt his cheeks heat up as tears rolled down. “Got it.” He replied, keeping his voice even. With their uncelebrated anniversary drawing to an dissatisfying close, he crawled into bed and fell asleep to the crushing silence.
Brunch the Next Day
“Hey, sorry I’m late” Naruto smiled as he watched Ino rush to their regular brunch table and threw her purse across the back of the chair. “I forgot to set my alarm early enough to beat the traffic.”
“No worries, I normally give you more than a late night notice before planning a brunch day.” Naruto excused. After Sakura and Ino started dating, Naruto began holding brunch dates with Ino just to gossip and hang out. These brunches were his own form of supporting the relationship since Sasuke wasn’t always up for socializing.
Once they placed their order with the waitress Naruto felt Ino’s hand land on top of his.
“I never got to say sorry for what happened. I know Sakura said she apologized to you a while back about it but- ”
“I’m leaving the city.” Naturo blurted out, unable to stop himself from spoiling the news. Ino froze and her hands slightly squeezed Naruto’s. The waitress returned immediately after the shocking news.
“Here’s your beverages and I’ll be back soon with the appetizer.” The server mentioned, dropping off both cocktails and stepping away.
“...Is this because of what Sakura said? Are you both leaving?” Ino finally spoke with a hint of apprehension in her voice. Her hand slowly left Nautro’s and her eyes staring down at the table.
“It sucks to say but Sakura was right.” Naruto laughed, allowing all the feelings to wash over him. “I mean yesterday was our anniversary and he forgot, and it’s not even the first time.”
Ino’s face shot up from the direction of the table at the remark. Her eyes found Naturo’s and in them held a sense of a saddened resolve even though his face seemed happy.
Not being able to take Ino’s eyes looking at him he glanced away to watch the people walking past their table. He feared that his composure would break if he continued to hold her gaze.
“If Sasuke had asked me to marry him after our first date I would have said yes. If he asked me after our first year I would have said yes. If he woke me up in the middle of the night and asked me I would have said yes…. but I need to come to terms with the fact that he’s never going to ask me. I’ve always been the one initiating with us and I promised myself that with this big step I would let him guide it… and it’s obviously not what he wants. So I’m becoming my own guide” Naruto felt a hand graze his face and turned to see Ino had moved closer to him and was wiping tears that he hadn’t even felt falling.
“Remember that volunteer thing I did?” Naurto asked and Ino nodded in response, keeping her hand cupping his cheek.
“They offered me the option to travel with them for a bit. I already contacted the organizer, Shikamaru to say I would take it, told Iruka to lease out my place as a furnished unit since I won’t really have a stationary place while I’m doing this and told my job that I’d be taking a leave of absence.” Naruto felt a smile spread across his face as he kept talking. “I’m actually flying out later today.”
Ino let out a squeal before tackling Naruto in a bear hug. Thankfully he’s been tackled by stronger (like the huge dogs that got too excited to see him during visits), so they remained upright.
“Naruto, this is amazing! I’m so happy. Sounds exactly like you.” She congratulated, giving her own beaming smile. “How did Sasuke take it?”
Naruto scratched his head as he looked away. “Didn’t tell him.”
“WHAT?”
“Ino,” Naruto started, leaning into her hand, “this relationship has been over for a while, I think I simply wasn’t ready to accept that. When you and Sakura got together I got so excited. I was telling Sasuke how you both just complimented each other so much, how I could see the love. We started arguing because I realized while I love him like you two love each other, he doesn’t quite love me the same way. I think maybe that’s why he started picking on you guys each game night. I want to be loved, I get that he’s not a big actions kinda guy but he hasn’t been a words kinda guy either…I deserve someone who wants me like I want them. So I’m leaving. Sasuke probably won’t even notice. I’m sure if I wasn’t constantly checking in he’d forget I even exist. So I’m done.”
Ino sighed, biting her lower lip. She felt as though she played a part in his decision. “We weren’t trying to break you two apart.” Ino replied with remorse.
“You didn’t. We were already broken. One person isn’t enough to fix a relationship.” He whispered just loud enough to respond. Out of everything said today, his conclusion of what their relationship amounted to left an awful bitter taste in his mouth.
Naruto took a moment before he continued their conversation. He was committed to his decision but on the off hand…
“ How about this, if he notices I’m not around within 2 months you guys let me know and I’ll reach out. If not… then I was right” Naruto shrugged a bit cheerfully despite the current mood.
Ino gave an involuntary chuckle that left a faint smile on her lips. She responded to Naruto's halfhearted jab by slapping Naruto on the shoulder.
After a few moments, the two returned to their initial task. Gossip and delicious food.
“Now let’s eat, the mornings have been way too much for me.” Ino said with a light grin as the plates flooded the table.
Airport
“I can’t believe you’re really leaving.” Sakura’s shoulders sagged as she took in Naruto with his carry-on backpack over his shoulder and a rolling suitcase by his side.
After brunch Ino had immediately notified Sakura, who called and yelled at Naruto for not giving enough warning with this big of a decision. She even threatened to fly out to clawbur him if he didn’t wait long enough for both her and Ino to send him off.
Once she arrived they drove to the airport together to see Naruto off.
“It’ll be quick, you’ll barely notice I’m gone.” Naruto smiled, pulling her into one final hug before he set off to his next chapter.
“Don’t worry '' A voice suddenly emanated from behind. Everyone turned to see a tall man with dark hair in a ponytail walking up to them. “We’ll take care of him while he’s gone and I’ll make sure he calls at least once a week.”
“Shika!!” Naruto sprinted, taking Shikamaru into a tight hug. “Long time no see.”
Shikamaru rolled his eyes as he returned the hug, with not as much Naruto gusto, and nodded his head to the ladies.
“I’m Shikamaru, the organizer for this and I’ll make sure he is safe.” Shikamaru stated as he addressed Ino and Sakura. Then his gaze turned to Naruto who had finally released him and was standing beside him with his left arm over his shoulder.
“Also I brought Karuma, he’s being transported by some of the folks driving to our next spot. So you’ll get to be with him while we’re traveling,”
Naruto’s excitement was visibly noticeable on his face but to add extra emphasis to his elated mood, he grabbed Shikamaru again and lifted him up in another bear hug.
Ino and Sakura looked at each other, with a raised brow, before looking back at Naruto and Shikamaru. Naruto had taken the time on the drive to give them an entire run down of what he’s going to be doing and even mentioned how Shikamaru had adopted Karuma so that Naruto would be able to adopt him later. Both had ‘thoughts’ but chose to keep those to himself.
“You’re amazing, thank you so much. I’m so glad he won’t be alone!” Sakura voiced as soon as the hugging fest died down.
Sakura and Ino watched as Shimakaru grabbed Naruto’s suitcase and bid them goodbye before heading to their gate.
“Well, this is see ya later.” Naruto remarked softly, pulling them both in for one more hug. “I’ll totally be spamming you both with so many pictures!!...Take care of Sasuke for me ok.”
Plane
Naruto gazed out of his window seat and watched as the plane made its descent. He felt the current and turbulence of the wind providing resistance towards the flight. He allowed himself one more exhale before he looked down at the typed out message on his phone.
Sakura had argued her point of at least giving Sasuke a heads up. Although their relationship wasn’t one he wanted to stay in, Sasuke still deserved some type of explanation. Naruto had argued that Sasuke hated confrontation to begin with and he always said he rather people leave then waste his time with reasons. Since that conversation, he’d been working on a message to send and he felt it was finally good enough.
Hey Sas, I know you’re not a fan of people wasting your time with touchy-feely conversations so I thought a text would be better. I adopted a dog, his name is Karuma and he's literally such an amazing dog. People who didn’t want him are missing out but it worked out for me. I also took that job opportunity that I told you about; traveling around to help animals in need. Anyways, I’ll cut to the chase.
I’ve decided to leave. I love you… but I want more than what you’re willing to give me. Sasuke, these last 5 years have been amazing to say the least and I know you’re going to accomplish everything you have planned. While I may not be by your side, I’ll always be cheering you on. I know you said you could never see yourself getting married, but you said that when we were 15. I thought I’d be the exception to the rule but I guess you’ve always had a strong resolve, so I shouldn’t have thought differently. Don’t worry all my stuff is out of your place so you don’t have to be stuck sending me anything. Wishing you the best
Naruto.