[ yeah, so that first round of messages earlier this week hadn't done anything, so she mostly expects this one will achieve much of the same radio silence. still, sakura feels it bears saying... ]
Tomorrow is Naruto's birthday. Try not to get into it with him, okay?
[ All right, that was a horrifying experience. Distorted voices coming out of nowhere?? Please. Thanks, he hated it, he never wants to go through it again, one-star reviews across the board, yadda yadda. What he ultimately chooses to fixate on instead is what had come out of it, and… if he had to be honest? He'd go through it— or anything else for that matter, any number of times for it, the weight of it heavier in his hands than it was before.
He spends his morning debating his options, watching the sun rise through the fog somewhere between the town center and the beach. When it's decently high in the sky around six to seven, he stands up, seemingly resolved. ]
… I'm home! 'Morning. [ He's the picture of casual, perched on Sasuke's window sill. Raising the glass higher to duck his head through, ] Got a moment, man?
[Decently high? Come on, Naruto. Sasuke is accustomed to rising earlier, but since he's also gotten into the habit of sleeping off all his battles (and napping throughout the day), he's still lying in bed when Naruto situates himself at his window. He's on top of the covers, in case anyone's wondering.
He rolls from his side to his back, eyes settling on the sight of Naruto's face looming over his. Naruto's nostrils are the last thing he wants to see in the morning, thanks.
Several long, long seconds pass before his drowsiness fades and he finally feels like speaking. ] Did you leave just so you could say "I'm home"?
Edited (you knew what you signed up for) 2020-10-10 23:11 (UTC)
[ Surely, Sasuke will be pleased to know that he's feeling sniffles coming along, doing just that as he makes himself comfortable. He even rubs his nose a little when he feels an itch, grinning down widely after. ]
Maybe! [ Shameless. ] But I've been out since midnight, so it should still count either way. Have a problem with that?
Whatever though, not his problem. He continues his staring (muted disinterest bordering on disgust plastered over his face all the while) before rolling onto his side and closing his eyes. ] No.
[ This is the closest he's getting to acknowledgement and he knows it. In fact, he still isn't over how this is leaps and bounds compared to how a Sasuke closer to his timeline would act. There's not much he could say or do to deter him at this point.
Thanks for the welcome back :)
And now, he's kind of just… disgustingly staring down for a while at Sasuke's back, grin growing wider by the minute in an infinite loop. Is this the best birthday? It's the best birthday. And all Sasuke is doing is laying there, like the dead fish he is. What are standards? If he gets the luxury to, this probably spans several minutes before he speaks up— if not, he'll do it if Sasuke has a quip or tries to leave. ]
So. … [ He's fidgeting. ] I got something earlier.
[ That wasn't a welcome back, idiot. It wasn't anything. Tragically for Sasuke, he has no idea how Naruto is taking it (or, more accurately, he has an idea but doesn't care) so he doesn't refute it.
All he does is lie there with Naruto's eyes boring into him. He's just about to consider getting up when Naruto breaks the silence instead. Reacting in any obvious way would just encourage Naruto, so he doesn't react.
He stays in exactly the same spot doing exactly the same thing: nothing. ] And?
Is it still too soon? [ … ] To give this back to you.
[ There's the sound of metal clinking as he procures a familiar accessory from his pouch, holding it out at arms length. He's not sure when he'd started holding his breath, but at some point, he's started to. ]
Honestly, he's been trying pretty hard to stay tolerant here. Dismissive, perhaps, but neutral overall. The moment he hears the question and the familiar sound of metal, though? His mind starts to empty.
It really is always the same thing with Naruto. "Come home", "take the headband", "I'll make you acknowledge me," "you're my only friend." How many times can he try to crush Naruto's spirit only to see him completely brush it aside. As his thoughts zero in on all his memories of everything Naruto's done for him and the many speeches he's heard, his eyelids start to part.
[ He wants to yell at him. To demand why he even has that, but he doesn't. Instead, he allows his anger to recede enough to pose a question that's been weighing on his mind since before he arrived.
If he can't ask the people of the past, he'll settle for much less. As before, he's silent for some time and keeps his eyes locked with Naruto's. ]
[ Where people ask their resident gods(?) for miracles or goods that would otherwise be difficult to procure, here Naruto is, asking for an old battered, weathered down thing. He hadn't had to give it any thought either; it's been on his mind, and even if it's now likely Sasuke won't take it, he recedes his arm to hold it to his lap without fuss.
Given what he'd last learned, Sasuke may be surprised that Naruto's answer doesn't come immediately, or as confidently as it would have if he hadn't had the conversation he did with Tobi. Still, ]
… It's a home. It's somewhere where your important people are, and a place you can go to rest when you're tired. Sometimes a home isn't perfect, and that's why you gotta do what you can to make it so it is. [ His grip around Sasuke's forehead protector tightens, ]
That's why it isn't the same without you.
[ Shout out to Sora for the courage to make dreams into reality…… ]
[ In a way, it's impressive he managed to last this long. His hate is deep, dark, and has consumed so much of him that the thought of losing it or not knowing where to direct it leaves him lost. Lost... Yeah, that's exactly what he's been since he met Itachi again. For a second, he actually thought he found a way to regain his focus.
But then he came here and it disappeared. Strangely enough, it feels like what Naruto just said renews some of his vigor.
A village is a home. That means, his village has been ripped from him three times. The first time was when his clan was massacred; the second, when he killed Itachi; and the third... when Itachi left him for good. He doesn't know if he should laugh at Naruto's answer or give into his ireโand make no mistake, he is angryโnot at first. ]
So that's what you've been thinking here. [ There's an unmistakable scorn in his voice. Enough to drench every word in a venom, but somehow still level enough that he isn't yelling. Maybe the only reason he isn't saying worse than this is because of the way Naruto paused before responding. ] You thought because we were in the same house, we could play at being family.
[ At being brothers. It's been a while since Naruto saw Sasuke smile, hasn't it? Well, he's smiling now. Not that it's a pleasant expression. Thankfully Naruto doesn't have to see his twisted face for long. He sits up, back to Naruto before he continues. After he finishes, he's going to head to the door. ] Then I'm ending this today.
[ All things considered, this is going pretty well. It's better than the conversation he'd been plotting in the beginning: that he'll take the entirety of Sasuke's hate onto himself, and they could perish together. He's continually reminding himself of this, a mantra in his head; this was a topic they were bound to touch eventually, and he figures it's better sooner than later in the spirit of transparency.
It doesn't stop it from hurting any less, but hey. The hand he has curled around the sill to keep him steady stiffens to the extent that it splinters, digging into his skin. ]
You are my family, Sasuke. And you know you can't just end things this one-sidedly. Right now, you're running. [ Something, something, your resolve is lacking. Hasn't Naruto been a loose end for too many years, now? ]
You're wrong. [ About all of it. He's choosing this. After all, hurting Naruto here doesn't get him anything. Peace, maybe, but when he's trapped on a small island with people who are almost as endeared to Naruto as everyone back in Konoha? Acting out isn't exactly in his best interests.
Besides, it isn't like there's a Konoha for Naruto try and take him back to. ] How many times are you going to try this same speech? Friendship, family, it doesn't matter what you call it. You still don't understand anything.
[ Right, so. There's the answer to his question: it is too soon. Mouth twitching into a frown, he schools it back into a half-hearted smile.
Sure, Sasuke can believe that if he wants. Naruto's not going to correct it when it's clear words aren't what it'll take to get through to him. At the same time, he isn't so confident that a fight is what they need either, stuck who knows where, playing by an unknown entity's rulebook whose guidelines are increasingly unclear by day.
That aside, who knows where an aftermath of a fight would leave them— and first? They need to get home. ]
However many times it takes for you to get it. [ He forces a laugh, maybe he doesn't understand Sasuke as much as he'd like to think he does— Sasuke hasn't said or done anything to prove him otherwise. When he does, that will be when Naruto truly believes him. ]
Anyway, I didn't stop by for an argument. That's all I really wanted to say, [ In the few seconds it's taken for him to extract himself from Sasuke's window, he's seemingly recovered. Smiling one last bright smile, ] See you 'round!
[ and with that, he's off! in his wake is the very same forehead protector, left atop the sill. ]
[ ... that's it? No arguing, no speeches, no begging him to stay? Naruto's just going to leave. Peacefully.
He's not sure if he's more stunned or skeptical, but it doesn't matter anyway. Naruto's gone before he can figure out what, if anything, he wants to say. The only evidence left of this peculiar morning visit is the headband at his windowโwhich he regards quietly before turning to face his door.
What... is he supposed to do now? It feelsโstrange to be the one left behind. Is thisโ
No, he doesn't want to finish that thought. Despite cutting himself off, the thought lingers in his mind until he leaves the room. He'll come back for his things later. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
10/03 - text; un: haruno
Where are you right now?
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
[ no, she doesn't. ]
But we need to compile what information we can with each other. You know that, don't you?
no subject
What an annoying jutsu. ]
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
I'm Back... text; un: haruno
Tomorrow is Naruto's birthday. Try not to get into it with him, okay?
action, morning of october 10
He spends his morning debating his options, watching the sun rise through the fog somewhere between the town center and the beach. When it's decently high in the sky around six to seven, he stands up, seemingly resolved. ]
… I'm home! 'Morning. [ He's the picture of casual, perched on Sasuke's window sill. Raising the glass higher to duck his head through, ] Got a moment, man?
no subject
He rolls from his side to his back, eyes settling on the sight of Naruto's face looming over his. Naruto's nostrils are the last thing he wants to see in the morning, thanks.
Several long, long seconds pass before his drowsiness fades and he finally feels like speaking. ] Did you leave just so you could say "I'm home"?
no subject
Maybe! [ Shameless. ] But I've been out since midnight, so it should still count either way. Have a problem with that?
no subject
Whatever though, not his problem. He continues his staring (muted disinterest bordering on disgust plastered over his face all the while) before rolling onto his side and closing his eyes. ] No.
no subject
Thanks for the welcome back :)
And now, he's kind of just… disgustingly staring down for a while at Sasuke's back, grin growing wider by the minute in an infinite loop. Is this the best birthday? It's the best birthday. And all Sasuke is doing is laying there, like the dead fish he is. What are standards? If he gets the luxury to, this probably spans several minutes before he speaks up— if not, he'll do it if Sasuke has a quip or tries to leave. ]
So. … [ He's fidgeting. ] I got something earlier.
naruto love yourself
All he does is lie there with Naruto's eyes boring into him. He's just about to consider getting up when Naruto breaks the silence instead. Reacting in any obvious way would just encourage Naruto, so he doesn't react.
He stays in exactly the same spot doing exactly the same thing: nothing. ] And?
this is loving himself
Is it still too soon? [ … ] To give this back to you.
[ There's the sound of metal clinking as he procures a familiar accessory from his pouch, holding it out at arms length. He's not sure when he'd started holding his breath, but at some point, he's started to. ]
1/2 (naruto no)
Honestly, he's been trying pretty hard to stay tolerant here. Dismissive, perhaps, but neutral overall. The moment he hears the question and the familiar sound of metal, though? His mind starts to empty.
It really is always the same thing with Naruto. "Come home", "take the headband", "I'll make you acknowledge me," "you're my only friend." How many times can he try to crush Naruto's spirit only to see him completely brush it aside. As his thoughts zero in on all his memories of everything Naruto's done for him and the many speeches he's heard, his eyelids start to part.
Then, he rolls onto his back again. ]
no subject
If he can't ask the people of the past, he'll settle for much less. As before, he's silent for some time and keeps his eyes locked with Naruto's. ]
What do you think a village is?
goddamnit mandee
Given what he'd last learned, Sasuke may be surprised that Naruto's answer doesn't come immediately, or as confidently as it would have if he hadn't had the conversation he did with Tobi. Still, ]
… It's a home. It's somewhere where your important people are, and a place you can go to rest when you're tired. Sometimes a home isn't perfect, and that's why you gotta do what you can to make it so it is. [ His grip around Sasuke's forehead protector tightens, ]
That's why it isn't the same without you.
[ Shout out to Sora for the courage to make dreams into reality…… ]
you started this!!
But then he came here and it disappeared. Strangely enough, it feels like what Naruto just said renews some of his vigor.
A village is a home. That means, his village has been ripped from him three times. The first time was when his clan was massacred; the second, when he killed Itachi; and the third... when Itachi left him for good. He doesn't know if he should laugh at Naruto's answer or give into his ireโand make no mistake, he is angryโnot at first. ]
So that's what you've been thinking here. [ There's an unmistakable scorn in his voice. Enough to drench every word in a venom, but somehow still level enough that he isn't yelling. Maybe the only reason he isn't saying worse than this is because of the way Naruto paused before responding. ] You thought because we were in the same house, we could play at being family.
[ At being brothers. It's been a while since Naruto saw Sasuke smile, hasn't it? Well, he's smiling now. Not that it's a pleasant expression. Thankfully Naruto doesn't have to see his twisted face for long. He sits up, back to Naruto before he continues. After he finishes, he's going to head to the door. ] Then I'm ending this today.
no subject
It doesn't stop it from hurting any less, but hey. The hand he has curled around the sill to keep him steady stiffens to the extent that it splinters, digging into his skin. ]
You are my family, Sasuke. And you know you can't just end things this one-sidedly. Right now, you're running. [ Something, something, your resolve is lacking. Hasn't Naruto been a loose end for too many years, now? ]
Say what you want. I'll believe it when I see it.
no subject
Besides, it isn't like there's a Konoha for Naruto try and take him back to. ] How many times are you going to try this same speech? Friendship, family, it doesn't matter what you call it. You still don't understand anything.
no subject
Sure, Sasuke can believe that if he wants. Naruto's not going to correct it when it's clear words aren't what it'll take to get through to him. At the same time, he isn't so confident that a fight is what they need either, stuck who knows where, playing by an unknown entity's rulebook whose guidelines are increasingly unclear by day.
That aside, who knows where an aftermath of a fight would leave them— and first? They need to get home. ]
However many times it takes for you to get it. [ He forces a laugh, maybe he doesn't understand Sasuke as much as he'd like to think he does— Sasuke hasn't said or done anything to prove him otherwise. When he does, that will be when Naruto truly believes him. ]
Anyway, I didn't stop by for an argument. That's all I really wanted to say, [ In the few seconds it's taken for him to extract himself from Sasuke's window, he's seemingly recovered. Smiling one last bright smile, ] See you 'round!
[ and with that, he's off! in his wake is the very same forehead protector, left atop the sill. ]
no subject
He's not sure if he's more stunned or skeptical, but it doesn't matter anyway. Naruto's gone before he can figure out what, if anything, he wants to say. The only evidence left of this peculiar morning visit is the headband at his windowโwhich he regards quietly before turning to face his door.
What... is he supposed to do now? It feelsโstrange to be the one left behind. Is thisโ
No, he doesn't want to finish that thought. Despite cutting himself off, the thought lingers in his mind until he leaves the room. He'll come back for his things later. ]