Thirty-five days, ten hours and fifty-six minutes, that's how long it's been since Sasuke had last seen the blond omega. Not that he was counting. Sort of like the delicately folded note tucked away in his wallet, he only had that because he'd simply forgotten to throw it away. And those dreams? Pure coincidence. So what if he's constantly dreaming of the blond omega writhing under him, begging for him to breed him, mark him, claim him as his? It was all simple body chemistry. He was an alpha who had slept with a total of one omega until recently, it was only his body's natural reaction to crave the only other omega it wasn't repulsed by.
If he really wanted, all it would take is a simple request and he could get all Naruto's information, but he wouldn't because that would mean admitting something that simply wasn't true. At least that's what he kept telling himself every time the itch to find the omega presented itself.
Sasuke let out a heavy sigh as he tried to bury his thoughts down deep, he really had to focus. They had finally started making leeway on finding a way to cut the cost of manufacturing their suppressants. Blockers were starting to look promising, but the suppressants were still a way off. The volume of pheromones used to create suppressants was what hindered their lab. If they could find a way to concentrate the pheromones while making the lowered dosage more potent it would change everything. They had their lab techs working overtime trying to figure out a way to do just that, but even the head of research and development wasn't very optimistic that they'd get the task done this year, let alone in the next five.
The head of research and development was a tall, busty blond alpha named Tsunade Senju, she was the genius mind behind the concept of ingestible suppressants. Blockers had already been around a while but when she proposed a way to create something like a vitamin that would not only block scent like blockers did, but block even the potent pheromones created before the start of heats and ruts, everyone thought she'd lost her mind. The ridicule and skepticism seemed to drive her even harder and when she came back with a test batch that not only did exactly what she'd claimed it would do but also acted as birth control, everyone was fighting over her. In the end it was Uchiha Inc that she signed a contract with and ever since then she's been helping them develop cutting-edge products.
The problem with anything cutting edge was they didn't come cheap. There were numerous dead ends and inevitable failures. Their losses were insurmountable, but it was what progress looked like. To be successful you need to be able to mitigate risks while simultaneously being willing to take a hit. It was a delicate line to balance, but a corporation like Uchiha Inc was more than happy to do so with the right incentives.
Tsunade had never let them down, so when she had requested more funding to aid in their progress, the request had been approved by Itachi himself. Aside from trying to find a way to improve their suppressants, she had come up with a groundbreaking idea to improve blockers. It wasn't exactly what they had in mind, but after she had presented her case, it was a no-brainer.
Both blockers and suppressants had been specifically designed to cater to one's secondary gender, but she had proposed creating a product that blocked all pheromones without needing to be secondary gender specific. With intel she'd received from a friend at Konoha General, she was almost positive she could make it work. Tsunade still needed to confirm everything she'd heard with her own eyes, but if what she was told was indeed correct, she was certain she was on her way to improved blockers and hopefully the suppressors would soon follow. Tsunade just hoped she'd be able to convince this individual they'd be invaluable to her research.
Even though Tsunade had received approval directly from Itachi, there was still paperwork that needed to be filled and filed. As Sasuke signed off on her request, he couldn't help but feel hopeful that this was what she needed. With any luck this would help contribute to not only better blockers for all but hopefully her cracking the long awaited suppressant formula.
Sasuke was brought out of his musing by his office phone. "Yes?" He answered curtly.
"Mr. Uchiha, there's an Ino Yamanaka here to see you. She insists it's urgent," the hesitant voice of his soft-spoken assistant, Tenten informed him.
Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose, knowing without a doubt what this would be about. After weighing his options, he sighed, knowing that the bull-headed beta wouldn't go quietly. "Send her in."
Not even a moment later, the brash beta was barging into his office. Ino was a tall bleached blond beta with fair skin and icy blue eyes. The female had been one of Sakura's best friends throughout high school and all the way through college. They both vied for his attention but that ended when Sasuke and Sakura ended up dating and Ino herself settled down with a beta named Sai who looked like a smaller creepier version of himself, or that's what people tell him. Personally, Sasuke didn't see the resemblance.
"Uchiha!" Ino hissed, making her irritation known. "Why aren't you returning Sakura's messages?"
Sasuke looked at the woman with a flat look. "I've been busy." It wasn't a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth either. "Besides, I fail to see how that's any of your business."
Ino perched her hands on her hips, her face flushed with anger. "Really? My best friend is crying her heart out over you, and you can't so much as return a text?"
"How is her crying, my problem?" Sasuke asked with disinterest. Crying was as natural to Sakura as breathing, it was hardly cause for concern.
The blond beta ferociously narrowed her eyes on him. "You can't be serious. You dropped this separation on her then pretty much erased her from your life."
Sasuke didn't even try to hide his eye roll. "I didn't erase her from my life, I'm simply keeping my distance like I told her I would. She's just being her usual dramatic self."
Ino's heels clicked as she walked in front of Sasuke's desk. Her icy blue eyes glaring like they're trying to set him a blaze. "Her dramatic self? She's going to therapy for you, you ass!" she hissed.
"Therapy?" Sasuke asked unimpressed. "Talking to you doesn't count as therapy."
As Ino crossed her arms over her ample bosoms, she huffed. "God you're such a dick. Not me, she's been seeing Dr. Yuhi." That was something Sasuke didn't expect, and the smug look on Ino's face showed that he hadn't kept his face as impassive as he'd thought. "She's really trying to do better."
Sasuke quickly schooled his face. "Hn."
Ino couldn't hide her disdain. "Seriously? I tell you your girlfriend is taking steps to better herself and all you can offer is a single syllable grunt?"
Sasuke gave her another sarcastic "hn."
"What's wrong with you? Don't you care about her at all?" Ino's voice was thick with abhor.
Sasuke let out a heavy sigh. "We've spent six years of our lives together, of course I care about her."
"Sure doesn't seem like it." Ino mumble snidely. The way she saw it, if Sasuke truly cared about Sakura, his face would have done more then twitch momentarily.
Sasuke leaned back in his chair. "Did she tell you why we're on a break?"
"She said you didn't really give her an explanation." Ino shrugged.
Sasuke scoffed. Of course Sakura wouldn't tell the whole story. Typical. "We had another fight about the same old shit and then she got on me about bonding and kids again."
"It has been six years; don't you think she has a right to wonder about those things?" Ino furrowed her brow with scrutiny.
Sasuke clenched his jaw, he was getting tired of everyone thinking they got to have an opinion about their relationship. "Sure, if we were a couple who had a healthy relationship. I'm sure even you can agree that hasn't exactly been the case?"
As much as it pained her to agree with him, she nodded. "I guess I can't really disagree with that."
"If she can't trust me and all we do is fight, don't I have the right to be reluctant?" Sasuke asked sardonically.
"Yeah," Ino begrudgingly agreed. "But she's really trying Sasuke, you should see her-"
Sasuke holds up his hand to silence her. "And I'm glad, truly I am. But that proves that this break was the right call."
"But don't you think you've made your point? She's in therapy...Sakura, in therapy...by herself." Ino draws out to exaggerate and emphasize how seriously Sakura's taking this break. Sakura never would have agreed to seek help before. Sure, she had wanted to attend couples therapy with Sasuke, but never admitted that she personally had a problem. The fact that she willingly sought help for herself was momentous. "Don't you think she gets it?" she finally asked.
There wasn't much Sasuke could say to that, Ino did make a pretty good point, but wasn't it too soon? They'd only been separated for a little over a month.
Seeing him remain stone faced, Ino dropped her arms with a sigh. "Look, I get you guys have your issues, but she's trying. The least you can do is try as well. Call her." With that Ino turned and walked out, giving him no chance to protest.
As soon as Sasuke's office door closed behind her, he leaned forward, resting his face in his palms. It was hard to believe Sakura was taking something seriously for a change. He was positive she's sit around and attention seek like usual, never once did he think she'd willingly attend therapy. That was good right? This is what he wanted; space for the both of them to get their heads sorted. So why doesn't he feel satisfied that Sakura is taking steps to work on her issues?
Sasuke rubbed his face before finally straightening himself. Maybe Ino was right —as much as he hates to admit it— maybe he should call her. Taking out his phone, he scrolled through his contacts until he hovered over his girlfriend. Just as he was about to tap, sapphire blue eyes flashed through his mind, and he found himself scrolling past until he landed on Shikamaru instead.
The line rings four times before Shikamaru finally picks up. "Yo."
"Hey, you free tonight?"
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Unfortunately, luck wasn't on his side because for once, Shikamaru was busy. Apparently Temari's younger brother Gaara had just moved to town. Sasuke was a little shocked to learn this. Sasuke had never met Gaara, but he knows his story. A few years ago, he watched his mate die, and suffered from what's known as Mate Hysteria, or MH for short.
Mate Hysteria is a condition that arises when one's bonded mate dies. The surviving mate is stricken with such grief from their other half being ripped away from them that they fall into madness. Some cases presented as nothing but drooling, bumbling shells of their former selves while others turn violent, trying to burn the world and everyone in it in search of what was once theirs.
Gaara's condition was the latter, which made his sudden move all the more curious. As far as the condition went, there was no cure. Sasuke didn't know the full story, nor did he ask because it wasn't any of his business, he just knew that Temari's brother lost his mate and ultimately slipped into a violent psychosis. Because of that, Sasuke had always just assumed the alpha was locked up somewhere, heavily sedated. Even he could admit that he was curious behind the reason for the sudden move.
When Shikamaru had told Sasuke the reason they couldn't get together, Sasuke didn't push for further explanation —for obvious reasons— but even he could admit the rare emotion in Shikamaru's voice piqued his interest. It wasn't his usual bored tone. Hell, he didn't even sound somber about his mentally unstable brother-in-law. No, he actually sounded —dare he say— hopeful? Relieved? Something had obviously happened, and for once, Sasuke found himself wishing he was capable of asking personal questions.
Regardless, with Shikamaru unavailable and Itachi tied up, Sasuke was left on his own for the night. As he sat in his suite that night, he found the walls almost suffocating. After his night with Naruto, he had been so tempted to switch rooms. Anything to push his and his alphas thoughts away from the vanishing omega, but in the end he couldn't. Sasuke on more than one occasion found himself wondering how Naruto was doing and his horny alpha always providing him with reminders of how intoxicating the blond tasted, how alluring he looked and how fucking addicting he was when he was moaning, begging for him, his knot, his cum. They were memories that had his hand working overtime on more than one occasion.
Nothing Sasuke did was enough to get the other out of his head. Sakura had always been so complicated, even right from the beginning. But with Naruto it was simple, pleasant even. It suddenly hit him, what if he was wrong in the reason he'd chosen Sakura for? What if all his failed attempts to rid his mind of Naruto actually meant something deeper than a simple fixation? It was that realization that had Sasuke finally texting Sakura, he needed to see her if he was going to get to the bottom of this.
Sasuke sent Sakura a quick text which she responded to immediately. They had made plans to meet the next day at a quaint little café down the road from his office. When Sasuke arrived, Sakura was already waiting for him inside. As soon as she saw him her whole demeanor lit up. "Sasuke!" She greeted him by throwing her arms around his neck and nuzzling into his chest. Sasuke awkwardly returned the hug. Public displays of affection were never his forte.
Sensing the tense aura Sasuke permeated, Sakura reluctantly pulled back. She was proud of herself, all she wanted to do was to kiss him like her life depended on it, but she held herself back. "I'm so glad you text, I've missed you!" She gushed, her whole body practically vibrating.
"Hn, I thought it was time we should talk." Sasuke's tone was dry and to the point.
Sakura nibbled her painted pink lip nervously. "I'd—I'd like that."
Sasuke nodded politely. "Why don't you get us a seat and I'll order us the usual?"
After going over a month without seeing the one who was supposed to be his omega, Sasuke thought he'd feel something, anything, at the least he thought he'd feel a bit of relief, but he felt nothing of the sort. This felt more like a business transaction than two partners getting together for the first time after an absence.
This was hardly the first time they'd been here, so Sasuke ordered the same overly trendy drink Sakura always ordered while he stuck to the largest black coffee the place offered. As he waited for the drinks to be made, he took the time to think about what he wanted to say. He really didn't want to hurt her, just because things had been difficult didn't mean he didn't care about her. They had spent a large chunk of their lives together; he would always care to a degree. It's just after everything they've been through, was it really worth moving forward together?
For the last month he spent more time denying his thoughts of Naruto than he spent thinking about fixing things with his partner. He may be emotionally challenged, but even he knew that should have set off alarms.
Once he collected their drinks and began walking over to the table Sakura occupied, he wasn't any closer to finding the right words. "Here," he placed the dressed-up drink in front of Sakura before sliding into his seat opposite to hers.
"Thank you," she blushed as she brushed her bangs behind her ear.
Sasuke offered a slight, "hn," before they fell into an awkward silence. The only sounds being conversations from the few customers mixed with the soft playing music and the odd 'clink' of dishes rattling.
Sasuke was good with quiet, great even, but this was just getting painful. "Listen Sakura, I think-"
"I'm sorry," Sakura softly cut him off. Upon seeing his confusion, she continued. "I know that I've always put my issues on you and that wasn't fair."
Sasuke couldn't help but think this might be easier than he'd thought. "We've both made mistakes. I shouldn't have strung you along all these years, that hasn't been fair to you. So, I'm sorry too."
Sakura beamed as she reached across the table to grab his hand. "It's okay. The important part is that we can move on from here."
Sasuke sat there bewildered when Sakura started rambling about him moving back in, and deciding when they should take their next step. Okay, maybe it wasn't that easy after all. She completely misunderstood him.
Snapping himself out of his daze he retracted his hand from hers. Sakura looked at him with concern. "Sasuke, what's wrong?"
Sasuke ripped the band aid off. "You misunderstood me. I'm sorry, but I think we should break up."
"Wh-what?" Sakura's emerald eyes were suddenly the size of saucers. "But you promised it was just a break."
"I made no such promise. I said it was a break to give us both some time to think," Sasuke tried to be as gentle as an Uchiha could. He just hoped being in public would prevent the omega from causing a scene. "After time apart I've come to realize you deserve someone who can make you secure, and it's pretty obvious I'll never be able to give you that."
Sakura shook her head in panicked denial. "Please," she uttered quietly as she tried to blink back tears. "Please don't do this."
"We're not good for each other," his voice was firm but not uncaring.
"Yes we are!" Sakura snapped her glassy eyes up to meet his, there was an urgency dancing in them. "I know I've put all my issues on you, but I'm working on that. You're the only person I want. I love you Sas-"
"Sakura," Sasuke cut her off, his lips pinching in a thin line.
"Please, I even started going to therapy. I want to be better; I want us to work, please let me prove it to you." Sakura's bottom lip trembled with trepidation, it was taking everything in her to remain calm and not lash out at Sasuke.
Sasuke was torn, he didn't want to hurt her, but could he really —give her— give them another chance? Sasuke took into account how Sakura was currently acting and replayed his conversation with Ino the day prior over in his head. "She's trying, the least you can do is try as well." It was obvious how hard the omega was trying, could he really belittle her efforts so simply? The world may see him as a stoic asshole, but he truly care for those he held close.
Looking down at his forgotten coffee, Sasuke finally made his decision. "Okay," he acquiesced. He still had many, many reservations, but if she could try, he would too. Just one last time.
To say Sakura was ecstatic would be an understatement. Sasuke wasn't sure whether he made the right decision or not, but he supposed time would tell.
Feeling victorious, Sakura inwardly smirked. No skanky omega was going to sink their claws into her alpha, she'd make sure of that.
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Sasuke had moved back into the house, and they quickly slipped back into their old, familiar routine, except Sakura now had her weekly therapy session. It had been remarkably smooth sailing. They were about to get their first real test though. They were attending their first fundraiser together after reconciling. This would be a huge trial for Sakura as the party was bound to be brimming with overzealous omegas, vying for Sasuke's attention.
Sasuke hated parties, hated the attention. He would much rather be at home with a glass whiskey and a good book. But being an Uchiha he was always willing to support a good cause. So, he put on his tux, waited three hours for Sakura to doll herself up and went to show support.
When they arrived, Sasuke gave the valet his keys and went around to let Sakura out of the car. Sakura blushed as she took his hand and stepped out gingerly in her silky mint gown and her strappy white heels. Sasuke knew she loved these gentlemanly gestures of his and he figured if she was putting in the effort for him, he could at least do this much for her.
Like most of the fundraisers they attended, the hall that was rented out was grand and luxurious. Everything was pristine and white, the ceilings had grand chandeliers that cascaded from the ceiling. Thralls of elegantly dressed affluentials all decked out to the nines in their tailored tuxedos and immaculate dresses crowded the floor as they discussed both everything and nothing. The string quartet that was present filled the gaps in their ongoing conversations with soft classical music. Smartly dressed servers were attentive as they weaved their trays of drinks and appetizers through the masses, making sure no guest went unrefreshed.
As they navigated through the sea of people, Sakura never once let go of his arm. Sometimes Sasuke couldn't help but feel like she was just parading him around like he was some object to be coveted. It wasn't something he normally paid attention to, but as her grip continued to tighten, he found himself wanting to pry her off, he was feeling suffocated and that made him feel guilty.
Even he knew that he shouldn't be thinking of ways to unlatch his future mate from him. He had agreed to try again with her, but he didn't feel like he was being fair to her by thinking and feeling these things right now. He couldn't help it though, that's the way he felt. At home things felt simpler, she was just Sakura, she wasn't the insecure omega she turned into the moment they stepped into the public eye.
At the very least she wasn't causing a scene whenever someone would engage them in conversation. And even though her grip pointed to her discomfort, she continued to smile and remain polite, even to the omegas who unabashedly flaunted their scent in front of him. Sasuke had to give her credit where credit was due. He was quickly pulled away from his musings by a flash of blond. Sasuke froze, there on the other side of the room in an indigo tux was none other than the object of his denied obsession. Sasuke found his mouth dry as he struggled to swallow. Suddenly his alpha reared its head, letting out a dizzying howl that rattled his skull.
Sakura must have felt him tense. "Are you alright?" her voice was laced with concern. His stress was driving her own omega to release the calming pheromones she barely possessed.
Sasuke's startled eyes shot towards her. "I-" he quickly looked back, only to find that the blond that was standing there definitely wasn't Naruto. He furrowed his brow, suddenly questioning his sanity. Why was he imagining Naruto? And why wouldn't his alpha quiet back down? Ever since getting back together with Sakura it had been deafeningly quiet. Sasuke was getting increasingly uneasy. Sasuke fiddled with his bow tie and cleared his throat. "I—yeah. I think I just need some air," he said as he focused back on Sakura.
Sakura was none the wiser as she took his statement at face value. She had no reason to question him. Afterall, she knew firsthand just how much he hated these social events. "Let's get you some air then, hm?" She said with an understanding smile.
"Hn," Sasuke hummed in agreement before turning to the couple that had been gushing about the opulence of the venue.
"Please excuse us," he bowed politely, Sakura mimicking his actions.
Sasuke really didn't feel comfortable having Sakura lead him out, but he allowed her to drag him regardless. Just as they made it to the French doors leading out to the patio, a woman's voice stopped them. "Brat!"
Sasuke sighed before turning around. He needn't look to know who was bellowing at him. "Tsunade," he greeted her.
"Dr. Senju, so nice to see you again," Sakura gushed, her voice not hiding the admiration she had for the brilliant doctor. She had grown up admiring the doctor, and was the reason she pursued her own career in medicine.
"Likewise," she curtly addressed the omega before turning her attention back to Sasuke. "Have you seen Lucifer?" Tsunade asked, no one else would dare speak about Itachi that way, let alone to Sasuke's face, but Tsunade was her own breed.
Sasuke was undeterred, she called them disrespectful names and they threw them right back. It was a beautiful relationship they all shared. "You sure your eyes haven't failed you? A hag like you is getting on in years," Sasuke smirked impishly.
"Why you-" Tsunade feigned annoyance but was cut off by an irritated Sakura.
"Show some respect," Sakura slapped him on the shoulder with a hiss before looking at Tsunade with apologetic eyes. "Sorry about him. No, we haven't seen Itachi yet."
"She started it," Sasuke petulantly mumbled under his breath while rubbing his abused shoulder. At least this whole interaction had made him temporarily forget about the apparition of a blond.
Tsunade threw her head back and guffawed. "You heard her brat, show me some respect."
"Oh, I'll show you something alright," he grumbled. "I'll show you my foot up your-"
"Sasuke!" Sakura finally dropped his arm and scowled at him.
Tsunade waved her off. "It's fine, this is just how we are. Anyways, so you haven't seen him?" Her attention shifted as she focused on Sasuke more seriously.
"No, I'm sure he's around though, you know him, never late to anything. What do you want with him anyways?" Sasuke found himself intrigued.
Tsunade sighed heavily. "That guy I'm trying to recruit for my research is here, but he still won't give me the time or day. He thinks I'm going to turn him into a lab rat or something."
"Oh?" Sasuke raises an immaculate brow at her in a silent demand for her to continue explaining what that had to do with finding Itachi.
"You know Itachi and his mind voodoo; he can talk anyone into anything. He's like a word mastermind," she paused and narrowed her eyes. "If it gets back to him that I said that I'll deny everything."
"Kind of hard to deny something when I hear it firsthand," a smooth baritone voice smugly interrupted.
"Damnit," Tsunade blew a heavy breath out and turned. "Lucifer," she greeted.
Itachi made sure he earned his name as he greeted her back with a devilish smirk. "Crone."
"I'll show you-"
As the two continued taunting each other, Sasuke couldn't hide his amusement while Sakura bit her lip nervously. Itachi always intimidated her; she would never reprimand him the way she did Sasuke.
"Sasuke, you made it on time," Itachi jested before turning his attention to the...woman with him. "Miss Haruno," he nodded to her politely, managing to hide his surprise at seeing her.
"Itachi." Sakura smiled tightly; he always made her feel like he was looking through her soul.
"Tch, like I'm ever late," Sasuke rolled his eyes, feigning irritation. He saw the look Itachi gave him regarding Sakura. It was the look that silently said, "we'll talk about this later." Sasuke decided to brush it off, he was just glad Itachi wasn't dragging him off to explain at that very instant.
Itachi shrugged off his brother's avoidance, it was honestly expected. "So," he looked to their head of research and development. "What did you need me for?"
"Right!" Tsunade exclaimed. "I need you to come with me and work your magic."
Itachi only looked mildly concerned as she grabbed him by the arm and dragged him off without allowing him to question her. Sasuke only shrugged and offered him an flippant wave. It was times like this that he was glad Itachi was the more social of the two. If Sasuke couldn't solve something with just his scowl it was too much effort for him. He didn't revel in mind games as much as his dear older brother did. Though, it was fun to watch him break a person down to the point they question their entire being.
Sasuke sighed pleasantly at the thought. Maybe he was more like Itachi than he'd thought. He'd die before ever admitting that out loud though.
Sasuke's thoughts were interrupted by Sakura. "Dr. Senju's working on new research?" she asked curiously.
"Hn?" Sasuke had forgotten that Sakura wasn't aware of the new concept Tsunade was working on, on account of them being separated when the idea was suggested. "Oh, yeah. She's trying to work on a formula that would enable all secondary genders to use the same blocker." Usually, he told her everything about work, he loved what he did and never shied away from sharing with her the new ideas that he found exciting.
"Wow, this person must be special if she wants them that badly." Sakura's eyes gleamed with wonder.
Sasuke shrugged. "She is rather adamant about them. I'm surprised she hasn't convinced them yet, her request was signed off on two weeks ago."
Sasuke held back his surprise well. Tsunade may have boasted about Itachi's ability to persuade someone, but she wasn't exactly known for taking no for an answer either. This person must be pretty important for Tsunade to continue to pursue them to the point she'd ask Itachi for help.
Before long it was time for the speeches to be made. The charity they were supporting was hosted by Konoha General for a small nonprofit organization called Unison, they helped those who suffered from forced bonding. It was a brutal thing to go through but was manageable through the right medications and therapy. Unfortunately, medications didn't always work, leaving the victims in an agonizing state of pheromone withdrawal. And if the medications did work, they were much like everything in this day and age, they didn't come cheap. With enough funding, Unison was not only hoping to help provide crucial medications to victims but hoping to help fund research on new methods of combating pheromone withdrawal.
After hearing the organization talk about their goals, it was impossible not to feel moved. The people who spoke, spoke with conviction, bringing awareness that it wasn't only omegas who suffered from forced bonds, but alphas and even betas too. People often forgot about betas because they couldn't give nor receive a bonding mark, but they too suffered from forced bonding, albeit in a different sense. They didn't physically go through the motions, but nothing can prepare you emotionally for watch your partner suffer that fate while you remain powerless to help. Sasuke was sure many eyes had been opened that night.
The closing speech announced the start of supper where everyone was encouraged to find their seats. When Sasuke and Sakura made it to their table, Sasuke had to do a retake when he glanced across the dinning hall at his brother's table, because surely he was seeing things again. Sitting there was not only Itachi, but...
"Naruto."
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Hey all!
So, it looks like updates are going to continue rolling out slowly. I'm still going to try and get an update out once a month but I can't commit to an exact schedule. Anyways, hopefully this chapter doesn't give you whiplash with all the bouncing around I did. I couldn't quite figure out how I wanted this chapter to play out after Naruto's departure and after scraping the chapter twice, this is what we get. 😅
Anyways, that's all this time. See ya in the next one. 😊
-GrimTopography