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In another life, Sasuke thinks, his dad would finally be proud of him. He’s so much stronger now, so much faster, so much more skilled. His father would surely acknowledge him, while his mother would await his return from long missions, his favorite meal ready at the table. She’d scold him about taking better care of himself, but he knows her tone would be as loving as ever.
In another life, Naruto would be racing him to the gates of Konoha, still losing every time. Sakura’s arms would be open and ready to embrace him, reminding him he always has a place to call home. Kakashi would follow slowly behind, book in hand, but eyes on them.
In another life, he’d allow himself to relax. He’d allow his mother to worry over him, he’d allow Naruto to drag him to ramen for lunch, he’d allow Sakura to grip onto his arm while he walked through the streets with a sense of belonging. He’d sleep peacefully at night, with less hate in his heart, and two families on his mind. In another life, he’d have the love he once lost.
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In another life, Sakura would return the stolen glances Naruto directs her way. She’d accept the warm smiles without her heart breaking inside.
In a life where her thoughts weren’t consumed by a boy she once knew, where she hadn’t heard the way he said her name, hadn’t felt his hand in hers, learning on her for support in his most vulnerable moments. In another life, where she wasn’t still grieving over him, she would be able to return the love she so badly wanted to, to her closest friend in the world.
In another life, she would happily accept the way the blonde proudly proclaimed his love for her. She would feel a sense of fullness, knowing that she was able to give him the joy he deserved. She would find comfort in his embrace, in knowing that he wouldn’t leave.
In another life, where her heart wasn’t already locked in a vault and she didn't spend her nights staring at the village gates.
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In another life, they would be together again, he and his best friends. He would call Sasuke a bastard and remind Sakura-chan how pretty she was. He would yell at Kaka-sensei for being late to their mission again and he would finally prove that he was just as strong as his rival.
In another life, Orochimaru wouldn’t have put the curse mark on Sasuke, Sakura wouldn’t have been left on the bench, and he wouldn’t be holding onto an old headband that isn’t his. In another life, his sensei wouldn't feel like he failed his students. His best friend wouldn't have to pretend to be strong for him. They wouldn't have to hear the whispers or avoid the pointed the looks they received from strangers with nothing better to do than gossip.
In another life, they would still be Team 7 and everything would be okay again.