Chapter Text
He wants to reach out and take her hand so badly, feel the softness of her skin and bask in her warmth but instead opts and lets it fall to his side. They have now been travelling for two years now, and he still doesn’t have the courage to open his heart for her.
Sakura notices his hand and smiles.
“You can hold my hand Sasuke-Kun.” She instead reaches out to him, but there is a tug in his heart and all he feels is pain.
“I…I can’t…” he tells her looking away. She frowns and slowly pulls her own hand back.
“Is it because of her?”
“Ah…” He doesn’t say anymore and once again she gives him a pained fake smile. Even when he doesn't mean to, he's always hurting her.
“I see.”
And it pisses him off.
Sakura had been in an accident on one of her missions. It was fatal and Sasuke knew he should be grateful to have her alive. But at what cost?
She doesn’t remember anything.
He, Naruto, team 7. Everything they had been through was gone and there was no hope of getting it back. But just stories -to her- of how they met, who she was or what they did. Being told of the kind of relationships they have.
Even her own parents who she couldn't recognise.
It was a heavy burden on all of them, but Naruto being Naruto tried to focus on the positives of them ‘getting to know Sakura-Chan again.’ Making her feel comfortable, sharing all the memories, he could see through the idiot though, it was difficult for him too.
Especially when anytime, he does something stupid and expects Sakura to yell, lecture or punch him. But nothing happens and it brings them back to the harsh reality.
“Sakura…” he wants to tell her, wants to tell her that she is the ‘other woman.’ When he first discovered about her condition, Sasuke wondered if there was a point in bringing up her love to him.
If she doesn’t know him, how could she possibly love him? Especially with all the pain, he put her through in the past. She deserved someone better than him and now this gave that perfect opportunity. So, he kept it from her and asked others to do the same.
That didn’t stop her from noticing him though.
She saw his pain and assumed/thought that maybe he had someone special to him in the past. Like his heart had been broken, shattered. He didn't notice how he was grieving her in a way.
Not really knowing how to respond he went along with it and nodded. Talking about her as if she was a different person. That it was too late for them. Naruto had frowned, not liking the way Sasuke lied but did he really?
In a way, there was another woman. Sakura Haruno, his Sakura. The one who he caused nothing but suffering and broke her heart again and again. Sure, in the end she maybe did have hope. And he did plan on coming back to her.
But he was never able to fully confess, they were never able to experience happiness like the rest of Konoha's couples.
And now never would.
Yet despite thinking that there was someone else, she chooses to stay by his side. And because he was selfish Sasuke allowed her too.
She looked at him waiting for him to continue and like the coward he was he bit his lip mumbling a ‘never mind.’
Sometimes he visioned the old Sakura, can see her but Sakura would never be able to regain her old memories and that’s what stung the most.
Perhaps one day, Sasuke will tell her. That this amazing woman who he had once loved has been her, is still her. When he finally gains the courage, he will tell her.
And they can finally have their happy ending.
“Why don’t you tell me more about her?” The question took him off guard he almost choked on his food.
“What?”
“Her, your girlfriend.”
“We were never together, to begin with,” Sasuke said somewhat sadly looking away.
"But she’s important to you, isn’t she? I can tell, so why not tell me more about her?" Honestly, she didn't really want to know, but if Sakura had an idea on just who once held his heart.
What she was like. Was she pretty? From the same clan as him? Maybe it would give her closure on if they could have something in the future.
Sasuke sighed and it was like he knew what she was thinking.
“Do you really want to know though?” No, not really.
“Won’t it just make things…”
“I want to know.” She had to, it'll give her something.
“Please?” But then Sakura saw the pained look on his face and thought maybe better against it.
She was so selfish on her own wants and needs that she didn't consider his feelings.
“Unless it's too painful, then I-”
“No, it's... okay. I'll tell you; you deserve to know.” And he began to tell of this amazing woman who he once loved, how much she accomplished and how deep her love for him went.
It was pretty obvious that she still held his heart. Sakura felt her own shatter.
“She sounds like an amazing person.” Don't show it, don't show it. Now’s not the time to have a self-pity party.
“What stopped you from being with her? I know you two have had your... issues but if she and Naruto were willing to forgive you then what stopped you from being with her?” How could he let go of someone like that?
“Because she doesn’t remember me,” whether she’ll pick up the subtle hint he wasn’t sure. At least for now, he partly told her the truth.