Another Time

A Naruto one-shot

Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura

Notes: Due to recent turn of events, namely Sasuke's recent decision about his new mission, I spawned this piece. With that being said, SPOILERS CONCERNING CHAPTERS 400+.

Lightning fell from the heavens.

Flames burst through the land.

Smoke clouded the sky.

Cliffsides collapsed into rivers and canyons.

You weren't sure how much of Konoha would be left. It was hard to be concerned when the man you were in love with was standing right before you, covered in scrapes, cuts and blood... some probably not his own.

And you looked just as bad.

You should have tried to stop him, seeing as he was the one who engaged the destruction of Konoha. But you knew that his ties to his clan were far stronger that any other association he possessed. Including you.

"Sasuke-kun..." you sighed.

He stared at you with such attentive eyes.

"There's really... no going back? Is there?" You wanted to hold on to that last slip of hope before you became completely jaded.

"You're loyal to Konoha," he told you, bearing his teeth in frustration. "And yet, I don't hate you. Why?"

"You're trying to destroy the life I hold dear," you imitated as your feet moved closer to him, "But I still love you. Why?"

He was quiet for a few moments before asking, "So? Now what?"

You took a deep breath and declared, "As a member of Konohagakure, I have to stop my enemies." It broke your heart to say such hateful things. But you were taught that since childhood. "But with you... I don't..."

"Pity," he simply said.

You both attacked, you a fraction of a second after him.

You slashed him on the cheek with your kunai.

He used his sword to cut you in the arm.

Your kunai cut his left rib.

You raised your arms for another attack but then were introduced to the feeling of cold steel through your stomach. You cried out in pain but Sasuke embraced you with his other arm, while holding the sword in place.

"I'm sorry," his breath shook. His own face was painted in colors of pain and regret. "Not in this lifetime, Sakura. Maybe the next."

"Sasuke--."

He leaned forward, kissing you fiercely, kissing you with all the passion he possessed. Your arms felt like lead as you let them fall to your sides. And as he encased your lips in his, he yanked out his blade. You wanted to scream against his lips but he muffled your pain into his mouth, holding the sound close.

You could feel your strength quickly leaving your body. You didn't have the strength to at least open your eyes, witness the blood run out of your body, and watch him say with such regretful eyes, "Another time, Sakura. It will work."

You wouldn't open your eyes again.