It has been a week, since all the wars have ended in the great five nations. Even though it may be a temporary, everyone seemed to enjoy the peace. And in the Konohagakure, too, festivals went on, greeting someone who had returned to his home, his apologies accepted, and the long history of controversies solved.

In the middle of street where everyone was enjoying the festival, a group of young people stood, chatting in excited mood.

"Everyone seems to greet you, Sasuke!"

"You should be thankful that villagers actually understood that you were just a pawn for Madara. Otherwise, you could've got killed when Lady Tsunade allowed you to come back here."

"Sheesh, Shikamaru, we're trying to welcome Sasuke, not blame him for things!"

"Hm, whatever... By the way..."

As the crowd began to grow louder, the one of them spoke as he drew others' attention. It was Sasuke, who returned to his home after all the harsh memories as rogue shinobi. He was also the reason why the villagers were celebrating; as the last survivor of Uchiha clan, he promised to rebuild his clan, following his dead brother, Itachi's will.

"What is it, Sasuke?"

Sakura and Ino answered at the same time, so eager to answer his question before the other one does.

"Where's Naruto?"

Suddenly, the crowd fell dead silent. People exchanged quick and worried glances. Sasuke waited for answer, as he felt something was wrong. Naruto was always chasing him, to bring him back to this village, to bring everything back to how it was when they were all in cell 7. But now, after he managed to defeat Madara, who was behind all the troubles, he was nowhere to be seen. The last time Sasuke saw Naruto was when they both left hospital. As they walked together, they just exchanged few words; mostly about how it was good to be back. Then, they went on separate path as they went back home. The last thing he saw, was Naruto's smile. So bright like usual, but too bright as if there was something hidden behind it.

"Um... Naruto is..."

"You'd better tell me the truth."

Sakura looked away, and Ino just mumbled few words. Others seemed to avoid the topic as well. Then, Shikamaru started speaking, his voice quite serious.

"He's been outside of the village ever since he left the hospital. We tried to bring him back, but he's... I don't know. He's changed somehow. Why don't you go talk to him, since he won't listen to us."

"Outside, huh..."

Sasuke slowly turned around and started walking toward the path that led to the forest surrounding the village. His face were as rigid as usual, but as he passed Ichiraku, his lips curled slightly. He knew that Naruto loved that restaurant. Thinking back how he would smile and dance in joy when someone treated ramen there, Sasuke thought he would go there with him as well some day. After all, Naruto was the one who guided him back to his place.

"Sigh... What kind of idiot was I, lying to myself."

As he walked out of the village and started to search for bright blind in the forest, he brought back memories from the past. How he waited for Naruto to come looking for him, the happiness whenever he saw Naruto getting stronger only to bring him back, and anger when he realized that he actually wanted to go back with him without avenging Konoha for the bloody history of Uchiha. But now, since everything was back to what it's supposed to be, Sasuke wanted to enjoy peace. Perhaps, with him...

Time went flying by, and it was already sunset when Sasuke caught a glimpse of blond hair in the forest. He silently approached until he jumped right on the branch that Naruto was sitting.

"Hey, what are you doing here, while everyone's seeking their hero?"

"Ah... It's you... Sasuke."

"...What's the matter, looking so depressed unlike you."

Blank face of Naruto, it's something that Sasuke least expected to see. Naruto he knew, was someone who just can't hide his feeling, let alone being depressed. Naruto just laughed silently. His voice was down, as if he hasn't spoken in few days.

"Just... thinking."

"You, thinking? Come up with a better excuse next time."

"Really... I just didn't feel like joining others."

"What's wrong..? I thought you would be the happiest one to have me back here. You were always saying something like that, whenever you met me."

"I know... I was..."

There was silence between them. Sasuke felt that something was seriously wrong. He walked toward Naruto, grabbed his arm, and pulled him. As he was pulled, Naruto stood up, slightly tumbling to gain his balance. He never looked this weak before, Sasuke realized as he supported Naruto's light body.

"Did you even eat when you were staying out here?"

"...Dunno."

"What the heck were you thinking! Just say what your problem is, and snap out of it!"

Sasuke couldn't erase this uneasy feeling. Naruto was actually leaning on him. Naruto, who always wanted to show his strongest side, was helpless right now.

"I... I just thought that... since you're back, I should be happy."

"Yeah, you'd better be."

"And I am happy that you finally settled down..."

"That what's the darn-"

"But I don't know what I have to do now..."

"...What?"

Sasuke grabbed Naruto's shoulder and helped him stand up properly so that he could his face. Naruto was smiling weakly. It was the fake smile that Sasuke never saw.

"I thought I would give up my life to bring you back. It seemed like it's what I was born to do. But since you're back, I've... I've lost a reason to keep going."

"That's stupid! You brought me back, then you're supposed to enjoy spending time with me! That's all you have to do!"

Sasuke yelled furiously, as if he was hoping that this would bring old Naruto back, yelling back at him. But all Naruto did, was just looking down, without any response.

"Look. I'm sorry about all the troubles you've gone through to get me back. I... I really am. And I missed you, too! I was an idiot, leaving you like-"

"You said... that you cut the bond we shared..."

"..! Naruto... I'm... I'm sorry... That's all I can say..."

"I'm not really sure what to believe..."

"...Let's just start all over, please... I don't want to see you like that... I want to see... your smile."

Naruto lifted his glance, meeting Sasuke's black eyes. Pair of blue eyes just stared blankly. Then, he wearily brushed his hands against Sasuke's. Sasuke dropped his hands, with sad face.

"...I don't know if I can take it anymore."

"Naruto..."

"Go... Everyone will be looking for you..."

Naruto leaped down from the branch. He vanished to the darkness that clung heavy around the forest. There, Sasuke stood still, not knowing what to do. His fist clenched fiercely. Naruto's absence... The fact that he's not there, waiting for him... It was too big to accept.

I should have turned back when I knew that you were there, waiting for me...