12: Too Late

Sasuke didn't remember falling asleep.

One moment, he was sitting by the river, exhaustion pulling at his body. The next—

He was standing in Konoha.

But something was different.

The streets were decorated with soft lanterns, their golden glow flickering gently in the evening air. There were people gathered—familiar faces, all smiling, talking, celebrating.

And then—he saw Naruto.

Dressed in a white ceremonial robe, his golden hair slightly tousled, his blue eyes bright and full of warmth. He was laughing, scratching the back of his head as Konohamaru teased him about something.

Sasuke's breath caught.

It was a wedding.

Their wedding.

Sasuke looked down at himself, realizing he, too, was dressed in formal robes—deep, elegant black, accented with the Uchiha crest. His fingers twitched at his sides.

Naruto turned then, catching Sasuke's gaze. His smile softened, something gentle in his eyes.

"There you are, bastard," Naruto said, stepping closer. "Thought you were gonna leave me standing up there alone."

Sasuke tried to respond, but the words wouldn't come. His throat was tight, his heart pounding in his chest.

Naruto's grin widened as he grabbed Sasuke's wrist, pulling him forward. "C'mon. Everyone's waiting."

Sasuke let himself be pulled.

The ceremony was a blur—Naruto's warm laughter, the murmurs of their friends, the steady, comforting weight of Naruto's hand brushing against his.

Then—Naruto was standing inches from him, looking up at him with a sincerity that made Sasuke's chest ache.

"Guess this means you're stuck with me now," Naruto teased, but his voice was softer, more real.

Sasuke opened his mouth—to say what, he wasn't sure.

But then—

Everything shattered.

The warmth, the golden light, the gentle touch—

Gone.

Sasuke's eyes snapped open, his breath sharp.

He was back in the cave. Alone.

The cold seeped into his skin, a cruel contrast to the warmth he had felt only moments ago.

He exhaled, pressing a hand to his face.

It was just a dream.

A dream he never should have had.

Because that life—that future—

It wasn't his to have.

The Hokage's office was dimly lit, the glow of lanterns flickering against the walls. Outside, the village was alive with celebration—fireworks exploding in the sky, the people of Konoha cheering for their new Hokage.

But inside, it was quiet.

Too quiet.

Sasuke stood in the shadows, watching Naruto from across the room. He had waited for this moment—planned for it. He had rehearsed what he would say, imagined how Naruto would react.

But now, standing here, facing him—none of it mattered.

Because the look in Naruto's eyes wasn't one of warmth.

It was cold.

Distant.

Like he was looking at a stranger.

Naruto leaned against the desk, arms crossed. His Hokage robe was draped over his shoulders, the white fabric glowing under the lantern light. His expression was unreadable.

"You picked a hell of a night to come back," Naruto finally said, voice flat.

Sasuke swallowed. "I needed to see you."

Naruto exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head.

"Yeah? And where the hell were you before this?" His voice was calm, but Sasuke could hear the sharp edge beneath it.

"I had things to take care of," Sasuke said carefully.

Naruto let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Right. Things. Like working with Orochimaru? Making deals with people who wanted to see Konoha burn?" His blue eyes darkened, sharp with accusation. "I know everything, Sasuke."

Sasuke's chest tightened. "…It's not what you think."

"Then explain it to me."

Sasuke hesitated.

Naruto scoffed. "That's what I thought."

Silence hung between them, thick and suffocating.

Sasuke took a step forward. "Naruto, I didn't come back to fight."

Naruto's jaw clenched. "Then why did you come back?"

Sasuke met his gaze. "Because I still—" He stopped, forcing himself to breathe. "Because I never stopped—"

"Don't."

Sasuke froze.

Naruto's expression didn't change, but there was something in his eyes—something fractured.

"You don't get to say that," Naruto said quietly. "Not after everything."

Sasuke's throat felt tight.

Naruto looked away, exhaling a slow breath. "You were my best friend, Sasuke. I waited. I hoped—" He let out a shaky laugh, shaking his head. "But you never came back."

Sasuke clenched his fists. "I'm here now."

Naruto looked back at him then, his blue eyes tired. "It's too late."

Sasuke felt something in his chest crack.

Naruto took a step back, the distance between them growing. "I can't keep waiting for you, Sasuke."

The words felt like a final blow.

Naruto turned away, walking toward the balcony. The night air was cold, the distant sound of fireworks still echoing across the village.

Sasuke wanted to say something—to reach for him, to fix this.

But he didn't.

Because for the first time—he knew there was nothing left to fix.

Naruto glanced over his shoulder one last time. His expression was unreadable, his voice quieter now.

"Konoha doesn't need you anymore." A pause. "I don't need you anymore."

Then—he stepped outside, disappearing into the night.

Leaving Sasuke alone in the dark.