[Naruto/Sakura] No Alternative Title: No Alternative Rating: PG Pairing(s): Naruto/Sakura, but probably more NaruSakuSasu Character(s): Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, mentioned Uchiha Sasuke Summary: "We'll get him back, Sakura-chan." Word Count: Originally posted September 2006.
Naruto hates to see her smile like that.
He might not've been the brightest shinobi in the village, but it was obvious to him now that she was only smiling for his benefit. It was a distant, empty smile, and he could tell from sadness behind her eyes that her heart wasn't in it.
Though he never said it aloud, there were times when he doubted himself. Especially where Sasuke was concerned. Sakura's fake smile only made his failure that much more glaring.
"We'll get him back, Sakura-chan," he mutters, in an uncharacteristically strained tone.
She smiles at him, a genuine one this time, and he feels his heart soar. He's more sure of himself than ever before.
"I know we will, Naruto." She didn't think of what might happen if they didn't. There was no alternative, in her mind. It was either fix her broken family, or die trying.