Azumi's POV
"When is Sasuke coming out?" I muttered to myself anxiously standing on my tip toes, attempting to look over the crowd of people whom were either congratulating their child or waiting from them. My toes began to get sore from the way I was standing on them that I decided to stand back on my feet, huffing annoyedly as I turned away from the direction of the entrance. I was about to turn back to look for Sasuke before a lone figure, sitting on a swing under a tree sadly caught my attention. My eyes softened at the sight of my other friend before I made my way towards him.
"Naruto-san, are you alright?" I asked softly when I finally made my to him. I placed a comforting hand on his back, he didn't move at all from the contact, just continued to sit on the swing - sad and dejected.
"I didn't pass the test, I wasn't able to become a ninja Azumi" he whispered softly without looking up at me, kicking the dirt beneath him.
My eyes softened at his words. I understood more than anyone what it felt like to feel as if you couldn't achieve your dream. He looks exactly like how I felt the day when my parents told me that I wouldn't be able to join the academy and shouldn't manipulate chakra. So my heart truly hurt for my friend, because more than anyone in this moment I understood.
"It's okay, you'll be alright Naruto" I replied, kneeling beside him as I wrapped my arms around him in comfort. I wasn't lying to him, he would be alright. The way he was talking about being hokage when I met him, that determination, it's rare. Although he failed today, I have no doubt that he'll find a way to get through this.
"Excuse me, would you mind if I had a word with Naruto?" A person's voice says from behind us causing me to pull back from Naruto. I turned around just to see an older ninja standing behind us. He was clad in the regular ninja attire with short silver hair.
"Yeah... that's okay with me" I stood still looking at my friend who continued to stare at the ground in front of him.
"I'll see you later Naruto" I say patting his back one final time before taking my leave to look for Sasuke. The silver haired ninja nodding at me as I walked away to rejoin the crowd near the entrance.
I hope Naruto will be okay... I think to myself as I turn around to where I just left Naruto, only for him and the other ninja to have left already.
He left
I turn around just in time to see the person I've been waiting for exiting the academy.
"Sasuke!" I call out waving my arms to get his attention. He turns to my direction and I can't contain the smile that makes its way to my face as I catch sight of whats in his hands. Excitement and joy takes over me, propelling me to run forward and embrace his in a hug, the impact causing him to take a step back.
"I knew you could do it" I exclaim happily, the sound a little muffled as I was much shorter than him so me hugging him meant my face was pressed up against his chest.
"You're a ninja now Sasuke" I whisper, tears of joys threatening to spill. Once he gains his composure he gives me a small pat on my head before he pries my hands off him.
"Of could I would pass" he smirks now holding me at arms length. I smile at him once more before I look down in confusion as he holds his new headband in front of him. He holds it out more towards me not saying a word, a silent command to take it. My hand reaches out to take it out of his. Looking down at the headband I allow my fingers to trace over the Leaf Village symbol on the metal plate. There was a time long ago I really wished I could wear this. I push the thought to the back of my mind as I look up at Sasuke again, confused as to why he would hand me it.
"Put it on me" is all he says, turning his back towards me, waiting for me to tie the headband around his head. I smile softly, my heart beginning to race with pride and warmth. I take a step towards him, lifting my hands and beginning to tie the headband on, making sure it's secure and won't fall off. I give his shoulder a little tap to let him know I was done. As he turns around I smile brightly up at him, reaching up to fix his hair a little bit.
"You look amazing Sasuke!" I say, a genuine smile making its way on my face and putting my thumbs up at him. He replies with his own version of a smile. Although he's quiet and hasn't said much, that smile he gave me told me all I needed to know.
"Come on! I know you don't normally like stuff like this but mother prepared a feast for you at home! It's a celebration and there's no way you're getting out of it!" I say, grabbing his hand in mine and pulling him towards the direction of the Kurokawa Compound before he has a chance to escape.
~ * ~
"To Sasuke! No one ever doubted you would become a shinobi but it is still something we must celebrate!" Brother exclaims proudly, holding up a small tea cup in mock cheers. My brothers antics bringing about a chorus of laughs and cheers from my parents and I. Sasuke sat quietly beside me continuing to eat, and although he didn't say much we all knew he too was happy to be here.
"We are very proud of you Sasuke" mother said with a smile looking over at Sasuke from her end of the table, he gives her a nod in response.
"Ah! Soon you will be chunin and then jonin, no doubt you'll keep climbing the ranks" Father chimes in with a laugh, I nod in agreement looking over at Sasuke as he thanks everyone for their compliments, continuing to eat his food. Everyone here understands he's not much of a talker so they are used to his small comments here and there. The conversations keep going, with my brother being the one doing most of the talking. And before we know it, dinner is done and it's almost time for Sasuke to take his leave.
"Hey Sasuke, let's go outside" I whisper over to him, getting up and excusing the both of us. We make our way to the porch outside, taking a seat next to each other as we look out to the night sky.
"Dinner with your family is always so noisy" Sasuke grumbles causing me to laugh in agreement. There was a time, long ago when he used to actively participate in the noise during family dinners. I smile fondly as the memories of the family dinners we would have together with the Uchiha family begin to fill my head.
"You know you love it" I smirk playfully shoving his shoulder with mine. He makes a small sound but doesn't disagree with me.
"Sasuke, now that you've become a ninja I guess you won't have much time to hang out with me as you'll be out on missions" I say, swinging my legs which are hanging off the porch back and forth. He glances over at me but I choose to keep staring at the sky.
"But don't you worry I won't be sad!" I exclaim nodding to myself.
"I'm not worried" he said matter-of-factly. I pout in mock offense, pretending to be hurt. He gives me a small smirk in return. Comfortable silence washes over us again and we're left there staring out at the night sky.
"Sasuke..." I trail off nervously, beginning to feel in my pocket for something.
"What is it Azumi?" he replies, looking away from the sky and at me.
What's happening I think to myself, a warmth making its way to my cheeks. Maybe it's the night sky, or the way he just said my name but something about this feels different to me. Our eyes are locked together and I have to mentally pinch myself not to get lost in his dark eyes.
This feeling... it's scaring me
I shake my head remembering my goal and pulling out the small box that was in my pocket shoving it towards him and holding it in front of his face.
"Here! It's nothing special... just a small present for finally graduation the academy!" I say, beginning to get shy. My head is bowed slightly embarrassed, still holding the small box in front of him waiting for him to take it.
"Please take it" I say, opening one of my eyes just to see what's taking him so long. He's staring at the box in my hands, the surprise is evident on his face. He seems to shake himself out of it as he gently takes the box out of my hands and begins to carefully unwrap it.
I sit there in silence watching him open the small gift.
"T-this?"
He stares at the small gift in his lap. I feel the embarrassment start to spring up again so I look towards the sky, rubbing the back of my head sheepishly as I let out a awkward laugh.
"H-hah do you not like it? I'm sorry, I really didn't know what to get you so I made it myself... I know it's nothing great, b-but just so you know it took a lot of time and effort to the shape right! Especially because it's so small! Plus I think I did quite a good job with the painting of it too so-"
My rambling is cut off as I feel Sasuke grab me, pulling me towards him and wrapping his arms around him, his face buried in my hair. I ignore the rapid beating of my heart and the warmth on my face, my eyes wide, staring ahead.
"Thank you"
I smile softly, just these two words from him enough to make me the happiest person. I close my eyes, wrapping my arms around him too and returning the hug.
"Anytime Sasuke"