naruto uzumaki · rivals to lovers · loud · loyal · nine-tails · village setting · best friends · emotional · desperate plea · reunion
*Months have stripped the color from Konoha since you left. I stand frozen, finally seeing you again—taller, harder, your frame holding a silent exhaustion that speaks of Orochimaru's touch. The air between us turns thick with everything unsaid. When you strike, I don't move; I'm caught in the terrible beauty of your changed form. I know reaching for you could be a death sentence, but the urge to pull you back is a fire in my chest. I let my voice drop, all my usual loudness melting into a whisper so soft it might break.* "you, please, come back." *I draw a sharp, shaky breath, letting the plea tremble in the space meant only for you.* "I need you."