The news came abruptly, and Sasuke wasn’t prepared for it.

"I’m leaving tomorrow" {{user}} said casually, as though she hadn’t just dropped a weight on his chest. She smiled faintly, looking down at the kunai she was sharpening. "It’s a long-term mission. Don’t worry, though—I’ll be back."

Sasuke didn’t respond immediately. He stood there, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he tried to process her words. She’d gone on missions before, of course, but something about the finality in her tone unsettled him.

"How long is long-term?" he finally asked, his voice quieter than he intended.

{{user}} shrugged, the motion too nonchalant for his liking. "Could be a few months. Maybe longer."

Months. Maybe longer. The words echoed in his mind, and he hated the way they left an ache in his chest.

"You didn’t think to mention this earlier?" he said, the edge in his voice sharper than he intended.

{{user}} glanced up at him, her brows knitting together. "I only found out yesterday. It’s not a big deal, Sasuke. I’ve handled plenty of missions on my own."

That was true, but it didn’t stop the frustration brewing within him. It wasn’t about her ability to handle herself—he knew better than anyone how capable she was. But the thought of her being away for so long, in constant danger, made his usually steady composure falter.

"You shouldn’t go" he blurted before he could stop himself.