Lock Heart
By Narutard45
" Stop it dobe." A deep voice wielding authority whispered, and even so, a smidge of threat seeping through his voice was more than evident.
The blonde barely heard his teammates annoyed tone before settling back on his loud rambling." Dammit! Why in the world do they lock these emergency rooms?"
To keep people like you out. His mind was practically begging him to end his misery and shut his teammates obnoxious callings once and for all. Sasuke was already considering the plausible things he could do to keep Naruto's mouth shut, but decided against it. After all, he didn't need another person in a hospital bed because as far as he was concerned, the Uchiha was just beginning to live down the whole going-off-to-the-snake bastard-for- power incident.
If you could lightly call 'betraying your whole village' an incident.
It was more like a fiasco, but as usual, Sasuke didn't give a damn.
Balling his fists until they turned a deathly white was all the Uchiha could do to contain his ever growing, emotional rage and take it out on a certain Naruto.
But before any bloodshed could commence, the enraged kitsune willed himself to calmly sit on a chair opposite of Sasuke's. The quiet yet rapid breathing of Naruto didn't go unnoticed to Sasuke, as he took note of the blonde's efforts to calm down and take a breather.
He was secretly very thankful for it indeed, because he too was having a hard time keeping his actions in check. For any person, it would have been really challenging to keep you're emotions inside until you get to the point were you punch an unlucky passerby's face. Accident or not, it might come out on the wrong timing.
But this was Uchiha Sasuke, and if there was one thing he's learned from the snake bastard (or even before that). You have to have the stamina to restrain yourself from accidentally slicing his head off, or in this case, going outside and burning half the forest with his jutsu.
Obsidian eyes trailed back to the red and white letters imprinted on the door and immediately felt an unsettling feeling crawl up his spine.
Something that the Sasuke hadn't felt for so long began to cloud his already jumbled mind. Some sort of feeling that seemed so foreign it almost felt unrecognizable to Sasuke.The pit of his stomach began to worsen as his mind began to replay the events of the last few hours. The feeling of acidity consumed his stomach more.
Damn it Sakura, how could you be so fucking stupid…
Flashback
" I selected you're team especially for this mission because of the unmistakable advantage Sasuke has with him," Tsunade explained, her voice emphasizing the importance of who they were dealing with.
"Recently, there had been sightings of foreign ninja, scurrying near Konoha. We have reason to believe that those ninja are spies from Otogakure." (A/N: Sound village)
Her hazel eyes lingered briefly at the four shinobi in front of her, studying their expression, especially that of onyx eyes that mirrored impassiveness…and what seemed to be repressed antagonism.
" I have also considered the fact that," Tsunade paused, briefly locking into those of Sasuke's. " This mission could prove hazardous to Sasuke… and the fact that he's has been associated with him previously, doesn't help the situation."
" And if you wish to change your mind, I can find a replacement to fit your role." This time the hokage's words directed themselves to Sasuke.
The young man merely scowled at her suggestion of him backing out of this mission. It was as if she was belittling his abilities and questioning his skills. The very thought worsened his already dark mood as his bottomless eyes pierced through hers with equal intensity.
Hasn't he made it clear thousands of times before? Uchiha Sasuke never backs down from an opponent, weather it was the fucking bastard or not. A low growl echoed in his throat answering her question. Tsunade smirked.
Typical.
Of course she couldn't expect anything more or less from Sasuke, considering the fact that he had returned, under a month ago. But returned wasn't exactly the right word, nor was it the unmistakable truth.
" I can't stress enough how dangerous not to mention critical the outcome of this mission will be, especially all the enemies that surround Otogakure. This must be preformed as close to flawless as possible."
Tsunade's acute stare landed next to the abnormally somber blonde next to the Uchiha. For Naruto's obnoxious hyperactive personality, it seemed unlike him to be acting so serious even though it was more than appropriate for the mission. The Hokage had to admit, even in times of battle, Naruto could still find a way to lighten up the mood. Whether or not it was with the use of his irritating jokes (that didn't fit the disposition), or his overall exuberant persona when it comes to defeating opponents.
Yet even as he wore this expression, his skill and concentration in battle never wavered even if he were to make small mistakes due to his…. lack of intelligence. The appropriate term would most probably be, idiocy. Yes that word was better. But even now, the only other time she could compare Naruto's grave expression was when it was he who had found Sasuke, battered and bruised…. And in the brink of death.
Finally, Tsunade's hazel eyes met with those of her own pupil. She inwardly smirked at Sakura's attitude especially with this particular subject. The hokage's gaze held those of intense green. It wasn't surprising that Sakura felt bitter resentment even at the very mention of his name. It was like a taboo word for her and Naruto.
A curse, a reminder of their pain. And hell if she was given an opportunity to kick even a smidgen of his ass, there is no stopping her.
" …Tsunade-sama, what type of mission is this exactly?" A lazy eye quirked towards the woman. Kakashi lightly combed a hand through unruly locks of gray hair.
Irritation was evident in Tsunade's voice. " I was just about to tell you."
" This mission is to gather as much information from Orochimaru as possible."
" Find him, listen and look for plot of war against Konoha, and as I said before, Sasuke had connections with him so he will most likely know where to find Orochimaru. Do not kill unless needed to, and avoid unnecessary contact with sound ninja. I expect this to be a quick mission, and time is a factor. Understand?"
All three nodded in unison.
" Good. But if worst comes to worst and you are faced with Orochimaru…" The blonde woman paused, her eyes darkening.
" Leave immediately, do not fight." Her fingers tightened around her joined palms. She eyed the shinobi in front of her and noticed Naruto's slight movement. He was about to speak but the Hokage had cut her off.
" The risks are too high, especially for Sasuke. There's no doubt Orochimaru still holds interest for his former vessel…. He would not let go of him easily." Tsunade stated.
" That is an order. Get ready to leave tomorrow at dawn."
" Hai."
" I expect your return in no less than 3 days. Good luck, your dismissed."
End Flashback
It had been a day and a half since team 7's return, and Sasuke had already been feeling the effects of fatigue. His obsidian eyes looked over his tattered black sleeves. There were cuts and bruises gracing his pale skin. There were some other complicated injuries such as a sprained ankle and wrist… possibly a broken bone. But this did not matter now; the overwhelming rage welling up in Sasuke's chest consumed his body's cry for rest. What were a few bruises and sprained wrist compared to what Sakura was feeling now?
Sasuke's eyes darted to his companion whose eyes checked the door every minute. It seems Naruto himself was anxious for their teammates well being. Actually, he was probably the most concerned out of all of them. He had been the closest to the kunoichi during his time of absence.
Naruto probably wasn't used to seeing his teammate hurt, since she was a successful and strong ninja. Therefore his concern grew deeper than his and Kakashi's.
He wouldn't exactly admit being concerned for Sakura's health. Sure he was somewhat apprehensive for her well being as a teammate, but his anger was directed mostly for Orochimaru and…him. Yes him, it was his fault… his whole damn fault for being so reckless. He should have known Sakura would do something so foolish that could endanger the team… or her self. But if she hadn't…
He would have taken her place.
What the hell drove her to act on such an impulse? He could've found a way to block that attack himself, and heck, he knew his former mentor's skills and techniques better than anyone. Yet there she goes, running into a trap that he could have out maneuvered… so now the guilt fell upon him.
Tch it's not my fault. I don't need to feel bad for a mistake she made.
Oddly enough he didn't sound so convinced… but his ego and rational thinking told him it was fine. You're not to blame.
Heavy foot falls broke Sasuke's train of thoughts. His eyes turned to his left to find the other member of the team, hands fisted in his pockets.
" Kakashi sensei!"
The older man nodded briefly to Naruto's call.
The jounin walked toward Sasuke and Naruto and settled on a seat a chair away from Sasuke's. He popped open a black eye and stared from one boy to another, studying their expressions briefly. A small sigh escaped his lips as Kakashi glanced at the room that held his other student.
" Any news?" he asked.
" … No. The nurses haven't told us anything," Naruto muttered glaring at the tiled floor beneath him.
Kakashi nodded and glanced at the clock on the hospital wall. It was nearing midnight. 10:45 to be exact. The one visible eye dropped back on the floor until he heard soft snoring across from him. Kakashi smiled lightly under his mask despite the situation.
That Naruto can still manage to light up the situation no matter how dark it is.
Kakashi tilted his head toward his other pupil, seemingly unaware of his surroundings. Seemingly. " Sasuke… Maybe you and Naruto should head home for the night."
Sasuke grunted in response.
" I'm sure Sakura will be fine. The hokage herself is supervising the healing-"
" … Hn"
The jounin sighed again. I'm guessing that's a no. He knew that tone of voice that meant like hell I'm changing my mind. Kakashi swore that when Sasuke decides to act on something, its final. One way or another, he's going to get his way, and in this particular matter it felt good to know. Even after team7's break, and reunion, they still have enough bonds to stay put together. Especially Sasuke. He was the unstable of the group, but even with a rocky start, they were still able to work things out. Sure the boy hardly speaks even a sentence a day except to throw insults at Naruto, but effort is effort nonetheless.
He did have doubts about Sakura though. It was possible that she anticipated Sasuke's return the most. After all, she was one of the ones, like Naruto, who truly saw Sasuke for himself. And loved him for it.
Though it was very difficult to distinguish her current feelings for him. The usual "hello Sasuke-kun" or " How are you Sasuke-kun?" wasn't out of the ordinary. Once or twice she even went to Ichiraku's with him for a bowl of ramen. But as far as he knew, that was it. Sakura had become more exuberant after Sasuke's return, and maybe that was sign. A sign that she's found the missing piece in her puzzle. Her childhood teammate… and her friend.
And he was proud of her.
The white and red doors smacked against the surrounding wall, jolting Naruto from his nap and Kakashi and Sasuke's thoughts. They all turned their attention to the blonde woman standing beside the door, massaging her temples. With a sigh, her weary hazel eyes focused their attention to the rest of team 7.
" You had all better come in…"
Hello everyone! Well for those of you who haven't read one of my stories or know me at all, my names Narutard45. This is my third Naruto fic by the way and my second Sasuke/ Sakura fic. So far this is my very first drama/ romance so I hope I did pretty okay since I was going for the moody serious story.
My other story: Sticky Situation happened to be humor /romance so I decided to try my skills at a more serious realistic fic. So I hope you guys like the first chapter, as this will be a series. I don't want to make promises so I'll tell you guys now that, it depends on my mood on when I upload new chappies. So thank you for your support and keep on reading!
Ps: If any of you know what a beta reader is, could you please let me know because I might need one.