Half Way
By: purplebaer
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, or any of the characters mentioned in this fanfiction. I do own the plot though. But don't go suing me for that either, because this is a non-profit thing. Leave me alone. I just want to fantasize. QQ
On a mission, Team Kakashi was dispatched to retrieve important information after safely escorting a feudal lord. After completing the mission, the team were on their way home, but an ambush divided them into pairs. Yamato and Sai went ahead to report to the hokage, but in order to do so; they had to leave Naruto and Sakura behind. The pair believed they were able to defeat the ambushers, but the enemy had others reserved for back up. In a matter of time, the two friends had to retreat.
"Shit," cursed the jinchūriki.
"I didn't expect them to have back up teams. They're so persistent." The pinkette muttered, "Let's find a hideout, I doubt we can last any longer."
Without another word, the two leapt into a nearby cave, hidden by large rocks and bushes. They sat in silence, concealing their chakra until they absolutely knew that they were safe.
When the area was free from any chakra signatures, Sakura sighed in relief and let go of Naruto's mouth.
"Geez Sakura!" Naruto gasped, "You didn't have to do that! I can stay perfectly silent on my own!"
She gave him a cold sneer, causing him to get shivers down his back.
"Oh? Can you?" she asked coldly, causing Naruto began to panic.
"N-now, now S-s-sakura-chan." Naruto stuttered, assuming his teammate's rising arm was related to his physical pain.
Before Naruto could scream, Sakura slapped her hand over Naruto's mouth once again. "SHH! Someone's nearby." She hissed into his ear.
With that the blond stopped struggling and fell into silence. He put his focus to that small chakra presence, hoping it will find nothing here, and leave.
Knowing that was too much to ask for, the presence got closer and closer. The two konoha-nins gradually got into ready position to attack and escape from their hideout. However, just before the presence could get any closer to the waterfall, it paused and left the scene.
Naruto and Sakura shared another moment of relief, but they also agreed that they couldn't stay in this small cave forever. They have to keep moving to get back to their village safely.
They ran towards home, trying to go unnoticed by citizens and other ninjas. They were exhausted, but continued to push themselves, until they collapsed under a large tree.
"Let's rest for now." Sakura said, breathless. "When we catch our breaths, I'll check your wounds."
Naruto sat against the giant tree root, giving her a sign that he agreed.
Sakura sat next to him, gathering her chakra to give aid to their wounds. Like always, Naruto was healing quickly, and didn't need much help. She healed and bandaged his minor wounds and did the same for herself. I'm so thankful that we managed to escape from that ambush with only minor injuries.
"I wonder if Yamato-taichou and Sai made it home safely.."
"I'm sure they did. They're strong." Naruto said, grinning. "Now we just gotta get home and things will go back to normal."
Sakura smiled, and put her head onto Naruto's shoulder. "Yeah.. back to normal."
No matter how comforting that sounded, they both knew that was a lie. Things won't go back to normal, not until they bring their lost friend home.
"I'll bring him back for sure." Naruto whispered. "I promise."
Sakura looked at Naruto and gave him a firm look. "No."
Naruto's eyes widened in shock and confusion; if anything, he looked as if Sakura betrayed him as well.
She looked up at his confused face and smiled. "We'll bring him back together," she emphasized. "Stop trying to do things all on your own. I'm Sasuke's friend too. Don't you dare forget that."
He chuckled at his stupidity, and at her stubbornness, "Of course Sakura-chan.. This time, we'll do it together."
With that, the two friends fell asleep with their burdens weighing a bit less.
AN: Hello! Welcome to my second fanfic~ This time, it's about Team 7, and I already have the whole thing written. It's a multi-chapter~ Hopefully this will be liked as much as my one shot.. ^^; Please R&R, I would love to hear some constructive criticism; I would like to improve as a writer. Thanks so much to my awesome reviewers for Bittersweet Blossoms, and to those who just read this one. I hope you enjoyed it! :D
-purplebaer