TITLE: Platinum
DETAILS: (SasuSaku) (T) (Romance and Humor) (Sidepairings: SuiKar, NaruHina)
SETTING: Canon Universe. After the 4th Shinobi World War. Konoha.
PLOT: After War. Sakura notices Suigetsu's bizarre relationship with Karin, puts two and two together and makes a discovery of a lifetime (not really). Unfortunately, this leads to a series of outrageous circumstances and a bout of jealous antics from a red head Uzumaki and a dark haired Uchiha.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the first time I've ventured into the Naruto fandom so I'm very nervous. Admittedly, I like both Sasuke and Sakura more in the fandom rather than in the canon. One is a revenge filled psycho and the other is more or less a useless heroine so I don't think anyone can blame me for that. But I have a hunch that these two will not have the happily ever after ending in the manga, so I want to give both their characters, who have much more potential than they are actually given, a reprieve of some sort.
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Any name, thing, situation and idea mentioned in this story that is similarly related to real life is purely coincidental. NARUTO® belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. No profit was made on the creation of this fic.
CHAPTER 1: A Discovery
(After months of observation, Sakura makes a startling discovery on Suigetsu's romantic feelings for a certain red head and no ladies, it's not Gaara.)
Konoha hospital has always been a very busy place. During the early morning hours, you'll often hear the sound of pouring tea, the hum of the coffee machine in full power, the echo of clacking of heels and occasionally the sound of munching from the mouths of very busy medics.
In more hectic days, you'll hear the sound of whirling wheels as wounded shinobi are brought in, the eerie noise that comes from the ER section and the voices of hundreds of medics as they all shout and bark orders to anyone who'll listen.
Today is no exception. Sakura Haruno glanced at her watch. It is exactly 7:00 in the morning. "Two more hours before break", she sighed.
It was a very taxing year. After the 4th Shinobi War, everyone had been very busy dealing with repairs of the village, the healing of the wounded and of course with burying the dead.
"To think that we'll never be able to see again some of the familiar faces we have grown old with." Sakura thought forlornly.
Neji-san, Inoichi-san, Shikaku-san, the members of the Intelligence Division and the Medical Team. There had been many losses during the past war. Some friends and some enemies, but in the end, the pain, grief and sorrow were all the same.
...
Sakura strolled along the hallway of the second floor. Her shift will end before lunch and after a week of a terrible graveyard shift, she was more than ready to sleep on her wonderful, soft and cottony futon for the rest of the day. However, as she approached her office, she hears a distinct pair of arguing voices. "Not again," she moaned dejectedly.
CRASH!
"Look, I just want to have it healed! Healed! ALRIGHT?! Is that too much to ask nowadays?!"
"NO! You egotistical, ugly buffoon of a man. BUT, if you hadn't challenged Sasuke to a match, I would not have been here, healing your burns! Urgh!"
"Hello?! Do I look like a wanted to have burns in the first place?! Besides it was not my fault. Blame your dear sweet Sasu-chan, you ugly wart."
BAM!
"UGLY WART?! After I healed your repulsive face, you call me an ugly wart?!
"I did not ASK for you to heal my burns! I was waiting for a more competent medic -,"
"More competent, my ass! You just want that blonde bimbo to-,"
"There they go again," Sakura thought.
In retrospect, Sakura realized, she should have known that this would happen. After all, ever since she met those two, they have never stopped arguing.
Ever since Uchiha Sasuke came back to Konoha, his band of misfits, or rather his team, went along with him and as a result they are now citizens of the Leaf. Though, of course they are all still on probation.
Uzumaki Karin, Hozuki Suigetsu and Juugo.
Admittedly, in the beginning, Sakura had been wary of them. She was cautious not only because Sasuke chose them to become his new teammates but also for the fact that they originally had been Orochimaru's subordinates.
AWK!
"Blonde bimbo? Who the hell are you talking about?"
"Oooh…as if you don't know, you insufferable fish!"
"FISH?! I'm not a fish, dammit!"
Nevertheless after months of interacting with them, Sakura realized that they aren't that bad at all.
Well, of course Juugo still has his nervous breakdown episodes that turn into rampaging rages, then there's Suigetsu's blasting tendencies where he would literally morph into a running tidal wave and let's not forget Karin and her clinging habits that are often accompanied with seductive glints and winks towards a certain someone.
The red head's antics were unsurprisingly and disturbingly reminiscent of a past that Sakura would very much like to bury deep, deep down in the trenches of the Pacific Ocean.
But if the Slug Princess' apprentice was going to be honest, she'd admit that it was actually fun to associate and talk with the members of Team Hawk, as they kind of remind her of Team 7.
They may be more than a handful, but all in all, the three were dependable companions.
...
"Hi Juugo!" Sakura exclaimed.
Juugo was standing in the hallway, right outside her office, looking like he just survived a zombie apocalypse.
"Ah, good morning Sakura-san."
"Is everything alright?" Sakura smiled.
"Uh, yes. I was just accompanying Suigetsu. He was badly burned during his sparring match with Sasuke." Juugo replied.
"Yeah, I heard as much." Sakura grimaced.
Both of them stared at the door opposite her room.
CLANK!
"Argh! Don't change the subject! You know exactly who I'm talking about!"
"No, you hag! I don't know! Kami knows what horrors dwell in that head of yours."
WHACK!
"I'm NOT a hag!"
But really it wasn't even 8 o'clock in the morning and they are already grating each other. Not to mention that if a certain pig overhears their conversation, then Sakura was sure that said person will be more than happy to show Karin who was the blonde bimbo she was talking about.
Besides even though Juugo has been training to control his mad urges, he is most certainly not a harmless kitten and Sakura would rather not take the chance of having things escalate and go out of proportion.
She sighed.
Looks like an intervention is needed once again.
And just like before, it appears that she would be the one fed to the sharks.
"I think that's enough for today." The pink haired kunoichi gave a tired smile to her companion.
Juugo glanced down at the woman beside him and nodded. "I think so too, Sakura-san."
Well, no use in dilly dallying. Sakura approached the room opposite hers with a confident stride. She knocked a bit harder than was necessary (just to make sure the occupants of the room can hear it amidst all the ruckus) and slowly opened the door.
To say that the room was in absolute chaos would be an understatement.
From what Sakura could observe, Karin's office look more like a battlefield rather than a consulting clinic. All the medical instruments were scattered on the floor. The medicine cabinet had a huge dent and all the bottles were smashed. The bed, where Suigetsu was supposed to be at, was wedged between two broken glass windows and the man himself is currently wrapped in (what looks like) a curtain while his supposed Healer vigorously wrings his neck.
The scene looks a little familiar. Sakura was quite sure that not too long ago a certain blonde haired idiot and a poker faced artist received the same (if not much worse) treatment from her very capable hands but that was neither here nor there. Besides, she has more important matters to attend to. Like separating the two before they truly destroy the room.
Cough.
"Karin. Karin. Ka-riin. Kar-iiiiin."
Sigh.
"KARIN!"
"WHAT?!" The red head rounded at Sakura.
"Shizune-sempai was looking for you. She needs your help in compiling this month's staff records."
"Well, I'm rather busy at the moment."
"I can see that. But she needs your help. Now."
Karin frowned.
"But I'm not even-"
"I know. But Shizune-sempai specifically requested for you."
Karin looked suspiciously at Sakura.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. You can ask her if you want."
"Hmph. Alright then."
Karin finally released the now unconscious Suigetsu and walked towards the door. As she stepped outside the room she glanced at her orange haired team mate and said, "You can take him back now." "He's healed."
Juugo blinked. "I see." He nodded towards the girl and watched her stroll away.
She was already rounding the corner when she called, "Oh, and have that room cleaned." and disappeared.
Sakura snorted. "Have the room cleaned? I think the more appropriate word would be fixed."
"I'm really sorry for my teammates antics, Sakura-san." Juugo said as he entered the room and approached his motionless teammate.
"It's alright. I've seen worse." Sakura reassured.
"I'll be taking Suigetsu then."
"Okay."
"See you around, Sakura-san." Juugo gave her a warm smile and dragged the lifeless Suigetsu out of the office.
Sakura grinned. "Bye!"
It seems like all's well that ends well. For today, that is. Sakura is more than willing to bet that tomorrow another scuffle will ensue between the two. Good thing she has a day off tomorrow. She didn't want to be near those two again if she can help it.
...
Sakura woke up the following day feeling reinvigorated and energized. She had a wonderful 10 hours of straight sleep, a super refreshing bath and a hot mug of green tea & a plate of delicious onigiri with umeboshi for breakfast.
"Hah," Sakura dreamily sighed. "This is life."
She was lounging on her comfy couch, reading "Astounding Antidotes for Annoying Ailments " when her doorbell rang.
"SAKUURRAAAA! YOO-HOO!"
"ARE YOU THERE?"
"HEY, FOREHEAD! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!"
"ANSWER THE DAMN DOOR!"
Sigh.
Looks like her perfect morning will not be so perfect after all.
Sakura dragged herself to the front door and as she opened it, a very disgruntled Yamanaka Ino greeted her.
"Forehead, what took you so long? I was standing here for an hour already!"
Uh-huh. Leave it to Ino to exaggerate even the slightest of seconds.
"Sorry, Ino. I was reading and I-"
"Ugh, stop. I've heard that excuse so many times, I've already memorized it." Ino grumbled.
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "So, why are you here pig?"
"You have to come with me Sakura!" Ino exclaimed. "There's a new coffee shop across Ichiraku Ramen and I've been dying to go there since last week but Choji and Shikamaru won't accompany me, so you better get your big butt out of that chair and treat your best, kindest and prettiest girl friend to some custard pudding."
"Oh, really? I better get Hinata-chan then." Sakura smirked.
Ino gasped. "How could you, forehead?! After all we've been through?"
"Just kidding, pig." Sakura laughed. "Come on in, I'll just go and get something to wear."
"You better hurry up, or you'll be paying." Ino warned.
Ugh. Certainly not the perfect morning she was expecting.
…
Hozuki Suigetsu was not having the time of his life.
After being burned yesterday by an overzealous Uchiha and being beaten to a pulp by a crazy hag, he was so not up to eating the ridiculous smelling ramen that the hyperactive orange Hokage-wannabe is currently inhaling.
He didn't even want to be here in the first place. Here, pertaining to the over rated ramen stall that the blonde shinobi practically lived in. He'd rather eat alone rather than see Karin's annoying simpers whenever Sasuke sips and swallows his food.
"Sasuke… would you like some of my noodles?" Karin asked seductively.
The Uchiha gave her a look that most likely means, fuck off.
Suigetsu sniggered. "No one in their right minds will accept anything that you give them, Karin."
Karin shot him a death glare. "No one asked for your opinion, freak."
"I don't need your permission, wench." Suigetsu countered.
"I once read in a book that the sweetest of lovers give their respective partners the most unusual nicknames." Sai butted in, smiling happily.
No one paid any attention to him.
"Why don't you just go away? You don't like ramen anyway!" Karin screeched at Suigetsu.
"Oh, and you do? Last time I checked you hate it too!" Suigetsu barked.
"OY! Nfwoo heych ngamen? GUH?!"* Naruto complained, his mouth filled with noodles, with bits scattering from his mouth.
"Shut it, dobe." Sasuke scowled.
"Eww! You sprayed noodles on my face!" Karin complained as she briskly wiped her face.
"HAHA! Suigetsu guffawed.
Karin pointedly glared at Suigetsu and started to murderously butcher him.
As the red head continuously beat the life out of him, Suigetsu pondered on the unfairness of life in general. All he wanted for today is a nice long warm bath, good food and some nice girls for company. But he ended up in this hellhole instead.
Suigetsu cursed. This was definitely not the time of his life.
...
"This is to die for." Ino gushed while taking a delicious serving of her custard pudding. "I can't believe that it has taken me weeks before I decided to taste this wonderful thing."
"Well, if you weren't such a cheapskate then you could have bought that for yourself already." Sakura replied dryly.
"Hey! I'm not a cheapskate! I was just saving money for that killer boots we saw last week. You know, the one that screams 'take me'." Ino winked mischievously.
They were currently seated at the small but very heartwarming cafe. The ceiling was low and the lights were dim, giving off a homey feeling. Ino was currently indulging in the creamy custard while Sakura sips her coffee.
"Please pig, don't embarrass yourself. You don't need those anyway."
"Forehead, there is nothing wrong if I have long legs that I want to flaunt." Ino said haughtily.
"Yeah, well that's debatable."
"Oh, stop it forehead. Jealousy is a disease. It makes you old and wrinkly." Ino smugly countered.
"I'm not JEALOUS dammit!"
"U-huh, that's totally...convincing."
"Ino…"
"Alright. Jeez, I was just kidding. What's got your panties in a twist?"
Sakura sighed. "Sorry Ino, I just really want a break. Yesterday was hell. I did three freaking surgeries and four medical check-ups for ANBU operatives. "
"At least, you didn't sort out files with the she-devil."
"Karin?"
"Who else? Argh! I hate that red head bitch! She clings to Sasuke like there's no tomorrow!" Ino grumbled angrily.
"Well, if you recall we were like that when we were 12." Sakura reminded her.
"Yes! When we were twelve! But she's what, thirty or something?! And she still sticks to him like a flea!"
"She's 19 pig."
"Whatever. The point is why are you not angry too?!"
"For what? Sasuke?" Sakura sadly smiled. "Nope. I'm already done with that. I'm just happy to see that he's back and doing well."
"Are you kidding?! After all that effort you've made to bring him back, you're giving up?"
"Ino, we both know that that is not the reason why he came back. Besides, there is absolutely zero chance that he can possibly like me."
"You'll never know if you never try forehead."
"I did try, remember? Seven years ago. And look at what happened to that." Sakura sarcastically replied. "I refuse to act like an idiot again. Two botched up confessions are enough for a lifetime."
Ino raised an eyebrow. "Two?"
"You don't want to know."
"You did a second one?! Why didn't you tell me? You better tell me or-"
Sakura droned out Ino's ramblings as she reminisced on both confessions. The first one happened when she was 12. If only she had relayed her suspicions of Sasuke's departure to Kakashi or Naruto then maybe they would have been able to stop him. But she didn't. She thought that maybe she can change his mind. What a load of crap. All she was able to do was cry in front of him.
Her second confession was more mortifying and heart-wrenching. She absolutely loves Naruto, no questions there. But not in the romantic sense. She loves him as a friend, a brother, a family. She should have made that clear when she confessed. Yet, it turned way out of proportion and she ended up lying to him. She shouldn't have said that. She shouldn't have said that. Even now, she feels guilty about that whole darn thing. Sigh.
She really was an idiot.
...
"Heeeyy! Earth to Sakura?" Ino was waving a hand in front of her face.
"Uh-what?'
"You've got a drool on your chin."
Sakura yelped. "Ah!"
Ino laughed. "Just kidding forehead! You should really stop going off to LaLa Land when I'm talking to you."
A loud noise came from the other side of the street.
"What was that?" Ino glanced out of the window
"Hey! Isn't that Suigetsu and Karin?" Sakura pointed out.
"Where?"
"There, in Ichiraku Ramen with Sasuke, Naruto and Sai."
"What the hell are they doing?"
"Oh no, they're fighting again."
"Well, they are always fighting."
"I know. But I really thought that I'll get to spend a day without seeing them clash."
"Well, dream on Sakura because that is never going to happen. They fight like cats and dogs."
"Didn't think I know that? Karin's office is just in front of mine and every time Suigetsu gets there, it's like the whole floor is attacked by rampaging bulls."
"I know. That's why I rarely visit your floor, forehead. I don't want to catch them during their lovers' spat."
Sakura sighed. "I just don't see the logic of them seeing each other at all. I mean, if I hate someone I'd go lengths just to avoid him."
"I don't think they hate each other that much."
Sakura gave Ino a look. "Are you freaking kidding me?"
"Yeah, well just look at them. You can totally see the sexual tension."
Sakura spluttered. "The what?!"
"You're not blind forehead." Ino admonished. "Can't you see that they fight like old married couples?"
"I can see that. But I still don't get-"
"That's because you just see, but you don't observe." Ino smiled knowingly.
Sakura sniffed. "Alright then, Miss Observer. However, I still don't believe that's true. Karin practically worships Sasuke."
"That's why I don't like her. She smothers Sasuke so much and yet the one she really likes is shark boy. I mean, the hell! Make up your mind b*tch!"
"Well even if you say that, I don't think Suigetsu likes her." Sakura said
"Sakura, I am 100 percent sure that he likes her! He's obviously absorbed with her for reasons I can't imagine."
Sakura rolled her eyes "Well as much as I love sitting here, talking about other people's non-existent love life, I really can't be staying long."
"Why? Got yourself a date?" Ino smirked.
"No, I have an appointment with Iruka-sensei in the Academy at 10 and if I don't go now, I'll be running late."
Ino snorted. "Boring as ever."
"Whatever, pig."
...
Sakura arrived at the Ninja Academy just in time to see the petite Hyuuga heiress leave the building.
"Hinata!" Sakura greeted as she approached the entrance.
"Ah, good morning Sakura-san." The pearl eyed kunoichi smiled.
"How was your shift today?"
"It was really great. The kids were all wonderful." Hinata shared.
Hyuuga Hinata has recently volunteered to be the Jounin in charge for the newly graduated academy students. The shy and beautiful kunoichi decided to help out when she heard that the Ninja Academy lacked teachers because most of the other Jounins are either on leave or taking on more exciting missions. Sakura really admires the dedication and kindness that Hinata exudes and decided to help out her friend on her days off. She knew that aside from having missions and volunteering to help out in the academy, Hinata is also currently working hard to prove herself worthy of the title of the future Hyuuga Clan leader. Hinata almost passed out of exhaustion last week and this lead Sakura to assist in the Academy so that Hinata can recuperate.
Today is the first day of her assignment in the academy and truth be told, Sakura is a bit nervous.
"Sakura-san, thank you for doing this. I know that you have many things to do too."
Sakura grinned. "No problem, Hinata. Besides, Naruto will freak out if something happens to you."
The Hyuuga heiress blushed deeply. "Ah, um, thank you very much."
Sakura beamed and looked around the Academy grounds. "It's nice to finally visit this place again. It's been a long time since I last came here."
Hinata nodded. "It's really good to be back. I hope you enjoy your time with them."
"Will do." Sakura promised.
"I'm really grateful for your help." Hinata smiled softly and bade goodbye to the pink haired medic. "Have a good day Sakura-san."
Sakura gave Hinata a final wave and entered the building. The Chunin in charge told her to wait in one of the classrooms because Iruka-sensei is still having a meeting with the other teachers.
Sakaru felt a little nostalgic as she entered the room. She missed the days when things were much simpler. As she observed the children practicing, she noticed a little commotion happening at the back of the room.
"Will you keep quiet? Your voice is irritating!" A little boy angrily complained.
"I'm not even talking to you! I was just praising Kenji-kun!" A little girl countered.
"Che. He's not even that good."
"Take that back! Kenji-kun is the best!"
"Kenji-kun is the best. Whatever big nosed Rika!"
"My nose is not big!"
"Big nose Rika, Big nose Rika, Big nose Rika..."
The little girl named Rika tackled the brown haired boy to the floor. In retaliation, the boy pulled the green haired girl's hair. Sakura immediately ran towards them and separated the two fighting children.
"Okay, okay, that's enough."
Little Rika stood up and glared at the boy. "Just stay away from me!" She screeched and stormed out of the room.
"Stay away from me too! Ugly!" The boy called out.
Sakura stared at the boy standing before her.
"Are you hurt?"
"No." He bluntly replied.
"Good. What happened back there?"
"I hate her."
"Hate is a strong word. Besides why are you angry at her?"
"Because, I hate it when she talks out loud! She always helps stupid Kenji and she even praises him for baby stuff."
"Is it wrong to praise a classmate?"
"No! But she-, she-, argh! Rika gave me cooties!" He wailed at her.
Sakura blinked. "She gave you what?"
"Cooties! You know, the disease?! Nii-san told me that all girls have cooties, but then I didn't believe him so now, I-I- I feel weird when I'm around her!"
Sakura smiled knowingly and asked, "Is that the reason why you tease her?"
"Yes!" The boy said. "My chest feels heavy and I can't concentrate."
He looked lost. "What am I going to do? Will it ever go away, nee-chan?"
Sakura chuckled. Ah, young love. Full of anger and jealousy.
"Well that depends on you. Just try to be nice to her sometimes. I'm sure you'll feel a lot better."
The boy looked confused. "Is that true?
Sakura nodded at him.
"Alright. I guess I'll try it. Thanks nee-chan." He gave her a grin and sped off to join his classmates.
Really, those two. They're like a miniature version of Karin and Suigetsu. Always fighting and gnawing at each other, when they can just stay-
A bulb clicked.
"Uh-oh", Sakura thought.
Looks like Ino was right.
Suigetsu's got himself a bad case of cooties too.
-END-
*(Who hates ramen? Huh?)
Up Next: Chapter 2: A Confession
(After hours of interrogation, Suigetsu finally admits his deeply underground, heavily locked, dark hidden secret feelings for one Uzumaki Karin.)
End note: I will really appreciate any comment or suggestion that you may have. Oh, and I don't have a beta for this so in case you find any errors in GSP, feel free to point it out to me on the reviews section. :)
Thanks for reading! :D
-reesa