Summary: It wasn't her fault, she never wanted it, so why was she the one being punished? SasuSaku
All Because of You
She was a delicate flower, hint the name she had. She was fragile, and she was very emotional. She loved a boy, who didn't seem to care for much of anything let alone her. She had friends and a life. She was only a medic-nin in training not yet a Chuunin. And above all, she was just a child, at only twelve .
Haruno Sakura walked the streets of the only home she had ever known. There were children laughing and playing among the streets. The birds were flying above and the leaves were falling from the branches in the crisp autumn air, but none of it seemed to reach her. It seemed to her like everything was going in slow motion. She silently walked until she reached the office of the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, konichi-wa," her voice rang nonchalantly.
The blonde gambler turned her chair around to look at her apprentice. Her cherry smile faded seeing the faraway face on the youth's face. "Sakura, is there something wrong?" she asked in concern.
A stiff nod came from the teen.
"Is there anything you would like to talk about?" Tsunade was not convinced.
This time it was a shake of the head.
A frown was placed upon the fifth Hokage's face. "This isn't about Sasuke is it?"
Sakura went stiff at just hearing his name.
Tsunade's frown deepened. She knew that the girl had developed feelings for the avenger, and his leaving had left a scar on Sakura. But Tsunade had thought she had improved in the last month since his departure. Look, she was already making herself a success; she was one of the few apprentices under Tsunade. So, why was she still so hollow?
"Sakura, you need to let go of him," Tsunade advised. Being depressed was not good for the sprouting teen.
Sakura nodded. "Hai, Tsunade-sama, what do you need me to do today?" her tone was still not convincing enough.
"Actually, I think you should take the day off. Hang out with your friends they should all be free today," the Hokage replied.
Sakura gave her a confused look. "Are you sure, Tsunade-sama?" she asked.
Tsunade nodded and waved her hand. "Go along now," she ordered.
Sakura bowed her head. "Arigato, Tsunade-sama, I'll work twice as hard tomorrow," she vowed running out of the room.
Tsunade watched her go with sad eyes. She shook her head and looked at all the papers in front of her.
"Hinata-chan! Over here!" Naruto waved his arms frantically at the timid Hyuuga walking by as Naruto was eating ramen at the Ichiraku. Hinata blushed a deep crimson. Was Naruto really talking to her? It couldn't be, could it? Hinata fiddled with her two pointer fingers and walked over to her hyperactive crush. She sat on a stool.
"What are you up to, Hinata?" Naruto asked slurping his ramen.
"N-n-othing N-Naruto-kun," Hinata replied. "H-how ar-re you?"
Naruto glanced at her. "Fine, the closet pervert's training is vigorous though." (This is an alternate universe as stated, so he and Jiraiya stay in Konoha while training)
"Oi, Naruto."
Naruto turned to look at an approaching Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji.
"Ohayo," Naruto greeted the three as they sat down and ordered.
"No missions today?" the ramen cook questioned.
Naruto shook his head. "It's pretty calm since the last mission, which wasn't even worth the trip," he replied.
"Hey guys."
They all again turned in their seats to see Sakura approaching.
"Sakura-chan? I thought you had to train with Tsuande-baa-chan today," Naruto stated scratching his head quizzically.
Sakura sat next to Hinata and shrugged. "Tsunade-sama gave me the day off," she said.
Hinata examined the medic-nin-in-training. "S-Sakura-chan, a-are you okay? Y-you look a little pale," she commented concerned.
She was right. Sakura's complexion, it was lighter than usual, and her normally sparkling green eyes were drooping.
Sakura smiled weakly. "I'm fine, Hinata-san," she stated.
"Are you sure, big-forehead?" Ino asked.
"Ino and Hinata serve a point, you haven't been looking well since Uchiha left," Shikamaru said lazily.
"Sakura-chan, are you still depressed about Sasuke?" Naruto questioned and Sakura shook her head. "Don't lie, Sakura-chan. It's okay to be sad sometimes, but I promise, we will get him back," Naruto vowed.
Sakura smiled at him. "I know you will. Thanks for your concern, but I must be going. Kaasan has a list of chores for me to do. Ja ne," she said hopping off the stool and running towards her home.
"I'm w-worried about her," Hinata stated watching the distant form of Sakura.
"Me too," Naruto stated. "I just wish there was something more I could do."
Sakura ran all the way to her house and burst through the door, slamming it behind her. She sighed. That was too close for comfort. She was the only one home, and that was actually a good thing. She looked into the mirror that was in the living room and touched her face gingerly. The kunoichi again sighed and tears filled her jade eyes. "What am I going to do?" her body shook violently. She fell to the floor on her knees. "What am I going to do?" she cried out.
Recomposing herself, Sakura stood up. She took one last glance at the mirror and wiped her tears. 'Sure, we can do this…right?' Even her Inner self didn't know how to handle this one. It was just so…unexpected. "Why, Sasuke-kun?" she asked knowing she would receive no answer. Sakura staggered to the kitchen. She looked at the fridge, noticing the list her parents left for her. She sighed and grabbed the paper, running out of the house.
There's the first chapter for you! Please review and tell us your thoughts!
The plot and chapter written and made up by: Kirsten P., the youngest of the Fruit Loops
The Three Fruit Loops