FOLDED FEELINGS

...

It was chaotic that once quiet afternoon at the Hospital. With all the buzzling and bumbling everyone was too busy to even noticed. And here they thought today's just gonna be another ordinary day… Calling out two Nurses and a Doctor and all were running around the said place in a state of panic when 2 shinobis brought a bleeding girl at the ER. Hours flew by, but to no luck…

"Doctor! We're losing her!" a nurse yelled.

"Don't give up. Just keep reconnecting the patient's blood vessels." She says as she too was trying to stay calm. "Is she getting any air in her lungs?"

"Negative. It's like the blood clots have gathered inside her esophagus. Oh no - The airway is clogged!" another panicked.

"Dammit!" the doctor curses. "If this keeps up we'll –" she stopped, not wanting to finish that sentence.

Beads of sweat ran down her forehead. Her own heart kept beating faster than the average pulse as she struggled to find a way to save the bleeding girl. Both her and the other two were doing their best to keep the patient alive.

Stay Focus…

Stay Awake…

But their concentration faded in a flash the moment their ears heard the heart machine drop…. To a flat line.

"Continue pumping air into her lungs! I'll manage the heart!"

"Yes Ma'am!"

Without looking away, she rested both palms filled with chakra on the patient's chest and performed CPR. Don't give up on me. DO NOT give up on me. She repeated in her head like a mantra. After reminding herself that she had been doing this work for years, she will not dare lose a life while she knows she can still save one.

Fueling more chakra into her hands, she lessened the force of her pumps in fear of breaking the girl's ribcage. Just as she was about to turn to one of her nurse who called her –

"Haruno-san!"

*SPLAT*

Everything went still… The room went quiet… The doctor's face was caked with blood… And the sound of the heart machine beating like little pixels; the doctor was given the answer she's been dying to hear.

"She's breathing again."

…

Kami… She thought as her tired back slumped on her chair after 3 hours in the surgery room and coming back into her office after telling the girl's parents the good news: The girl was saved. Turns out the child was still a genin and just came back from the training grounds when one of her teammates played with an explosive kunai. Accidentally throwing it to her direction where she was standing.

Rest assure that no bones were broken, thank goodness, though she did have a minor burnt area near her left arm. Saying that she needs to apply a healing cream prescribed to her to take every night before going to bed. Grateful for saving their child, the parents bowed and cried together for they knew they will all sleep soundly tonight.

Just as she was thinking of the smiles in their faces, a gentle knock came from her door and there she saw –

"Shishou!" she exclaimed and stood from her seat. Tsunade kindly waved with her hand as she steps foot on her apprentice's office.

Tsunade-sama, the Godaime, finally stooped down from her position as both head medic and Hokage at Konoha. Leaving Kakashi as the sixth Hokage and Sakura as the head medic-nin. Due to the busy schedule of her apprentice, they hadn't seen each other for 3 months now, which is awfully a long time for both of them.

Running towards her master, she opens her arms and both gave each other a hug. After 3 seconds or so, they lifted their heads to look at one another.

"I heard what you did today from Shizune. Good job Sakura!" she gave her student a proud smile.

Ahh~ yes… Haruno Sakura has been doing quite well these past few days in terms of work and village duties. The accomplishments she had earned throughout the years were nothing like the gratitude she receives from the people, both outside and inside the village. Those warm smiles and greetings she gets from everyone in town makes her heart flutter, reminding her on how much she loves her job as a shinobi.

And it's all thanks to the proper guidance from her shishou, sensei (Kakashi), parents, friends and loved ones.

She was glad to be of service.

"Arigatou Shishou. Though today has been rather tiring." The pinkette says as her arms hung back at her sides.

"Aahh... I understand. And that's the reason why I suddenly paid a visit." Said Tsunade as he caresses her student's head.

Jaded eyes widened at the realization. "Waaaah! My clothes are stained with blood! I almost forgot. Gomen ne Tsunade-sama…" Sakura apologizes as she broke contact with her teacher.

"Now, now, don't overreact. The blood's all dried up anyway, it won't stain that much."

"But – "

"Oh! And I heard something from the villagers this morning. Seems that the newlyweds will be arriving in a week's time."

"Naruto's coming home?!"

Consumed with glee, Sakura couldn't help but raise her firsts in the air. Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata had just gotten married three weeks ago and are now on their way back to Konohagakure after their honeymoon at Suna, special thanks to the Sabaku siblings.

It has been rather quiet around town ever since Naruto left with his new wife. You don't hear the girls scream 'kyaaah' in the streets due to the absence of the town's favorite hero. Who cares though? It's not like Naruto would be giving them the same amount of attention now that he's got Hinata. Right?

…

Walking is good exercise for a shinobi when they're not in training and out on missions. Konoha also happens to be a great place of fine weather due to the vast forest that surrounds the hidden village. Air so fresh you would rather stay outside than to be kept indoors. An obvious fact as to why it's such a busy town.

Sakura was heading to the Yamanaka Flower shop to see if her loud-mouth best friend was there. Last time she saw the blonde was at Naruto's wedding reception. Took her by surprise when she found out that the pig and the mannequin are in a relationship, and happen to be each other's date during the night.

Giggling in the inside, how nice, she thought. Both of her blonde friends have been receiving happiness at last. When you look at it, it's though as if the war had never happened. But it did, and Sakura couldn't help but be grateful to it. If it weren't for the war, the nation's country wouldn't be in good terms until now.

Wind chimes clanged as the shop's door opened and Sakura was greeted by the owners. There behind the counter stood the best friend herself.

"Forehead."

"Pig." They greeted with warm smiles and with matching hugs.

"You've been keeping yourself busy these days Sak. Something bothering you?"

"Nah." The pinkette waved her hand. "I just wanted to help out as much as possible. Since our beloved Hokage hasn't given me any missions yet." She mumbled the last sentence.

Ino scoffed. "Give him a break Sakura. I mean, come on, I doubt he even has one."

"Well what do you expect? I'm bored being cooped up here."

Ino flicked a finger at Sakura's forehead. "Settle down for once and stop pushing yourself on the edge. It's bad enough that Konoha's head medic would get sick, you know?"

"Yeah like that'll ever happen." Sakura rolled her eyes. Last she remembered getting sick was during her genin days. Her stamina and resistance had improved a lot since then.

Sakura left just before lunch as she headed over to the market to buy some groceries. Being at the hospital every 24/7 and eating all the food in the cafeteria isn't actually what she would like to call healthy eating. If one lacks to take care of themselves, all the nutrients and protein would leave the body. Therefore, she must follow the proper diet code in order to balance the needs of both medic and kunoichi.

"Sakura-san! Good day. The usual?" the market lady politely asks as she fills an empty stall with fresh oranges.

"Hai!" She beamed.

Looking around, Sakura spotted a basket of grapes. Blinking as she stared at them, she whipped her head to the side as she saw the tower from a 2-mile distance. An idea suddenly struck her and she faced the market lady: "Oh! And can you please add 2 grapes in the bag please?" The nice lady smiled and nodded as she took care of her customer's orders. "Thank you." And Sakura left towards the Hokage tower.

It wasn't everyday she gets to visit the old man. Yes, 'old'; and it's hard to believe that he is when Kakashi's also one of Konoha's handsome men to have ever walked on earth. No, Sakura will not dare talk about those who reside in the moon due to recent events. Thank you very much.

After greeting the villagers, old patients, fellow shinobi's young and old alike, Sakura finally made it through the Hokage tower. Near the door, she saw Yamato coming out with a chart in hand.

Looking up, he too saw the pink-haired kunoichi. "Oi Sakura! How've you been?"

"Yamato-san, "she smiled. "I've been well. How about you? Running a few errands, I suppose?"

"Got that right. You here for Kakashi-sen, I-I mean, Hokage-sama right?" darn it, he and his old habits.

Can't blame him though, Kakashi was Yamato's old senpai after all. Can't expect old habits to die all in one flash now would it? That's Yamato for you. Or Tenzo. Bah, let's leave it at that.

"Yep. I was wondering how our old sensei has been putting up with all the work cut out for him." She paused to give a worried look. "He hasn't passed out yet, hasn't he?"

Yamato gave a reassuring smile. "No need to worry about the late White Fang's son. If he could survive two wars, he could survive a year's worth of paper work, if you ask me." He grinned sheepishly. Sakura can't help but laugh. Yeah, knowing Kakashi half of her life, he'll live.

…

…Well, almost.

Was it Sakura or did this place got any gloomier than it was during Tsunade's reign? As far as she remembers, the head office was either smelled of sake whenever her teacher's frustrated with work, the whole room was flooded with papers with the Hokage so focused in finishing them in time, or tension filling the air whenever the Hokage sends out shinobis/ANBU out on missions.

Unable to tell which is which, she simply stared at the Rokudaime, who had his head limping on his desk with blank eyes, with annoyance. Struggling to hold back her fist in attempt to send the man flying outside the window just to wake him up. Was that a light tinge of green in her palm.

She shook her head and immediately changed her mood, smiling at him. "Konnichiwa, Kakashi-sensei!" she beamed, hoping that the atmosphere would at least lift a bit.

Surprised, Kakashi hold his head with a hand as he raised from the table. A mild headache made its way but he decided to hide the pain as he faced his old student. "Sakura," He smiled behind his mask. "How nice to see you."

"I've been getting that a lot lately." She said as she strode towards his desk with the bag of fruits. "You still breathing there, sensei?"

"Barely." Said Kakashi as he gave a small smile while rubbing the back of his head. His brows twitching a bit due to the headache. Sakura was already aware of it though…

"Sensei…" she says as she placed the paper bag on the desk.

Abruptly, Sakura suddenly stood on her toes to reach out at the Rokudaime, Kakashi's eyes widened. About to wonder what she's about to do, but his head still caused a few waves of pain. Green chakra filled Sakura's palm as she presses it against Kakashi's forehead, after a few seconds, the pain suddenly decreased until it faded away.

Seeing that her former sensei doesn't bear any discomfort in his face anymore, she smiled and stood back on her two feet. Rubbing his temple, the Hokage just realized what the kuniochi just did and smiled in relief.

"Arigatou, Sakura. You surely know how to feel others and helping them out in their time of need."

"My pleasure, Hokage-sama." She teased.

He raised a brow in jokingly-manner.

"Just kidding. And since you seem to be ignoring your health due to work." She paused as she gave a slightly deadly glare. "I bought some grapes for you on the way. Be sure to eat them, got it?"

Chuckling, he graciously took the grapes from her. Yup, no matter how much time passes by, his student will always be his student. Caring, observing and always prioritizing others before herself. With the thought in mind, Kakashi softened his gaze, just as he wanted to bring the matter up, Sakura beat her to it.

"I heard from shishou that our newlyweds' return is due in 4 days?" she asked as she pours warm tea.

"Aah. I just received note of that yesterday. Says that Mr. and Mrs. Uzumaki will be accompanied by the Sand shinobis." Said Kakashi. Sakura smiled.

How thoughtful of Gaara. Ever since the war… No. Before the war even started, Gaara had this 'depth of gratitude' mind set towards Naruto. Although the blonde's grateful with all the things he prepared for his and Hinata's stay at Sand, he said that there's no need of taking things to the extreme just because Gaara thinks he owes Naruto.

Yet Gaara insist. Not because he believes it's his duty to repay people with kindness, but that it's the right thing to do. That it's what a human should do. All for their friend.

Kakashi eyed the pinkette for a while as he pondered on his idea earlier. Would it be alright if I ask her? It wouldn't hurt right? But I bet she's been avoiding this topic since the wedding. Did Kakashi noticed something? Was there something suspicious in the way Sakura acts? The anwer's simple.

Yes.

It would take a fool to not notice how good Sakura is when it comes to hiding her feelings. But Kakashi knows better. He's been with the girl since she's twelve, so it's quite normal for him to memorize the pinkettte's attitude. Without giving a second thought –

"Does it still bother you?"

Halting her movements, you stared blankly at the two cups she was filling. Kakashi spotted her uneasiness. Regaining her composure, she faked a smile. "Eh? Bother me? What're you saying Kakashi-sen..."

"We haven't received word from him yet either." He cut her off. "I know what's clouding your mind… But you must know that he came here that night just to help before the meteor struck the village. He barely stayed for 10 seconds before leaving."

Lowering her eyes, she understood what he meant.

"He cares for the village Sakura; I hope you know that. Though he still has a long way to atone for his sins, he's coming around. We just have to keep believing in him."

With wide eyes she looked at her former sensei. He looks back at her with determined eyes that he is damn right sure of the words he had just released. As a teacher, a father-figure, he has to believe in the three of them. May they be a friend or foe… Or even a traitor.

Her shoulders relaxed as she understood Kakashi's words. The tension she's been keeping in her chest for the past 3 months seemed to have freed a bit. Her eyes gazed at the wooden floors of the Hokage's office as she contemplates with the thoughts regarding their teammate.

"I know sensei…"

"Then what are you so worried about?" he calmly eyed her.

She gave a little laugh. "Force of a habit, I guess? My boys' best friend is thrill and excitement after all. Getting worried for them is natural." Then shrugging.

She meant the three of them. Yes, including their former teacher.

…

Inside her room that night at her apartment, she propped unto her study desk as she read a few books regarding antidotes. Sakura have been meaning to expand her knowledge in her work on all fields for quite some time now. Having the fundamentals done, she knew she's on the right track in advancing through the next stage.

Her butt's been sitting on the chair for straight four hours when she hardly noticed the time, 1:00am "Shannaro..!" she softly screamed, afraid to wake the neighbors. "It's that time already?" Curses, and her shift starts at 7:30 too. Giving her arms and back a stretch, she placed her book back in the shelves, as she shifted it to its area, a folded parchment fell.

Eyeing it for a moment, she picked it up and brought to her, surprised to see that she still kept that letter.

The letter that was never sent.

She becomes too sensitive when the matter of the ex-avenger comes at hand, always asking how he is even though no one's going to answer. Has he been eating right? Is he being treated well in the places he had gone to. How is his journey so far? Have you already found out your answer? Have you seen the world already? Have you forgiven yourself? Are you… Coming home yet?

Sakura tries though. Tried not to overthink. Not to remind herself anything raven-haired, mismatched eyes related.

She gently tucked the paper back to a corner between two books after reading the lines she must've now memorize after reading oh so often. Sakura went to her bed and switched her lamp off as she dozes off to sleep.

Turning sideways, she remembers the conversation she had earlier with Kakashi. With heavy eyelids, sleep now overshadowing her, she gave a sad smile.

"You miss him." It wasn't a question but a statement, the White Fang's son said.

She lifted her green eyes and looked straight to the Rokudaime. Unwavering when she answered him head on.

More than you'll ever know.