Author note: it has been nearly seven years since I last updated. I am sure that most of you have moved on as I had as well. Just recently, I had decided to make an unprecedented return. For my comeback, I felt it most appropriate to return more mature and wise as I rewrite one of my very first fanfictions. This will be written with much more love and care, and will taken at a much slower pace due to the nature of the fiction.
Part of this chapter was written down by hand, so please excuse any inaccuracies or confusing content. Let me know, however so I can revise to make more sense. This will hit very close to home to some viewers. I have been without access to a computer for about a year so I am actually typing this all from my mobile phone. It will take much longer for that fact. This first chapter will be short, unfortunately due to me prewriting the first chapter by hand.
Every other chapter will be at least 10k words if possible. As with anyother story, there will be some filler content but this story will contain very mature themes, including rape, abuse, character death, and self harm. If this is a trigger, please proceed with caution or do not read. Without further adieu, let's begin!
The Bloody Cherry Blossom
Chapter one: Sarada
I loved him. He was beautiful in my eyes, faults and all. I wanted , no, needed to be there for him. I felt responsible for helping him make his way out of the darkness and showing him what the light could feel like. I had to show him what all my light could offer his troubled soul.
Ever since he returned, I could tell that the years away had made him physically stronger, but more than socially awkward and withdrawn. I wanted to help him get out of the pit he dug himself into. That's my purpose for this life, it had to be.
What kind of friend would I be if I wasn't there for him, loved him, or supported his reformation? Selfish. I could never imagine leaving him alone to suffer in silence like he once had to. He has Naruto, Kakashi, and I here for him. He didn't accept it while he was younger, but time heals most wounds. He understands now we only want him to be happy.
I remember the first time we made love, he was nervous, uncertain, afraid. I had to assure him I loved him with my whole being, and gave myself to him to prove the fact. I loved him, regardless of our past.
I had my doubts at first, why would he come back now? His brother was still alive, Orochimaru was still alive, is he a spy? I pushed away all negativity, I could not let my doubts get in the way of my love and his salvation.
Many others had their doubts and worries, but I could not see past for Sasuke's need for stability, his need for something that could not be taken from him. Only I could give him the true happiness he was seeking for the majority of his life.
I did everything thing I could to help him make his way back into our community, and I knew he appreciated it and he was starting to love me the way I had lived him all these years.
Whenever he asked me to be his wife, I was overwhelmed with happiness that all my efforts had not gone to waste, he wanted me to be the one and only constant he had in his life. He loved me. I couldn't be happier, however, my parents weren't nearly as thrilled…
"Sakura, are you sure this is what you want? I think you're taking things way too quickly-" "Your mother is right! I have yet to be given a reason to to trust him since he turned against our village, your team, against you! You are acting like a love sick puppy, Sakura! You need to use your brain, this is a serious commitment!"
My father was angry at my choice to be with Sasuke, Any time that I would even mention his name, he would be annoyed and irritable.
"He has changed! He has more growing to do, but we will get through it together. I love him, please give us your blessing. "
"I refuse to bless a monster! That is what he is, he tried to kill you, do you not see he is as toxic to you as senbon?" I couldn't help but to fall to my knees and cover my eyes, sobbing. Why couldn't he see you through my eyes, Sasuke-kun?
My father sighed and pulled me into an embrace, patting my back gently.
"Sakura, we love you so very much. When you hurt, we hurt. We only want you to be happy and healthy. If he makes you happy, then you have our blessing." My mother joined the embrace and they held onto me tightly. I wiped away my tears and smiled.
"Thank you mom, dad, Sasuke will make you proud and he will prove that he loves me, I promise!" they said nothing, but continues to hold me tightly.
I sighed at the memory. I wish they were still alive. Not even a full week after Sasuke and I 's engagement announcement, my parents were ambushed by bandits and ultimately murdered. All for goods that would total 20,000 yen. My parents lives were taken for such petty pocket change.
After their murders, I needed some time to mourn and asked Sasuke to hold our wedding off until I was finished grieving. He seemed a little anxious, but agreed nonetheless. He was understanding, he knew what it felt like, he supported me through everything. This is the man I am going to marry.
"Sakura… let me have you tonight, please. I want to love you all over again." He was kissing up and down my near naked body, all in the way were my bra and panties. I moaned in pleasure, but I felt stiff, I just didn't want his touching me like this right now, I love him, but I needed time
I tried to push him off and he gave me the look of hurt and annoyance. "Why won't you make love to me anymore? I want you so bad, and you keep pushing me away." He growled, still kissing and nibbling at my bare neck. I just turned to the side. He gave up, angry and defeated.
"I've been trying to be patient with you, but you keep pushing my feelings aside, I can't keep holding myself back, Sakura. People die every day, it is time you get over it." I felt like crying, I knew he was right, I was being a terrible fiancé, he loves me and I have been ignoring his needs for my own selfish grieving.
I moved over and pulled myself on top of him and kissed him deeply.
"I'm sorry Sasuke-kun, let's make tonight special. I love you.". This is the love of my life. I need to be everything I had promised him that I would be. I cannot abandon my vows for a time of weakness. He turned me onto my back with him in control. I surrendered to his touch just as I should. I kissed him passionately as he reminded my body who has claimed it.
After he finished ravaging my body, he fell beside me in exhaustion. I laid my head against his chest, but reached up to give him a sweet peck on the lips when he wrapped his arms against my waist. And kissed me deeply, causing me to moan his name into his mouth.
"Move in with me, Sakura. Let us have more nights like this." I had wanted to wait until we were married but I couldn't ruin this beautiful moment by rejecting him. I love him so much.
"I would love to wake up with you by my side every morning, Sasuke-kun. I love you." He bit my neck, making sure his mark would show.
"I know. You are mine, you will be mine forever."
"Sakura-chan! Are you really moving in with Sasuke-teme?" I heard Naruto holler. I put down the box of my belongings and smile at him.
"Of course! We are engaged, ya know." He grinned sheepishly.
"Well, yeah I know, but I thought you were going to wait until you were married first. I wish I could have… I shook away any other thoughts and replied promptly.
"That was originally the plan, but we decided we didn't want to wait." Naruto winked suggestively.
"Tryna revive the clan, eh?" I blushed and spat out my tongue.
"So what if we are? We are both consenting adults, thank you very much." He laughed and hugged me tightly, almost too tightly, restricting my breathing.
"Naruto… can't breathe.." he let go and scratched the back of his head and laughed.
"Sorry Sakura-chan! Tell Sasuke if he needs any pointers, he can ask the future Hokage! Dattebayo!" I laughed and patted Naruto on the shoulder. He had finally noticed all of Hinata's efforts to impress and show her affections after the battle with Pein. They were just married and now expecting twins! From what I could remember, a boy and a girl. I was so happy for them, they deserved it. They deserved each other.
Speaking of Hinata, how is her pregnancy going? Is she carrying high or low, she eating enough veggies? You better not be having her on her feet all the time Naruto." I warned him playfully.
"Ahhh Sakura-chan! I don't know what those things mean but she is usually resting, I told her our little ninjas in training need all the time they can get. No missions and no more than 6 hour shifts at the hospital and only around patients that aren't sick."
"Naruto. Sick and hospital are practically synonymous."
"I meant people who can make her sick, ahh Sakura-chan why do you use big words." I laughed with him.
"I know what you meant, I just like giving you a hard time. I can't imagine how much pain Hinata-chan is going through…" Naruto's eyes widened.
"I thought she doesn't get pain until she gives birth…" I smirked, Hinata will be either thankful or mad her husband is going to be overly protective now. Oh well. It'll be fun to watch.
"Oh poor Naruto… Hinata has to carry two developing babies in her stomach, and all of her organs and bones shift and might even break because the babies are making room, don't even get me started on hemorrhoids, you might not get laid for a solid 5 years after the twins are born if you're lucky."
Naruto looked pale and genuinely frightened. He began running back to his house to I assume tend to his pregnant wife. I laughed hard, finding it difficult to calm down. I looked at the time and realized how late it was. Sasuke was not going to be happy with how long I was taking.
Oh well, I'll just finish up and say goodbye to my first home. All my memories will be coming with me, but I feel like remnants of my past will still remain long after I leave this place. The last time I ever saw my parents. This was their home. My home…
Lime/Lemon warning
"Sakura, where have you been? It's 10 past 9. You were supposed to be home over an hour go." I put down all boxes I had gathered from my home. I sighed and sat down on the couch with Sasuke. He wasn't happy that I was late but I was too tired to fight.
I got in his lap and started kissing him passionately, grabbing his hand to guide it up my shirt to my breast.
"I'm sorry Sasuke-kun... How can you ever forgive me?" I breathed into his ear, he pinched my nipple, making me squeal in surprise. I felt him getting aroused and holding my hips down, forcing me to grind against his growing erection.
"What took you so long, Sakura?" he continued to caress my breast and casually pinch my nipple. His other hand wandered down my pants to finger me aggressively. I felt myself getting so wet and tight, I could barely speak.
"Can't handle it, Sakura? Do you want me to stop?" I shook my head, begging for his touch to never end. He smirked and started sliding off my panties. I kisses his lips, letting my tongue entwine with his, moaning into his mouth.
"Mmm. Sasuke-kun, take me. I am all yours. Forever yours. Claim me all over again." He smirked and kissed me and got up, leaving me on the couch.
"we will finish later, this is your punishment for coming home late." I pouted, I felt so hot and wet and aroused and he just leaves me here like this.
"Jerk… I'll just finish myself then." I picked up my soaking panties and made my way to the bathroom only for Sasuke to block the way. I was really irritated now. What is his damn problem?
"Get out of the way Sasuke. You left me hanging so now I have to finish." I tried to move him out of the way but he wouldn't budge.
"I told you this was your punishment come to dinner. Now." I ignored him and went to the bedroom to find some clean pajamas.
"I am going to bed." I told him and tried to slam the door shut but he held it open with his foot and forced himself inside our room. I tried to push him out but he resisted. Opening the door full force, throwing me on the bed and restraining me.
"Stop acting childish. Dinner is waiting for you. Then we can finish." I winced a little in pain, he released me and shut the bedroom door. I sighed. I was acting so stupid. But he didn't have to lead me on like that. Ugh. I better go in there and apologize. I grabbed new underwear and went to the table. Sasuke was waiting, his arms crossed, looking down.
I sat down beside him and we thanked kami for the meal and began to eat in silence. I swallowed my pride.
"I'm sorry Sasuke-kun. I was being unruly, please forgive me." Sasuke looked up to me and nodded. That was easy?
"It's fine Sakura. I still want to know why you were late, however." I took another bite of my meal and swallowed.
"Naruto came by and wanted to talk. He and Hinata are expecting twins, isn't that so exciting? Then I started teasing Naruto by telling him all the gross and scary things about pregnancy until he ran home crying." I laughed. Sasuke chuckled.
"He also said that if you need any tips on procreating to ask him." I rolled my eyes giggling. Sasuke grabbed onto my wrist and lifted me out of my chair. He kissed my neck and whispered
"I think we could do more than twins, don't you, Sakura?" his hot breath against my ear immediately put me into a position of submission. I was blushing furiously, I felt like words were trying to come out but kept getting jumbled.
"I, uhm, if you want to, Sasuke-kun, we can try." My cheeks were burning red, I knew the probability for twins were rare, much less 3 or more. If it happened, I'm pretty sure I would split in half. Oh god, this man is going to kill me!
"I think we can get at least 4 in one shot." Dear god. He's serious. I kissed him gently and started leading him back to our bedroom.
"I'll be happy with whatever we are given, whether it be 1 or 4 or whatever Kami blesses us with. But for now, I want to enjoy my fiancé" I push him onto the bed, crawled on top if him and we started shedding off any remaining clothes, flipping one another in bed, making love well throughout the night. We fell asleep in each others naked embrace.
It was early in the morning, 6am came far too early. I was exhausted still. As I started trying to fall back asleep, Sasuke awoke and started kissing my cheek, his hands traveling across my body. I giggled and kissed his lips sweetly.
"Good morning, Sasuke-kun. Sleep well?" he pulled me close and continued to kiss me passionately. I moaned gently but pulled away.
"Sorry Sasuke-kun, I have a few things to do today, but I promise later tonight we will have all the time together you could want." I winked, he smirked and still pulled me in for one last kiss.
"Where are you going?"
While getting myself dressed and ready, I went looking for my Jounin vest. It wont be long until I'll have to retire it. I sighed sadly.
"I need to talk to my team and let them know who will be replacing me." Sasuke nodded and laid back down.
"It's for the best Sakura. You will understand later. Be back by 7pm." I wasn't really convinced but I couldn't give up the only man I've ever loved who would love me. Who else would be willing to deal with a mess of emotions? Exactly. He made a sacrifice being with me and I have to make a sacrifice to show him how grateful I am.
"We are going to miss you, Sakura-sensei!" the blonde haired boy bellowed. It hurts so much to abandon them.
"I will miss you all very much. However, if you would still like some training here and there, let me know! I will be working at the hospital but I could never abandon my students like that. I love you all very much "
Jarusko the blonde haired boy laughed and gave me a hug. Then there was Hidaru, he was a silent guy, ashy brown hair, brown eyes. He simply just nodded in acceptance. Lastly there was Sarada. She had Brown hair and green eyes, much similar to my own. I knew she would be less than thrilled with my announcement, but her outburst had me ill prepared.
I saw her clenching her fists and gritting her teeth.
"You are a traitor." She managed to get out. I was definitely caught off guard.
"Sarada, I-" I reached out for her but she smacked my hand away, looking at me in disgust. I retracted my arm to my chest.
"Everyone always leaves me, why would you have been any different? I never should have had faith in you, sensei." She expressed mockingly.
"Sarada-chan, Sakura-sensei loves us very much. She doesn't want to leave us, she is requested to work for the hospital from now on." Jarusko tried to plead my case, her glares transferred to him.
"How do you know? She's a ninja, she could lie straight to your face and you would never know it; but I know. You can't lie to me sensei, if you want to just leave, then just… go!"
She yelled in a fury and ran away. My heart was breaking. I never wanted to hurt anyone, I loved my students. Sarada, however, had a special place in my heart. She reminded me of myself, always trying to prove myself and be better. I had to talk to her. One on one.
"Jarusko, Hidaru. I am going to talk to Sarada. But for your knowledge, I have scheduled our last mission together in three days. Be ready at 6am at the gate." I gave them all a hug and then proceeded onto ky search for Sarada.
It didn't take long to sense her trail all the way up to the Hokage mountain. She sat on Tsunade's spot with her knees up to her chest, her face down. I sat down beside her.
"Sarada, please talk to me." I asked in a gentle tone. I could hear her crying. I pulled her into my lapt and held her lovingly. I ran my fingers through her hair to calm her.
"Why does no one want me?" she managed to speak out.
"What do you mean, Sarada?"
She wiped her tears and pulled away.
"Why does no one want me, sensei? Every time someone new comes into my life, they leave just as quickly. Is there something wrong with me? My own father didn't even want me…"
I could relate, somewhat. Sasuke and Naruto leaving to train outside the village and then Kakashi returned to ANBU, leaving me the only active member of Team 7.
"The life of a shinobi is very hard and can be very lonely. Sometimes, loss is more common than gain, all we can do in this life is treasure those we hold close." I tried to explain, but it didn't seem to faze her any.
"Sarada, I understand how it feels to be left behind. It's painful, you always wonder if something you could have done would change things. It took me a while but I learned that other's decisions are not my own. I cannot change anyone who doesn't want to change, all I can do is better myself and hopefully, they will come back on their own."
"What if they never come back?" I looked at her sadly.
"We cannot control every aspect of our lives, including friends, or family. If they are gone forever, we have to move on without them. I don't want you to feel as though I am leaving you, I will always be here for you, if you want to talk or just as a shoulder to cry on. I won't exactly be your team leader anymore, but I will do anything I cam to help you grow to be whatever you want to be."
Her eyes lit up suddenly.
"Do you think I could become Hokage like Tsunade-hime?" I smiled and nodded, hugging her again. She finally hugged me back.
"I believe in your dreams, Sarada-chan."
"Thank you Sakura-sensei. I am sorry for yelling at you." I patted her back and smiled.
"It's okay, Sarada-chan. We should get back home. It's getting late. Would you like me to walk yo home?" she shook her head and started taking off.
"I'll be okay Sakura-sensei! Thank you for being there for me. I appreciate it. Ja ne!" She ran down the mountain quickly. I laughed to myself. She reminded me a lot of myself and even some of Naruto. I didn't even realize the time, it was twenty past seven. I was late. Sasuke is going to be so upset! I quickly made my way back home.
I walked through the door to see candles everywhere lit and leading up to the bedroom. I blushed thinking about how romantic Sasuke was being, he loves me. He really does. I made my way up to the bedroom to see even more candles lit and cherry blossom petals arranged in a heart on our bed, surrounding a letter. It read
Be the mother of my children. Tonight.
I felt Sasuke sneak up from behind me, his arms surrounding my body, hands exploring up my shirt and his lips against my neck. I moaned softly. I turned around, face to face with my lover, shirtless and ready to make me his once again. I kissed him passionately and pulled him onto our bed, with him on top of me.
"I love you Sasuke-kun. I would be more than honored to be the mother of your children." He smirked as he kissed and undressed me.
An hour later, we were covered in each other's sweat. Sasuke held me closely in his arms, my head resting on his chest. I lifted to give him a gentle kiss on the lips.
"I love you Sasuke-kun." He kissed me back.
"I love you too, Sakura." I giggled as he started kissing my neck again, definitely wanting to have another round when all of a sudden I heard banging at our door. I tried to look up, but Sasuke pulled my attention back.
"Ignore it. You are all mine tonight." I closed my eyes and continued kissing him until I heard a scream of sheer terror. The voice seemed familiar.
"Sakura-sensei!" I couldn't ignore it any longer, Sarada was calling for me. I had to see what was wrong. I got out of the bed and put on my robe. Sasuke glared at me slightly.
"Who is it, Sakura?" he questioned.
"My student. She needs me right now. I will be right back, I promise." He growled and rolled over on his side to go use the restroom. I rushed to the door to find my student covered in blood. I was not expecting to see this.
"Sarada-chan, what happened?" she was sobbing uncontrollably, paralyzed with fear. I pulled her into the house, I checked to see any open wounds but there were none. I gently cleaned her up with a wet towel. She just couldn't calm down. I held her in my arms tightly, patting her back letting her know it was going to be okay. I am here for her, I will never abandon her. I made a promise.
She eventually calmed down enough to tell me what happened.
"Sarada, whatever it is, you can tell me. I will be here for you no matter what. I promise you." She sniffled and took a deep breath.
"M-my mother…" she trailed. "she killed herself. She's gone. She left me to find her dead! Why did she leave me too?" her sobs returned. I was dumbfounded, for lack of a better word. Immediately sympathetic for her pain, I continued to hold her tightly. I took a breath. I knew what needed to be done. I picked up Sarada and laid her on the couch. I saw a crinkled piece of paper in her pocket.
"Sarada, what is that in your pocket?" she handed it to me. There were traces of blood and water on the note.
Sarada, I am sorry to leave you. Remember that you are loved and you will reach your dreams. I will be looking after you from above. Please don't do anything stupid. I love you so much. I wish there was another way, but you must move past your pain to strive for more than I could have ever provided you.
"Sarada… did you see your mother?" she painfully nodded.
"Tell me what you saw. I know this isn't easy, but do your best." Her teeth clenched, she swallowed a sob.
"S-she was in the bathroom. In the bathtub, there was blood everywhere. So much blood! I tried to wake her up but she was gone! So much blood…" she was repeating herself, I cannot imagine the trauma she must have endured. I wish Sasuke could offer her guidance, but he didn't even handle his own tragedy without nearly destroying himself.
I took a gentle sign and I started writing a message to Neji. He was an ANBU captain, but he would also double as cleanup crew for murders and assassinations. I briefly stated the situation and sent the message. He immediately wrote back confirming that he will be addressing the case.
"Sarada, would you like to take a shower? I have some old clothes you can change into afterwards." I offered. She hesitated for a moment but nodded her head. I smiled lightly and showed her the way to the bathroom in the hallway.
"Here are some of my old clothes from when I was your age. If you need anything, let me know, okay?" again she agreed. She went inside the bathroom and started the shower and closed the door, locking it from the inside.
"I will be checking in with you every few minutes Sarada. I just want to make sure you're okay."
"Okay, Sakura-sensei. Thank you…. For being here for me…"
Her shower didn't last long, I showed her to a guest bedroom beside mine. She laid down on the bed and almost immediately fell asleep. She must have been physically and mentally exhausted. I was startled by a message from Neji. I wonder why he would be messaging me again, unless…
Sakura. Your presence is needed at the scene. This is not a suicide. Come at once."
I was taken back at the urgency of his response. I went to my bedroom, Sasuke was reading.
"I was wondering when you would be back." He said frustrated. He's going to be even more annoyed now. Ugh. Troublesome. Damn Shikamaru's influence.
"Sasuke, my student is in the guest room. Her mother just died and Neji has requested me at the scene. I will be right back." I put on my jounin outfit in a hurry.
"Whatever." Was all he said. I sighed and made my way over to Sarada's home. I saw Neji, along with Tenten and Rock Lee. This must have been serious for all three of them to be present.
"Sorry, I got here as quickly as I could."
"Sakura, you need to see this for yourself. This is most definitely not a suicide." I made my way into the home, it was relatively clean aside from the trail of blood leading to what seemed to be the bathroom.
I braced myself and opened the door. I wasn't ready for this. Just as Sarada had exclaimed, there was blood everywhere. Her mother's body was in the tub, her throat cut from ear to ear, she had also been disemboweled, her internal organs exposed and scattered within the tub. I willed myself not to vomit, it was gruesome, so brutal, who would do this to a single mother, a civilian? It didn't make any sense.
I looked around the bathroom to search for any other clues. I happened to notice some silver hair strands by the window in the bathroom. Suspicious, I thought. I collected the strands carefully. I checked the rest of the home, nothing else seemed to be out of order but I will have to check back later. I walked out of the house, confronted by Neji's squad.
"I am not sure who did this, but I collected some evidence within the bathroom. I will do some testing tomorrow." Neji nodded. He commanded her team to start the cleanup process. He stopped me before heading in himself
"Whoever did this, wasn't from this village. It was an outsider. They could be very dangerous and I don't want you wrapped up in any mess." I smiled at Neji. He became so much more… kind? He was less of his broody teenage self, but he was still a force to be reckoned with. I bowed to him before making my way home.
Sarada was still asleep. Thankfully. Sasuke was sitting down on the couch, his arms crossed, nearly asleep. I closed the door and his gaze went straight to me.
"I am sorry Sasuke-kun, Sarada's mother was murdered. I… I had to collect evidence. It was brutal." He sighed and pulled me to the couch and kissed me. I felt tears swelling in my eyes, I explained what I saw to Sasuke. He remained unfazed but still held me against him.
"She's all alone, what can I do? She needs someone to help her through this." I said before a light went off in my brain. What if I…
"Sasuke-kun, I want to adopt Sarada." He looked at me and shook his head.
"No."
"Why not? She needs a mom and a dad, she can even have your name and we can have children and she can help out, and-" he cut me off shortly. I felt even more tears falling
"We do not need this for our family. The amount of baggage she could bring-" this time I cut him off. My tears were now of anger. How dare he talk about baggage?
"Are you serious, Sasuke? You're one to talk about baggage, when you carried yours for over 3 years!" a burning sensation came across my cheek, I winced in pain before looking up at the man I love. He, he slapped me?
He looked at me and then at his open hand, his face distorted into regret and fear. He pulled me in for a hug, I just stared blankly on. I noticed Sarada's face creep but she walked away quickly back into the guest room.
"I am so sorry, Sakura. Please forgive me, I love you. I promise this will never happen again. I am so sorry." He kept apologizing to me over and over again. I had so many thoughts going on in my head, it wasn't long until my inner made her grand reappearance.
"What are you doing, you moron? Run! Take Sarada and run as far away as you can. This is not the man you love!" she tried to warn me. It was just an accident. That's it. It's okay, he was just angry, I did cross a line bringing up his defection. I've been hit worse. He didn't mean to.
"Please Sakura, don't leave me. I love you so much, I promise I will never do this again, I was angry, I'm sorry, Sarada can stay, please don't leave." He begged. He was sorry. I know he was, he never begs for anything. It was just an accident.
"Do you love me Sasuke-kun? Promise… you'll never do this again. Please." He kissed me and held me tightly.
"I promise."
I hope this was a good starting point. As I previously stated, this story will hit close to home to some, including myself. I tried to make this seem realistic and drew from my own life experiences. Feel free to review and/or message me with questions or comments. I'll answer anonymous reviews in the next chapter. Thank you all for your patience and I hope you will enjoy this newly rewritten TBCB! See ya!
Miyaka Hana