Title: My Lovely Person
Author: Katarin Kishika
Characters/Pairing: Haruno Sakura X Uzumaki Naruto
Type: Continuous (Incomplete)
Genre: Romance
Disclaimer: If you recognize it, it's not mine.
Dedicated to: ReallyManlyPimps, Melyss, Roku-and-Saku, hatakevan, NarutoLuver896, dbzgtfan2004, xXSakura-Hime-SamaXx… YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!
READ ME: Oh, right, THIS IS AU!
O_O_O
"Yo." – Talking
'Yo.' – Thoughts
O_O_O
Chapter 2:
A New Heart, Waking Up
O_O_O
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I hope not to burden you, really, it's true
Staying by my side, I wish not to cage you
But my lovely person, I hope you comprehend
Time is of the essence, I have not much of it nevertheless
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She had never really thought that the second and third time she'll see him was of this way. Given the chance and of the choice, she would have loved to have their meeting not here on the hospital like the first but outside. In a world where she's healthy and him smiling. Now though, as she sees him lying on the bed, she's more than grateful that her first friend is alive and breathing.
'Beep.' 'Beep.' 'Beep.' 'Beep.'
Sakura returned the clip board right back to its place at the end of the bed. She watched from the foot of the bed as Naruto continuously inhale and exhale precious air with the help of the ventilator. 'Naruto' Sakura idly thought the name of the boy she had almost forgotten, a distant memory. Sakura walked back to his side to peer at his face.
'He looked so battered.' Sakura supposed. His face was covered with cuts, a busted lip, and a shallow scrape at the left side of his cheeks marring his youthful face. That boy was so different from years before now. 'He grew, of course he grew up.' Sakura scoffed at her moment of foolhardiness. His face, different yet not at the same time, lost its baby fats. She gently traced his whiskered like marks absent-mindedly and wished she could see his eyes too. Too far from reality, Sakura recalled everything as much as she could.
Naruto was the first boy her age she had befriended with. Of course, there are others she befriended throughout the years. But he was the first to look at her straight in the eyes without it laced with pity. Pity that she does not need nor want even now. His gaze was only full of childish curiosity. And Sakura was eternally thankful of that.
When he promised he will come back to visit her, Sakura believed every word he said. She waited, and waited and waited still for the boy who made a lasting impression on her (Who wouldn't if you find him sneaking around the hospital?). But days passed, days turned to weeks and then months and woefully turned to years. Sakura became a bit depressed that time. She felt that she lost a friend even if their encounter was brief.
When she was younger, she threw quite a fit because of what she felt of his broken promise. She almost upset herself over it giving Shizune-nee a hard time. It only took one scowl and a lecture from Tsunade. "Stop being hard Sakura. Just forget about him." She remembered Tsunade saying. "He will come back with time. But for now, don't cause unnecessary worry to the people whose here with you and make friends with someone else. The world is full of people. Although your experience will be limited while here in the hospital, I hope it wouldn't stop you from trying again. Not all people will leave you alone." Sakura remembered Tsunade's gentle smile after saying it. Her aunt always knew how to calm her.
After that, everything seems to move forward. Step by step, little by little, she started to open up to others and as time moves on, she realized that she's happy. Happy with her life, happy that she's living. And as time pass by, that boy who was sneaking around, her first friend, became buried in her memories and was soon forgotten.
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…
She's still staring at his unmoving body, silently cheering on every breath he took, every sign he's still here and alive because it's a symbol of a chance to reconnect, to make amends to the years they were apart. She was so focused on him that she didn't hear the door opened and a nurse come in.
"Haruno-san, what are you doing here?" Otoha said after gasping lightly. She was doing her rounds and was definitely surprised to see the young Haruno in a room so far from her own.
Sakura whirled around to face the kind nurse. She pinked a bit and her heartbeat fastened a little. She waited for a few moments to calm it down before answering her question. "O-Otoha-san, I'm so sorry. It's just that… uhm…" Sakura stammered and racked her brain to find a suitable answer on why she's here and why she's not asleep on her own room. She didn't want to explain her friendship with Naruto, she knows it's irrelevant on this situation.
Realizing she might have upset her patient and stressed Sakura out, Otoha offered an apology, "I'm sorry if I surprised you, dear" She said with a smile. "But Tsunade-sama and Shizune-san are looking everywhere for you. Almost turning the hospital upside down, I tell you." She said while shaking her head. "I thought they finally found you, now I can see that they have not." She remarked wryly.
Sakura gulped. One of the things that could make her palm sweat and tremble in nervousness was Tsunade and Shizune's combined nagging. 'Ooooh, she's definitely going to get one now.' Sakura sighed, "Otoha-san… a-are they angry?"
Otoha gave a sympathetic smile, "I think that they're not. It seems like there's important news they wanted to tell you as much as possible," Otoha gestured for Sakura to come with her outside of the room.
Sakura hesitated for a little and turned her head to look back at the sleeping Naruto. She only started walking when Otoha said that "He's not going anywhere, dear. You'll have time to see him soon." She smiled at her and followed her back towards her room, the farthest one on the east wing of the hospital.
…
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When she opened the door to her room, she was greeted with the sight of a very ticked off Tsunade and a pacing Shizune. When the door opened, Shizune stopped her pacing, Tsunade sighed and Sakura gulped.
She courageously took a step forward and turned her head back to give Otoha-san a weak smile. The nurse gave her an encouraging one. Finally mustering enough courage, Sakura squared her shoulders and took the remaining steps. She sat down on her bed and looked at the two women who watched and took care of her for the better part of her life. Feeling guilty for making them worry, Sakura groaned, "I'm really, really sorry. I couldn't sleep so I just took a walk out." She fumbled with her fingers and looked at them behind her lashes. "So… Otoha-san said you wanted to say something. Uhm, what was it?"
At this, Tsunade let out a small smile. It was full of hope and happiness directed to her, "We found a compatible heart, Sakura."
Her eyes widen, tears started to leak out and she let out a wide grin. She's going to have a new heart. She's going to live longer. She's going to have a chance at life. Sakura cried harder at that.
She had undergone an eight hour surgery under the best surgeons Konoha hospital could offer. Her parents, who were in Kusa that time, were already notified of the progress. They promised that they will come back home after their business in Kusa. Her aunt Tsunade had explained what will and may happen.
Tsunade would have lead the team of surgeons operating on her but decided against it for her emotions might hinder during the process. Sakura understood that and smiled at her saying "I understand you know." Sakura smiled, "I know you would have wanted to be there. But, I wouldn't want to burden you with stress… and if anything bad happens…" Sakura frowned, realizing it was still a possibility.
Tsunade scoffed at that, "Nonsense, I trained them myself." She reached for Sakura's hand and held it for both of their comfort.
A little bit relieved and doubt vanished; Sakura smiled and said, "Of course. Then give your trust on them. I think it will raise their morals." Sakura said dryly.
"Yeah, yeah." Tsunade said trying to lift the mood. "Now, go in there and get back here healthy. After you heal, I will have the chance to spoil you rotten," Tsunade smiled evilly, eyes glinting with mischief. Sakura groaned.
At exactly two o'clock in the morning, Sakura entered the operating room. The blearing red light of the sign never turned off until eight hours later.
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Sakura woke up a lot later though. Six days to be exact.
She woke up to the sound of machines, a ventilator to help her breathe, the sterile smell that she had known ever since she was little and the loud beat of her heart. Her new heart. Sakura slowly opened her eyes and was greeted of the bland white ceiling of her room. She slowly sat up and tried to block the rays of light slipping in from the slightly opened curtain.
'Thump.' 'Thump.' 'Thump.' 'Thump.'
She could hear its thumps; feel it beat beneath the bandages and the material of her hospital gown. She beamed. A new heart. The meaning starting to sink in on Sakura's mind. She has a new start; finally get out of this hospital she called home for the past few years. Finally enjoy the outside world without fear of every little thing that could upset her heart and her fragile health.
Oh, she knows her health is fragile still. She knew that, but this heart means her life was lengthened. It means no immediate fear of what tomorrow will bring, that tomorrow might not be her last from now on.
A drop of tear fell. Relieved and tears of joy, she thinks. She wiped it away though; thinking that she should start her new life with a smile.
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It was a few hours later when Shizune-nee entered the room. Smiling at Sakura, whose ventilator already removed, Shizune made her way towards her with her medicine in tow. The kind nurse gently brushed a few stray hairs away from Sakura's face.
Everyone in the hospital was very happy for Sakura. God knows that child needs his blessing. She had been here, caged within the hospital walls ever since she was small. Shizune knows Sakura hated pity as much as her illness so instead of giving it to her, Shizune remained by her side and supported the young girl in every way she can. She may never understand what she's going through but knowing that you're not alone will make a lot of difference.
A look of contemplation passed Sakura's face. It never occurred to her to ask if Naruto is okay now when she woke up. Now though, she really wanted to know if he is. She turned from watching the falling leaves of the autumn season to ask Shizune-nee. "Shizune-nee… that boy in room 305, is he… is he okay now?" She asked while fumbling with the ends of her robe, her heart thudding within its cage.
Shizune's face scrunched and she paused to give the question a thought. "Oh, the boy on the motorcycle incident?" Sakura nodded vigorously. It seems like Shizune couldn't remember him.
Shizune released a sad breath. Sakura's breathe hitched, worry eating its way inside out, her heart thudding more loudly as she waited on what will Shizune say. "That boy hasn't woken up yet. It seems like he's in a coma because of head trauma. I remember her mother crying when Tsunade-sama delivered the news." She continued not noticing Sakura's gradually paling face. "But, his condition's improving though. Tsunade-sama said that he will wake up soon given if his condition improves."
Sakura breathe a pleased exhale. If her aunt said there's still hope that he will wake up, then he will. She decided she will visit him later on when she's okay now herself. She only has a week left before she leaves the hospital and stay with her Aunt. Taking immunosuppressive drugs while in a hospital is a bad combination. She may get contracted with diseases and her aunt is taking every precautionary measure seriously.
"Now come on young missy, it's time for your medication. We've got to build up your strength." Shizune beamed excitedly.
Sakura chuckled and smiled, "Yes ma'am." And then another thought entered her mind, "Ne, Shizune-nee, who owns this new heart of mine?" She really wanted to know so she could thank the family properly.
Shizune raised her brow, clearly not expecting that. The name of the donor was not always given to the recipient and vice versa, but since this was Sakura and she was bound to ask Tsunade about it, Shizune just shrugged and gave her the name "Oh, it's from a Hyuuga. Hyuuga Hinata, if I remembered correctly."
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Two weeks later, Sakura had finally settled in on Tsunade's apartment just two blocks away from the hospital. She asked Tsunade if she could visit the still comatose Naruto. Tsunade gave her a curious glance but said yes ("Only for a few minutes, young woman"). Tsunade said she could visit him after her own checkups. Basically, she could visit him once a week or once every two weeks. Even if it was only for a few minutes, Sakura was thrilled to see him.
He looks much better now (based from what Shizune told her), she always prays for his health and for him to wake up. Shizune had to interrogate her though because of her sudden interest to the boy in room 305. Sakura was very thankful she remained unscathed from the experience, mostly from the teasing ('Ooooh, seems like little Sakura has her first crush~ Wait till Tsunade-sama hears this!' 'Seriously Shizune-nee, he's just a childhood friend!')
Wednesday morning came, her first checkup went well. Making her way to room 305, she opened the door to his room to find it empty aside from Naruto. Perplexed because she's expecting his mother to be there, Sakura entered the room. She sat on the chair near his bed and looked at his face. The busted lip and a shallow scrape at the left side of his cheeks gone but the casts and the bandages on the head and his torso still remains. He's still using the ventilator but Shizune said they might remove them any days from now.
She reached out to lay her hand on his right cheek, feeling its warmth. It was still comforting to know that he's here and still hanging on. She traced his marks still wondering what they really are, birthmarks or not? She really can't decide. Sakura was holding his hand not encased with cast when the door opened and a beautiful red haired woman holding a vase with flowers entered the room.
The woman gasped a little, not expecting someone to be here. That girl looks familiar. But for the life of Kushina she couldn't remember where.
Sakura turned around releasing Naruto's hand. The girl blushed at being caught and tried explaining why she was here "I-I'm sorry. I'm just here to visit. Uhm…" The older woman gave her a small smile, gesturing she doesn't have to leave if she doesn't want to. One could see the trace of exhaustion from her face but Sakura could see the friendliness emitting from the woman.
Kushina placed the vase on a bedside table, "I'm Uzumaki Kushina, Naruto's mother. Are you a friend of his from school? I couldn't remember you with him though?" Kushina said, trying to start a light conversation.
Sakura shuffled on her feet, shyly looking at the beautiful red head. "You could say I'm his friend. Although, it's been years since then. Uhm… actually we met here in the hospital when we were children. I vaguely remember meeting you and your husband too."
It was then that Kushina snapped her fingers, eyes wide and staring at Sakura like she solved a puzzle. "I knew you looked familiar!" She then gave her a broad ear splitting smile "You're that kid who stays here on the hospital. We're really sorry that we couldn't visit you." Kushina frowned remembering it. "We moved out of the city for a few years. Naruto whined and whined to us for months about promising to visit you. We're very busy though." She gave Sakura an apologetic smile.
Sakura shook her head, "It's alright, Kushina-san. I'm okay now however. I just recently underwent a heart transplant." Kushina's worried glance made Sakura speedup her explanation "I'm fine really! I'm just here for a follow up." Sakura smiled at the woman's kindness. "I just didn't expect to have our next meeting like this though. I hope he wakes up soon."
Kushina smiled at the young woman. "Yeah, I hope so too."
…
…
Every Wednesday since then, Sakura would help Kushina on watching over Naruto. Sometimes the older woman will nap while she's there, giving herself an hour to catch up sleep. Often times though, the energetic woman will chat with Sakura. The topic was always about Naruto. For Sakura it was like knowing the boy in depth. She knows it was much better to know him in person and she hopes that he wakes up so she could have a chance to reconnect to him.
It was like a normal Wednesday that day. Sakura was reading a book beside Naruto (sometimes reading the poems out loud hoping he could hear it) while waiting for Kushina. Kushina was outside, refilling the vase with water and replacing the flowers.
It started with a twitch of fingers which she thought as nothing of. And then the beeping of the machine increased that it alarmed Sakura. She looked at Naruto's face, brows scrunched and his eyes fluttered open. He looked disoriented, eyes seeing yet unseeing and unfocused.
Sakura didn't know what to do; she was shocked that he will wake up at such time. Heck, She hasn't even called a nurse! She was getting up to call one and hopefully find Kushina when his eyes found hers. He stared at her, clearly uncomprehending on who she is and what she's doing there, her breath hitched.
Very softly, weakly with voice hoarse from not being used for a long time, Naruto asked "Who are you?"
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つづく
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AN: Ugh… I hate this chap. I dunno why though. Clearly it's not my best. I got stumped from writing a new one-shot and editing "I'm Sorry", you see. And it sorta affected my writing on this one. I got frustrated that I just typed it all. Haha. The One-shots won't be out for a little while though. There's something wrong with those two that I have yet to figure out.
Anyway, I LOVE YOU ALL PEOPLE! I can't thank you enough for reading this fic. Seriously, you guys are the best.
Questions you might ask:
The operation: I'm sorry if I didn't go into detail of operation but as much as possible I tried to stick with the norm. Heart transplants are done as much as possible. Some procedures even have the heart still beating blood instead of cooling (Living Organ Transplant) before transferring to the new donor; hence, I made it almost the same day since the accident. The operation usually takes about 4-12 hours. Immunosuppressant is given to prevent rejection but at the same time it weakens the immune system so it was advised that the patient should leave the hospital one to two weeks after the surgery. And then the patient will have checkups every one or two weeks for two months and if everything goes well, after six months the visits will cut back to one- or two-month intervals. After a year, these visits may be cut back to three- to six-month intervals. Oh, and a new heart beats around 50-110 or 100 per minute or something.
Otoha: If you know where she came from, I'll dedicate the next chapter especially for you, mwahahahaha!
Sakura's new heart: Yes, it's from Hinata. And that's where the fun starts.
Sakura and Kushina: Yeah, they're like friends now. Kushina feels like they should catch up and very grateful of Sakura's company. I imagine her as a people person so being alone makes her antsy.
Naruto's coma: Blame head injury. He's awake now though and again, this will where the fun starts.
On a side note, have you heard of the petition made because of FF dot net's purging of stories? I know it's irrelevant with this fic, but I just couldn't help it. I'm torn with the issue. As an author and avid reader and reviewer, I fell in love with a lot of fics which are removed from the site. Yes, they may have detailed lemon and violence and have broken rules set up by ff dot net, but I really hope they will give the author a chance to retrieve their stories. Some stories don't even have backups anymore. It would probably be good to give them a time interval between the email they give and deleting it completely. I had one story removed from using song lyrics, and sure, I'm guilty of it (hehe). Thank god, I have back up. But it's sad to think that the fics I grew up with are gone now.
Sorry for the rant. Lol.
Thank you for adding this fic in your favorites and story alerts.
Any idea what will happen next? Hehe. Give me your guess! I would LOVE to hear, erm, read it!
I would love to hear from you and again THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOUR TIME TO READ THIS and PLEASE READ AND REVIEW and NO FLAMES please.
AN 2: A shout out to the first 2 reviewers of this chap: THANK YOU VERY MUCH~
SHOUTxKarina: Yes, hopefully it will get crazier.
NarutoLuver896: Oh god NO! Naruto doesn't have amnesia... I didn't even thought of that. It'll be a good part of another story though *scribble*scribble* BUT this fic already has a definite plot. WORRY NOT, instead of amnesia Naruto will have - okay, that's for the next chap. Tee hee.
~Katarin Kishika
