Burnt Candles 2

Ooooo

They've been at it for three hours now. Though she wouldn't back down, she'd say her two cents before letting anyone lay a claim on her.

'I'm going to ask you one more time of the accounts of that day, if you feel at any moment you are unable to continue, we can continue another time.' Her interrogator looked her straight in the eye.

She let out a shaky breath, 'You know how much trauma I've been through because of this, recalling it is like picking at fresh stiches'

'I apologize, but I'm only here to try to justify your actions and what your final judgement will be.'

'All is due in good time' she supplied sarcastically

'Trust me I know no such thing.' Her interrogator replied in a similar fashion

They both sighed; Sakura quipped herself and took a moment to stare at the ceiling, collecting herself. 'So' she sighed

'So' her interagator replied

The memories poured out her mouth, painting the scene once again to her interrogator, 'My squad was finishing up a case that proved to give leads on the leader of X'

She stopped, wincing as to what was to come, 'Lieutenant Haruno if you can't continue by all means – we are human at the very least.' He gestured

She gave him a sad smile, 'No I shall continue, you still think I deserve that title?'

'We are here to prove your innocence aren't we?' The interrogator queried

She looked at him, 'We were preparing to leave the temporary base when it happened. Five or six individuals, in dark uniform, the only distinguishing mark on them were red clouds tattooed on the inside of their arms.'

She looked at the condensation on the glass of water, 'They hacked away at my squad, I saw with my own eyes each one of them breathe their last breath. Death isn't a pretty thing. I lost it quite frankly, my mental state had gone into shock, and before I knew it I was on a rampage.'

She chuckled darkly, 'This isn't really my proudest moment, I just can't fathom what kind of whim that held me together at that moment. I killed every single one of them. It was a mission I assigned to myself- I couldn't let the mission be compromised. I couldn't let any of the information my squad died for be taken by the wrong hands'

The man placed his pen and paper on the table and leaned in closer with his arms crossed as if being told a tale rather than a reality, beckoning her to continue.

'What to this day haunts me is the fact that my team mates- my seniors- couldn't kill anyone of them or lay a single punch or bullet on these intruders, and I a mere junior killed them all as if it were nothing. I must sound ridiculous but I must not spare you all the details.'

He could only chuckle in response at her comment

'I sent for reinforcements – nobody came. We or at that moment I, was far up in the mountains, and there was a storm, of course nobody would come. Unless the mission was in immediate danger of course, which it wasn't as all the possible causes were 'intercepted''

'During that time I wrote a report. The next morning after the storm had passed, I transmitted it over the radio to home base, I also sent out a distress signal.'

At that moment she began to cry, the first time during the whole session, shedding her rock hard demener.

'I would never abandon the people I love or let them die in vain- my captain told me himself 'those who abandon their teammates are worse than scum''

The interrogator's eye opened in shock, recalling these words he too had once been told.

Then she looked straight into his eyes, he could only see pain and strife, 'Please understand I did not abandon them, I don't know what happened but I think it was from all the trauma of that previous night, I was afraid. Looking at the massacre I had done that night, I was afraid of what I'd be dubbed by my colleagues.'

She sniffed slightly, and he placed a tissue box in front of her, 'thank you' she mumbled

The interrogator said nothing only giving her a nod. He sat there placing the pieces together, her story was consistent- she obviously wasn't lying he concluded. Though as he tried to connect her retelling with the report of last year after her disappearance, he realised they didn't match. The report stated that during a mission that she had been taken hostage, her squad had located her captures and had them arrested but could not locate her. Her team that she was so sure of being dead was still very much alive. The report written by her team captain stated no reports of the said red cloud tattooed individuals. Though he knew Sakura hadn't made that up as a few months ago he encountered one himself. The individual was powerful; he had barely made it out alive in that mission.

He concluded something must have happened when she was taken hostage, she must have been put through so much trauma or tortured so much that she had started to hallucinate. But a hallucination this vivid was unprecedented-though there was a case that had a similar story. An elite agent had gone missing for three months, until he was found again, and his story didn't match up with his partner on that mission had written. That case was left open to question and never concluded.

His mind reeled trying to make this woman's declaration understandable-he believed her, if she had done something against their organisation ANBU she wouldn't have jumped out of that building she would have let herself lay amongst the rubble of that building. She was running away from being accused of something that had reportedly not happened. Something had happened to her after she got kidnapped. But what he was still unsure of.

He tossed in the idea that the possible cause could be linked to a rumour that had been filtrating around his missions of an individual that could manipulate a person's grasp on reality. This individual could basically rewrite an individual's memories masking the reality leaving them forever stuck in this land of falsehood, with no intention of letting them escape.

'You don't need to continue I know the rest.' He said in the empty silence

She let out a shaky breath.

'I believe you. But I need to tell you something and this is going to be hard – please understand I'm only here to help you not to diminish you, we ANBU have been under threat for the past few months, and we are trying to understand what we're up against'

She tried to steady her body; her physical pain seemed to amplify at that moment, recalling the burns that marred her back and legs and her mending ribs. She bit her tongue and nodded towards the man to continue.

'I'm not a man of words, I'm blunt. I think personally this is a blessing in disguise.'

They both looked into each other's eye's

'Lay it on me' she mumbled

A moment of silence passed, until the man sat up and spoke, 'Your team is not dead. You were reportedly kidnapped during a mission last year when you were stationed in Germany. You weren't found and dubbed KIA or MIA.'

He anticipated her reaction, but he couldn't steel himself enough to what she said, 'Why is it always me? Why is it always me that sounds like the moron?'

'I won't tell you to calm down'

She attempted to stand out of her wheel chair though her body beckoned against it. The man jumped up immediately trying to steady her, 'lieutenant please don't do this to yourself.'

She lost her balance and fell against his chest, and she sobbed, it was then the man realised how small and fragile this woman was, his eyes softened. He held her by the shoulders letting her weep, but he knew this wouldn't be the last time she wept.

'I don't think I can continue on.' She said truthfully after a while, her voice sounded dull.

He looked down on her head, and allowed the wave of nostalgia pass over him remembering many years ago of losing his own squad during a mission. Unfortunately it wasn't a hoax but reality.

'It's the worst feeling in the world hey?' He supplied knowingly

She could only cry harder

'My dear lieutenant', he looked down at her again, 'Look at this as a new beginning, it may be painful, but eventually it will get easier. What more motivation do you need to succeed?' And for that fleeting moment she ceased crying to listen to the words of this man, 'Hone this feeling, not the hatred nor the sadness, but the will of realisation. The realisation of this phenomena that has happened to you and try to empower yourself to stop it from ever happening again to anyone you love, let this motivate you. You have the ability to end this, and life has given you the chance to start again without the compromise of your teammates.'

She held on to his arms trying to steady herself as she lowered herself into the wheel chair, he assisted her. Taking her in, red eyes and wet face, but underneath he could see determination.

'Mourning for a death is hard, but to mourn again for the same person is the worst.'

Silent tears fell down her face, 'What makes you so sure I haven't gone mentally insane and made up this whole story.' He could see that she was trying to discourage herself, as if it would ease her.

And he walked to the back of her wheelchair and released the brakes. He smiled as he pushed her out of the interrogation room, 'Because an old friend of mine taught me to look underneath the underneath.'

She smiled sadly to herself. Her body exhausted from all the physical and mental stress she had been put through, 'Thank you, sir.'

The man chuckled, 'Just call me Kakashi.'

He awaited her response as he wheeled her down the corridor towards her room, though realised that she had dozed off as quiet snores echoed through the hall.

This generation of agents were going to be something else.

Oooooooooooooo

Shikamaru was a very intelligent man. He could easily find a better solution or better method to execute a mission. He was the head strategian at ANBU and was the personal console of the president of ANBU. His greatest compromise though was his lack of interest. He was well renowned in the force as the 'Lazy Genius'. Though as he stood there at this moment trying to relief his friend of her despair he was left dumbstruck of what his 'plan of attack' would be. They just stood there in the corridor, he stood still looking at the ceiling above and she clinging to his uniform.

They both had been through hell and back together, loved and lost at the same instances. He remembered the day when both their fathers had died during a mission, he could remember the long days they spent together crying and comforting in silence, but the silence of one another comforted their gaping voids in their heart. They learned to adapt and make more space for one another in each other's souls. They started to work together on missions more often, whenever the other needed a hand the other would be within reach. Though they may not have outwardly said it, they truly loved each other, but each was afraid the other didn't feel the same. So they were in this neutral phase, they were more than friends and but a little short of lovers.

'Ino' his voice echoed in the corridor

It was only then when her body convulsed this sobs did he wrap his arms around her, and laid his chin on the top of her head. He didn't need to be told what the cause of her distain was; the source had been enrooted a year ago. Her comrade, her best friend since they were children had gone missing. This best friend was Ino's rock; she pulled her through thick and thin. They both had been on the same squad for most of their career in ANBU. Ino had gone through the whole mourning process with Shikamaru by her side. And now suddenly the friend she had truly thought that had left the world the year before was found alive.

To someone else, Ino's distress maybe questionable- why should she be crying when her friend is alive, shouldn't she be happy? Though Ino was stuck in revelling the old feeling of mourning her friend's loss, as if she had just passed away again, her friend was alive, they were in the same building, her emotions could not settle. She was also taking into account how Sakura was feeling- and questioning whether or not that this Sakura here at this time was the same as that Sakura that she knew so long ago.

She looked up at Shikamaru, who in turn gave her a soft smile, 'Do you want to go see her?'

She blinked back the tears, Shikamaru pulled out a tissue from his back pocket allowing her to wipe away at her damp cheeks. She sniffled and looked at him red eyed with a wobbly smile, 'I look like a hot mess don't I?'

He let out a chuckle, and placed his hand over her head, his other in his pocket, 'I don't know about the mess part.' He replied cheekily cocking his head slightly.

She blushed and laughed heartily, 'You've been hanging around Kiba and Suigetsu a little too much', sniffing slightly.

He took her in, this was the Ino he loved, and even in the incandescent lighting of the corridor her platinum blond hair radiated warmth. Her eyes were the same colour of the Konoha sky he spend days staring at when he should have been filing reports. Her skin was the colour of churned cream, and her smile like a waxing crescent. Her very being embodied happiness in this dreary place, she was his light.

They just stood there for a moment looking at each other, he wondered what she saw in him, was he enough for her? She broke the silence stepping back slightly, 'I'm going to check up on her. I think…' She took in a shaky breath, he stood still paying attention to her.

'I think it's the best thing I can do for her and myself.' She nodded to herself as if to reassure herself.

He could tell she was holding back another torrent of tears, and he had to commend her for her strength in such a moment.

'I've got a meeting with the other captains and some other members regarding her in a few minutes.' He replied levelly

She looked at him with worry, he placed his hand on his shoulder, 'and I'll do everything I can to make sure everything goes smoothly for her.'

'Thank you' she replied quietly

He nodded at her response and they both went their separate ways down the corridor. As he walked down the opposite direction he looked back at her form and quietly said to himself, 'Stay strong'. As if she had heard him she turned her head at that instant and they both caught each other's eyes. She smiled back at him and waved as she entered through the medical ward doors. He sighed to himself and smiled, 'What a troublesome women'

Oooooo

Sasuke's pace hastened as he rounded the east wing of the medical ward. His mind was screaming for visual proof that she pulled through, not just some word of mouth. He did not know when this girl starting having a purpose and significance in his life, but in that moment he realised after the months of seeing her every day; her presence was what eased him. After every stressful mission he'd go and give her a visit – it became a ritual.

The nostalgic feeling of being in her empty living room save for the roaring and crackling fire place and a bare mattress on the oak floor, donned in white quilts and pillows. The books were in stacks near the bed, and his favourite feature of the room the large sliding window that seemed to bask the room in moonlight.

When she opened the front door it always seemed like she was expecting his company, 'I'll get the kettle running' and she'd leave the door open and run to the kitchen to put the kettle on the stove. He didn't know or couldn't remember when this sort of thing became 'normal' for them, it just did.

He had his own mug there, 'I bought it at the farmer's market'. His was simple and white save for the words 'Merde' written in black.

'It means shit in French'

'And why do you think this suited me more?'

'Because if someone were to look at your face its seems like you were having a 'shit' moment'

'Ah I see'

And he continued to sip on his tea.

It was funny how sometimes they would just sit there staring outside that window sitting on the bed and not speak a word. When he thought it was time to leave he'd excuse himself, 'It was great having you over' she'd say cheerily

Even though they may have sat in silence – he felt that in all honesty it was a great experience; her very presence was all that he needed. It was almost therapeutic unwinding him from the daily grind at the base.

One night he came over and she nearly burnt herself. She was very clumsy person he noted. She easily got side tracked and as she was bringing their mugs to the living area she banged into the wall. He nearly went awol on her, her glass had broken into pieces and the contents had spilled all over her stomach and thighs, the cotton of her pyjamas clinging to her body.

'Merde' she hissed

'Merde indeed' he quipped as he tried to help her, she immediately stood up, 'I'm going to go wash up, I don't think I burnt myself too bad.'

He looked at her with concern, to ease his mind she made him busy, 'If you don't mind can you clean up the mess, the dust pan is under the sink along with the towels.'

He moved automatically without another word. When had finished he picked up his mug and began to brew another cup of tea. When it was done he made his way towards the living room and sat down quietly, listening to the rushing water in the bathroom across the room.

Within moments she finished her shower and opened the door vacating all the steam that was in the bathroom. She moved across the room and sat next to him, her smell intoxicating him. She seemed unfazed. They sat there staring at whatever caught there attention and she proceeded to break that silence, 'Since I've moved here, I've been at peace. It's such a foreign feeling for me, but I feel like after achieving this feeling I'd never want to change my life just a bit.'

'Hn'

She looked at him and smiled, and she looked forward again.

He gave her his mug of tea, 'Drink'

She froze looking at him, her blush hidden in the darkness

'Don't tell me you're afraid of cooties?' He supplied sarcastically

And so she grabbed the mug harshly out of his grasp and drank, he could only smirk at her antics.

He wished he could stay in that moment forever, but the clock struck twelve and he hastened to leave, and bid her ado.

When he left, her head slumped on the mattress, sprawling her limbs. She looked at the ceiling and touched her lips; they were still warm from the tea.

He covered his face as he sat in his car, his neck burning scarlet. Ah young love

'Merde' they both whispered to the night.

Oooo

He finally made it to the 200 wing, and started counting down the doors to room 213. His attention trailing away as he saw two unforgettable morons attacking if not assaulting the vending machine between rooms 205 and 206.

'You're supposed to put money into it and then you'll get what you wanted.' Sasuke spoke

The two figures cringed and looked at Sasuke, both giving him trademark toothy grins.

'Well well if it isn't the Uchiha'

'We've been expecting you'

Sasuke cocked his brow at them

'You're so bloody slow, Suigetsu here got thirsty so we thought we'd get something from the vending machine'

'That machine is rigged, you pay and you get nothing.' Suigetsu sighed

Both grumbling

Sasuke sighed at their idiocracy, 'You do know that there is a water fountain just around the corner?'

The other man, Kiba flushed in embarrassment, Suigetsu face palmed himself.

'Great now we've just gave the Uchiha something else to laugh at' Suigetsu grumbled.

Suigetsu walked away from the scene, and rounded the corner to get his much needed drink.

'I swear he drinks the whole of Konoha River everyday' Kiba baffled

Sasuke rolled his eyes and turned to continue down the hall, but he was stopped by a firm hand on his shoulder, he turned around furiously to meet a grinning Kiba, 'No can do lover boy, we got strict orders that you have to attend the meeting with all the captains and standing generals.'

'So this is what this is all about?' Sasuke grit through his teeth

'It would be best if you cooperated with us' Suigetsu said as he returned, wiping away at the water at the corner of his mouth.

'Get your hand of me you mutt, I've been locked up for three days and quite frankly I can't deal with your crap right now'

The word 'mutt' triggered a flare of anger in Kiba. Sasuke was pushed against the wall, 'Say it again, I dare you' he spat in Sasuke's face

Sasuke smirked darkly at him, 'mutt'

'Why you little piece of shi-'

Both yelped in pain as they felt someone pull at their ears, 'To think you are grown men' the voice tsked

Suigetsu was the first to identify the person, 'Captain Kakashi' he saluted

'Please drop the formalities those days are long gone' He sighed scratching at his chalk hair.

Both Kiba and Sasuke eyed Kakashi hotly as they gripped their ears in pain.

'Sasuke are you joining us at the meeting today?' Kakashi queried

'Hn.' Sasuke began to walk past Kakashi, 'Wrong answer, you don't have a choice, unless you want both your ears yanked off.' He looked to Kiba and Suigetsu, 'You two go on ahead we'll meet up with you at the conference room'

Kiba and Suigetsu saluted Kakashi and began their way down the hallway.

Kakashi pulled Sasuke by the collar of his uniform, close enough for him to whisper in his ear, 'I think this meeting will be of best interest for you- we're sorting out Lieutenant Haruno's case.'

Sasuke's attitude softened as he looked at his ex-captain in the eyes 'Is she…'

'She's fine, she's just really tired and overwhelmed from everything that's happened.'

Sasuke let out a silent breath

'She's sleeping now; you can go visit her after the meeting.'

Sasuke nodded in understanding, 'Is anyone watching her?'

Kakashi's eyes crinkled indicating his smile under his mask as he looked at a figure coming towards them, 'I don't think you'll need to worry about it.'

Ino walked towards the two men, saluting Kakashi and nodding towards Sasuke, they both nodded to her.

Without a word Ino and Sasuke exchanged knowing look.

'Take care of her'

'Well we better get going, Officer Yamanaka, I'm already later than usual, we wouldn't want Sasuke to take after me now would we.' Kakashi chuckled

They went their separate ways.

Kakashi looked to his side at Sasuke as they walked towards the conference room, 'I've always envied you Sasuke'

This seemed to pick Sasuke's attention as his eyes widened slightly

'You are always able to take care and protect those you love better than me.'

Sasuke stayed silent.

Kakashi slapped his ex-student on the back, 'you're a good kid Sasuke remember that'

And then Sasuke looked at him, 'It's because I had a good mentor, I learned from you mistakes'

'That's all I've needed to hear.'

The two men walked in a comfortable silence towards the conference room, 'Old habits die hard Kakashi', a captain called and the whole room erupted with laughter

The said man scratched his head sheepishly, 'I got lost on the path of life'

Sasuke could only smirk as this was probably the first time this statement was true.

Ooooooo

To clarify with some of the reviews Sakura is in the same organisation (ANBU) as Sasuke and the 'usual' gang (Naruto, Kakashi, Ino, Shika….)

I might post some more over the weekend, but I've had to stop now because well- I've got a test tomorrow I haven't studied for- yikes (senioritis at its finest ladies and gentlemen)

I hope this was enjoyable and 'flowed' better as there are breaks between sections – in my other one the website didn't pick them up

Until next time

Oxza