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. I found the poem on the net and credit goes to that Unknown author. =)

READ ME: Oh, right, THIS IS AU!

O_O_O

"Yo." – Talking

'Yo.' – Thoughts

O_O_O

Chapter 3:

Taking a step forward

O_O_O

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He was surrounded by darkness. And eerie silence, it was deafening. He hated every minute of it, every second he spent on that place. And then he heard it.

He woke up to a voice so familiar, yet not. It was like that voice was beckoning him to wake up. Why was he asleep anyway? He listened more closely, despite the grogginess and the veil covering his sharp senses.

'To touch the cup with eager lips and taste, not drain it;

To woo and tempt and court bliss – and not attain it;'

To fondle and caress a joy, yet hold it lightly,

Lest it become necessity and clings too tightly;'

The voice paused, his brows scrunched wanting whomever that is to continue. The woman, Naruto could now tell with his senses coming back to him, inhaled a deep breath.

'To watch the sun set in the west without regretting;

To hail its advent in the east – the night forgetting;

To smother care in happiness and grief in laughter;

To hold the present close – not questioning hereafter;'

Naruto tried very hard to open his eyes; the voice was sweet, familiar. He knew that voice from somewhere; he just couldn't place it with his disarrayed memories. He valiantly tried to lift his fingers. He almost cried for joy when he felt it twitch. Now for his eyes…

'To have enough to share – to know the joy of giving;

To thrill with all the sweets of life – is living.'

The voice stopped. He could hear the rustle of pages turning. God, how he wanted to know the owner of that voice; it was like an itch that wouldn't leave him alone. 'Please continue speaking. Your voice, I want to hear it more.' Naruto pleaded on his mind. With great resolve, he opened his eyes. Too bright, he wanted to close it again, but instead he searched that source of light gasp. Even so, it was so blurred, the images projected to his brain so distorted.

He tried to gulp, but his lips and mouth were parched. He tried focusing on something, but his eyes wanted to see whoever that was that voice belonged to, so it roamed around. It then settled on something bright and light, 'pink.' His mind registered. The blurred color slowly became defined, his mind becoming more alert.

He then realized that the pastel color was hair. His eyes sought the eyes of the person beside his bed. Their eyes met and Naruto swore, hers was full of life and held the greenest eyes he ever saw. She looked familiar but for the life of him, he didn't know where he met this person. So he asked the most logical question on his confused mind.

"Who are you?"

…

…

After the shock of witnessing a coma patient (her first friend, who possibly couldn't remember her) waking up wore off, Sakura was left drained and tired. She didn't do anything per se, but it was the emotions that ran havoc inside her that exhausted her. When he asked who she was… Sakura didn't know what to feel. Now that she's alone and had time to dissect her jumbled feelings, she realized that she's torn between sadness and happiness. She was glad, oh so glad he was awake but it couldn't mask nor overcome the sadness she felt of him not remembering her.

When he woke up, it was of great timing that Otoha-san came to check on him. When Sakura was sure that he wouldn't be left alone, she ran (yes, ran, because really, the adrenaline of him waking up pushed her) to find Kushina-san. The happiness on the older woman's face made Sakura grin. She trailed after the eager mother but stopped at the door. Kushina was hugging (more like crushing him to her) her slightly dazed son. But regardless of his mother's obvious relief, Naruto was laughing and comforting his mother.

She didn't want to intrude. Sakura already felt like she was an outsider, cause really, who was she on this sixteen year old boy's life? A stranger or a distant memory, perhaps? Whatever her standing (or will her place be) on his life, Sakura didn't want to interrupt the family's moment. So, she just stood there, observing the scene.

And then Tsunade finally came. When her aunt saw her, the older woman raised her eyebrow. Probably surprised that Sakura was still there. Her aunt knew how Sakura spent a few hours after her checkup on Naruto's room and understood that the girl just wanted to reconnect with her friend when (because 'if' didn't even cross Sakura's mind) he woke up.

Sakura smiled weakly at her aunt, conveying her hesitation to enter the scene and break such a joyful moment. Something caught her attention, she turned a bit and caught Kushina's gaze who was voicelessly gesturing for her to come closer, but the young girl just shook her head and waved good bye. There will be time to introduce herself to Naruto's life again. As of now, she didn't want to overwhelm him and she really wanted him to be with his family first.

Smiling again at Kushina and giving a brief hug to her aunt, Sakura left the hospital thoughts and feelings in jumble but mostly glad that Naruto's awake now.

…

…

He watched as that girl smiled at his mother. He stared as she hugged that woman who he assumed as his doctor. He watched as she took that first step away and followed her with his eyes until he can no longer see her. He strained his ears to hear her footsteps through his mother's wails of thanks to every god she knew. And belatedly, he realized that he didn't know her name or why she looked so awfully familiar.

He tried to move his legs to get out of the bed. He wanted to follow her, the reason lost on him. His right leg already bent, he tried to lift his left leg but stopped when he couldn't feel anything.

Wild eyes pinning on his left leg, Naruto tried to lift it again but to no success. He tried again and again, but the result was still the same. Lost eyes pinned wildly at everything and nothing. He searched for answers on the faces of the people around him. Fear clenched his heart fiercely and he tried to think of a sound reason on why this was happening. He growled in frustration when none came.

"Uzumaki-san", a firm voice on his left said. He looked up and saw the serious face of the woman he assumed as his doctor, "I am Dr. Senju Tsunade and I'll be your doctor from now on. Please relax and I believe a series of tests are in order." Naruto dumbly nodded at the woman. He turned to see the dismayed expression on his mother's face. He smiled weakly, trying to make a brave face not only for him but mostly for his mother.

His mother with frantic and worried face asked the doctor "Tsunade-sama, will this be a permanent thing?" Naruto wanted to ask that question too. Heart thudding with anticipation and dread, he readied himself for the worst. They waited for a few minutes of tensed silence as Tsunade examined Naruto's left leg while explaining to Naruto that the cast was removed a few days ago.

Heaving a sigh, Tsunade said. "The paralysis was probably due to a spinal injury. We have to run some tests to know the scope of the damage. After that, we will begin treatment." Tsunade then explained what will happen after knowing the range of the damage done. Naruto's head swirled with all the information. Therapy, medications, a possibility of a surgery, Naruto felt confused. Sleep was what he really needed as of now.

Turning his gaze to his okaa-san whose rapt attention was to the doctor in front of her, Naruto cleared his throat. "Kaa-san, can I rest now?" He pleaded with his eyes. The conversation was really depressing now and although he had slept for a couple of months, sleeping was a better option than hearing all of these. It was all going so fast for his overwhelmed mind.

Tsunade nodded understandingly. She turned and ushered his mother out of the room, saying something about resting and not wanting his mother to be ill too. "Too many nights of almost no sleep is bad for your body too, Kushina-san. I advise you to sleep for a couple of hours on the nurse's station. Sakura-chan would really appreciate it if you get a few hours of wink."

Half-listening to his mother and Tsunade-baa-chan talk (which he called that way only on his mind… for now) He chuckled a little at his mother's stubbornness. Naruto thought and recollected whatever memories he could take hold off. And then parts of the accident on his disoriented mind shifted and take hold. He was with someone that day. He remembered the laughter, the tightening of her hold around his waist whenever he speeds up. He remembered raven hair flowing with the wind and lavender eyes. 'Hinata…'

Alarmed and surprised that he only thought of her now, he rounded on Tsunade who was startled with his abrupt movements. "Hinata… Where is Hinata?" He asked on the verge of panic. He shifted his glance from her to his mother who was fumbling with her fingers, an obvious sign that she was nervous.

She sighed tiredly (which rarely happened anyway) and calmly albeit hesitantly at first, she said "Naruto-chan… rest for now. You look tired. When you wake up, I'll tell you what happened." She carefully and slowly said it. As if she wanted to convey something, to tell him something. But with a sluggish mind, Naruto didn't receive the silent message. Eyes fluttering shut, he finally succumbed to exhaustion and sleep.

…

…

Sakura stood in front of the massive wooden traditional gate that Friday morning not knowing what she would do. Shizune gave her the address of Hyūga Hinata (or her family's address). She just didn't expect that it was on this huge compound. She could tell it as much because she tried to round the corner (trying to find the gate) but the place was so massive that she gave up when she at last found the gate. Heck, the walls enclosed at least five blocks or more. The walls were white and tall, with tiles to roof it. The wide traditional wooden gate was supported by six posts roofed by irimoya, which slopes down on all four sides integrated on two opposing sides with a gable, further signaling the high status and wealth of the Hyūga family. A wooden plaque printed elegantly with the family's name hung on the wall. All in all, it just screamed nobility.

Sakura gulped in nervousness. Remaining indecisive whether to ring the bell or turn around and walk away, she sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. She couldn't stand there all day long looking like a crazy person as she paced in front of it. Settling with a decision, she lifted her trembling hands towards the innocent button. She was about to press it when a haughty voice behind her startled her.

"Who are you and what are you doing?" A deep male, haughty, arrogant voice said.

She abruptly turned around and her surprised eyes zeroed in the person behind her. A long dark brown-haired (seriously?), lavender eyes young lad stood behind her, arms crossed and glaring at her. She gulped; her heart racing. He looked so intimidating… But Sakura refused to look scared in front of this guy, whatever his name was. So standing straighter, she returned the glare ('No need to be rude, jerk. I'm not gonna steal the freaking gate').

The glaring match continued for a few tensed moments when finally, the long haired guy broke it. "Tell me a good reason why you were standing in front of our house, doing nothing except pacing like a crazy woman, before I call the police." His scowl, if possible, grew deeper.

'Argh, jerk.' Sakura fumed inside but outwardly she gave the arrogant ass a tight and fake smile, "If you must know, I'm here for a scheduled appointment with Hiashi-sama." She drawled a little smugly. She relished on the surprised face of that jerk that lasted only for a few seconds before he schooled his features to a stoic one.

It was then at that precise moment that a young girl around eleven or so opened the gate. Long dark brown hair with a lock of hair falling in her face and pearl eyes watched at the two of them with amusement. She smirked at the male in front of Sakura and then bowed when she directed her attention back at her. "Haruno-san, I presume?" she asked with a curious glint on her slightly discomforting eyes. Sakura nodded and then the young girl smiled, "I am Hyūga Hanabi. Otou-sama has been waiting for you. I'll accompany you to him."

Sakura jerkily nodded and followed the young girl. Noticing that the arrogant ass was following them, she promptly observed him on her peripheral eyes. And it seemed that it was not only her that noticed their (unwanted, on her part) companion. Hanabi coolly said without turning to look at the other teen, "Neji nii-sama, I believe one escort is enough for Haruno-san, is it not?"

The now known jerk named as Neji just replied a "Hn." To Hanabi's statement. Sakura raised a brow at his answer, clearly not expecting it to be a short one word answer (if you count it as a word). Not caring about that Neji, Sakura ignored him the rest of the way and focused on her surroundings and obviously appreciating it. Instead she addressed the small girl, "Hyūga-san, I insist you call me Sakura. Haruno-san is too formal for me." She smiled a little at the surprised girl but she nodded nevertheless.

The Hyūga family sure spent a large amount of sum to this compound, Sakura concluded. The front part of the compound was a large courtyard. The path was lined with trees seemingly dividing the compound into two before leading to a large traditional building presumably the main house. One side of the compound was dotted with houses behind some of the tall trees; Sakura could see the roofs of the houses. She noticed that some paths lead to the 'residential' part of the lot. The other side features a large lake a few meters from them, probably filled with nishiki-goi. They were separated from the lake and the houses by a row of O-karikomi or sculpted trees or bushes formed into balls or rounded shapes to imitate waves.

She watched fascinated by the peacefulness of the place despite being near of the city. Yes, the Hyūga compound was almost at the outskirts of the city but entering it made it feel like she was on the country. Hanabi, seeing her amazed gaze at the garden, smiled softly. "Isn't it beautiful, Sakura-san?" Sakura returned the smile and nodded vigorously. Hanabi smiled more, "Onee-sama liked it too, especially the lake." She pointed to the large serene lake. "She loved it most during springs and autumn." The girl continued to give small anecdotes about the garden and Sakura listened to each one of it earnestly. Neji was still following them a few distances after.

They soon entered the genkan of the main house (the largest one as what she could see) and removing their shoes to be placed on the getabako. Hanabi, now relaxed and smiling pleasantly, led Sakura to the side of the house after a series of confusing turns and long hallways, Neji still following them. They walked on the engawa or flooring on the side of the house. Sakura observed the garden on the side which featured a Karesansui garden with its raked gravel in place of water, carefully arranged rocks and a few trees, perfect for meditation. She could practically hear the shishiodoshi's noise as it clack against the stone and refill with water again.

They stopped in front of a shoji screen, Hanabi tapping the wood support lightly before announcing their presence. "Otou-sama, Sakura-san is here." After receiving a confirmation to enter, the group entered and sat on the zabuton in front of the Hyūga patriarch. He was calmly sipping his tea and raised a brow at Hanabi obviously confused at the use of her first name. His gaze then turned to the still silent and stoic Neji but said nothing. Placing his cup down, he smiled welcomingly at Sakura. "I welcome you to our home Haruno-san. Our dear Hinata lives in you so you're practically a part of the family." He gestured to the now filled cups of chamomile tea filled carefully and elegantly by Hanabi.

Sakura sipped some tea further making her relaxed. Smiling gratefully to the family in front of her, "I can't thank her enough for giving me this chance to live. I'm sorry for your loss but I will try my hardest to live my life to the fullest so as not to bring her name any shame. As long as this heart's beating, I will always remember and feel thankful to her and your family. My life will be forever indebted to her and your family." She said placing her hands on her chest, feeling the beating, living heart beats.

The Hyūga patriarch smiled. "We can't ask you for anymore. Living a life to the fullest without any regrets is what Hinata would want for you to have."

…

…

Sakura talked to the family for a few more hours. They were more than happy to answer her inquiries about Hinata. It was a small step, she knew for the family towards healing. Healing, after all, does not mean that one should forget the memories. It should start with acceptance. But still, remembering those happy memories was not bad. One should just need not to drown on it. And Sakura could say that Hinata's family was healing on their own pace. Yes, they were sad but they were starting to move on. Sakura felt that the family reminded her that Hinata's death did not only brought pain and wounds but of hope and another chance to someone else. It incredibly made the death much easier to deal with.

She was preparing to leave the large house and was getting her shoes on the getabako when she heard someone clear his throat. She turned and saw Hyūga Neji standing there. Awkward silence filled the two. Sakura blinked when he didn't say anything more. She fidgeted a little, not knowing what to say. "So… um…" Hanabi and Hiashi then came and thankfully broke the awkward silence between the two.

Hanabi and Hiashi smiled knowingly. About what? Sakura didn't know. Clearing his throat to get her attention, Hiashi smiled almost fatherly (but still maintain his stoic exterior) at Sakura, "You are most welcome here, Haruno-san. Come here anytime you wish. And I would love to have tea with you, next time knowing about you, yourself. It seems like Hinata and Neji had taken the liking of you. The Hyūga household is open for you." He then turned to the still stoic looking Neji, "Neji, please accompany Haruno-san towards the station."

Sakura bowed to the family and bid her farewell. Walking with Neji sure was a tense one for Sakura. She still hadn't forgotten about the incident earlier that day. With her back ramrod straight and gait a bit faster than normal, Sakura just walked on and ignored the a-year-older-than-her teen's (from what she heard when he was introduced earlier) presence.

"I'm sorry for my attitude earlier." His deep voice made her pause on her steps and she slowly turned to the source of the voice.

She watched warily and scrutinized him. Shrugging her shoulders and not finding any reason for her to stay angry (cause he already apologized), Sakura granted him a small smile. "We started at the wrong foot, ne?" Still smiling at his taller form, Sakura bowed a little and introduced herself, "My name is Haruno Sakura, Nice to meet you."

Smirking a little, Neji bowed too, "I'm Hyūga Neji. It's nice to meet you too."

…

…

"Hinata-chan is no longer here."

'No.'

"She died that day, Naruto-chan."

'Liar. Don't joke with me.'

"I'm very sorry. But please… Don't blame yourself."

'How could I not?'

"It was not your fault."

'No… You're wrong. It's my entire fault.'

His mother's words repeated endlessly inside his mind. It was already a week since he woke up but still her words, laced with every bit of care so as not to hurt him anymore, still struck him like a double-edged sword. He wanted to answer every sentence but when she said those words, his mind completely halted. It only soaked up her words, his mind uncomprehending it. He wanted to cry but his eyes would not. So he stared at his ceiling blandly, torturing himself over and over again with the memories of that night. That day started like always. She would hop on his bike and then they would drive to wherever they wanted. It was that stupid car's fault, appearing out of nowhere and colliding on them. And then everything was swallowed with darkness.

He couldn't even remember her face then.

Naruto groaned and turned his head towards the open window. He was sick of grief and pessimistic thoughts but like a child, it was the only thing he could hold on to. He could not stop the torture he subjected himself to. To do so, would mean he was moving on. And he did not want to move on. He did not want to forget. It was his entire fault, to start moving on means that he was forgiven. And most of all, Naruto didn't want to be forgiven.

Huffing a little, Naruto decided he wanted to get some fresh air. The bland walls and the silence accompanying it would probably drive him insane. He stepped on his right leg and leaned all his weight to it. His mother was not there to help him towards the wheelchair, but he could manage. Tsunade baa-chan said that he could go to the garden at the back. After a series of tests done to him the last few days, Tsunade said that there was a large possibility of walking again with therapy or surgery. Naruto couldn't decide if he wanted to though. This disability was a reminder of what he did, of what he lost. Twisted, yes, but he still saw it that way. But after a lecture with his mother about Hinata not wanting him to live his life like this Naruto conceded with the treatment.

Finally succeeding with getting on to the wheelchair, Naruto winced. As of now, all he could do was depend on that chair. He could hop around on one foot but he bet it would be tiring. Wheeling himself out of the door towards the garden, Naruto saw a few of the staffs there. Smiling a little at them, some even waved in return, Naruto continued on. The staff already knew how restless he could be sometimes. At first, they helped him wherever he wanted to go, accompanying him and such but as the days went on; Naruto insisted that he could do it himself. After promising Tsunade-baa-chan that he would go back in time for his medication and lunch, Tsunade-baa-chan let him go outside to the garden at the back wherever he please.

He settled himself under the shade of a large tree, blocking out the noises outside. He inhaled a deep breath and relaxed himself. He was starting to doze off when he heard that voice so familiar, yet not.

Her voice brought by the softly gush of the wind like the tinkling of bells during summer asked "What are you doing here?"

He opened his eyes and was greeted of green eyes full of life, heart-shaped face, a blush accenting her cheeks and long pastel pink hair blowing with the wind bringing the scent of vanilla with it.

Blue clashed with green and all of his thoughts paused centering on the girl in front of him.

His throat dry and voice lost when all he wanted was to answer her question.

The noise of this small garden at the back of the hospital all but forgotten.

And then all thoughts cease to exist when she smiled that smile.

"I'm glad you're okay now, Naruto."

…

…

つづく

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…

AN: I'm really sorry for the long delay. Hopefully, my schedule will be back to normal soon. I hope you enjoyed this chap. Not too many NaruSaku moments but I promise next chap there will be some. I'm very sorry if updates are slow, but please bear with me. Life caught up (I had exam last week, so yeah) and I got stuck on some of my fics. I'm overcoming those glitches now.

I'll be posting some one-shots again. Please look out for that.

Questions you might ask:

Naruto's paralysis: Only temporarily. But I guess you could look out for the therapy, there will be a lot of NaruSaku moments there.

Naruto's feelings for Sakura: Of course it's not yet love. At least I think it's not. He was just acting strangely because of the familiarity Sakura brings.

Naruto's feelings for Hinata: He still could not move on with her death and yes, they were a couple. She was his girlfriend. So you could probably guess how conflicted he would be with the guilt and his future feelings for Sakura.

Neji: Oh, yes. Hehehehe. I love bringing him up. Please look forward on his role with this little story.

Hyūga family: They were filthy rich and I know they were a little, tiny bit OOC. But I have a valid excuse for that. They saw her as Hinata's proof of existence. That despite her short life there was someone out there who would live longer because of her. That was what brought the kindness from both Hanabi and Hiashi. I saw Hanabi as someone that could easily open up to others despite being polite and respectful at fist and with a playful streak on her. They were not really stick up their ass kind of people on this story, they more or less let other people think that way because they have an image to uphold.

Irimoya: Japanese hip roof (sloping down on all four sides) integrated on two opposing sides with a gable.

Nishiki-goi: are ornamental varieties of domesticated common carp that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens.

Genkan: are traditional Japanese entry way areas for a house, apartment, or building—something of a combination of a porch and a doormat. The primary function of genkan is for the removal of shoes before entering the main part of the house or building.

Engawa: refers to the typically wooden strip of flooring immediately before windows and storm shutters inside traditional Japanese rooms.

Karesansui: simply a zen garden

Zabuton: Japanese cushion for sitting.

An answer to last chapter's review:

BiddyAuthor: Thank you for the enthusiasm of Sakura's new heart. You're the only one who was happy there, lol.

sydney james: Hmmm… nice idea. Look out if that will happen next chap, ne?

Roku-and-Saku: Sorry if it was obvious but I'm trying not to drag the operation longer because I wanna follow transplants protocol as norm as possible. Sorry for the long wait.

hatakaven: I love you. Sorry for the long wait. :P The NaruSaku goodness will come out soon. I'm trying to take it slowly so as to make it realistic.

NarutoLuver896: Ehehehe, there won't be any amnesias, I promise.

SHOUTxKarina: Sorry for the cliffhanger. Hopefully, you will find it all to your liking.

I'm still grasping things (again). Two weeks of no writing could do that to you, lol. Please forgive the errors and the shortness of this one.

Please read my other NaruSaku fics: June Gloom, Time Loop Love Story, Difficult Love, Long Distance Love Affair, Pierrot, Words of Love and Of Film Girl and Lenses

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.

REVIEW=LOVE=INSPIRATION=MOTIVATION=FASTER UPDATE

~Katarin Kishika