Sakura jumped over her couch and ran through to her bedroom giving herself a clear view of Neji leaving the house. He made his way slowly up the path pausing at the gate to assure it was closed properly before disappearing, his speed not influenced by his lack of sleep. Smiling she rose again to find her bag.

"Strange man." She mumbled grinning to one of the plushies that adorned her neatly made bed. Her smile faded as she recalled exactly why it was un-slept in and the events of that morning. Yanking her bag about her shoulder she followed the course Neji had just taken her face set in a frown of grim determination as she left her garden, the gate swinging open.

It didn't take her long to reach the hospital and she made her way towards the receptionist who glanced up startled.

"Sakura! Tsunade said you would not be coming in today, that you had her permission to rest." She smiled.

"Really, how kind of her. I actually came here for my own purposes."

"You're not ill are you?" The poor girl was looking panicked which suited Sakura well.

"No, not at all." She paused to grin as if to confirm this statement. "I was hoping to do some research."

"Research? We don't keep the medical volumes here, surely you knew that."

"Of course. I wanted to research something else."

"What else is there?" Sakura leaned across the counter until her feet were almost off the ground and she could rustle the other girls hair with her breath.

"I want a record of the most recent patients submitted to overnight or longer rooms and beds."

"I'm sorry; I don't understand how that could be helpful to you..." Sakura slammed both of her hands onto the desk effectively cracking it, impatience marring her temper.

"So I can see if there have been any related cases or common outbreaks." She hissed.

"That...That makes sense. Would you like me to...fetch them for you?" She pushed back from the desk hurriedly as she said this, sliding backwards on her wheeled chair.

"Just give me the keys, I can find what I need by myself."

"Alright..." The girl gave her a half suspicious glance as she fished in her pocket. "Here you are."

"Thank you!" Sakura said a vision of charm once again. "You have been very helpful!" The other girl only laughed nervously and buried her face behind the safety of a clip board.

Swinging the key ring around her finger Sakura made her way to the room behind the desk and proceeded to unlock the nearest cabinet. Flicking through the files there she pulled out the one she had wanted and discarded it, flinging it across the room as she read the paper it had contained, a list of people submitted the previous night. She re-read it several more times before she had convinced herself that there was no record of Sasuke's submittal to the hospital on it. She shoved it back into the draw and kicked it shut.

Without even turning to acknowledge the still shaken receptionist who was examining the cracked counter, Sakura threw the keys in her direction and stormed out of the front doors of the hospital. It was true that shock may have had an effect on her judgment when she had seen Sasuke again, but he hadn't looked well. Rather he looked like he was suffering malnutrition and over exertion not to mention various badly patched injuries she could easily discern from the distance she had been standing away from him.

It was obvious to Sakura that the Hokage would be trying to keep the re-appearance of the most scandalized criminal since Orochimaru under some sort of scrutiny as to distribution of the knowledge or his whereabouts but criminal or no, he had been her teammate and keeping him locked up somewhere in his state was what she would label as pure neglect. He had returned by his own choosing, he had wanted to come back to Konoha. To his home. She increased her speed as she ran towards the Hokage's tower.

With her suspicions of his containment in this location it was not hard for her to take a guess at exactly which room he was being kept in. She simply made her way down to the lower levels and headed to the heavily guarded door. Approaching it casually she spoke to the nearest man.

"Are you going to let me in there?"

"Access is limited to the Hokage only."

"Well, I'm here to conduct my official Medic's examination and form an opinion on the man's health."

"I'm afraid your entrance is not permitted."

"So you're not going to let me?"

"No, you must remain behind this line at all times." He pointed to the painted line at their feet.

"Why?"

"To prevent the prisoner-"

"I mean why won't you let me go about my business?" She pouted.

"It is my duty to prevent entrance into the prisoners holding cell."

"Alright then..." She lowered her voice "I suppose you'll use that at your trial then too." She observed him through her lashes as curiosity overcame his desire to retain the formality of his position.

"What?"

"Well..." She scuffed her foot allowing to trail across the white line he had indicated earlier. She paused for a moment before tapping the ground behind it once "I just thought when you are charged with interrupting a Medic's line of work and the causing of a death of a possible source of information leading to the capture of dangerous enemy Nin and furthering the safety of Konoha village, you could say that. You know, may lessen the penalty." She tapped her foot beyond the line again.

"Medic's line of work...What do you mean death?"

"Well, we can't be sure can we? You have to ask yourself exactly why this man walked right back into Konoha don't you? I mean, why would an S-Class criminal walk themselves into a possible execution?"

"They regretted their decision to betray Konoha."

"Or, they were already suffering so much that the death we offered them seemed like a kinder fate." She used her hand to chop through the air and demonstrate her thoughts. "But if you leave him to pass away on his own in there, he looses his chance at a peaceful death and we loose our chance at gathering vital information." She sighed dramatically not allowing her inner tension to show through her current façade. "At least I know the blame wont rest on me. I came here to do my duty; it was someone else that prevented me." She smiled at him.

"Is the Hokage aware of your intentions here?" She tried to remain entirely collected looking.

"You know I'm her apprentice don't you?" He stepped to one side to allow her to pass. "Thank you." She nodded at him thankful he hadn't seen through her blatant dodging of the question. Another of the men at the door formed a seal before placing their palm above the lock allowing the click to signal its opening. A sudden rush of fear and emotion put her calm demeanor at risk as she pushed past him turning her face away. She had barely stepped into the room as the door snapped behind her cutting out all sounds of the outside world and leaving the room in a slightly surreal darkness.

It was small but clean with sufficient furnishings but a less that comfortable atmosphere. Her lip quivered as she noted Sasuke's figure on the floor, his head drooping as he rested his elbows on his knees.

"Sasuke?" He raised his head to look at her and she found herself immediately crossing her arms. Even now his gaze made her feel more self-conscious than she had at any other time. He continued to stare burning holes through the hopes of her twelve year old self and shattering the confidence that had gotten her this far.

"You came." His head fell again and despite the onslaught of panic and realisation assaulting her Sakura almost fell over in her attempt to kneel beside him.

"Sasuke you're hurt." He didn't answer and taking a deep breath she placed a steady hand on either of his cheeks to force him to look at her. His skin was cold. "Have they been giving you water?" He blinked at her with an almost dazed expression filtering across his face.

"Why are you here?" She looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"I think you're delusional. Do you know who I am?" He wrenched himself away from her touch.

"Damn it I'm not delusional! You betrayed me!"

"I didn't betray you! It was for the best!" In one movement he was standing and hauling her up by her shoulders to join him.

"Do you really think this is the best?" He was gripping her so hard that it hurt and she could feel him shaking "You got it wrong again Sakura." He glared at her, his onyx eyes only inches from her own. He waited for a response as she forced herself to match his gaze.

"I'm not going to cry if that's what you think." Her voice was quieter than she had thought it would be. "When I'm the not the one that has been hurt...Sasuke." She stared back her eyes glossy despite her resolve and wide with her earnest emotions. He released her from his grasp but didn't move.

"You told me you would help me in my goal, do whatever you could." She stared down at her feet surprised at the sudden, softer change of tone he was addressing her with.

"Sasuke, as I recall you rejected the offer and left me. You gave me no choice, I've worked hard and I'm not going to betray my village for you when you just..." She looked back up willing him to understand everything she couldn't say.

"I know." He had already turned his face away and the general arrogance his voice generally possessed was replaced by an almost child like regret and sadness that was able to dispel all hesitation from her actions when she suddenly took a step forward and wrapped her arms around his torso. He didn't respond in any way but Sakura was comforted by his lack of instant and forceful rejection to her sudden onslaught of affection as she rested her head against his chest.

"I'm going to get you out of here."

"That's not possible." She stepped back from him, her hands clasping onto his wrists reluctant to release him and examined his face.

"You're not well. They can't make you stay in here." He was looking at one of her hands and frowning.

"You can't do that." She grinned.

"Watch me." They both turned as the room was suddenly illuminated by the light from outside. Sakura's eye widened as Neji surveyed the scene with an impassive gaze. Dropping Sasuke's hands she took a step so she was standing in font of him in an almost protective manner. Without his expression altering for a moment Neji spoke, his voice as blank as his face.

"Sakura, I need to speak to you." With an almost longing glance at Sasuke who had adapted the same flat look Neji had chosen to use in the situation she made her way back to the doorway. She turned when it closed and watched it block her view of Sasuke who hadn't moved from where she had left him. She was suddenly pulled away by Neji who had taken a firm grip on her upper arm in the same place Sasuke had held her only minutes before. She struggled as he led her around a corner away from the curious gazes of the men outside the room.

"What do you think you're doing? I thought I had explained the 'you are not meant to stalk me' idea sufficiently." Interrupting her reunion with Sasuke had been enough to piss her off but dragging her around...

"I thought I might find you here, you weren't at the hospital or your home." Sakura realized suddenly that he was still holding her shoulder and she yanked backwards.

"Aren't you clever then? I told you to come back tomorrow, no need to get so eager about your mission. What do you want anyway?" She knew she sounded rude and had intended to do so but his unexpressive face and lack of retorts made her feel childish.

"I was returning your belongings from last night. You dropped your books." She stared at him and he coughed before continuing "However..."

"However?"

"Upon finding you here I would like to express my opinion and suggest that perhaps it would be best if you were to leave."

"Leave? My teammate is in there injured and you want me to leave?"

"He isn't your teammate any more Sakura." Her eyes widened at Neji's statement and an irrepressible rage made her shake.

"You...You don't know anything! I don't even know you! Don't pretend you understand anything that even slightly involves emotion! What do you want me to do? Abandon him and go heal a scrape like a good little nurse? You're right Neji, he may not be my teammate while he's locked up in there like an animal but he's my friend, something you are obviously incapable of understanding, and even you cannot expect me to put your fucking opinion over that!" Her fists were clenched as she ended her attack. Neji sighed loudly.

"It was only a suggestion; I could take offense to some of your accusations." Sakura shook her head slowly and disbelievingly as he answered with the same monotone he had been using since she met him.

"You know what? I don't care anymore; I need to request an ANBU escort so I can transport Sasuke to the hospital for treatment." Sakura smiled as he watched her and she tried to convince herself she saw a glint of fear in his eyes. "That's right Neji, you're my assistant aren't you? And...Oh!" She put her hand up to her face in mock surprise "You're an ANBU too! How fortunate you are so desperate to get yourself back into good favour with the Hokage you couldn't possibly refuse a direct order." She smirked and beckoned him to follow her with one finger as she made her way back to Sasuke's room. "Come on Neji, we shouldn't keep the patient waiting!"

Walking quickly she made her way back and nodded at the man who had previously unlocked the door. He complied and she reentered finding Sasuke still standing staring blankly. She smile at him and took his hand as Neji followed her in.

"We're going." Sasuke looked from her to glare momentarily at Neji. "Don't be like that; he volunteered to help me get you out of here."

"Hn." He answered still looking at Neji.

"Hm." Neji had replied from behind her. Feeling slightly out of place with her lack of knowledge as to the language they were currently using she began to walk, Sasuke following her lead and to her surprise reciprocating her hold on his hand twisting it slightly so he could get a better grip. Trying not to look startled from his action and the sudden black look Neji had plastered across his face as he observed them and explained their intentions to the guards while requesting further back up, she breathed slowly acknowledging her success.

The walk was uneventful despite the curious and disbelieving looks of the few people they came across as the three of them journeyed through the quieter routes and back streets a few of the men originally guarding Sasuke's room trailing behind them. Rather than walk in the uncomfortable silence both men seemed to think appropriate for the occasion Sakura proceeded to explain her and Naruto's lives since he had left. The thought that what she was describing was new knowledge to Neji also occurred to her as she prattled off some tale about Naruto locking himself in Ino's room on a dare gone wrong. Neither responded despite her best efforts and she felt an overwhelming sense of relief as the hospital came into view.

The doors she had burst through earlier slid placidly open and with her fingers still entwined with Sasuke's, Sakura returned to the same girl she had terrorized that morning. Upon noticing the Hokage's apprentice she paled. Upon noticing the presence of the well talked about S-Class criminal she shrieked and fell backwards. Sakura coughed loudly.

"Any private rooms we can spare?" She was just able to catch the barely audible reply from under the table.

"Second floor, 33"

"Thank you!" She turned back to the men standing patiently behind her, finally letting go of Sasuke's hand.

"Sasuke, I need to get my equipment but I can't leave you by yourself so I'm sure Neji would be honoured to transport you to your room and take first watch. For purely ceremonial reasons...you being a criminal and all..." She beamed at them both. "Run along now!"

When fully equipped Sakura made her way towards the earlier mentioned room. As she opened the door she noted both men standing stiffly at opposite ends shooting glares at anything available including herself upon her entrance. She glared back at them.

"Neji you may wait outside. Send a messenger to the Hokage to explain what's going on."

"Sakura-"

"Neji." He left and Sasuke watched her organize her supplies.

"He seems eager to respond to your orders. You didn't mention anything about your friendship when you were speaking earlier." Sakura was admittedly startled by his sudden speech.

"I'm surprised you were listening. We are far from friends." She answered as she continued to dig through her case. "Anything in particular you are having problems with?"

"I just hadn't expected him to be the kind of person you would acquaint with. I wouldn't describe him as amiable." She coughed and turned to him trying not to mention that, in case it was beyond his realisation, he was just as far from friendly as Neji.

"I'm sorry; I meant any particular problems with your health you would like me to have a look at." She waved a bandage in the air helpfully. He turned away to what she assumed would be glare out of the window.

"No."

A/N: Sorry about a bit of a wait there, had a bit of a problem with this fic...Mainly the fact that I momentarily retired from writing. But I am back now /crickets chirping/

And Sasuke makes his first real appearance! Hope he wasn't to badly OOC, I cannot write him at all. He is just too complex for my little brains comprehension. Even with the break I took this has to be one of the harder things I have written but at least it's longer than the last chapter. I also didn't want to bastardize Sasuke too much. Some people warned me about that risk so hopefully I did okay without turning him all marshmallow at the same time.

Anyway, a little more dramatic too, tried to lighten it up a bit in places. Please, please, please review. I need some support on this one, not confident with it yet.

/cough/ I usually say 'please review' here but seeing as I just said it up there...Please review!

Nut2