I ADORE YOU ALL! To show my thanks, heres a 11,000+ Chapter! Lol :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
At first, the familiar smell of anesthetics wafted over the air, comforting her in ways she never thought it could. Then the scratching sound of a pen scribbling away pulled at her consciousness. Green eyes fluttered open with ease, tracing over the corners of the white room to fall upon the woman sitting at her bed-side. Lady Tsunade appeared immersed with the many papers in her hand. Blonde, long bangs hung over her amber eyes, and Sakura found her bandaged hand floating up to curl a strand behind her ear affectionately.
The pen in the blonde womans elegant hand froze at the action. Her sharp gaze shifted towards her only student mutely.
"Shishou..." Sakura whispered tenderly into the quietness of the room, now noting the dark circles under her teachers eyes. The older woman swallowed down the forming lump in her throat. She rested one hand on the rosette's forehead, stroking the tousled pink locks away from her face, while the other moved to cover her bandaged hand.
"Sakura... How are you feeling?" Her low, warm voice asked.
The weak girl smiled softly, "Good... A little thirsty."
The blonde woman released her immediately, shifting towards the table she returned with a cool glass of water. Aiming the straw towards her chapped lips, Tsunade held the cup for her until her thirst was quenched.
"Thanks... Where's Naruto?" Last she remembered, he'd lied down beside her after their exchange.
"I sent him home to rest after he awoke.. 4 days ago..."
Sakura frowned... How could someone sleep so much?
She was wasting away like this... Wanting nothing more than to get up, and move around and to feel alive again - Sakura stretched her stiff limbs in preparation.
"Don't even think about it! Your not strong enough yet!" Tsunade scolded at once, leaning over her, she pushed her body down by the shoulders.
Really, the rosette didn't want to go against her wishes, but she was beginning to feel claustrophobic within the room... She needed fresh air.
"But Shishou I've been sleeping for over a month..." She struggled against the woman stubbornly, ignoring the stinging of her abdomen," I feel fine!"
Amber eyes burned like a wild fire, "You are not fine! Your fever has barely reduced since the transfusion - I order you to lay down or I will have to keep you sedated!"
"You and I both know that's normal! Moving around would do me some good-"
"NO!" Her Shishou finally commanded in a shrill voice. But what had Sakura's unfocused green eyes widening and resolve evaporating was the thinly vieled panic trapped in her sensei's gaze. She lay still, feeling apologetic without knowing the cause.
Sakura swallowed, unsure of what to say,"Shishou, I -"
"You were pronounced dead - twice on this very bed..." Tsunade uttered in a small, doleful voice unfamiliar to the frail girl. Glossy brown eyes took in the rosette's uncertain expression,"You'd lost over 60 percent of your blood."
Sakura stopped breathing... At 50 percent there was a very slim chance of survival but over 60..?
"How am I still alive..?" She voiced aloud, thinking over the process of a blood transfusion and any other means Tsunade could have taken to save her.
An un-amused, tired smile wore at the Hokage's red lips, "I honestly don't know... It's a miracle,"Her voice quivered as she traced back to the events of that day,"You needed blood - a lot of it and at the time, your only options were... Uchiha Naka or Uchiha Sasuke..." Tsunade paused rubbing her head in her trade-mark manner,"Of course your taxing teammate took the cake," She leaned forward at the memory, taking Sakura's hand in her own again as if to remind herself that she was breathing.
The weary girl blanched from where she sat at her masters words.
Rewind - did Sakura hear correctly?
Pink brows lifted in baffled disbelief, "I... You... Sasuke was the donor...?"
Tsunade's amber eyes narrowed in question, "You don't sound surprised at all..." She uttered sarcastically, watching the girl closely, "Yes, its been 3 years but he is very much the same... And I'm familiar with his usually haughty and reserved attributes but, what if I told you he volunteered at the mention of your blood-type?"
Incredulity overcame her,"My teammate... From team seven - that Sasuke Uchiha?"
Her master snorted in response, skipping through the folder in her hands with intent.
Sasuke... The one who wouldn't spare her a second glance unless necessary - the one who originally pronounced her inadequate..? He had shared his glorious Uchiha blood with her? ...Woah, where were these bitter thoughts coming from? She swallowed, as a pang of affliction she'd buried deep into the recesses of her heart disentangled. Did Orochimaru's encounter mess with her head somehow..? She searched herself for the cause and even internally, it took some effort to bring to light... Sakura identified then, that she had held him accountable for the last 3 years of her isolation. Sure, she'd gotten stronger, built an exceptional reputation for herself but, all without them... If he hadn't been an Uchiha - if he hadn't been such a great asset, they never would have left her. Nor would have poor Lady Mikoto have had so many episodes of depression... Even with her visiting a few times a month.
Yes it was unfair and even selfish of Sakura to think such but there was some truth to her reasoning... And then he and Naruto come home. He joins his brother in search of her, rushes her to Tsunade and even spares her his blood..?
Sasuke... the one who also hasn't stepped foot in the hospital since...
She just could not fathom it. Any of it.
Noting the rosette's prolonged silence and still, blatant disbelief, Tsunade's blonde brow raised in both amusement and question,"I know my usually intuitive apprentice is a better judge of character than that..."
Shame shot through her like a physical assault, and she closed her burning eyes.
How could she judge him like that? Sasuke had come to her rescue so many times before, what made this any different?
Had their time apart created a rift she hadn't realized until now..? Or was it her defense mechanism towards the very obvious fact - screaming at her in the background that, his blood was flowing through her veins..? Jabbing goosebumps erupted over her scalp, down her spine and legs. Why was the revelation setting her skin on fire?
Sakura's voice broke,"I-I'm sorry Shishou I didn't mean it like that... Its just," She paused trying to find the right words to avoid her inquiring honey eyes,"I think my judgement's just a little impaired since Orochimaru's interrogation."
"Oh that reminds me," She exclaimed with a raised index finger,"I think you'll be okay for some review now but I'll make sure they don't put too much stress on you.."
"But Shishou-"
Tsunade silenced the bed-ridden girl with the raise of her hand,"Listen closely," her masters tone was very serious,"If I'd known you would react such a way to the boy being the donor, I wouldn't have said anything at all - it would have saved me the trouble... But because I have, I urge you not to share these details with anyone..."
She nodded with immediate understanding... If the clan elders got wind of his blood offering, they wouldn't let anyone involved live it down... Especially Sasuke. With his value and talent - nothing should ever debilitate him.
"Who knows?" Sakura asked quickly.
"You, myself, and Itachi-"
...Knock Knock Knock...
"That must be him," the chair screeched back as she stood up. Surveying the too-pale girl before her, Tsunade asserted sternly,"Do not over-exert yourself, the only reason I'm allowing this so soon after you waking recently is because his unmatched, tracking abilities are the reason why your alive, and," She sighed in resignation, the click of her heals echoing as she head for the door, "Even as I hold authority over all of Konoha, and wear the crown of the Hokage - it's almost impossible to say no to him..."
Sakura gulped with anxiety. The organs within her stomach tightening and knotting.
"Hokage-sama..."
The blonde monarch opened the door wider, allowing him entrance,"I will be back shortly, I must check in with Shizune... Here is the partial-report as discussed."
He nodded, taking the folder, "Of course." A silent exchange transpired between the two that the rosette wasn't able to distinguish before the Hokage left the room, clicking the door shut after her. Sakura began fidgeting the moment the door shut. Obviously she knew why he'd come... He worked in interrogation with Ibiki Morino when the use of the Uchiha's kekkei genkai was needed... Though at the moment, his blood-line definitely wasn't needed. She wondered if his presence was on account of their shortcoming...
Her almost guarded gaze fluttered up to find him already watching her. Uchiha Itachi's black eyes regarded her with an underlying emotion she coudnt decipher. Clad in navy blue from head to toe, he approached with an elegance associated with royalty. Within the steps it took for him to reach her bed-side, Sakura cleared her head of any prior, baseless thoughts she'd entertained towards her teammate.
"Sakura-san," he greeted impassively, giving a curt bow before fully taking in her appearance,"Do you feel well enough to go over the events of your captivity..?"
She merely cleared her throat before nodding in answer, "Yes..."
"Very well," he said, sliding the seat forward to sit down. Opening the folder, he went over its contents before pulling out the partial-report. The atmosphere within the room became tangibly tense. Apprehensive, she sat quietly, staring down at her still-fidgeting hands. Of course, he wanted her side of the story and nothing more. Yet, she was dreading the upcoming questions. Nothing got past Uchiha Itachi, and she tried her very hardest to keep a cool exterior.
"Sakura-san," he called with meaning. Without having to say anything else, the rosette felt the pull, the impulse to give him her full attention. This was no ordinary man, after-all. It wasn't as it used to be when she was a mere child. And it was not that he had changed, he is the same today as he was then. It was her perception of him that had transformed... Being in his presence resulted in obedient behavior, unless of course, you had a death-wish... Not that he would harm her in anyway, of course. Her green eyes cautiously shifted towards him. Vaguely, she wondered if this was how Sasuke felt under his brothers all-seeing, dark gaze.
"Be at ease, we will get through this quickly so that you may rest..." He tapped the stack of papers lightly until they were even, and drew his pen in preparation.
That wasn't the issue... She just didn't know how to express the many emotions, the many questions wreaking a silent havoc in her mind.
"When you were taken, they did in-fact tell you that my cousin Shisui Uchiha, was their original target, correct?"
Silently wondering if he'd used the mangekyou on them that day, or if they'd brought back a Kakuzu for questioning, she concurred,"Yes."
"Tell me what transpired there after..." his quiet voice was professional, yet there was a gentleness that spurred her on.
Sakura cleared her throat, her eyes glazing over as her mind traced back to the questions and the torment of that day... Her mouth opened to begin but she hesitated, suddenly unsure of how much she should say...Everything? Only the important parts? Should she leave out the snakes words that had planted confusion in her mind? Quickly, her eyes flashed over to find him sitting patiently, and un-bothered by her obvious, inner struggle.
A long exhale left her lips,"As you probably already know, they wanted intel..." She paused, her pounding heart making it difficult to focus."...On members of the Uchiha clan and Naruto..."
Realizing he wasn't going to speak until she was through, Sakura tread on,"They wanted to know about Sasuke's progress and main training grounds... Who of the clan had gone to train him, and your whereabouts also... And after they were through with the Uchiha clan, they asked about Naruto, and how he was able to be in harmony with the demon inside him... And if Jiraya was the only one training him..."
Sakura spoke of the dark location, listed the names of the Akatsuki she had encountered and their jutsu and techniques used during her time there... She did also speak of Orochimaru quoting something she'd said in her gennin years, unsure of when he'd been inside her head.
His features remained solid throughout, no inclination of whether or not he already knew the information she was giving him. When she was finished, all was still and quiet for a few moments - even his writing had ceased. Audibly setting the pen down, the Uchiha prodigy leaned forward, his sinewy arms resting atop his knees. His face drew a few inches closer, and the rosette sat frozen to the spot. She sensed the change in the air at the notion. It was acute and manifesting. She swallowed. Kami, it was so hard to read this man, she didn't know what to expect.
"Your still guarded... Are you afraid of me..?" His smooth voice was just above a whisper.
Unnerved, she avoided his insightful eyes,"I don't know what you mean, Itachi-san..."
Unresponsive for a few long seconds, Sakura searched him, instantly regretting her words at the underlying sadness now reflecting in his black eyes,"I mean... I just - I cant say..."
"Allow me," he suddenly offered, his tenor steady and emotionless."As a means of provocation, Orochimaru told you of Shisui taking my place on that mission."
Her lungs tightened, as if they were being physically crushed. Kami above, she was shaking...
As if he could sense her fear, her thirst - Itachi voicelessly handed her the cup of water on the desk beside the head of the bed. Wide eyed at the depth of his discerning nature, she took it wordlessly, nodding in gratitude. Was she really so obvious..?
"Hear me well, Sakura-san... I was unaware of the trade, and have dealt with the ones who took it into their own hands justly."
"Itachi-san, you don't have to explain any-"
He raised his hand,"I must, for your own peace of mind... I feel this revelation affected you more than the physical affliction you endured," he uttered with some regret. A light breath left his pale lips as he looked her dead in the eye,"During his training, Sasuke encountered Orochimaru a little over a year ago... And during your captivity, it was from Sasuke's memories - where Orochimaru had taken, and used your own words against you... Not your own."
Physically tensing, Sakura's eyes bulged,"B-but, I was never informed of Sasuke's confrontation..."
"No one was aside from the Hokage, myself and a few clan elders... Since that time, the Akatsuki already had someone relaying information from within Konoha's walls. The last message the informant had sent before being found out was of that scroll retrieval mission..."
She understood now... The Akatsuki were expecting him on that mission and someone - possibly within the Uchiha clan elders, had taken it into their own hands to switch him without notifying the Hokage or anyone else of the underlying threat. It wasn't his fault, nor Shisui's... Even if Itachi had dealt with the immoral leader, Sakura felt a pang of remorse for her late anbu-captain. Whether he knew or not, in reality Shisui was indeed supposed to be the sacrificial lamb,"I understand, Itachi-san... You don't need to explain anything else..." She assured, knowing that everything he'd just told her was strictly confidential. Sakura bit down on her quivering lip, her eyes filling to the brim and voice thickening,"I didn't mean to doubt you or anyone else, it was out of your hands..."
Unanticipated-ly, a large, pale hand covered her wrist,"Please..." He asked in genuine sorrow, his eyes far-away, lost in a distant memory,"For the sake of everyone involved... Recover, and be reconciled with your teammates..."
She sniffled. Here he was, inspiring her in ways that simultaneously put her to shame... How could someone, bearing the weight of the world have such a big heart? Someone who had just set aside his high standards and reserved persona to be open with her, for her own peace of mind...
He was too good to be pushed so hard, to be given such burdens.
It wasn't fair...
A small, wistful smile spread over her puffy features as a far-off, recollection of words recited in her head like a song,"Someone once told me that... Mercy, love and compassion were the greatest forces in the world... And everyday, I'll be a living testament to that... For the sake of everyone involved... Thanks to you."
She swore she saw a flicker of awe flash through his translucent, onyx eyes, before he blinked away from her. A ghost of a smile touched at his lips. She knew that was the most emotion she was gonna get out of him and prayed that her words gave him some solace... Otherwise she'd never forgive herself for feeding his guilt.
Mutely, he withdrew. Gathering the folder, he slid the chair back, giving her a curt nod before turning away.
She watched his receding form, the smile still playing at her lips... She felt warm, and light. Like a cherry-blossom swaying in the warm winds of the spring.
"And, Sakura-san..."
She blinked up to find him halfway through the door,"Yes?"
He paused for a moment, as though in contemplation,"Pardon my Ototo's absence... He's still, adjusting to many things..."
Pink brows dipped in worry,"Of course... I wont hold it against him."
He was gone with that, and she was alone once more. Her chest expanded as a long exhale left her lips. Poor Sasuke... With the speculations dying out, she began to feel guilty for her childish and selfish thoughts before... Sakura could only imagine how hard its been for him since his arrival home...
Knock Knock Knock... "Sakura-san?" The voice called from the other side of the door before easing open. A breathless nurse appeared standing in the doorway, searching for the rosette.
"Naomi..?" The Hokage's apprentice asked with some concern at the unmoving, red-faced girl.
The brunette stepped inside, closing the door behind her,"Oh forgive me Sakura-san... I cant seem to focus after the sight of him - Hashirama above, what a powerful and beautiful man..."
Amused, her eyes squinted in question,"The first hokage or Uchiha Itachi..?"
A second nurse known as Kana, burst through the door, grinning madly,"Itachi-san, of course! Oh Sakura-san has he professed his love to you...?" The nosey nurse whom Sakura was very familiar with rushed to her bed-side, taking her hands into her own,"Ive never seen him visit a woman at the hospital before... Oh please tell me it isn't so," she begged," You are my superior and I'd rather not quit my job..."
The rosette snorted at that, knowing she meant every word, Sakura indulged the two. Waving a hand before her face, she answered coolly,"He was here strictly for my report on the mission..."
"But his features were so serene... Are you certain he isn't in-love with you?"
"Ohhhh tell us, was he concerned for your well-being?"
Alright, she'd heard enough out of the two. There would be no instigating on her watch... She always considered Itachi to be her - guardian angel... There was really no other way to explain what he meant to her.. And that never stood as true as it did today...
Folding her arms over her chest, Sakura's green eyes shifted between the two girls analytically, and they straightened at once,"You will assume nothing of the sort... Now, I am in need of a shower, a nap, and," She paused, at the audible growl of her stomach,"Food... Please, notify Tsunade that I am leaving to continue my 'recovery' within my own home... " Her features serious, she said her next words slowly,"Emphasis on 'recovery,' kapeesh? If she breaks down my door in the next hour, I will see to it that my prior favor, and praising of you will be erased from your charts."
"Hai!" They uttered in sync, quickly assisting her out of the bed.
Oh, she could just taste the fresh Konoha air already.
Suddenly aware of the thin hospital gown being her only clothing, Naomi raced over with a light jacket, urging the rosette to put it on. Sakura smiled in gratitude at the woman,"Thank you, ladies... I'll be on my way now..." her arms tore through the sleeves of the jacket before she eased out of the hospital window.
The rustle of the icy windy ran through her tousled pink hair and clothing. The warm sun kissed her features and she breathed it all in. Blinking green eyes open, Sakura overlooked the morning glow of the city, grinning with content.
Home sweet home...
One week later...
"Umph," the rosette grunted, attempting to balance the many grocery bags in her straining hands. The market-place was exceptionally busy today. Though that didn't stop the people from greeting her. Nearly every person she passed nodded in acknowledgment or gratitude. Only recognizing a handful, Sakura smiled in greeting every-time regardless. Initially, she had always felt immensely uncomfortable at the attention she would receive... But the feeling of fulfillment at seeing the people she had helped, walking and shopping through the streets was worth some discomfort. Shuffling through the thick crowd, she was suddenly gripped and drawn low into an embrace by - Obaa-san Nori.. The pink-haired girl smirked. At 68 years old, Nori-chan was as strong as an ox.
"Oh sweet child, when are you going to come and meet my handsome grandson?" Her brittle voice asked with hope, as her wrinkled old hands gripped Sakura's wrists.
A timid expression overcame her,"Forgive me, Obaa-san... I haven't had the time-" Her explanation was lost as a dark figure in the distance grabbed her attention. She couldn't make out a face, but with the dark clothing, hair and impressive physique in sight - she began moving.
"S-Sakura-san?"
The old woman's voice hollered as Sakura began zig-zagging through the crowd,"It was nice seeing you Obaa-san, please take care of yourself!" She exclaimed quickly to the old woman before hastening her steps. Vaguely she acknowledged the greetings she received while maintaining her quick pace. Her view of him was blocked every now and then by the taller civilians and Sakura grew restless.
"Sasuke..?" She chanced, only to realize that he would not be able to hear her within the lively crowd unless he was specifically trying to. She squeezed past the on-goers, drawing closer to where she'd spotted him.
Cupping her mouth, she called again,"Sasuke!" Hoping he would hear her. Hoping he would wait. Breathless by the time she neared the merchants grocery stand, where she had seen his body along with two other Uchiha, she skid to a stop,"Sas-!"her voice dying on his name as she found herself... alone.
Shoppers unintentionally bumped and shoved her frozen, un-moving form... Where did he go? Green eyes searched the perimeter thoroughly for a moment, until confusion and disappointment wore at her brow. She could've sworn it was him... Then again, she was still quite feverish. She also hadn't seen him in 3 years, so there was a possibility that she could have misjudged his silhouette... Or maybe, it was him and he had simply left before she reached him.
Dejection enveloped her chest.
Consumed with her thoughts and the blue emotion, she quietly disappeared into the crowd, treading on.
Yes, she had taken some offense that he never come to see her, even now that she was out of the hospital... But Sakura was aware of his demanding obligations. He was simply busy-not avoiding her. Team 7 would be reunited soon enough... She couldn't let some measly, selfish emotion ween in... Besides, she had already told Itachi that she wouldn't hold it against Sasuke...
She just, missed him...
That's all, really...
Four days later...
"Okaa-san, no more please..." Sakura panted, rubbing her full stomach,"I'm so full, I cant take a deep breath."
The warm, blonde woman smirked from where she sat across the kitchen table,"Oh alright, I suppose I'm satisfied with the amount you ate," Her hand dropped the spoon full of steamed rice, drawing back to her side. They sat in peaceful silence for a moment, allowing the food high to reign over.
"You know,"Mebuki Haruno began, her blue eyes frozen in thought,"Before dinner, your father mentioned Naruto coming here from your apartment, he was looking for you..."
The rosette yawned, stretching her arms up and knotting her hands at the back of her neck,"I'm surprised Tou-san was home to answer the door..." She mused aloud.
The older womans brows arched, before her mouth formed a thin line,"Sakura, you know he works night-shifts-"
"You and I both know that isn't the issue..."
A heavy sigh left Mebuki's lips, as she began to explain what the kunoichi already knew and had heard, time and time again.
"This last mission of yours, it - it only justified how he feels,"She murmured, slowly stretching her hand to connect with the young girls shoulder,"We worry about you dear... Your our only child."
The screech of her chair abruptly rang out, as Sakura stood. Eyes closed, she breathed out,"Thank you for dinner..." Before walking out of the kitchen.
Her mothers features twisted as she quickly stood to follow after her,"Sakura wait! You know I support your career - I'm so proud of the young woman you've become, believe me-"
"I believe you,"Sakura uttered, gripping the handle to the front door,"We'll talk later..." Turning the knob, she ignored her mothers protests and explanations as she thrust the door open. They both fell silent upon taking in the unexpected body on their door-step. Her exerted, knuckle-headed teammate's fisted hand hung in the air between them before reality set in. He dropped his arrested hand, relief blatantly etching his sun-kissed features.
"Sakura-chan... Oh thank the ramen God," He panted heavily, his hands pressed onto the face of his knee's as he attempted to catch his breath.
Curious at his efforts in finding her, she stepped closer,"What is it Naruto?"
His right hand drew towards his mouth as his thumb cocked twice. Familiar with his non-verbal speech, Mebuki disappeared into the house only to come back with a bottle of water. He nodded his thanks before downing the contents.
The Haruno's waited patiently, as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and even gave out a small belch.
"Well..?" Her pink brow arched in question.
A loud growl ensued, and three pairs of eyes were drawn to the boys gurgling stomach. Nervously rubbing the back of his neck, he smiled sheepishly, and even before he could point to his stomach the rosette's hand locked around his wrist, dragging him inside the house and into the kitchen. He slumped into the chair, marveling at the display of food before him, he didn't hesitate to dig in. The rosette shared a meaningful glance with her mother as a quiet request for them to be alone. The older Haruno woman understood, and disappeared into the living room.
A spoonful of rice, a crunch of pickled radish and a slurp of tofu ramen later, Sakura cleared her throat.
"Naruto..."
His swollen cheeks bounced at the weight of food, as his hand shot out to point at-
"Seriously," She interjected his sign language, her standing frame leaned over him as her hands gripped the handles on either side of his chair,"Chew, swallow the food and tell me why you've been looking for me." Her patience now at its maximum. She knew he was delaying because her mother was around, so it had to do with something big, or something with the Uchiha... But he was stretching her dry and she had things to do... Like, take a nap.
His shoulders hunched like a scolded child's and remained so as he finished chewing, swallowed and looked her in the eye. He finally opened his mouth to speak, his anxious blue eyes shifting between her and something past her shoulder.
"W-What time is it..?"
"7:47 pm," She answered without missing a beat.
He swallowed,"P-Promise me you wont get mad..."
"Naruto!" She all but growled. For the love of Kami he was dragging this out and inducing apprehension.
"PROMISE ME!" He shouted hysterically, his face quickly draining of color.
She closed her eyes, pushing past the annoyance she nodded,"I promise..."
"Okay... So like, I only found out about it, like a month ago... And I've been looking for you since this morning," He explained in a manner of innocence, avoiding eye contact he declared,"Today is the Uchiha Solution Banquet..."
Her right eye twitched,"You mean the 'Salutation Banquet..?"
Blue eyes lit up as he nodded vigorously,"Yeah - that! Its such a fancy term, why couldn't they just call it a 'Welcome back' party..?" Noting the negative energy now swirling between them, he quickly got back on track,"So, ummmm... Lady Mikoto had purposely delayed it so that you would be well enough to join... To join in the banquet, today...."He paused shielding his face reflexively, he quickly added,"At 8:00 - Its sorta-formal..."
Nothing.
No bone-crushing punches, no verbal abuse.
Breathing heavily, his curiosity outweighed his fear. Slightly bringing his hands down, a single ocean-blue eye peaked at the girl before him to find a murderous expression and blood-thirsty glaze in her darkened green eyes.
He swallowed his tongue, shaking in his chair,"Y-Y-Y-You p-p-promised-"
"I'm giving you 5 seconds to tell me this was all a joke..."Her deadly voice offered.
"...It was all a joke..?"
"Naruto-"
"What! You told me to tell you it was, I'm DOING WHAT YOU WANT ME TO!"
"YOU BAKA!" She exploded,"How could you be so irresponsible! And you've wasted sooo much time,"She shouted, pacing back and forth so she wouldn't pummel him,"With the water and the food, and even now -"She gasped, her wild eyes locking on the time that now read 7:52.
"Shit,"Sakura cried in a panic,"I'm not gonna make it..." She calculated the time it would take to shower, dress and get there,"I'm so screwed..." She breathed dejectedly.
In all her years, if there was one significant thing she had learned about the Uchiha, it was that tardiness was deemed disrespectful to the utmost.
In the Uchiha book of rules, it was claimed number two among the seven deadly sins.
Without having to look at her mothers expression near the doorway, Sakura quickly apologized for her outburst,"Forgive me Okaa-san... I just-"
"I - I'm uncertain of whats going on but - You can shower here... Go now, I will get your towels.."
A pink brow arched in disbelief at her usually suspicious mother,"But-"
"Okaa-san's right,"Naruto agreed through his full mouth,"And don't worry about your clothes, as long as its black you'll fit right in..." He snorted,"Ha-ha-ha... you get it? Cause they always wear-"
His words were cut off by a spoonful of noodles violently shoved into his mouth,"Finish your food within the next two minutes," The rosette ordered releasing the spoon lodged in his face, before disappearing upstairs. She wanted to kick his ass, heal him and do it again... How could he forget something so important?
She tore her clothing off, emerging into the bath with haste. She was a ninja dammit, and if her speed wasn't going to be useful now - it was good for nothing!
But... if they didn't get there in time, she was going to have Teuchi create a ramen in remembrance of her deceased blonde teammate.
...For sympathy of course.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Wow, you sure clean up fast... And - mmmm, is that lemon I smell?"
"..."
"Sakura-chan... Please, your silence is worse than any beating - say something!"
"I hate you."
"...Say something else..."
"Your irresponsible."
"... I didn't like that one either... How about how sexy I look in black, it really brings out my eyes eh?"
Sakura puffed out a breath, hastening her already fast steps, she flickered out of sight, leaving the blonde in her dust.
"WAIT - I'M SORRY!" He howled, suddenly beside her racing body, his hand reached out to grab her shoulder,"I really forgot Sakura-chan... After you woke up my only thoughts were on your recovery and ramen... Please don't be mad at me I cant stand it - please!"
She heaved a sigh. How could she stay mad at a face like his? Besides, it wasn't fair to be mad at him when he was adjusting to a lot of things since coming home too. Offering him a small smile, she nudged his shoulder with her own,"Its okay Naruto, I understand... I just dislike any additional attention, especially if its because we're late..."
"I know how that feels... Lord Fugaku gives me the stink-eye regardless of what I do..."
Sakura laughed at that. The senior barely contained his distaste for, well, anything Naruto... If he'd had it his way, Sasuke and Naruto probably wouldn't be teammates, let alone friends. The thought suddenly had her feeling sorry for laughing.
"Ready..? Just follow my lead.." Naruto asserted over his shoulder. Jumping down from the rooftops of the Uchiha district into a canopy of trees, he turned around and waited for her. With no time for a little mascara, or blush she pinched her pale cheeks for some color. Pulling aside the damp, pink locks that came down to her bust, she grabbed the hem of her plain, long black dress before jumping to level ground. Sakura wasn't sure if it was a minute past 8:00 or under but she quietly trailed after Naruto as he led them into the charming garden.
Green eyes surveyed the colorful assortment of flowers that bloomed in the winter. Bewitching blue sedum littered either side of their path, bobbing and dancing in the light breeze. Chaenomeles - which visually looked similar to the cherry blossom, except for the larger, red petals - hung over their heads. Luscious forest-green bushes and hills of grass expanded beyond the quaint dining area. White rose-bushes outlined they're quickly broadening stone path, and soon enough they intertwined with the people in the terrace. Still awe-struck at the splendor of Lady Mikoto's garden, she mindlessly bumped into her blonde teammate. Embarrassed, she felt her flustering nature emerge. The shaggy blonde turned his neck, his blue eyes catching her own,"Sakura-chan?"
"Sorry Naruto... I wasn't paying attention..." She confessed, her guarded eyes searching the swarm of people, seeking out her third teammate. Of course, all the young Uchiha woman were lovely in their snug gowns and formal kimono's... And the boys all looked the same. So she searched for the one who stood out.
As though the spikey-haired blonde could sense her buzzing nerves, he threw his arm around her, drawing her to his chest,"Don't be nervous, Lady Mikoto loves you..."
At the mention of the older woman's name, a peace washed over the rosette and her anxiety lightened. She'd missed the matriarch.
"Kitten, is that you?"
A distinct tenor called amongst the chatty crowd. Sakura smirked as Uchiha Shisui emerged, clad in black - like every other soul present at the event.
"...Is he talking to you, or me?" Naruto whispered with a shudder, his features scrunching up in disapproval.
The man overflowing with testosterone and pick-up lines came to stand before them, eyeing Naruto's sinewy arm around her slender shoulders,"Are you jealous or excited to see me..?" He winked at the blonde before his ebony gaze zoned in on the rosette,"You are looking lovely as ever my dear girl,"He took her hand, pressing a chaste kiss on the face of the tender skin, he leaned in,"Are you well?" He intoned with a deep sincerity, stroking the delicate hand still in his grasp gently. Though she was aware of his skills in seduction, she also knew when he was genuinely showing concern...
Green eyes crinkled at the corners as a sweet smile touched at her rosy lips,"Other than a little fever, I'm completely fine, Shisui..." She squeezed her anbu captains hand before drawing it back.
Though he would have no such thing. She was suddenly tugged out of Naruto's grasp, and pressed against the front of Shisui's muscular frame,"Must be a side-effect of the raging, Uchiha blood in your system..." He whispered beside the lobe of her ear in a teasing manner, causing her to physically flinch at both his words and actions... Did he just say what she thought he did? Her knee's suddenly felt weak.
"Come, I'll lead you to my aunt, Mikoto-san..." His arm around her back, Shisui urged the the frozen girl forward.
Simultaneously, Naruto was dragged away by Kakashi sensei, whom nodded in greeting to the group,"I'll be right there Sakura-chan, hold on!" He encouraged as though she was being escorted to the lions den and couldn't fend for herself.
The elder Uchiha smirked, his hand slowly sliding down the curve of her pronounced back. Her jaw clenched with frustration. Sakura abruptly stopped in her tracks, drawing away from him with narrowed eyes,"How did you know about the blood and stop touching me."
Unfazed, he waved her forward,"Come, come now... I haven't told a soul, I just felt like teasing you..."
"I don't see your amusement..."
He sighed, confidently throwing his arm around her shoulder because he knew she wasn't one to cause a scene, he led her once more,"I just find it peculiar that he would come to your aid, and even give his blood, only to avoid you..."
Sakura's heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. A manifesting dread welled up in her as her breaths slowed and features blanched... What was he implying? Sasuke had been busy, and she'd been recovering, it was totally normal for them to not have seen each-other yet.. But why did she suddenly feel so nausea's... And was the garden spinning or was her fever kicking in? Kami, she couldn't even find her voice to question the bastard.
"Oh Sakura-chan, you've made it!"
Closing her eyes, she took a long breath before turning around to face the greeting woman. The rosettes motionless and depressed features evaporated when her green eyes shifted toward the Uchiha Monarch.
Clad in a traditional black kimono, the woman absolutely glowed with refined beauty and class."Lady Mikoto," Sakura gave a curt bow in respect only to be grabbed and ushered forward. Slender hands cupped her face with a tenderness only a mother could acquire. Mikoto's long, elegant fingers stroked Sakura's cheeks and wisps of pink hair. The young kunoichi melted in place, her saddened thoughts ceasing and pounding heart slowing.
"Sweet girl... I was worried,"Her whispering words were full of concern and dare the rosette sense it - fear. "I can only imagine your mothers turmoil and how difficult your recovery has been,"Her gentle voice grew thin, as her twin, charcoal eyes looked deeply into Sakura's,"I - I'm so relieved at your recovery, my dear."
Her ivory hands moved to cover the older womans,"I'm sorry for causing any distress... And thank you for your concern, I," She paused trying to find the right words,"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your sons..."
A sadness weighed in on the ebony-haired woman. Her features compressed as she struggled to find words,"No my dear girl... You wouldn't have been in that situation at all if it wasn't for-"
"Salute to all who have joined us on this celebratory night, please let us all be seated now..."
One of the hosts urged and Sakura was glad for it. She didn't want Lady Mikoto to have to say those words. The hands at her face quickly withdrew,"Go now, your seat is beside your teammates and eat... You've become too thin since our separation."
A small, wistful smile touched at her mouth. What was with the women in her life trying to feed her all the time. A warmth spread over Sakura's chest as she shared a fleeting glance with the sophisticated woman before going the other way.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The white, empty plate before her was almost translucent. It's clear appearance easily reflected her distracted attributes. She stared blankly into the mirror of a tray for a moment, her pestering thoughts entertaining the exchanged words with her late anbu captain... What was it to Shisui to say such a thing? Did he not deem her a girl, with emotions? Though she was astounded at how very much his words had affected her... Even still, he sat directly across from her, wearing a curious expression that provoked her thoughts and even dejection further... She couldn't bring herself to ignore his words even though he could just be 'teasing' her. He was being, weird and on top of everything else, the place beside her blonde teammate was empty. Which she assumed was supposed to be Sasuke's seat, and he wasn't there... He wasn't sitting anywhere.
She doubted he would be running late to his own 'welcome gathering... It didn't sound like him-then again, she wasn't sure she even knew the same Sasuke anymore.
Vaguely listening on the side conversations around her, from her peripheral vision she saw Naruto shake his head with a grimace. His torso then leaned over, as he brought his mouth closer,"This roll is pitiful in comparison to your mothers,"He contradictively shoved said rice roll into his mouth. His body shivered, as though he was describing a favorite drug,"I can write a fucking sonnet for your mothers rice rolls..."
Her hand shot up to cover the snicker that erupted from her throat. She was debating agreeing with him or reprimanding him for his lack of manners when she suddenly sensed a dark profile moving at her back.
"Oi teme, over here," Naruto hollered, patting the place beside him, he scooted over, bouncing against the rosette's shoulders... It was him. Her heart-beat in her temple and limbs were suddenly unresponsive, as though they weighed a ton. She felt a cold-sweat spring up on the back of her neck and released a heavy breath. Willing-no, urging her stiff neck to move, just enough so that she could see him. So she could finally take him in. Curious green eyes fluttered to her left, past the structure of Naruto's freckle dotted nose, towards the figure bending to sit. The black of his shirt highlighted the pale, alabaster skin of his exposed arms and features. The years of his long and hard training showed on the curves and indentations of his stature. There was evident muscle definition through his clothing, even as he sat. Floored at the sight of his lean build, her gaze traveled up his broadened shoulders, along the slope of his opaque neck and remained on the side of his - clenched jaw.
The reality of her actions slammed into her and her neck immediately snapped down to the empty plate before her. Heat hit her like a wave, dusting her ivory cheeks pink. Rubbing her neck nervously she swallowed, ashamed of her gawking... But then again, there was a chance that he didn't know that she had been, well, ogling - couldn't he have taken the opportunity to greet her? Instead of displaying his... anger?
She exhaled a breath, growing confused and frustrated with herself, him and this - whole banquet.
And was it hot in here or was it just her..? ...Damn fever, damn Uchiha blood... Annoyed, her hand gripped the fork to her right, thrusting it into a rice roll. She brought it up, sliding the whole roll into her small mouth. Uncaring of her struggle to chew the huge load, and the peculiar glances it caused - she continued to fill up her plate. Some noodles, some grilled pork and - she was missing something... Brilliant green eyes narrowed at the plate of Onigiri sitting directly in front of, Uchiha Sasuke. She refused to look at him, out of fear of making a fool of herself again or him doing it for her... Instead, Sakura looked to the one sitting at his left.
"Naka-san, could you please pass the Onigiri this way..." She asked sweetly, her head tilting in a kawaii manner.
The brunette-haired boy lit up, a playful smile touching at his lips,"Why of course Kitten, anything for you.."
Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Sakura smirked. She'd been on several missions with the flirtation boy as-well, and though she didn't like the nick-name spurred on by her common, Tiger - anbu mask, she couldn't seem to get away from it. Naka out-stretched his slender arm, grasping the plate full of the rice balls, he shifted it towards Naruto, his bicep nearly grazing Sasuke's nose in the process. The boy beside her grabbed the plate, easing it towards her. She looked at the assortment with thinly veiled excitement... You never knew what you were gonna get inside an Onigiri, so your judgement was based off of size and how swollen it appeared.
She skillfully collected two with her chopsticks before voicing her thanks. They all fell silent, the only sounds were the clinking of the tableware and quiet whispers of conversation. Sakura couldn't seem to get used to how their colorless celebrations worked. And that applied to both the Uchiha's clothing and dining.. Celebrations were supposed to be involved, with good company, music and tons of laughter... Unless she's been doing it wrong this whole time.
"So Sakura-chan... In honor of your 'salutation' back to the land of the living, you must have sake with me." Shisui declared, setting the small glass full of liquor beside her plate. She shot him a curious expression at her almost unfamiliar name on his tongue, let alone the honorific. He was being rather strange today, wasn't he..? Uneasy, she chanced a glance down the table, to view the elder Uchiha's immersed in some important discussion.
"Don't worry your pretty head about the elders, getting drunk off your ass is one of our more commendable traditions,"The anbu captain assured with a questionable wink.
Sakura shook her head at the man, unsure if she should tread these waters. She was still on some antibiotics, and more importantly, she didn't want to end up making a fool out of herself.
"Alright, just one,"She sighed, nervously grabbing the small glass, she eyed its contents.
Uchiha Shisui cleared his throat, raising his glass,"To our beloved Sasuke-kun, the - uhhh, Charming Naruto-kun and the beautiful Sakura-chan... Long live Team 7!"
Everyone sitting around the group joined in, clinking their glasses and Sakura was overcome with the high of the moment. This was real, her team was here and they were sharing a drink together-a soft, nostalgic laugh made its way up her throat. She sensed a pair of eyes on her in that second and the feeling remained even as she brought the small glass up to her rosy lips, tossing back its contents. The thud of everyone's shot-glass slamming against the table resounded, and Naruto chortled with delight at the pinched and disproving expressions of the elder Uchiha.
"The elders are gonna roast us - with the fire-ball jutsu... Ba-ha-ha-ha,"The shaggy blonde roared, loving every second of the rebellious moment. Sakura couldn't help it, she snickered under her breath while swating at Naruto to quiet down. Mirthful, green eyes slowly traveled past his hunched over body to find Sasuke's cup still full, and untouched... She could've sworn it was him watching her a few seconds ago but he appeared to be involved in a quiet conversation with Naka.
Was it immature of her to be affronted by his lack of participation..? What was with him?
"Another!" Shisui's exclaim broke through her disgruntled thoughts. He was quickly pouring into their glasses with or without their consent.
He paused mid-way on her glass, the bottle in his hand suspended as his attention was now elsewhere."Well if it isn't my dear, fearsome cousin," his tenor was low and almost endearing. He immediately scoot to his right so that said cousin, Uchiha Itachi could gracefully slide in. Now that Shisui had moved, the Uchiha prodigy sat directly across from the pastel-pink haired girl. Two timid maid-servants quickly took the un-clean plate, replacing it with a new one, along with a fresh cloth and tableware. All before he had finished sitting comfortably. Surveying the table and the peoples seated, he managed a nod in gratitude to the still-catering maids, and the young girls understood the dismissal, bowing respectfully before retreating back to the kitchen.
Still quite sober, Sakura found the elders voices growing louder, and nearly every pair of eye intent on the one sitting across from her. He appeared completely at ease, unfolding the fresh cloth, he dropped it onto his lap and began filling up his plate with leisure.
"Itachi, I wasn't informed of your early completion, you are aware-"
"Uncle please,"Shisui abruptly cut-in, pushing his seat back to stand, its screeching wooden legs reverberating over them. The rosette tensed with utter apprehension, her green eyes shifting between her late anbu-captain and the motionless Lord Fugaku.
"With the utmost respect, Uncle, I ask that we set work aside and enjoy the wonderful company present now..."He bowed his head and kept it low, awaiting with everyone else at what the severe man would say.
Fugaku appeared deep in contemplation, as though he were by himself. Sakura suddenly wondered what the Elders thoughts were, and why he appeared restless.
"Of course,"The senior's deep voice was without emotion."Carry on," his features barely maintaining the practiced, ghost of a smile, as his black eyes ran through the inaudible people. Shisui bowed once more before slipping into his seat. Sakura watched as his features immediately morphed back to the playful and teasing man she'd come to know... As if nothing had ever happened... She knew he loved Itachi, but right then she became aware of how very much... It pulled at her heart strings.
"Come now, have a drink with me and the kitten..." He grabbed the bottle, coming back to her half-full cup, he filled it to the brim before pouring Itachi's.
The prodigy Uchiha's elegant, black brow rose in question at the rosette and instigating cousin.
Sakura merely shrugged, slightly amused and slightly unnerved by his onyx gaze.
They waited until he finished chewing, and wiped his mouth with the cloth on his lap,"Very well, one..."
He raised his glass to clink against their own, giving Shisui a meaningful glance as he did. But before he drank the contents, Sakura saw him raise his glass towards Sasuke. An unspoken exchange passed between the brothers as Itachi gave a subtle nod before downing the liquid in one swoop. His chiseled features not reflecting its bitter and burning effect at all, as though he'd drank some juice... She couldn't help it, she slightly tilted her head to take in her third teammate-in awe at the new light gleaming in Sasuke's eyes... Finally, some emotion out of him, she smiled to herself. Of course Itachi would be the one to soften him up... She sighed. As ironic as it was, these Uchiha boys unvoiced sincerity was just too much.
Shisui hissed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand while eyeing the peoples sitting around him, he grinned wolfishly at a petite brunette watching him intently.
Oh Sakura knew, he was just getting started.
"Another!"
"Pssst, Sasuke..."
Her whispering call was either unheard or, ignored. Though even in her woozy mind, she knew it was the latter because only a handful of the people had remained at the table. Even Naruto had left for the restroom at the moment - there were no barriers. In her drunken, unabashed state, Sakura only did what was natural.
She whistled, once - twice,"Oii, Sasuke."
Nothing. Except for Shisui's snicker in the background at her antics... Sasuke wasn't immersed in a conversation, wasn't still picking at the half-eaten food on his plate and definitely hadn't acknowledged her presence in the last hour... Her foggy mind grew grey. What was his problem? Was this the new Sasuke she just had to get accustomed to? She didn't like it... Any of it.
"Sasuke-sama," Sakura uttered spitefully, nearly glaring at his unbothered, emotionless form,"What, are you too good to converse with me? Are we back at first base again?"
She had done it now...Even though she was teasing, she wasn't able to keep the bane out of her voice. Usually, she had better control than that and nearly turned blue from holding her breath in arrest. Both Shisui and Itachi also fell silent, their conversation forgotten as they watched the duo with open curiosity.
The boy with the raven hair had been unfazed, motionless-a statue where he sat during the whole one-sided exchange. Until, he'd heard enough. Sasuke's pale, coarse hands scrunched the white cloth, his features impassive,"I don't associate with drunkards." He slid his chair back, dropping the cloth onto the plate, his quiet tenor added,"You should go home."
Sakura realized then that, til the very end, he never met her eyes...
She watched his receding back in a slow, half-conscious trance. It grew further and smaller until he blended in with the night of the garden. His voice, she hadn't heard it in 3 years and the first thing he says to her after all this time, is... She sniffled, her vision watery and blurring-threatening to spill over.
She wasn't drunk. Honestly, it was really a good buzz but now she regretted it... Regretted everything because the hurt she felt seemed to flood through her veins with the alcohol. Dominating any prior light emotions she'd had, Sakura's nausea intensified. Kami, it hurt so bad... But he was right, she needed to go home now. The rosette got her bearings, avoiding the two men's eyes. The embarrassment also surfaced then - with herself and the situation.
Hands grasping the edges of the table she slid her chair out, focusing on their marred hands and not their faces,"Thank you for a lovely night,"She gave a curt bow, internally proud that her voice was clear and controlled,"I will be on my way now."
"Kitten, don't go..." Shisui beseeched, reaching across the table to grab her wrist,"Don't go home upset... Lets have another shot-"
She quickly shook her head,"No, I cant Shisui... Thank you, both - for everything..." She tugged her arm out of his grasp, ignoring his protests and Itachi's analyzing eyes. The pastel-pink haired girl grabbed the hem of her black dress and walked mindlessly. Unsure of direction or logic, she just needed to get away. Soon enough, she realized that attempting to keep her balance, her emotions at bay and navigating through the garden was quickly becoming a problem. Sakura hastened her steps, her vision clouding and pressure behind her eyes growing.
After a few minutes, she found herself alone and the stone path before her shadowed and dark.
The whistling wind caressed her hot features, and she allowed her body to slacken. Her fever was at its peak now, she'd overworked her emotions. Warm streaks slid down the curve of her cheeks, and over her jaw. She wiped at the tears furiously. Hating his words and herself for being so affected... But how could she not when he was the same boy who protected and vouched for her... The one who held her close when there was a threat, the one she trusted... Sakura exhaled sharply at the memory of the younger boy... She swore that Tsunade somehow had it wrong, there was no way that this Sasuke had been the one to help save her life. She whimpered, confused and distressed at the turn of events.
Maybe she would permanently join the anbu-black ops to avoid further conflict. She couldn't keep going through the same motions. Her heart couldn't take the rejection anymore.
Walking aimlessly, her muddled mind was able to distinguish the rubbing of gravel. Reddened, green eyes blinked up towards the dark figure in the distance. It took her eyes a moment to adjust but even then, the striking colors were impossible to miss. Narrowed, crimson red eyes dominated the shadows of the night - its black tomoes swirling hypnotically.
Her flushed face paled and breathing became shallow. Recklessly, she turned on her heel, sprinting in the other direction. She didnt want to see anyone and she really didn't want anyone to see her like this. The fear of being singled out by the Uchiha for being an emotional drunk at an important event fueled her adrenaline. Mid-run, Sakura thought she heard a curse word and was daunted by the unanticipated presence now directly behind her. She gasped in startlement-limbs weakening from the shock and spiking fever, she fell forward.
Wincing reflexively as her face neared the stone ground, she was absolutely fazed when a pair of strong arms caught her in time. Pink hair draped over her features, revealing only the concrete she was a foot away from before the rosette was tugged forward, meshing up against a warm, lean body. Breathless and dizzy with vertigo, her quaking hands flattened against his chest. Her bobbing head drew back with difficulty and disheveled hair slid away from her swollen eyes as she took him in... Again.
Sasuke...
His eyes had receded to black, yet in this moment, they strangely reflected a deep, deep blue. Resembling the rarest shade of the obsidian stone... Impressive black brows were arched in symmetry with the bewitching shape of his eyes. His nose came low, perfectly even and curved for his faultless features. His angular cheek-bones and moderate-to-full lips were ideal and naturally alluring. Sakura blinked away her daze, suddenly weaker now than before... He was so close and dare she think it - beautiful.
"Baka..."He breathed,"This is not the way out of the garden."
He wasn't smug, nor was he being rude... It was worry laced in his tenor, Sakura recognized... But it was too late for that.
"Well... now I know," She bit out icily, before pushing off of him. He'd seen her crying and that on top of everything else sent her hot, blood, boiling. Though, she only managed to take one, two - two and a half steps before she was free-falling a second time. This time he grabbed her by the arm, jerking her up so fast she had to close her eyes to keep the nausea at bay.
"Stop being stupid," he growled with little restrain, still holding onto her arm tightly,"I'll help you-"
"I don't need your help!" Sakura exclaimed, her voice thinning and rasping. She wrenched her arm out of his grasp, the area oddly burning from his touch.
A sardonic smile suddenly twisted his features, his piercing eyes seemed to scald her with their intensity and the rosette was swaying on her feet by the sight.
"Of course - your a strong and powerful Kunoichi now..." Sasuke's low, smooth voice mocked. He took slow, calculated, predatory steps towards her.
Her fatigued legs took unsteady steps back, maintaining some distance,"I am..."She panted with pride,"Why are you taunting me?"
His hard features would not slacken,"Strong, and selfless,"he uttered above a whisper, almost goading in manner and something fluttered within her chest. She cowardly looked away from him as her feet stepped on uneven ground.
"Admirable... and stupid," he spat with blistering venom, cornering her against the trunk of a tree.
She saw black. Her palm connected with his cheek even before she had commanded it to... And she knew he could have easily avoided it but was too consumed with anguish to bother to care why... She couldn't catch her breath, kami it hurt so bad, it was worse than any physical pain that she'd endured. With a few words, he'd unlocked her feelings of nuisance and insufficiency. Breaking any self-esteem and confidence she'd built over the last few years.
"How could you be so cruel?" Blood-shot, green eyes squinted with the need to know and understand. Breathless, she leaned her full weight against the tree,"Why are you doing this?"
His cocked head slowly drew back from her weak blow, his enigmatic, dark eyes surveying her intently. Time seemed to slow in those few seconds and the rosette feared her palpitating heart would explode before she got her emotions under control... She watched as a far-away expression became of him, a memory that had him clenching his fists.
Black, ebony locks hung over his features as he bent his head, before his quiet response finally came,"I preferred your inadequacy,"his features un-remorseful and unrelenting, as black pools blinked up to meet her dead in the eye,"Over your current shortcoming..."
She swallowed the lump in her throat... So then, thats what it was about. He was throwing it in her face - that he had to come to her rescue even at this day and age and had to save her... Had she burdened him so much that he would say such a thing as this? Something cracked within her. She wanted to hit him- no, she wanted to hurt him as bad as he was hurting her... But she couldn't... Because she never had the influence to offend him.
"I'm sorry you h-had to waste your blood on me,"the hot tears cascaded down her features as she brashly tore a small branch from the tree before digging it into her wrist,"You can have it back!"
Sasuke's expression was one of alarm and incredulity but she didn't give a damn! He quickly snatched it out of her hand before she could completely break the skin.
"Have you lost your fucking mind?" His menacing voice uttered as he tossed the twig aside before holding her swaying body in place.
"Maybe I have," She wailed, unable to suppress the anger squeezing her chest and choking her throat,"But I don't regret a thing - you should've just let me die," She declared weakly, trying to pull his hands off her shoulders in vain.
Sakura was suddenly air-borne, the crown of her head and upper back dug into the bark of the tree viciously. With every passing second, the pain set in and she fidgeted uncomfortably. A sense of deja-vu washed over her as she registered the vice-like grip on her shoulders. Puffy, and unfocused green eyes fluttered open and the rosette shuddered at the unadulterated anger of his features... Manifesting, negative waves like that of a storm cloud rolled off his warm, strong body. Shortness of breath was an understatement as she tugged at the hands locked onto her shoulders in vain. The atmosphere between them was both suffocating as it was electrifying. She shook in his grasp, fighting the unconsciousness quickly taking place. Beyond overwhelmed, she squeezed her burning eyes shut and turned her head away from him. Why was he doing this to her? Couldn't he see that she was breaking in half..?
"I should have...?" His dark, quiet voice asked. His hot breath ghosting over her lips,"Yes... You should've died, over useless, insignificant intel..."
She had done it all for them, she had bled for them and he would belittle it like this?
Sakura shook her weak, heavy head,"It wasn't insignificant, and I don't care what you say! I would do it again-"
"Shut up,"Sasuke snarled with an anger that surprised her. His eyes bled red, as he shook her suspended body once, setting her to the ground. Helplessly, her weak head lolled to the side but she kept her gaze on him.
"Look at you," he whispered but it rang out like a shout. She knew he was referring to her weak and unstable state. She was a pitiful sight indeed and hated herself for it.
"All you had to do was answer that snakes fucking questions!"
Her heart skipped a beat.
Jaw slackening, the rosette was gasping for air. Too overcome with the regret now surfacing, at her inability to understand him initially. It was making sense now... He wanted her to be a coward, he wanted her to value her life... His absence, disregard and anger towards her... She dared to think it-as absurd and even unimaginable as it sounded, there was no denying it... Sasuke was traumatized... By the very sight of her, and her actions that led to it all.
She sniffled, her anger now an overbearing agony. She didn't know, kami she had misunderstood him...
Black clouding her wet vision, she tried to find his eyes and forced out the words.
"I'm so sorry..." She exhaled, her head bobbing,"Forgive me, Sasuke-kun..."
Whatever else she wanted to say died on her tongue as color and sensory vanished along with her strength. She was out-cold when her body dropped - dropped into a pair of gentle and almost hesitant arms. Sasuke stood still for a moment. His chest expanding with the last of his anger as his eyes became faraway and guarded. Ever so slowly, he drew Sakura's upper body to his chest, as though she would fade away with any rapid movements. One arm slid over the curve of her back, locking on her warm, slender waist. Anchoring her to him, his breathing slowed, as his other hand ghosted up her arched neck. He swallowed, his red eyes would not recede, as the sight of her pale features disturbed him. Quickly, he drew her head forward until it settled into the crook of his neck, before drawing up her legs in one swoop.
He closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the steady heartbeat reverberating on his forearm as though it was a crucial nutrient.
Before Sasuke flickered out of sight.
Her whispering call of his name and added honorific plaguing him every step of the way.
. . .
. .
.
Was this chapter utterly useless? :/ I know the SasuSaku was short but everything that happened this chapter was absolutely necessary... Like my good friend, Misskonoha put it, I do like the 'simmering' process... Ohhh, I cannot wait for the sexual tension to begin!
Please review, they make me smile!
ttyl, xoxo
