yea i know its been so long..
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Real Love
Chapter 4
He came to the point where it's already useless to go further. He wondered vaguely how he would survive this. The storm is just nearing its wrath and the exit that he's been trying to find for days is still nowhere to be found. He laid back on the trunk of the tree that he's been standing on and closed his eyes. With only a shirt on, he could almost feel the upcoming numbness of his face and arms. The thick storm is only making him struggle for breath. He slid down the trunk of the tree. He can't seem to stand anymore. The coldness surrounding him is making all of his senses numb and unreliable. And it annoys him to no end, being helpless and all.
How could he be so stupid to go into this kind of situation?
He slid down further into the trunk. Feeling his legs buckling up, he decided to sit down instead and wait for whatever it is that's about to come. He felt his eyes closing. He's been really tired and hasn't had a good long sleep for years. His mind went into a daze; he suddenly felt no tiredness, no coldness, not even a single sound can be heard now. All he feels at the moment is the gentle arms of sleep cradling him ever so slowly. Tempting him to forget about everything, including the horrible darkness of death that's he's being submerged to every second.
His life flashed trough his eyes. Oddly enough, it didn't start off with his childhood memories in which the Uchiha clan is still alive. Instead, he saw his Genin days, Team 7, the nine rookies and all of those times when he once believed, though he would not say it out loud or even to himself most of the time, that he has found another "family", which has been a big part of his life. Those memories amazingly came back to him so incredibly fast even though he had made an enormous effort to bury it deep inside his mind, his heart. Putting in first what he believed is much more important than anything else in the world. Revenge.
He almost smiled at the memories. Almost smiled. But knowing that he's Uchiha Sasuke, he can't. Even though how much he wanted to, he just can't. Smiling seems to be so hard to do for him. Much more harder than training or mastering any complicated jutsus. Maybe it's because he had spent so many years in the training grounds of Orochimaru or maybe it's because of his horrible past. Who knows? Only he knows. But now, he's really not so sure himself either. When he was still a citizen and a good shinobi of Konoha, he was pretty certain of the reason why he just can't see the beautiful things in life. Why else? Because of his forsaken brother whom he had bowed to kill. But now, so many things had happened already that it became hard for him to see or to realize right from wrong. Why? Is he feeling guilt? Guilty for leaving behind his friends, his village, and his newly found life filled with people that cared for him? Guilty for leaving behind something so great? Wait a minute, great? Great? He never thought of it as great before, not even good. He always thought of them as another blockage for reaching his goal. A big blockage. So why? Maybe his mind is playing tricks on him? No. He should stop lying to himself. He had thought about it over the past few days. All that he had done. He never really had the time to ponder about things during his times with Orochimaru. Inside those cold walls, all he can think about is training. Train, train, train until you get better. Train until you're strong enough. Train until you're satisfied. But there's no satisfaction especially for someone like him. So he left, believing that there's still something more greater and powerful than Orochimaru. He just have to find out what it is.
But he never dared to go back to Konoha. He had to admit, he's scared. Yes the great Uchiha Sasuke being scared. What can he do? He kept thinking about the reactions, the acceptance and even the rumors and gossips that's about to erupt when he steps in his old hometown. But most of all, he's scared at the changes that occurred. How much have they change? But mostly, what do they see or think about him now?
Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi-sensei. What do they think of him now? But why is he even wondering what they think about? Hell! Why does he care what anyone thinks about him in the first place anyway!
Lets face it. Everybody grows up and so normally, he did too. He became more mature and more rational towards things. He didn't realize that it would change his perspective towards things so much, being more rational and all. Now he feels things more deeply and realizing every single thing that he had done, all wrong. All wrong. So much for being branded as a boy with a heart of ice. Growing up is such a pain. If he could only turn back time and believe again in what he believed in when he was 12, it would be so much easier. At least he only believed in one thing and think of it as the most right thing that he had to do. It would have been so much easier. He's not saying that he doesn't believe in it now, its just that he's having doubts, which is not really good. He's so confused. What is it that he wants to prove? What is it that he wants to do? Why cant he just live just like before? Living his life with only one thing in mind, nothing else matters. What happened to him?
What about his goal? Yes its still very important to him. But he feels that even if he reached that goal of his on the future, there's still something missing. Dammit why does he feel that way! Why hadn't he felt that way when he was still 12! What the hell is the answer to all these questions! What the hell is missing!
Is it power? No. Then what? That's all he ever cared about ever since right?
There's just too many questions that needs to be answered. Too much questions.
"Damn it.. this is getting irritating.."
But he never regretted anything, although you can say that he sometimes feels bad about it. He knows he won't regret. This is his goal and his choice. Besides, he already did it. It can't be change anymore. Right? But if he can, maybe, just maybe, he would.
Sadly enough, no one knows what's going on into his interior self. His personality changes whenever he's alone and whenever he's around with people. He's Uchiha Sasuke, known for hiding what he feels, what he thinks, what he wants. It's all being masked by the cold stare of his eyes, impassive face and his calm, quick but sure actions. All hidden, living life with deep secrets. No one will ever know. Like they need to, they wouldn't care less.
He closed his eyes completely. Amazing how he can think of all these things during a time like this. Maybe it became a habit. Yeah, definitely a habit. He always thinks most of the time now since he left Orochimaru, even in training. Thinking is one thing he cant escape of. Even his dreams only give him more things to think about. It's a wonder he still manages to live, seeing that he's as confused as hell could be.
Problem is, there's really nothing to be confused of! He only live for one purpose and one purpose alone. Why is he making things harder for himself thinking of unimportant matters!
He thought about his goal in life. Oh how he wanted to get this whole thing over with. He knows that when he did, he can finally have peace. A thing he's been longing for for the longest time. At least that's what he wants himself to believe. Cause that's the right thing to believe in. He's supposed to believe in that!
He still feels that same angst, the same hate and pain inside him whenever he thinks about his brother. He's the one who made his life so hard to live. Its all his fault. That's why he's gonna pay for that.
He half-opened his eyes. He cant die here. He still have so many things to do in life before he can. His goal is not yet finished. Now is not the right time.
It's all just too confusing. Too confusing for anyone to deal with.
He tried to stand up but was surprised when his hands, as he was using it for support to stand up again, slipped at something warm and kinda slimy making him sit again in a painful way. As his confusion perked up, he looked at the source of his slipping and noticed something red. As his eyesight cleared, he realized instantly what it is.
"Blood..?"
His eyes widened with shock, momentarily ignoring the coldness and fatigue. He looked down below. A trail of crimson can still be etched through the snow covered ground, slightly glistening and still fresh. He figured that it hasn't been that long since that trail was formed.
He stood up, wondering what could be the cause of the trail of blood. He jumped down and kneeled in front of it and looked in the distance. The trail goes on and on.
Should he follow it?
He kept his eyes on the trail of blood. He could almost smell it. Horrible smell, what a horrible smell. He stood up and began following the long trail but suddenly stopped himself.
Wait a minute.
What the hell is he doing!
He was supposed to search for the exit of this forest not investigate on things like this! He cant barely survive and he's gonna follow this thing! Nonsense! It may be just an injured animal or whatever for all he cares!
He jumped again on top of the tree. Determined not to stumble into this part of the forest anymore, he did not dared looked back. He was about to leave, but oddly enough he cant seem to move. His body is aching to look again at the trail of blood below him. His curiosity getting the best of him. Dammit what is so damn interesting in a trail of blood!
He looked down again. His instincts are telling him to follow the long trail of crimson but he knows that if he will, his chances of getting out of this forest alive would be one in a million. That is, if he followed it. But if he wont, there's still a chance that he will survive this. So, there's really nothing to think about! Why would he risk his life for this!
The black pools of his eyes stared down below, mixed with annoyance and anger. Slightly surprised, he realized that he felt the same annoyance he always felt when he was 12, at those times when Sakura would always cling on him and ask him out. That kind of annoyance that he hasn't felt for the longest of time.
But guess what. He kinda missed it. This is definitely not the same annoyance he feels when his thoughts are troubling him. Its two complete opposites.
"Kuso.."
He jumped back down. His instincts are too much for him to handle, tempting him to no end. Deep down inside him, he wanted to follow it and see where or to what it's gonna lead him. Why does it seem to be so hard not to abide his instincts? And damn it does it have to be now!
He kneeled down and slowly touched the blood mixing with the white snow, staining his fingers with crimson. He looked at it with blank eyes. The more he stared at it, the more he wants to find the source of the trail. The more his heart tells him to go after it. Weird. He never makes decisions based on his emotions before. Ever. It's something that he truly doesn't believe in. He curled his hands into fists.
"If this leads to no good I'm gonna be in big trouble.. shit this is definitely not my day.."
He stood up and took one last look at the trail. What now?
His face contorted with annoyance. Annoyance, annoyance, annoyance. Maybe it's possible for a person to live his whole life just feeling undying annoyance inside him. Well, that would most likely happen to him. Day and night, night and day it never leaves him. Hell you really wouldn't think of it as normal anymore. But undying thoughts and questions are the ones causing it, its not like he wants to be annoyed all the time right?
He looked beyond and jumped into another tree. He looked down below and started following the long trail of crimson. Insane, this is so insane he thought.
The trail goes a long way as the storm gets stronger. His heart is beating fast. What is making him so nervous? What is making him so excited? And why?
As these thoughts occupied his head, he didn't notice the change of his speed, making his paces faster and faster as the trail of blood goes on, desperate to know what the secret behind the long trail of blood is.
He wants to know so badly.
He's starting to feel worry. Worry for whom? Worry for what? He doesn't know. But he feels it.
He ignored the coldness, the numbness and all the negative things. He's feeling so many things at the moment. Worry, excitement, irritation, sadness. Hell he doesn't know what to do anymore but just to follow this trail. He can feel something heavy inside his heart and he thinks that when he reached the end of this trail, it would go away. No, he doesn't think it, he believes so.
Why? The heavy feeling is making him very uneasy.
He jumped from tree to tree as fast as he could. Oddly enough, his energy suddenly came back to him. He turned his Sharingan on, trusting his instincts like he never did before and risking his life for something he doesn't know.
"Tsunade-sama.."
Hazel brown eyes met green ones.
"Sakura?" the Fifth answered groggily. It's 2 in the morning and the Hokage, still stuck with humungous amount of paper works just woke up. Typically, she slept through her job again.
"Hokage-sama.." a female voice said.
Tsunade yawned and stretched. Finally, Sakura and the other four ANBU's are back. Took them quite a time. But it doesn't matter, what's important is that they're here, safe and sound with the medicine safely tucked under their robes of uniform. Got her quite worried she had to admit but then again, this is Sakura were talking about. There's completely nothing to worry about. Nothing.
She leaned her elbows at the table in front of her and then closed her eyes. Her eyesight is still blurred. Hangover. Damn. What a headache.
"Finally you're back.. okay I want a complete mission report first thing in the morning tomorrow.. I supposed you guys have the medicine with you.. just give it to Shizune and she'll be the one to take care of that.. lastly, before anything el-"
"Hokage-sama.. please hear us out.." a male ANBU said.
The Hokage, still cringing because of the horrible headache didn't acknowledge it. She needs her rest and they're interrupting her precious hours of sleep. She sighed, sorry but she's not in the mood for long talks at this time.
"Look, lets just talk about this tomorrow okay.. I'm tired and I'm sure you guys also are so-"
"Sakura-sama didn't make it.. Hokage-sama.. we're very sorry.. the storm and, I mean.. the four of us barely made it here.. but Sakura-sama.. she's.. she's injured and not really in a good state.. were very sorry.. we tried to find her but.. were so sorry.." a sympathetic voice stuttered, all a little too quick than usual.
The Fifth stopped rubbing her forehead.
What?
She opened her eyes, with her head still bowed down, and met the floor. What did he said again? Hazel brown eyes stared at nowhere blankly. She finally looked up.
One.. two.. three.. four.. four..
No.
It finally sinked in. The reality she's facing. Sakura.
Her eyes widened, the hangover, the headache, the tiredness, the fatigue and all her problems flew out and mixed with the wind. Where's Sakura!
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED! ARE YOU SAYING THAT SHE'S OUT THERE BARELY ALIVE STUCK IN A SNOW STORM!" Tsunade roared as she slammed her fist at the table in front of her. Maybe it cracked? Maybe.
The once silent night turned into a craze as the Hokage's shouting echoed throughout her office, warning other ANBU's and Konoha officials, making them dash around the Hokage's office wanting to know what happened to one of their best medicnin and kunoichi, Haruno Sakura.
This is all her fault. Naruto and Kakashi would not be pleased.
It all seems too impossible to happen as Shin, Eilie, Yumi and Luc tell the unlikely fairytale.
There's a figure below. A human and most likely to be injured. Most likely to be dead.
He stared at it from above. A part of her back is covered with snow. Maybe for lying there for too long. Her. She's a she. You'll be good as blind if you missed those perfect curves. He's not being a pervert or anything but it's impossible to miss it. Impossible.
Well here it is. He reached the end. What now?
Will he just stand there and stare? Well, he didn't risk his life just to stare at a young lady's back that's soaked with blood. Dead or alive he doesn't know. Would he want to know?
The storm is getting thicker. Shit this is not good.
He has to make a decision fast. He wanted to know what caused the trail and now that he knows, what will he do next?
He really didn't plan on anything to do once he got here. Why would he? It's just his curiosity hungry for the answer and now that he had fed it, it's now gone.
But the heavy feeling still isn't.
"An ANBU uniform.."
He couldn't possibly be mistaken. He had fought so many ANBU's and he most likely saw all the masks and uniforms there is. This girl is an ANBU. Maybe her team had been ambushed? Maybe they failed the mission? He wondered what the reason could be.
Wondering in a very thick and dangerous storm isn't really all that comforting.
He jumped down only a few meters away from the body. As usual his stoic face hides everything. He wants to help her. Why? He doesn't know. Uchiha Sasuke only lives for himself right? Cares for himself only and for his goal. Besides, she's an ANBU. So why would he help her.
Ah yes. The heavy feeling is still there. He had wanted to erase that heavy feeling inside him.
If she fought him, in this condition, she wouldn't last very long anyway. So there's nothing to worry about. For now, he just really, really wants this heavy feeling to go away. It's really making him very edgy.
He kneeled down in front of the body. Is she alive? Well he have to check first.
He removed the bundle of snow that is covering the upper part of her back. He stopped, what the hell? Pink hair. Oh no. There's only one person that he knows that have pink hair.
His heart is racing again. The mixed emotions came back. This couldn't be possible.
He can't move his hands. All he could do is stare at the damp cherry blossom colored hair. This is too much cliché.
No wait a minute this isn't right! He shouldn't jump into conclusions! What if it's another person? What if she just dyed her hair pink? There's still many possibilities!
And Sakura being an ANBU? No way, he thought, totally underestimating her again.
But he's been gone for a long time and the Sakura that's on his mind is still the same 12 years old Sakura. People change Sasuke, he said to himself.
Well there's only one way to find the answer to his questions.
He picked up the body of the girl and rest it on his lap. With his right arm under her neck, he could now see clearly the very pale face of his old teammate, Haruno Sakura.
You couldn't imagine his shock as he stared at Sakura's dying form. His heart is still beating so fast. He doesn't know what to do. Of all people. Why her?
Sakura's face is almost deadly white. Too much blood has been lost. Is she still alive?
He checked her pulse. Barely. Her breathings are shallow. Shit now he's worried as hell.
"Sakura!" he shouted as she shook her body slightly.
No use.
"Sakura!"
He saw the deep stab at her stomach. So that created the long trail of blood.
But why would she move in this condition! It's totally stupid of her to do that!
But mostly, what is she doing here doing missions in a weather like this!
Her body is extremely cold as ice, he figured she only have a few minutes to live. If he hadn't came any earlier, she would have been dead by now. More so if he didn't follow his instincts.
Does that mean that he's thankful that he did?
He saw a backpack at his right. This must be Sakura's backpack. He grabbed it and searched frantically inside. Why is he suddenly so damn nervous!
He saw a thick towel inside, took it out hurriedly, and wrapped it quickly around Sakura. If her body temperature wont change, she's gonna be in a coma. He also saw some medicine bottles, some scrolls, extra clothes and weapons inside. And a small white folder. Unfortunately, the medicines that she has are only painkillers. Three bottles of painkillers? That's all? That wouldn't be any help at all! He clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Why does she have so many painkillers?"
He picked her up bridal style and jumped from tree to tree, searching for any kind of cave or abandoned houses of some sort again. He's pretty certain that if her wound would be cleaned and closed, her chances of living may notch up to a great percent. Just hold on there Sakura, hold on a little longer, he said not really aware about it. All his actions are now just being controlled by his instincts all based on what he feels. He can't just leave Sakura there dying! But on second thought, why couldn't he? Didn't he abandoned her already? So that means he doesn't care about anything that has any connections towards her or to Naruto or Konoha anymore, right?
Maybe he's just really used to always saving Sakura in times of trouble that he feels a little bad that he's not there to protect her this time when she needed one the most. But that's not the point! He's creating another blockage to his goal again! What the hell is he doing!
He ignored his jumble of thoughts.
Right now, there's only one thing that he wants to do and that is to save Sakura.
"Please.. please.. even just a shelter.. come on.. even just for one night.. just something to cover us from the storm.. please.."
It's beyond the bounds of possibility to miss the look of worry and plead in his eyes.
He held her body closer, desperate to make her warm and as if he's afraid to lose her. Afraid to lose her again. He cant barely see where he's going anymore and his body is beginning to give up. He was about to lose hope when he saw a small cabin at a distance.
"FINALLY!"
He cant believe his luck!
Sasuke hurriedly made his way towards it, holding Sakura like fragile but making sure that she won't fall off. The small house is still in good condition so he figured that they could both stay there until the storm is over. Thankfully, the cabin is uninhabited from any existence but them.
He's so thankful and so glad. He had never felt better in his entire life.
And for the first time in years, smiling doesn't seem so challenging to do.
Now he only have one problem left and that is to prevent Sakura from dying.
He just hoped to God that he could do it right.
Tsunade cursed for the sixtieth time that day. Her much needed sleep that was adjourned is now on nobody's mind even hers. Its already 6 in the morning and she wondered horribly what could Sakura's state be at this time. Her office is now full of people while her headache starts to get worse minute by minute. Sakura is out there somewhere dying and here she is just standing in this damn office, not capable of doing anything but to ponder every possible outcome that could happen. She can't possibly send troops to find Sakura; the storm is at its best already. They won't survive in that.
Once again she felt useless, useless for saving someone whom she deeply love and cherish. She's so sick and tired of it. If Sakura dies.. if Sakura dies.. she doesn't know what to do anymore but to condemn herself for life.
She's being looked up to as the greatest and one of the strongest ninja of all time and she can't even save the things that are very important to her. No, she can't afford to lose someone again. Oh please God, not again.
The four ANBU is still at her office, refusing to get some rest and insisting that it's been their fault why Sakura isn't here right now with them. They wanted to help the Hokage even though, at their state as of the moment, they won't be any big help at all.
For now, all anyone can do at the moment is to hope that Sakura will survive the big storm until it decreases and when it does, without further ado, Tsunade is gonna go there at the forest herself to look for her. Never mind the paper works, Sakura's life is much more important than any fame or, though as selfish at it may sound, anybody's life.
Shizune came in and brought her the map of the forest. The forest is huge with many roads that leads to a dead end and roads that can make you go back at a place that you've already been through for quite several times. Well that's why Tsunade assigned Shin as a part of Sakura's team right?
Tsunade walked over at her table but she suddenly felt dizzy and lost her balance, making her cling on to Shizune's shoulder.
"Hokage-sama!"
Well, she figured the fatigue and the lack of rest and sleep is already taking effect. She also assumed that too much thinking and worrying is a part of it.
"Hokage-sama.. I think you should rest first.." Shizune said with a hint of worry audible at her voice.
"But Sakura-"
"No! You know that there's nothing we can do now but to hope for the best! Come on Tsunade-sama.. Trust Sakura! Do you really think that she'd give up on this! Please, don't think low of her. She had been your student and you should know better! Please trust her.. She's a lot stronger now and she won't give up easily.. I also know that she wouldn't want you overworking yourself and having emotional breakdowns.. You had told her hundred of times to not to overwork herself too much and I expect you to do the same! It has been, after all, your own words for you to keep.." Shizune said, taking responsibility of the woman in her arms.
Shizune helped the tired Hokage at her chair. Tsunade rested her elbows on the table in front on her while she covered her face in her hands. Shizune's right. There's no point in lurking around in a dark corner, blaming yourself for what happened. It wouldn't be any help at all. Sakura is a strong girl. She had faced so many things already without being submerged into the dark. She's not just strong physically but also emotionally. Sakura will be alright, she said trying to convince herself. Hope. That's all she has for now. Nothing but hope.
She felt a familiar chakra. Oh no, another problem.
The door of the Hokage's office opened slowly, revealing a silver haired jounin. When the door closed, every sound seemed to vanish. Kakashi is standing right in front of everybody.
"Tell me everything.. what happened to Sakura.."
Its not a question but a statement. Tsunade doesn't have to look up to see if he's mad. The voice and his aura does it all, sending chills into everybody's spine.
"Kakashi please.. not now.. she's really tired.. please we're all worried about Sakura so let's just-" Shizune said but was cut short by Tsunade.
"No.. Shizune.." she sighed. Shizune just stared at her in disbelief. Tsunade took no notice of it.
"Kakashi.. it's your right to know what happened.. also for Naruto.. but please don't cause a commotion.."
"I'm not here to cause anything.. I'm here to know what happened.."
"Alright.. alright.. please everybody out.. Kakashi and I need to talk.." Tsunade commanded.
Shizune was hesitant at first but it's the Hokage's order, she cant do anything abut it. Even though sometimes she give sermons to the Hokage, she still knows where and when to place herself. After a minute of rambles, everybody was out except for her and Kakashi.
Finally the silence and peace that Tsunade has been waiting for since the past few hours arrived. Now with only the two of them inside, Tsunade stood up and faced the village of Konoha that is visible through the big mirror at her office. She cant look Kakashi in the face, it would be too much. Maybe its just because she's blaming herself for what happened? Maybe. But no matter what it is, she doesn't care because she knows that she herself hasn't yet completely accepted the reality she's facing.
"Tell me.."
"I will.. but please.. as much as possible.. don't let Naruto know yet.. I think you know what I mean.. its for the best.."
"I know.. tell me Tsunade.. what happened.." Kakashi said in a surprisingly soft voice. Maybe the feeling of madness is gone now?
Tsunade sighed.
"Well.. this is it.."
She closed her eyes as she told the silver haired jounin everything that had happened.
He released more chakra at his hands and tried not to think about the dizziness and intense heat that he's feeling. He has been healing Sakura's wound for nearly half an hour now but to no avail did he succeed.
"Dammit.. if this continues I'm gonna lose all of my chakra.."
So stop! But he couldn't. Why couldn't he?
He concentrated even more chakra at his hands. At least the blood stopped flowing now but he can't seem to close the wound. Being with Orochimaru had thought him a great deal of techniques but Kabuto being there is another story. Whenever the snake man needed treating, it's always Kabuto who gets the work done so he somehow learned the basics of being a medicnin, which has been very useful at times for Sasuke. At least he's not just clinging onto dear life with just medicine bottles. It's been very helpful.
But seeing that he only knew the basics and doesn't really have any interest in it, it would be hard for him to treat another person but himself. At least if it's him he's treating, he knows his limitations.
Hell Sakura could be screaming in pain now if ever she's awake at the moment because of the intense heat. Even Sasuke could feel his hands burning. He had never been onto this kind of healing stage before.
Sweat is rolling down his face. He's really getting annoyed now. What is it that he's doing wrong! Why is the wound not closing!
"This is so stupid.. just close up already!"
He felt his energy draining. The blue glow at his hands turned dim. Shit his chakra is now low.
"Come on! COME ON!"
He tried to keep his eyes open.
"Close.. please.. Sakura.."
As if on cue, the wound suddenly started to close slowly. Luck seems to be on Sasukes' calendar today.
"That's it.. nice and slow.. come on just a little more.."
The blue glow started to fade out.
"Just a little more! Come on!"
Now he's pleading again. Damn this.
The blue glow completely vanished. He stopped. He can't do it anymore. If he continues then both of their lives would be in danger, making things more bad than it already is. At least the wound is now almost close. It wouldn't be so much of a big deal now. At least she's gonna survive this day. If she wakes up, then her recovery would be just fine but if she doesn't, well hell decides what will happen next.
"It's now up to you Sakura.."
He slid down the floor and leaned his head on the bed in which Sakura is lying. He closed his eyes, his breathings uneven and his body temperature too high to be normal. A fever, and it looks like a critical one.
His whole body is now covered in sweat. He suddenly felt so tired. Sleep is so much needed that he didn't even bother to position himself into a comforting position.
Before he was submerged into his own imaginary world, he thought of all the things that occurred. The storm, Sakura, the feeling of giving up. Why had he done all of that again?
Why? That's all he could ask himself. The heavy feeling isn't completely gone because a part of it is still there. What should he do next?
He's really not acting like himself since he followed that trail. Not himself at all. It's as if someone else was controlling his body. What? His emotions? This is not Uchiha Sasuke at the moment. This is someone else.
Question is, does he like it?
A part of him says no, a part of him says yes. Great, just great.
No because he's not supposed to be doing this!
Yes because he believes that it's the right thing to do!
But since when is something right except for his goal!
More confusion and more things to think about with no definite answers. How typical. He can feel his head bursting.
This is too much for him to handle.
How about guilt? Does he feel guilt for doing this?
He pondered about it.
"Do I..?"
He looked at Sakura's sleeping form with half-closed eyes. Even though his vision is blurry, he can see that she's sleeping peacefully. He felt at ease. It has been such a long time since he saw her.
He hadn't answered his last question to himself, knowing that he's just gonna deny it.
But his heart is speaking so loud. He can't help it.
"Certainly not.."
He fell asleep, maybe the most decent sleep he will have for so many years.
She could feel her world falling apart.
"Otousan.. Okasang.."
They're saying goodbye to her? Why?
"No come back! Please!"
They vanished and her world turned velvet black. Soon after it was replaced by crimson red.
She could smell it again. She could taste it again. Blood. No please don't.
"OTOUSAN! OKASANG!"
She's all alone again, in a world that she doesn't wanna be in. Please get me out of here, she pleaded.
Her own little world twisted till she can't make out anything at all. She felt someone calling her name. Suddenly her parents came into view again.
She tried to reach them but she felt so weak. So weak.
They're starting to fade away again. Why is it that they always disappear! Why is it that she can't reach them! Why is it that she always felt so weak!
"Otousan.. Okasang.. please don't leave me.."
She felt an excruciating pain. She can still hear someone calling her name but the pain is too unbearable for her to even try to recognize whose voice is it.
And her parents! She was so close!
"SAKURA!"
She jerked upward into a sitting position, crying her heart out. She had been so close! So close!
"Otousan! Okasang!" she said as she gripped the shirt of Sasuke tightly, crying in his chest.
Sasuke was stunned at first, but he suddenly felt worried, for Sakura is now sobbing uncontrollably.
"Naruto.. no.. Otousan.. but-.. no! they have been so close! No! No.. Naruto.. I'm so.. so weak.. I'm so sorry.." she said between sobs.
He cringed at the sound of his old best friends' name.
"Naruto..?"
"Why.. why Naruto.. there was blood everywhere.. and.. and.. I was so.. so scared.. I'm so scared.. I'm so sorry.."
Sasuke let her cry for a few minutes more, not really putting his arms around her and not really saying anything even though he knows that it will comfort her. He could feel the wetness on the front of his shirt. Sakura is still saying something about her parents, blood, darkness and saying Narutos' name for every chance she gets. Sorry. She's so sorry. Sorry for what?
Did something happen to her parents? Most likely. What is it that she's so sorry for! And she keeps saying she's weak. This is a big emotional breakdown.
"Naruto.." she said.
Realization finally hit him.
"She thinks I'm.. Naruto.."
"I'm so sorry.. Naruto.."
She finally quieted down and Sasuke felt that this is the right time to talk.
He readied himself just because he felt that he needed to.
"I'm not Naruto.. Sakura.." he said, almost a whisper. That's all he could think about.
Sakura opened her eyes quickly. That voice. She knows that voice. She didn't move, not really wanting to move at all. She just stayed there, still gripping the shirt of someone that she thought was Naruto and her eyes still as wide as saucers. She could feel his heartbeat and his warmth. She can't believe it. This isn't true. No it can't be.
It was always Naruto. Everytime she wakes up in a hospital bed, everytime she's having problems, everytime she cries her heart out, it was always Naruto. So she has all the reasons in the world to think that Naruto is the one comforting her without having any second thoughts. It's a part of her instincts already. But.. now..
When Sakura suddenly stopped moving, Sasuke feared that something might be wrong.
"Sakura? Are you alright?"
She can't be possibly wrong. It is him. It is Sasuke.
Memories came rushing back. Curiosity and wonder begins to take over. How? Why? When? There's so many questions that needs to be answered!
She finally looked up and they met each other's eyes. Pools of black showing concern and worry while jade green ones showing wonder and disbelief. What an unlikely couple.
"Sakura.. are you alright?" he said in an almost inaudible voice as if fearing that any sound louder than that would scare her.
"Sas.. Sasuke?"
The concern and worry vanished and returned to the usual stoic face that she fell in love with. No, how could this happen!
She detached herself from him roughly but not intending it to be.
Shock covered her whole being. It has been such a long time.
Sasuke just sat there, staring at her with his face showing no emotions as usual. He took no notice of the sudden detachment, knowing that she really didn't intend it. He saw the shock, the sadness and the disbelief that is dwelled inside her green eyes. He just couldn't say it to her, but too much thinking and stress is gonna be bad for her continuous recovery. She's still very weak and restless. Nevertheless, he thank god she had woken up though it has been a rough one.
But the words that she had kept repeating the moment she had aroused are nagging his curiosity up to no end.
"What happened to you.. Sakura.."
But of course, he didn't ask it. Why would he? It's none of his business. Besides he also feels that its something deeply personal. You saw her breakdown, you would be the most dumbest person in the world if you wouldn't think about it.
Sakura felt her eyes sting and let her tears fall. This is so unbelievable. When she spoke, her voice is almost inaudible as if she's just talking to herself.
"Why.. Sasuke.. why.."
Hah! What a coincidence. If it weren't for the current situation, he would've smirked in this unlikely twist of fate.
That's what he has been asking himself for the whole time right?
AN:
well there.. i know it took so long.. but i dont think it matters anymore.. im starting to think that people doesnt really like my story..
im already at chapter 4 and i only have 12 reviews.. im sorry but i cant help but to feel this way..
anyway back at the chapter.. yea sasuke is abit OOC.. sorry i ate my own words.. anyway yea uhm.. well i just did that to show to you guys that he's really really confused and already matured.. i hope i made my point..
but dont worry he's still the same ol' stubborn sasuke.. like i said in the story his personality changes whenever he's alone and whenever he's around with people.. so its like he have two personalities.. in other words, he doesnt show his interior fights to other people but to himself..
so if you guys find this chapter confusing just tell me and i'll try to answer.. 'kay?
uhm what else.. i guess thats it.. once again thanks for reading! and please please review! even just a simple "good chapter!".. its really a boost of confidence believe me.. i tend to write more faster if im confident.. sorry but thats the way i am lol..
naruto will be out in the later chapters.. well.. later guys.. thanks..