A/N: Thank you all again for your continued support. I know that I don't have a lot of readers anymore, but I am very thankful for those who have followed or favorited my story. It makes me happy to be doing what I love again. This chapter is dedicated to one my most loyal readers/reviewers. HonestxxEyes, thank you for your continued support! It is very much appreciated! This chapter is going to be dedicated to building GaaSaku relationship. Team Hebi(Suigetsu, Karin and Juugo, is that their team name still?) will make an appearance. There will also be another team of Rookie 9 coming to visit Sakura, so exciting~
The Bloody Cherry Blossom
Chapter Four: Pulling at my Heart Strings
Warning: Depictions of Rape
It was a relatively hot day in Sunagakure today. No wind, just hot and humid weather. Sakura pulled out a fan to cool herself and Gaara off as they walked to Sari's office. Gaara has been attending her sessions since Sasuke's abrupt exit. Sakura was happier and more at peace with him gone however.
Gaara had made arrangements to have Temari take care of the paperwork on those days that Sakura had therapy. Gaara wanted to be there for her during the sessions and afterwards. He knew she was emotionally exhausted after each appointment. She was making progress, her smile became bright and warm like it once was.
Gaara kept stealing glances at her whenever she wasn't looking, he couldn't help himself but smile at her aura. He knew what she had gone through, but she was still pure. Her spirit cannot be broken so easily. She was strong, stronger than even she was aware.
"Sakura-san, how have you been?" Sakura gave a bright smile.
"I feel a lot better, Sari-san. I haven't had a nightmare in 3 days, I feel like my old self kind of." Sari held out her hand for a hi-five, Sakura obliged and giggled.
"I'm so happy for you, Sakura-san. That is a big step in the right direction." Sakura nodded and looked at Gaara smiling.
"Gaara has been helping me a lot with everything. He asked me to stay with him, Kankurou and Temari so if I have a nightmare I won't be alone. They were always by my side, especially you, Gaara. I am so glad you're my best friend." She gave him a tight hug, tears of happiness leaving her eyes. He sighed of happiness and hugged her back gently.
"This is all wonderful to hear, Sakura-san. If I may ask, have you received any letters from Sasuke-san since our last visit?" Sakura shook her head and sighed.
"I think he's upset at me for taking so long here." Gaara cleared his throat.
"He needs to have faith in your recovery. You will return whenever you are better and he will have to accept that." Sari nodded her head.
"What Kazekage-sama said is true, Sakura-san. You are here to get better so you can go home back to him. Great things are worth waiting for, may be something to tell him?" Sakura's demeanor changed, she sighed and leaned against the arm of the couch.
"I just wish things could go back to the way they were. Before everything happened." Gaara pulled Sakura to him and held her against his chest.
"I will be there for you whenever you need me, Sakura. We all will, I promise." Sakura smiled and clung to Gaara's arm affectionately.
"You always have Gaara. You're the best friend I could have ever asked for." Sari smiled at the two and looked through her charts.
"Sakura-san, according to my charts, we will only have a few sessions left until your treatment here is complete. Are you excited?"
"I am kind of, I miss my friends in Konoha, but I enjoy being here in Suna with Gaara, Temari and Kankurou. Even if it is so inhumanely hot." Gaara chuckled. Sari let a giggle surface.
"I would say that in about a month, you will be discharged to go home to Konoha. I will still have sessions for you scheduled after your time here for every other month, just to make sure you are doing okay." Sakura nodded.
"I understand. Thank you for everything you've done for me, Sari-san. I am so thankful to have had you as my therapist."
X
"Hey, Sakura-chan! Want to join me for some shopping? My treat." Temari grinned. Sakura giggled and nodded her head.
"Sure, let me just get my things real quick. Where are we going first?" Outside the door, Temari raised her fingers to her chin to think.
"Not sure where yet, we can look around and anything that catches our eye we can check it out. Anything you're wanting specifically?" Sakura walked out of her room with her tote on her shoulder. Her hair in a high bun, it had grown significantly over the 4 months Sakura was here for Therapy. Down, it was half past the middle of her back. She decided to grow it out during her time in therapy and cut it off once she was discharged.
"Well, I was actually going to look into getting some clothes for here in Suna, I have some but I want some that aren't quite as bulky."
"Ooh, are you trying to impress somebody here? Maybe a certain brother of mine with red hair?" Temari teased. Sakura blushed and laughed.
"Oh no, Temari! We are just friends. I care about Gaara and he cares about me, but that's the extent of our relationship. Plus, I am still loyal to Sasuke, even if he and I aren't on the same page at the moment." Sakura sighed sadly. Temari scowled.
"That boy is such a cold fish, I don't know how you manage to get past that. Shikamaru can be a bit of a lazy moron, but at least he knows what is and is not acceptable in a relationship. Him questioning your therapy is so disrespectful. It'd be better if you just moved on." Sakura held her arm and sighed.
"I know you don't care for Sasuke, but I can't just leave him. I love him and he does love me, just needs some time to himself to think about everything. Whenever I get back to Konoha, things will go back to what they once were. We'll get married and have the family we've always dreamed about."
Temari wished she could sympathize with the Uchiha, but his offenses towards the nations and to Sakura has put a terrible taste in the back of her throat. She had no trust in what this man had to offer. Sakura was far more a woman than Sasuke was a man. Sakura was too good for Sasuke, he didn't deserve someone so loving and forgiving like Sakura.
"You always make excuses for him, if he really wants to be a better person, he has to make the effort, not hide behind you and your relationship."
"Can we just drop it, Temari? Let's go shopping already before I get hungry." Temari did as requested. They left their home and traveled to the markets.
Temari held up a funky orange tank top to Sakura's view, to which they both laughed loudly about.
"Oh god, that looks like something Naruto's sexy jutsu would wear! If they actually wore anything." Tears of laugher fled from her eyes. Temari laughed as well and put it back on the rack.
Sakura held up an even more revealing mid-drift shirt, with cut outs on the side and at the front of the shirt.
"I am dying! People actually wear this? Not strippers or hookers, but actual people?" Sakura laughed even harder before putting it back on the rack.
"Oh god, Sakura. This is hilariously fun, but we have to be serious now. No more looking for floozy clothes, no matter how tempting!" Sakura giggled. She and Temari left the stand and went to one with more of an appropriate variety.
Sakura and Temari sifted through the racks of tops and bottoms. Sakura held up a two piece set. It was all red with black lining It was a simple sleeveless top, asymmetrical and had the Sunagakure emblem printed on the back of the top. The skort was just a little above Sakura's fingertips. The shorts underneath were all black, the skirt was red with the Sunagakure logo printed in black on the bottom hem of the skirt.
"This one is so cute, Temari!" Temari nodded in agreement.
"That one would look so good on you, Sakura-chan! We are definitely getting it. What do you think about this one for me?"
Temari held up a three quarter sleeve purple dress with black capris. The Sunagakure logo printed on the bottom pant of the capris.
"Oh, Temari, that looks super cute! We are definitely getting it!" Temari and Sakura brought all their selections to the clerk and paid the balance. Temari and Sakura took their bags and left the little shop. They went walking around window shopping before their stomachs began to growl.
"Oh gosh, have we been shopping that much? I'm starving! Let's get something to eat!" Sakura nodded. Temari grabbed Sakura's wrist and started to run with her to an available lunch stand. Sakura went into a trance and stopped abruptly.
"Sakura, are you okay?" Temari let go of her wrist.
"Don't hurt me Sasuke-kun, please don't. I love you Sasuke-kun, don't hurt me." Involuntarily, tears began to leak from her eyes. Temari listened to what she had said. She waved her hand in Sakura's face to get her attention then put her hands on her shoulders and shook her awake.
Sakura shook her head and looked at Temari. Temari had a serious look on her face, Sakura wasn't sure what had just happened. Everything seemed like a blur for the past couple minutes.
"Sakura, we need to talk. Come on. We are going to get something to eat and talk." Sakura silently followed Temari to a quiet restaurant. They both sat down and had their orders taken. The waitress brought them their beverages.
"We will have your meals ready in about 10 minutes, thank you for your patience." Temari nodded, Sakura kept her head down.
"Sakura, you need to tell me something, and you need to tell me now. Has Sasuke ever hurt you?" Sakura couldn't help but wince at the mention of his name. Temari felt a wave of anger flow through her.
"Sakura, you need to tell me, what has he done to you?" Sakura sighed held her hands out.
"Do you remember when I had to wear those braces around my wrists?" Temari nodded patiently listening.
"I lied when I said it was because my hands cramp." Temari raised an eyebrow. Sakura took a few breaths to prepare herself.
"Sasuke got angry with me and he grabbed my wrists and he broke one of them. He didn't mean to, I provoked him. He only does it whenever I say something stupid." The waitress brought their meals, but they had seemed to lose their appetite.
"He only does it when you say something stupid? You mean that he has done this before? How many times has he done this? Has he ever hit you?" Sakura feigned silence. Temari took a sip of her drink.
"He has, hasn't he? Sakura, you do not need him. He is not good for you, he won't change."
"Temari, please don't tell anyone. Especially Gaara. I know Sasuke has made mistakes, but I know he loves me and he needs me. I can't leave him."
"Sakura, you know better than to believe that crap. He has done it more than once, who knows where it will end? You have to leave him. If you want, you can stay here where Gaara, Kankurou and I can protect you." Sakura shook her head furiously.
"I appreciate the offer Temari, but I don't need protection. I can protect myself. I just need to stop opening my mouth and saying something that I know will tick him off. He loves me and he has apologized before. It is just a mistake, he doesn't mean it." Temari scoffed.
"If he didn't mean it, he wouldn't do it. It doesn't matter what you say, he has no right to put his hands on you like that. I do not agree with your reasoning but it's your life, so I can't do anything but stand idly, but I promise you this one thing. If I hear it happening again, I will not hesitate to let everyone know. Especially Gaara."
Temari and Sakura finished their lunch and left money down for the tab and tip. They walked back home in silence. Temari walked Sakura to her room and shut the door. Temari sighed. She walked to her own room, crashing down on her bed.
How could Sakura still love a man who has hurt her time and time again? She felt like she had to do something, she couldn't let Sakura go back to someone who was so obviously bad for her. Sakura would hate her for making this decision for her but she would rather Sakura's safety than her friendship. She felt conflicted between duty and a promise. Why did she promise to secrecy? Temari grunted at herself. How stupid of her to promise something so serious.
Moments in silence were interrupted by a knock at her door. She rose from her bed and walked to open her door.
"Yes, Niko-san?" He bowed respectfully.
"We have a team from Konoha at the gate. They are requesting for entry to speak to Sakura." Temari grabbed her fan and shoes.
"Very well, thank you Niko-san. I will grant them entry." Temari walked her way to the gate, and smirked at the sight.
"Oi, Lazy. What are you and your team doing here?" Shikamaru smirked back at her.
"We're here to visit Sakura! We just got back from our mission and they told us what happened and I need to see her! Those idiots should have told us earlier." Ino stated frustrated.
"Ino, if you knew about this during our mission, you would have made our mission a failure. It would have been more troublesome for everyone if we knew." Temari laughed at her love.
She and Shikamaru were in a long distance relationship for some time, they both agreed to stay in their home villages until they were ready to get married. They'd see each other occasionally, usually during diplomatic visits or holidays. Gaara gave them his blessing whenever they decided to become an exclusive couple.
"Ey, Temari-san. I'm hungry, ya'll got anything to eat?" Temari chuckled to herself and walked with the group.
"Yeah, Sakura and I just had lunch but we can make something for you three. Do you know how long you will be staying?" They all shook their heads.
"We got to Konoha, and Kakashi let us know what had happened and told us we could come visit for a little while, just to let him know how long we intended to stay whenever we arrived. I guess it just depends on what Sakura wants." Shikamaru explained. Ino was deep in thought, she and Sakura were close friends, she couldn't believe that she wasn't there for her best friend at such an unfortunate circumstance.
"Has Sakura been okay, Temari? I haven't seen her since before she left with the Hokage Tower with Sarada and then we had a mission. The stupid mission took us almost 4 months because we were undercover for some drug sting. It was so annoying!" Temari sighed slightly. Shikamaru noticed and grabbed her hand, linking his fingers in-between hers.
Shikamaru gave her a small kiss on the cheek and whispered.
"Is there something you need to tell me?" Temari grit her teeth and closed her eyes, hoping the others wouldn't notice. Shikamaru took the hint and dropped it. He would ask her later. Temari was thankful for their own silent language. He knew when to let things go for a later time.
"Well, you all can stay in our guest wing of the place, if you'd like. Well, except you Lazy-ass. You're staying with me. How unfortunate for you." She teased. He chuckled to himself. Ino rolled her eyes.
"Gosh, you two need a room all to yourselves, for real. I'm glad I'll be as far away from the noise as possible. I'm surprised your brother hasn't caught you two in the middle of it." Temari blushed and Shikamaru coughed nervously.
"Yeah… let's just assume nothing ever happens around Gaara and we'll all live, eh?" Ino laughed.
"Let me go tell Sakura you are all here. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you Ino. She tells me all about you. Especially the time at the bar when you and Genma-"
"That forehead! She said she'd never tell anyone about that. Oh god, that was such a mistake." Ino laughed. Temari knocked on Sakura's door. Sakura answered meekly.
"Yes, Temari?" She then looked out the door to see Ino, she lit up and opened the door completely and tackled her friend to the ground in a hug.
"Oh Ino, I have missed you so much! When did you and everyone get back from your mission? Was it hard?" Ino hugged her back tightly, trying to pull each other off from the floor.
"We literally just got back yesterday morning, the whole mission sucked so much! We were undercover and the stupid drug lord wouldn't let up. We were on his ass the entire time until he finally slipped up."
"Well I'm glad that you are here, I have missed you the past few months. Did Kakashi tell you why I'm here?" Ino nodded sadly still hugging her friend tightly.
"I wish I was here for you, Sakura. If I had known I would have said fuck the mission and got here asap." Sakura felt Ino cry on her shoulder, she followed suit.
"I know you would have Ino, I know." Sakura sniffled.
"Why is Sasuke still in Konoha, he should be here! Do I have to kick some ass?" Ino joked through her tears. Sakura smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"No Ino, I told Sasuke to go home. I wanted to get better here and he just wasn't making it easier for me so I told him to go home and I'll go home whenever I'm done here." Ino looked at Sakura's hands, noticing that her ring was missing.
"Did you and Sasuke break up? Where is your ring?" Sakura shook her head.
"I told him that I wanted him to keep it until I came back. It's no big deal." Temari scoffed, Sakura shot a glare and she coughed.
"Oh excuse me, I'm sorry. I have something caught in my throat. Hey Shikamaru, Chouji, let's get some water and I'll start cooking something up for you all." Temari led the men away, leaving Ino and Sakura outside her bedroom door.
"That was weird. Is everything okay with you and Temari, Sakura? She isn't giving you any problems, is she? I'll tell Shikamaru, ya know."
"Oh no, Ino. It's fine. We just had an argument over something stupid. No biggie. Let's go follow them. I'm sure you're hungry too, right?" As if rehearsed, her stomach rumbled, they both laughed and made their way to the kitchen.
X
Temari brought Shikamaru to her room, closed the door and locked it. He smirked as he sat on the bed.
"Did you really miss me that much you had to lock us in your room?" Temari rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. Shikamaru understood that she had something to tell him.
"You're not pregnant or anything, are you? Why are you acting all serious?" Temari sat down on the bed beside him and grabbed his hand affectionately and sighed.
"No, Shikamaru, I'm not. This isn't even about me. It's about Sakura. I made a promise I shouldn't have made, and it worries me."
"This isn't like you, Temari. You don't skip past the details like this. Is it really that serious? What does this have to do with Sakura? Is it about her assault?" Temari shook her head, hanging it low, holding her forehead in her palms.
"Shikamaru, I need you to keep an eye on Sakura whenever she gets back to Konoha, and keep an eye on Sasuke too. He can not be trusted."
"Temari, I know you don't care for Uchiha, but is it really that necessary that I need to look out for him and Sakura? It's not like he would do anything to hurt her, would he?" The room was silent until the sound of teeth grinding against each other could be heard from Temari.
"He already has, Shikamaru." His eyes widened. He pulled Temari close to him and held her tightly.
"You need to tell me what you know, Temari. We need to let Kakashi and Tsunade-sama know. They would never let him get away with it, you know that."
"Sakura does not want anyone to know. I promised her that I wouldn't tell anyone, but obviously I couldn't keep that to myself. He broke her wrists before he left here. That's why Sakura told him to go home, Shikamaru. She said he has done this before. She won't listen to a damn thing I say, she is so blindly in love with this asshole, she is going to be so far gone by the end of this."
Shikamaru stumbled in his mind, searching for the words that he could say, the reasons, and just trying to fully analyze everything he has just been told. A look of utter confusion and frustration on his face, his grip on Temari never wavering.
"I told her that I would keep this hush hush unless he does it again. If I hear about it, I will tell everyone. I need you to keep an eye on her to make sure she is okay and she isn't just letting herself get thrown around. I don't know what else I can do." Shikamaru brought her head up and kissed her gently, playing her hand on his chest.
"I will do what you ask of me, I love you and I care for Sakura's wellbeing. I will be watching out for her in Konoha as you have been watching for her in Suna. I promise." Temari smiled and kissed him once more.
"I knew there was a reason I fell in love with your lazy ass. The sex is pretty great, but you as a whole, you fill this hole in my heart. I can't imagine my life without you in it." He chuckled and kissed her once more, laying her down on her bed beside him.
"You are the most troublesome woman, I have ever met, but you are worth all the trouble."
X
"I wonder what my Sasuke-kun has been up to!" the red haired woman beamed. The young swordsman rolled his eyes and looked to his male teammate.
"Oi, we know what he's been up to; running from you! Eh Juugo?" He laughed loudly, Juugo gave a faint chuckle much to Karin's displeasure.
"Karin, Kabuto said we are to check on Sasuke-san and his wife-to-be. He said it was of utmost importance to keep our presence unknown. We are not to engage with Sasuke-san. Karin huffed, crossing her arms and pouted.
"It's been like 2 years since we have seen him! Don't you think he would miss me?"
"Yeah, he missed you so much, he's fucking another woman just to prove it." Suigetsu snickered. She glared at him angrily.
"He is only doing it to revive his clan! That bitch he's with is just a space warmer and baby maker for when Sasuke-kun comes back to me!" He rolled his eyes.
"That's why he is gonna marry her too? Kabuto said they were without a doubt, engaged. Maybe your precious Sasuke-kun prefers a woman with a little more of a violent streak?" She growled, hitting him on the backside of his head. He pushed her away aggressively.
"The fuck, butch? You are so fucking blind. Sasuke does not want you. If he wanted any of us, he'd still be here, wouldn't he?"
"Karin-san, Suigetsu is right. Sasuke firmly told us that he no longer wished to be within our team and not to track him down. He was to reside in Konoha for as long as he so wishes."
Karin ran ahead of the group, nearing their destination. She will not give up hope on him, no matter the circumstance, he was hers, and she will not share. She just had to wait a little longer, she can be patient, and if she had to, she will fight the medic for Sasuke's love. She deserved it more than her.
X
"Hey, forehead! Are you going to the festival tomorrow?" Sakura took a sip from her tea and swallowed then shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't know. I don't really have anything nice to sear and I don't want to be a third wheel to you and Kankurou." Ino blushed but tried to brush it off.
"What are you talking about? There is absolutely nothing going between Kanky-chan and I." Sakura rolled her eyes playfully.
"I know better than to believe that! I saw you both last night going into his room. Are you gonna dish out the details?" Ino laughed and sat down next to Sakura.
"Okay, so we were talking about work and then we got into the topic of dating and our sex lives and it got really awkward and then I was trying to break the awkward silence so I kissed him. I thought he wouldn't like it, but he literally picked me up and tried to slam me against the kitchen counter and we almost did it right there but I told him let's go to his room and then, well, yeah." Sakura held her hands over her mouth, trying to mask her open mouth.
"Ugh, forehead, don't look at me like that! You make me feel like what I've done is the most unforgivable thing possible!" Sakura laughed lightly and hugged Ino gently.
"I'm happy for you if you're happy. Do you think, uh, that you're going to be dating him? Or was it more of a one night stand?" Ino sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
"I don't know, I was thinking of asking him, and maybe we could go to the festival together. I don't want him to think I'm just an easy lay, I do like him, and he's pretty damn good with his hands, if you know what I mean." Sakura imitated gagging with her fingers. Ino pushed Sakura's shoulder playfully.
"Oh, hush! It's not like you haven't done anything with Gaara!" Sakura scrunched her face and pouted.
"We haven't done anything, ever. We are just friends, I'm sure that Gaara isn't even into that kind of stuff. And before you ask, no he is not gay. He just doesn't have those feelings."
"Yeah, whatever. He's a man, Sakura. He's going to have those urges regardless. I'm surprised you two haven't hit it off, you're both really good friends and I haven't seen anyone who cares for you as much as Gaara, besides Naruto." Sakura frowned.
"Sasuke-kun cares for me, he is going to be my husband, you know."
"Yeah, I know, but Gaara is a good guy too, if you and Sasuke ever decided not to be together anymore." Sakura looked away, lost in her own thoughts.
Her feelings for Gaara were complicated. She cared for him, as he cared for her. They had a rough past whenever they were kids but they grew closer after she and the rest of her team came to Kankurou and his rescue.
After that time, she and Gaara would visit and write to one another on a regular basis, just talking about village politics, or just about how their missions and lives were going. Whenever Sakura was sad, she knew she could always turn to Gaara for a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen. He became more welcoming to his feelings, realizing that he could harbor feelings of friendship himself.
Sakura and Gaara would be inseparable at times, she would be his escort whenever he had diplomatic visits with other kages or potential trade partners. He simply would not take anyone else besides her to stand beside him in such a manner.
Many people would think that had to be a reason as to why Gaara held her so closely and to such high respects. Rumors on a secret relationship between the two were very high upon the list of national gossip, and to the point that Gaara had to make a professional announcement that he was not romantically involved with anyone at this time, including Sakura. He confirmed that she was only a friend and a very capable woman who he could trust for advice and a second opinion.
Ino waved a hand over her face to break her from her thoughts. Sakura snapped and came back to reality. She had been in deep thought these past few days. If she wasn't thinking about Gaara, or her own recovery, she was thinking about the talk she had with Temari two days ago. She regretted telling her, but she didn't have much of a choice. She would have found out on her own. She just hoped Temari would keep her word. She could fix this, she could fix him. She did it before and she can do it again. Her love was limitless, all you need is love, right?
"You are spacing out a lot. Are you…just thinking about what happened?" Sakura shook her head, rubbing her own hands nervously.
"It's okay if you want to cry, Sakura. We understand, it has to be hard having to think about it. I just want you to know we are all here for you, you're my best friend. I love you, even your forehead seems to have grown to me." Sakura spit out her tongue and laughed as she hugged her friend.
"Thank you Ino. I am so thankful to have friends like you. It's going to take a long time, but I'm trying to be better. I just wish this didn't have to happen. I can't even dream to have children anymore, and then Sarada, it's hard to move past it. I miss her. I feel so guilty about not being able to protect her. Maybe it's a good thing I can't have children anymore, if I couldn't save Sarada, I would have been a terrible mother anyways." Sakura couldn't tell that she was crying, her heart felt like it had taken a beating, she tried to smile, but it was futile.
Ino pulled her to her and held her closely, patting her back. Ino's own heart felt as though it were on the edge of collapse. There was nothing she could say to make her friend feel better. It hurt having to hear how Sakura felt of herself. She as well as anyone knew that Sakura had always wanted to be a mother, it was her dream. The one dream she thought would be the most attainable and it was taken from her. Her own self respect gone with it. Sakura had been doing better in Therapy, but these moments, they will last her a lifetime. Embedded into her mind will be the constant reminder of what she did to get to where she was and knowing that it wasn't enough. She was never enough.
"Sakura, I'm going to take you to your room. You should rest. I'll talk to Temari about the festival tomorrow, maybe we can all go and have some fun. Okay?" Sakura just nodded, walking aside Ino until she ushered her to bed, and tucked her in. Sakura fell asleep almost instantly.
Ino pulled a chair and watched her best friend sleeping, she wanted to understand everything that her mind and heart were doing to her. She wanted to know how to make it better. She bit her lip but knew there was the one way she could try to help. She held her hands in front of her.
"Shinranshin no Jutsu." She whispered.
She closed her eyes and then reopened. She was now within Sakura's unconscious mind. She held her ears up at the sound waves started piercing around her. She saw Sakura and her team fighting against the Sound ninjas and she saw Kabuto who held Sarada closely to her. She saw him inject her at the base of her spine, hiding behind a hug.
"Sakura-sensei! I can't move, help me!" Ino saw Sarada crying, Sakura was in a state of panic, her attention shifting between Sarada and between the boys who were fighting the group of sound ninjas behind her.
Another sound wave broke into ears and Ino saw the boys fall to the floor, blood pouring from their ears. Ino looked on in horror, these boys fought for their lives and for the team. They fought bravely and with all they could give, but they could not protect themselves against the small army.
Time seemed to speed up, she saw Sakura running to the boys who had fallen, she healed one and signed for him to get help immediately. The boy picked up the other and carried him, running away.
She then saw Kabuto and Sakura fight and Kabuto behind her, injecting her with the same as he had Sarada. Sakura tried to fight it but ultimately failed. She went limp within Kabuto's arms, and he carried her next to Sarada who was paralyzed on the ground.
"Sarada-chan, Sakura-chan, you both are rendered helpless. Will you both try to fight for your lives, or will one sacrifice for the other?" Ino immediately looked to Sakura. She saw her turn to Sarada and speak.
"Sarada, listen to me. Whatever happens, you will stay strong, you are important to me and I will do whatever I can to protect you. I love you as my own daughter. Don't blame yourself for anything."
She then saw Kabuto kick Sakura in the stomach and he bent down, cutting her shirt and bindings clearly open. Sakura tried to close her eyes, Kabuto stabbed her shoulder deeply.
"You will look at me as I take you from your precious Sasuke-kun."
"Ino, you must leave, now! You cannot see this, you will not see this!" Ino saw the embodiment of Sakura's inner self, it had been years since she had heard of the inner manifesting again. Ino stood still, she couldn't leave, she had to know what she could do.
"I can't leave, I need to know, I have to help, I need to help! I want to fix this." The inner self scoffed, shaking her head.
"What you will see is worse than you can imagine. You cannot speak of this to anyone. You will promise to never speak of what you have seen. I will not let Sakura's conscious mind know of your presence, but you must not let her know that you have seen what you are about to see."
Ino saw Kabuto unbutton his pants, removing them to expose himself. Sarada and Sakura were side by side. Kabuto ripped off Sakura's pants, removing her underwear in tact, however. Kabuto positioned himself over Sakura, forcing his length between legs, thrusting in and out aggressively. Sakura grit her teeth, tears falling. He grabbed a handful of Sakura's hair, pulling it tightly.
"You will scream for me, you will call my name. Sasuke will not want you after this. You will be worthless, I promise. Sakura spat in his face, her eyes piercing through his bravely. He wiped the spit from his cheek, he punched Sakura repeatedly, still forcing his body upon hers.
"Stop it, father, stop it!" Ino was shocked. She looked at Sarada's limp body crying for him to stop. Calling him father. He was her father? Kabuto stopped for a moment. He looked to Sarada with a smirk.
"Did you want to take Sakura's place, Sarada-chan?" Sarada cried harder.
"Leave her alone, Kabuto! You are a coward for trying to hurt her!" Kabuto's attention went back to Sakura. He removed himself promptly, only to turn Sakura onto her stomach, he smashed her face into the dirt, repositioning himself to her bottom. Forcing himself in between her cheeks. Sakura screamed, blood leaking from his assault.
"Keep screaming for me, Sakura-chan, no one will hear you. You should be thankful, I could have done this to Sarada instead." Sakura was wheezing, trying to regain control over her body.
"You are a coward, you are trash! You will not break me, you will not hurt the ones I love!" Kabuto remembered Sakura's undergarment and wrapped it around her neck, choking her violently. Sarada was screaming for him to stop, she closed her eyes and went unconscious.
"We will have to see about that, won't we Sakura-chan? Oh, what's that? I can't hear you over you choking. What a shame." He loosened the underwear around Sakura's neck, thrusting into her one last time, releasing himself.
Sakura's eyes full of tears and anger. Kabuto redressed himself then brought out a rusty kunai from his pouch.
"I almost forgot to give Sasuke-kun a parting gift." He turned Sakura's body back around and inserted it deep within her, making a swift, circular movement. Sakura screamed the loudest she could scream, but no sound could falter. Her eyes dimmed as she fell unconscious.
Ino was crying, why had this have to happen to Sakura? This, this was so brutal. How could anyone expect Sakura to get over this? How could Sasuke be upset with Sakura for seeking therapy, if it had happened to her, Ino would have taken her own life. This was barbaric, this sick man knew what he was doing, Sakura was the one who had to sacrifice so much just to save the ones she loved.
"Now you see what has happened, but there is so much more to the story than even Sakura knows. You must be wary of those in sheep's clothing, for they will be back. Sakura is in danger, the only one who can save her, is herself." Ino dispelled the technique, bringing herself out of the nightmare. This nightmare was Sakura's reality. What could she do? Why did she think she could make any of this better?
Ino willed herself to restrain anymore tears from escaping. She saw Sakura's face distort and turn and then heard the scream.
Ino went to Sakura's side, holding her tightly, trying to calm her down. The door to Sakura's room swung open, Gaara standing them, rushing to Sakura's side. Ino saw the concern in Gaara's eyes, he swept her hair away from her eyes, trying to wake her up gently.
"Sakura, it's okay, I'm here. We are all here. You are okay, wake up." Sakura opened her eyes weakly, seeing both Gaara and Ino. She hugged them both and cried.
"I thought I was getting better, why did it come back to haunt me? Why do I have to suffer?" Ino noticed Gaara taking Sakura into his arms, holding her closely against his chest. He rested his chin on top of Sakura's head, his fingers brushing through her hair.
Sakura slowly calmed down, the tears no longer falling. She merely sighed. Ino brought her a glass of water and a cold compress and wiped her face gently.
"Do you want to see Sari-san, Sakura?" Sakura shook her head and yawned.
I just need some time alone. I don't know why it felt so much more intense this this, it felt like it was happening all over again. I felt so helpless." Gaara nodded his head, still comforting her closely.
"I will be here with Sakura, Ino-san. If you would like to leave and clear your head, you may do so." Ino hugged Sakura one last time before leaving her room. She noticed Kankurou lingering nearby.
"Kankurou, you, you were one of the people who found Sakura, right?" he clenched his fists but nodded. Ino looked away.
"It was bad, wasn't it?"
"This Kabuto bastard will die at my hand if I can arrange it. I want the satisfaction of ending his sick and worthless existence." Ino found herself drawn to Kankurou, walking into his arms.
"Kankurou, I, I did something stupid." He looked down at her, confused. He loosened his arms, only for Ino to cling onto him tightly.
"I went into her subconscious. I saw it. I saw everything. I saw, I had to watch what he did to her. He was going to rape Sakura's student, Sakura offered herself instead, Sakura didn't want Sarada to get hurt. He made Sarada watch everything."
Kankurou was quiet, then silently pulled Ino into his room.
"Ino, why did you go into her mind, what did you think you would accomplish?" He asked angrily.
"I wanted to understand! I wanted to help her, I, I never thought it was this bad, I never thought he would have done all of this, it made me sick to my stomach, I can't imagine how Sakura is supposed to get better after this. I wanted to take away all of her pain, but this? I can't even think of how this nightmare could be Sakura's life, how is it expected she ever heal? She's strong, but this, this is sick! I just want to take it back, if I could, I would take her place! She didn't deserve this." Kankurou interrupted her softly.
"No one deserves this, even you, Ino. Taking her place would leave you just as she is, why do you think Sakura sacrificed herself to save her student?" Ino knew why Sakura did it.
"Sakura would sacrifice her very life for the people she is meant to protect. She would rather take that pain instead of someone else bearing it. There is so much pain and hurt she possesses, how can she live like this, Kankurou? What can we do to help?"
Kankurou pulled Ino close to him, holding her gently and lifted her chin up to give her a kiss on the lips.
"We just need to support her, like we have been doing. There is nothing more we can do but that. Ino, tell me, was there anything strange about Sakura's dream that was out of place? Temari has been acting strange about Sakura lately, but she won't tell me anything."
Ino debated on talking about Sakura's inner self, it wasn't a secret by any means, but it was such a rare occurrence for the inner self of Sakura to ever show.
"Sakura has another part of her, we don't really know if it's a spirit, or what, but we deemed it as her 'Inner Sakura' persona. Sometimes, Inner Sakura will give advice or will act as Sakura's true feelings." Ino paused, looking at Kankurou's face of disbelief.
"I know it sounds crazy, but that's just what it is. Do you remember in the Chunin exams all those years ago when I used my mind transfer jutsu on her and she broke out of it? She didn't break me out, it was her inner self, her inner self forced me out."
"Alright, I believe you. Now what does 'Inner Sakura' have to do with anything?"
"Her inner self told me that Sakura was in danger. She said to watch out for those in sheep's clothing. Sakura is the only one who can save herself from this danger. She didn't really specify anything else. Inner Sakura didn't want me there to began with, but she knew I would put up a fight. Inner Sakura was weaker than she usually was, I think it has to do with Sakura's weakened state of mind."
Kankurou thought and looked to Ino. He sighed and sat on his bed, he sighed.
"Is there anything we can do?" Ino shook her head as she took a seat beside Kankurou. She laid her head against his shoulder.
"Like you said, we can only be there for her. It sucks feeling so helpless, but we don't have much of a choice, do we?" Kankurou smirked and nodded his head. He turned and pulled Ino to lay down against him. She blushed slightly but smirked at him as well.
"So what do you think about us? Is this just for fun, or what?"
"Whatever you want it to be, I always had a thing for blondes." Ino wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him on top of her and kissed him passionately.
"Good, because we're going to the festival tomorrow, and I'll be sure to wear something nice for later." He chuckled and kissed her back, he held out his hand, forcing strings of chakra to close his door and locked it tightly.
X
A beautiful white and tan kimono adorned her body. A floral print cascading from the side and a brown obi, tied against her waist. Her hair was down fully, however she decided to give it some curls. A nice style she hadn't tried before. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. She felt pretty today.
A knock on the door came and she opened it immediately.
"Oh, Gaara, you look so handsome!" Sakura smiled, he smiled back.
"You look very lovely as well, Sakura. I had something I wanted to give you, I think it would look good with your outfit." He pulled out a peony from behind his back, he placed it in her hair. She smiled and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, Gaara. I love it." He hugged her back, smiling as well. Thankful she could not see his blush, he let the hug savor for a few moment so he could get it under control.
"Are you ready to go, Sakura?" She nodded her head and linked her arm in his. They met up with Temari, Shikamaru, Kankurou and Ino. Chouji had seemed to have left for food.
"Sakura, I have a make a speech, but I will be back soon." Sakura smiled and nodded.
He disappeared in the gust of sand and was up at his podium.
"Welcome everyone, to the fifth annual Festival of Sunagakure. We are honored to welcome allies from the Village Hidden in the leaves, Konohagakure. We welcome Chouji Akimichi, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Sakura Haruno. Their loyalties to their village and to our alliance is strong and we are forever grateful for their efforts in keeping our alliance strong. To celebrate yet another year of our Alliance, we will be having a fireworks show in their honor in one hour. Thank you all for coming."
The crowd cheered, Sakura looked around and noticed everyone had gone their separate ways, but Gaara was back at her side. He smiled, offering his arm to her. She smiled and walked side by side him.
They came across a small booth that was offering a trinket souvenir of Sunagakure. It was a necklace, the symbol of Sunagakure laced in gold. Gaara noticed Sakura eyeing the attraction he smiled and brought her inside.
"Hello Kazekage-sama! Sakura-sama, did you want a try for our grand prize?" Gaara nodded.
"Oh Gaara, you don't have to!" Sakura tried to convince him but he shook his head. The vendor placed a blindfold over Gaara's eyes and began to explain the game.
"Alright, Kazekage-sama. The game is to guess which cup the grand prize resides in. The challenge is knowing real from fake. You will not be able to see what you are choosing and you only get one chance. Are you ready?" Gaara nodded.
Gaara moved his hand out in front, about to choose. He moved his hand to the bottom right corner, second to last cup and grabbed hold of it.
"Is this your final selection, Kazekage-sama?" Gaara nodded and the blindfold was removed. He removed the necklace out of the cup.
"Congratulations, Kazekage-sama! You have picked the grand prize!" the vendor congratulated. Gaara held up the necklace and turned to Sakura and placed it around her neck. She blushed.
"Gaara, you don't have to give this to me, I know it's very pretty, and everything, I don't have to have it." He kissed her forehead gently as he closed the clasp on the necklace, it dangling on her chest.
"You deserve it, Sakura." Was all he said as he walked away with her. Sakura's heart was racing, she held her hand within Gaara's. All of a sudden, he grabbed hold of Sakura and transported each other onto a tall cliff, overlooking the festival.
Sakura turned to Gaara, he was smiling into the sky and pointed. The fireworks were just starting.
"This is so beautiful, Gaara. It's so nice seeing it from up here, too." Sakura laid against Gaara's body, his arm wrapped around hers.
The fireworks show consisted of many different shapes, leaves, the Konohagakure symbol, various other things. Gaara sneaked a peak at Sakura who was so focused on the fireworks, her eyes lightened, the moonlight shining down on her face.
The finale of the fireworks show was an explosion of flowers, native to Sunagakure and the last was of a cherry blossom, it illuminated throughout the sky.
Sakura looked at Gaara and he returned her gaze. She placed her hands against Gaara's chest, she felt his racing heart, and feeling her own heart race at the same speed. These feelings were different than what she felt from Sasuke, this ultimate feeling of being one and whole. The feeling of utter protection, intimacy, and, and, Love.
Sakura felt her throat go dry, her face getting closer to Gaara's She parted her lips, ready to place them upon his.
"Kazekage-sama, there is a disturbance, you are needed immediately." Sakura pulled away. Gaara nodded, he brought both he and Sakura back to the festival area. He left her in Temari's presence. Aggravated at whoever dare come into his village to cause mischief.
Sakura watched him leave, and with him, her heart began to flutter and ache at the same time. What is happening? Why is she feeling this, she and Gaara have been friends, she doesn't feel more than friendship for him. She can't.
"The love of a friend is the strongest love of all." She couldn't fathom her inner most thoughts. What about Sasuke, what about their engagement? She cannot let go of that dream, she has spent so many years, so many tears, so much effort on him. She cannot give that up, could she?
This will be what haunts her this night. She's not sure if it is better or worse than her nightmares. She is in love with her best friend, and he is not Sasuke Uchiha.
X
A/N: Thank you all for your patience, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Team Hebi/Hawk/whatever they're called made that appearance, oooh~ I wonder where they are headed. ;) Sakura is going back to Konoha next chapter as well, Shikamaru's personal mission will bring a lot of questions and drama. And what's this? I am getting a vision of red clouds and eyes. I wonder who this may be. Please Review and let me know your thoughts! Thank you all!
Miyaka Hana