A Second Chance
Chapter 6
Reality
Normal dialogue
A/N/Thoughts/Flashbacks
Inner/Non-human
"Talking."
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
A/N: Sorry that I took forever to update this! I hope you like it! -Lizzie
Sakura tried not to cry as her parents caskets were lowered into their parallel holes. It was a valiant effort really. One part of her mind told her that she shouldn't cry, that she was a shinobi, and that shinobi never showed their emotions. The other part of her mind told her that even shinobi needed to have emotions, and that it was okay to cry. The latter part of her mind won. A soft breeze followed by soft rain went through the mourning crowd, prompting everyone present to open their black umbrellas in almost perfect unison.
Forcing her body to move, Sakura stood in front of the microphone, mentally steeling her nerves for her speech. "M-my parents, were great shinobi. T-they always did exemplary work. But more importantly, they w-were g-great parents and people. N-no m-matter what happened, t-they always t-tucked m-me i-in at night when t-they were h-home I-" Sakura let a heart wrenching sob out of her mouth as she inhaled, forcing herself to speak more. "No m-matter w-what, I a-always knew they-" Another small sob. "That they-" A small tear fell down her already tear stained cheek. "Loved m-me." Sakura covered her mouth as more tears fell down her cheeks. Already walking down the steps and taking her place next to Kurenai, Sakura furiously wiped her tears to no avail, they just kept coming.
Stopping her futile attempt at stopping her tears, Sakura looked up to meet Kurenais' reassuring ruby eyes. Right then and there Sakura could state the fact that a small amount of the guilt she was bearing wore off.
7-7-7
Trepidation in her eyes, Sakura placed her white lilies next to the ever growing pile in front of her parents photos. Letting a few more tears drip from her eyes, she observed her parents professional faces. They always did take their careers seriously. But nevertheless, they always found time for me. Sakura snapped out of her thoughts when Kurenai coughed behind her. Moving forward, Sakura looked up towards the sky, silently observing the simplistic beauty of the rain that fell from the dark clouds. Mom, Dad. I know you can't hear me but thank you. Thank you for being there for me even though I was a brat most of the time. I'm sorry I failed.
7-7-7
Kurenai laid down in her bed, cautious enough to not jostle the seemingly little girl that was currently sleeping soundly next to her. Because she just bought their new apartment yesterday, Kurenai decided to move into it tomorrow. Putting a hand over her eyes, Kurenai contemplated the days' events. Kurenai wasn't an idiot, she not only saw the sadness in Sakuras' eyes, she also saw the guilt that resided there as well. Sure, it was hidden guilt, but it was guilt nonetheless. Kurenai knew that she felt guilty that she couldn't save her parents. But the reality was, you couldn't save everyone. It was a harsh reality, but it was the truth that all needed to recognize eventually.
It wasn't healthy for Sakura to hold in that guilt. Kurenai knew that personally. When her parents died in the Kyuubi attack, Kurenai held in the guilt that came from not being able to save them for several months. Eventually, she reached a breaking point and let all her frustrations out on a non-offending pillow. Afterwards, she felt better and came to the harsh truth that was reality. She would talk to Sakura about it tomorrow. But for now? She just needed to sleep.
7-7-7
Blearily, Sakura rubbed her eyes and noted that most of the boxes that were in the room the day before were gone. No doubt the product of a sealing jutsu. She felt the same as yesterday, albeit less resigned. Sniffing the air, she suddenly sat up ramrod straight in the bed. Was that eggs and sausage? Running out of the room, Sakura dashed into the small kitchen and sat in the chair across from Kurenais'. "Sorry I woke up late." Sakura said with embarrassment in her tone. Kurenai shrugged.
"Thank you." Sakura said while picking up her fork and putting a piece of egg in her mouth. After they finished eating. Sakura took care of the dishes while Kurenai sealed up the rest of their belongings. "Ready to go?" Kurenai asked, storage scroll in hand. Sakura only nodded, securing her small pale pink backpack on her shoulders. With that, they left the small apartment.
7-7-7
Throwing herself onto her bed, Sakura shut her eyes and just sat there. Thinking. Kurenai had already gone shopping two days prior for Sakuras' new bed, mirror, and other necessary items Sakura needed. Her new wardrobe was hand me downs from Kurenai. She didn't mind that. She actually preferred it. It was better being in Kurenais' hand me downs than being in the clothes that were covered in her parents scent. Sakura knew that she wouldn't be able to handle that constant reminder of their deaths. She was already thinking about it enough as it is.
She let a tear fall as she thought about that problem. What if her guilt just got worse and worse and worse and- No. She shook her head. There was no use in worrying over it. But there is! A small part of her mind insisted vehemently. She ignored it as she opened her eyes and looked over to the window. They were on the top floor of the apartment building, giving them a panoramic view of Konoha. Currently, it was about nine thirty at night. Sakura knew she should be asleep, but she didn't want to. She didn't want to go back to how she used to sleep in her other time, plagued by nightmares she couldn't control.
Instead, she got up from her bed and opened her window, cautiously climbing out of it. After doing so, she climbed onto the top half of the window, standing precariously on the edge. Heart thudding in anticipation, Sakuras' small hands grabbed the roof tiles tightly, using the grip to pull the rest of her body up until she was completely on the roof. Sakura let out a sigh of relief. She didn't want to publicly display that she could walk up walls so she climbed with her hands. She didn't know the last time she was able to do this, just sit there and watch the stars. Little did she know, stargazing wasn't the only thing that she was doing that night, she would also do something that could change the course of history. Forever.
A/N: I hope you liked it! -Lizzie:D