Sorry I didn't post this morning or yesterday! Was in the ER yesterday, migraines, yay...

And this morning my interweb wasn't working! It was a nightmare! I'm just happy it's back! Anyway...

Dotwiper- lol you say that and then I go and do this! (Hangs head in shame) Forgive me!

On with the show!

Disclaimer- Left 4 dead 2 is fun!

Chapter 7

Sakura was groggy. She felt like hell. Her eyes hurt from all the crying. She didn't think it would be that hard to write the transfer request, but it was.

She laid down, Day's steady breathing calming her. She felt him stir and looked up at him, watching as his eyes focused on her.

"Are you alright?"

"No." She whispered and he frowned, reaching his hand to her cheek and kissing the tear stains. She closed her eyes, wrapping herself in the contact. "I just gave up my home. I sent the transfer request. I just gave up everything for a man that already admitted I would never be first in his heart. I don't even know why this feels so bad. I should be happy. This village is everything I ever wanted. Why does it hurt so much?"

"Because it scares you. The fear you feel now is the pain I felt when I realized my whole life was going to change too. You know that it's what you want, but it still hurts. Everyone you know, everything you remember, keep it in your heart and remember it all. Konoha isn't gone, it's just less one person. Remember that. It may not help much, but every bit is needed."

Sakura nodded, resting her head on his chest. "That is why I want to be here. Knowing that it's what I want, knowing that this place is here, that I'm needed."

"Sakura, I'm sorry I said that to you." She looked up and he looked at her with a sadness she didn't know. "I never meant to hurt you when I said you would never be the first one in my heart. I just wanted you to keep in mind my dedication."

"I know." She said and closed her eyes again.

"There's something wrong with me."

"No there's not." Day's tone was almost angry and Sakura sat up.

"There is." She bit out as she stood, running to the bathroom. Day was there in a second, patting her back as she threw up.

"Have you been nauseous ever since you passed out?" He asked and Sakura shook her head.

"It's occasional."

"You probably need to eat." She nodded and Day took off running, returning quickly with a carry out box of noodles.

Sakura ate and noticed it did help a lot.

She leaned back on the bed and frowned. "I never was this nauseous before. I'm worried."

"Don't worry about it right now. You need to recover from your last problem. You can deal with your nausea when you're feeling better." She watched Day, realizing quickly that he was worried as well, but was trying to keep her calm. She smiled at the thought and leaned back.

"I should be getting a response in a few days. After that I should be better." She sat up and sighed.

"You want to know what always makes me feel better?" Day looked at her confused til she smiled. "Work. I'm going to start giving check ups. It's better for everyone's health if they don't get sick, not just come to me when it's too late." Day smiled at her, knowing she was completely honest, she wanted to be a part of this village.

By the end of the day she'd been through four houses, diagnosed two minor possible health issues and was happy that she was able to do something.

By the end of the week everyone in the village had thoroughly been examined and all health issues had been avoided and discussed to keep everyone healthy.

She sat on the end of the bed holding the envelope the ninja courier had handed her a few minutes ago.

She felt tears in her eyes, her hands shook and she sighed, holding her breath as she opened the envelope.

'Sakura, I never would have said yes to this if Naruto hadn't come back in tears telling me what you said. If you're truly happy there, then it's fine. I won't give you a permanent transfer though. I'll allow a temporary stay, on permanent extension. You still get your pay and if you ever want to come home, we'll be here.

With the state he was in, though, I know not to hold my breath.

I'm coming next week. I want to meet Day and see what he's doing with this village that's made you so attached.

Naruto has asked not to go. I'll be bringing one guard. Please prepare accommodations.

I'll see you soon.

Tsunade'

Sakura's eyes widened as she read the note.

Oh, hell.

Day read the letter with a frown. "I can prepare something that day to keep her distracted. I never met her, so there's a chance that she won't know who I am."

"She's bringing a guard and she doesn't say who it was. If it's someone who wasn't in that fight you should be fine. Chances are, that'll be the situation."

"The only ones who really saw me were Kakashi, Naruto, Guy and Neji. Chances are it will be someone else."

"Even if it is them there's a chance they won't recognize you. I didn't." Sakura smiled and Day looked at her with a grin.

"Let's hope."

The next few days were them coming up with the plans to have a welcome party for the Hokage.

The citizens who left Konoha were going to stay home all day. Sakura prepared two inoculations for the visitors, not knowing if the illness was still in the air.

She really wished that she'd been able to do tests on them.

She sat on the hotel, watching. The road before her was surrounded in trees, a light breeze causing them to sway ever so lightly. Sakura grinned as she saw her teacher's head come into view.

"Tsunade-sensei!" She grinned as she stood, waving.

She jumped down and ran over, giving her a hug. "Was the travel hard on you? Do you want to go to the inn and rest?"

"No, I'll be fine, as soon as that ass gets himself out of that tree." Tsunade frowned as she turned, looking into the tree behind her.

"Sakura!" She watched as Kakashi jumped down, looking at her with a smile.

"Kakashi-sensei..." She stared at him with open eyes. 'Oh, fuck.'

"Happy you're so glad to see me." He frowned and Sakura smiled, waving it off.

"It's just odd to see you. It's been so long." She ran forwards and gave him a hug.

"How have you been?" She pushed him out at arms length, looking him over.

"Been pretty good. If I would have known you were going to leave us I would have come by more."

"You lie." She smiled. "You were always on those extended missions. You couldn't have visited more if you'd wanted to." She giggled and he nodded sadly.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you more." His eye held a remorse she understood completely.

"It's fine. Come! We'll check you in at the inn before I take you to meet Day. He's really anxious to meet you." She frowned, looking towards the town's office.

"Naruto said he was unhappy about outsiders. I'm glad he's still seeing us." Tsunade chimed, stretching her legs.

They were checked into the inn and Sakura went to the office, Tsunade and Kakashi in tow.

"Kaori, can you tell Day that the visitors are here?" She asked sweetly and Kaori nodded, standing and looking over them.

"I'll be right back, Sakura-san." He walked to the back office and Sakura turned to see them. Kakashi was looking really bored while Tsunade was more wondering what was going on. The village had so few people in it. She'd only seen around three people on the street.

Day came in with his hair pulled back into a braid, his eyes both visible. He'd pulled his bangs back just in case this was the situation.

"Hokage-sama." Day bowed and turned to Kakashi.

He kept his composure completely, but did one thing that worried Sakura.

"Kakashi-san." He bowed at the other ninja who stared at him, his eye wide.

"Sakura, I need to talk to you."

"We prepared a party to welcome you-"

"NOW! Tsunade-sama, come with us!"

Sakura looked at Day, their eyes wide.

She followed, making sure to keep close to the door.

Kakashi grabbed her by the shoulder and started to drag her from the office. "We need to leave now. This is dangerous." Kakashi yanked down his mask and was looking around through both eyes.

"Kakashi, let me go!" Sakura broke his grip on her and stumbled back. "I'm not leaving!"

"You don't recognize him! Sakura, that's-"

"Deidara." Sakura finished his sentence and Kakashi stared at her.

"You knew? You knew and you still let Tsunade come out here?"

"It's not dangerous! You should know that I'd never get Tsunade-sensei into a dangerous situation! Have some faith in me!" She growled and Kakashi stared at her. "This is what I was telling Naruto about! No one in Konoha feels that they should trust me! That's why I need to stay here! I trust Day, he trusts me! I trust him with my life! How many people do you think I've EVER trusted my life to?"

"Why do you keep calling him that? He tried to kill us! Not just Naruto and me, You too! He tried to kill us all!"

"I knew that! I already thought about it! I was terrified! I was scared out of my wits for about two seconds! Then I looked around! This place is one giant reality check! See?" Sakura held out her hand at the 'Welcome Hokage' banner that hung up on the inn's front. "There are no traps, no jutsus, just a bunch of people who want a peaceful place to live, and that's EXACTLY what he gave them! He turned this village from a yakuza controlled village that was living in fear to a place that was able to come together and have everyone help out to plan a party for your ungrateful asses!" Sakura yelled, now almost in a motherly fashion. Tsunade just stood there and stared at her. She was taking everything she was saying to heart.

Kakashi on the other hand, wasn't buying it.

"He's brainwashed you! He's this great guy? He's so great? He's did great things? Like when he killed Gaara? Like when he tried to kill Sasuke?"

"That's what changed him! He died at Sasuke's hands! He wasn't just killed off though, he tried to commit suicide! Did your logs tell you that? That he was ready to kill himself to FAIL his mission?" She screamed now, her face red with fury. "He realized that he was unhappy with his life! He realized he needed something else and he found it here! He lives to serve the people in this village that all look up to him! What do you live for?" She growled, now looking only at Kakashi.

"If he lives only to protect this village, then he'll sacrifice himself now." Kakashi growled back and walked back into the office.

"Come out here." He called to Day, who nodded and followed obediently.

Kaori was on his heels, watching the whole thing play out.

Day stood on the steps of the office and Kakashi frowned, looking at him.

"Either you die or I personally burn the village down. I will personally make sure there are no survivors, and you know I can do it." Kakashi watched him as he looked around scared for a moment before looking over at Kaori who was ready to fight.

"Fine. You don't hurt anyone and leave immediately afterwards, and do with me as you wish." His voice was soft as he lowered his head, stepping to the dirt roadway and fell to his hands and knees. "Promise me that you'll leave this village alone."

Kakashi stared at him. When he knew the village would fight back he was expecting him to fight, not to surrender. Sakura looked at Day with terror before looking at Kakashi. She stepped away from her old sensei and walked to Day's side, going to her knees as well. "Before you kill him, kill me. Without him, this village will die. Without this village my life means nothing. If you're going to kill him, kill me first." She held her head down.

"You don't mean that." Tsunade chuckled, fear and shock sounding so strong in her throat Sakura was surprised she could speak.

"I do. Otherwise, I wouldn't have said it. If you're going to kill him, kill-"

She felt her head snap to the side before she hit the dirt with her hip. She looked up to see Day staring down at her, his hand raised from the slap and for the first time ever his eyes on her were furious. "Don't you dare throw your life away for me. If I die, the village remains safe. They'll still need a medic. If you die, it does nothing. Don't think you're going to stop him if he's determined to kill me. You need to live on. I don't." His voice shook with anger and Sakura stared at him, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

"I can't just sit there and watch this." She tried to reason with him, but was even more horrified to hear his response.

"Then go to your room. Don't stay here." Sakura looked at him, for the first time seeing the true depth of his determination.

She stumbled to her feet, backing a few feet away before falling to her knees again. Tears streamed down her face, her eyes wouldn't focus. She could feel her heart beating through her entire body. Her hands raised to her mouth, trying to keep down the pressure in her throat. She thought she was going to scream as Kakashi turned to him, but instead fell to her forehead, throwing up so hard she worried she'd puked out her vocal chords.

Day couldn't sit by and watch this and ran over. "Sakura! Damn, not now! Calm down! Kaori, get her something to eat!" Kaori nodded, shocked at the scene before him and ran off to the side.

Kakashi watched him, thinking 'this is it! He's going for reinforcements!'

Kaori ran back quickly with an inari and watched as Day rolled her to her side. "Sakura, you need to eat."

"I can't! I can't just sit back and eat!" She threw up again, this time seeing the red tinge of blood.

"DAMMIT! SAKURA, EAT THE FOOD!" His tone was more panicked than angry and Sakura tried to sit up, dizziness trying to pull her back to the ground.

She took the inari from his hand and took a bite. Day visibly calmed at the action and sighed, nodding.

"Go back to the hotel. Either way, you being so stressed out that you pass out again won't do any good. Go lay down. Once this is done, promise me you'll serve Kaori well."

Sakura stared at him, then turned her eyes to Kakashi.

She stood and walked towards the door of the inn, making sure to step as close to Kakashi as possible.

"If any harm comes to him I'll never forgive you. Either of you. Either way, I quit. I'll no longer be a ninja that treats the peaceful people in the community in such a manner." With that she walked away, headed into the inn.

She looked out her window but was unable to see anything through the banner they'd put up.

She sat on the bed, the inari forgotten on the table by the window and she just sat there, listening.

She couldn't hear anything. Did Kakashi kill him the instant she'd left? Was he already dead?

She was back in the bathroom seconds later.

Kakashi found her on the floor of the room, passed out.

She heard him yell for Tsunade, and did her best to fight his grasp on her shoulders. She pushed him away and fell back to the cold tile floor.

She felt a warmth in her throat that spread to her stomach, the nausea that she couldn't shake rearing it's head once again. She threw up on the floor before her stomach settled.

"Sakura, what's wrong with you?" She heard and opened her eyes, seeing Day standing in the doorway, his hands on his mouth, shock filling his eyes.

"It's probably stress. I've gone through a lot of it in the last two weeks." She murmured before her head realized what was happening.

"Day!" She jumped up, dizziness sending her crashing to her knees and she grabbed his leg. He bent down and grabbed her, lifting her and laying her on the bed. He frowned and held his breath, tearing her clothing from her.

He covered her from the waist down with the blanket and headed to the bathroom, returning with a lightly soapy wash cloth.

He slowly and carefully cleaned her up and covered her with the blanket. She just looked at him with tears in her eyes.

"Please! Day, please don't die."

"Right now I have very little choice in the matter. I warned you at the beginning that you would never be the first one in my heart. This is what I meant. This village comes before you. I'm sorry."

He bent down and lightly kissed her. She felt a tear hit her cheek and opened her eyes, seeing his back as he left the room.

Tsunade sat in the chair off to the side as Kakashi followed Day from the room.

"He's going to kill him. Deidara wanted to say goodbye to you."

Sakura clenched her eyes. The blood pounding in her ears stopped any other sound come through till she started sobbing.

"You can't do this to us! He fought so hard to make the village peaceful and you came in in just one day and destroyed it all! Everything he's done! All the work he's done! He fought so hard and you just throw it away!" She sobbed and looked over at the older woman.

"You can stop him, but you're not moving. You have the ability to help over a hundred people with one word, but you're too much of a coward. Get out of my room." Sakura sobbed and Tsunade stood, leaving the room.

Kakashi came back a few minutes later and Sakura watched the doorway behind him.

Day didn't come back.

She just watched, holding the blanket to her chest so tightly she could feel each joint pop from the pressure, but still it was the same.

The hallway was empty.

She looked over at Kakashi and he frowned at her.

"In a few days you'll realize how stupid this whole thing is and come home."

"I'll never return. I promise you that I'd rather die than return. I make the promise Day asked me before he died. I'll serve Kaori well. Go away. You and Tsunade, leave me and this village alone. Go and don't turn back. If I ever see you again I'll make sure you suffer the same pain he did. I hate that he wanted this. I can't even avenge him!" her voice broke with a strangled sob and she lifted the blanket to her eyes.

Kakashi just stared at her. "You were in love with him."

"I still am." She yelled, jumping up and throwing something at Kakashi's head. He frowned and brushed the remnants from the inari from his face.

"Go away! GO AWAY!" She screamed and Kakashi nodded, turned and walked away.

"Goodbye, Sakura. Happy birthday." He murmured as he walked away.

Sakura stared at the door, too furious to think.

It was only a second til Sakura was back in the bathroom.

She woke on the floor and her memory sent her into a screaming fit.

He was dead! He was dead and there was nothing she could do!

She jumped up, determined to find him.

It would cause her sacrifice, but she could bring him back. She HAD to bring him back!

Day was wrong! She wasn't necessary to this village! They lived for a year without her. They wouldn't be the village she grew to love if they didn't have him.

She couldn't bear it.

She jumped up and wiped off her mouth, threw on some clothing and ran to the door.

oooooOOOOOXXXXXOOOOOooooo

Hey all! Let me know what you think! Reviews are happily accepted! Let me know what you think!

I actually have a request for my next fanfiction! When I finish this I'll be working on a Bleach fic with someone and Byakuya! (Don't know who the someone will be yet... O_O)

Anyhow, hope you enjoyed! See you next chapter!

JaNe!

jasminflower69