Through Thick and Thin-
Chapter Nine
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
.
Sasuke wasn't prepared.
It was only after they arrived at the hospital that he was informed of Sakura's condition. He knew in his heart it was bad, even before he heard the news, but now that he was aware he didn't know how to cope with the situation.
His medicine kept him from panicking. Instead he just felt lifeless. Mind a blur of empty thoughts and fears. Everything was there, but he just couldn't grasp it. There was no emotion. He couldn't even feel anymore. All he could see was his everything- just gone.
She'd been in surgery for a couple hours and had to receive blood a number of times. Everything just sounded as horrible as it possibly could. Even the doctors didn't sound hopeful. All they'd say was, "We're doing everything we can."
Ultimately, it was all up to Sakura. She was strong and Sasuke knew that better than anyone. It was bad, but she just had to be okay. Sasuke needed her. He more than needed her. The longer he waited the more his mind sobered and soon Sasuke's anxiousness returned. But, the only thing on his mind was seeing Sakura. She had to be okay. He had to see her.
Finally, the doctor entered the waiting room and approached them. Only Itachi and Sasuke were there, and they both stood to hear the update.
"The surgery was successful. She's in recovery now."
"Oh, thank God." Sasuke croaked, releasing the breath he'd been holding. He nearly collapsed but Itachi's hold on his shoulder kept him on his feet.
"Once she's moved to a regular room you'll be allowed to see her. After that depending on her how well her condition improves, we'll know how long we need to keep her. But even if she can go home in a few days or even a week or so- it will be months before she's fully recovered from this."
It was a major incident. Sakura was fatally injured and mentally abused. Getting over something like that wasn't a simple matter. The guilt was nearly consuming, yet there was no escape. How Sasuke could have ever let this happen to Sakura, he would never know.
He didn't think even he would ever get past it.
A little over an hour later Sasuke was finally shown to Sakura's room. Itachi stayed behind, wanting to give Sasuke the time alone with her to begin with. Sasuke appreciated this because he needed the time to think, to feel- and to hopefully speak to Sakura.
His emotions returned full force once he walked inside her room. He'd never seen her so pale and lifeless looking. She appeared to be sleeping soundly, but even with her covered up Sasuke could tell that she had lost weight. There were dark circles under her closed eyes and her right arm laid above the covers, hooked to the IV drip. There was one bandage around her wrist, apparently one of the stab wounds.
Just thinking about the situation was enough to upset Sasuke greatly, but seeing Sakura like that left him in a world of pain. Tears filled his eyes and he did nothing to stop them as he stood there watching her, his body trembling.
When he finally crumbled, it was beside her bed. He fell to his knees and held her hand carefully. Begging her forgiveness was all he could think to do, but his words fell upon deaf ears. At least he thought so, until her hand squeezing his with strength he wouldn't have expected her to have.
"Sakura," He gasped, raising his head to look her over. She was wide awake, brows pulled together and lip trembling as she fought to keep her own tears at bay. "I'm so sorry."
"Don't." She told him sharply, though her voice was raspy and weak. She shook her head as if to emphasize her words instead of speaking again.
She didn't want to hear his apologies, Sasuke knew all along it would be that way. But he had to tell her he was sorry, as if it would help to relieve him of the guilt he felt.
"I've never been so afraid. I thought I'd never see you again."
Sakura nodded, eyes downcast. She didn't look at him directly but Sasuke knew she'd felt the same fear. "It will… be okay now."
After everything, she was the one trying to reassure him. Sasuke could only laugh in disbelief. This was just like her though, so he shouldn't have been surprised. Slowly he got to his feet and leaned over her, placing a ghost of a kiss across her forehead.
"Thank you." He whispered quietly, forehead leaning against hers.
There was a long road ahead of them. Getting past this wouldn't be easy, but they were both thinking about the future. If there was one thing they were both certain of, it was that there would be many changes in their lives.
…
It wasn't until the next morning that the investigators went in to question Sakura. She was in a lot of pain, even with the medication the hospital provided her, but she was alert. Talking to them was something she wanted to be done with as soon as possible, so then it would be over. At least for a little while.
Ino had been taken into custody early that morning, but Sakura cared not what happened to Ino, or where she was. It hurt to know her friend had fallen so ill without her knowing, and that she and Sasuke had fallen victim to her will, but Sakura couldn't even feel sorry for Ino after everything that had happened. She knew it was a miracle that she was alive at all.
Her best friend had really tried to kill her. There was no excusing that. Ino had acted maliciously and as forgiving a person as Sakura was, she knew she would never forgive Ino for everything she'd done. Sakura wasn't even sad… she was angry. So angry that she didn't know what to do with herself.
It was painfully obvious how distraught Sasuke was, and that only made things worse for Sakura. Of course she had known of Sasuke's anxiety for years, but it had been so long since it affected him. They'd become so happy together in their lives that neither of their pasts really bothered them anymore. But now with all that had gone on, Sasuke had something different to worry him.
When she saw Itachi alone, she was determined to find out how bad he's been. But, Itachi refused to tell her anything, more than likely not wanting her to worry about such things when she should have been focusing on her recovery. She was weak, and tired but she was okay.
Being in that room there at the end, Sakura had just known she was going to die. She'd never see Sasuke again. She'd never live out her life and see all her dreams and hopes of the future fulfilled. Instead she was here, she was alive. Nothing grounded her more than that.
Sasuke was there ever day, all day. Sakura begged him to go home, to rest but he refused. Itachi came by every day with food and a smile. There was no more questioning, only healing- and time alone with Sasuke. After a couple days he was back to himself and for that Sakura was glad. Her body was sore around each of her wounds, but the doctors were pleased with her healing process.
After spending one entire week in the hospital, she would finally be released.
The night before that though, Sasuke did finally leave her for a short while.
"I won't be long. There's something Itachi and I need to take care of."
Sakura didn't argue, she didn't mind him leaving but she would admit that she always had a sense of security when he was with her. It was only just over an hour before he returned though, much sooner than she'd anticipated.
"Back already?" She asked, sitting up a bit more in the bed.
"Told you it wouldn't take long." He smiled her favorite smile, eyes shining and teeth showing. She loved that smile.
"Everything okay?"
"Itachi and I got everything ready for you to come home tomorrow. You're going to stay with us. I went by the apartment because I knew there were some things you'd want and need."
"Oh." Sakura nodded. This pleased her because the thought of staying there after her abduction gave her a chill she'd rather not experience. "Thank you."
Sasuke smiled once more though it was a much softer smile. He left his chair next to her to sit on the bed with her. "Soon though, we're getting the hell away from here."
"Just us?"
"That's right."
A cheeky smile spread across her face then. Nothing sounded better than that. Getting away was probably the best thing for both of them. She wouldn't mind at all. She would finish college somewhere else, she could work for another hospital. It was somewhere far away that Sakura imagined. She couldn't wait.
Maybe it was all finally over. She could heal and together her and Sasuke could get past this and move on with their lives. They loved each other enough to fight for their relationship, but it would be nice when things settled down and life could be peaceful for them, even if only for some time.
…
"Sasuke, I'm fine here." Sakura half laughed at Sasuke who'd carried her all the way inside his home and was being rather particular of where and how he sat her down.
On the couch now, she leaned back with a sigh. It was much more comfortable than the hospital bed she'd been in for the past week. Itachi brought in her things from the car as Sasuke took a seat on the couch next to her. He was always moving so carefully, extremely so.
Her body was sore, but she was healing nicely and she felt much better, especially with the medication they had her taking. It seemed like so long ago it was that Sakura was able to sit so close to Sasuke, so she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him as she did.
"Don't hurt yourself."
"Sasuke." Sakura rolled her eyes.
"I'm just saying you should take it easy."
There was no fighting this fight with him, so Sakura decided not to say anything else. She would be careful, she wanted herself healed just as much as he did, so she wouldn't do anything careless. But, she could rest her head against her man.
"Sakura, if you need anything at all just call me. I'll be in the kitchen." Itachi told her, poking his head in from the dining room which separated the kitchen and living room.
"Thank you, Itachi." Sakura smiled softly at him before he hurried off. It almost felt unreal to her, to be home with Sasuke and his brother… to be alive. But she was so happy, elated. She wished she could celebrate.
It felt like a blessing just to lounge on the couch with him. They were quiet most of the time, but even the silence was comforting. Sasuke had put his arm around her but carefully, making sure not to touch near any of her wounds. Before they knew it, Itachi had come in, sitting dinner before them on the coffee table.
Itachi was an excellent cook and Sakura had always enjoyed his cooking. Sasuke pulled himself away from her to hand her, her plate. She took it happily and started to eat without hesitation since Sasuke was watching her as if he wanted to feed her himself. The thought alone had her blushing madly.
Thankfully before too long, Sasuke picked up his own plate and started to eat. Not a word was spoken and in record time they'd both finished their food. Sakura felt even better after such a delicious meal, but she also felt tired and in serious need of a nap.
"The couch is not a suitable place for you to sleep. I'll carry you to my room."
Only then did Sakura come to the full realization that she was now living with Sasuke. She'd be staying in his room, with him, sleeping with him every night… waking up to him every morning. It seemed as if the blessing were continuing to fall upon her.
Sasuke carried her through the house, to his room. He had a large bed that was extremely comfortable. As soon as she hit the sheets, Sakura's eyes were drooping. She couldn't fight how tired she was. Sasuke got in next to her but the only part of him that touched her was his fingers as they so gently caressed her face. It was a pleasant feeling that only helped lull her to sleep.
…
She was beautiful and even stronger than he imagined. Sakura was determined to heal quickly and he had yet to hear her complain even once. She would ask for her medicine at the hospital, if it were the right time, but she never complained about the pain, or the trauma of it all.
Every day she seemed a little happier, and by the time she came home with Sasuke, she was nothing but the Sakura he remembered. She wanted to do everything herself, to prove to him that she was able. But, Sasuke was always concerned for her wellbeing. Of course he would try to help her.
As more days passed by, he finally came to realize that she didn't need his help at all. Because she was that capable, that strong. He was lucky if she ever allowed him to do anything for her and not once had she asked him to do anything at all.
By the end of the second week of her recovery, Sakura was feeling much better. She was walking around without showing the slightest discomfort, but Sasuke knew she was still in pain. Even the slightest movement would agitate her healing wounds, but Sakura always assured him she was perfectly fine.
That night Sasuke had walked in the bathroom before she was dressed and that was the first time he'd laid eyes on her injuries. There was one cut on her arm, which he'd known about, but the remaining twelve sewn up areas were all across her torso. Her face paled as he took her in, unable to hide the horrified expression on his face. She covered herself with her towel as if she were ashamed and Sasuke realized how inconsiderate he was being.
Whether her scars bothered him or not, he would love her no less. They didn't take away from the beauty she was, they just reminded him of the torture she'd gone through, and that was what made it hard for him to see her like that.
"Could you hand me my robe?" She asked in a whisper, her back turned to him and head downcast.
It was the first time she'd asked him to do anything, and he did so quietly. Until he brought it to her. He forced her around to look at him, meeting her eyes with a sharp look.
"Don't look like that."
"How could I not, when you look so repulsed by me…"
"Sakura," Sasuke sighed in defeat. "I could never be repulsed by you. I love you. You're the most beautiful girl in the world. But, I can't stand it. Just imagining how you must have felt… how you must feel even now. I wish I could take it all away."
Though her eyes had averted from his own, she looked back up to him in wonder as the color returned to her face and then some. "You… really think that?"
"Of course. I'd much rather it have been me."
Her blush deepened then and she looked away shyly. "Not that… I mean… Never mind."
She grabbed her robe and hurried away from him, returning to his room. Sasuke just watched her go in confusion, until it finally hit him and he followed her with a chuckle.
Her robe secured around her, Sakura turned to look at Sasuke as he approached her and she blushed again. Nothing made him happier than knowing she was okay enough to be this much like her old self.
"You really are the most beautiful girl in the world." He told her once he was standing right before her, his hand reached up to cradle her face. Her lips parted as she breathed and Sasuke took the opportunity to steal them in a kiss.
Just a soft, sweet kiss. Nothing that would have him getting out of control. After all, he had to be careful with Sakura. She was still healing, that was something he wouldn't allow himself to forget. So as quickly as he'd kissed her, he pulled away. Unfortunately, Sakura wasn't having that.
Sasuke gasped in surprise as she threw herself at him, arms going around his neck as her body molded to his and her lips crashed against his own. He held her to him, kissing her back as carefully as he could, but Sakura seemed to be pain-free. That or either she just didn't give a damn.
"Sa-kura!" Sasuke gasped between kisses, wanting desperately to pull away yet not having the will now that she was kissing him so passionately.
"Just… shut up… and kiss me."
"But,"
Sasuke could only groan against her ardent kisses and struggle to keep up. He didn't want to hurt her so he'd been keeping his distance, but how could he refuse her when she was so desperate to drink him in. Lucky for him a knock on his bedroom door had her pulling away from him. Otherwise, he'd been likely to lose himself to her. It had happened more times than he could remember.
Breathless, Sasuke stared at Sakura momentarily. A part of him wished that they didn't have to stop, but he knew it was for the best. When the second round of knocking came, he walked to the bedroom door and opened it.
Itachi stood there, smiling suggestively. "Sorry to interrupt, but you two have some guests in the living room."
"Who is it?" Sasuke asked, instantly annoyed.
Sakura should have been resting, not having visitors. Even though it was just after dinnertime, it was still kind of late for people to show up.
"The Uzumaki kid and a few others. The promised not to stay long. Do you feel up to seeing anyone, Sakura?"
Sasuke looked to her as she nodded. "Of course, since they've come all this way."
"Fine, we'll be there in a minute." Sasuke grumbled before shutting the door.
"Don't be mean Sasuke, they just want to see us."
"I know." Sasuke sighed, trying not to let the asshole in him come out. "Are you sure you're comfortable?"
"Yes, just let me get my bedroom shoes on and we'll go see them for a bit."
Crossing his arms over his chest, Sasuke watched as she got ready. She moved slowly most of the time, but Sasuke was glad of that. He wanted her taking it easy, so when she did, he appreciated it more than she knew. He hadn't showered yet, so he was still fully dressed from the day. Once she was ready they both walked through the house and to the living room together.
There was Naruto and Hinata, Sai, Tenten and Lee. All mutual friends that they'd known for years. They all seemed happy to see Sakura, yet sad at the same time. Sasuke could understand the feeling. Naruto was the first to get up and go to Sakura for a hug.
"Careful, Dobe." Sasuke snapped coolly and Sakura swatted his arm.
"I'm fine, Sasuke."
They'd all gone together and got Sakura gift basket full of flowers and sweets. She was excited about it and thanking them endlessly as she and Sasuke took a seat on the couch to join them.
"How've you been feeling?" Hinata asked Sakura and all eyes went to her.
Sakura smiled softly before answering. "Better than I should, probably."
"I'm sure Teme is taking good care of her." Naruto grinned as he leaned back in the chair he was sharing with Hinata. It was strange to see them so close without Hinata reacting, especially when Naruto's arm went around her possessively.
"He is." Sakura giggled and Sasuke looked over at her thoughtfully.
She seemed so happy. How could he be anything but happy, if that's how she was feeling. "Trying." He grumbled. "But, Sakura is determined to take care of herself."
"Sounds like her." Sai snorted.
Itachi came in, serving everyone tea and snacks. Sasuke wanted to roll his eyes at his brother, but Itachi was always an excellent host. He was always generous and kind and much more like Sakura than Sasuke himself was. Those two were always going to extremes, always doing the unnecessary.
"Thanks, bro." Naruto was grinning at Itachi as he left without a word.
"So, we've come to inform you both that we're planning a special party for Sakura- once she's recovered." Tenten announces excitedly and then Sasuke did roll his eyes.
As if they hadn't had enough party drama recently.
"Oh wow. Thanks." Sakura sounded surprised but not displeased. "Should be fun."
"The plan is in the making, but we won't set a date until we know you're ready." Naruto explained.
"I assume the guest list will be kept to a minimum." Sasuke spoke up.
"Certainly." Hinata nodded. "Only Sakura's closest friends will be there."
Sasuke couldn't say he was happy about the idea. But, he supposed he had plenty of time to warm up to it. If it made Sakura happy, then he wouldn't object. Subjecting her to anything strenuous or unnecessary though, wasn't on his to-do list.
They stayed, chatting with Sakura long enough to finish their tea before announcing their leave. At least they weren't thoughtless, but Sasuke was sure they could see how tired Sakura was. Even though she slept, she could only sleep for so many hours at a time before she'd wake up in pain so she took several naps throughout the day and night. Her medicine made her tired as well, so when the fatigue hit her, she needed to rest.
It was obvious in her eyes.
"Thank you all for coming, and for the gift." Sakura told them as they all stood at the door to leave.
"Don't mention it!" Naruto grinned, giving her a thumbs up before leading the way out.
After locking the door once they were out, Sasuke went with Sakura back to his room and got in bed with her. She was yawning tiredly even before she was covered, but the smile hadn't left her face. It was nice to see her so happy. For once, Sasuke was glad they'd had visitors.
"Goodnight, Sasuke… I love you."
"I love you, Sakura. Sleep well."
Slowly, time was moving by and Sakura was getting better. Soon enough, she'd be back to normal. She'd be pain-free and eager to move about. Sasuke was excited for that. For as hard as things had been, they still had their whole lives ahead of them- and there was much to happen.
A/N:
Thanks for reading!
