Author Note: So ...I was waiting for the Sasuke- Hiden arch to end. Not dissapointed, but it and Shikamaru-Hiden both had glaring deviations from the written works which I had to ponder. Here's hoping they do Sakura's story. Please please please. Anyway, I had some fun with this chapter….let me know what you think. I love reviews- they keep me going. I noticed, also, a lot of people following the story. I'm so humbled by this. Hope you all enjoy. I did a fun test run to see if I could find my story and….I couldn't find it without logging in. So kudos to you, folks.
Disclaimer: I dont own Naruto, Naruto- Shippuuden, Hiden, Boruto, orrrrr….you know anything from the fighting games I tend to ignore due to serious sore-loser syndrome. Except that one scene where Sasuke carries Sakura on his back- I dont own it...but i loved it.
Sasuke.
We need your help in Konoha once again. It is of the highest priority and must remain, as always, super top secret. There is a civilian in Konoha who is a great risk to the village, prone to violent rampages. These get infinitely worse when she has lack of sleep or overworks herself, both of which are on the serious rise. We need you to remove her from the village and relocate her to a safe distance away from triggers. Only you can do this mission.
-Kakashi (Hokage)
Ooo000oo000ooo000ooo00oooo000ooo000oo
"Dark, ...light…, white….light….towel…..white…" They weren't particularly loud whispers, but the room was very quiet to begin with.
"Are you SERIOUSLY sorting laundry during a routine surgery?!" Ino barked, head nurse on the operation- she was especially edgy because she'd skipped dinner for this since her days were now consumed with teach her pupils- which….also added to the temperament. Ino was not ready to have children of her own, that was for sure. Though her wedding planning was going very well…...shouldn't that earn some happiness points? A brow twitch and shaking set of medical tools in a clenched hand across from Sakura was enough to negate any hope for happiness points at the moment. Yup, she was in trouble.
"I'm sorry" Sakura complained gently, finishing up with the surgery flawlessly. "Its the only time I have to do it- and it goes quicker when I go home if I do it beforehand"
"How is it even possible to sort your laundry without it in front of you?!" Ino asked, moving in to take the utensils up for cleaning.
"Well my wardrobe….is mostly red" She pointed out with a small laugh.
"So unprofessional" Ino grumbled, but left the room as the nurses moved the patient to the next wing for recovery. Sakura let out a small snort and nodded. "Prep the room for the next patient please…."
The days since Sasuke had left back on his journey had commenced an era of studious onslaught by Sakura. The two had agreed that Sakura would stay to pass her exams and become a full fledged doctor before Sasuke would willingly allow her to stay with him for an extended amount of time. It'd been a rather short conversation which Sakura had left happily, yet his lack of presence had ….well backfired. At least that's how the village saw it. It had been five years since the mission on the moon and the ending of the great war. Over those five years, Sasuke had slowly allowed Sakura deeper into his life as he learned to live it. She in turn, allowed her love to blossom from something forlorn and unrequited to a solid adult relationship with all the ups and downs that inevitably come with it. Both were strong willed and both passionately met almost every aspect of their life. They'd even gotten as far as to call themselves lovers. The group had been elated at this turn in their relationship. Still, despite months of this being the number one topic around town (only partially Ino and Naruto's fault respectively) it was the unfortunate truth that Naruto and Sasuke's friendship was still much more legendary in terms of talk-traction around town. To top it off, that talk instigated other talk. Especially when Naruto started taking a lot of missions outside the village, leaving Hinata at home. Oh, those rumors got juicey.
Needless to say, it'd gotten bad. Of course no one that knew them personally was fooled, and while Sakura didn't seem the least bit bothered, the group took it as disheartening and personal. It only got worse when the letters stopped coming again…Still Sakura made great effort to maintain a personal life and keep up with her friends, including attending a bi-weekly group dinner on Friday. The surgeries for the day wrapped up, and her reports all turned in, Sakura and Ino had arrived on time, though Sakura looked worse for wear.
"And we're back to square one…." Ino groaned with a tone of undeniable annoyance. Her blue eyes trailed to the girl next to her whose head was laying on the table in shame. Pink hair, growing long, lay around her face covering the grim expression there. In a rare occasion, this particular night saw the company of most of the group. Usually these bi-weekly dinners were rather sparse with only three to four members depending on missions, work schedules and, dare to think it- adult responsibilities.
"Sakura-chan, are you alright?" Naruto asked looking at the zombie among them. Hinata looked equally concerned.
"Sorry Naruto, she just finished her exam for the next level of field surgeon and completed seven routine procedures this afternoon. She hasn't slept in a few days….I tried forcing her too but she kept at it. She was okay before she took the last surgeries so I thought a dinner out would be okay" Ino apologized on Sakura's moaning behalf. "She was sorting her laundry during the last one too….Should have known it was bad" She sighed, looking to Shikamaru and Choji for help. Thank god her own team hadn't been like this. She suddenly felt sorry for Naruto.
Faint chanting of what sounded to be colors rose up from the pink blob at the table. Ino's hand twitched, itching to punch some sense back into it- but feared that might punch was life was left out of the body instead.
"Dude, someone help her…" Kiba looked at Sakura and poked her gently with his finger. She didn't budge.
"I think she might be dead" Shikamaru admitted with a raised brow, stroking the small goatee he was working on. Temari had pointed out she'd liked one man's facial hair a few months back and walla- Shikamaru had decided shaving was troublesome. He'd gotten teased about that so relentlessly in recent weeks that he was glad the topic had returned to their favorite group to tease- team seven.
Only problem was, Naruto was getting increasingly hard to tease. Him and Hinata had a stand up, ordinary relationship …...which was just no fun at all. That left Sasuke, who wasn't present and even if present was hard to tease, and Sakura, who right not only seemed to inspire pity from the group.
"Someone call Sasuke, his girlfriend is dead" Ino mocked. When even that name didn't get a rise out of her, the whole table groaned in unison. Sighing in defeat, Ino patted Sakuras back and looked to the group. "I guess we better get her to bed….sorry guys, I hadn't realized she worked this hard, or I'd have fought harder to get her to sleep." Ino muttered, though the whole group shook their heads. All of them at one point or another had seen Sakura going between the hospital and the library with very infrequent stops at her parent house. She'd moved back in- for what many suspected was her forgetting to pay rent due to studying. Still none of them had stopped her then, or now - and so it was jointly all their fault.
"Isn't that Sasuke's job?" Kiba complained, knowing full well it might not be the best idea to argue what was and wasn't the Uchiha's job. Everyone knew if he'd been there he wouldn't have helped either- though his general presence usually helped in spades. A lot of the group had forgiven him by now, but where Sakura was concerned it was unanimously decided that he was moving too slow. After all, if one actually counted it, their relationship was the longest running in the group.
"Kiba-kun!" Hinata complained directly.
Sakura sat up at that moment and blinked. "Excuse me... bathroom" she muttered as she yawned and maneuvered semi successfully to the ladies room.
The group groaned again, watching her back with concern.
"Did she at least pass?" Shikamaru asked, looking at her go with concern. There was a reason everyone called her the smartest- she was the only one willing to take on that beast of a task to become a world renown doctor.
"She did! And I'm glad you asked- we should hold a party for her!" Ino said, clapping her hands together.
"Huh?!" Kiba snorted.
"THATS A GREAT IDEA" Naruto boomed happily, exploding out of his seat with enthusiasm.
Ino shh'd him harshly. "I want it to be a surprise party, and my goal...is to get Sasuke-kun to return for it." She said slamming her fist on the table. Everyone jumped.
"But Sasuke never comes back if there is a major event happening, and he sure as hell wouldn't risk the villages safety to come back for a party for Sakura….everyone in the world knows he has a sweetheart here, of course he'd be expected to attend." Shikamaru pointed out methodically, though no one actually believed Sasuke really had a love interest in Konoha- even those present to witness it.
Ino did not seem daunted in the least. "Exactly why it has to be a surprise party. I'll have Sai send him one of his missives and we can threaten to kill her if he doesn't show up. It worked last time."
"Ah- Ino-chan. We cant kill Sakura-chan" Naruto complained. "Sasuke wont like that threat…and…."
"He has important work- yah yah" Ino cut him off. Kiba nodded, about to speak but Ino cut him off violently with a prepared speech. "We wouldn't question Sasukes motives and I do honestly believe that Sasuke and Sakura can make it without any of our help." Hinata smiled, chiming in then... "If you think about it, they've already been together much longer than any of us" Ino smiled happily, continuing. "But...unlike you Naruto, who proposed very quickly, Sasuke wont take that route unless he sees it as beneficial to both parties or realizes that it might be something he actually wants. I think its good to invite Sasuke and see if he cant come. The only time he really seems to light the fire is when they are actually together, and in this, we can at least help. It wouldnt hurt, just one night right?" She asked the group.
Naruto beamed at her. "No. It wouldn't." Turning to his wife Hinata you're so wise" He clasped her hands in a childish admiration that had Kiba ready to bard and Ino twitching in anger over the misdirected compliment.
"So we send the letter" Shikamaru asked casually, redirecting the conversation back to practical planning and off philosophical discussion about other people's relationships. It was a drag anyway.
"He'll see through that in a hot second" Kiba retorted.
"Fine, do you have a better idea?" Ino hissed. Shikamaru shrugged. "Yeah, just ask him to come nicely? It wont work, but its worth a try."
"Besides, I'm sure a party with all of us there will mean just as much to her" Naruto added. "I think we should hold one regardless"
The door to the restroom opened and the conversation melted away in an instant. This would need discussing at another time.
Oooo000oooo000ooooo000oooo000ooo000oooo000oo
Naruto.
Writing as if you're Kakashi is sloppy and illegal. Stay focused, you idiot.
-Sasuke.
ooo00ooo000oooo000ooo000ooo000oooo
"I mean, its not ….. A 'No' right?" Bless Hinata, and her ability to always try and stay positive. She read the letter over Shikamaru's shoulder, her hand still clasped in Naruto's- who was otherwise a bit preoccupied.
"Naruto! You weren't supposed to send the message! Sai was, now our cover is blown!" Ino said gripping his collar with such force that he was starting to feel the fabric press against each individual vertebrae.
"He didn't even mention Sakura" TenTen sighed, leaning over the counter of her shop in which they all were meeting. It was the only place they all knew Sakura wouldn't come looking for them, or think it was suspicious.
"AND YOU TOLD HIM TO RELOCATE HER- That's completely AGAINST THE POINT!" Ino growled, letting Naruto go free and rubbing her temples in frustration.
"Hinata's right, he didn't explicitly mention Sakura- so there really is no telling what his thoughts are there. However, I'd bet money its a no, guys- we're all adults and we shouldn't be butting in with their love lives. Its troublesome. We should continue the party without Sasuke, since we all have other work to do." Shikamaru announced with a note of finality. His clerk was getting to him again.
Ino crossed her arms and shrugged. "We just got done saying we all need to get together more often and find more reasons to celebrate. Just because we are getting older doesn't mean we all seclude ourselves into our family units and missions-...sure we get busier, but we need to make time for friends. Sasuke included. I'll write him a second letter explaining it correctly….otherwise, we're still on for the week after next right?" She said firmly, smoothing over Shikamaru's depressing adulthood lecture with her words of inspiration.
Sai smiled at her directly but nodded. "I'll deliver it myself." This brought a small and shy blush from Ino who hid her warm and fuzzies with a more seductive look. When in doubt, over-do it. Shikamaru sighed and nodded. "I'll make sure Kakashi keeps in clear too….he is our Hokage but even if he sends a letter it will be worth it" He nodded.
Naruto perked up at that and beamed. "Great! Operation Circle is still a go!"
"Don't you have a mission to be on?" Shikamaru accused wryly, raising a brow to him.
"Ah! Right...but we aren't leaving till this evening." The fox pointed out and looked to Tenten who was giggling. "He is here to re-stock, unlike you hooligans. Come on through Naruto, I have your order" She said as the group blinked in surprise. Sometimes the idea of Naruto being responsible was a bit much for another to comprehend. Still.
"Ah that reminds me! I have wedding planning with Sakura! Lets write this letter and get out of here!" Ino said, perking up. "Sai, darling, thank you" She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, however she was already running out the door. Shikamaru sighed, "I guess that means I'm writing it."
Hinata blushed and came forward. "I could write it? I know you have to get back to Lord Sixth." She offered. Shikamaru turned to her and smiled, eyeing the ring on her finger- still brightly kept. Right, Naruto and Hinata's marriage had been a fast one, but almost blissfully happy since. In fact, Hinata had matured a lot from learning to live with his antics and he in turn had grown up a great deal in meeting her needs. Of course, marriage made their general dating life easier on the both of them….which was a little backwards.
"Thank you Hinata. We'll need Sai back by next week" He said, looking to Sai who nodded. Hinata nodded. "I'll have the letter ready to go tonight."
Ooo000ooo0000looo0000oo0000ooo
Sasuke-san,
I hope you are faring well. I'm writing to let you know that Sakura passed her medical exam. I know she hasn't sent you a letter about it yet, mostly because she is helping Ino-san with her wedding and has spent the rest of the time sleeping. I dont wish to pry into your relationship too much, for I enjoy best when Naruto updates me on his success and failures personally. Still, her friends, myself included, are holding a surprise party for her to celebrate this achievement. She has worked very hard to achieve it and we all want to express our gratitude for the various times she has saved our lives, as well as her hard work. I know it is trouble to return to Konoha on so small a whim. Still, I wanted to request that you might make an appearance. I believe you owe my husband and I for missing our wedding…...and...I believe we agree when saying this is the favor we would like to call in for it. Its simple, yes, ….but sometimes the simple things are the best. We would greatly appreciate it. If it's not too much trouble...
Your friend,
Hinata.
Ooo0000oooo000ooo0000ooo00oo000ooo
Odd, the feeling you get when you've spent a constant amount of time being constantly occupied and then finally get a moment to yourself. I'd woken up that morning at my usual time of 6 am and realized that my alarm hadn't gone off. This would be because I hadn't set it to begin with. I'd made sure to schedule a day off in the madness to recuperate before diving back into the normal adult rhythm. And I was determined to spend it alone. There was a lot to think about. Also, I missed Sasuke.
My fingers craved the intimacy of stringing through his hair and pulling his chest close to mine. My lips tingled at the memories of our melded mouths and for all this- it felt too much like a dream. Part of me wondered if it was real- it was so nonchalant. But It'd been awkward for the first time….perhaps next time would be better? It would be, if there was a next time. Somehow he always left me doubting, or perhaps that was my own insecurities. I wished he was here, even if we didn't sleep together, we could at least talk, or sit there quietly.
I'd decided to take my emotions and hectic thought train on a walk early in the morning. I hadn't been able to successfully sleep a full eight hours, so I'd managed to make it out before most of the village woke up- and somehow, I'd managed to walk a couple miles. I'd gotten pretty far into the forest that surrounded Konoha and could easily make out the scars from emergency medical tent set ups from the village's desolation. Even better was the river that Naruto and Sasuke had gotten their hands stuck together at. It really was a shocker to know so much survived.
My walk continued, as my mind ran on its own, two worlds molding together in weird waves as my eyes took in the scenery, but my mind processed visual thoughts. This road I had walked many times, even as a child. Out of the corner of my eye I picked up something sparking in the bushes and my mind's thoughts slowed immediately. I couldn't seem to ignore the curiosity that suddenly grasped at me.
"No. Way." My voice rang before even my mind caught up with what I was actually seeing. There is was, the tiny little opening in the bushes. I didn't think I could fit, but like I hell I wasn't trying. Bending down gently, I shoved myself through the hole in the grove and then under another hedge.
"How did I even fit in this as a kid?!" I snorted as I pulled myself into the expanding opening of my secret hide out. Paper lanterns, flower rings and necklaces, arts and crafts and small collectables I'd gathered as treasures. Memory lane had definitely hit me hard today. My heart swelled with warm nostalgia and tingling excitement. Reaching greedily for the first object, my fingers ran over the faded colored construction paper cut into the shapes of people and objects. In an instant the memory of the scissors weighted by hands. I giggled in amusement, feeling an odd surge of glee.
I hadn't taken time recently to look back. Usually looking back just caused pain and some regret. I wondered if that little girl who sat in this dreaming cave filled with wishful thinking would be proud of the woman who now sat in the cave. Was this woman beautiful like she'd wanted to be? Was she strong and talented? Was she living in a big house and happily married? She certainly wasn't an idol on the side of her epic shinobi career…..
A dark and throaty chuckle escaped my lips as I thought over my past ideals, and found that this sound of resigned emotion was transforming into a contented laugh. Life sure hadn't turned out the way I had planned, but then again it was better wasn't it? I was a Doctor and trained under a Hokage and Sannin. So I was strong and I suppose talented enough to become a top surgeon in Konoha at such a young age. Not a total loss. I'd ceased to care about looks….though growing my hair out was a bit of a selfish and redundant decision. Perhaps it would reach my shoulders this time before frustration had me cut it again. I was living in my parents house still to save money because Sasuke had casually mentioned once that we should move in together and since my lease had finished…
Sasuke. Well….that endeavour had been successful. Hard, and quite the journey but...oddly that too had turned out alright. My fingers trailed over a tiny red ribbon. Images of Ino, and others flooded into my brain. I had quite a good life thus far...and it wasn't over yet. Even with Sasuke gone, I had people who cared about me and that was enough. I didn't need him constantly near to be strong, I had friends to pick me up when I needed to be occupied and happy. I had my own strength to carry me when I needed it….Yes, that little girl should be so proud. I was a woman of my own making. I couldn't ask for more…
And never once did I stray from my heart.
Slowly my fingers clasped over the red ribbon. I'd go see them- perhaps today. At the very least, wedding planning was a good excuse to go hang out with Ino.
ooo000ooooo00000oooo000000ooooo00000ooooo00000oooo
She'd wandered home some time that afternoon and immediately set about getting ready for the day. The only problem was that despite sleeping the night before, the lack of sleep from previous weeks caught up in rapid succession. Coupled with the warm water of the shower, her weariness had gotten the better of her and she'd soundly fallen asleep against the cool tile, just under the faucet- washing cloth still in hand.
It was the sound of the door opening that alarmed her at first. Green eyes opened quickly for a second until her mind caught up. Right, she was at her parents house...it must be her mother coming in to set down the laundry. No big deal. No surprise, but her mind didn't seem to comprehend where it was she had chosen to nap and so she fell soundly back asleep against the tile wall. It felt so nice after all.
She couldn't have been asleep for more than a moment when there came a loud pounding from the floor as a broom in her mother's hand met the ceiling with hard and aggressive thumps.
"YOU'RE WASTING WATER!" Her mother called from the distance. Jumping, Sakura leaned forward to turn off the water when something black caught the corner of her eye. Whirling around, fist clenched, she barreled into the form of what was indeed a person inside the shower with her.
The figure grunted slightly, as he met her fist with a solid block.
"Ow." Game the monotone voice of one Sasuke Uchiha.
"Sasuke-kun?" She stared in blank confusion. Seconds later …
"IIIEEEEEEYYYYYYAAAAAAA!" Came the scream as Sakura dumped herself into the nearby bath and tried to hide from view, having grabbed the towel and dumping it along in the ride. "SA-Sasuke-kun what are you doing here?!" She yelled blushing.
"I've already seen you naked, why the hell are you freaking out?" He retorted grumpily. "I arrived and your mother said you were in the shower and to wait in your room."
"So why didn't you wait in the room?!" She accused- but more gentle this time. She'd completely forgotten, in the moment, that they had in fact slept together already and she was well acquainted with his naked form as well. Her eyes trailed down for a split second. Still, it was highly irregular for a man and girl to be so informal before marriage. Sometimes even after- she was justified.
"Sakura, that was two hours ago….I came in to check if you died." He grumbled, removing his now wet cloak.
"Oh…." Sakura grumbled, pouting to herself lightly.
"Though the reasons for why your mother told me to wait in your room alludes me- I'd rather that then being forced to make idle conversation. She's particularly pushy- no offence."
"None taken...she is pushy." She agreed sighing to herself.
There was a long silence before either found something else to say. The silence was deafening.
"Right." They clambered at the same time. "I'm leaving" Sasuke added and Sakura nodded. "I'll be right out…."
Author Note Continued: Ahh- this chapter took me a long time to write. I have a couple more ideas, so I'm not done yet. Stay tuned friends! And thank you again for reading.
