Chapter 10: I Missed You
Sasune's P.O.V.
"It's so bright." Was the first thing that came to mind when I woke up. I winced at the brightness of the room as I quickly closed my eyes. My surroundings were nothing like Orochimaru's lair. It was too bright and smelled of sick people, blood, and medicine. The medicine that heals the wounded and sick, not harm them. "This has to be a hospital."
I eased my eyes opened so that they could get use to the bright light. When my eyes were fully opened and adjusted I took notice of everything that surrounded me. There were five tubes sticking out of each arm, my head hurt like hell, I was dizzy, I could feel blood being pumped through my veins. My blinking was slow. If someone saw me, they'd probably think that I was stung out on drugs. And judging from all the stuff I was hooked up to… I wouldn't doubt it. After looking around some more, something yellow caught my eye. It was bright like the sun, but spiky like grass. "There is only one person who it could be."
"Naruto?" I said with a horsed voice. The only response I got was a loud snore before returning back to light snores. I've heard that noise one too many times to not know it.
"The big dobe must've slept here all night. He's always watching over me." With what little strength I had, I lifted my hand to run it through the sunflower hair on top of tan skin. The smile that graced my face was a ghost of one, but a smile none the less. I hated feeling this way. I was too weak to run my fingers through my love's hair.
"I see you're awake." I turned my head to see Sakura and Tsunade standing in front of my bed with smiles on their faces. "Do you remember us?" Tsunade asked.
"You're the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, and you're Sakura." I managed to say before my voice gave out.
"Don't strain yourself too much. Your body is under a lot of stress. Not only did we have to drain your body of most of its blood, but we had to get rid of all the drugs that were inserted into you, do a blood transfusion, rid your body of any and all toxins. We managed to remove most of them, but some of the others we'll just have to wait until they go away with time. You haven't eaten in a week, we've just been making sure that your body maintained the proper nutrition and everything it needed for it to heal. We'll have to keep you here for a month so that we can monitor you progress. We also have to help your body get used to being drug free and independent again. Now, I've noticed that the drugs have taken affect on most of your brain. I would like for you to go through certain tests to see the stability of your brain once a week while you're healing. When you finally pass all of the tests, we'll dub you with a clean bill of health. But this is all too much information for you to take in right now. When Naruto finally wakes up, I'll explain everything again for the brat. Come on Sakura, let's get Sasune's medicine and charts."
I watched as the blond walked out of the room before gazing at the long pink haired girl leaning against the wall. I was about to say something, but she held up her hand to stop me. "You're voice is too hoarse for you to speak. And besides… I really want you to just listen to what I have to say." She took a deep breath before pushing off the wall to sit on the edge of the bed, next to Naruto. "For as long as I can remember… I've been jealous of you. You're looks, your clan. Not the massacre part; the part about being powerful and having a really cool abilities. Your brains. But mostly… I was jealous because Naruto loved you before I even had a chance with him. I know that I didn't act like it, but I could see all the loving and adoring looks Naruto would give you when you weren't looking. I just turned a blind eye to it because I didn't want to see it or allow it to be truth. I've been running from the truth for so long… It not only turned me into someone I didn't even recognize, but it also made me lose all of my friends. All those years… I basically wasted on hating and blaming you when I should've used them to actually get to know you. I owe everything to Naruto. The day before he left, which was also the day he came back from training for you, he found out that I didn't tell the other girls about the real reason as to why the both of you left. He scolded and verbally humiliated me. He made me feel like as was lower than dirt. It took Ino and Naruto to set me straight. I owe the both of them a lot. I asked for everyone's forgiveness in hope of starting long overdue friendships. Now I'm here to ask for yours. I can understand if you don't want to. I just… I wanted to at least let you know that there are no more stupid or meaningless competitions… I want to bring everyone together. Please think it over and let me know when you get your voice back." She smiled before exiting the room.
I was very surprised at the maturity she's experienced during the past year.
"It looks like I have some catching up to do. It's a good thing Naruto's here to help."
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While Naruto continued to sleep, I thought about what Sakura said. She is right. That competition was meaningless and stupid. All this years, I thought that all I needed was Naruto. I guess it would be nice to have one more friend. A couple of hours later, Naruto finally woke up relaxed and energized. When he first saw me, Naruto basically hugged me to death before throwing questions at me left and right. I started to get a headache.
"You brat." Tsunade sighed as she hit Naruto over the head with a clipboaord. "She's recovering. You can't just throw questions at her like that. I'm sure whatever questions you have, she'll answer them when the time is right. Sakura and I have other people to look after. Why don't you go and get her something to eat or some at least leave so that she can rest in peace. But whatever you decide to do… make bathing at the top of the list. You stink to high hell." The Hokage pinched her nose as she escorted Sakura out of the room.
"That old lady doesn't know what she's talking about." He grumbled before turning toward me. "You don't think I stink do you?" I forced a smile before slowly nodding my head. He pouted before sniffing himself and cringing at his stench. "Well maybe I do need a bath. I'm going home to bathe. Are you hungry?" I nodded again. "After I bathe, I'll bring you something from the cafeteria. Will you be alright while I'm gone?" I rolled my eyes. "Alright. Alright. I get it. No need to roll your eyes." He smiled before placing his hand on my head. "Welcome home… Sasune." Him ruffling my hair was something he did when we were kids. He stopped doing it when we were ten, after I told him that I was too old for that kind of treatment. I never thought he'd do it again.
Right when I leaned into the touch, it vanished. I watched as he strolled to the door before I called for him to stop. "Naruto!" It came out as a hoarse whisper, but loud enough for him to stop.
"Don't strain yourself. Remember what Grandma Tsunade said." He said in a concerned voice as he rushed to my side. I grabbed his hand. I never realized how weak and pale I was compared to him. I don't know why, but it made me smile. I turned to gaze into those same beautiful blue eyes I've missed over the past year. "What are you smiling at?" He lightly laughed.
"Thank you."
His eyes widen for a minute before he started smiling again. "You're welcome."
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One Month Later:
It's been a whole month since I've been kept in the hospital. Naruto, along with the rest of the gang, kept me company. Naruto was the one that was here from sun up to sun down. When Sakura was finally able to stop by, I was able to tell her that I would like to be her friend. She was ecstatic. It was nice seeing everyone again. Even Jiraiya. Although he did have to spend a day in the hospital after trying to give me a sponge bath. When my voice cleared up, he made me laugh at all the events that happened while he was training, me getting my revenge that I thought I didn't even want, and when he met the "mean" me.
"I don't believe you." I laughed at Naruto as he told me the story of when he found me before I killed Itachi.
"It's true. You were all serious and looked like this." He tried to imitate my expression. "And then you talked like this… "Naruto? Hn. So I see that you're still alive and kicking." I had to admit that you almost made me shit my pants with that voice." He laughed. "Ouch. Damn you Grandma." He groaned as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Watch your mouth brat. How you do you feel, Sasune?" She smiled at me.
"Better than I have all month."
"That's good." Tsunade said as she wrote on the clipboard in her hands.
"Hey Granny. Where's that old man? I haven't seen him since he was released from here."
"He's dead."
"WHAT?" We both yelled in unison.
"Oh I'm sorry. What I meant to say was that he's going to be dead once I get a hold of him." She smirked evilly.
"What did he do now?" I asked out of curiosity.
"I caught him peeping on the women and me while we bathed. That pervert is going to pay." She chuckled darkly before smiling again. "Well that's enough about of him. Now onto you Sasune. Your last results are in and they've all tested positive. You're mind is back in stable condition. Thanks to us removing the drugs that were affecting your mental state, everything is in perfect working order. The only problem is that there are two drugs still working their way out of your blood system. They're not as strong as it was when you were first brought in, but it's still affecting you." Tsunade explained.
"What drugs are they?" Naruto asked.
"Methoncal and Calnohtem. Methoncal basically weakens the strength in your legs, but strengthens your arms. They need each other to work properly."
"What's Calnohtem?" I asked.
"It's the reversed drug of Methoncal. It strengthens your legs while weakening the strength in your arms. With the two of them working at the same time… you've basically been turned into a super human. But because we extracted most of both drugs, you're strength has pretty much left you."
"Well how long will it take until I get back to normal?"
"Even though we've removed most of both drugs, the rest has a great affect on your body and will take a while before it is removed from your blood stream. And of course we have to wait until your strength returns. If I had to estimate the time… I'd say another month and a half. But don't worry. With these results, Naruto is free to take you home where you can rest and relax. By time you two come into my office, I'll have the paperwork done for your dismissal." The blond smiled.
"You hear that Sasune? You can finally go home."
"That's great. I can finally sleep in my old bed again." I smiled.
"Yeah. And besides, I can't wait for you to see the great job Sakura, Ino, Temari, Hinata, and TenTen did on keeping our house clean and in one piece." He grinned. "So um… Want me to get a wheelchair?"
"No. I'm actually tired and I don't think I can sleep in a chair." I yawned.
"Alright. Alright. I get the picture." He gently placed my right arm over his shoulders before lifting me into his arms. "You know… I'm starting to think that I spoil you too much."
"I know." I mumbled before curling further into his chest and drifting off to sleep.
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"Sasune! Sasune!" I heard someone yell. I let my eyes flutter open to see TenTen running into my room like a mad woman. "Oh thank goodness that you're alright."
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Naruto said that when you got up, he was going to give you a bath."
I looked from a panting Naruto to TenTen. "… … So?"
"So? Naruto's a man. And until he puts a ring on your finger or a baby in your belly, than he absolutely cannot give you a bath. It's indecent and just wrong!"
"TenTen calm down. It's not that serious." Naruto calmly said.
"Like hell it is! Now out you go. Move it, you indecent boy." I laughed as TenTen ushered Naruto out of the room before closing the door. "Men." She groaned.
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The bath was nice. She helped me get cleaned and wash my hair. I sighed in content as she even messaged my scalp. I don't know why, but I felt ok with letting her do this. Maybe it's because we've been friends for so long. Either way it was still nice having someone do this for me. A light tear formed in the corner of my eye when I remembered that it was my Mom who used to do this for me. I don't know if TenTen noticed or not, but she didn't say anything.
After my bath, TenTen helped me get dressed and comfortable in my bed. "I can't put my finger on it…" I started. "But something is different. And it's not just in here, but all over the house."
"You like it. Sakura, Ino, Temari, Hinata, and I fixed up the house and kept it clean and cobweb free for the past year. Didn't Naruto tell you that?"
"He told me that you guys kept the house up. But why did you have to fix it?" I asked as I leaned back into the pillows.
"He didn't tell you?" She asked.
"Nope. And knowing him, he probably won't." I sighed.
"Well… When Sakura and Ino proposed the idea of helping you guys by keeping the house clean until you two returned, Hinata, Temari and I practically jumped up to help. We got permission from Lady Tsunade and started on the project the second day after Naruto left. When we arrived… everything was destroyed, torn, and in shreds. We thought that some wild animal must've gotten in and tore the place up. But, when we looked closer, we later on came to the realization that someone must've broke into your house and trashed it while they tried to rob you guys. We don't think anything was taken, but we know one thing for sure… Whoever did it was pissed of beyond belief."
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What TenTen said bothered me for an entire week. Even though my mind was far off somewhere else, Naruto was always there to keep my physical body company. He didn't sleep in my room like he used to, but it was still nice having him there with me almost every waking moment. Whenever Naruto went in the back yard to train, he would carry me outside and gently place me on the wooden boards where I had the perfect view of his training. I didn't mind being carried everywhere and cratered to, but deep down inside I hated how depended I was forced to be.
"And it was all because of that damned snake. I'm glad he's dead."
That night, after Naruto tucked me into bed, TenTen's words nagged at my brain until I couldn't take it anymore. I had to ask Naruto what happened the night he left. I turned my head when I heard Naruto enter my room with damp hair, a towel hanging off his shoulders, and loose black sweat pants.
"Hey Sasune, I was getting ready to go to bed. Need anything?"
"It's now or never."
"Naruto… Can I ask you something?" He nodded. I took a deep breath before speaking again. "The night before you left… What happened to the house? Why was the house destroyed? Who could've been so angry to do something like that?" I could sense Naruto tensing his muscles at my questions. The tension filled air was suffocating. His eyes refused to meet mine. "Naruto~"
"It was me." He finally responded.
"What?"
I watched as he strolled over to my side of the bed and sat down. "The person who destroyed the house… was me."
"But why? Why would you destroy our house?"
I moved to get up with his help. "Anger."
"What caused you to be so angry that it drove you to doing that?" I asked in a soft voice laced with concern.
"I was mad at myself. I vowed that I'd protect you forever. The day Orochimaru kidnapped you… I broke my promise. When I woke up the next day, I released myself from the hospital. I don't know why, but when I saw everything intact within these walls… it enraged me and before I knew it, I had tore this house to shreds and never looked back." His voice broke, so did my heart. "I'm sorry Sasune… I destroyed everything. Our beds, the curtains, the mirrors, the furniture… everything. It was all gone and it was my fault. I had no right to do that just because I was angry. Please forgive me. I don't think I could go on if you didn't."
I knew what I was doing when I didn't stop my arms from wrapping around his neck and pulled me into his chest. "There's nothing in this world that could make me not forgive you Naruto. You're too important for me to stay mad at."
There was no tension in the air. There was no air. It was just us. He wrapped his arms around my waist ever so gently. It was as if he was afraid that he'd break me. We stayed like this for a minute in complete silence before he spoke. "You know… A wise man once told me… Being great doesn't happen overnight. It takes hard work, determination, and baby steps. My goal is to be Hokage, but that dreamed died."
"Why Naruto? Being Hokage has been the only thing you really wanted in life. Why let it die?" I asked before looking into his eyes.
"What good is a Hokage… if I can't even protect or keep a promise to the woman I love?"
My eyes widen for a minute at his confession. "He still loves me…? I hate the fact that he's so… just so… heartwarming. But at the same time, I can't help not loving him."
I was pulled out of my thoughts when I felt his arms tighten a little bit. His blue orbs bored into my onyx ones. Heat rose in my cheeks. My eyes hesitantly left his to stare at his desirable lips as they came closer to mine. The connection was gentle and yet so loving. My eyes fluttered closed while I allowed myself to get lost in the kiss. Our first kiss was short, but still loving. This kiss was a lot more passionate and by far my favorite. We slowly pulled apart when air was needed.
"Well… I'd better get some sleep. Good night Sasune." He said before getting up.
"No… why don't you sleep in here for the night. You just like old times." I offered. He nodded his head before walking over to the other side of the bed and climbed in. With little effort, I turned over and curled into his broad chest. But before I could allow myself to drift off to sleep, I had to tell Naruto something important. "Naruto?"
"Hm?" He yawned.
"Remember when you said that you gave up your dream of being Hokage? Don't. I want you to become Hokage so that I don't have to worry about you not coming home every time you leave the house. I want you in that office so that I can watch over you when I get better." I smiled into his chest.
"I thought I was the one that's supposed to be watching over you?" He smiled while slightly pulling away to look at me.
"Do you remember the day we met? You told me that you wanted to be Hokage, right? Well remember what I said? I said that I wanted to be your personal ANBU. That's my goal and I'm going to be that. Just like you're going to be Hokage. Even if I have to kick your ass the whole time."
"Well… I don't know about you becoming an ANBU, but if you really want me to be Hokage, then I will."
"And why can't I be ANBU?" I asked with one raven eyebrow raised.
"Because I said so. But you're free to argue about it all you want in the morning. I may not listen, but you can still argue about it." He smirked.
"When I get my strength back, you're going to regret your words… I promise you that." I growled before closing my eyes.
"Even though you're really weak… you still scare me when you're mad."
Author's Notes: THIS INFO IS ON MY PROFILE IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE READING IT HERE.
Poll Info:
First Poll:
Recently, I've come to the realization that I've become obsessed with NaruSasu or Naruto all together. All of my new ideas have been for Naruto. So to kind of give myself more of a variety, I've opened this poll to ask for your opinion. I have five one-shots for the choices on the poll, obviously, ready to be typed, like I've mentioned above. I just wanted to hear from you guys first. I feel like, as an author, I wanted to get more involved with my fans/readers/reviewers. Call me sensitive. Anyway, the rules for this poll are: You have until June 20th, 2011 to decide the winner for the top two one-shots. You can choose up to two choices. Now, if you pay attention, there will be an 'Other' choice for you to pick. This button is for people who don't like any of the other choices and want to see me post a one-shot for another anime/manga/game/cartoon. Now the rule for that choice is, if you choose that choice, then you must provide me with the name of the anime/manga/game/cartoon and an idea for it. I'll have it ready and maybe add it onto the list of choices. Another rule is that, if you decide to choice the 'Other' choice, then you must make sure that I am familiar with said anime/manga/game/cartoon. But that shouldn't be too much of a problem since all I do is watch/read/breathe that stuff. Lol. Anyway, happy voting and remember… I WANNA HEAR FROM YOU GUYS!
Second Poll:
In this poll I just wanted to see which couple(s) you guys found the best out of all the stories I've written. Don't worry about some of the choices. I have one-shots ready to be posted when the time is right. I will also add more couples. You can chose up to 10 couples. Also don't worry about the poll closing anytime soon. On June 21st, 2012 I will be closing the poll. Happy voting. But, since I can only put one poll at a time, this poll will be posted on June 21st, 2011.