WORDLESS UNDERSTANDING
…
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A splash of water met two flat stones below. The bucket that was once filled with it was properly placed on the ground along with a brush and a rag. Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, Sakura gave a satisfied smile in seeing the clean graves of her former teacher's teammates. "There you go Rin and Obito. No more bird poop lying on your resting place now." She chirped. It might've been her, but she believed that the glint on their graves just now were their way of thanking her from above. She again smiles but at the sky in return.
Picking up her last batch of dandelions, she gave a quick bow and made her way to her next destination. The pinkette can see a few families around as well, overhearing elders telling their grandchildren to honor the dead and live on in their stead for the sake of future shinobis and for Konohagakure.
Sakura often visits the village cemetery every once in a while. Like Kakashi, it became her habit to give small chit chats every now and then with those who had passed on; like they never left in the first place. It brings an odd sort of comfort where even though these people are no longer with them physically, she knows that somewhere beyond, they are watching over them.
"Yosh. Now onto Ne –" she stops in midsentence to see someone had already gotten to her destination before her. "Tenten!" The brunette who was crouching down turned her head and saw her fellow kunoichi.
"Ohayou Sakura! Come to visit Neji as well?"
"Yeah. I haven't visited him for a while. Thought I should tell him what's been going on lately. But seeing as you're here, I suppose you've already done that." Sakura winked at her, making Tenten laugh.
"I just got here like 10 minutes ago. So I haven't really gave him my full 'report' yet." Both friends laugh at their silliness and sat on the ground, facing their late comrade's grave.
It's not a surprise to see Tenten here to be honest. All of the Rookie 9 were very much aware of Team Gai's loss, and silently gives their wishes. Some days the pinkette would see Lee and Gai here, but mostly the former. Telling Neji how he once again surpassed some of his ground-breaking records of 200 laps around Konoha before noon and such. It was nice to see that some things hadn't changed.
The weapons mistress with her, unbeknownst to all besides Sakura, visits on a daily basis. During the first month after the war, she would be here all morning and leaves in time before the cemetery gets crowded.
Nowadays she would just leave the sunflowers she bought from Ino's and smile at his engraved name, staying for an hour or two. Sakura remembers how the brunette would tell her that every time before she leaves, she would feel the sudden caress of the wind on her back. "It somewhat felt like – He was there… You know?" Tenten said that day. Sakura couldn't help but smile warmly at that and give her a big hug. She just knows her friend will be alright.
"I'm seeing Sasuke around more lately. I just finished telling Neji that as well."
"Yeah, well, you can't be too sure how long he'll be staying. Even so, knowing he's here makes me worry less about him."
Tenten's brows creased together. "You worry about everyone Sakura. Underneath this determined and spitfire kunoichi is a very caring young girl. When was the last time you took a moment for yourself, huh? I can imagine you always being cramped up in the hospital and leaving who knows what hour."
The pinkette shrugged. "It comes with the duty as a shinobi. You know that."
"I do. But if Neji were here, he'll tell you that you should look after yourself more, you know?"
Sakura sighed. Of course she knows. It's one of the constant reminders he would say, not just to his team or her, but to the entire Konoha 11. If they were in another world, Neji would be like the big brother for every one of his friends. Silently watching everybody and being there to back them up.
Kami, how nice that might've been. But to be honest, he has his fair share of those moments.
Looking up, she saw the sunflowers Tenten brought resting nicely in front of Neji. Remembering she brought flowers of her own, Sakura laid her dandelions along with them. The two friends continued talking about old times 'til memory lane distracted them from the present.
That is, until Lee showed up using his hands as his feet again.
"I must walk around the village with my bare hands as twice as much for me and Gai-sensei. That means from standard 50 laps, I must carry on with a hundred!" the sweating, fiery youth exclaimed. "You hear me Neji?! Nothing's gonna stop me even when both of you aren't here!"
With that, the green-clad lad trudged on to complete his goal, not minding a few heads peering at him. Tenten and Sakura could only sweat-drop at this comedic sight.
Yup. They'll definitely be alright.
...
After spending time with Tenten, Sakura went the marketplace to buy her groceries. She's been meaning to restock now that she's all settled in at her new apartment. She couldn't find the time to do it the last few days due to her busy schedule.
Walking around town made Sakura reminisce of the old days. Every corner in this village, she had made such wonderful memories with her friends.
The Dango shop, the wooden fence where she and her team would meet most of their friends along the way, not to mention the Sabaku siblings' first introduction. At one corner, the memory of their first mission: Rank C – Retrieve the missing cat was still pretty clear in her head. It made her giggle. Then fast forward, it made her remember the days with her Sasuke-kun.
Her eyes soften.
A young, long-pink-haired girl glancing almost every time she catches the Uchiha in the perimeter. Genin days made her a bit bolder; clinging on his arm, eyes with hearts obviously staring at him, blushing face – hoping he was looking her way –
Sigh. She could go on in describing her naïve self. Then suddenly, everything changed when that boy left. Like every nook and cranny she sees in the village is a hurtful reminder that he's no longer here.
That made her stop on her tracks. Outside she was smiling for everyone's sake, while at home she would hug her pillow to herself. Hiding her face so the world won't see as she cries her eyes out. Ino had very sharp instincts, not to forget her piercing blue eyes as well, she easily caught the dark circles under the girl's eyes. Her lively pair of emeralds slowly fading, losing its spark.
With a soft scoff through the nose, the corner of her lips lifted slightly. Thankful for all those childish bickering from her childhood best friend that was trying to knock some sense into her. And when Naruto left to train for the better, Sakura knew she just couldn't idly stand by doing nothing. Thus, Tsunade's apprentice was born.
Surely, a lot of good and painful memories were created along the way, but it made it all worthwhile as well. Knowing you had something to look back on is already a pleasure. It meant that the seasons passed had meaning to it.
Sakura shakes her head with a laugh, happy with her epiphany.
"What's so funny?"
The sudden voice took her off guard and made her yelp, only to find a raven-haired young man walking towards her.
She sheepishly laughs, "It's nothing, Sasuke-kun."
Standing right in front of her, Sasuke continues to look at her. Gazing up due to his high profile, Sakura did the same. He doesn't know why he's staring, but something about Sakura just makes him want to stop and look at her. He then caught sight of her hands carrying bags of freshly brought groceries.
Opening his palm, he wordlessly beckons her to hand one over. Blinking as she saw his open hand, she looked down and recalls what she was carrying. She smiles and gives one of them, "Arigatou."
Their walk back towards her apartment was quiet, yet peaceful; heartwarming even. She was walking side by side with the person who means so much to her. His strides might be long, but she easily matches up with them.
That's right.
No matter how far you've gone, I'll always be able to catch up to you.
For moments like these were ones she was preparing herself with.
…
"Tadaima." She greeted her abode. She lives alone, but the habit can't ever be dismissed. Taking off her sandals, she turns to her guest at her door, "Thanks for the help Sasuke-kun. It was very sweet of you." Her cheeks became pink at this. He nodded.
Biting her lip, hands behind her back as she fiddles with her fingers, Sakura ponders at the thought she's been thinking on since their way here. Sasuke tilted his head, wondering if she has more to say like, maybe, inviting him in? He tries not to expect too much, but he silently anticipates her next words.
"Well, I was wondering if…"
Sasuke tilted his head even more and begins to bend in height with her.
"If you'd like to have a late lunch with me..?" she says with such a soft voice, hoping he heard that. But he surprised her when she looked up and saw that his face was in level with hers. If she was blushing a moment ago, her face was growing warmer by the distance of their noses she was calculating.
Seeing her face, Sasuke lightly smirks. As if he had accomplished something.
"Aa." His voice vibrated in her ears. Kami, did his voice got lower again?
Removing his sandals, he made his way inside as Sakura stiffly looks past the place he was standing on just now, his smirk still intact. Her face reddened. Her lips trembled in aggravation. He's messing with me! It took all her will power to not slam the door. Else the entire building may as well give up on them.
…
As Sasuke stands in the middle of the room, he can see that she's somehow made the place feel like a home now. It's a wonder how she finds time in cleaning up with that schedule of hers. Like always, the dining and the living room were connected. Down the hall were three doors, he guesses one of them is the bathroom while one of the other two rooms were hers to sleep in.
"I'll start making our lunches now. Is beef teriyaki good?" she says over at the kitchen counter.
"Aa." He mindlessly answers, still looking around.
Picture frames were hung up at one wall. He walked towards it and observes them each.
They were mostly taken in groups. The latest one was of her and Ino along with the children back at the clinic. Kids trying to squeeze in made the two laugh in the shot. There was one when she was with the Rookie 9 along with Team Gai and some other shinobis, seeing Gaara there with the others, he guesses this must be during their re-take of the Chuunin exams Kakashi once told him about.
Next was a photo of her with the hospital staff. She was around 15 here, making her the youngest out of everybody within the frame. That brought an uncertain swelling of proudness in his heart. Many could still be told, but he notices how she doesn't have solo pictures of her own.
Even at home, her unselfishness is still visible for everyone to see.
That's when he noticed the last picture, now with a small written message on the bottom left.
"Hey, I was asking if what tea you would like. Oh."
Sakura saw his back facing her and was looking over her pictures when she caught him looking at her favorite picture of all.
Team Seven's first team photo. The inscription says: 'The day our lives were given purpose.'
Placing the kettle filled with water on the burner, she padded her way to his side, also looking at their Genin selves. She remembered writing that after the war. This specific photo was always near her nightstand. Every time she would recall how their lives have turned out, Sakura would always look at it. If it weren't for this team being formed, she has no idea what kind of life she might've had. And for that, she was grateful.
Sasuke broke the silence. "We were that young, huh?"
She nodded. "That we were."
He stares at his young grouchy self. "We were that foolish too."
Sakura lightly scoffs. "That we still are."
His right eye looks at her from the corner while she examines the photo. "'We would always be foolish as long as we have hopes and dreams', that's what many would say. But wasn't it those two that had gotten us this far?" she turns and smiles up at him. Sasuke hid his eyes but smirks as well at the thought. Knowing a certain blonde knucklehead will surely agree with that too.
Sound of the kettle whistling brought them back. Peace in mind, she went back to the kitchen, leaving him to his own thoughts.
"Sakura – "
"I know, I know."
He raised a brow, turning around to see an already busy pinkette.
"Jasmine tea, if my memory serves me right." She giggles.
All the Uchiha could do was give an amused smirk.
So she remembers.
Another reason for the swelling of his chest.
…
Lunch was surprisingly pleasant, Sasuke commented. Not only did the food taste good, because he never knew Sakura could cook this well, but the company was splendid. Sasuke may not be used with talking while eating at the table, but Sakura's small talks were pleasing to the ear.
It was all the same, work incidents, – hospital and shinobi both – what he's missed during his journey, what's new lately and all. It was nice of her to update of these little things to him. He honestly thought they were too boring or troublesome to know, but he thought otherwise.
"Oh yeah! Remind me to give you something before you leave, alright? I've been meaning to give it to you but it always slips my mind." Sakura rubs the back of her head.
Sasuke merely blinks and raises both brows in question. She could only grin. "You'll just have to wait for me to give it to you."
He made a face that made her laugh. "Don't give me that look Sasuke-kun. I promise you you'd like it."
Sakura gestured an imaginary cross on her chest. Sasuke shakes his head at the childish motion.
They helped each other clean up, him tidying the table while she washes the dishes. Sitting at the stool beside the counter, Sasuke again stares at his pink-haired companion. He was also watching her earlier as she cooked. Her wearing that apron makes her look like a mother of all things. Sasuke can't quite escape the tug feeling as he remembers his own mother.
Mikoto's back facing him, her hands either washing or cooking as well. All that was missing was –
"Hmm ~ mmm ~ mm "
Her humming.
It wasn't the same song he would usually hear his mother sing, but this sight is so precious that made him fist his hands. Just thinking about her brings way too many memories. Memories of the childhood that was stolen from him.
"Sasuke-kun. Catch."
Just in time, he catches the flying red object with his hand. His nose sniffed a familiar scent. Bringing the object in line of sight, there he saw the scrumptious looking fruit covered with droplets of water in his hand. Wide eyes, he looks back at her smiling face.
"Dessert." She shrugs and goes back to do the dishes.
Wiping some of the dews with his thumb, he brought the tomato to his lips and took a bite. Ahh… That hit spot. What was he thinking about just now again? He couldn't seem to remember thanks to this tomato. Or more frankly, thanks to Sakura.
After drying her hands with a throw towel, she went at the counter and asked: "So what are you really here for Sasuke-kun?"
About to take another bite of the delicious fruit, he stops midway to look at her.
"Hn?"
She tries not to roll her eyes. "Surely you wouldn't come all the way here and spend lunch with me."
His brows creased once more. "Weren't you the one who invited me?"
"As thanks for helping me carry my stuff, yes. But you wouldn't happen to just find me earlier so you could help someone you know carry their groceries back towards their apartment now, would you? That ain't an everyday occurrence for the great Uchiha Sasuke now, would it?" It wasn't meant to sound sarcastic, but the truth can sometimes appear that way. Well, more ways than one.
The Uchiha grunted. He did that because he was taught to be that way. His mother somewhere in heaven would disown him if she ever catches his son being rude and ungentlemanly.
Though she was right about another thing. He didn't just come here for a visit.
"...Want… complete… my check-up…" he mumbled.
"I'm sorry. What?"
"I want you to…"
"Could you repeat that? My ears might be failing me with the sound of the birds chirping outside my closed windows." She almost struck a nerve there.
He heavily sighs. "I want you to complete my check-up."
Arms crossed, she eyed him for a minute. "You were given a mission, weren't you?"
"Aa."
Haruno Sakura shakes her head disbelievingly. She's gonna have to make an appointment with their Hokage soon. Else, her patients will go out in the field with an incomplete record in both their hands. If shishou finds about this – she dares not to finish that thought.
"I suppose you know that we've basically went over most of the procedure last time." She receives a nod. "Then you remember well that there's still a few things to do to clear your paper." A nod again. She scoffs, "You're in luck. I happen to have brought home some of my patient's med papers, and yours is one of them." With that said, she turns around towards her room.
Sasuke stares at her retreating back. Wondering what's on her mind.
"Finish that up. We'll do the rest of your check-up here." She says and disappears inside. A dumbfounded Uchiha left sitting at the kitchen counter.
Leaving no time wasted, she prepares her tools on the counter. Sasuke, already knowing she would ask, has taken off her cloak and shirt, now bare-chested to start with. He watches as she wipes some of her instruments with antiseptic and rubs her hands with alcohol.
"Are you sure you're allowed to do this? Here." Sasuke couldn't help but ask.
"Trust me. It's no different when Naruto, Sai and Kakashi-sensei would come over and have their wounds fixed after their mission. Sometimes the others as well." She says this as she redoes her hair back with her headband. "All of the gang made it a habit for a while to come to me unofficially to have me see their conditions before and after their field work. That's both here and at the hospital. But I strictly told them to follow protocol and have themselves checked at the hospital itself."
Somehow knowing that people, friends or not, would just come barging in whenever they like in her home didn't seem right for the young Uchiha. Must be his sense of protectiveness towards his comrade coming in late he supposes. Or mainly because he himself wouldn't want anybody trespassing in his privacy. Especially when they're tired.
"I'll be doing your eyes last. Right now, I'll have to do phase two of the medical examination." She paused for a second. The look in her eyes clearly states she's in full medic mode. "Phase two is only required for shinobis and it consists of the following: chakra level observation, heightening of the senses, and lastly your kekkei genkai. I'll first take a look at how well your chakra has been; the rest goes on from there."
And with the nod from her teammate, Sakura's hands emitted a green glow and immediately began her procedure.
Every Shinobi of Leaf is obligated to get their chakra levels examined due to everyone having family histories, each differing from one case to the next. Since family bloodline limit varies, so does from what part of their body do they release it. Mostly it's on the eyes (called Dojutsu), but with clans for example Nara and Yamanaka, their powers come from a human's shadow and psyche respectively.
This method is a mean to know if everything is in order in one's body. Though Chakra can be manipulated, Konoha's Head medic had learned throughout the years that too little or too much may damage a host; temporarily or permanently at most.
One thing that everyone has in common, is that not one is immune to self-chakra poisoning.
Not much people know this since the pink-haired kunoichi was accompanied by two other shinobis outside the usual Rookie 9, but during one of Sakura's exploits in the Land of Valleys, she had encountered a, regrettably, unforgettable sight.
They were to retrieve a scroll stolen from one of the temples in the Land of Iron. They traced the culprit 'til here. Finding the thief, who tried to copy the seals written on the scroll, engulfed by his own chakra.
Choking him.
It was then told that what they had witness was self-chakra poisoning.
As her dainty hands continued scanning him over, he himself was surprised to see how relaxed he is. His breathing was even, his hands weren't sweating, and the beating of his heart was at a normal pace. Well done, he guesses.
After scanning his body for any traces of errors, Sakura was content to know that Uchiha was out of harm's way. She then went on and heightened his senses. Sakura gave him a cup of vitamin syrup, equivalent to soldier pills yet has more protein in it, and quickly did Sasuke drink its contents.
Has a bit of an aftertaste, but it was still pleasing to the tongue.
"Alright. Now it's time to check your eyes." The Uchiha stiffens at this, but knows better than to back out now. He wouldn't want to upset her a second time.
He frowns, deep in thought. I bet I've upset her countless times. And that wasn't something to be proud of.
Raising herself up, she ordered him with a small smile, "Lift your eyes up to mine please." He did as he was told. "Thank you."
His body slightly jolted when her palms rested on the sides of his jaw. Steering it a bit to see the corners. All she could see was still his lone onyx for his left eye still kept hidden behind his long bangs.
Sasuke could feel her breathing on the bridge of his nose. And as she spoke, he was unable to stop himself from smelling that minty freshness circulating in her mouth. She had brushed her teeth. How nice. Then he noticed how she stopped moving for a sec and peered up at her.
Sakura continues to look at him closely before asking, "May I?" Knowing what she wants, he slowly nodded his head. Carefully did the pinkette lifted her right hand and gently removes the faded blue sash, placing it on top of the counter; moving some of his hair aside. His left eye was half-lidded due to the sudden light, but after getting used to it, he opens it to the fullest. Exposing the purple eyed, black spirals of his Rinnegan.
Again, she stared at it, before mentally slapping herself to get back to work.
"The eye itself is always kept activated, right?"
"Aa."
"No frequent aching that has happened yet?"
"Iie."
One-word answers. Good, she thought. No alibies and straight to the point.
"Activate your Sharingan." She slowly asks him. He looks at her first, as if waiting for that one word. She blinks then finally said, "Please." Not a moment later, his black eye spun around mixed with the color of blood until it became red. Markings of his bloodline appeared around his Rinnegan as well. Sakura would've been fascinated if it weren't for her medic mode getting in the way, for which she is thankful for.
"Seeing as you are able to will this eye to activate by yourself means you can rest after using it, correct?" she spoke as her hands now rest on his cheekbones.
"Aa."
"Have there been any aching feeling that had happened while on your journey?" her thumbs softly padding under his eyes.
"None."
"Good." She smiles, she took a step back and straightens her back. "With that, your medical examination has ended. Well done Uchiha-san."
"Hn." Was all he could mutter as Sasuke tries to put on his shirt. Unable to see the kunoichi silently laughing behind her hand. Noting how he looked like a 5-year old.
"Here, let me." A mumbled 'thank you' can be heard inside the fabric.
Helping him slip his arm in the sleeves she helps him fix his shirt and even flattens his hair a bit. She was unable to stop herself before she knew. A sitting, speechless Sasuke watches her tend to him like some mother giving treatment to her little child.
Her hands on his shoulders, she steadies herself and looks at him, giving one of her best smiles. His heart gave a thump at that. As if this wasn't strange enough, she surprises them both as she slips her hands pass his neck and embraces him.
Sasuke had no idea what to do. His eyes were wide, his body sat stiff, his chest kept getting tighter; for all he knows, this is too foreign to him. A hug is a hug, yes. And people clinging to him isn't entirely new to him, and Sakura was no different due to past incidences. But something about this one made everything different. Like how she was different.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"For what?" he wanted to see her face, at the same he doesn't.
She wrapped her arms more around his neck and answered. "For trusting me. You have no idea how much that means to me."
If she was permitted to cry, she would've done so at that moment right there. But thank Kami she didn't and kept hugging him close to her.
Realizing that burden she has been carrying has been lifted because of him, Sasuke gently snakes his arm around her waist and hugs her to him. This is the closest contact they have ever gotten. And he'd be damned to deny how wonderful it felt.
Standing up again, Sakura only now realizes what she just did and quickly became flustered. "G-Gomen!" turning around to hide her blushing face. Sasuke did as well as he settles the bandana back on his head.
What a way to spend their afternoon together.
…
He didn't mean to stay that late, yet it was around dusk when Sakura escorted Sasuke out saying he's still needed to prepare for his mission, suggesting he gets an early rest. He told her what his task was about, supposing he owes her at least that much after completing his check-up for him. Hands on her hips, she gave him a challenging smile as he wears his sandals, "This wouldn't have been possible if you didn't cooperate. So give yourself credit for that." He scoffs with a smirk, knowing she's right.
In her kindness, she gave him some of the leftovers and three tomatoes for him to eat tonight. The plastic bag was clutched tightly on his right hand. Inside, he was anxiously waiting to leave and eat the red fruit already.
Sakura kept smiling throughout the day, and he wonders if it's because of that trust she was referring to earlier. What he doesn't know was that his trust was just another thing she was happy about. Because spending time with him, with just the two of them, already makes her one of the happiest persons in the world.
"You better get going then."
"Aa. Arigatou." He softly replies.
She nodded. "Guess you'll be leaving first thing tomorrow then. Well…"
Just as how he remembers her, she still is the ever-caring girl he knows. He can imagine it now: 'Take good care of yourself, m'kay?' Yes. It's a high possibility that's exactly what she'll say.
"Well… Take good care of yourself, m'kay?" he closes his eyes. Already expecting that. He wasn't smiling, though if she would notice, his lips somewhat lifted an inch. But then… He felt a pressure on his forehead.
Shock filled him, snapping his eyes at hers, lips slightly agape. Her shoulders were hunched, her eyes casted downwards, but her blushing cheeks and ears were all too visible for him. Not to mention her two fingers poking on top of his eyes.
"A-Ano… See you next time, then." She muttered. Viridian eyes slowly gazing up, catching his breath. All he could do was give a disbelieving nod.
After what seemed like an eternity, she bid him good day and shuts the door. She slides her back on the wood, holding her warm face in her hands. Sasuke turned around, yet still stood on her apartment door. He holds his face with his palm, feeling it getting warmer despite the evening breeze was on its way. Sakura could tell he was still there as she sensed his chakra. Hugging her knees, she thought:
Kami-sama, did I just seriously do that?
Inhaling a big ounce of air through the nose, he exhaled with a deep sigh. That woman… is making him feel, feel – damn it.
Annoying.
And yet he leaves with his ears burning.
A/N: Hi there fam :) I've received a lot of love and encouragement from my last chapter update, and that honestly gave me the drive to make the next one pronto. Thank you for that . I truly appreciated it. To be honest, I have no idea what I was suppose to write for this week's chapter. I just thought of this and it went on from there. I hope I did well.
Have any of you watched Boruto: Naruto the Next Gen. Episode 23? I am so proud for the Uchiha family! TT^TT I get to see Sakura be a badass after so long, SasuSaku having such a strong connection proving that words weren't needed, so many things to praise about! :) I really thought we would get disappointed by it. But it was so heartwarming that I couldn't stop being giddy that day.
Haven't watched it yet? Please do! You won't be disappointed :D
Another thing before I leave you, good news is: I've gotten a job! (I'm a fresh grad for 4 months now, and I am so happy to be able to start this Sept. 11. I hope you're all happy for me)
Bad news is: I'll have less time to write now... Don't worry, I'll think of something to not get caught doing what I love. XD hahahaha!
.
Again, thank you all :) See you on Chapter 13. ChrysalisBluem out ;)
