Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 14
The sticky, feverous weather resided well within the night of Konoha. The high temperatures of late spring often made Sasuke unbearably irritable. He tossed hastily in his bed, as he was unable to put his restless mind at ease. Sleep was by far out of the question for the torturous night. Thoughts of the missing nin who caused the malicious chaos over his anbu squad overtook his thoughts. Thankfully, all six injured anbu miraculously survived are were now deemed well. But the main person of interest that surrounded his clouded mind, the savior in this situation, was the pink haired nin he last saw in that cold, distressing hospital bed.
Forty eight hours. It was now passed forty eight hours since the last time Sakura opened her wonderful, viridian eyes. Sasuke, undeniably frustrated beyond any type of belief, didn't want to depart himself from the inert nin. She looked lifeless, still-like, as she was drained entirely of her reserved energy. It felt almost wrong to see Sakura in such a vegetative state, because it's not suppose to be her in that bed. Guilt overcame the distressed Uchiha, but then again, if it wasn't for the quick-witted Sakura, his entire squad would have been undeniably dead.
Sasuke gave into the feverish weather, and laid still on his back. His eyes fixated themselves on his paneled ceiling, trying to find a complex pattern to focus on. But try as he might, be couldn't seem to get the green eyed beauty off his mind. He checked the unforgiving time on the digital clock on his dresser.
"Ten."
It was early in the night, yet sleep was not induced into his current plans. He sat up, as he began to now think about the hospital visitation cut off time. But Sasuke ultimately shook his head, followed by a deep sigh, as he recalled Tsunade telling him earlier today to go home and get some actual rest, for he was spending too much time at the hospital. Try as he might, the struggling Uchiha just couldn't find any comfort or ease in his downtime.
Sasuke kicked off the thin sheets from his fidgeting body and stood up. The idea of inhaling much needed fresh air from the early night crossed his mind. Perhaps a way to fight off his agitation, would be with a dose of the fresh air from his mother's prized garden. Sasuke quietly opened his door and began to make his way down the wooden stairs. But as soon as he stepped on the first creaking step down, his eyes locked with those familiar on the bottom story.
"Why are you awake, Sasuke?" Fugaku asked as he noticed his youngest son walk down the short flight of stairs. Sasuke tiredly stared at his father, who was up reading a scroll in the household's living room.
"I can't seem to fall asleep." Sasuke admitted as he made his way towards the shoji door that lead to the compound's spacious garden.
"Why don't you come down for some tea?" His father asked as Sasuke reached the bottom step.
Sasuke paused his steps, as he gave a thought about having a calming tea. He gave in, as he saw no harm in joining his father for an innocent cup of tea, and perhaps it would help ease his nerves. Sasuke then made his way towards the living room, and placed himself on the cushioned pillow. Fugaku, pleased with his joining son, poured Sasuke a steaming cup.
"How have you been, son?" Fugaku asked.
Sasuke looked at his father from the corner of his eyes. It was unlike his father, as of recently, to ask Sasuke questions regarding his sentiments or whereabouts. Lately, the relationship between the father and son have been somewhat strained. Ever since the youngest Uchiha's relationship announcement, his father seemed to have purposely drifted apart from his youngest.
"Fine." Sasuke replied as he brought the tea to his mouth.
"Sasuke," Fugaku began, "I've heard about what happened with Sakura. Is she recovering well?"
Sasuke found himself confounded by his father's unexpected words. It was unlike him to be interested in the wellbeing of people who were not part of the elusive Uchiha clan. He looked up at his usually noble father, as Sasuke was left baffled. And instead of seeing a usual pensive, emotionless face Fugaku, he saw something different. This face, Sasuke thought, was unusual. It was sympathy.
"She's still unconscious."
Fugaku placed his cup down back on the low table, and crossed his arms.
"Hm. Well if she's under Tsunade's care, then I'm sure she'll be fine in a matter of time."
"Mm." Sasuke replied. He was left muddled at Fugaku's words, and stood quiet as he did not want to question his father's sudden change of heart.
"Sasuke, dear, I thought you went to bed?" Mikoto was heard from the neighboring kitchen.
Sasuke turned his head, as he saw his mother come from the kitchen and into the dim-lit living room. She placed a gentle hand on Sasuke's broad shoulder.
"Has she awaken yet?" A worried Mikoto asked.
Although completely refraining from relaying the information regarding the incident to his then distant father, Sasuke told his mother all that had happened within the past three days. Her sincerity and tenderness helped assured him that all will be well. Mikoto was filled with understanding, as she was beyond easy to talk to. Fugaku, however, was somber and prudish, a character completely opposite of his wife. Sasuke then thought about how similar their relationship was to his own. Sakura was usually the light of the village, smiling through any hardships, while Sasuke on the other hand was seen as stone-faced and beyond complexed.
Sasuke shook his head to his mother's questions, "I'm afraid not."
"Why don't you invite Sakura when she has restored her chakra? I'll make sure to make her favorite dumplings. Anko right?" Mikoto asked with a gentle smile.
Sasuke looked at his compassionate mother, and then turned to face his father as he heard the sincere invite. Fugaku, eyes closed as he sipped his tea once again, nodded his head in agreement.
"Mm." Fugaku agreed.
Sasuke remained collected, but was once again stunned by the bizarre invitation his father finally agreed upon. From Mikoto, it was no surprise, as she was mercifully kind. But coming from his father, it was a tremendous leap from his usual nature.
"I'll let her know."
The feeling of a cold, frigid feeling ran down Sakura's back. The unconscious kunoichi began to slowly gain her senses back, as she could now begin to feel the coldness that occupied the room. She slowly blinked once, as her tired eyes adjusted to what seemed like a bright fluorescent light. The once still patient lifted her head, and looked at her surroundings, to only find herself established to a hospital bed. Although she was slowly coming back from her intense slumber, the disoriented nin studied her surroundings. Her eyes traveled to the glistening window, which radiated of a bright sun. It was morning in Konoha, she assumed.
On the other side of the room, Sakura heard a light hum. She then spotted the back of a familiar blonde draped in a lavishing shade of purple. Ino, who was busy arranging a vase of elaborate flowers, hummed softly to herself.
"Ino?"
Ino suddenly dropped the flowers in the tall vase as she heard the now awakening Sakura. The blonde quickly turned her head back towards Sakura's timid voice. Her icy blues wideneded as realized that the once unconscious kunoichi has finally woken up. A beaming smile found itself on Ino's face, as the blonde was elated to see her friend, awake and talking.
"Sakura! You're awake!" Ino exclaimed as she quickly walked over to her friend's side. The careful Yamanaka placed a hand lightly on Sakura's forehead. Sakura blinked in slight confusion to Ino's caregiving action.
"How are you feeling?" Ino asked, "Your temperature seems to be fine."
"I'm fine, Ino, what's going on?" Sakura asked, worry found in her voice.
"You don't remember what happened on your way to Hacho?" Ino asked as she tilted her head.
Sakura concentrated on Ino's bright cerulean eyes, as she tried to desperately remember what made her be in her current position. Then suddenly, her heart accelerated into an erratic pulse as blurry images began to form themselves. She remembered the gruesome scene, and then proceeding to heal all six gravely injured anbu. She remembered Itachi administering the viles of dire antidotes as she continued to push her remaining chakra out. And most importantly, she remembered the sound and warmth of a familiar raven haired shinobi.
"Sasuke-kun!" She shouted as she felt her body began to tremble in fear. The fearful Sakura couldn't remember what happened after, but she remembered being uncontrollably worried about the unseen Uchiha. Her wide, lush eyes began to grow hot at her forming thoughts.
"Sakura, he's fine, he's the one that brought you to the hospital." Ino reassured Sakura with worried eyes. Quickly, Ino sat down on Sakura's bedside and placed a hand over the trembling hand of her patient, and friend.
"He did?" Sakura asked, feeling her pulse begin to gradually slow down.
"Mmhmm, don't worry about him. He's been coming to see you often, but Tsunade recently sent him home to rest." Ino said with a reassuring smile.
With that given information, Sakura felt her stiff muscles relax. The tension she held within her entire body was now deemed loose, as she was assured that Sasuke was promisingly fine. But still, she couldn't help but worry, as she remembered that horrifying scene.
"And the anbu?" Sakura asked, concern in her voice, "Did they make it back on time?"
"Perfectly fine, thanks to you." Ino said as she gave Sakura's hand a light squeeze.
"And Hinata?" Sakura now continued to question the whereabouts of everyone she came across that day.
"Everyone is fine, don't worry. Stress will only worsen and halt the recovering of your condition. Try to relax, Sakura."
Sakura closed her eyes and inhaled rather deeply to keep her sanity. It was a hectic operation, and to believe that everything turned out the way it should have, was unbelievable.
"You did good, forehead. You're the talk of the town." Ino said with a smirk, "And look over there." She said as she turned her back to face the elaborate arrangement of flowers. A mixture of wild red dahlias along with white peonies entwined together in a graceful way. It was a beautiful arrangement, and it looked very costly.
"Ino.. they're beautiful, thank you."
"Don't thank me. Sasuke-kun personally came to my office and gave me 50 ryō to make you an arrangement. You had more, but I put those in your office. I thought you'd appreciate these a little more." Ino said, accompanied by a wink.
Sakura felt her face flush as she placed her cold hands on her now warm cheeks. The thought of Sasuke coming to see her while she was unconscious made her feel rather flustered. But yet, it also made her see just how much the lonesome Uchiha truly cared for her.
"Now, stay put, I'm going to grab Tsunade-sama." Ino said as she stood.
"Mm." Sakura said, as her eyes followed Ino as the blonde trailed out the room. Sakura then looked down at her IV drip as it ran along in her visible veins. It was unusual to see herself as the patient, and not the provider. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she wondered how it came to be this way. Then, she remembered, her chakra to begin with already had a low tenancy. The fact she somehow healed six gravely injured shinobi at her chakra's capacity was a mystery beyond her own means. Without a doubt, she could have easily done it on any other given day. But to have done that much when she was ordered to be on rest, per Tsunade's orders, was appalling.
"Give me her chart." Tsunade was heard saying as Sakura heard her enter the room.
"Tsunade-sama." Sakura called as Tsunade came in the room with Ino at her side, a visual that wasn't too rare.
Sakura felt overwrought, as she knew she did something she was not supposed to do; travel. Without saying a word, Tsunade went by and placed the back of her hand on Sakura's forehead. Sakura swallowed dry, as she felt the nervousness fill her body. It was one thing to disobey Tsunade's rules. But it was another thing to disobey Tsunade's and end up in the hospital for it.
"Mildly normal." Tsunade said as Ino inscribed Tsunade's comments on Sakura's chart.
"Tsunade-sama.." Sakura began, "I'm sorry."
Tsunade, arms now crossed, looked at her former student with sullen honey eyes. She pressed her lips together as she took in Sakura's apology. Tsunade, seemingly furious, cleared her throat before she spoke up.
"Although I am furious at you for putting yourself in such danger after I told you not to-" Tsunade began with an irate denaeanor. Sakura frowned as soon as she heard the uptight words fall from her former master. Sakura quickly averted Tsunade's gaze as she knew she disappointed her.
"However, you did save six lives, thank you, Sakura." Tsunade said as her face softened. A small smile beamed down on the now smiling nin, as she looked up at the former hokage.
"Tsunade-sama."
"We'll need to take your account on the incident, but I'll let you rest some more. You may be able to go home today, depending on your progress. So far it's looking positive." Tsunade said with a rigid smile.
As the day progressed, so did Sakura's health. She stood for the first time in 48 hours, and although a bit wary, she managed to walk without any troubles. Lunch came for the patients, onigiri and soup, and Sakura was rather reluctant with the bland option. Sakura's mother, Mebuki, came in as soon as she was notified that her daughter was out of her comatose-like state. Worried, as a mother should, she came in hysterics. She stayed around for hours around her daughter, tending to her every small need. And as soon as she heard the displease of Sakura's voice at the lunch menu, she quickly headed to the nearest cafe.
"I brought you one your favorites." Mebuki said, as she unraveled the styrofoam plate.
"Thanks, mom." Sakura said with a smile. Sakura then began to eat the heavenly smelling rolled omelette. Her mother sat on the chair next to her, staring intently into her daughter.
"Sakura, will you be alright?" Mebuki asked, "Your father will be home from his mission soon."
"I'm fine, mom. Go receive dad, he'll come home starving like always." Sakura said with a smile, "Please don't worry." She added as she bit into another piece of the rolled egg.
Mebuki placed a hand on Sakura's cheek. Her concerned mother frowned, as she disliked seeing her daughter in this condition.
"I know, I just can't help but worry. I am your mother." Mebuki said.
"I'm fine, mom, please tell dad not to worry also." Sakura added with a reassuring smile.
Mebuki sighed in defeat and cupped Sakura's cheek, "I will. I'll come by tomorrow if you haven't been released yet."
Sakura smiled brightly, "Mm."
Mebuki stood from the hospital bed and gave her daughter one last, gentle hug. She then smiled at her daughter and ultimately made her way out the door and to the stairs to head towards the hospital's exit.
"Ah, that daughter of mine." Mebuki said to herself. Deep down, she always knew Sakura was at risk for being highly injured. And although Mebuki was undeniably proud of her daughter, she couldn't help but worry at her venturous lifestyle. Being a medical ninja enough was exhausting, but being a medical ninja in the front lines was just exceedingly dangerous. But her mother knew, how dire Sakura was in her field, and how far she had come since she was just a child. She was undoubtedly proud of her fearless child, but yet, situations like these made her worry tremendously.
As Mebuki headed down the stairs, she looked down at the familiar figure coming up. She let out a smile as she made eye contact with the raven haired man coming her way.
"Haruno-san." Sasuke called, as he noticed Mebuki.
"Ah, Sasuke." Mebuki said as she halted in her steps, now in front of Sasuke, "You're just in time. Sakura woke up this morning."
Immediately, Sasuke felt his tense body at ease as he heard the positive news. "Ah, that's good." Sasuke said with a quick nod.
"Will you be here for a while? They said they might dispatch her today, depending if she keeps showing good process."
"Mm. I'll take care of it." Sasuke said, stern-faced.
Mebuki cocked her face to the side and crossed her arms. "You know, sometimes I just can't tell how you're feeling because you are so serious-faced all the time." Mebuki said with a subtle smile.
Sasuke, baffled at her words, struggled to find a response, "Ah. I-"
"But I know you mean well, and I know you've been keeping an eye on Sakura. Thank you, Sasuke." Mebuki stated as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
Sasuke nodded at her generous words, for they were nothing but truth, "Mm."
Sasuke continued his lengthy walk to the 4th floor. He felt his pulse accelerate, as he thought about finally seeing a conscious Sakura. Apprehensive, yet collected, the raven haired man opened the door to the given hospital room. As soon as he opened the door, his onyx eyes scanned the cool-lighted room. He desperately searched the lengthy room for a bundle of familiar pink hair. However, all he was met with were those fierce honey orbs from the other side of the room.
"It seems you have a visitor." Tsunade spoke to someone, presumably behind the curtain, "I'll leave you two alone."
Tsunade turned her head to the said visitor, "Go ahead, Sasuke."
"Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke heard that vibrant voice, behind the elongated blue curtain that sheltered the conscious nin.
Tsunade briskly walked past Sasuke, and continued to walk out of the door. She gently closed the door behind her, and couldn't help but smile as she left.
Sasuke walked softly around the curtain, and was ultimately met with those familiar emerald eyes. A tremendous wave of relief passed through him, as he saw the smiling woman he knew and love, awake and well. But yet, guilt couldn't help but subside into his conscious. He felt voiceless, as he felt himself unable to form any words to her. All he wanted to do, was to hold her, and to keep her safe from anymore impending harm.
"Sasuke-kun." Sakura said as she looked up at Sasuke's despondent face. He made his way over to her firm bed and remained still at her side. Sakura, bewildered to see the somber Uchiha, looked at Sasuke with her usual soft eyes. She gave him a gentle smile, as she then reached her hand out, expecting his in return. Sasuke looked down at her awaiting hand, and proceeded to softly grip it with his own.
"I'm sorry." He apologized lowly.
Sakura, in her usual matter, smiled even more brightly at Sasuke, "Sasuke-kun. There's nothing to be sorry about."
Sasuke then placed his coarse, yet warm hand on Sakura's cold cheek. He ran his thumb along the top of her cheekbone. She looked lively, as always, but something about her was off. Her complexion was more pale than usual, as she was still recovering from her fatigue. And her eyes, bright, but tired, hosted subtle circles under her eyes.
"You got hurt in the process over something that could have been prevented." He said.
Sakura shook her head slightly, "I did my job."
With not many words to follow, Sasuke gently leaned into Sakura, and pulled her awfully close into his own body. Startled, but content, she let her head rest on his warm chest.
"Thank you, Sakura."
"Mm." She quietly replied, muffled by his chest. Content, and at peace, she breathed in his familiar, comforting scent. Nestling in his arms was everything to Sakura, as it was the only place she truly wanted to be. But she still yet had so many unanswered questions, that desperately needed answering.
Sakura found herself moving herself slightly away, as she tilted her head up. Her glowing emeralds met Sasuke's usual dark eyes.
"Sasuke-kun, did he get away?" She asked in worry.
Sasuke shook his head to her question, "The missing nin was captured and executed. As soon as my team noticed his traps, he escaped. I went after him, and did what I had to do as he did not comply. It seemed as if he was working alone, therefore we can rest easy.. at least for a while."
"Itachi said he was using explosives, that's why the attacks on your squad were so accurate and severe."
"If I was there, my sharingan could've had some use for deflecting it. But unfortunately I wasn't, and that's when you came in."
"Well, I'm just glad this is over.. and that everyone is safe." She huffed out.
Sasuke looked down at the fragile nin nestled in his arms. He placed a coarse hand at the top of her head, and ran it throughout her sleek, pink strands. Sakura closed her eyes, as the comforting gesture seemed to soothe any worries she had left.
"Will you be able to go home tonight?" Sasuke asked.
"Most likely, Tsunade-sama said she'll come back soon and dispatch me." Sakura said, eyes still shut.
"I'll take you." Sasuke announced.
"A-Are you sure?" Sakura asked, startled, as she now widened her emeralds and looked up at Sasuke.
"I won't let you go home alone." He stated. A faint smile fell upon Sakura's face as she heard the Uchiha's response. Her cheeks grew that rosy color he grew to love.
"T-thank you, Sasuke-kun."
The continuing hours seemed to forge ahead, as the enamored set enjoyed the company of one another. After a small stroll around the hospital ward, Sakura was requested to give her account on the events by the hokage himself. Instead of sending a messenger with an audio recorder, Kakashi came himself to collect the account, and to check on his former student. After collecting Sakura's account and bringing her a batch of sweet dumplings, Kakashi sincerely thanked his former student and made his way out.
It was now half past nine, and the gleaming stars infiltrated Konoha's night sky. Sakura kept herself busy by watching a news segment on the small television stationed in front of the hospital bed. Sasuke, with closed eyes and arms crossed, sat upright on her bedside, as he tried to attempt a catnap. Sakura turned her head at the Uchiha dozing off next to her, and couldn't help but feel fortunate, as Sasuke stayed idly by her side throughout the remaining of the long night.
"Sakura!" They both heard Tsunade's deep call as Tsunade pulled back the curtains surrounding the bed. Sasuke quickly awoke the second he heard the urgent call of the former hokage.
"You-" Tsunade said as she turned to Sakura as she handed her a bag fiddled with new medication, "You're going home."
"Ah, thank you, Tsunade-sama." Sakura said, elated beyond belief.
"Take your vitamins and get plenty of rest. And this time, absolutely no chakra usage, absolutely none whatsoever. I do not want to see you around a hospital, as a patient or provider, for the next 2 weeks." Tsunade said sternly, "Do you understand?"
"Yes, Tsunade-sama." Sakura said followed by a quick nod.
"And you, Uchiha-" Tsunade stated as she now turned to the quiet, reserved Sasuke. Her honey eyes pierced into Sasuke's own, but softened as she realized the lengths Sasuke has done for Sakura.
"Take care of Sakura."
"Understood."
The walk back to Sakura's apartment was short, as Sakura purposely had her apartment only a few minutes away from the hospital. However, Sasuke refused to take his eyes off her, even for a second. Although she assured him that she was fine countless times, he couldn't help but feel uneasy as she was still considered fragile.
Once inside her small apartment, she took off her shoes, and turned to the Uchiha behind her, "Thanks for bringing me home."
Sasuke shook his head at her gratitude, as he saw it as nothing.
"You should drink some ginseng tea. Do you have any?" Sasuke asked, recalling the times his mother would prepare him the delicate tea when he was fatigued just like she was, "Do you want me to make you some?"
Although elated and heartfelt at Sasuke's nurturing disposition, there was only one thing Sakura wanted to do; and that was to sleep. Yes, she did feel slightly better, enough to finally go home, but still she felt the strong urge to lay in a long slumber.
"Well, I do, but I think I'm going to rest. Im sorry, Sasuke-kun." She said with an apologetic smile as she hung her thick sweater on her coat rack, "But please, help yourself." Sakura said.
"Don't apologize." Sasuke said as he walked over to her small dining table and set Sakura's belongings down. He then began to make his way towards Sakura's kitchen to prepare a kettle of hot water.
A dare-deviling concept suddenly came to Sakura, as she thought about the burning question she meant to ask Sasuke. Nervousness built up within her at the thought of asking that eager question, but she quickly pushed her sensitivity aside and built up a pool of courage. Eyes low, and face now hot, she cleared her throat lightly.
"Sasuke-kun." She said in almost a whisper, she lightly clung onto the edge of her hall's wooden wall that separated her kitchen and dark hallway.
"What is it?" He replied as he began to look for the steel kettle in the depths of Sakura's kitchen cabinets. He knew her apartment too well, yet he was struggling to find the one thing that was used the most.
"W-Will you be staying the night?" She asked in a low voice as her heart paced like an agile drum.
"Mm." He replied without a slight of hesitation, "I'll be here."
Sakura felt the blood rush within her as she heard his instant response. It almost felt as if he had thought of this prior, and made the decision long ago.
"I'll stay on the couch." Sasuke added as he finally found the kettle nestled behind a stack of decorative plates.
Sakura, ecstatic, but not yet satisfied with his response, swallowed even more worry. She thought about her bed, and how spacious it was, and how it was perfectly capable of fitting 2 people. However, nervousness took over her body as she began to think about sleeping on the same bed as Sasuke.
"What if I snore? Or kick him in my sleep? Or wake up with bad breath? And what if my hair looks like a bird's nest in the morning?
But contemplated as she might, the good outweighed the bad, as she began to think of how tantalizing it would feel to have his warmth at night. Or how it would be to see his sleeping face first thing in the morning. She pressed her lips together before speaking and averted her soft gaze, yet again, from his own. The spread of pink continued to form on her cheeks as she began to nervously twiddle her fingers.
"Y-You can sleep in the bed, if you'd l-like." Sakura said, a slight tremble in her voice.
Sasuke looked at the blushing woman who was hiding the majority of herself behind the wall. She accidentally looked up and locked eyes for a second with the quiet Uchiha. But within that split second, she could have sworn a a tinge of pink landed on his cheeks as well. He lightly cleared his throat as he then continued to prepare the awaiting tea.
"Mm." He agreed.
"Well then, goodnight, Sasuke-kun." She nervously called as she lightly, but swiftly made her way to the bathroom. Her heart accelerated in an erratic pulse, but from pure sheer joy. She locked the door behind her before looking at herself in the mirror. Her skin was paler then usual, as the rosy tint only appeared on her cheeks but no where else. Her attention then pinpointed the light bags under her eyes. She couldn't help but think as to how was she suppose to be in a bed, an actual bed, with Sasuke, looking like this?
Where was Ino's advice when you needed it?
The night continued in a bustle outside the walls of Sakura's apartment. It was night on the busy city of Konoha, which resulted in people being out and lively around the leaf. However, in Sakura's apartment, it was of quiet matters. Sleep quickly overtook Sakura and her silly worries as her body still has not recovered to the right extent. Tsunade gave the recovering kunoichi a strict rule of not using a speck of chakra for two entire weeks.
And while Sakura was off dreaming into the unknown abyss, the pensive Uchiha stationed himself in her living room, re-reading a recent news report from the anbu. Tomorrow, he would have to report for a brief meeting regarding the incident. As tomorrow, the six soldiers would be released from the hospital, and will finally be able to turn in their accounts of the incident as well. He sighed as he rolled the scroll and placed it back into his bag. He can only hope, that this was truly the end of that missing nin.
Sasuke felt his eyes began to tire as he took the last sip of his ginseng tea. Perhaps it was time for him to put an end to the lengthy night, and rest as well, he thought. He got up from the sunken couch, and soundlessly made his way to Sakura's dark bedroom. Quietly, he opened the door inwards. Sakura, rolled in a ball, was sleeping sounding by the current looks of it. Sasuke couldn't help but rise the corner of his lips as he noticed her unusual sleeping form. He quietly removed his boots from his feet and neatly set them aside by the now closed door. Sasuke quickly paused before he let himself on the bed, as he began to feel a bit flustered himself. He recalled them sharing a bed once in their genin days, Naruto included, but this was different. Sasuke carefully sat down on the spacious bed, and carefully laid himself down on his side, trying his hardest to not wake the sleeping kunoichi.
Sakura, although in what he thought was a deep slumber, felt the edge of the bed move. She couldn't help but blink her eyes open as she felt a warm presence lightly enter her proximity. Sasuke, who tried his best to not wake her, froze as he noticed the jaded eyes staring up at him. He let out a sigh of utter defeat.
"Did I wake you up?" He asked.
Sakura, intoxicated by sleep, smiled up at Sasuke. She felt her cheeks redden, as she felt the closeness of his warmth. It wasn't everyday where Sakura would find herself tangled in bed with the Uchiha.
"It's fine." She said.
"I thought you were a deep sleeper." Sasuke mentioned.
"Well to be fair, the last time you saw me asleep.. I was intoxicated." She said as she dug her head into her pillow.
"Hm. This is true." Sasuke said as he let himself fully lay down on his side.
"Do you want to come inside?" Sakura asked bashfully, as she lifted the welcoming sheets she was under. Her cheeks turned pink by her bold choice of words. Sasuke quietly responded by bringing himself inside within the warm sheets, moving himself closer to the shy nin in the process. Sakura then lowered the sheets that now resided above both of them.
"It's the first time.. we've ever slept on a bed together.. you know." She said with the continuing blush on her cheeks darkening.
"It's not the first time." Sasuke said sternly, breaking the delicate moment for Sakura.
"W-What do you mean it's not the first time?" Sakura asked, confusion and embarrassment instilled in her voice. If that did actually happen before, she would have engraved that moment in her thoughts for the rest of her life.
"Back on a genin mission, Kakashi bought us a room at an inn to stay dry from the rain. Kakashi slept on the couch and Naruto, you and I took the bed."
Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at that certain situation, as she began to remember that moment very clearly. However, it wasn't very romantic, at all.
"I remember that. We were just kids," Sakura said with a slight smile. "We've come along way from that, haven't we?" She asked.
"Mm." Sasuke agreed quietly, "Sakura."
"Hm?" She asked as she heard her name. Sakura peeked up at Sasuke, causing her hair to fall in between her face. Sasuke gathered the stray fallen hairs and gently placed them behind her ear.
"Word has gone around about your incident, if you haven't known. I told my mother about it and I'm speculating she told my father, and he wished you well."
Sakura blinked, as she was struck dumbfounded by his statement.
Fugaku? Wishing her well? Was he the one admitted to the hospital? She thought he must certainly have hit his head.
"Well..." Sakura began, looking for any accompanying words, "That's thoughtful of him."
"They both asked for you to come over after you make a full recovery." He added.
Th stunned nin, frozen due to the utmost disbelief, stared with widened eyes at Sasuke. She could have sworn that Fugaku didn't want anything to do with her about 3 weeks ago.
"R-Really?" She asked.
"Mm."
"But Sasuke-kun, why?" Sakura asked, baffled.
"I know he comes off as a cold person, but he's not a monster. But, Regardless if your incident never happened, I would have brought you over anyhow. I don't let my parents make any choices for me anymore."
Sakura stood still as she locked her emeralds with the burning dark eyes across from hers.
"Sasuke-kun, are you sure it's a good idea?" She asked for assurance.
"Why wouldn't it be? It's been well over a month and we haven't formally introduced our relationship." Sasuke answered.
Sakura felt her cheeks redden at his statement stating their relationship. Yes, it has been approximately over six weeks since the long awaited couple has formed. But the trouble of work and missions have intercrossed within each other's schedules far too many times. Within those busy weeks, Sasuke has rendezvoused with Sakura's parents only once. However, it wasn't so easy when it came to Sasuke's own family.
A small smile appeared on Sakura's face in response to his assuring words. The fact that Sasuke took their relationship in a serious manner seem to lift her spirits.
"Sakura."
"Yes, Sasuke-kun?" She asked, as she battered her long lashes.
"Thank you, again."
"Sasuke-kun, I told you already, it's nothing." She assured with a smile.
"For me, it was something I can't take lightly."
Sakura registered Sasuke's gratitude into her mind. What she did was deemed heroic, but she simply saw it as her job. But then, rather quickly, a sudden idea then sprung to her.
"Actually, then.. you can repay me.." Sakura explained in a low voice.
"Repay you?" Sasuke questioned, taken aback from her previous words, "Repay you how?"
"You can repay me.. with.. a kiss.." she said in between shy pauses. Her eyes laid low as she stated her sudden request. Sasuke, feeling rather flustered himself, was left surprised with the bashful woman in front of him. Sakura, awaiting her much deserved kiss, closed her eyes and leaned forward in hopes to claim her reward. Sasuke smirked at Sakura's captivating attempt to receive a kiss from the Uchiha, and prepared to do what he does best to his kunoichi.
It was then when Sakura felt a light poke on her forehead by two coarse finger tips. She opened her eyes quickly and looked up at the now smiling Uchiha. Sakura, embarrassed, curled herself into a ball once again and turned her head the other way. Sasuke, who was now smiling a small, sinister smiled, couldn't help but tease the suddenly shy nin. Suddenly, he extended his arms and reached for the embarrassed Sakura. And gently, he pulled her in closer, as he then wrapped his firm arms around her warm figure. He rested his right hand on her bare stomach, as he curled his other arm under his given pillow.
Time stood still as she took in the intimate moment between the two. A daunting smile laid across her face as she nestled in between the arms of the Uchiha. Unknowingly, she rested her own hands over his own, as she felt it right. Silence conquered the following moments between the two, as the heavy slumber returned with a vengeance for the still fatigued nin. Falling asleep was rather easy, as she needed every second of rest she can obtain. Sakura unconsciously gave Sasuke's hand a light squeeze with her own, as she began to drift into her slumbered utopia.
"Goodnight, Sakura."
"Mm.. Sasuke.. kun."
He smiled at her mumbling words, as he know how tired she must have been. With a strong inhale, Sasuke breathed in her light, floral aroma that he grew to undeniably love, much like the woman in his arms.
Perhaps this was better than a kiss.
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Hope you all didn't mind the long chapter, I had a lot to say! Once again, thank you so much for the reviews, you are all amazing and kind and aspire me to keep going. The story should start picking up and getting more feisty from here ;p xo