Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto
Recap:
Sakura's father was forgiving him for all he had done and was giving him another chance to start over…to begin again and atone for his sins.
His eyes flickered sideways, his eyes widening as he watched his subordinate pull out a gun and fire.
"NO!"
Sakura's scream echoed throughout the room as the others hurried to disarm the subordinate, easily overwhelming him…but the damage had been done.
"No…please…no…"
The room fell deathly quiet, the groans of pain echoing around the room as the other occupants in the room felt paralysed with shock. Itachi, Kiba and Gaara kept a firm grip on the subordinate who no longer struggled but sneered at the victim of his actions.
The subordinate's amused tone rang out clearly within the room.
"How weak. Ruled by emotions…but even if I wasn't able to hit my target, I'll be bringing you down with me"
Sakura's slender hand covered her mouth, her skin drained of all colour as her wide green eyes stared at the scene in front of her in shock.
Her father sat against the wall, crumpled, the impact flinging him against the wall. His broad figure sat, slouched, wheezing and short breaths escaping his lips as he attempted to fill his lungs back with air as the impact of him hitting the wall knocked all the wind out of him. Sakura's father shakily glanced up, meeting his daughter's shocked gaze as she shakily reached her hand out towards him, her expression now filled with worry.
"No…why…?"
Her voice was soft, unsteadily questioning the events of what had just occurred.
Sakura's father wheezed slightly, turning his head to the side, his eyes widening at the figure that lay on the floor, blood seeping out steadily, staining the front of the figure's clothing. The figure coughed, a hand attempting to apply pressure on his wound.
"Vince…"
The figure opened his eyes slowly, glancing across at Kai who sat there, eyes wide with shock. A bittersweet smirk crossed his pale lips as he resumed closing his eyes once more.
Kai's inquiring voice interrupted Vince's dazed mind as Sakura hurried towards Vince with a ripped piece of her shirt, attempting to apply pressure to prevent more blood from seeping out of the wound in his chest. All thoughts of the past fled her mind in that instant, her attention focused solely on the man who had once treated her as his daughter, the man whose cheerful grins used to light up the office that her father worked in…the uncle who had just saved her father's life. Questions revolved throughout her mind…
"Why…why…why did you do something like that?" shouted Kai, regaining his breath as he hurried over to aid his daughter in attempting to save his former best friend's life.
But the blood just wouldn't stop…it continued seeping out at a steady rate, Vince's breath now shaky and unstable.
The sounds of Sasuke talking rapidly on the phone to call an ambulance filled the room.
Vince opened his eyes slowly, gazing unsteadily up at Kai and Sakura whose faces hovered above him, filled with worry. He wondered how they could forget all his previous actions at this moment…
"Why…? Who knows…" coughed Vince, a bitter smile crossing his lips.
It seemed so illogical of him to watch his subordinate raise his gun, aiming directly at Kai with the intent of killing him, only for Vince to forcefully push his friend away from the firing line and get hit himself. As he had fallen, Vince bitterly noted how his subordinate was a damn good shooter.
He wondered if he even knew himself why he had done what he did.
He let out a laugh, ignoring the pain that wracked throughout his body.
"I'm such…an idiot…"
Sakura's eyes raked over Vince's figure, hurriedly thinking of any possible method that would aid in preventing anymore blood spilling out. As she tried to wrap the cloth around the wound, she was startled when a shaky hand clasped her hand, preventing her from continuing her actions. Her startled green eyes travelled along the arm, leading back to Uncle Vince as he sat there, his once arctic blue eyes now clouded and dazed as if he was unable to see the world around him clearly.
"Don't…Don't…"
His words slipped out of his mouth, unable to form his sentence coherently.
Kai attempted to remove Vince's hand from Sakura's so she could continue trying to save him but his hand remained clutched around hers despite his weakened state.
"If we don't stop your bleeding, YOU'LL DIE! Is that what you want to happen?" shouted Sakura, worry flooding her senses.
Vince shakily let out a knowing smirk.
Tears unconsciously filled Sakura's eyes as Kai clenched his fist, understanding what Vince wanted.
"Why would you want to die?" growled Kai, refusing to release his best friend to the world of eternal slumber.
Inhaling a struggling breath, Vince shakily formed his sentence, his voice now low and unsteady.
"Atonement…f-for m-my sins…and t-the p-pain…I-I…c-caused"
Realisation dawned on both Kai and Sakura's senses. Kai released a low growl as the tears fell down Sakura's cheeks. She closed her eyes, understanding why Vince wanted to die but still…even after all he had done, after all those actions that had haunted her for so long…her mind refused to let go of the content, cheerful, joking man that Uncle Vince had once been before misunderstandings had arisen and shattered this image. There were still so many questions left unanswered that only he would be able to clarify but if he were to pass away right here…those questions would always be left unanswered.
A frown crossed Kai's face, his eyes filled with pain and anguish.
"You idiot! You want to atone? Then stay alive and atone for your sins! Don't take the easy way out through death…that's not atonement…THAT'S THE COWARD'S WAY OUT!" growled Kai, pushing aside Vince's and Sakura's hand as he applied pressure against the wound, Vince now too weak to prevent him from helping.
"Come on Vince…I KNOW you're not a coward!" shouted Kai, determined to stop his friend from leaving him.
Vince coughed, struggling for breath.
That damn subordinate had definitely hit a major artery if a shot had the ability to kill him. His dazed mind floated between the boundaries between reality and unconsciousness as Kai's voice broke through his mind.
His mind only managed to register a few snippets of Kai's sentences, struggling desperately to hear his former best friend's words.
"Death…..THE COWARD'S WAY OUT!"
Vince let out a bitter grin.
Coward huh…
But he was a coward…he realized that now. All his life he had been escaping from his problems, acting it out on others. There were so many times that he could have stopped and pondered over what he was doing…when that misunderstanding with Selena and Kai occurred, Vince could have merely confronted Selena and sort those issues out with her instead of escaping from this problem through hatred and revenge.
Did he want to be a coward now…?
Did he really want to die and leave issues unresolved and questions answered?
Did he want to leave behind his chance to redeem himself, to attain at least some form of forgiveness from those who he had hurt?
Vince had always told himself that nothing else mattered, that he deserved to die for all he had done…that it was because of him, that his own son, his own flesh and blood, had been killed. That he should die as well because of the death of his son. But yet, he was a coward who refused to accept responsibility of his actions, instead blaming everyone else for what he, himself, had done.
When he had been at the lowest points in his life and his heart had been filled with hatred and revenge, he had encountered the man who would become his subordinate. That man…whose eyes were so cold and mocking, who appeared to hate the Haruno family offered a partnership…an offer to make the Haruno's suffer as they had done. As a coward, he had accepted the offer. Yet…the man who was meant to be his subordinate had somehow managed to make Vince, himself, a subordinate by attaching an electronic device on him.
Vince clearly remembered the pain that had erupted throughout him when that man had first pressed a button, sending shock waves throughout Vince.
He wondered why the man had hated the Haruno's so much yet this question was left unanswered.
Vince let out a struggling breath, his mind swarmed with thoughts.
Was he still a coward…?
Resolute, Vince let a gentle grin pass his features as he released Sakura's hand.
Sakura's tear filled eyes widened as a grin, so alike the Vince in the past, spread across Vince's features and her surprise further heightened as she felt the pressure remove itself from her hand.
Her eyes flickering downwards, she noted Vince's hand slowly retreating away from her own.
Glancing to the side, she watched her father's surprised look before a knowing look settled onto his features.
"I knew you weren't a coward Vince…" murmured Kai as Vince coughed and shakily chuckled in response.
Understanding flooded her senses and she couldn't help but feel some sort of relief despite what had happened. He wasn't taking the easy way out after all…Sakura couldn't help but feel relieved that he wanted to remain alive and repent for all he had done in any way possible.
The blaring sounds of the approaching ambulance and the police resounded outside as the familiar sounds filled the room with relief. Glancing down at Vince, Sakura hoped that he would be able to hold on until the ambulance reached here.
Itachi watched as the police hauled the sneering subordinate into the police car and heard a sigh of relief escape from the figure next to him. Flickering his eyes sideways, Itachi noted how Kiba appeared as if some huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
"Finally…finally…it's over" murmured Kiba as he watched the paramedics cautiously bring Vince into the ambulance, Sakura gesturing for her father to go with Vince.
With a nod, Sakura's father, Vince and the ambulance began making their way back to the hospital.
"What was with that subordinate though? He was strange" pondered Kiba aloud earning looks from both Itachi and Gaara.
"Maybe Mr Haruno knows him" shrugged Gaara.
Itachi paused.
"I remember seeing that man before…if I recall correctly, that man was once an owner of a rival company but he became bankrupt…blaming the Haruno's for his failed state, declaring how he would get revenge" explained Itachi.
Kiba frowned as Gaara nodded in understanding.
But this didn't stop the guilt spreading throughout their figures.
When Itachi, Kiba and Gaara had initially seen Vince getting shot, they couldn't help but blame themselves. They were the closest to the subordinate…they should have been able to prevent him from shooting…so that Sakura wouldn't have to see anyone get hurt in front of her ever again.
But they had failed…only able to restrict him after he had shot.
Yet…during Vince's ordeal, they couldn't help but realize how issues seemed to have gotten slightly better, Sakura no longer looking as traumatized as she attempted to save the man who had haunted her for years.
Itachi frowned as a thought crossed his mind.
"It's time"
Gaara and Kiba glanced at him knowingly.
"Yeah…it's time she read those diaries"
As Kiba's eyes swiveled around, he noted that some things or specifically two people were missing from the site.
"Speaking of Sakura, where is she…and the younger Uchiha brat?"
"Sasuke! I told you that you should have gone with the ambulance!"
Sakura was furious as she inspected the cuts and bruises on Sasuke's skin while he merely smirked and wrapped his arm tightly around her, pulling her warmly against his broad chest.
He rested his chin on the top of her head, tightening his hold on her almost as if he was worried that she would disappear in front of him.
"I didn't want to go"
His voice was low yet the statement reminded Sakura of a stubborn child. Her green eyes softened slightly before remembering who she was and who Sasuke was as well.
"Sakura…you can cry"
His deep voice soothed her senses as she instinctively clung to the front of his shirt, paying no heed to his injuries right at this moment. Her eyes warmed as her lips spread into a soft smile.
"Why would I cry?"
Silence met her question as he merely pulled her tighter.
But he knew that she knew. He knew that the meeting with Vince would have obviously affected Sakura, that even though she had slightly forgiven him…the past could never be erased. He had observed her slightly shaking figure as Vince was lifted onto the ambulance so he had gently pulled her arm to come along with him.
Not that he would ever admit that he was trying to comfort her.
He did have his pride after all.
Sakura smiled gently, knowing what he was trying to do…but for some reason, there were no tears that came to her eyes despite the aching pain in her chest…there was only relief.
Relieved that it was finally over.
Relieved that no one had died in this incident.
Relieved that Sasuke was actually safe.
…Which instantly reminded her of his injuries.
Pulling back abruptly, she glared at him, her eyes filled with annoyance and worry.
"You're such an idiot! You could have died!" shouted Sakura as his onyx eyes gazed back at her nonchalantly.
Then, that familiar heart pulling smirk spread across his features while his onyx eyes warmed ever so slightly at the infuriated pink haired angel in front of him.
"But I'm not dead"
His smirk grew as she frowned.
He knew the thoughts that were running through her head. He knew how she had compared him to Akira and how scared she had been despite her cool demeanor. Reaching out a hand, he pulled her close once more and tilted her face up ever so slightly. Leaning down, he rested his forehead against hers.
"Sakura…I'm not Akira"
Her eyes widened before a bittersweet smile passed her lips.
"I know"
He closed his eyes.
"I'm not Kiba"
"I know"
"I'm not Gaara"
"I know"
"I'm not Itachi"
"Sasuke…I know"
There was a hesitant pause as Sakura noted the slight longing in his now open eyes. She didn't know what she was going to do in the future…She had finally been set free from the restrictions that had been placed on her. The past, no matter how painful, had always been a part of her and she knew that she would never be able to forget it but alongside those horrible memories, there had been the content memories that had once lit up her entire world.
Gazing at Sasuke, she wondered what to do.
She had always taken a step back whenever he had taken a step forward, afraid to love again as she placed on her cold façade.
It was time for her to be the one to take a step toward.
Just once…she would allow herself to be vulnerable in front of him.
Reaching up, her hands traced over his cheekbones, travelling alongside his jaw and satisfaction welled within her as she noticed his eyes flutter close.
Just this once…he was being vulnerable in front of her.
Tilting her face up, she leaned forward, her bright green eyes closing as her lips pressed against his in a caring gesture. Instantly, his mouth moved against hers gently…lovingly. His hand came up to cup her face as he pressed his lips softly against her own while his other hand tightened around her waist.
Pulling away, Sasuke felt a pleased smirk cross his features as he gazed down at the flushed girl in his arms.
Leaning down to whisper into her ear, Sasuke made sure to leave butterfly kisses on the side of her neck, feeling her shiver slightly against him.
"I guess this means you love me?"
Sakura snapped out of her contented state, her lips spreading into her own smirk as her vivid green eyes met his in a challenging stare. There was no way that she would completely yield to him…
"Who knows"
With that said, she pulled him down again for another warm, gentle kiss.
Sasuke, however, had no complaints.
The wind blew slightly, caressing the couple and the slim figure of a boy watched on, his figure transparent. Initially pain flittered through his eyes before they softened on Sakura's content expression.
A gentle grin spread across his features.
Turning to glance at the boy who resembled him, he felt a pang of jealousy.
Jealous that Sasuke was in the position that he, himself, could no longer retain.
"Take care of her…"
His words carried along the breeze, hoping that Sasuke would hear him.
Swiveling slightly, the boy's eyes lingered longingly on the beautiful pink haired girl, his blue eyes roving across her face, memorizing her features to imprint them into his memory.
"Akira…will you always protect me?"
The boy laughed, caressing her face gently.
"Of course…even if it costs me my life"
"What do you think will happen when we grow up?"
Her voice was gentle, soft…inquisitive…
His eyes softened.
"Meet new people…face obstacles…"
She fidgeted slightly.
"Will your feelings change with time?"
He glanced down, surprised as Sakura met his shocked look with a shy one of her own.
Akira could only smile.
"Of course not…I promise that I will always love you"
That was a promise he had always managed to keep.
He reached out his hand longingly, wanting to caress her features but he knew he could never do that ever again. The time had come for him to leave her. But he knew that she was fine now…that even though she would always love him, it was time for her to move forward.
He loved that smile that lit her features.
He was satisfied that she seemed free now.
Akira smiled gently, feeling happy for her sake.
"I love you…"
His voice was carried by the wind and he watched as Sakura's eyes widened slightly, glancing in his direction. But he knew that she couldn't see him however he was surprised when her eyes softened and she let a warm smile spread across her face. Her rosy lips mouthed gentle words to the wind.
But he heard them.
"Thank you…Akira"
His eyes warmed.
Satisfied with her answer, he turned around to face the white light gently enveloping him. It was finally time for him.
Now they could both be free.
In an instant, the white light had completely encompassed him and as it disappeared, he had left with it, his last words lingering behind.
"Be happy…"
"I love you…"
Startled, Sakura's eyes flew open as she pulled her lips away from Sasuke glancing towards the direction that she had heard that familiar voice. Her eyes further widened as she glimpsed the slim, ghostly figure of someone all too familiar to her.
Her green eyes softened.
Understanding dawned on her…knowing he had always been by her side.
"Thank you…Akira"
Her lips mouthed her words to the wind, all her love and care for him sealed in those words.
"Sakura…what's wrong?"
Shaking her head slightly, she gently smiled and laid her head against the younger Uchiha's chest.
"Nothing…absolutely nothing…"
With that said, she smiled as she heard his last words.
"Be happy…"
Reaching up to caress Sasuke's face once more, her eyes warmed at the love lingering within the recesses of his onyx eyes.
She was finally happy.
The wheel of fate has finally turned, opening up new opportunities as the future has begun to shift forward. Smiles and laughter have managed to pierce through the icy barrier that had concealed the past, shattering questions as people move forward, facing new obstacles and challenged with renewed determination that life offers. There is no need to completely forget what has occurred in the past…because to forget is to lose a part of your identity.
To forget inhibits on your ability to learn from your mistakes.
To forget makes it harder for you to completely move on.
The curtain has finally closed on this show and the characters have taken their final bow but now they have closed, but not locked, the door of the past and have opened the door of the future.
As they clutch the hands of their loved ones, you know that those affected by the wheel of fate are now content and free.
It is now time.
It is time to look forward.
Next chapter should be the last one so look forward to it...though it might be a bit late because of exams and school XD
P.S. read and review XP
P.P.S. If there are any confusions about my story, feel free to ask and I'll help clear up your misunderstandings! XD
3 s2 CherryBlossom s2