Notes: There ya go! Hope you like it:) A little bit on the heavy side but still fluffish. On another note, I am feeling better, results of some tests came back and I am getting better! Still send some good vibes my way please! I made this chapter short I know, the next one will have a lot of information, so be prepared!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 16

Once she entered her lab, Sakura slumped on her chair and closed her eyes. She was still flustered about the comments made by Mito. Now the Senju clan thought that her and Tobirama had been fooling around, her hospital staff probably started gossiping at the sight of the younger Senju carrying her out the night prior and on top of everything, Hashirama, Madara and Mito had to make fun of her too!

Rubbing her eyes, Sakura exhaled loudly. Poor Tobirama. When Mito talked about her perfume, the man just froze. She would have expected him to say something, like he always did, but no. Maybe he could not find anything to say because he liked her? Sakura knew that she liked him and somehow, there was something more when she thought about the man. She had to admit, she did not mind the remnant of his scent on her. It made her feel... Safe in a way. Shaking her head she opened the box containing the small needle. There was no way that someone like him could have any interest in her. He was kind a friendly, but she was probably imagining things again, like she did when she was younger... Yes, that's probably it. People like him are not made for people like me... I am not from here, I can't.

Pushing all thoughts about a white haired man away, she started analyzing the sample of poison that was on the needle. The needle itself was normal. It was some sort of smaller senbon that she saw quite a few times. Nothing that could give her any indication as to who poisoned Hashirama. Taking a sample of the poison, she started her investigation. To her surprise, it was a poison that she already knew and was familiar with. Of course, this one was in the first stages of its creation and was somehow more potent then what she was used to. It probably was the first version ever made of it. Even if she knew it well, it was a strong paralytic with a powerful enzyme meant to shut a person's system down pretty fast. Lucky her, she had everything she needed on hand to create the antidote required. Not so lucky for her, she would have to adjust everything since this version was slightly different from what she knew. Taking out her mortar and pestle, she grabbed all the plants and powder she needed to get to work.

Sitting back at her work table, she started measuring and crushing all the ingredients together. Once that was done, Sakura carefully mixed everything and adding some liquid into the mixture, she tried the effectiveness of it on a medical scroll. She was not surprise at all when the antidote worked. A smile stretched her lips. I am still good at my job.

Putting the antidote in a syringe to administer it to Hashirama later, her eyes fell down on the worktable. Seeing the kunai Tobirama brought back from the battlefield she paused. It was probably the same poison, right? Eyes narrowing, she took the kunai and brought it closer to take a better look. And she was glad she did. The color of the poison was barely different but her trained eye saw it. It was a deep purple compared to the other one. The smell... Familiar but not quite. Not wasting any more time observing it, she put down the antidote and focused her attention the weapon fully. What would be the purpose of a second poison?

Going through the same steps as she did with the first poison, she stopped abruptly. Her eyes widened. It was a totally different one. SHe expected some similarities, but no. She had never seen anything like it. Leaning back on her chair, her arms dropped. They had been lucky. This poison was even more potent than the one Hashirama was struck with. This could have been so bad. Rubbing her forehead, she looked down at the purple liquid. Where are you coming from?

Being the curious kind, Sakura started to break down the components of the new poison. She was able to find most of the ingredients used in its creation, but there were two or three that she had never seen before. It was quite fascinating. Scribbling what she knew on a scroll she went back to work, not noticing how late it had gotten or the person that had been watching her for the past twenty minutes. She almost fell off her chair when said person knocked on the door of the lab. Startled and frustrated to have let someone taking her by surprise, she glared at the intruder.

Madara entered the room, holding his hands in the air and took a step forward, chuckling silently. She could only notice how casually he was dressed with his shinobi pants and black long sleeve shirt exposing the Uchiha crest proudly on the back. Pushing a strand of hair off his face, his eyes wandered on the table she had been working on and his attention went back to her.

"I am sorry, I did not mean to scare you." Seeing the sincerity in his expression, her shoulders relaxed. She had grown used to have him around, and quite frankly, she liked him. Not in a weird way. She just... appreciated him. He had been there for her on many occasions and proved her that he was not the man who almost destroyed her universe in the future. It was such a shame that he turned out the way he did because of a series of painful events. But now, he would get to be the man he should have been, and that alone made her happy.

"It's alright." Looking up at him with a questioning look, she crossed her arms on her chest. "Madara, what can I do for you?"

The man stood in front of her, silent for a few seconds and then dropped his arms on his sides.

"I was wondering if you would like to come and have dinner, you've been working all day." A chuckle escaped her lips at the last part and she smiled at him.

"Not all day, it's barely been a few hours that-" She stopped talking when a frown appeared on his handsome face.

"Sakura, the sunset was three hours ago." Her jaw fell and she stared at the Uchiha.

No. Could it be? She did not work that long. She would be tired if that were the case… But again, she probably slept twenty hours after the surgery… Seeing her confusion, Madara tilted his head, a small smirk on the corner of his lips.

"There is a small tea shop that opened across the street. One of the women in my clan thought it would be convenient to place it in front of the hospital." Motioning for her to come with him he took a step outside the room. "Come on, you could use a break."

Sakura, knowing it was useless to argue with him nodded her head and walked past him, locking the door of her lab. Smiling up to the man she could not help the thought that crossed her mind. She did not know what it was like to have siblings, but with the way he was looking out for her, she had a good idea what it would feel like to have a brother...

It was small tea shop, but it had a lot of charm! The delicious aromas hit her nostrils when she got inside, and her stomach betrayed her. Sitting at a small table near a window, she almost laughed. Madara Uchiha's tall form in a small chair was quite a sight to see! Biting back a smile she ordered some green tea and a few dango sticks. Madara placed his order and they started talking. Sakura asked him questions about the transition from their camp to the village and he asked her about the development of the hospital and the training of her apprentices. After a moment, the waitress came back with their order and Sakura almost jumped on the sweet treats. Eating one, she sighed. It was so good!

Madara on the other hand only ordered tea. He was watching her with curiosity. How could she eat this much and stay so small? Shaking his head, he took a sip of tea and put his cup down on the table. Now was the time to be serious.

Feeling the shift in the atmosphere, Sakura stopped chewing her dango and looked up to meet his obsidian eyes. She had a feeling she would not appreciate the next subject.

"So, I meant to ask you..." Weighing his words, he paused. "I did not have time to do so before we left but I wanted to know why you reacted the way you did that morning?"

Sakura who was about to sip on her tea, stilled. Frowning, she looked inside of her cup. Did he take her out and paid for her food only to get this out of her? She trusted him with a lot of things, hell, she could even trust him with her life. Right now, she just really did not feel like voicing the reason of her emotional outburst of the other morning. The thought she had about having a brother came back and she huffed. He would be an overprotective brother, that's for sure! Putting down her cup a little harder than she expected, she met his eyes with a blank stare.

"What do you mean?" Her voice was cold, and he knew he made a mistake. Being a man who did not back out if challenged, he raised an eyebrow and sat straighter. He would have to change his technique; honey was not working. He had to try the vinegar. He should not be surprise, she was really stubborn after all!

"You know what I mean. After you left the compound, you avoided all of us. The only reason you stopped avoiding us was because Hashirama was dying." He tilted his head, curious. "What made you so upset?"

Sakura had a humorless chuckle and shook her head. The man was impossible!

"I'd rather not talk about it. I have a poison to analyze if you'd excuse me."

Getting up to leave, she felt someone approaching from behind. When the person put a hand on her shoulder, she reacted like all shinobi would. She grabbed the person's arm and twisted it behind their back, pushing said person against the table. Neutralize the threat.

A surprised Izuna ended up with his face against the polished wood of the table. Glaring at Sakura he tried to get out of her grip, but her chakra enhanced hold made it impossible for him to do so. The small shop grew silent.

"Sakura-chan, let me go." Izuna groaned, feeling his arm getting numb. He tried to break free to no avail. Sending a desperate look to his brother, Izuna stopped struggling. Madara stared at his brother for a few seconds before to focus his attention back on Sakura. He continued their talk like his younger brother was not there. He needed answers.

"I am worried about you. That's all." Madara met her eyes. He could see her frustration and was quite annoyed that his brother interrupted their conversation but tried not to let it show.

"Yeah well, being all nice to me so can I talk about my feelings is not the way to show me that you are worried. Thanks for your concern, but I am fine. If I need help, I'll ask for it." Saying that, she released Izuna and without another glance back, stormed out.

Madara sat there, staring at his tea. It was true, he was worried about her. She was so kind all the time, working to make sure the development of the village was going smoothly. She never took time for herself. Every time he saw her going home, or when she was alone, her eyes were holding such sadness and something else he could not grasp. He did not want her to feel trapped or to feel obligated to share whatever was on her mind, but he wanted her to trust him with those heavy things, this burden she seemed to carry around all the time. The Uchiha could see the damage it was doing to her simply by looking at her emeralds. The first time he met her, there was a fire burning in them. Now, the flame was barely there. He wanted to know why. What could have possibly happen for her to lose this spark? Knowing her, she would never ask for help. He would have to force it out of her and he did not like the thought.

Izuna who got back on his feet and stretched his arm over his head, cleared his throat. She did not go easy on him. He just wanted to say hi, but he knew he should have read the situation before to hop in. Wincing, he turned towards his brother who was finishing his tea.

"What was that about?"

Madara raised an eyebrow, taken out of his thoughts, and Izuna knew not to push the subject. Seeing some dango untouched, he sat and ate the rest of it the under the disgusted look of his brother. The Uchiha leader rolled his eyes. Izuna had no manners.

After leaving the hospital, Tobirama had spent the whole afternoon doing some damage control. He went back to the compound and talked to a few of the clansmen who had seen him and Sakura earlier that afternoon and explained to them what really happened... Not without pointing out with his cold demeanor and piercing eyes how they had offended the kunoichi and made her feel quite uncomfortable after she spent hours saving their leader. Their face when they realized how rude they had been to the lady were priceless and when he left to go on with his day, he could not help the smirk on his lips. By nightfall, the rumors would stop. He was sure of it.

Going to the river, Tobirama cleared his mind and practiced a few jutsus. He trained for an hour or so when his mind got the best of him. His thoughts kept wandering to soft lips and creamy skin...

Frustrated, he sat on the ground. He had never been the kind of man to be distracted by a woman but there he was, incapable to focus on his training. In his defense, there were no women this interesting in his clan. They all wanted to get married and have a family to leave their shinobi way of life behind. They were smart but not enough to keep him on his toes... like Sakura could. She was knowledgeable, a great medic and an amazing kunoichi. She would probably never quit being a ninja even if she settled.

At the thought of her getting married and bearing children, Tobirama frowned. No man would be worthy of her. Not even me. Wait. why am I thinking about her settling...

Rubbing his eyes, Tobirama sighed. It was the truth though. She was just too important, too... God sent for normal people like him to think of her like that. He did not like to say that his brother was right, but he liked her. A lot. She was a puzzle and he loved to put the pieces together. Figure out what made her being... Her. He was not man to show his emotions and still, he had been vulnerable in front of her and it didn't feel wrong. Shaking his head, Tobirama got back on his feet.

No matter how hard he tried to get back to his training, he could not find the motivation to do so. Taking off his clothes, he jumped in the river and enjoyed the cold feel of the water on his warm skin. He was torn between two options regarding the pink haired kunoichi. Should he just ignore the attraction he was feeling towards her or just roll with it and see what would happen? Not finding any answer to his dilemma, he got out of the water and after putting back on his clothes, walked back from where he came.

Tobirama was making his way towards the compound when he saw her leaving the tea shop situated in front of the hospital with an angry pace. What could have put her in such a state? Looking through the window of said shop, the answer was clear. Madara. Anger boiled in his veins and he was surprised of his own reaction. What did he do to her? A frown on his face, he decided to make sure she was alright. Walking in her direction, he followed her, trying to catch up. The younger Senju was surprised when she faced him abruptly, green emeralds bright with anger.

"What now?!" The way she spat the words made him take a step back. He had never heard her this angry.

Seeing that it was not Madara following her, she brought her hand to her mouth and her anger fell. Sakura closed her eyes for a few second, breathing in and out to calm herself. She was ashamed. She had let her emotions get the best of her and was now yelling at someone who did not deserve it. Regaining some sort of control, she opened her eyes and stared at him. His hair was humid and water was still dripping from it. He probably came back from the river... A drop fell from one strand of hair hanging over his forehead and went down the side of his face to his strong jaw and... She snapped her head up to meet his questioning and concerned gaze.

"I am sorry, I did not know it was you." Her voice was quieter, and he barely heard her. Observing her for a few seconds, he walked closer to her.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes." Her one-word answer did not convince him, but he knew better than to push his luck. He decided to change subject.

"Where were you going?"

She raised her chin to look at him and he could see her surprise. She did not expect him to let it go this easily, but he did. And she appreciated the gesture. With a small smile she clasped her hands behind her back... And his heart skipped a beat because she looked adorable. Adorable, really Tobi?!

"I was about to go back to the lab and continue to research the poisons. I am not tired after all the rest I got." Nodding his head he stopped and gave her a perplexed look.

"Poisons? I thought there was only one?"

"I thought so too, but to make sure, I analyzed the one that was on the weapon you brought back when I saw some inconsistencies and… It was two poisons. Completely different. The one in Hashirama's body was one I already knew, but the structure of the one spread on the kunai is far more complicated. I was able to isolate quite a few ingredients, but some of them are a mystery even for me."

Tobirama frowned. If it was a mystery for her, it probably was a complicated one. He saw the way she listed more than a hundred poisons and antidotes on a medical scroll. She was a specialist and even her could not break it down… He would have to take a look at her research and see if he could be of any help. And maybe, just maybe, it was a good reason to spend more time with her?

"Can you show me your results? I might know the missing ingredients. I have good knowledge of some rare plants growing around here that might help."

Seeing how interested he was in this, she could not tell him no. And to see the Nidaime's brain in action was somehow exciting to her! Nodding, she walked back to the hospital, Tobirama next to her. On her way to the lab, she shared with him what she found and her hypothesis and listening to her, he could only be amazed by her method… and the way her green eyes were shining with excitement and happiness. Her soft smile… Her-

"Am I boring you? I am sorry, I use a lot of medical terms and people tend to get lost when I talk about poisons. My teammates used to make fun of me for that." He frowned at the last part. Who could make fun of her for being smart?

"No, not at all. I was only thinking about hypothesis of my own." Good lie.

The answer satisfied her because she turned her back on him and unlocked the lab. Getting in his eyes went to the worktable where a variety of equipment was displayed. He had to admit that she had been right when they all met on the cliff for the first village meeting. He was glad she had good and modern equipment. She looked like she belonged in this lab with a variety of tools and beakers on the surface of the table. Just to see her in action was enough for him to acknowledge that she had been right. Sitting next to her to some distance, he observed her movements.

Sakura explained to him how she found some results and redid some of the experiments with practiced ease. Fascinated by her skills once again, he stood up and went behind her, looking over her shoulder to have a better view of the experiment she was conducting. Too absorbed in what she was doing, she did not notice him move.

"This is how I figured that one of the component did not come from a plant, but I don't know where it-" the words died in her throat when she turned her head to look at him and realized he was not sitting next to her, but standing right behind her. Really close. Too close. His chest was mere inches from her back. She could feel the heat radiating from him and his face was so close to hers that she could see the different shades of red in his irises and a small scar on his temple.

"So… This is was I have so far and…" Still feeling the heat and somewhat troubled by his proximity, she stuttered. "I-I hope I'll be able to find the rest of the ingredients soon so I can create the antidote for this one."

Tobirama stayed silent, noticing how she was trying not to turn and look at him again. From where he stood, he had a nice view of her red cheeks, her neck, her shoulder, her collarbone… Heat stirred inside him and his heart went wild. Oh the things her proximity was doing to him… And he hated his body for reacting the way it did.

"I trust your abilities, you are smart and I have no doubts that you will find the answer…" Surprised by his husky voice, she faced him completely and then realized it was a mistake when she met his heated gaze. Trying to take a step backward to put distance between them, her back hit the table. Her heart was beating so fast that she thought it would get out of her throat. Why was she reacting that way when he was near? It was maddening.

Not able to stop himself, he took one step forward, eyes grazing her face. Her blush was endearing, he could see the hesitation and the mixed emotions displayed on her face… His crimson eyes stopped on her lips that she caught between her teeth. Lifting a hand, he cupped her face and ran his thumb on her cheek, which made her blush even more. Maybe he could be good enough for her...

Sakura could not think straight. His hand was so warm, and the position they were in was quite intimate. Was this normal? The way she felt at this moment. The burning feeling in her guts, the fluttering of her heart? A shaky breath left her lips. Damn, I am acting like a love-struck teenager! No one ever made her feel all that. She wanted to get out of the lab, not do something she would regret, but at the same time, she wanted to stay. Just to see what would happen… After putting her village before her needs for so long, would it really hurt for her to be selfish? Maybe she had not been dreaming. Maybe the man before her was feeling something... Not able to resist, she leaned in the touch of his calloused hand. She could see so many emotions in his eyes at that moment that it made her head spin. She knew they had gotten closer the past twenty-four hours but not that close. That could not be real. She was just her and he was the Nidaime, a god in the shinobi world! The thought of him seeing her that way was just ridiculous.

Tobirama held his breath when she tilted her head to enjoy his touch. It would be so easy to bend down and kiss her right now… But the gentleman in him could not do it even if her half-lidded look made it so hard to resist. Maybe she was feeling something...

He did not have time to chose what to do since a nurse came in the lab and walked on them in this weird position. Tobirama did not move and neither did Sakura, caught in the moment. Clearing her throat, the young lady blushed and looked at Sakura, ignoring him completely.

"Sakura-sama, one of the Uchiha clansman broke his leg. We need your help since everyone is busy at the moment."

In a haze Sakura nodded and the nurse almost ran out of the room. Inwardly groaning, Tobirama willed himself and took a step back, his hand falling to his side. Looked like he would have some more damage control to do, since the nurse was a Senju... And the worst when it came down to gossips.

Sakura shook her head and was slightly disappointed when the warmth left her face. Still blushing, she cleared her throat and met his eyes, unsure.

"Duty calls." She paused and not knowing what to say, fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "I will keep you informed if I discover anything new with the… uhm, the poison."

Looking deep into her eyes he nodded and before he could stop himself, grabbed her hand and squeezed it lightly, then released it.

"Good night Sakura." She shivered at the way her name rolled on his tongue and was about to answer when he transported away, leaving her flustered and in awe. Supporting herself on the table behind her, she let out a breath she did not know she was holding. Sitting down on her chair since her legs felt weak, she grabbed her head tightly in her hands.

"Did this really happen?" Touching her face, Sakura shook her head. "It totally did..." Remembering the broken leg waiting for her, she sprung up and walked out of the lab, making her way to the emergency room.

Once the emergency was taken care of, Sakura went back to her lab. She was exhausted and frustrated. She made it clear with herself that she would try not to get attached to people here, but she was failing miserably. Especially when it came to Tobirama Senju. Their relationship had been bumpy in the beginnings. Like really bumpy. But she appreciated the man even when he acted stupidly. And now? Now there was some sort of tension between them. A tension totally different from the one they had before.

Slumping in her chair, she shivered, remembering the heat of his eyes on her, the feeling of his hands… And cursed at her lack of romantic experiences. What did this mean? Was it desire? Something more? Just a weird flirt? What did he expect from her? Grabbing her hair, she exhaled loudly. I wish Ino was here. She would know what to do. But could she do anything about this when she could be thrown back in her time out of nowhere? Just the thought made her feel uneasy. She grew attached to all of them and going back would feel like a small part of her would die. The same exact way she felt when she appeared here... Why did everything needed to be so complicated. If things were not already complicated and crazy, her birthday was still coming and she still did not know how to deal with the guilt and sadness clawing her heart every time she thought about it.

She stayed in her chair a few minutes before to get up and grab the antidote she prepared earlier. She still had to administer it to Hashirama. Walking towards his room, she had a sad smile on her face. All those thoughts swirling around in her mind. Did she want to go back home? How would it feel to see everyone again? For some reason, she could not feel anything. She felt numb when she thought about that. Shaking her head, she opened the door and plastered the most convincing smile she could on her lips.

"Sakura-chan!" The man before her looked even better than he did when she came over in the afternoon. His skin was closer to its original tan color and the circles surrounding his eyes were paler. Showing him the syringe, she made her way next to him.

"I was able to create the antidote today. Once I administer it to you, I'll have to keep you under observation until tomorrow and if you feel better, you'll be able to go back home for the rest of your recovery."

Getting to the side of his bed, she prepared his arm for the injection. He did not speak to her until she was done injecting the liquid. Removing the needle from his arm she looked up and stopped what she was doing when his serious gaze locked with hers.

"What is it?"

"I can't tell you enough how thankful I am to have you here." He cleared his throat and continued. "This could have been bad. Mito could have been alone, my brother-" Emotions made him stop talking. Breathing deeply a few times, he looked back at her and squeezed her hand. "Thank you. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know."

Shaken, Sakura stood there, staring at him. It was unreal. All of this. Having an intense moment with the Nidaime and now, emotional talk with the Shodaime… It was getting crazy. This whole situation was way above her pay grade. Would they be alright if she was going back? If she disappeared? Chasing the dark thoughts plaguing her mind, Sakura squeezed his hand and released it.

"I am doing what I was trained for. There is no need to thank me, Hashirama." She smiled. "I am glad you are doing better."

Putting all the equipment back where it belonged, Sakura was about to take her leave but his voice made her stop at the door.

"If I can go back home tomorrow, would you like to come and have dinner with us?" Noting the absence of reaction, he continued. "We will all be there, and I am sure Tobirama would like to see you there."

At the mention of the other Senju, Sakura straighten. Looking over her shoulder she gave him an apologetic smile and opened the door. He could see the flash of sadness gracing her green eye.

"I am sorry, I won't be able to make it. I have to train my apprentices tomorrow… Maybe another time?"

Seeing him nod, she left the room.

Hashirama watched her leave. It felt like every passing day, her determination, her happiness and her fire were wavering... He cursed inwardly and shook his head. He could not sit there and watch her fade away like this and become a shadow when she was supposed to shine as bright as the sun. He would have to talk with Madara and Tobirama. They had to find out what was going on with her.