"Chapter 12: Restore"
Sakura was an early riser but surprised to see a blanket neat folded by the window sill. The person who left it is obvious. He already thanked her twice so it's a given he probably would not repeat himself more. The thought of him thanking her placed a smile on her lips. Why is there a feeling of giddiness for the action? Is it because maybe, just maybe she is the only person the Uchiha expressed gratitude to? In whole of Konoha no one else but her.
She recalled the instances of his cold demeanor. Acknowledgements are often limited to a nod or a glare depending on how he feels about something. The sharingan user was not a talker and to make it worst a faulty expressionist. So getting a word of thanks out of his lips must have been a feat to be recorded in history. Sakura approached the fabric and once her fingers touched the surface a gush of warmth flowed into her. The feeling was so incredibly fuzzy is it a genjutsu? Her eyes darted out of the window but no one was in sight. Could it be just early morning jitters? But what is there to be nervous about?
Sasuke sighed at the back of a huge tree. He was almost caught observing the pinkette from the window. The Uchiha was not eyeing her in a perverse way. The peacefulness of her sleeping form allured him. It was strange since he was living with her days before. But when they were in the same roof the male was more concerned of looking away and ignoring the girl to avoid awkwardness.
Then why is he looking now? Is it the fact of knowing the female is living each day in borrowed time? Is that the reason the feeling of need washed over him? Has it got so strong he volunteered for this mission? Well one of the answer from these question is probably yes, because lo and behold here he is.
He peeked again and noticed she was standing by the window sill face flushed holding the blanket. Her morning glow can challenge the brightness of the sun. His ability enables him to see things more clearly. Definitely the woman is smiling and his heart throbbed, since when did this feeling creep in? Those glimmering emerald eyes is sucking the life out of him so early in the morning. He decided to look away to head to the front of the inn. Might as well put a show of waiting to avoid suspicions.
Sakura took a morning shower and a quick bite of breakfast. As she was about to finish her meal. "Excuse me, could you please prepare me some onigiri with tomatoes to go?" The waitress happily obliged. The take out was handed to her within a neatly covered cloth. Satisfied with the purchase, the medic headed to the reception to check out.
Sai was already checking out when she arrived. The artist eyed what she was holding. "What is that for?" Sakura lifted the merchandise. "Some onigiri to go."
"Didn't you have breakfast? I saw you." The illustrator clarified. "Yeah I did, but this is for Sasuke."
The painter kind of did not like what he heard. "Why bother if he goes hungry due to stubbornness. For all we know he probably ate already." The lady shrugged. "Well if he won't take it, I can eat it later."
Her companion remained silent but obviously displeased. "He needs nourishment you know. Or else the mission can get dragged down." The pinkette tried to explain. "He should not be here in the first place Sakura." The statement sounded like a growl. "Sai, it's too early to argue. I was just being nice."
Being nice, that trait of hers is a blessing and a curse. It is the very reason why she got involved in this stupid wish mission. He never bothered if she chose to be nice to strangers but to the Uchiha. Like hell why does he deserve her kindness? With her remaining precious time he was not going to allow him to hurt the rosette. Then as if reading his mind the lady spoke.
"Sai, thanks for worrying about my feelings. But it's just onigiri no big deal." The woman pressed on. "Whatever suit yourself, let's go."
The partners reached the front of the inn where they saw Sasuke leaning under the shade of the tree. For some odd reason Sakura ran towards his direction. The gesture made the onyx boy feel warm and want to spread his arms to welcome her. But he can only think of it, he can never express it. "Sasuke, I got you some onigiri for breakfast. It has tomatoes on it." The girl stopped a foot away and beamed ushering the food towards him. Onigiri with tomatoes, indeed it really brings back memories.
The heir felt conflicted, should he accept? Then he felt a murderous aura in front of him. Of course the artist is pissed. If he accepts it now, the more the irritated the illustrator will be. Smirking at the thought the sharingan user held out his hand to accept the offer. His fingers brushed against the female's fingers. Both felt a sudden quick jolt on the contact. It lead to an opportunity for onyx to meet emerald and gazing into each other their hearts began to tug. What on is going on?
The Uchiha held his breath. What is this unexplainable feeling? It is alluring as it is torture? It is so irritating to feel this way so early in the morning! To break the trance the man had no choice but to speak. "Thanks, I have not eaten yet."
Hearing the word "Thanks" made Sakura's heart skip a beat. Cheeks flushing her hand let go of the bento. "No biggie, glad to be of help." The pinkette gleamed with a blush. Why on earth is she like this so early in the morning? Her eyes intently watched the Uchiha open the package and grab on of the rice balls. "It has tomatoes" the male commented the obvious. The girl shyly nodded with a grin. He took the piece closer to his and bit a mouthful. "It's good." Another compliment escaped his lips.
The woman's eyes shimmered with the remark. "Eat up then we can go." The irritated artist intervened. "We have a schedule to keep" He pressed on. Sensing that things might go wary, the rest of the onigiri was finished in one gulp the by sharingan user. However, the onyx eyed man heartily ate the rest intentionally slowing down to further tease the illustrator.
"Uchiha why are you taking so long?!" The painter accused. "Sai, don't be rude. We can still keep up with the time. It's better for Sasuke to be fully nourished to prevent unfavorable consequences." The lady huffed. "Sorry, Sai woke up at the wrong side of the futon today." The girl said in his companion's behalf. The other male just shrugged and continued his meal.
Once Sasuke was done ushering a nod the trio went on their way. "How far is Angalchi Kali?" The heir inquired. "From scriptures its two days from here." The rosette answered. "How do we know if we are there?" The artist inquired more. "We will sense immense chakra, it would so strong no one can miss." The medic explained. "However we must be careful. As I said it's strong it may give us some negative effects."
"What type of bad things?" The Uchiha blurted out of curiosity. "It depends on what pre-occupies our mind. There might me momentary illusions of what we desire most."
"What has chakra and desires have to do with each other?" Sai pressed on.
Sakura took a deep breath and tried to explain as simple as possible. "Chakra is a part of our being. Meaning it can be infused to who we are. Unconsciously there are things that we desire but fight off. But if it's too overwhelming, our consciousness might want to make a grab for it. In those situations, instead of the body which the mind controls, the suffused chakra with our inner self will act based on that yearning."
"In short, if one has strong goals your chakra at extreme situations will try to act on it." The sharingan user said with finality. "Yes, we have to be careful. At worse cases it can lead to irrational actions" the rosette confirmed.
"Sakura, how can we snap out if it consumes us?" The painter queried. "It's like a genjutsu, you have to break out of it." The medic replied. "Is that the reason why you accepted Uchiha's offer?"
"His ability can be very helpful Sai." The lady confirmed. "It may be useful, but have you considered the danger of his desire? What if he goes in a frenzy because he mistakes us for his bother?"
"You don't have worry about that Sai. We have damage control installed already." Sakura reassured. "What do you mean by damaged control? Is there something you are not telling me Ugly?"
Sakura's face began to show a tint of sorrow. "Sasuke, you know what I am talking about right?" The man in question nodded. "Well I want to know." The other male demanded.
"Sai, Sasuke has a poisoned capsule within him. If he does anything to harm us, I can detonate it and kill him." Hearing the explanation the alabaster skinned man retorted. "What if he kills you first?"
"If I die by his hands, he will die." Sakura answered with sadness in her voice. "If his consciousness push a strong will to harm me, the capsule will break and take his life instantly. In cases it's not directed to me, no matter the distance I can detonate it."
"So your saying if he does Konoha dirty, there is instant death. But Sakura, you know what might happen in this mission right?" The painter hinted on a point. "What happens to the detonator when you.. " Sai could not bear to say the word.
"Sai if I die, the detonator will have my will. The conditions will be same. So even if I am gone I can still protect Konoha." The lady assured.
"You two speak like I am bound to do something that would kill myself." The Uchiha scoffed. "I am not stupid. Rest assured, I know my goals and priorities."
"Better safe than sorry." The other male teased. "And Sakura if there is a way for you to survive this mess. I promise to do what it takes." The statement made the medic gleam. "Thank you Sai."
The trio travelled as much as they can. Going deeper into Shimogakure, the snow covered country placed shivers in their spine. Once the sunset, they decided to look for shelter. Sai took out his brush. "I am going to draw us some shelter." Sakura halted him. "No, don't waste chakra. Let's just use an earth technique to build a small cave. Then Sasuke you can provide the fire right?"
"You can build a small cave from the ground ugly?" The girl nodded. "Yes. I asked Yamato sensei to teach me." The Uchiha remained silent eager to see what she can come up with.
Reaching for the ground and channeling her chakra, the soil rose from beneath the snow. Slowly it took form of an igloo. Once the piece was high enough to accommodate them seating, Sakura stopped. "Is this enough?"
"I am not picky." The sharingan user confirmed. Sai smirked. "So you will join us because you're unwilling to die of frost bite."
"I told you before. I am not an idiot." The other man snorted.
Sakura ushered the men in. "Let's get inside." Once they settled on their respective spots, Sasuke took some wood out of his scroll and breathed out a fire. "You gathered wood in advance? Finally you are being useful." The other male commented. The fire user decided not to comment.
"Are you guy's hungry?" Sakura too out her supplies scroll. "I asked the inn to give me a hot pot too." Both men showed no reaction, too proud to admit that they are hungry. Knowing the situation well Sakura grinned. "I am hungry, so I will start heating it up so we can eat." The lone female prepared the hot pot humming heartily. Thankfully the two would eat anything served unlike Naruto who would request for ramen whenever possible.
"Tomorrow is the expected arrival to the destination?" The onyx eyed man inquired. "Technically yes, weren't you listening?" The artist spat. "I doubt we will find it immediately." The sharingan user interjected. "So pessimistic are we?" The illustrator questioned. "Just being logical. We are doing this based on a myth. There is a more than fifty percent chance of its non-existence."
Sakura kept quiet. Yes there is a chance it could be unreal. If it is the truth her sacrifice will be for naught. But for the wish she was willing to take the risk. "I will take first watch." Sasuke volunteered. "I will take second, you sleep all you can Sakura. Tomorrow you are bound to use a lot of your reserves." Sai offered.
The female decided not to argue. She does need to be in full swing the next day. Once the meal was over, Sai offered to clean-up. Sakura laid her sleeping a close distance to the fire to keep warm. "Do you want it warmer?" The Uchiha asked. She swayed her head. The temperature was comfortable as it is. Sakura closed her eyes to lead herself to slumber. She felt safe and secure under Sasuke and Sai's watch. Hopefully things will go their way tomorrow.
"Uchiha, I know your hands are tied. For you don't have the guts to hurt her physically. However, don't you dare hurt emotionally again." Sai accusingly lashed out to the heir in a whisper. "How can I hurt her emotionally? She barely remembers me." The onyx eyed man countered.
"I may be devoid of emotion but not stupid. For reasons unexplainable you make her happy even if all her memories were erased. Stop being nice to her." The artist accused. "Are you aware that you are being soft on her?" The sharingan user kept quiet. "I don't know what your motivation for coming is Uchiha. But I hope your desires will not interfere in this mission."
"She said I will die if I mess up right? So what's your problem? Both of you are insured." The heir hissed.
"What do you think will happen if you die? How much will affect her knowing your death is by her hands?" The illustrator pressed on.
Sasuke felt exasperated with the artist. Why is he making him feel guilty of Sakura's possible feelings? She has forgotten about him. Sure she would feel guilty for a few days. But she will move on. She has made that decision already.
"Sasuke, did it ever occur to you that her possible damned wish is for you not to die?" The statement made the Uchicha eyes widened.
"Have you ever thought before giving up her memories, she knew that killing you would be unbearable?" The other man continued. "That she wanted to die trying to save you?"
Sasuke tried his best to remain stoic about the situation. But his heart was tugging heavily. It was beginning to feel as breathing is difficult. "That is just your speculation." He manage to answer back the illustrator.
"You think so?" The other challenged with malice. "You really don't know her at all. Why did she ever bothered with you?"
In his mind Sasuke agreed. Why did she always bothered with him? Even without her memories, she treated him kindly. Sakura offered her home as a shelter. In this journey the rosette offered her warmth by going out of her way to give him a blanket. She was thoughtful to pack him some onigiri with tomatoes for breakfast. Even if she mentally forgotten him, part of her still cared for him. It was so annoying. Sakura is just so frustratingly annoying.
"I am going to take a nap, then I will take second watch." Sai said with finality. The painter wonder why he tried to speak to the Uchiha about the pinkette's feelings. Maybe he wanted real closure between the two of them before things end for real. Because at the matter at hand one thing is for sure. Sasuke can survive this mission while Sakura would be lucky to have a few extra days more.
Sasuke could hear Sai settling in his sleeping bag. After a few minutes he directed his eyes to the sleeping kunoichi. Is the wish she will be making related to him? She could not be that stupid right? Sasuke shook his head and redirected his eyes to look ahead. It was filled with endless snow partnered with the chilly atmosphere.
He began to recollect his journeys. How he endured Orochimaru's trainings. His numerous disturbing moments with the snake and his insane assistant Kabuto. The way they mercilessly exploited there experiments. He recalled how cold it is, never like the cordiality team seven had.
His thoughts were cut off when he felt something warm enclosed his shoulders. While deep in thought Sakura managed to put an extra cloak on him. And from the scent of the fabric, the cloak was hers. "You are sitting too far from the fire Sasuke. You should keep yourself warm." She said gently while offering him a beautiful smile.
He had no sufficient retort to what she has just done. But uncontrollably he reached out to touch the hand resting on his shoulder. He gripped it as light as he can, fearing it might break and disappear. He could hear her gasp upon contact and directed his gaze to her. Onyx met emerald, it was the closest they have gotten since this journey started. Her eyes pooled with unexpressed emotion. Sasuke felt he was drowning in those orbs. It was telling him she cared more than she knew. He was too overwhelmed to accept it. After all that has happened, how could her feelings for him not change?
Not knowing how to sort out what he wanted to say due to conflicting feelings, Sasuke resorted to what he exactly did years ago when once caught in the same situation. He muttered the plain words to other people it is a common sign of gratitude. But to the Uchiha it is an acceptance of his humanity and acceptance to what was given to him. It was all that he could offer for now. "Sakura.." her name rolled off his lips so freely. The woman blushed but kept her stand looking him in the eye. With the slightest smirk, keeping their hands entwined. Sasuke once again said the words he could only utter to Sakura. "Thank you."