Hey guys! I know it's been a while. A lot has happened in the past few months in terms of my job and personal life that's why completing this chapter has been quite a struggle. Nonetheless, here it goes! The last chapter of "Karin" before its Epilogue!
o - o - o
"Are you sure you're just gonna stay here?"
A subtle nod was the only response that she got from the woman who didn't even turn to face her.
She inwardly sighed. She could only try as much. But after almost a week of trying, she didn't know what else to do to approach and console her friend. "Just...just call us if you need us then."
Only another nod came her way, one that wasn't even noticeable if not for the slight movement of the other woman's pink tresses. So with a frown, Karin finally turned towards the door with the conclusion that it was hopeless expecting even a single word from Sakura.
She couldn't blame her for acting this way though. If she was in her position right now, it would've been worse.
Gripping the door knob, Karin gave the room a once-over that caused her to bite her lip too hard. Just the sight of it gave an added weight to her own heart, such that you wouldn't be able to bear if you'd stay in there much longer.
For the white walls consumed every color there was. Even the flowers dropped off by a few comrades on the side of the room seemed pale despite their variety. What made her tighten her grasp on the door knob was the fact that even the brightest of all the colors – the mop of pink with a tinge of green – couldn't even paint the atmosphere with her usual vibrance anymore.
Releasing another sigh, Karin opened the door to once again leave Sakura in front of a motionless body that was sapped with color as well.
She was then met by a pair of purple eyes that gave her an intent gaze, eyes that she thought she wouldn't be able to stare at anymore if Shizune didn't succeed in that three-hour surgery almost a week ago.
Looking down, she shook her head in response to her husband's unspoken question. "She won't leave him, Sui. She barely even touched the lunch I've left inside earlier. And Sasuke?" She slowly shook her head again. "It's been six days. I'm...I'm honestly losing hope about it."
Suigetsu clenched his fists, looking away as Karin's eyes became glassy. It wasn't supposed to be this way...
"But Sakura, she wouldn't budge. She's the one who knows full well that there's a thin line between the recovery and the failure of Sasuke's organs. And the reality is...the chances are very slim. I—" Her voice began to tremble.
The Hidden Mist ninja couldn't even move a muscle to comfort his wife while he himself wanted to sob from the inside. It wasn't...it wasn't supposed to be this way! His fist landed on the wall behind them as his mind traced to that time he and Sasuke were on the way to Suna for that damned mission entrusted to them.
There was that genuine smile on the Uchiha's face that he never got to witness since he first met Sasuke. And for once, he got to a conclusion that Sasuke was truly happy and well-content, all because of a certain pink-haired woman that he would return to once they managed to successfully end their mission.
And although he teased him endlessly – which only made the Uchiha smirk without attempting to slice him with his kusanagi – he was also very happy that Sasuke finally found a reason to dwell on joy and not on hatred.
A reason for him to come home.
The reason for him to love.
He was there when Tobirama Senju mentioned that no clan could love as much as the Uchiha. That's why it was noteworthy for Suigetsu to witness love bloom in Sasukes's life. Yet remembering that only made him feel worse.
"It wasn't supposed to be this way…" he finally uttered out loud through gritted teeth. "It wasn't...it wasn't supposed to be him. He shouldn't have chosen to save me! K-karin...he was just starting to be happy. I couldn't be at peace if he wouldn't be able to survive this. They don't deserve this, Karin. Both of them! It should've been—"
"Suigetsu! Get out of the way!"
On that last split-second, he found himself hitting a tree trunk behind him while hearing a loud explosion from tens of yards away. He blinked and coughed, arm covering his nose as much as he could as his brain tried to make sense of what happened.
He wasn't in this spot moments ago. And that in itself was an indication as to where his partner ended up in. "What the—Sasuke?! Sasuke!" Whipping his head from side to side, he tried to locate him.
Until minutes later, the entire hideout they've accidentally stumbled upon was covered in black flames, dissipating even the smoke with a peculiar smell that came with the explosion a while ago.
And amidst all the chaos came a limping black figure that made him scurry to his feet. He didn't even feel the pain coming from the injury on his arm because the sight in front of him was much more painful to bear. "Sasuke! Dammit! What have you d—?!"
"Take...me...to Sakura."
"Don't blame yourself, Suigetsu!" Karin's grip on her husband's shoulders was too firm that the swordsman didn't realize he has been trembling already.
"But, Karin! If...if he didn't switch places with me on that last moment, he wouldn't end up inhaling much of that poison and...dammit! I should've been on his place right now!"
"It should've been neither of you, okay? Stop thinking as if you should be the one lying on that death bed because—damn, Suigetsu!—as much as I don't want Sasuke to...to die...Suika and I can't lose you too!" Her shaking hands made their way to Suigetsu's cheeks, wiping the stray tears that he was surely unaware of. "Whatever happens here, what he did only showed how much Sasuke cares for you...for us."
The trembling of Suigetsu's body slowly ebbed as he leaned on Karin's touch. "He has already done so much for us, given so much, too. He shouldn't have reached that point of having to give even his life for me."
At this, Karin wasn't able to fight back her own tears, but her lips formed a small smile. "Sasuke has changed a lot, hasn't he? I still believe that he's strong. And Sakura did her best. According to Shizune, that operation could've killed her too as she kept Sasuke alive. If we're already feeling like this, I couldn't imagine how much worse it is for Sakura. Yet look at her, she still has faith in Sasuke. For now, let's just hope and pray that Sasuke's body recovers before a full week ends."
Suigetsu clenched his jaw. It's just either that or...he didn't even want to imagine anymore. He slowly nodded, sighing as he wrapped his arms around Karin's waist. "I haven't said it, but I missed you."
Gone were the days that she felt useless in situations wherein she needed to do something. Gone were the days that she was helpless in front of enemies and amidst missions gone wrong.
As someone who strove to learn and worked really hard to be the woman that she is now, she knew her capabilities, both as a part of the medical field and the shinobi world. She was confident about who she is and what she can do, secured about her worth as a person and a ninja.
But when it came to Sasuke, she has always felt like she was not enough.
Not beautiful enough to attract him.
Not persuasive enough to make him stay.
Not strong enough to kill him with the thought of ending his misery.
Not worthy enough to join him on his redemptive journey.
Not lovable enough to have her feelings reciprocated after all these years.
It was like no matter how much she tried – how much she poured out every ounce of her being all for his sake – Sakura Haruno would never be enough for Sasuke Uchiha.
It even looked like a trend, that every time things were getting better between her and Sasuke, he would be taken away from her in one way or another. Back in the day, despite her declaration of love and promise of happiness, he still chose to leave everything behind to seek for power. Even with the available comfort of a home, a prosthetic limb, and a woman who still wanted to be with him after everything they've been through, he still desired to travel to better understand himself and the world. When he finally returned after that, he appeared as if he was already wedded and expecting a child, which in turn made her believe that she would never really have a chance of a happy ending with him.
And now...now that their bond was starting to bloom in the strongest way possible, he was stuck on that thin line between life and death even after being operated with her bare hands and injected with the concoction she has proudly produced.
She thought her insecurities were long gone. But seeing the man she loves lying in front of her – motionless as a rock with no assurance of waking up – she couldn't help but entertain the demons in her mind that were born that time she was first bullied about her wide forehead.
Even Shizune and the other nurses who assisted her in the surgery could attest that she did what she could in order to remove all the toxins in Sasuke's body and repair the damages he received on his organs.
Yet even that seemed to be not good enough to heal and save him.
Sakura was well aware that there would be another waiting game after the surgery for even after some medicines and medical ninjutsu, the patient's body should be left to heal on its own until it recovers completely.
And so she waited, barely even moving from where she was seated nor leaving Sasuke's room.
She wanted to be there when he wakes up. She wanted to be the first person he would see. She wanted to make sure that he'd survive such a catastrophe.
But it's been seven days since the operation, and only a few hours left til its full week mark.
By this time, Sasuke should've woken up or at least had progress with his vital signs, an indication that his organs were slowly becoming normal.
To her dismay, there wasn't even a tinge of progress at all.
As Sakura monitored the machine beside Sasuke's bed and checked his vitals, she felt as if the man she loves was now a ticking time bomb. For as much as she wanted to deny the facts that she knew, hitting the full week mark could mean that his internal parts couldn't recuperate on its own anymore.
And that could only result to one thing.
"Are you tired of fighting, Sasuke-kun?" Her voice came out hoarse. Yet she wished he could hear him so clearly right now. "I'm...I'm still waiting, but...do you want me to still wait for you?"
The last time she cried was right after Sasuke's operation, breaking down to the point that Shizune had to inject her with a tranquilizer just so she could sleep for the night. Since then, all her pain and thoughts were tucked inside her as if trying to prove the unconscious Sasuke that she wasn't the same weak girl from their genin team anymore.
For days, there were no tears. For hours, there was barely a reaction. But as the clock ticked by, she was also reaching the last straw of her countenance.
Sakura Haruno was no longer weak, but she was getting to the point of becoming ready to let go.
Placing the stethoscope on Sasuke's chest one last time before the "deadline" she was hoping to not reach, her heart constricted due to that fact that this could be the end of it all.
Tears should be coming out of her tear ducts by now but it felt like she has released them all a week ago and all she could do now was simply stare at this man's beautiful face. She could either witness the machine beside him show a flat line as a loud beep fills the room or she could report everything to Shizune and let her handle the situation from here.
Because after everything she had done, with her love for him and her passion and knowledge in medicine, his death would only invalidate all the growth she has accumulated in the past years. She wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she saw him breathe his last breath in front of her.
Because of her.
And so, she chose the latter option.
She held his hand then, like pretty much majority of the time she was there in the room with him. "I'm sorry. I'm..." Her lower lip started to tremble as she gently moved to caress his cheek. "I'm so, so sorry."
Leaning closer, she planted a soft kiss on his forehead, lingering for a longer time before pulling away. "It was, and will always be you, Sasuke-kun...in my heart."
With one last squeeze to his hand, she stood up, heart shattering like never before as she finally decided to leave all the rest to the One who has the only power to give and take away one's life.
"Always."
As she reached the door, with her limp hand landing on the door knob, there came a sharp gasp of breath from behind her that made her suddenly freeze in place. Her natural reaction should've been to turn around and check where the sound came from, but she didn't want to fool herself. Besides, she hadn't slept a wink in the past two days and she barely took in some food today.
But when she heard some shuffling of sheets from the bed, her heart raced and her hand trembled as it gripped the door knob tighter.
Could it be…
Could it be that…
"S-sakura."
Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief as she whipped her head towards the hospital bed and saw the proof that she wasn't hallucinating at all.
For there was Sasuke, weakly moving to sit upright while staring at her with that softness that she missed seeing after almost three months.
His lips curved upwards, as if finally seeing light after craving for it in the dark. The sight triggered her tears to finally, freely flow down her cheeks. And it felt like all the colors in the room slowly returned while his obsidian and amethyst eyes reunited with her emerald ones.
Time seemed to stop but Sakura's body moved on its own. She threw her arms around him – a reprise of an all too familiar scene from so many years ago – barely even noticing the way Sasuke's lone arm draped around her small frame as she remained sobbing for a minute or two.
His body was cold, yet his familiar warmth eventually returned as he remained in her embrace.
A proof that he's alive.
A proof that he recovered.
A proof that after letting go of all control and trusting the One who holds it all, her efforts to save him, prayers for his well-being, and the days of waiting were not in vain.
It was only then that another sound filled the room other than the rhythmic beeping of the machine beside Sasuke's bed, but the man didn't seem to mind the broken cries he was hearing. If anything, it calmed his newly awakened senses.
"You're...you're such an idiot. You're really such an idiot! If only you brought the potion I made! If only you weren't too reckless! If only you took care of yourself! You wouldn't have—damn it, Sasuke-kun!"
Sasuke tightened his hold on her as another smile formed with his dry lips. "I'm sorry."
"You can't just do something that could kill you and then apologize afterwards! Please don't do that again!" Sakura's sobs subsided after a while, until she uttered her greatest fear that awakened her insecurities in the past few days, "Just don't do that again. I thought I'm...I thought I'm going to lose you once more…" Yet something else clicked in her brain as she slowly pulled back, her eyes averting his. "But then I realized...you're not even mine to begin with."
"You're wrong."
With a gasp, her eyes widened a bit as she gazed back at him. Taking in his declaration, her mouth parted and closed for a moment, before opening again in an attempt to say anything in response. Yet no words left her throat.
She then realized that Sasuke's hand was on her waist. And at that moment, with that rare gesture and two simple yet vague words coming from the man she loves, it felt as if every single doubt and insecurity in her body melted away in a heartbeat.
"Sakur—Sa...Sasuke?! Sasuke! You're awake!"
They were instantly a few meters apart when a certain redhead entered the room. Much thanks to Karin's surprised state, she didn't even notice how Sakura looked bashful as she turned away to wipe her tears.
"Thank Kami! We almost thought you wouldn't—wait a minute—my goodness, Sakura! Your chakra is fluctuating and you'll probably lose it any minute now!" Quickly taking command, Karin extended her arm in front of Sakura's face. "Come on, bite. It will replenish your chakra until you get home."
"Home? Karin, I still have to check Sasuke-kun's vital si—"
"No. I guess it's best that I take it from here. Sakura, you haven't gone home since…"
It didn't take long for Sasuke to realize what that pause meant. He shut his eyes and sighed. "She's right, Sakura."
"But, Sasuke-kun...you're—"
"I'll be fine," he assured her with a soft voice. "Go."
There was that familiar worried look on her features yet again. And as much as it flattered him to know that she's still as concerned to him as ever, he was well aware of the fact that Sakura was giving more than he will ever deserve, even to the point of tiring herself. Probably even to the point of giving her own life to him who would never deserve such grace and love.
It was only Sakura who could do that. Only her who could make him feel the warmth in his heart right now.
Karin nodded in agreement, jutting her chin to her arm. It's the only help she could give Sakura before she faints right then and there.
"O-okay, then. I'll be back soon." With no apparent energy left to argue, the head medic gently bit Karin's arm and walked towards the door, glancing one last time at Sasuke while his two words from earlier lingered in her mind.
As the door of his hospital room closed, a smile finally appeared on her face for the first time in seven days.
Sakura had never felt this good being wrong.
"Has she at least tried to sleep and eat well?"
Karin turned to look at Sasuke and then her eyes became glassy. "You—!" She flung her arms around his neck, trying her best to restrain her tears from falling. This was still Sasuke, her former team leader and first love, after all. "You're the one who's in pain right now yet you're still looking after others? Are you out of your mind, Sasuke?!"
"Karin. Get off me. You're a married woman, aren't you?"
She pulled away, avoiding his eyes as she bit her trembling lip. "I am. That's why I want to thank you. T-thank you for...saving Suigetsu."
A tear escaped her eyes when she remembered the possibility of her husband dying on that last mission alongside Sasuke. Then she wiped it with the back of her hand before wagging a finger at the patient beside her. "But you didn't have to be as impulsive as that, idiot! Now look at you!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. The first time someone broke down in front of him today, he was completely fine with it. Of course, it was Sakura. But this time with Karin, he was struggling to tolerate how much of an emotional mess she was, until he remembered why he did what he did. "I only did what had to be done. Suigetsu has someone waiting for him here. He has a family."
"And you don't?"
He looked up at the redhead.
"Sakura has been waiting for you to come home, unscathed and alive. She was too excited when she learned that there was only a week left before you and Suigetsu would come home. But then…" She immediately shook her head to shun the memory of that unexpected night. "It wasn't easy for her to see you like that in the past few days, even after doing what she could as a doctor. With everything that I've seen her do for you, you cannot tell me that you have no one to return to, Sasuke. And don't you dare forget about Naruto and the Sixth. You, too, have a family here. So you can't be reckless just like that! Not anymore, you hear me?"
"Hn." Upon glancing at the door where Sakura left, Sasuke realized that this would be the first time that he'd completely agree with his former teammate in Taka.
She had witnessed everything that Sakura did for him while he was away and after he returned with his life on the line. He didn't even need to be informed, but what Karin stated only added to what he already knows – he could always go home to Sakura. That one woman who reminds him of what having a family feels like, in her own ways.
"Thanks, Karin."
At a loss for words, Karin simply stared at Sasuke after hearing his gratitude. And weirdly, another tear rolled down her cheek as she thought of how far they've come since the first time they've met. They didn't have the affinity that Sasuke had with Sakura, Naruto, or Kakashi, but they now finally have something that she could call a friendship.
And she, too, was grateful for that.
Wiping her tear, she cleared her throat and grabbed Sasuke's clipboard on the bedside table. "Alright, let's have your checkup. I still need to tell my husband the good news."
On the next few days, Sasuke had no choice but to be pinned on his hospital bed. As much as it irked him, he couldn't complain to her beautiful doctor who checked on him everyday. He could've sneaked out of the hospital through the window just like so many years before, or even travelled wherever he wanted to escape through his dojutsu, but Sakura was so firm about him staying in the hospital as long as she said so, that even the powerful last Uchiha couldn't disagree. There was nothing and no one that could stop the head medic from making sure that no poison was left in his body and that his organs were all functioning normally.
And with that, he couldn't help but fall for her even more. With her every visit, Sasuke found himself observing and realizing a lot of things about her just now. Like how her hair had been a little longer, almost as long as that hairstyle she had before he left her with a forehead poke. How the purple mark of her strength complemented with her fair skin in between her parted bangs. How her green, green eyes squinted in concentration whenever she would check his vital signs, administer some tests, or write something on his chart. And how her lips would curve into a relieved smile before announcing to him his health's progress.
This was one of those sides of Sakura that he didn't get to witness and experience first hand because he was away for so long.
Experiencing it now, he felt proud of Sakura for all her success in her field. And he was appreciative of all her hard work especially for his sake; however, there was still one apparent problem – this doctor couldn't even fit in her schedule a time to rest.
As he stared at her while she was taking his blood test, his lips formed a small frown at the sight of the dark circles under her eyes. And no, it wasn't because it made her less beautiful, it was because he was reminded of Karin's words about Sakura not sleeping well while he was unconscious. Just to take care of him, she didn't even go home at all.
He sighed. "Sakura, you need to rest. Go home and do just that."
"Huh?" Sakura turned to him after writing something on her clipboard, surprised at the sudden command. "I'm supposed to look after you here and conduct other tests, Sasuke-kun. I can't just go home and leave that."
"Then rest here." In an instant, Sasuke stood from the bed and slowly paced towards the small couch in the room, chin gesturing towards his former spot which shocked the head medic.
"Sasuke-kun! Why did you—?"
"You're the one who told me that I'm supposed to be moving more now, right?"
Her eyes were still so wide despite the sudden heavy feeling from her lids. "That doesn't mean that you're gonna stay on the couch!"
Sasuke only shook his head. "Since you were saying that you're supposed to stay with me for the rest of the afternoon, and going home is not an option, you're going to take my advice and rest there."
Sakura parted her lips but closed it again, unable to form a response to that. He was right though, she badly needed a nap before she does another round of tests and then evaluate them. So when Sasuke sat on the couch and raised an eyebrow at her, she had no choice but to slowly – awkwardly – get on the bed and position herself for a quick nap. "Wake me up in fifteen minutes then."
"An hour."
"That's too long!"
The Uchiha nonchalantly brushed his hand on his hair. "An hour, Sakura." He then frowned. "That's nothing compared to the sleepless nights you had when I was unconscious."
Sakura heaved a sigh in resignation. She couldn't find the strength to say no to the Uchiha now, to think that she was the doctor here. "Fine. An hour."
"Or more."
"Sasuke-kun!"
Then Sasuke chuckled. The Sasuke Uchiha chuckled while Sakura was on the verge of fuming.
He couldn't help but be amused with the sight or her narrowed eyes and reddened cheeks while reluctantly seated on the bed he has been enduring for days. "Just sleep, Sakura."
Huffing, that's what she eventually did, making Sasuke smile in triumph. Winning over Sakura's antics suddenly became so much better than defeating Kaguya and his evil ancestor. Moments later, he found himself staring at her affectionately as her breathing became relaxed.
Then Sakura dreamt of feeling a pair of soft lips meeting with her forehead.
"You're quite early, Sasuke-kun!"
"Aa."
"Still the early bird, huh?" Sakura giggled out loud. "Please just make yourself comfortable in the living room while I prepare here in the kitchen, okay?" And then she went back to humming an upbeat song just like what she was doing before she heard the opening of her front door.
She was both excited and nervous about today. By dinner time, they would have a simple gathering in her house that she initiated to celebrate the full recovery of both Sasuke and Suigetsu. Karin was giddy with the idea; even Naruto was bouncing off the walls when he learned that Sakura was going to cook for them. Shizune, on the other hand, was thankful that she could leave the hospital early and have friends she could dine with. And Kakashi thought it was worth dedicating some of his time to amidst his busy Hokage life.
Remembering them assured her that her limited invited guests would have fun tonight. But would one of the main casts of the celebration even consider this as something enjoyable?
Apparently, Sasuke has never attended a party even for his own birthday in the past few years. Plus, he wasn't the kind of person who likes a lot of interactions especially if the spotlight is on him. As she turned on the stove, a part of her began to doubt for the nth time if she shouldn't have insisted the idea without even consulting him first.
Because, what if he just gets bored? Or what if he wouldn't like my cooking? What if this would make him so uncomfortable to the point that he'd rather be on his own and leave the vill—?
A hand on the side of her waist made her jerk, effectively stopping her trail of thoughts. And warmth reached her cheeks when she realized that Sasuke's face was just right next to hers as he peeked over her shoulder to see what she was mixing on the saucepan.
Air seemed to have left her lungs as his hand continued to rest on her side. She didn't want to faint right then and there even though he was in the best position to catch her easily, knowing that it would've been so, so embarrassing if it happened now that they're already young adults.
Sakura already had enough of Sasuke seeing her faint because of him before. So a repeat of that now would only ruin her track record as the strongest kunoichi of her generation.
His deep voice then filled her ears. "Do you need any help?"
"Uh...I…" She gulped. You're not 12 anymore. You're not 12 anymore. You're not 12 anymore! Clearing her throat, she mustered the courage to turn around and wag a finger at Sasuke with the hopes that her blush had subsided. "Hey. I appreciate that you want to help but excuse me, Sir, this celebration is for you. So what I need you to do right now is sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the night. Okay, Sasuke-kun?" She slightly pushed him on the chest afterwards without meeting his eyes. "Now go back to the living room. Shoo!"
"Tch. Annoying."
"Hey! I heard that!"
Sasuke could only smirk at her over his shoulder as he made his way back to the living room. And the moment he was gone, Sakura let out a loud sigh while leaning on the countertop, heart racing because why in the world would Sasuke – the can't-be-touched-unless-it's-necessary Sasuke – touch her like that? Plus, for the second time around?
It was a very boyfriend thing to do, which also meant it was not a very Sasuke-like gesture. But for him to do that...to me… She bit her lip to restrain a grin and repeatedly patted her cheeks.
Is this finally a sign that her waiting was over?
Things were thankfully not awkward with Sasuke after that. What mattered to Sakura now was seeing how he was smiling every now and then while interacting in his own ways with their guests.
During dinner, she watched as he helped himself with a plateful of various dishes, making her feel proud of her improving cooking skills. And as they gathered in the living room for some tea and desserts brought by the Hozuki family, she couldn't help but adore how he subtly played with Suika while the baby tried to climb onto his lap.
Everything was a lot better than what she initially thought for seeing such contentment on Sasuke's face warmed her heart like never before. It felt so much like a dream come true, knowing that the man she loves deserves all the happiness in the world after everything he has been through. And for once, in one way or another, she had been a part of what made him glad.
"So what are your plans after this?" Kakashi suddenly decided to unite the divided conversations after winning over Suigetsu on a round of Shoji.
With anmitsu still in his mouth, Naruto tilted his head to one side and questioned, "Plans?"
"That's not in your vocabulary, Dobe."
"Oi!"
Everyone chuckled at the usual bickering of Sasuke and Naruto.
"We know you don't usually have that, but yeah, I'm curious about your plans for the future."
"Sometimes I'm not really sure if you've ever loved me, Kakashi-sensei." He pouted. "But for plans, hmm…" His ears suddenly became tinged with red as he pondered about his answer. "Uhm...Hinata and I...we want to have a baby probably early next year."
"Oh my gosh, Naruto!" Sakura gasped, almost tearing up at the news. "That's...shannaro! I'm so excited for you and Hinata!"
"Wow. It's about time, Naruto. Another Uzumaki aside from you and me." With a beam, Karin shot a glance at her daughter who was busy tugging Sasuke's sleeve. "In the past six months, Sui and I have come to understand that having a child is a wonderful thing. Congrats to you and the Hyuga!"
The jinchuriki's eyes gleamed at that. "I'm looking forward to it, 'ttebayo! Thanks, Sakura-chan, Karin!"
"You're a big boy now, huh?" Sasuke smirked but his eyes held tenderness for his brother-like best friend. Pride welled in his heart at the fact that Naruto's finally going to have something that he never had – a real family.
"One more time and I'll Rasengan you, Teme!" Naruto raised his fist. "At least I had the boldness to ask a girl's hand in marriage! Right, Kakashi-sensei?" He stuck his tongue out, which only earned an eye roll from the Uchiha. "Oh! And by the way, you still owe me for ditching my wedding!"
"Alright, stop it. Not in my house, you two!"
"Don't worry, Sakura-chan! I won't embarrass Teme right in front of you!"
Sasuke scoffed. "Usuratonkachi."
"Ah, I guess it's that time wherein I'm about to be a grandpa." Kakashi had a close-eyed smile as he glanced at his former team, marveling on the fact that they've come a long way since that time he entered their classroom with a chalkboard eraser dropping on his head. After everything that had happened to them, he never imagined that he'd still have the privilege of witnessing his students enter into adulthood at such a peaceful time among the villages. He chuckled to himself, he really used to hate them, but his love for them now was already beyond what a teacher could give. "Oh, well. How about you, Shizune?"
"I can see we're really getting older, Kakashi." Shizune cackled. "My plans? Other than helping in the hospital, I'll probably just be stuck with you."
For a short moment, the other five adults in the room just stared at Shizune and Kakashi while their eyes remained fixed on each other.
Until Shizune's eyes widened in realization. She then added, "I-I mean, stuck with you in assisting you on your tasks, Hokage-sama!" She bowed on her seat, hiding the blush adorning her cheeks as an uncomfortable silence continued to surround them.
At this, Naruto stifled a laugh while glancing mischievously at Sasuke and Sakura who both had smirks on their faces. It reminded them of those days wherein they were too sneaky and curious about their sensei's love life, other than the face behind his mask.
Noticing his former students' gestures despite not having the Sharingan, Kakashi released a nervous laugh. "No need to be too formal, Shizune. And it's not like I'm giving you tons of tasks, right?" He cleared his throat much louder than necessary, and then shifted his gaze to the other side of the room. "Meanwhile, how about you, Suigetsu and Karin?"
Quite surprised with the sudden attention, the Hidden Mist ninja scratched the back of his head as he comtemplated for a moment if he should already share about their family's plans. "Well, actually, we're planning to finally head back to Kiri in a week or two. Since our baby is already in her best physical condition – much thanks to Sasuke and Sakura here – I think it's about time that we settle in our own place."
"Really?" It was Sakura who once again reacted first, with her lips formed in a slight frown. "I honestly felt like we've been with you for just a short time."
Shizune nodded. "Yeah. We will miss you in the hospital, Karin."
"Thank you, guys. We were really quite torn about it," Karin chimed in, remembering so well everything that she has learned and experienced ever since she stepped inside Konoha right next to Sasuke. "This village surprisingly felt like home to us in the past few months, but the reality is, this is not our home."
"Your family will always be welcome here, though."
Both Hozukis couldn't help but smile appreciatively at the Hokage's words. It made them feel like they now have an extended family, residing in the place that they almost destroyed so many years ago.
"And Suigetsu, I'm grateful for all your help on the missions with Sasuke. I know they weren't exactly easy, especially that last one that almost costed you your life. That's why I'm really glad that Sakura initiated this small celebration for you and Sasuke. Thank you for what you've done." Kakashi nodded to the two men before turning to the host of the gathering. "Speaking of Sakura, how about you? Thanks for your preparations, by the way!"
Butting in, Suigetsu raised his hand and said, "Yes, Sakura-san! Thank you! I'm so full I feel like I'm all good until tomorrow!"
Sakura chuckled with him. "You're welcome. It's...well, I remember offering to prepare dinner for Sasuke-kun in my place before." She threw a glance at Sasuke and smiled softly before looking away. "I thought it would be nice serving you all as well. Hmm, for the plans? I really haven't thought of anything other than continuing to manage the hospital."
"You've been working so hard, Sakura-chan! You should probably find something else to do! Or maybe have a boyfriend or something!" Naruto wiggled his eyebrows, but surprisingly, to someone else in the room.
Sakura turned beet red. "E-eh? I'm fine, Naruto. I'm enjoying my job. And, I'm...I'm really not in a hurry for anything else."
"But you still need to rest every now and then."
Naruto smirked upon hearing his best friend's deep voice. "See? Even Teme agrees with me!"
"But I'm resting, Sasuke-kun!"
"It's not enough."
Much to Sasuke's amusement, Sakura could only pout in response to that.
"Sasuke's right though, Sakura. Just tell me if you need some days off. I'm sure Shizune has been recommending you the same thing. And Naruto's also right that you need time for other things."
There was a sudden mischievous glint in Kakashi's eyes as he stared at her. But she couldn't point out what it was for. She appreciated all their concern though, besides, they all have a point, especially Sasuke.
"Yes, dattebayo! Ha! You're the only one left now, Teme! So, any plans?" Naruto grinned like a Cheshire cat, and once again, the Uchiha only rolled his eyes at him.
As Sasuke stared at the now sleeping baby on his chest, he thought about his next steps in life. Although the same question has crossed his mind a few times, he hadn't arrived yet to a specific conclusion for his own plans. He only had two options – to leave or to stay, which were both still vague for him as of now.
But then, his gaze landed on Sakura. And the moment his eyes found her green ones, the answer to the hanging question presented itself as if it's been hiding there all along. Without looking away, Sasuke then verbalized it for everyone to hear, "I'm going to stay in the village for a while."
"Sakura-chan! Thank you once again for the hospitality and good food! It's too bad Hinata missed this due to some Hyuga business she had to attend to," Naruto said before a yawn escaped from his lips as he stood outside Sakura's front door. "But next time I'll make sure she gets to hang out with us, 'ttebayo!"
Sakura chuckled at the sight of the jinchuriki who helped out in cleaning their mess after the Hozuki family, the Hokage, and his assistant have left. He didn't have to use some chakra, but the man wanted to prove to his best friend that he was an efficient husband, one that could even quicken a task by multiplying himself. The whole while, Sasuke could only scoff at Naruto's attempt in housekeeping, but at least he wasn't the one extremely exhausted now, to think that he was helping with only one arm.
"I'd love that, Naruto! Now go home to your wife and rest, alright? You've used lots of chakra for your training and in cleaning today!"
"Ha! If only Teme helped more, the load would've been easier."
"Idiot. I helped in making sure you've left no bacteria in Sakura's house."
"What the—!"
Sakura groaned. "Can you guys at least end the night without bickering? And you! Sasuke-kun, don't forget that you still have a medicine to drink before you sleep tonight. So go home now, you two!"
She dramatically turned to her house, making Naruto cackle before finally leaving in a puff of smoke. She yawned as she reached her door knob, yet there was still one guest left after such a long night.
"Sakura."
Something about the way Sasuke said her name reminded her of the little sweet encounter they had before dinner.
With her heart racing in anticipation and curiosity, she turned to face him again, only to meet Sasuke's chest as he gently pulled her in a very unexpected embrace.
And then he muttered, "Thank you."
Frozen in place, it took a little longer before Sakura realized what was happening, until she remembered those two moments wherein Sasuke also thanked her with such genuineness. Both incidents were meaningful for her, but this meant so much more. So much more that she found herself smiling against his chest for this was the very first time that it was him who pulled her close.
Her arms took up residence around his waist before she replied, "Anything for you, Sasuke-kun."
It was the death of the old Sasuke and Sakura. For although unspoken, both of them were certain that there was a future in store for them – one that they wouldn't venture alone, but together.
o - o - o
August 2019 © AriannJS
o - o - o
Finally got to upload the most difficult chapter for me to write! WOW. WHAT A JOURNEY. It took me 4 months to work on this chapter and then after this we're off to the Epilogue! * cries in G#m *
Here's a surprise tho - the Epilogue is already finished and just undergoing its final revisions! See the Epilogue first on my P - a - t - r - e - o - n by August 28! ;) My username is also AriannJS there, and I would really appreciate it if you become a patron, which would give you an early (and even exclusive) access to my future fics!
I really can't believe that this story is coming to an end! Thank you for taking the time to read this since the beginning! And most especially, thanks to those who intentionally give their detailed comments about their thoughts and feelings on each chapter! Your words give me a boost to continue writing!
Thanks & God bless!
- A