Summary: Through absence, Uchiha Sasuke begins to grasp the true value of Haruno Sakura. Post-562, will deviate greatly from the manga. Drabble series.
Disclaimer: Naruto is (c) Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha, Inc.
IN ABSENTIA
The Darkness Calls
Sasuke swam in and out of consciousness, and fragments of conversation made their way to his pain-laden mind.
"Make sure the airway is clear!"
"Stay with us, damn it!"
"Keep him on his side! We have to stem the blood flow so it won't enter the lungs!"
The attending medic's chakra signature was familiar though it could not be placed at that particular instant. Sasuke's only certitude was that this healer lacked the soothing touch he had grown accustomed from the medic of his own team.
Sakura...
Fuck, he had lost Sakura. She was now alone with the enemy, forced to fend for herself. Was she scared? Was she hurt? Was she alive? Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. The possibility of her demise did not bear thinking about.
And then there was Naruto...
Sakura was one of Naruto's most precious people, maybe his most precious person. How would he react after finding out that she had been taken on Sasuke's watch?
"Shit, this is bad! Really, really bad!"
"Sasuke, don't you dare die! Naruto and Sakura would never forgive you!"
Forgiveness. How could he expect Naruto and Sakura to forgive him for anything when he could not even begin to forgive himself?
Oblivion beckoned and Sasuke greeted it like an old friend.
TO BE CONTINUED