Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews! My hands feel so numb, eek. I can barely type, but for you guys…I'll gladly introduce you to Chapter Three. Now for all that drama in chapter three, this story has gone…multiple genre chapter by chapter, ne? But a lot was Sakura-bashing, which wasn't very pleasant because there was a lot of heart break. It inspired me to one day really want to write a fic that would make someone cry… -- has been daydreaming too much.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto – Thank you for reading this.
The Story of Sasuke and Sakura
Episode Three: Rippled Memories
'Sasuke…actually smiled at me…and told me he would probably open up to me!' Sakura screamed in her mind, happily. Still unconscious, she could feel a warm fuzzy feeling in her stomach. 'I'm glad…that I didn't give up on Sasuke yet. I knew something glad would—,'
Bam. A surge of something struck her body…she couldn't really pinpoint where but it hurt so much.
'This pain…'
---
The medical-ninjas stood there and shook their heads. "Who was responsible on taking Haruno-san here?" One asked, staring at the people who were waiting for the next few updates on their dear shinobi. A ninja stepped forward and lowered his head, as if he did something wrong.
"I was…I'm sorry, I didn't mean to drop her while we were running here…"
"You what?! Dropped her?!" Lee began to cry out hysterically at the flawed man, "How could you? You're a shinobi!"
"Calm down Lee," his sensei, Gai, told him. Then he gave his student a pat and turned back to the doctor. "So what's her condition now? Any injuries from the accident…?" They all prayed it was nothing serious, or else the poor shinobi who did the favor of carrying Sakura here was in for trouble.
"I'm sorry to say this but right now, she has a head injury which…made her go through memory lost."
"W-What?! So you mean Sakura-chan won't be able to remember us?!" Naruto blinked and shook the medical-nin. Lee just stood there, unable to say a word. "Is there anyway to regain her memories? Is it permanent?!" Again and again, Naruto spilled out spontaneous questions, and the people tried to shush him down.
"You see, there is a good news and bad news."
"Eh?" Kakashi-sensei stood at the door way, finally speaking up. "So…tell us the good news then, don't want to spoil it when you tell us the bad news."
"Alright…" He coughed, "Haruno-san's memory lost is not permanent. She will be able to regain her memories, for sure."
"And the bad…?" Sasuke mumbled, staring at the person who was handling Sakura.
"Well…it might take some time."
"Like…years…?" Naruto questioned in suspense.
"Y-yes, but it may take weeks or months. Her head injury will heal up, but if you want to give it a good 50 that her memories will come back within this year…probably try and take her to familiar places…events, people, feelings. That kind of stuff," he pushed his glasses up from the nose, "but I can't guarantee you that it will most likely work. In my hand though, it has to other patients."
They all sighed, each one worrying about Sakura's care. "Do you know…what she has forgotten…?"
'Mou, Kakashi-sensei asks the stupidest questions,' Naruto narrowed his eyes in a disappointed pout.
The doctor turned to the person who asked the question; "Well…Kakashi-san, by my guess…I think she has forgotten everything. The head injury was pretty…painful in her experience, especially when it hit critically. I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't even know her name."
"Poor Sakura-chan…" Naruto gloomed. "Can I…we go in and see her…?" He wanted to see Sakura for him self, maybe alone to try and make-er, help her remember who he was. He was sad that the girl didn't remember anything, so his new goal was to have her get familiar with him again. 'Hey! I have a good idea…if I can get close to Sakura now; maybe she'll like me more than when she had her memories! Because she's forgotten about Sasuke…'
Lee, as well was thinking the same thing, "Yes, can we go see Sakura?"
"Not now…she hasn't woken yet. If you really want to see her, the hospital visiting hours open at 8 A.M., so come by then, and hopefully she'll also be awake."
Tsunade thanked the medical-nin, "Thank you…hopefully that girl will be alright. Let's go and not be bothersome."
"Your right, c'mon Lee!" Gai didn't need to pull on the boy as he followed obediently. Unlike the blonde boy, who was dragged out of the hospital by Kakashi. "You know Naruto; I won't find it surprising that Sakura will remember you. You're so loud!"
"Aww…Kakashi-sensei, was that a compliment?" Uzumaki Naruto grinned, giving his teacher the peace sign. "I can't wait to visit Sakura-chan tomorrow!"
The silver-Jounin eyed the other team mate. "I haven't heard you say anything Sasuke, deep in thought eh?"
Naruto scolded as Kakashi spoke with his enemy. 'I'm partly glad that Sakura lost her memory…then she won't remember the painful times she had with Sasuke.'
"No…" The Uchiha boy muttered, "Just don't feel like talking."
'She was fine when I last saw her…her smile, her words…' When you last saw her, you told her you would finally open up to her…" Sasuke shook his head, 'I don't understand why this had to happen. Was it on purpose or faith…? Now that she's lost her memory, I doubt she'll be able to remember me right away. And I could tell what Lee and Naruto were thinking about back there…' "Are you jealous…Uchiha Sasuke…?" The inner voice chuckled dryly, which made Sasuke roll his eyes to himself. 'No…' The remark was unsure…very unsure.
He was then distracted with the conversation Kakashi-sensei was having with the annoying dobe, Naruto.
"-so Kakashi-sensei's not going to visit Sakura-chan tomorrow…?"
"Sadly, I have to meet up with Hokage-sama. I'll try and visit Sakura whenever I have time; things have come up since Sasuke has come back. Hopefully you'll take care of Sakura for me, alright? She may need help getting quick reviews about jutsus and shinobi rules. Surely that won't be hard because she's a smart girl…if you can't do it; I'll leave it to Sasuke."
"No-no! I can…do it!"
Sasuke quickly walked up, pacing up with the rest of the group. "Naruto, teach? You have to be kidding Sensei. Don't worry, I'll teach Sakura…surely she'll remember how to hold a kunai and shuriken." He was pleased with the remark as he stuffed his hands in his pocket.
"But Kakashi-sensei, I don't think Sasuke would be able to physically teach Sakura-chan 'til she's fully healed ne?" Naruto smirked as he argued back. 'No way am I letting you get a chance with Sakura-chan!'
'Naruto is still immature as ever. Foolish counter when he doesn't want me to be near Sakura. Heh, lets see what Kakashi will say.'
The older man just walked ahead casually, "Well, I can't really argue back on any of that. All I can say is, whenever the medical-nin says Sakura is healthy again…then Sasuke will teach her." He stretched the boy's name, having the fox-boy recognize it. 'I will…make sure that whatever I do; I won't feel guilty about my decision.' He didn't want what Sakura did the past few years to be in vain…nor could he forget the words she had said to him days ago.
"Her tears will continue falling…because at a point, she will regain her memories…so it's not worth changing destiny now with a mere change of plans." He nodded, 'Sakura will surely have after-emotions whenever she remembers again. But…this is a perfect timing for Sasuke to start over with her.'
---
"Omigod, seriously? Poor Sakura…" Ino gasped as she plucked the flowers back in there belonging vases. "What happened?" It was the usual gossip between girls…even each team had a girl who knew everything about other people. TenTen…Ino…Sakura…even Hinata…although she never really gossiped…the Hyuuga girl did listen to such news.
"Well…what I heard was that she was in her 'depressing' mood again…crying all over the place. Someone said they saw Sasuke-kun and Lee too. After that, I think someone fought…" A girl (OC) stated, and then whispered: "I bet it was Sakura and Sasuke. He probably said no to her again…she's so persistent about asking him out!"
'But you don't know what she's gone through…' Ino sighed in the inside, 'and this is all untrue…Lee-san told me what really happened.' Although Ino knew, she didn't want to really say anything. 'Let's see how far your lies go…'
"Anyways…" Her black hair draped over her shoulders, and she smiled. "What I think is that she lost the fight, and got injured. I won't believe that Sasuke-kun would really hurt her…but who knows Sakura? I would hurt her too because she's so annoying…always chasing after Sasuke-kun 'n stuff. Maybe he accidentally hit her on the head and that's why she has amnesia! Though no one wants to blame it on Sasuke-kun so they took it on that dumb ass shinobi, which I would too 'cause who would want to get Sasuke-kun in trouble?" The girl gave a dreamy smile and sighed heavenly.
"Hey…do you love Sasuke-kun?" Ino asked her friend. The girl was finished with her rumor and was picking out roses. While pointing at a pink one, she laughed. "Are you kidding? Of course I love Sasuke! He's so hot!"
'So she only cares about his appearance…figures.' Ino snickered, "I thought so."
"Eh?" It was the other girl's turn to raise an eye brow. The customer waited for Ino to wrap the roses up, but Ino began to take her time. "Hey, pink ribbon, alright?" The girl commanded, "Pink's my color…fits my green eyes, don't they?"
"If I haven't mistaken, one time…Sakura bought a pink ribbon and she said the same thing…but you said pink didn't match with green…that's why you always made fun of her hair…and forehead, huh?" The blonde Chuunin had cornered the brat then. "Were you jealous of Sakura?"
"Me…? Jealous of Haruno Sakura? No way!" 'Everyone seems to be lying a lot these days,' Ino shrugged, "if you say so. Here are your roses wrapped in pink ribbons, hopefully you'll see what I mean. Bye-bye!" She waved the girl off eagerly.
As the black-haired kunoichi frowned and walked out of the store, someone appeared behind the shelf of flowers. "I see you and that Haruno girl have gotten on good sides again...huh?" Shikamaru smirked, walking to the counter casually. Ino rolled her eyes, tapping the pen against her cheek. "Oh, it's you Shikamaru." She was happy inside that he came, but it wasn't like she was going to show him. He would surely say: "Girl's are so bothersome with their emotional behaviors."
He pulled a stool out and sat in front on Ino, the desk between them. She was sitting behind the register and the girl teased him. "So, are you here to buy flowers…hm?"
She didn't expect him to nod. 'So he is huh? But for whom…'
"Oh no, is our dear PMS Ino jealous…?" The genius boy smirked slightly in his own way. It was funny to see his girlfriend jealous…one thing was because it was so easy to tell. Her eyes always dimmed, as if she was thinking of whom the girl was and her face always gave that 'What the heck' look.
Yamanaka Ino poked his cheek, "So who is she? Spit it." The girl's eyes had flatly looked at him, waiting for the answer.
"You see…It's not practically from me…"
'There he is away from the answer. Just because he's smart doesn't mean I'm dumb, hmph!'
"C'mon Shika-kun!"
"Alright, alright. Uchiha boy wanted me to buy flowers for him so he take it to Haruno." Finally, he admitted his scheme. Ino just giggled, with that expression which worried the first Chuunin. "Something makes me feel uncomfortable…Ino…"
"Aww…Shika-kun! Don't give me that look…I'm just finding it cute that finally Sasuke-kun does something nice for a change. I wish a certain someone here would do that same for me…" The shinobi girl looked at Shikamaru and gave him a cute pout. "How come Shika-kun does other people favors but not miiine?"
The boy sweat dropped, "Girls are so troublesome."
---
"Damn that Nara…" Sasuke groaned as he waited in front of the hospital for Shikamaru. He just asked for a favor, and that was to get flowers. He would've done that personally…but it wasn't like him. And also, Ino would probably act all girlish about him getting flowers. Having Shikamaru Ino's boyfriend, Sasuke had thought it would be easier for him to get flowers…seeing that he had to have experience now. But god dammit, the boy was already 20 minutes late.
"Good morning Sasuke-kun!" A girl chirped from behind.
'Uh-oh…'
Onyx eyes turned around to stare at two other pairs of eyes. "Nara…Yamanaka…"
"Sasuke-kun! You can just call me Ino…or Ino-chan, 'kay?" The leaf shinobi grinned at him, waving with one hand, other hand slinging over Shikamaru's shoulder. "We brought the flowers for you! Personally, I came along to check on Sakura-chan too."
'Great…'
"Hey, Uchiha, not my fault at all. Told ya girls are bothersome…and this one just had to be a bit more packed." After that came out of his mouth, Ino punched the side of his head. "Ow…sorry Ino…couldn't help it." The lazy slacker rubbed his bruised head, groaning in pain. While doing so, Sasuke walked towards him and took…more like snatched the bouquet of flowers…probably mumbling a 'thanks' and walked up to Sakura's assigned medical room.
"Eh!" Ino called out, and then dragged the lazy boy with her as they followed along Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun, please slow down. Shikamaru, can't you move your legs? You're so slow!" She frowned as he still didn't obey her and she pulled him up the stairs further. "We're gonna miss him if we're going at this pace!"
"It's not like we can't ask a nurse on which room she's in…" Shikamaru retorted. "Hey! Ow…" Another hit was inflicted on him and Ino marched on, this time without him. "Boy's are so troublesome."
'That damn Ino," he groaned. "Maybe she should've given Uchiha time to himself with that girl…always spoiling people…that's Yamanaka Ino to you…" And again, he rubbed his head. "I swear…her socks are getting harder and tougher."
"I can hear you Shikamaru!" She yelled from the top of the stairs. The loud voice made him wince but he stood up and dragged his body up the stairs. "I don't know how I ever liked her," he mumbled. "…but I can't help it, eh?" It made him…filled just to see her everyday. Although they were the abusive…arguing…grouchy…typical couple, they loved each other their own way.
As he appeared up the stair way, he heard Sakura's voice and also Ino's loud one. "Sakura-chan! You woke up, ne? That's great…!" She glomped the other girl and squealed, "It's so good to see you alright!"
"Um…" the patient murmured, "you are…?"
"Oh yeah…you lost your memory, right? Let's see…I'm your best-friend, Yamanaka Ino-chan! And this is my boyfriend," Ino slurred the last word. "Nara Shikamaru, and over there is Mr. Grouchy, Uchiha Sasuke."
"…Uchiha Sasuke…"
"Did you say something Sakura-chan?" The blonde tilted her head, and Sakura shook her head. "Oh…no, just thinking about things…the name, Sasuke seemed…familiar, that's all."
The raven-haired boy leaning against the wall raised an eyebrow, "Eh?"
"Y-Yeah…but I'm not really sure. I don't remember anything…but from what you have said my names Sakura…right?"
Her best-friend pulled a smile and nodded, "Yeah…Haruno, Sakura. Matches your eyes and hair, ne? Oh yeah…probably forgot what you looked like. Here," Ino took out a mirror from her purse; handing it to the other female. "We also brought you pink roses, as a 'get well present'. Or…Sasuke-kun got you the flowers," Ino smirked, "isn't it sweet of him? He's so cold…I would've never figured out he was able to give other people flowers."
"Oh shut up Ino." Sasuke muttered and crossed his hand across his chest, "Kakashi-sensei said that when you get well, I'll teach you a few things about being a shinobi. Most likely you'll be able to remember, so it won't be too hard until your memories return to you."
"Really…couldn't she just lay down there and wait for the day her memories come back naturally?" Shikamaru advised, "would be easier and she wouldn't need to do anything…"
"Shikamaru!" Ino sweat dropped, and then hit him on the head. "It'll take longer…we have to make the best of it for Sakura…lying in bed all day won't help at all!"
"Trying won't hurt…"
"But still! That's not trying though!"
Sakura just stared at the couple in amazement, whispering under her breath, "Are they always like that?"
Sasuke smirked, "Always."
'I don't know who he is…but he looks so handsome…' Sakura blushed, as he answered to her question. His name was so familiar…and when she had repeated the boy's name…it had seemed like she had said it a thousand times before. 'His face is so familiar too…'
"Sakura…?" Sasuke muttered, seeing she seemed to be deep in thought. Ino and Shikamaru didn't really pay attention as they both were arguing about the dumbest thing. From getting to one topic to the next, practically dragging people's name in the conversation as well; "It isn't my fault I liked Sasuke-kun so long! It was your fault that you thought girls were so troublesome!" "-But girls ARE troublesome, they won't stop being stubborn and admit it." Ino was yelling against the calm toned Shikamaru…causing his girlfriend to get more irritated.
"Let's leave them alone…I feel like going outside…" Sakura mumbled, trying to not glance at Sasuke.
"Alright…think you can get up?"
"Y-yeah…" the kunoichi nodded and pulled her body up, walking quietly out the door with Sasuke in front of her. The couple continued to blow their cover as the other two disappeared outside.
"You know, usually you would be annoyed when Shikamaru and Ino were together…saying 'they are so loud' or 'they weren't meant to be'. Then again…" He twitched, "You said those two years ago…so I wouldn't know much now."
"Eh? Well, they seem cute together. It must be because they don't get along but always find a way to speak with one another…it might be a way of them showing their feelings. And Ino-chan seemed really positive when she told me Shikamaru was her boyfriend." The girl giggled, "It's sad that I lost my memory. I wonder if I have a boyfriend…or someone I love."
He stared at the girl before him as she walked around a cherry blossom tree. "I…don't know, maybe you did have someone you loved…"
"Eh? So…how well do you know me…Sasuke?" 'I wonder if we were close…or something. I doubt it though, seeing how he seems uncomfortable being around me. Did something happen before I lost my memory?'
'How well do I know her…?' The Uchiha pondered a bit. "I…don't know."
"Are we close…?"
'She's asking…questions I don't know how to respond.' Sasuke sighed, "Y-yeah…I guess we are." It never occurred to him that Sakura was ever close to him. But what happened a few days now, he wasn't sure if their status remained the same or not. The only thing was; Sasuke knew that he needed Haruno Sakura…because she was most likely the only person that was left in this world that understood him and would do anything for him.
Uchiha Sasuke had always focused on being a shinobi, and focusing on killing Itachi…so he was never the type to experience 'love' or any of that emotion concern…as well as jealousy, or comfort. Sure…he had plenty from Ino and Sakura…but maybe this time, he would give Sakura…the new Sakura…and himself a chance on going through this course of life. It was really a rarity…that Sasuke was finally opening up. Things just…didn't feel right when he had came back. Itachi was gone…now what? That was what he had always wondered… 'I guess its something that girl will teach me…' He stared at the pink kunoichi.
To be Continued…
Author's Note: To me, I guess this chapter was a bit more ShikaIno. Though it was really cute, ne? I put it a bit SasuSaku at the end because I wanted to let the readers ponder on what would happen to Sasuke without having him getting too OOC. In some non-AU stories, a lot of characters had put him too 'cold – emotionless' or too 'carefree – attacking Naruto type' person. I just want him to be based on the manga, which his personality is slightly different from the anime. At times he can be a sore-jerk but that's just him when he was focusing on killing Itachi. Things are different now, so what'll he do? Tune up to the next Chapter Reviewers!
Chapter Preview: "Look. How long are you going to continue to act like a 'touch-little-boy' Sasuke?" The teacher was running out of patient as he pushed his student against the tree trunk, gripping on the boy's shirt collar with irritation. "Give it up Uchiha, you should know better that Itachi is dead, Sakura is in a serious position right now with her memories gone. I thought you would change – for her."