Disclaimer: Yes, I don't own Naruto. But I do love him a lot. Does that count for anything?
A/N: Wow! I haven't updated in over two weeks! I am really, really sorry. I did have a week off...but I chose to hang out with my friends and not write until the end of the week...so I present to you, this 18 page chapter. I hope this makes up for loss of time. I love writing, so tell me what you think of this chapter with a review :D! I'll probably make future chapters this length as well, like I said, I love writing...so I don't mind. Well, thank you again for the reviews! I really, really, really, appreciate them. Ja! ;)
EDIT: I know this is hard to follow, since the relationship between Naruto and Sakura, and Sakura and Sasuke don't seem to even work...but one of them will, I assure you. :) It is, a romance/angst fic after all. And I hope I've covered that in my previous chapters, and this one most definitely. Also, I hope you don't mind that all these chapters weren't exactly in my summary...but you need lots of events to happen before...that. So anyway...if anyone bothered to read this, thank you! Enjoy now! x3
Silent Tears
Chapter 3: The Mission Begins
--
It was her. The girl who constantly turned his sanity into a living hell. He couldn't even think straight when she was within a few feet of him. Annoyance etched his features when Naruto whispered something inaudible to anyone but her. Her laugh was delicate; her shoulders lifting in delight. Sasuke found himself glowering, angered by Naruto's ability to engender bliss. Like hell Sasuke would be able to accomplish such a task. Heck, he couldn't even make himself smile, let alone laugh.
"Damn shit…" He muttered, content with the solitude his position allowed him. Yet, his mind was disagreeing with him unconditionally as he heatedly glared at the scene in front of him. He hated when Sakura talked to Naruto; how the blonde purposely walked closely to her, their shoulders brushing every now and then. Even Naruto's hand seemed to fall closer to hers with every stride he took. Sasuke's eyes darkened when he saw Naruto's head tilt sideways, obviously about to speak.
"Sakura-chan…can you do me a favor?" Naruto was grinning foolishly, edging her on with his blue pools. That was the one place the kunoichi found truly remarkable, holding masses of emotion she could easily lose herself in. The complete opposite of Sasuke; it was somewhat strange since both of them had a similar past. Trailing behind was the apathetic one; Sakura stole a glance at him. Her heart clenched when two, impassive, obsidian eyes stared directly back at her. Oh God, he's looking right at me! She assessed this nervously, unable to break the contact. She willed her body, but her mind was having inner turmoil. It was forcing words into her mouth, gradually parting her lips. here….you're falling behind…"
"Ehhh! Sakura-chaaaan I asked you something! And besides, Sasuke-teme's supposed to be behind us!" Naruto whined, inwardly knowing he'd already lost his chance to speak with her for the time being. Why does he have to mess everything up! I HATE HIM! Naruto's mind was raging, concocting numerous ways to disembody his raven-haired friend.
Naruto's so-called 'friend' eyed Sakura, his eyes softening involuntarily at her request. In actuality, he had wanted to walk with them, unknowingly cursing Shikamaru for the way he assigned their positions. Though his mind disturbed him when he concluded feeling moderately inferior to Naruto; becoming furious at the very thought. The inadequacy was driven by the very emotions he did not wish to possess. Those feelings that were surfacing, threatening to drive him insane; impaired his normal judgment. He needed to suppress them before things got out of hand; he hated loss of control. The thought of pleasing Sakura disgusted him momentarily, as he was almost tempted to say no. He wasn't supposed to care about her at all! But something was silently screaming for him to agree with her; his own morals forgotten.
"Sakura-chaaaan! Look, he doesn't-"
"Okay," Sasuke muttered, though loud enough for the two shinobi stopped before him to hear. The statement left the blonde's jaw open, his mind failing to process Sasuke's current behavior.
"H-Huh?" His confusion was met with an approaching cold glare, the possessor obviously not noticing or caring for the look Naruto held. "B-But-but he's supposed to stay in the back! Sasuke-teme stay where-"
"Naruto-kun…" It only took one utterance of her voice to clamp his mouth shut, abhorring the figure coming closer with every leisured step. That bastard thinks he's so damn cool, he inwardly thought. I'll kick his ass back into his cold face. If…that's even possible, he stated as an afterthought.
Sakura hid her blush pitifully as Sasuke neared, falling in step between her and the pissed off Naruto. The awkward silence that followed settled within the heavy air, drawing in a tense atmosphere for the trio. The kunoichi's mind was blaring, unbidden questions intimidating her mouth to spill from her lips. She hastily bit her tongue as to prevent further outbursts emanating from within. One question hung itself deeper in her curiosity, pounding her head for the reason it had happened. Why did Sasuke listen to her? He…he was acting completely different, she thought apprehensively. I wonder if he's feeling okay…maybe he's just excited he gets to come along on this mission? Yeah, that's probably the logical assumption.
"So Sakura-chan! About that favor I was gunna ask you before Sasuke-teme came and interrupted me!" Naruto was leaning slightly forward, staring at the roseate-haired girl who mirrored his body language. Her brows were slightly raised as her emerald orbs peered at him in question.
"Hai, Naruto-kun?"
"Well, for starters I-!"
"Dobe shut up."
"W-What! What the hell! Don't tell me to shut up you bastard!" Naruto's patience was long diminished and he already felt the need to use his fists, instead of merely yelling at the frustratingly annoying boy beside him.
"I just did."
"Why you-!" A fist sprang into action but was quickly caught by the wrist; obviously the blonde's idea wasn't full-proof. Sasuke held Naruto's pathetic attempt to hit him tightly, smirking at the cold look he was receiving. The silence stretched on, Naruto only becoming more furious at his feeble attempts to free his hand from his adversary's grasp. He was the Chuunin for God's sake, not Sasuke! And a good one at that! "KUSO! Sasuke, let go of me!" He brought his other hand forward, swinging it dangerously close to the Uchiha prodigy's face. Again it was caught with a swift reflex, both Naruto's wrists held captive.
"…..." Sasuke looked bored, his eyes noiselessly speaking the infamous word he referred to Naruto with.
"ARRG! SASUKE-TEME GET THE HELL OFF ME!" He relentlessly rotated his hands, feverishly trying hard as hell to free himself. Luck was obviously not on his side at that moment.
Sasuke scowled in disgust as drops of saliva decorated his fair skin. "Stop spitting on me, baka!" His tone of voice raised slightly, ignoring the obvious behavior change in his usual composure.
Naruto grinned mischievously as the disgusted boy aside him had no free hands to rid his face of the substance. He leaned closer, aggravating the appalled boy even further. "I'm NOT!" The emphasis on his statement caused many more grotesque facial expressions.
Sakura, on the other hand, did not possess such a face; it was instead etched with worry. She was silently musing why the two were constantly in conflict at nothing. It really was something essential to concern herself with; if the two didn't start cooperating with each other, their mission was going to be disastrous. She inwardly cringed; it's not like her and Sasuke were on mutual terms either. "Um, guys….please…just stop…" She whispered, though it seemed futile; the pair was not listening to her at all.
Onyx eyes bore into deep blue orbs, the cold glare they were exchanging becoming that much more heated. Instantaneously the grip on Naruto's wrists tightened painfully, an averse gasp passing his lips. Kuso, he thought bitterly. He's making me look weak! In front of Sakura too!
"…Shove…OFF!" Naruto characteristically yelled while vigorously lifting his left leg, ready to smash Sasuke's thigh. Of course, he miscalculated his enemy's knowledge of the situation and was easily blocked by the very body part he aimed to hit. He glowered. "SASUKE-TEME! GET THE HELL OFF ME BEFORE I GIVE YOU SOME SPIT TO CHOKE ON!"
Sasuke seemed amused at Naruto's bold declaration, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "Oh really?"
"YEAH! I'LL JUST SHOVE…my…" Naruto trailed off his shouting, pondering agitatedly what he could say. SHIT, he screamed in his head.
"Your what?"
"Oh for the…just…OH SHUT IT! I'LL GET MY MOUTH FULL OF SPIT AND JUST PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH-" Whoa, that didn't sound as reasonable as it did in his head just seconds before. What the hell! That almost sounded like he wanted to…kiss….Sasuke. Naruto's eyes widened in realization as he presented a strangled sound.
"What are you three doing?" Shikamaru was giving them a dry look from afar, irritated at their lack of dedication to start the mission. It had been what, ten minutes? They were already bothering him and he honestly didn't feel like doing the mission either. But to the Godaime, it was evidently important. "We're on a mission! Geez, you're all so troublesome! Hurry up and get back in your positions! Stop bickering like you're still Genins!"
"S-Sorry Shikamaru. They were….I-I was….um…we're coming!" Sakura was stuttering with her words pathetically, trying as best she could to look convincing thereafter. The way in which she presented herself must have charmed the two brunette shinobi; they continued walking as if the situation had not ensued. Sakura eyed them wondrously before turning her attention back on her stubborn accomplices. They were still screaming obscenities at each other; at least Naruto was anyway.
"LET ME GO YOU STUPID BASTARD!"
"Are you going to threaten me with your saliva again if I don't comply?" Sasuke retorted, watching an unbidden blush tint Naruto's cheeks a healthy rose.
"S-Shut it! I'll shove my foot so deep up your ass you'll beg me t-…to.." Why did everything he say have to come out all wrong? He silently asked himself this as well as why the threats he made were so unreasonable and why they were always cached with stupidity? That was certainly a good question.
Sasuke was watching the blonde, his eyes unreadable. That dobe, he thought. He disgusts me. I'll put him in his place. The ninja's mind echoed numerous threats but only one seemed suitable for the current scenario. He used both legs to successfully trip Naruto, sending the boy sprawling backwards. Sasuke then took the liberty of slamming his body forward, the result of knocking his rival squarely to the ground. Naruto gritted his teeth as he found himself pinned to the ground, the raven-haired shinobi hovering over him with a newly formed smirk on his lips.
"….get…the hell….OFF ME YOU DICK!" Naruto yelled heatedly, slanting his azure orbs as the opposing figure's smirk only grew more spiteful. Sasuke's body leaned closer as the grip around Naruto's wrists tightened once more. The captive winced and he widened his eyes when his vision was obscured by black hair. He felt warm breath against his ear, causing his body to shiver involuntarily.
Sasuke's lips were inches from Naruto's ear when he allowed himself to finally speak. "She doesn't like you…give up." His voice was a mere whisper and he lingered a few more moments before picking himself up, kneeing Naruto in the process. Said boy gagged for air and clutched his stomach pitifully, curling himself into a feeble position. Why'd he do that…why'd he…say that? Naruto's thoughts weren't resolved as he was left to fend for himself. The impact on his stomach hadn't wounded him as much as his heart had.
"Naruto-kun!" Sakura cried loudly. She dashed forward, only to barely miss colliding with another figure. She instantly shot her hands out, resting them hesitantly against the black cloth the individual wore.
"Come, Sakura." She knew that voice distinctly and was almost tempted to look up. Instead, she allowed her body to lean askew, eying the fallen boy a few feet from them.
"Bu-!"
Sasuke growled. "He doesn't need your help to get up." Irritated, he roughly took her hands off him and pulled on her arm, ignoring the tentative steps she was carrying as they moved forward. He released his grip after a few seconds and continued walking beside the pink-haired kunoichi. Now Naruto would start believing what he had recently just said, and for some ingenuous reason to him, he was quite pleased. He then smiled maliciously to himself; Sakura clearly still liked him better than the blonde.
"Um…Sasuke-kun?" Said shinobi allowed his eyes to meet jade orbs, a questioning look in them. "…Why…? Why are we leaving Naruto-kun? He…he's part of the team….our team." There was something in her sentence that angered Sasuke; maybe it was the fact that she was talking about Naruto and adding the suffix exactly like how his name escaped her lips. Or maybe just the fact that he had dragged her away from Naruto, and how his composure was starting to wane precariously. Or really, maybe it was the fact that she said "our team".
"What does it matter?" He asked coldly, his eyes narrowing at her innocent inquisition.
"Well…I mean…" She trailed off, sensing his presence approaching them slowly. Her heart suddenly clenched painfully, traces of betrayal amid her conscience. Why hadn't she listened to her heart rather than listening to the boy she knew didn't care about Naruto? Sure he did indiscreetly, but the way he was acting now? It was almost as if he was fighting something much more deeper than just Naruto's physical vigor. Her thoughts were befuddling, consuming her consciousness to blatantly leave her shocked when she felt something warm surround her body. A gasp escaped her; suddenly she was crushed against it. Jade eyes widened in response to the husky voice entering her ear.
"….Why….did you leave me….Sakura-chan…? Did…that kiss….everything we've been through….you and me….was it all….a lie…?" His voice was entirely monotonous, passion no longer present. As it penetrated her mind, her heart, it made her want to crawl back into her skin. Her stomach was wishing for her to vomit. All her insides threaded into an unattainable knot; she could no longer think coherently. As her slender form was gripped tighter, she felt a slight whimper graze her face. The warm breath startled her, sending numerous chills up and down her spine. She was utterly speechless; nothing promising formed in her mind to reply to him. The guilt on her conscience was immense, causing her head to literally go insane. Not once was she completely caught off guard with not even a thought of what to say present.
"…….."
Dumbfounded, Sasuke watched Naruto embrace the kunoichi even closer, an unfamiliar emotion squeezing at his heart. He's whispering something to her, the raven-haired shinobi mentally gathered. What the hell could he be whispering to her? I just told him Sakura didn't like him anymore, and she even proved it herself by following me! But…she's just standing there now, letting him hug her. Why…am I…why do I even….care?
"…Sakura-chan….why don't you…talk to me….? I…miss your….voice." The blonde's whisper was gentle, his lips moderately abrading her ear. It was hard for Sakura to speak when she was choking on the numerous butterflies inhabiting her throat, but she somehow forced a strangled word despite her previous hesitance.
"N-Na-ruto-kun….?"
"….Is it true…?"
Sakura's brows furrowed slightly, confused entirely at his question. "I-Is what…true?"
"What Sasuke…said."
"I…I don't know…w-what did he say…?" Sasuke said something to Naruto about her? Sakura could feel her heart quickening at the very thought, but she wasn't supposed to be thinking about Sasuke…was she? Didn't you hear Naruto, she asked herself incredulously. Listen to his voice, listen to how hurt he sounds! Her conscience was now seizing her mind, flashing painful images of how upset Naruto must have been. She inwardly died as a voice within asked it's own harsh, realistic inquisition. Do you see what you've done to him; how you've killed him?
"……" Naruto's façade was beginning to wane; the question left him wordless. No matter how many times he parted his lips to speak, only a release of tense air found its way out. How was he supposed to tell her what Sasuke said? How hurtful that statement had been. It punctured his heart in one too many places, and he no longer felt it beating as it normally did. The bleeding was internal; he felt the wound deeper than any particular knife could incise. And as abruptly as he had embraced her, he let her go; empty azure orbs avoiding her bewildered emerald pools. His body left her warmth; and though cold and lonely, he could still feel her against him, feel her heat.
"…N-Naruto-kun!" Sakura unconsciously shouted, pivoting on her heel to see Naruto's retreating form. She hastily threw her feet forward, desperately trying to reach his side. "P-Please….! I..I want…" She ceased her movements when she was completely ignored.
"Sakura," Sasuke started coldly, "move; you're in my way." He watched unceremoniously as the roseate-haired girl stumbled ahead, remembering she was supposed to have been beside Naruto. The Uchiha couldn't help but feel anger surge through his veins; she didn't even look at him. Oh how that infuriated him. He scowled to himself, narrowing his eyes at the pair of friends.
"….Na-" She fell silent, finally understanding Naruto's logic; he wanted to be left alone, and she couldn't blame him. She was the object of his pain, the cause of his mental breakdown; and she deserved the ignoring. But that didn't stop the resulting miserable feelings settling inside her.
Walking ahead of them, two oblivious shinobi continued their fundamental chatter. If, that's what you call complete silence and the occasional grunt or nod to a one-worded question.
"Anything?" Shikamaru asked half-heartedly, lazily turning his head towards Neji. The brunette grunted in the negative as Shikamaru sighed, his mind repeating how troublesome and pointless this entire routine was. He must have asked the genius over a dozen times; completely out of boredom. He silently mused how many times he'd ask that question again before something worth while arrived; but what if something never did? "Kuso…this is too troublesome," He muttered more to himself than toward the equally annoyed shinobi beside him.
"Shikamaru, should we not pick up our pace? We won't reach The Village Of The Sound for another day if we continue at this preposterous speed."
"…Yeah you're right," The Chuunin leader agreed, turning his head to inform the others of their discussion. "OI! Pick up the pace! We can't afford anymore time wasted!"
"……." Silence answered him effectively.
"OI!" Shikamaru's last patience escaped him with his final shout, leaving nothing but aggravation to caress his features. He must have caught their attention when Sakura trembled in shock, allowing her widened eyes to make contact with his ebony pools. She nodded meekly, obviously speaking for everyone who couldn't care less about what their leader had to say. That pissed the said leader off, a lot. "NARUTO! SASUKE!"
"S-Shikamaru! We'll pick up the pace, just start off the speed…please." Sakura interjected his harsh command with her innocence and he simply nodded after a few seconds, turning himself forward again. He broke into a run; Neji alongside of him with their feet striding in unison.
"Come on…Naruto-kun. We-!" The kunoichi's words were swallowed back into her throat when the blonde Chuunin sprinted forward, a broken friend befitted in his wake. She watched him leave her behind; and though she knew she was expected to follow suit, she found it nearly impossible to even breathe. He hates me, her mind concluded. He really, really, hates me.
"Sakura…" She was torn from her thoughts when she heard a voice adjacent to her. She turned towards the source and wasn't surprised when two onyx eyes peered down at her. Something demanded her speech, but she refused the natural desire of talking to Sasuke; she needed to talk to someone else, she needed to see someone else. At that moment, all her mind was screaming of, was thinking of, was Naruto; Sasuke disappeared from her thoughts.
"Sasuke-kun…h-he hates me….because….because of you!" Tears pooled in her emerald depths, but she fiercely held them back. The words reverberated in her soul; she inwardly cringed as Sasuke's expression turned to one of shock. Roseate hair spilled over her moist eyes while she threw her body past him. The pink strands acted as a shield, blinding herself from the ever stunned boy falling even more behind than they both already were. She couldn't deal with his cold demeanor now; it was the least of her rising problems.
Sasuke was stolid, unmoving even as the distance concerning the girl and himself increased; he was completely taken aback. Did he hear her correctly, or was there something inhabiting his ears? She said Naruto hates her because of me, he thought impassively. Oh whatever…at least I won't hear her annoying voice anymore. But the more he thought about what she said, the more his indifference cracked. He was angry. Why was he angry? He didn't care. He was still angry.
Infuriated, Sasuke lurched foreword, successfully reaching his team within seconds of his sprinting. There was not a single thing to alleviate his mind; not even watching his brother die all over again could effectively change his mood. Not that he'd want to anyway. Why is Sakura acting like this to me? Why is she choosing Naruto over me? What the hell is going on? Sasuke's thought process was irrational, asking questions he already knew each answer to. Dangerous obsidian orbs eyed Sakura, not failing to notice the intensity of her uneasiness as she caught up with the blonde-haired shinobi; Sasuke's idiotic rival.
The tense atmosphere between them was unnerving; Sakura couldn't look at Naruto without feeling guilty again ten times over. She observed him silently, wishing she could speak to him; but he would only ignore her further. I don't want him to hate me, she told herself sorrowfully. The unshed tears finally clawed her eyes shut, the salty liquid escaping their prison underneath her lids. She was crying out of frustration, out of shame, out of everything she couldn't mend; she did all the damage. It was her who caused Naruto's pain, her who caused Sasuke to become angry; she was always, always a nuisance. Even she agreed with the concept. How could it be wrong? It didn't matter how hard she had trained herself in the past three years, how desperate she had been to become stronger. It had all been wasted determination. Wasted energy. Wasted time. What was it for if she couldn't even protect the ones she loved from herself? Naruto was oblivious to Sakura's inner turmoil, not even aware of the numerous tears visibly cascading down her flushed cheeks. If there was any other time to be unobservant, his roseate-haired friend would have wished for the heavens it hadn't been this time. Although she was sure he hadn't seen her tears, she furiously wiped them from her face. Why had she allowed herself to cry? When had she allowed herself to become so weak again; so quickly?
The object of Sakura's restless thoughts was residing within his own mind; fighting an inner battle neither side could win. Words echoed painfully against his head, the throbbing sensation leaving Naruto a dreadful headache. I want to talk to Sakura-chan…but I don't know what to say. I don't want her to tell me how much she loves….Sasuke. The sentence felt like poison in his mind, slowly torturing his insides until they bled uncontrollably; his heart especially. I don't want to hear the truth. I don't want to be hurt again. Why does everyone hate me? Am I that useless; that pathetic that not even my friends can't withstand speaking to me? Is it some sort of crime to love someone with all your heart…so much that you would give anything up, even your life, for them? Is it wrong to love? For me to love?
"I thought my life had just begun…after I met her…him…now…now it's already over…" The blonde whispered to himself, his eyes melancholic and devoid of the usual fervor. As if reading his inaudible murmuring, Sakura stole a dejected glance at him; her spirit instantly falling faster than gravity when her eyes were met with sapphire. His eyes spoke wonders to her; spilling every emotion he was feeling over a waterfall of raging sorrow. His blonde hair danced about the wind freely, softening his intensified orbs.
"…Naru-…" She dropped her head in realization to his empty gaze; obviously he didn't want to hear her. And if he did tolerate her, what in the world could she possibly say to him to ease his pain? Ease her own pain? Her thoughts continued like that for a full minute before remembering the real Naruto was still in front of her. After she finally had the courage to return her eyes on his, sapphire was no longer in her line of sight. His head was turned away from her, seeming more interested in eyeing the scenery than herself as they sprinted past the extensive forest. Sakura could now feel the emotionally clogged vessels in her heart burst, sending unwanted pain throughout her entire body. She was as good as dead; on the inside.
A little ways behind the mounting apprehension, Sasuke continued to battle his unwanted anger. Unbeknownst to him, he was occupying a certain kunoichi's mind again, but he was too overly infuriated to give a shit or two. Since when did Sakura care so much about Naruto? And were did she get the courage to speak to him so honestly? It was so frank that Sasuke nearly choked on his spit, swallowing back a hidden gasp lurking in his throat, as well as his mind. And maybe even his heart, too. When did he allow such foolish emotions crawl under his skin, straight to his indifference. Why had he let them become acquainted with feelings he no longer rendered. He is Uchiha Sasuke. He was never meant to open his heart again; it was left frozen since that fateful day he had wished to forget. And he had for the most part; the word love was no longer in his vocabulary. But she, Haruno Sakura, was effectively putting him in a situation just as hazardous as what he had witnessed that unpleasant day, eight years prior. And he hated her for that. Hated her so much it was driving him off the edge. But his heart throbbed uncharacteristically when he admitted that to himself. Was he really this senseless? No, he was worse than that. He was insane. And he was almost too preoccupied with his insanity to notice the sudden movement on his left. Almost.
Crimson eyes instantly darted sideways, scanning the area profoundly. His sight dared not a lie as the shifting figure carelessly came closer. Sasuke's Sharingan had yet failed him, and he acted on instincts; dashing forward. Without tearing his mystified orbs from the target of his concern, he alerted the others. "To the left, Hyuuga!"
The pearl-eyed shinobi whisked his head around, his hands already in formation of the necessary seals intended for his bloodline limit. "BYAKUGAN!" Veins pulsated beneath his skin, visibly surfacing from the sockets amid both eyes. Neji instantly felt the presence of chakra as he peered through the thick woods; he extended his foresight slightly. Whatever it was, was straight ahead of them. "Follow me," the brunette instructed calmly, running through the thicket of trees without even a second glance to confirm his command. Shikamaru was right behind him, keeping chocolate eyes peeled for anything else opposing their intentions. The distance from their assigned route increased and even the indolent Shikamaru was having a difficult time controlling his lost patience.
"Kuso! Where is the damn thing!"
"Let's assume there is more than one. The chakra I sense is too great for merely one since the speed in which he travels is unfit. It should be lower."
"So that means these guys are weak?" Shikamaru asked, glaring heatedly at the unseen presences running in front of them.
Neji moderately shook his head in disagreement. "No," He stated easily, then added after a moment, "Be cautious, Shikamaru."
The entire conversation discussed between the leading shinobi went unheard to the other three, purposefully trailing behind. Well, at least Sakura was. Her mind was wholly occupied, the occupant being a certain individual that she had hurt unwillingly. Emerald eyes watched the back of his shirt blow roughly against his masculine body; his muscles outlined in perfection. The wind blew his raven hair violently, manipulating the ending strands into a fanatical dance. Her gaze was forced again to his back when she saw a flicker of red; her orbs resting on the fan embellished into the dark fabric delicately. The Uchiha Clan. The symbolic fan never ceased it's pride; the young man wore it pompously. Or was it out of guilt; anger; hurt? The roseate-haired kunoichi felt pity for him once again and within mere seconds, her heart was bawling. It was bamboozle; how could he wear that outfit without feeling upset? Even though he was apathetic to everyone, he couldn't really be like that when he was alone. Didn't he ever think? How can he stand to be solitary; unaccompanied in that cold, depressing house? In the past month, since he had returned, Sakura had made it her goal to visit him at least once every day. The success was astonishing, even he was accepting her company; five minutes of talking everyday before he shut the door in her face muttering something a long the lines of "he had unfinished business". Nonetheless, it had shown her a side of him she never knew he owned. But as the reminiscing was fairly pleasant, the most recent encounter had lodged itself pretty deep in her mind; she was bound to erase all the small smiles he had given her. Especially after the night she could not forget, not ever.
--
"Sasuke-kun! Chutto matte!"
"..." Uchiha Sasuke continued walking, as if he hadn't heard the girl call his name. He didn't intend to talk to anyone; he needed sleep.
A little hurt from the ignoring, Haruno Sakura tried to increase the volume of her voice. "SASUKE-KUN!" Of course, this only angered Sasuke even further.
"What the hell do you want now!" The boy still hadn't ceased his walking, not even caring to look at her broken face. She hesitated a moment before summoning her courage, dashing forward to grab the prodigy's wrist. He angrily turned to face her, his eyes glinting a crimson hue.
"I...I wanted to know if..." She was having a difficult time finishing her sentence, his eyes were icy; terrifying. She dropped his wrist, suddenly afraid.
"WHAT?" The tone of his voice was harsher than he had wanted it to be, but as if he cared she was crying. That's all she freaking did!
"S-Sasuke-kun...I...I just wanted you...to know that...I-I'm here for you...if you ever want someone...to talk to..." Sakura's eyes filled with salty liquid, the tears falling under her thick lashes to her reddened cheeks; finally dripping off her chin. His eyes grew wide for a moment; why in the world would she say that? Then, after a momentary lapse of memories, his eyes instantly darkened. Today was that day. And why the hell did she know! Why did she care so much? To go out of her way to tell him was ludicrous! He would never accept her offer either; he would die before talking to anyone about his problems. He silently swore that to himself several years ago; it only eased his pain anyway. His anger was still present, and he opted to voice his exact thoughts on the matter. He laughed sadistically.
"You? You want to help me? What makes you think I want your help! I'd rather die than talk to anyone, especially you! All you're good at is being weak, if nothing else. Why would I want to talk to someone who can't even help herself?"
"...B-But!" Tears had increased their flow, now forming small rivers down her currently paling cheeks. "I-I don't want to see you alone today! It's horrible and I want-"
"HOW are you supposed to help me when all you keep saying is what YOU want! Why don't you ask me what I want!" His Sharingan was activated, sending unwanted chills into Sakura's trembling body.
"S-Sasuke-kun...I really wished to help you, that's all! I'm your friend-"
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU WANT! AND I SURE AS HELL WOULDN'T CALL YOU A FRIEND FOR WANTING TO PRY INTO MY LIFE! THE ONLY THING I WANT YOU TO KNOW IS THAT I HATE YOU! ALL YOU DO IS ANNOY THE FUCKING CRAP OUT OF ME SO JUST GET THE HELL OUT OF MY FACE! I DON'T WANT TO SHARE ANYTHING WITH YOU! YOU DON'T DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH!" His crimson orbs dilated, the black markings spinning dangerously fast. Sakura held back a few sobs before collapsing into a pitiful heap, no longer able to withstand the immense knife so deep in her heart, that God couldn't even pull it out. He hated her, hated her so much! And he was walking away! His back was turned to her as he swiftly walked away; he didn't care if she was crying. Crying so loud he could still hear her sobs from where he was, at least thirty feet away. But he didn't care. He didn't need to, didn't want to.
"...S-S...Sas...uke...kun..." She closed her eyes as rain began to fall, washing over her like another bloody wound. And both times, she couldn't stop it.
--
Sakura's jade orbs cringed as water tore it's way from tear ducts; a single tear spilling over her cheek. It wasn't the time to be thinking about such crucial things; but that day was unbelievably vivid in her memory, and she had a hard time suppressing it. All she had wanted to do was tell Sasuke she cared about him; that he always had her in case he sought some kind of comfort. Even if he didn't want her, she would still be there. After that argument happened, Sasuke spoke not even one word to her. Naruto had noticed her lack of enthusiasm in everything and he confronted her about it, right in front of Sasuke. And then, not even then, did the Uchiha spare her a glance. She found it sickening and doubled over, but luckily for her, the blonde-haired friend caught her in his arms. He gave her a comforting embrace and whispered soothing words into her ear. She had felt much better after that, and their closeness had fallen back to where it had originally been; before Sasuke's return. Eventually, Sakura was able to tell Naruto what happened a few days after her breakdown. He swore to kill the shinobi, but right after she told him, Sasuke was back to his usual self. Sure, he wasn't Naruto, but his actions and words towards her had changed drastically. Or maybe, just compared to that day. But despite all the pain she went through, before and after his return; there was still something inside her heart, beating painfully everyday. Was it her past feelings still lingering? That stupid crush she'd had for so long? Or was it something more? Could she have been avoiding this for that long? The emotion locked somewhere safely in her heart, that not even she herself was conscious of? Was it really...love?
Sakura's mind replayed her thoughts again, silently wondering if Sasuke had forgotten what he'd said to her. And if he didn't, did he still mean it? Every single word? She sighed inwardly, unaware of the danger lurking around her. She momentarily lifted her eyes from the swirling ground beneath her. She was dizzy. Then her eyes widened in realization to something; she had been so caught up in her mind that she failed to notice her team mates were missing! Oh my God, she thought. Where'd they go! Her eyes darted in every direction imaginable as she stopped her sprinting; it was pointless now. She pivoted on her heel several times before stopping abruptly. They were really gone.
"Naruto-kuuun! Sasuke-kuun! Shika-!" A twig snapped, forcing Sakura to swallow down the remaining words. She whisked her head to the right, allowing her body to mirror the direction and fall into her Taijutsu stance. She threw herself forward, prepared to smash the tree concealing whoever the enemy was. And boy, was he too clever! A ragged breath rendered her speechless when several kunai shot through the bark; her own attempted mission already failed. Without even a second to blink, she was tackled to the ground. Strong arms wrapped around her slender frame and she was completely clueless to the adolescent currently on top of her.
Sasuke buried his face near her shoulder, clutching her tighter against him. The numerous kunai were soaring over their heads at an increased speed. Where the hell were they coming from, Sasuke wondered angrily. His thought process was momentarily interrupted when he felt the girl beneath him stir. It was the first time he noticed their compromising position. Her body was resting in between his legs, fitting against him perfectly. If, that's what he had wanted; which he didn't. He didn't like her. At all.
"...Sasuke-kun...?" Said individual lifted his head from the comfortable position nestled in the crook of her neck. Upon his action, he also noticed the close proximity their faces had developed. He shoved his head back down into her soft hair and ignored her.
"S-Sas...?" Sakura's heart beat erratically; her face covered in a scarlet hue. He was the one on top of her? Why hadn't he removed himself yet? And why were his lips so close to her neck now? So feverishly close so she could feel his hot breath against her skin. ...Why?
A sudden gasp stunned her as she felt Sasuke's body firmly immerse against hers; nerves were sent haywire as blood was spilt. "Sas-Sasuke-kun!" Her hand brushed fresh crimson off his bare shoulder, slender fingers trembling with each stroke. The Uchiha brought his face up once more, eyeing Sakura's green pools of diffidence. Obsidian spheres trailed across her body as his senses confirmed the kunai raid had ended. She seemed unharmed. He on the other hand, received a slight sever to his right shoulder. But he really didn't care.
"Sasuke-kun! Let me-"
"What were you thinking! Do you want to die!"
"No, I-!"
"I thought you weren't useless, Sakura." His tone was icy, degrading her with each exhale. He lifted himself off her; the warmth hastily dissipating from her body. She was supposed to stand on her own; she was having a difficult time going about it. Is this how it feels, she wondered. How it feels to be Sasuke? Being alone; was it genuinely skin deep so that the numb caressing her limbs was beyond her rescue? Shame sunk deep inside her.
The kunoichi lifelessly lifted herself from the floor, staggering as her legs gave in unwillingly. She swallowed hard, moistening her parched throat before speaking softly. "I..I'm sorry...it won't happen again." Though her apology was overlooked as Sasuke dashed forward, leaving her to trail behind him and watch his back. Again; exactly like the days they had been together three years ago.
Light cascaded between the great branches of trees, the slight patches roughly pursuing the shadows regarding the depths of the towering forest. Under many of the large branches, the two shinobi sprinted vigorously. They obviously had fallen behind, and Sakura was fully aware it was her own fault. But she refused showing anyone but herself the guilt screaming inside her. That anyone being Sasuke. His wound was the cause of her ignorance; her stupidity. And she could already tell he didn't even want to look at her. And the more they ran, the more she could feel her heart breaking again. And again. And again. You really do hate me, she concluded once more; miserably. But how could you hate me, Sasuke-kun? They way you held me...how our bodies tangled...didn't that mean something? Or was it just...a lie? And yet again, Sakura's mind left her vulnerable for open attack. Sasuke was aware of this as a kunai plummeted towards Sakura's chest.
"Sakura! Stop daydreaming!"
"Huh?" Sakura shook herself awake at the sound of someone's voice, and barely had enough time to dodge the hurtling knife. "AH!" She had thrown herself at the floor, the weapon grazing a few pieces of her falling tresses. All melancholic emotions disappeared with a newly formed anger as the fallen pink situated itself in front of her. She groaned soundly. "...Ugh...it sliced my hair..."
"Sorry about that, Sakura." Three ninjas appeared from the same location the kunai had been thrown. Sakura carefully picked herself up, wiped some loose cerise-colored wisps of hair out of her face, and blinked.
"You...threw that?"
"Yeah. Just to be safe. Though, your hair wasn't part of it." Shikamaru frowned. This is really, really too troublesome for me.
"Oh...oh it's okay..." Her eyes trailed to the orange and black appareled Chuunin; Naruto. Azure orbs were cast downward, blonde hair successfully concealing the windows to his soul.
"Oi, Sakura?"
Sakura tore her gaze from Naruto and turned her full attention on their leader. "Hai, Shikamaru?"
"Heal Sasuke's shoulder." He glanced at the wounded boy, narrowing his eyes at the fowl look he received in return. What the hell, he thought angrily. Shouldn't he be happy Sakura will heal him? Surely that wound is not a scratch, it looks threatening to his performance! And why would he want himself bleeding anyway? He was being stupid.
"O-Okay," the pink-haired ninja said, slowly walking towards the prodigy.
Uchiha Sasuke clenched his fists in agitation, especially after having noticed he was the only one sporting a damn wound! And it was all because of her! Saving HER! He gritted his teeth, but remained in his usual composure. "No," he refused calmly, "it won't be a hindrance."
Shikamaru seemed unyielding, transfixing his ebony eyes on Sakura once more. "Sakura, heal Sasuke now."
"H-Hai."
Sasuke bit his tongue, allowing pain to wash away some of his mounting anger. But it was useless. He had already reached his limit of toleration. "No! It's just a damn cut! My abilities aren't obstructed in any way! Let's just-"
"Damn you're troublesome! Just shut up! I don't care what you think. I'm the commander and you're letting Sakura heal you whether you want it or not! It's best if you don't have wounds that could be targeted as easier points for poison and later burdens!" Shikamaru glared at the stubborn genius, obviously stressed.
Neji, having made no interest in the matter, met heated onyx eyes and nodded in agreement. "You should know that, Uchiha." The arrogance had yet to leave the raven-haired shinobi's posture as he turned his face sideward. A scowl was present as he tightened his fists further; blood spilling as his nails tore into his skin. The pain did not feign him, his blood was seething; his mind raging. How dare they make a fool out of me, he cursed. DAMN THEM! Damn her, especially! Why the hell did I save her! I don't care about her! She's useless! A useless crybaby! I don't give a shit if she can heal us; my life will not depend on her! I don't fucking need her! I don't need anybody!
Observing from afar, Naruto watched blood trickle down Sasuke's palms; falling discreetly. In all the years he had known Sasuke, he had never seen the ninja this angry over something so insignificant. The blonde eyed his rival, unconsciously feeling pity. How'd he manage to get hit anyway? I thought his reflexes were superb; better than mine by a few milliseconds. Of course, he would never admit that aloud; especially not to that bastard. Naruto wanted to kill him, and steal back the one thing that he could never have. Thanks to Sasuke, he had lost Sakura again; and again. Yet, he could not find enough anger in his veins to slaughter the foe; his best friend. He was indeed furious at the boy still, for telling him earlier to give up on Sakura. But nonetheless, he felt sorry for him. It wasn't everyday you saw Sasuke get angry enough to make himself bleed. That was in Naruto's dictionary; un-Sasuke like. And if that wasn't bad enough, he was also taking his anger out on Sakura. Naruto sighed inwardly, repeating the same thought in his mind. I want to talk to Sakura...but I can't. My heart hurts just thinking about it...about her.
Shikamaru cleared his throat to gain Sakura's attention back; she had been lost in a daze, watching Sasuke. "The enemies are close by, N-"
"There's more than one?" Naruto interrupted, speaking aloud for the first time since he had walked away from Sakura.
"Yeah, there's two. Neji and I will go to the right, and you go to the left, Naruto."
He faked a grin. "Yosh!" Naruto swung to the left, picking a speed in which to follow the enemy at. When he decided and brought his feet into motion, he was out of their sight in an instant. After watching the disperse, Shikamaru looked at Sakura sternly.
"Listen, Sakura. After you finish quickly, join Naruto on the left. He is facing a weaker enemy, but also fairly strong. And you, Sasuke. After you're fully healed, I want you to go to the right. You'll find us and I will instruct you as of what to do then. Understood?"
"Hai Shikamaru." And without waiting for Sasuke's answer, the two brunettes sped off in same direction. Sakura took a deep breath before turning her body towards Sasuke. He still looked angry, a cold scowl directed at her. She approached him tentatively, ignoring the increasing velocity of her heartbeat, currently echoing in throughout her head.
"Hurry up," Sasuke ground out, his black depths fixated on her soul. The kunoichi nodded meekly as she stopped before him. She lifted her hands together, pressing them against his shoulder, narrowing her emerald eyes; concentrating her chakra expertly. After only a few seconds of healing Sasuke's wound, Sakura found it hard to believe Sasuke hadn't complained once. A lot of the tendons had been torn, leaving the muscle and bone more susceptible to fracturing or even breaking; if abused. Sasuke had been completely wrong in believing it was of no real concern. The would was much more severe than he had let on; he most likely detested the appearance of being weak. Or maybe it really didn't hurt him? He has endured more emotional than physical pain, Sakura reasoned. Of course he could withstand almost any pain! But if something emotional fooled around with his heart again...there would be dire consequences. She delicately stroked his shoulder to allow the green, healing chakra work its magic more efficiently. The tear was nearly closed as Sakura prepared to manipulate her chakra into threads; to sew the skin shut. But she was startled when Sasuke pulled himself from her grasp, stepping back a few feet. He silently admitted to himself her chakra control was perfect; his shoulder felt a lot better. Although, he wasn't one to give compliments. So instead, he snorted disapprovingly.
"You're still useless." And before Sakura could stop him, he dashed forward, leaving her stolid; gaping. She was stupefied for only a moment more before realizing the situation.
"SASUKE-KUN! I'm not done! Come...back..." But he was already lost from her sight. "...Sasuke-kun...why...do you have to be...t-this way?" Tears were threatening her vision once again, but she quickly forced them back. She occupied her mind with other matters; she would have to deal with him later. If...she could even talk to him. No! Stop thinking about him, she screamed at herself. She ripped her eyes away from Sasuke's previous location and turned her body to the left. Sensing a familiar chakra, she sprinted into the thicket of trees; wanting to see the other boy on her mind. Naruto-kun. The name drilled itself into a pounding headache. He probably doesn't even want to see me, she thought while smiling bitterly. I wouldn't want to see me either. But...I need to talk to him...I don't even know what Sasuke-kun said...and how could it be true if I've never said anything to him about Naruto-kun? Sakura fell into puzzlement as trees whipped by her, the wind flinging her hair about wildly. After darting her eyes left and right ten times over, she finally allowed herself to stop against a large Redwood.
"...Naruto-kun...? Where are you...?" The roseate-haired girl whispered quietly, before taking a few short breaths and stepping past another tree into a vast clearing. And to her anxious delight, the blonde boy was sitting in the middleof it on an upturned, fallen tree limb. She lingered in her somewhat concealed space, wondering if she should approach him; and why was he alone and not with the enemy?
Finally after realizing how idiotic her actions were, she took a step closer. Then, continued toward him in a slow, relaxed stride that abruptly ended when blue orbs fixated themselves on her. Her quiet footsteps died; she stopped.
"N-Naruto-kun...where's the...enemy?" Her eyes widened when he smiled at her suddenly, lifting himself from the log as well. "Naruto-kun?" She found herself saying, confused of the pleasant smile he carried on with. His figure stepped closer to her until he was inches from being against her body. She stiffened when his hand found her cheek, stroking it tenderly with his thumb. A blush spread across her face as she felt the warmth of his hand and her heated cheeks mingle, the temperature in her body rising. She failed to catch a single breath when Naruto's face inched closer to hers. Was he going to kiss her again? His lips fell against her ear, his voice overflowing with sincerity.
"...I'm sorry...Sakura-chan..."
It all happened too fast for Sakura to understand; his warmth was instantly gone after she felt; heard; him apologize. There was a cry of anguish as she watched blood spill from numerous places on his body. Her vision was tainted red as the liquid decorated the air, splattering vulgar droplets all over her clothes. She was covered in it. In his blood. The blonde was thrown across the clearing, a nearby tree alleviating him from remaining airborne. He connected with the bark painfully, his body slumping against the tree in a pitiful, bloody mess.
"Na...NARUTO!" Her legs moved within seconds, stopping midway when a clammy hand was felt, seizing her arm. She was pulled back effectively, a chill instantaneously radiating within her. She turned herself around and inhaled sharply at the sight of the figure. He enraptured her expression with captivating azure pools, a smug look tainting his innocence.
Sakura gaped. "N-N-aruto-kun?" Her gaze lingered a few seconds more before again turning her attention to the bleeding young man draped against the wood behind him. Green eyes widened as realization washed over her. "H-He was a fake!" While mentally cursing herself for being completely moronic, she managed a slight smile. Naruto was indeed okay, great actually. She absentmindedly raised a hand to her cheek, allowing her fingers access to the very spot the imposter had caressed. Whoever was imposing Naruto had said sorry to her. But why would they say something like that? Her brows deepened with every puzzle; she was quite baffled. The cerise-haired girl analyzed the situation in her head, and after some time, something disturbing clicked. Wait. The false Naruto wouldn't have known anything about the conversation the real Naruto and her had shared. It had all been whispered! So that meant...!
The kunoichi whipped her head around, glaring at the blonde. Her fist clenched as she drew it back, punching him in the face evenly. "Get off me! YOU'RE THE FAKE!" She was released as Naruto plummeted backwards, smashing a large tree trunk to pieces. The imposter slowly climbed to his knees, blonde locks of hair concealing his face. The weight he put on his feet caused his legs to buckle beneath him. Staggering and breathing unnaturally, his blue eyes met her cold stare with traces of offence present.
"S-Sakura-chan...what are you...talking about?"
"You're a liar! Show your true self!"
"Sakura-chan...I want to kiss you...again." The girl could only gawk as he forced himself towards her. She took a few steps back; her mission was to reach the real Naruto. He had massive internal bleeding, and he was going to suffer from the severity of the wounds in major blood loss if she didn't reach him soon. The cuts he had sustained were far more dangerous than sheer skin slitting. In all of Sakura's training, the Chuunin decided the fate of her friend. If she couldn't reach him, he was most likely dead. If she could reach him, he would surely be saved before anything inconvenient took its toll on him. Though Sakura bit her lip nervously, she had no idea if the kunai had contained a poison of some kind. She had to get near Naruto. What if he died? What would she do then?
"Uugh...ku...so..." Sakura whirled her head around at the sudden voice, eying the owner anxiously.
"Naruto-kun!" Upon reaching him, she threw herself to her knees and forced him back against the tree. Her mind was uneasy, overexerting her composure to no end. "Let me heal you first. Stop moving, you'll only make it-!" She was entirely caught off guard when cold metal sliced across her chest, exposing her bare neck, now covered in blood along with her already crimson top. The warm liquid seeped through the front of her blouse, darkening the material a few shades. "AUGH!" She screamed in pain, sliding into the ground and only stopping as the friction between her and the dirt ceased. Her pupils dilated when the enemy, still possessing Naruto's appearance, walked towards her andlooked down with callous. He proceeded to kneel, pushing his face close to hers treacherously.
"You're pretty," he brutally whispered into her ear, "when you're covered in your own blood." Her eyes widened further as she saw a lone kunai clutched in his hand, raising above her unmoving body. Gravity seemed exclusively on his side as he brought it higher. And she was unprepared to react when he forced it downward, curving it in the direction of her heart.
Oh God, she thought. And she screamed.
A/N: I'd really like to know what you think, so please review :)! Thank you !