Return to Reality
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.
Waking up at the same time every morning, Sasuke had hoped the dreams wouldn't come. They came every night, no matter where he was. Haunting his every move. Going to start the coffee, he'd become dependent on the caffeine. While it started to steep, he went to check on Sakura. She didn't seem to rouse through the night, lucky her. Moving the sheets to cover her more, she'd pushed them off in the night. Hearing a gasp behind him, he found Ino with Shikamaru in the doorway.
Watching the blond turn many shades of red, with her fists at her side turn around with the Nara boy following her. He could hear the sigh the other boy did, if it was in his nature to let out his emotions, he'd do the same. Hearing the door slam, reopen then shut once more in a delicate manner.
"What's going on?" Sakura asked, kunai drawn
Sasuke raised a brow. When did she get a weapon out? "It was just Ino. Clearly, she got the wrong impression of me checking on you. Damn women."
Letting out half a laugh, it was too early to be dealing with the drama that the girl brought. "Whatever, it's too early for her. I need to change."
Getting a 'hn' out of Sasuke, he left closing the door. He continued to think about why the girl who thought everything was sunny and flowers, slept with a kunai.
Dressing in her regular outfit, it was clear most of her clothes weren't in these bags. Her mother must have run out of room and decided that her ninja stuff was more important than her clothes. She'd have to go shopping to get some undergarments and such. At least she found the rent money that was owed in her kunai bag, she could get what she needed for now. After the bed was made and was presentable, she headed out into her new place. Checking out the bathroom on the way by, it was bigger than what her other one was. Seeing the living room empty, she moved into the kitchen. Finding a cup of coffee set out, she smiled drinking it.
"What do you want for breakfast?" Sasuke asked
"I don't normally do breakfasts," Sakura started, then saw the glare she was getting. "Well, what are the options?"
"I'll cook something."
Sakura nodded, sitting at the small table in the eat-in portion of the kitchen. Taking in her new home, everything was so different. It changed so quickly, one moment her parents wanted her best. To the next they wanted her to become a homebody to kicking her out. It hit a different place to know that even when she was sick, her mother couldn't even accept her. Standing up, she started to check out what she might need to be comfortable living here. Turning her attention back to the boy that was cooking her breakfast.
"Sasuke?" Hearing his normal 'hn', she could proceed "Thank you. For well- you know." Sakura smiled blushing
Sasuke turned to her, going to say something about taking care of herself. Sakura had a different idea. Feeling her lips on his, left him frozen in place. Pulling back, she realized that he never moved. Stepping away from him, Sakura had never felt so rejected before. Feeling eyes on her, she turned to see Tenten and Neji in the doorway of the kitchen. "Hi, we will be in the living room," Tenten spoke, Neji following behind his teammate
Sakura flushed, turning back to Sasuke. "Sasuke-."
"Drop it. Take the food out." The ice-cold boy coming out, he didn't mean to be so mean. Yet, she couldn't do that. She might be the one person that could change his thinking, change the want for revenge.
Nodding her compliance, she hurried to take the food from him. Trying to not have the overwhelming feelings of rejection hit her now.
"There's more than enough food here if you would like some." Sasuke heard Sakura talking to the duo that had seen Sakura's display of affection "Sure, I wouldn't mind." He'd heard the Hyuga speak with a hum from the brown-haired Kunoichi
Bringing out the needed plates and utensils, he set them down sitting away from Sakura. Noticing her sitting beside the Hyuga, the furthest spot away from him. Starting to dig in, the silence was deafening. Neji could feel how tense the girl was beside him, moving just enough to see how she was doing. She seemed to be able to mask her feelings yet spending the quiet moments with her in recent times, he knew this was not her normal. Breakfast seemed to end quickly with Sakura beginning to pick up the mess. Tenten offered to help her, even though Sakura seemed to have it under control. Washing up the few dishes, Tenten helped to dry them.
"Hey, before you go back in can we talk? I know that we're not close, is everything okay?" Tenten asked, concerned there might be something bad going on
"Yeah, sure. Everythings okay."
"Are you sure? I mean, what happened this morning when we came in?"
Sighing, "Kakashi-sensei asked him to stay the night to make sure that nothing went wrong. This morning he was making breakfast and then I don't know. I acted before thinking, something I don't tend to do, and I moved over to him. He turned around and I just took the opportunity and kissed him. What I didn't expect was a complete rejection. I mean I should have; it is Sasuke."
"Oh. I'm sorry, maybe had we been a bit later?"
"No- it's nothing you've done. It's all me. Thinking that he'd ever even considered me."
Tenten gave the younger girl a soft look, "Look at it this way, there are plenty of fish in the see. We don't always end up with the people we think we should!"
"Thanks, I'm sure that will make me feel better at some point!" That earned a laugh out of both of them
"Ice-blocks tend to walk their own path; their focus is on their growth- definitely not girls." Tenten spoke from experience, trying to do anything to get the attention of the other boy in the living room.
Hearing the conversation that the girls were having, neither had anything to say. Neji had a feeling Tenten was speaking about her and her gaining his attention. He couldn't lose his focus right now, seeming that he and the Uchiha had something in common. Yet, he disapproved of how he'd reacted to Sakura. Watching the girls come back out with drinks, Sakura took her place back beside him. Tenten took to the floor, giving nasty look to the Uchiha. Watching Sasuke roll his eyes made Neji happy that the girls were torturing him. Smirking while drinking to hide it, he was proud of his teammate.
"You should get checked out today," Sasuke announced
"I'll do it later," Sakura spoke
"You can do it now," Sasuke spoke harshly
"Since when are you, my boss?" Sakura retaliated
"When you jeopardized your team."
"I did nothing to affect my team."
"You collapsed at training."
"Yeah, training. It won't happen again."
"You're right it won't. Go get checked out from the medics."
"No."
Sasuke stood, causing Tenten and Neji to shoot up.
"Uhm- what's going on?" Naruto asked, walking into the end of the conversation
Sasuke growled, annoyed at his teammates. "Sakura go get checked out, stop being stupid!"
"I'll go when I want to," Sakura said, pushing Neji just enough out of her way to get back into Sasuke's view. Neji looked down at the girl who pushed him, surprised at the shock he felt. Clearly, she was too distracted to have felt it.
"How about I drag you there." Sasuke spoke in her face
Hearing the door slam, the group turned to the door to see Ino in fumes. "What is going on now? First, you're sick but you can sleep with Sasuke. Now, this?!"
"What?" Sakura squeaked
"We didn't sleep together, Yamanaka. I was checking on her as my sensei told me." Sasuke spoke moving away from Sakura
"What about now, looked like you were going to kiss her." Ino spoke, hands on her hips
"He was trying to make me go to the medics." Sakura hissed in Sasuke's direction
"Oh! I'm so sorry to accuse you of that Sasuke-Kun! I didn't mean to make such absurd assumptions!" Ino went back to normal "Forehead, you shouldn't fight with Sasuke."
"Whatever Ino-pig, he's all yours. Are we still doing lunch at eleven?" Sakura turned to Tenten
Ino gasped at Sakura's disregard for the Uchiha, not putting up a fight. Hearing that lunch was still on and that Sakura had to visit with the Hokage then take a quick trip to the shopping mart.
"Why don't you boys go train while we do our running around?" Sakura asked
"Good idea." Neji spoke up, he could blow some steam off on the Uchiha
"Great idea Sakura-chan!" Naruto smiled
Making plans to meet at the ramen shop, the boys left. Leaving the girls alone, Sakura moved to get what she needed then they too left. Finding the key on a hanger by the door, she through that into her purse. Sakura led the way to her destinations, Tenten at her side. Ino trailed behind, trying to understand what had happened. Why wasn't billboard fighting over Sasuke-Kun? She didn't have any time to ask as Sakura had moved into the Hokage's office.
"What can I do for you Ms. Hurano?" He asked behind his desk
"I need to change my address and see if there was any way to get some help…" Sakura spoke
"Ah, yes." He spoke standing going to his other desk, "Your sensei has informed me of your situations. He helped to fill out all your forms, now you don't have to. Here is this, use this to get some of the essentials. Use your earnings for food. Just make sure you go easy with it; all you have to do with it is show it to the vendor and they'll do the rest." Taking the card he was handing her
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Sakura bowed
"Thank you, young one. Now go ahead and enjoy your day." He smiled, sitting back down at his desk
Hurrying out, Sakura met back up with the girls and they headed to the shopping mart. Hinata met them on the way, talking about seeing the boys at the training grounds. It sounded like they were going fairly hard against each other.
Moving on from talk of the boys, Hinata asked what Sakura was looking for. Giving them a small list, mainly some new clothes, supplies, and some random essentials. Setting out on their mission for their friend, they got what she needed and maybe a little more. Helping her to drop it off at her place, they hurried to the ramen shop. Meeting the boys outside, they got their food and went and sat at the picnic tables outside. Sakura noticed that Tenten and Neji placed her between them with Hinata in front of her. Sasuke was placed at the other end of the table with Ino and Shikamaru. Sasuke seemed to have a growing black eye. Ino pointed that out, loud enough for the table to hear. Sakura felt Neji's shoulders move, looking at him she could see the smirk on his face hiding behind the cup. Nudging him slightly, he looked over to her. He'd been caught. Sakura's eyes held all their words. Thanks, but you didn't need to give him a black eye. Giving her a shrug, returning to his meal.
This would be the last time that the rookie nine would get together for a while. Missions were surely to come and training to resume. Trying to make it that if everyone was home, they should get together once a month. It didn't matter the day, they just needed to keep this going. The girls all agreed, it took some convincing to get the boys to agree. All it took was Sakura bumping Neji, giving him her side-eye.
Clearing up their mess, their large group headed to Sakura's place. The group seemed to be getting together great. Tenten fitting in with the group of girls, where Neji kept his distance. Soon their fun was interrupted with Hinata's sensei summoning her. Kakashi was the next one, telling the group that team seven had a mission starting tomorrow. Watching the group leave, she gave Sasuke a bye, before hugging Tenten and Hinata. Locking up, she turned to her vacant apartment. Time to make it hers.
Preparing her own dinner, then getting her things put away and ready for tomorrow. She couldn't be the weak one, she had to do everything she could to change that.
The mission was a success, but Sakura was useless once again. Asking Kakashi for some more help, however, he couldn't. He was working hard with Sasuke. Summing it up to doing it herself. To her surprise, Kakashi had announced to them that he'd entered them into the Chūnin exams. With all of them showing up, determined to pass them. Not knowing that these exams would leave scars on all of them. With Sasuke leaving for Oto, put Sakura in a bad place for a while. Gaining the strength to approach the new Hokage to train her. Tsunade sized her up before agreeing. Sakura was bound and determined; she would bring back Uchiha Sasuke. No matter the cost.
It had been close to four years now. Four years since Sasuke left their village and left her on a cold bench. Sakura shook her head; she couldn't be thinking and remembering those times. That flashback came out of nowhere. She hadn't thought of that last year in who knows how long. There was nothing left for Sasuke except maybe nostalgic thoughts. He was a former teammate, and someone she wanted to bring back to the village for Naruto.
Those monthly meetings never happened; Sakura didn't have time for fun. Naruto would fight her every chance he got, yet it never went his way. It would get to the point in the argument that Sakura would hit him over his head and leave.
Things had changed. Sakura was top of her medic class, some even saying she passed her mentor. When she did work missions with her team, Sai would be present. He was the one to take over Sasuke's vacancy. He was what Sakura considered a clueless, emotionless, idiot. However, she couldn't argue that he was an exceptional fighter with hellashish drawing skills.
Naruto had gone with Jiraiya for a couple years; he'd grown up some. Yet, he still held his childhood antics.
For herself, she felt like she hadn't gotten anywhere. Everyone was encouraging, stating that she was an amazing Kunoichi. The most brought-up fight was the one where Sasori was defeated. This usually ended with Sakura scoffing at whoever said this, Chiyo was the one to end it. Not her. After that fight, she poured everything she had into her training. Sleep, eat, work, and train then repeat. She couldn't remember the last time she'd actually trained with her team.
Hearing a commotion outside her door, she listened to what was going on.
"She is not to be disturbed! Please, leave sir." Sakura could hear one of her personal aids. She had a knack to keep everyone away from her if Sakura asked her to. Well, that was almost everyone.
"Sakura can be disturbed by me!" Sakura sighed; she'd know that voice anywhere. Naruto just never gave up. He never understood and still didn't. She was still the weak one on the team.
Watching her door bust open, she had moved to lean on the front of her desk. Naruto fell face first, with Miki standing behind him.
"Sakura-san, I'm sorry. I know you're very busy, I tried to keep him out." Miki explained
"It's fine. I'll take care of him." Sakura smiled
Miki smiled, taking her leave shutting her door. Miki was helpful, sweet, and loving. Sakura saw a lot of herself in her. With one exception, she was happy being just an aid. She didn't want for anything more, not minding that someone else could swoop in and save her.
"Naruto, I'm busy. I need to get back to work, it's hard to keep working when you bust through my door." Sakura spoke, putting one of her white coats on
"I know Sakura-chan, it's just been so long that you've trained with us. Sai, Kakashi, and me miss you." Naruto exclaimed
"It's Sai, Kakashi, and I," Sakura spoke, trying to fix his grammar
"Nani?" Naruto asked
"You don't say me when speaking of yourself, it's I," Sakura explained
"Oh." Naruto gave his confused look, he never understood what Sakura spoke about
"Naruto, I can't train with you guys. My patients need me, I'm on call all day." Sakura grabbed her files then started to leave
"Alright, if you change your mind. You're always welcome." Naruto said, watching her walk away
"I know." He barely heard as she walked away with the one, she called Miki. Watching them disappear around a corner.
Naruto watched his friend; his one piece of family he had left continue to slip farther away from him. She was right there under his nose, yet he couldn't reach her. Knowing that she still viewed herself as weak, the weak link of the group. Wanting her to realize that she wasn't that, she never was. She was and would always be so much more to their team. Knowing what he had to do, he went to the one person he could have help him. Leaving the hospital out the window with a bright smile, he'd bring out the old Sakura.
Checking on all her patients, it was time to do her rounds on the out-patients. There had been only a few today, thankful that it wasn't anything major. Her last one was her regular, she was the only one that was permitted to heal him. Per his request. Opening the door, she was welcomed by Neji's silent hello. She never understood why it would always have to be her. She was certain that he would wait until she was working to come to the hospital. They would sometimes have small talk, yet that didn't happen often. By now, she was just happy that she got what she needed and left him to be.
"What's wrong today?" Sakura asked, looking to his chart
Not hearing anything, she looked up to see him moving his shirt to show a deep gash in. Rolling her eyes, he'd become mute as of late. She couldn't figure out why he didn't just speak to her, it was aggravating. She'd had enough, one way or another he would talk today. Healing it up, then jotting down some information in his chart; she started to finish up. Smirking, she gave his shoulder a good clap. Neji turned to face her with a glare that would scare most other people.
"What was that for?"
"Oh, just making sure I did a good job at reconnecting the nerves." Sakura spoke innocently, "How did you do this?"
Scowling at his medic, "I did it while training with my team."
Jotting that information down, Sakura smiled at the man before her. "Alright, you're free to go. Maybe tomorrow you could go through a training session without hurting yourself?" Sakura joked not expecting much of a return
Grunting at her, he prepared to leave. Hearing a knock at the door, they waited for whoever it was to enter. Tsunade walked in, looking at the occupants.
"Hello sensei." Sakura smiled
"Lady Hokage," Neji spoke
"Ah, just the two people I need. Be in my office in fifteen minutes." Tsunade spoke then left immediately
Each one giving an hai, they both went their respective way. Sakura informed the other medics of what was happening. Once they all knew, she grabbed her stuff and left. Arriving at the Hokage Tower, she arrived at the same time as Neji. Giving each other a nod, they walked up together. Neji was the gentleman by opening the door for her, seeing there were a few people there. Naruto, Lee, Kiba, Shikamaru, and Choji, many of the Sakura hadn't seen in years.
"Now that we're all here, let's begin." Tsunade
"Don't mind me, but what team needs seven people?" Shikamaru asked
"Good question, I am splitting you up into separate teams. You will communicate with your leader daily. There are going to be three teams, built on their strength and weaknesses. Naruto and Lee will be the first team. The second is Choji, Kiba, and Shikamaru. Lastly is Sakura and Neji. I want the first two teams closer to the village with the third further out. Your group is one of many that have been rotating, you will be taking over the South West. There haven't been any battles as of yet, so let's keep it that way. You'll be out there for a week, so pack the essentials. You leave at 7 tomorrow. Dismissed."
Everyone gave their understanding before leaving. Sakura was the first to leave, having duties that needed to be fulfilled at the hospital. Working through the early night to make sure everything was okay; she had a quick dinner there. Just past one in the morning she finally left the hospital with everything in order.
Letting herself into her apartment she was ready for a good meal and sleep. Going to the kitchen to start one of her needs, she began her process. It was long after the hospital that she'd felt someone tailing her. Now they seemed to be stalled in her living room.
Neji had been slowly following Sakura home, keeping an eye on her for the rest of her shift. Knowing that she had the best medical ninjutsu, here he was wondering if she'd learned anything else. Clearly, she couldn't sense him, she didn't call him out on following her.
While waiting for the perfect time to announce himself, he peered around the living quarters. It was quite different from almost four years ago, yet it was surprising it wasn't plastered with colors. He was surprised, he enjoyed how she had decorated the place. It wasn't overdone. Noticing the one picture staring at him, he smirked. She still had it, even after all these years. He was far from being a photographer, catching her smiling at him. Snapping the shot, he didn't think she'd ever keep it. All he could remember from that day was that they didn't need to talk. She tried or she'd just talk out loud. She looked beautiful that day, remembering that she wasn't in her normal Kunoichi outfit.
"Are you going to keep ogling my living room or come to chat with me?" Sakura called from the kitchen
Smirking, she had noticed him. Walking into the kitchen, he watched her cook food. Forgetting his mask was still on, taking it off so she could see his face. Sakura looked over at the movement, seeing Neji taking off his ANBU mask.
"Find anything interesting in my living room?" Sakura asked moving to plate the food
"You've decorated it." He smirked
"Almost three years ago, it would plain if I left it as it once was," Sakura smirked back
Smirking at her spunk, he took the seat a crossed from her. "Would you like some?" Pointing to the food "No, I'm here to decide on what we're bringing."
"Okay, I can bring the medical gear."
"Clearly."
"Alright, what are you bringing?" Sakura asked the wise guy across from her
"I can bring some of the food we'll need, along with some of the traps."
"Alright, I'll bring the other half of each. Anything else?"
"Whatever else you find essential."
"Very well. See you in the-." Sakura looked up to see him gone. Growling at the air, that man was infuriating. The only thing that made her feel better was he was generally like that way to everyone. Finishing up the cleanup, moving to the shower the morning would come quick and they still didn't mingle. Setting the alarm, Sakura crawled into bed.
Just as she thought morning came too quick, waking up was the hardest part of the morning. Everything after was easy, just that getting out of a warm bed. Growling to motivate herself to get up and going. No matter how many times she did this, it never got easier. Dressing in her Jōnin outfit, she made sure her pack was ready. Eating a quick breakfast, heading to meet the team.
It had been almost a year since the last mission she went on, why choose her now? She still had so much to learn, so much to work on! She didn't want to be the weak one in the group. Her mind continued running thinking of the gates they were departing and the mission briefing. Her mind didn't clear easily anymore, it took so much that she didn't even bother. Most of the time, the thoughts covered her inner Sakura. She hadn't heard her in a long time.
Arriving at the meeting spot, Shikamaru and Neji were already there. Nodding to each other, it was easier without the words. Standing apart from them, she watched the team slowly arrive. Shikamaru started handing out the microphones, wanting to be able to get on their way. Doing his speech, they headed out.
Hating the quiet that surrounded the group, left Sakura alone to her thoughts. Staying too long in these thoughts wouldn't be safe for anyone.
"Hurano?" Neji spoke out to her
Looking toward the voice, "Hia?"
"When we arrive, we'll scout the area. After that, you can set up the traps while I get the camp set up and create lookouts." Neji spoke out
"Sounds good. Do you think that we'll encounter anyone?"
"It's hard to imagine we will, there have been non as of yet. I have done several of these missions and nothing has come from it."
Nodding to answer him, leaving him to a perimeter. Setting out, Sakura started to set up traps. Taking the better part of the day to finish the traps, wanting them to be perfect. Returning to camp, she set to sharpening some of her weapons.
"I heard you graduated at the top of your class," Neji spoke, breaking the silence
"That I did." Sakura answered
"Good for you. You're a valuable medic."
"There's more for me to learn. So, I've asked to go back for more schooling."
"Go back for more? You've already surpassed so many, how can you learn anymore?"
Sighing, no one would understand. "There are other medics out there that know different techniques. Different healing methods. There is still more to learn, as of now I only have a portion of the greater knowledge. If I am to be stronger, I need to learn more."
"I thought you to be strong now Hurano-san."
"I'm not strong enough." Sakura spoke hotly "When the time comes, I will take the first watch. I'm going to find the best place to scout the area."
Neji watched her stalk away. Never seeing Sakura get so worked up before, not that he saw her that often. It surprised him that she thought herself weak. Naruto always praised her, even now when she wasn't training with them. Sometimes it was beneficial to have Naruto around, he learned more about her. He'd been curious about how she made out. He'd gone to the mountainside several times after the failed mission. Yet, he never saw her there again.
Things had changed for everyone. Especially after the failed mission, with Shikamaru as the leader. Neji was punished severely; it took a lot to get back on his uncle's good graces. When he went back for the Chūnin exams then to the Jōnin, finally to the ANBU all within the last three years made him happy.
After that point, all missions had to be a success, just so that he could prove his worth. He had a reputation to uphold, one that went with the most eligible bachelor. Tenten after a year had tried her best to persuade him into liking her. She did not understand his need for perfection, after some time she stopped. After the Chūnin exam, they went their separate ways. That was as long as they weren't on a group mission. Those became few and far between, as he was the only one that was ANBU. That was beside Gai. Even he wanted them to train like the old days, every chance they got.
It had been four long days. The sitting around was driving Sakura mad, it was letting her mind wander. After Sakura and Neji's first day conversation, she didn't dare do any small talk. She felt bad, she just couldn't try with where her mind was. Neji made sure to check in with Shikamaru, who were growing just as bored. Moving onto the fifth day, the breakfast was yet again quiet. After breakfast, Sakura announced she was leaving to check the traps and fetch more water. Knowing that the Hyuga outranked her, he allowed her to leave. Thankful, she had to move. Gathering the water from a small creek that ran by it was still chilled from the temperatures at night. Moving back into the tree line, pausing a moment she thought she'd heard a twig snap. Having her chakra already masked, never allowing it to show outside of the hospital. A hard task to most, thankfully she had control over the chakra.
"Are we alone?" Sakura's eyes widen, she did hear someone
"Hai."
"Good, I don't like being interrupted."
"Understood."
"Do you understand your mission?"
"Ha-, I have a question."
"Get it over with."
"Why not kill them? Would Oro like that to hear that they were left alive?"
"You will not do anything; you will not harm them. Let me deal with it. If you or anyone else interfere, I will kill you." The voice said, "Naruto will be a challenge like always."
"The girl?"
Hearing him laugh, brought a chill to her spin. "She will be easy; she's been spending her time at the hospital healing the Hyuga."
"Understood. Should we continue to underestimate her?"
"What's there to estimate?" The voice turned stone cold
"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to overstep."
"Best to remember not too."
Sakura watched from afar, getting a glimpse it was Sasuke. Their Sasuke. Watching them exchange something before the other ninja left. Sasuke took one last look around before stopping where Sakura was. Not making a motion, she waited until he looked away and left.
Sakura moved with stealth she didn't know she had, moving back to camp. Not sure why she felt the need to be stealthy was needed; something wasn't feeling right. Making it back to Neji, she got his attention.
"What's wrong?" He asked perplexed
"It's Uchiha, they- he's planning something for Naruto and me," Sakura spoke furiously
"Did they spot you?" Neji asked
"No, I don't think so. Right before he left, he looked where I was. As if he was looking right through me." Sakura spoke, gathering her things while Neji tried to inform the others.
"Don't bother, they won't come."
(I hope you've enjoyed the second chapter. Doing my best to edit any mistakes out, if you spot something, let me know and I'll adjust it quickly. If you did leave lots of love and if you didn't let me know why. Be safe, pass on kind words. Enjoy. ~DQ)