Author's Notes: Wow, there was some confusion with the last chapter, I apologize! I wasn't ending the story (have no idea when I will), that was the end of the chapter! I love you guys too much to end the story without a real… well… ending. This chapter to the song 'Not Alright' by Smile Empty Soul.
Lips of an Angel
Not Alright
Sakura shook, glaring deeply into Sasuke's back with all the hurt she felt. The relief that had swept throughout her body upon hearing of his return to Konoha had frozen over and shattered. She wasn't sure who the woman walking with Sasuke was, but her gut was already steeling her for the answer she knew was to come. It was cruel for Tsunade to assign her to be Sasuke's responding nurse for a check up he more than likely didn't need.
The
cuts are very deep and
And all they do is bleed
I wish I could
release some
Of the hurt you've given me
I can't let go
And all I know is that
He made no move to talk to her, not that Sakura minded. She was too busy trying to repatch the newly opened wounds on her heart, preparing herself for the conversation that was bound to happen. They hadn't spoken a word since being forced into the same room. Even after all the years and all the fighting, neither one had the courage to say what was on both their minds.
Placing the stethoscope against his back, she watched as the cool metal built goosebumps on Sasuke's skin. Part of her wanted to trace the intricate design created by them over his toned skin, but Sakura knew better.
"You seem to be healthy, Sasuke."
She had dropped the –kun.
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not ok
And when you sleep at night...
Dream of only me
"Sakura…" he voiced, obviously questioning his own words.
She grabbed a syringe, and without bothering to warn him, jabbed it forcefully into his arm. He winced and cursed at the pain, watching through half closed eyes as she administered an antibody to flush his system of any possible disease or poison she hadn't picked up with the original inspection. The anger laced in the shot was noticeable, and Sasuke took note of it.
Obviously, she had had seen Hikari.
"Who is she, Sasuke?" she questioned suddenly. "That woman with the baby."
He faced the floor, looking toward the sterile tile for support. "She's my wife."
I know I need to forgive
And hopefully forget
To leave the past behind is
Probably for the best
But I can't let go…
And all I know is that
"Your wife…"
Sakura's eyes dropped, and her body fell limp as she landing on the stool by Sasuke's hospital bed. Although she had prepared herself for such an answer, her mind hadn't taken the blow as well as she had hoped.
He watched her as she stared blankly ahead, looking without interested toward a chart on the adjacent wall. Sakura's expression and mannerisms tugged at his heart. It was hard to deny that she had been the reason he'd survived within Orochimaru's grasp—it was also hard to accept the fact that he had resigned himself to life outside Konoha and found a woman who reminded him so much of the girl sitting beside him. Sasuke hadn't expected to have his resolve come crashing down the moment Sakura walked through the door.
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not ok
And when you sleep at night
Dream of only me
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not alright
"It was foolish of me to hope, wasn't it?" she smiled lightly, her hands forming into deep fists. "All this time… I had hoped you'd come back to me. I was never enough though, was I?"
He wasn't sure how to answer her. Nothing Sasuke could say would resolve her emotional turmoil. She wrung her hands together, trying to keep herself from falling into a fit of tears he supposed. What shocked him the most were the scars that marred her fingers and palms—signs of intense training. The nicks and scratches on her arms were telltale signs that she'd been training that day as well, or recently returned from a mission of some sort.
How much had she grown since he left? Why had she placed herself through so much training?
I should only want
The best for you
A happy life
The skies are blue
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not ok
When you sleep at night
Dream of only pain
"I guess I should congratulate you—you've finally started on your restoration goal! I suppose that means Itachi is dead?" she questioned, suddenly placing up a fake smile.
He shook his head. "Sakura…"
The sound of skin to skin contact echoed across the room. Sakura drew her hand back to body, glaring deeply at Sasuke as the red tinge began to collect on his cheek. Judging by the power she'd allowed, he would have a bruise for a while. He looked slightly shocked at her actions, but she paid that no heed.
"Dammit Sasuke!" she cried, resolving herself not to hit him again. "Dammit! I can't believe—I mean…"
She didn't finish. Sakura stood up, marched out of the room and slammed the door in her wake. Tears fled from her eyes as soon as she was out of Sasuke's view; her heart was breaking, small pieces at a time, crumbling into a pile of memories and dreams she'd held onto in vain. There wasn't a worse thing he could have done to shatter her than to abandon her completely. Sakura had no place in his life now, and that was harder to admit than the fact that he was gone and still within her grasp all at once.
Part her wanted to be happy that he'd finally found what he wanted and could calm down— the more rational side of her persona. Her heart was feeling the opposite. Funny how betrayal could bring out the worst feelings imaginable; and although she hated herself for feeling this way, she couldn't help it. In Sakura's mind, there was no better punishment than to feel the distaste she felt for him now.
"I hope you regret what you did." She whispered silently. "I hope you can't forget me."
Drawing herself out of the sobbing mess in the hall, she started taking steps away from the door that block her view of the first tears Uchiha Sasuke had shed in well over a decade.
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not alright
I hope you're not alright
Author's Note: I did forewarn you that this story was going to be a jumbled mess, right? Well, here's the day Sasuke returned! Remember to read and review, everyone!
Love and hugs—
Crystal Renee
