Someone Screaming

Alternate Story – Dim Light

Ayane Selznick

Sasuke's first week of atonement had come to an end. Finally, he would be able to find rest for his day off. Slipping his hands on his pockets, the action he had grown accustomed with, he started walking away from the Hokage Tower. Tsunade had let him go after getting her sake on her desk. Sasuke knew that the Hokage needed time to rest too, unfortunately, sake wasn't the best choice. But for all he cared. As soon as he got her permission to leave, he forgot about the wine.

As he trudged the path towards the Academy, his footsteps begun to take in slow pace.

Despite being called as traitor and all, he still cherished those memories when they were still in the Academy.

True, he was happy yet pressured seeing as his brother was taking all the glory to be praised by the clan, mostly by their father. But Itachi did not care. He only cared about was his personal achievements, beliefs and his capacity. And then there he was, trying to step on the same stepping stone where his brother had walked through.

He could say to himself that he was his brother's shadow, but being a shadow is much different from being a reflection. Sasuke has a mind of his own and through all the events that happened recently and even from the past years, he walked the other path… far and distant from where his brother took. Unfortunately, the longer he walked away, the more he had forgotten about their difference: his and his brother's goal.

In a way, they didn't have many differences. They both seek power. They both gained power. They both used it against their comrades. They both live a life in an inhumane, sickly manner.

They said that being an Uchiha, he must have the will to fight: to be stubborn like a fire, fighting against the wind. However, being stubborn and hard-headed they really are the more they realized how selfish and foolish their goals are.

Hn… Sasuke looked to his right, the Academy's ground covered by the sea of dust. I wonder what he meant by it…

(Flashback)

"Manipulation, brother… don't let the clan mani-…manipulate… you…"

(End of Flashback)

The clan manipulated a governmental life in which we grew up adequately. To make it looked as if put in a negative perspective is only done by a disoriented person, just like him. I don't see the reason why he put it that way… but maybe…

His sandal protected feet moved along the way as he diverted his attention away from the Academy.

There's nothing more to it. I killed him and I got my revenge… it's over.

What he didn't actually know was… he was trying to convince himself that everything's over that he had put an end to his misery when deep down inside, he knew that there's something missing. There's a link that needed to be found.

He had found and killed his brother but it doesn't really mean that he would find happiness and achievement by doing it. He knew that there's something in it that he must know but having a hard time looking for.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Sasuke looked up to see the person that invaded his personal space of having his mind indulged into the abyss of his past and when he recognized who that person is, he simply rolled his eyes. When the person noticed this, he couldn't help but grin.

"There you go again, keeping your mouth shut. Really, Sasuke, you have to use that thing called mouth."

Said person smirked arrogantly, "Can you not just go the other way when you see me? Or perhaps, just pass by and say nothing?"

The person with blonde wild spiky hair had stopped from grinning, but the smile on his bright face did not fade. He was happy that at least, his once called teammate and best friend was finally trying to get back in their world.

"I don't go snubbing people on the road. It's you alright."

"Whatever."

Sasuke silently accepted the company of the intruder, Naruto, while he started walking off and pass by him. Their walk was quiet, something that Sasuke never thought of achieving when Naruto was around. It looked strange, actually, when Naruto wasn't talking. But he never mentioned nor spoke of it. Instead he resumed his walk with Naruto beside but keeping in mind the distance from him.

Recalling the previous event that almost cost all of their lives, Sasuke noticed the change in Naruto. Surely, the rivalry from power is still on, and he would never dare say out loud that Naruto got stronger than him. Wasn't it the reason why he pushed himself away from them just so to get power from Orochimaru? True, Naruto became stronger and this time, Sasuke wouldn't mind it. He would simply acknowledge it. At least the dumb ass wasn't such an ass and dumb at all. And still, he wouldn't say it nor would he do anything to surpass each other again.

In fact, because of that short encounter with his brother, Naruto and even Sakura, proved how loyal and caring they are for him, despite the situation and behavior he had shown to them. They were honest and nice people; powerful and sacrificial. If he wasn't himself that time, he wouldn't go away and leave them. He would have cherished and try to live a life with them. But all must be done, according to him. Killing his brother was his priority and he didn't care if the world turned against him.

But now, it's different.

Little by little, because of workload that Tsunade had given him and almost every minute of his life must he see and listen to the Hokage, there was a small spark of realization and recognition that aimed towards his so called friends – ex-teammates. And the question that the Hokage left to him did not leave his mind every night.

"What else do you want?"

"So how was your day with the Hokage, huh?" Naruto asked randomly, both his arms placed behind his head.

Sasuke was too preoccupied with his thoughts that he only mouthed a "what?" for an answer. Naruto smilingly repeated.

"You sounded like we had a date, moron."

"Ahahaha! I didn't mean that! Oh well, I guess you had daily routines eh?"

"Why ask the obvious?" An irritating tone seeped out of his voice.

"Is it really wrong to question?"

Sasuke could have smiled at the thrown question but irritation would most likely reach its peak especially when he never wanted to be interfered especially with his loudmouthed companion. Instead of shouting at Naruto, he simply ignored the question just by resuming his walk towards his home.

"Sakura-chan was released five days ago. Have you seen her already?"

If Naruto just noticed the sudden twitch at Sasuke's shoulder he would have known that only by her name could have triggered and probably vanished all the things that lingered inside Sasuke's mind. Sasuke hesitated to answer. He hadn't seen the woman and he had been longing to pay her a visit even during his duty, unfortunately, the Hokage strictly told him to do his task.

He wondered if she was really alright when she was out of the hospital. He would blame himself if something serious happened to her. In some way however he thought how the treatment went through. How did they able to retrieve Sakura's consciousness from Itachi's psychological attack? It took him down for a week when he was twelve years old and it occurred at the same time to Sakura.

"Sakura-chan was really thin before. She didn't have proper eating schedule while she was in a coma. Fortunately, she was eating healthy while at home. Of course, she's a Medic Nin, an elite so she knows how to take care of herself."

That was true and Sasuke couldn't agree more. Presently, Sakura was renowned as an elite Medic-Nin and Hunter Nin. If he didn't hear it yet, Sakura would most likely surpass the knowledge and skills that Tsunade has. Aside from that, her physical features had matured in an admiring process. She was a beauty and looked as though a fragile creature but her looks can be deceiving because she has strength of a thousand warriors and a vast knowledge akin to sages.

"Then when I went to help her pack up for home, she was…"

When Naruto didn't continue his statement, it fully earned Sasuke's attention. The young Uchiha paused from walking, followed by Naruto, while he waited for the sentence to be resumed. There was an obvious uneasiness in both feeling and physical expression. Naruto looked at Sasuke, a nostalgic smile showing on his face.

"She was crying on me. While she hugged me, I felt her pain. I felt her intense concern towards me… and you." He sighed as he continued. "She told me that when she woke up the first thing that struck her mind was us. She wanted to look for us."

Sasuke's eyes traveled to the ground first before he looked back to Naruto then resumed the walk.

He recalled the time when Tsunade healed him when the said Medic Nin arrived at Konoha. It took him a lot of minutes before he fully understood and remembered everything. Now Naruto told him that upon Sakura's awakening, she already remembered everything? That was… impossible.

"Sakura-chan was near hysterical when she kept asking me how I was." He chuckled. "Then when she asked for you, I could only tell her that you're working under baa-chan."

"…Did she ask about the conditions?"

"She didn't. Well, she's Tsunade's apprentice before so she wouldn't hesitate to face the Hokage herself to ask all about your case."

"…Aa."

Naruto had stopped telling stories about Sakura when they saw Ichiraku. Sasuke need not to look back to Naruto for all he knew, there was a wide grin plastered all over the blonde's face. And if nothing changed about Naruto and ramen, he already predicted what will happen.

"Well, it's your lucky day, Sasuke-teme. I'll be treating you to Ichiraku!"

He smirked. "No, thanks. I wouldn't want to pay all your bills later."

Naruto stuck out his tongue as he scratched the back of his head, embarrassed that Sasuke really knew how everything will went later.

"You got me there, huh? Hahaha. Oh well, I have to eat my dinner! See ya!"

"Aa."

Sasuke watched Naruto ran towards the favorite ramen stand. He almost shook his head in little wonder. Despite their ages, yes they're growing old, but old habit die hard. Naruto would still love ramen. Kakashi would forever stick up his nose with his pervert book. Sakura would still…

He just couldn't go on with his thoughts when he recalled what she said when they were in the cell.

"I will just consider you as a Missing Nin then."

It was his fault to say the least, but it dug something inside his heart. He felt a tinge of pain as though a needle pricked his heart. But then again, when they were in their previous mission, Sakura showed no hints of remembering what she said about him being a Missing Nin. It was though it never occurred in the past and Sasuke, strangely, felt that a weight has been lifted off his shoulder.

Suddenly he stopped midway towards the path that leads to the bridge. He reached his hand to his chest then tightly gripped as if troubled. True he was troubled. It was strange of him to feel something for Sakura. It was as though he needed her to his life, when before he had always pushed her away. That doesn't mean he didn't like her, it was just his way of protecting himself… not to be hurt ever again.

But here he was, endlessly thinking about her. The words she said meant everything to him. And when she was in a coma, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her and for himself. He thought it was too late. He thought he wouldn't be able to see her. He thought she would die.

He ran his fingers to his hair.

Tried as he might, he couldn't deny the fact that Sakura struck a deep blow in his heart. It would never leave his mind. It was a large impact to which he felt would be a way of changing his life. The girl, now a woman, wanted to help him throughout his life. It was hard for her yet even then, she tried her best. Unfortunately, her trials were futile especially when he told her to leave him and his life.

The irony of it all…

Maybe Sakura had felt all the sharpened daggers that struck her heart when he uttered those words. Maybe it pushed her away… emotionally. Remotely fading. But now, now that he had gained his goal and still nothing made him believe that truly he had accomplished it - he wanted to get her back. He said he knew that no one would be happy once he acquired his goal, they were right.

Perhaps… it's the reason why he wanted her back: to make him feel being a human… to try and walk a different path that he had secretly longed to grasp.

With one last clutching Sasuke pulled his hand away from his hair, away from his chest. He sighed deeply before he picked up again his choice of destination.

For the umpteenth time of the day, he halted. He felt something inside his chest that almost tightened around the beating heart. Suddenly he could almost feel that he couldn't take in air, his lung must have locked all the air passages.

It was unexpected.

He saw the woman that had been lurking inside his mind. She was clearly resting beside the banister of the bridge. Her long smooth pink hair was gone – maybe it was cut during the process of her treatment, yet even so, she looked younger. There were few bandaged parts in her body but despite all those medical equipment stuck in her skin, her flesh was radiating.

Sasuke tried to observer her face but her bangs and the continuous swaying of her hair had masked her face. He couldn't decipher what could have she been thinking of. Somehow, he wanted to know. He wanted to know not only what she thinks… but who she really is.

Sakura decided to go out of her lonely house to get fresh air.

She had been walking down the village with almost every minute of her stride had she received greetings from all the patients and ninjas she passed by. Most of them were concerned about her health, telling her to get back inside to take a bunch of rest. All she ever did was to smile and tell them she was okay.

Even if she said so, she could feel a strange feeling of sudden tiredness. She just walked around the village and she just couldn't believe that it would make her grew tired easily. Even so, she tried to stay up and walk and give smiles to the people who were concerned for her.

Soon, she felt her limit. Even after all the hours and days she spent in her home, she still needed all the rest she could get before going back to being a Medic Nin. Since her house was a little far from where she stood, she chose to rest at the bridge since no one would occasionally pass by on it. Weakly surrendering, she dragged her feet towards the wooden floor, dropping her rear on the ground. Slowly pushing her back to rest, she suddenly felt like closing her eyes for a short nap.

It only took her half an hour to rest when suddenly a strong feeling of being looked tickled at her neck. After blinking her eyes to wake, she searched the strongest feeling of where and who was looking at her.

And when she did…

She couldn't help but let her eyes go wild and wide.

There stood a young man, born with wildly unkempt black hair. Eyes bore with abysmal history and at the same time trained for calculation. His body was once that of a boy and now it only displayed masculinity with a little bit of boyish. And yet even when he grew old, his habit of putting his hand on his pocket never vanished.

Sasuke…

She had not noticed how his eyes gazed at her, if she did, she would turn into puddle of water underneath his gaze. However, she was too preoccupied with describing what he had physically become and had just woken up from short nap. Then she broke free from her stupor, attempting to get up from the floor so as not to embarrass herself anymore.

But while she hastened her action it only made her dizzier, thus she had to grab a nearest thing to balance her weakened body. By doing so, she had not felt Sasuke's reflexes, but she felt his arms encasing her body, saving her from the fall.

"Ugh…" She groaned, shutting her eyes and clutching her head.

She felt him steadying her beside the banister. Her free hand searched for it and held tightly to steady her.

"I… I'm sorry. I suddenly felt woozy that's all." She explained, trying hard not to make him feel awkward from the situation they're both into.

"No need to apologize." He quickly answered, not taking his eyes away from her almost stooping head.

When the sharp pain in her head was gone, she removed her hand from her head and gripped the banister tightly. She just hoped she wouldn't felt the same dizziness for the next few minutes. Seeing as he was a head taller than her, she slowly looked up to him.

"How was your work with Tsunade-shishou? Did she give you any hard work?"

His eyes finally found hers and he ought to lock it on her only.

"I barely receive workloads from her. All I ever do was watching her write things on paper."

It felt strange to be gazed at so Sakura had to look away slowly so as not to let Sasuke look at her eyes further. Why did she do that? She'll never know. Bravely though, she returned to look at him and still saw the same eyes that avoid anything but her.

"So you're doing fine now. I'm glad Tsunade-shishou allowed you to stay here and helped you with the Cursed Seal."

"…Aa."

It was the same monotone reply. Of course, it wouldn't be removed from his habits. If he didn't answer that way then he's no Sasuke. Sakura wanted to ask something from him, but she knew that personal subjects such as the death of his brother would bring nothing but empty answer. Sasuke wouldn't tell anything to her, for all she knew he would only say that it wasn't her business.

Since she had grown with him during their early stages, she had known him. She had known how to talk and act around him. Basically, she's the only female being who can interact with the surviving Uchiha. She had known his temper, too and knew how to deal with it. Perhaps, she has the longest patience when it comes to Uchiha Sasuke of course she had a deep adoration for him.

But was it only adoration? If compared to Ino and the rest of his fan girls in this village, all of them would judge that her adoration wasn't just adoration… it was love - an unreciprocated love.

Seeing as she doesn't have anything to talk about or throw a topic, she resorted to silence. She knew that Sasuke liked silence so much so she would allow the same thing. Not that she mattered, but she grew accustomed to that silence as well.

Unexpectedly, his words almost made her in shock.

"If you're not feeling well why are you walking around the village?"

Was he concerned? Why must he ask her that way? He would never ask her that way. Nervously pushing down the saliva down her throat, she looked for an excuse.

"I needed fresh air. I've been inside the house for how many days… besides…" She looked away shyly as she added, "I'm looking for you."

He slightly tilted his head. "You know that I'm working with the Hokage so you know where to find me."

Her heart might have skipped a bit. He just gave away a hint where to find him.

"I know but I don't want to intrude while you're at work. You don't want to have additional working hours now right?"

He smirked, a smirked that almost resembled that of a smile.

Sakura felt a tug of her lips, forming into a small smile. She never felt so good around him unlike before where he used to push them away. But it was a little strange for her and for them, to notice that in short span of time, after the incident with the Akatsuki, Sasuke had changed… rather slightly changing. Somehow, he resembled the time when Sai was slowly changing and adopting the environment.

They held another moment of silence again. They paid no heed in this silence because it was just another reason to make up for as they silently gazed at each other's eyes, probably trying to understand each other's voice deep inside their different colors. When the sundown's breeze whipped Sakura's short hair, she opted to hide away her eyes once again and chose to hold her hair behind her ears.

Suddenly, a stretched out hand blocked her vision. She looked up to him with eyes of bewilderment.

"You look tired. Come I'll walk you home."

If it was possible to be turned into puddle she would have changed a while ago. Everything about him… it all changed. It was as though the Uchiha Sasuke she knew long ago had suddenly turned into another person. Or was it this person a stranger? She didn't know. But what confused her greatly was how this young man, Uchiha Sasuke as the physical appearance claimed him to be, merely showed his concern for her. He wasn't directing anything, but Sakura wasn't dumb, so even when he does not say how concerned he is… he really is.

Naturally, Sasuke won't even give a damn about her well-being. For all he cared, he would just tell her to get home and rest. Surely, he had saved her a lot of times when they were in the battlefield but he changes drastically especially when they're inside the village.

It had been years, Sakura… years… She told to herself, not entirely noticing the lack of noisiness coming from the Inner Persona that she had grown with. Sasuke isn't a child anymore. He's grown up like me.

Nervously yet bravely at the same time, she put her fragile hand and said, "Thank you."

She expected nothing from him when he told her he'd walk her home. The entire walk, starting from the bridge down to the market, was quiet. Sakura was always tempted to hug him and tell him how much she worried for him and for Naruto. She wanted to tell him that all she ever dreamed was him and Naruto being hurt by Itachi. But it was all about nightmare and surely, Sasuke wouldn't like to hear anything about it, especially now that he's trying to move on.

Maybe he had noticed along the way, how the villagers were talking behind them as they pass by. She had heard something like "she doesn't deserve him" and "Sakura-chan should really be careful around him by now." She couldn't blame them. Sasuke betrayed the village and turned into a Missing Nin at young age. He only returned afterwards but bringing chaos and death to a number of people when the Akatsuki tried to hunt down Naruto.

But… She stole a glance at his profile. Can't they just understand him? He was the sole survivor from the genocide of their clan. A person who had been left alone, alive with all his loved ones' body scattered on ground would most likely become an avenger…

She wanted to really embrace him. Tell him that he shouldn't be listening with all these villagers who think nothing but misconceptions about people. He's the man of the hour. He had always been if not for them.

Sakura almost looked away when Sasuke looked to the side, where she was. He wasn't frowning or glaring, he just simply looked at her with, sadly, blank expression.

"Don't worry. I'm getting used with all of the people gossiping around me."

She wanted to smile to assure him that they would go away once everything has been settled rightly, but her lips didn't do as what her nerves wanted it to do. Instead she just looked at his eyes once again before focusing on their silent walk again.

He knew I was worried… he felt it. Back then he would never care if I was worried…

When they finally arrived at the front of her apartment, where she randomly called it her house, they both looked at the door with different thoughts emerging and submerging in their minds.

Sasuke didn't mind walking her home or be with her as a company, but he didn't like to walk home soon. He wondered why… why he cared so much for her so suddenly.

Sakura on the other hand wanted to make him stay but she doubted. Even if she tried asking him, she knew he wouldn't accept the offer. She knew and noticed his unbelievable change, who knew, he might probably return to his once self again.

"Thank you so much for walking me home, Sasuke."

She suddenly wanted to take back the last word she said but would it really matter if she added the suffix or not?

"Hn…"

Sakura looked up to him and smiled. "I hoped to see you around again."

With that, she finally turned her heels towards her door—

But—

A cut through the wind, grabbing the forearms, and pulling towards the body—

Sakura could not believe where she was into.

Apparently, Sasuke could not hold his emotions any longer. It suddenly gushed out like a free flowing waters. He couldn't just make her go inside without showing a part of his concern. So he instantaneously pulled her arm and towards his arms… ultimately neglecting whatever notion the person involved has in mind.

When Sakura didn't return the hug, Sasuke embraced her tightly. It was as though he didn't want to let her go…

He curved his head, lips nearly touching her skin but his breathing triggered a shiver down her spine. He embraced her tightly and he was sure, he didn't want to let go.

Sakura's eyes were wild and wide, again. For how Sasuke was able to get all this strange behavior, she didn't know. She had no idea what he was up to. But for now… the moment she wanted to be with him, he allowed her to.

So without second thoughts, Sakura snaked up her hands behind him and encased him like he did.

"I thought… I thought I would never be able to see you smile again…"

His words, no matter how sweet or hurting may it seem would surely make Sakura cry.

He cares for me…

To be continued…

Author's Note: Done in one sitting. I feel the need to end this alternate story, which had been mentioned from previous chapters. Don't worry, this will end the way it should be. No deaths for the people involved.

I'm very sorry to those who had been readers and reviewers of this alternate story. I know that you have expected a lot of SasuSaku here, but alas, all I have given is almost the same (or maybe not even close) from the first tragic story. Even so, I'm grateful since you guys are still here to provide support and encouragement. So big thanks to you (you know who you are).