DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Any name, thing, situation and idea mentioned in this story that is similarly related to real life is purely coincidental. NARUTO® belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. No profit was made on the creation of this fic.
CHAPTER 4 : A Plan
(After a round of squabbling for the nth time between Suigetsu and Karin, Sakura decides to give a helping hand on a certain aqua man's disastrous love life, or lack thereof.)
The tinkling sound of bells resonated inside the Yamanaka flower shop as the last customer for the day made their purchase. Yamanaka Ino groaned. Her whole body felt like it was repeatedly pounded by huge crater rocks. Her mom made her stand in the shop for the whole day because of her late night escapades the day before.
Ino sighed. Things would have been okay at the shop if it had not been for those idiotic customers who keep on giving her maniacal stares. The blue eyed vixen shivered. The last man that hit on her looked older than the third Hokage and that's saying something.
But since last night proved to be one of a hell of an enlightening night (both literally and figuratively), Ino didn't complain as much as she wanted to.
The sky lantern festival ended without a hitch and it was the rockin' girl power team of Tenten and Hinata that won the competition. The pale eyed Byakugan wielder and Konoha's resident weapon's mistress won a 2 days and 2 nights, all-expense paid, hotel accommodations to the very famous "Hot Leaf Hot Springs." It was a very generous prize for the pair that bested the other four teams.
That is not to say that the other teams sucked. They were just having…uhh, too many issues at hand.
Take the dog breathing, ramen cup team of Naruto and Kiba, for example. The only thing those two idiots did was fight endlessly throughout the night and so they weren't able to fly at least one lantern. Add in the slightly creepy pairing of Juugo and Sai, who stared at one another for the duration of the contest and did nothing at all. Ino's pretty positive that the two didn't even make it to the boat.
Then there was Sasuke and Karin, which in all honesty, Ino didn't want to think about ever again. The red head draped heavily unto Sasuke throughout the whole ride while the old grumpy guy glared daggers at everyone and everything that catches his eye. Ino didn't bother looking at them for she didn't want to spend the night puking endlessly. Ugh.
Sakura and Suigetsu's pair might have gone well, if it hadn't been for the fact that they bickered and muttered with each other in low tones after their suspicious secluded meeting. Well, at least they were able to fly a decent number of red lanterns. But for some reason, their lanterns catch fire whenever they pass by a certain pair's boat. And since the two were busy nagging each other, they didn't notice the weird and unexplainable crash landings, their lanterns were making.
Ino smirked. Last night's happenings were truly an eye opener. She didn't think she'd get such a huge scoop of hot gossip from last night alone. Oh well, if the gods are in her favor, who is she to complain.
Ino snickered. Sakura will have to call on every deity she can recall to save her from the impending misfortune she brought upon herself. And being the reliable friend that she is, Ino is more than welcome to lend a helping hand to her very unlucky best friend.
"Forehead, you truly need my help on this one." Ino thought with a grin.
She just needs to make sure that her billboard brow best friend see the same thing. And the perfect time to do so, would be right about…
"Mom! I'm done for the day!" Ino called loudly. " I'll just visit Sakura in the hospital, okay? Bye!"
"Wha-?! Ino! Come back!"
Mrs. Yamanaka sped through the flower shop's back door only to find the stall empty and the dangling, closed sign, at the entry.
…
The wind was very strong.
The waves from the ocean were deafening as it crashed on the rocks situated near the coast.
Sakura is standing on a field of white roses on a cliff above the sea.
The sky above her was painted grey. A storm is coming. A very big storm. She better leave now.
But something is holding her back. Something very important.
She can't leave now. She's waiting for him.
Even after all these years, she's still waiting.
Help!
A yell sounded from afar, but because of the booming sound, Sakura couldn't identify where it was coming from.
She ran to the edge only to find a figure being slowly swallowed by the waves.
Help! The figure yelled.
Sakura stared in horror as the man tried desperately to fight off the sea from engulfing him.
I have to save him! Sakura thought.
But what if he arrives and she's not there?
Sakura looked back at the bed of white roses. Those beautiful flowers that were devoid of color.
No one's coming.
He's not coming.
I can't stay here forever. I have to help that man!
She made her decision and jumped off the cliff.
It's his turn to wait.
If he's truly for her, he will wait.
If not…
…
A loud crash echoed across the halls of the second floor of Konoha Hospital. Haruno Sakura was bolted out of her dream and off her seat when she heard the achingly familiar arguing voices of the two human beings she least wanted to see today.
"What the HELL are you doing here?!"
"It's the fuckin' hospital! What else do you think?!"
"Don't get smart with me! You only go here when you're beaten black and blue by Sasuke OR when you flirt, you disgusting pervert!
"Oi! It's a free country! I can go wherever I want to! And why am I explaining THIS to you? You're not my mother!"
Oh great. Here we go again.
In all honesty, Sakura thought that maybe, just maybe, because of the discovery of his rather apparent feelings for Karin, Suigetsu will finally have the balls to ask the red spitfire out and do something about their undeniable sexual tension.
But, no. Instead, the idiot decided to bind her in a pinky promise while continuing to make a live show of the domestic bliss he and Karin have, at the hospital's second floor corridor.
Sigh. Sakura didn't know whether she should pity the guy or strangle him to death.
Actually, the latter looks strikingly more favorable as each minute passes.
BAM!
"Shut up! Just get out of here! I don't want to see your face today!"
"What makes you think I want to see YOURS?! And I'm not here for you! I have something to get from pinky over there!"
"OH! So that's it! You want to see HER!"
"What?!"
Sakura really didn't want to interrupt their ritual afternoon spat. But she has a patient in this floor that needs all the peace and quiet in the world and she can't afford to place that in jeopardy. So she stood up and opened the door to her office.
"Can you two please tone it down?" Sakura called out. "Tanaka-san of Room 232 needs all the rest he can have for tomorrow's operation."
Karin immediately rounded at Sakura and gave her a glare that could have burned a thousand of corpses or so.
Karin pulled a face. "Oh! Looks like there she is!" She spat at Suigetsu. "I hope that you have a good day!" She said in a dangerously sweet sarcastic voice.
The only female member of Team Hawk then proceeded to brush past Sakura and closed her office door with a bang.
Sakura blinked and said, "What was that?"
Suigetsu simply shrugged. "I don't know. Must be that time of the month."
Sakura raised an eyebrow at him. "What did you do?"
"Wha-! Me?! I didn't do anything!" Suigetsu said looking very much appalled. "I was just going to see you and ask for the results of the last medical check-up when that banshee started to yell at me!"
Sakura gave him a searching look then sighed.
"Right." She said. "I have your files. I'll just get them, you can come inside if you want." Sakura gestured towards her office and went inside.
Suigetsu followed after her and closed the door. He then took a seat at the couch and aimlessly observed the surroundings.
Everything about Sakura's room spells simplicity and efficiency. The walls were painted in modest cream, the curtains, a dash of light green and the other utilities in plain mahogany or steel grey.
The office is spacious enough to house two injured patients. The medical kits and tools are perfectly arranged in the shelves and the documents are all stacked above the filing cabinet.
Sakura's desk is located at the right corner of the room and looks a bit unorganized at the moment. Mountains of forms are currently situated at the left side of the table and three uncorked vials of (what looks like) antidotes are standing in the right.
"Ah! Here it is." Sakura quipped as she pulled out Suigetsu's form from her filing cabinet. She then marched towards the guy and handed out his file.
"You're perfectly fine. No abnormalities on your chakra patterns, no defects that may cause problems on your abilities and no symptoms of unusual behavior due to weird medications." Sakura said as she beamed at him. "Your body is in top shape."
Suigetsu sighed happily at that. "Good. Now it'll be in another month before I take this exam again." He said with relish. "I'm going to take this to the Hokage's office then. I may be able to take a more worthwhile missions too."
Sakura looked downcast at him. "You know they can't allow that yet. Not until the ban is lifted."
Suigetsu sniffed but said nothing.
"How many months left?" She asked.
"Six." Suigetsu replied. "Argh! I think I'm going crazy from all those useless missions they give us. Sasuke's not feeling good about it either." He complained. "Sometimes, I regret coming here."
"I see." She said quietly. Then she smiled. "You must really like Karin then."
Suigetsu immediately turned red. "What the hell?!"
Sakura chuckled. "Well you're willing to stay here just to be with her, right?"
"NO!" Suigetsu denied. "I didn't go here just for her! Sasuke wanted to come here so we followed him, end of story!"
"But she's still part of the reason, isn't she?"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M-"
"Yeah, yeah. I get it." Sakura said, grinning cheekily. "No need to shout."
Suigetsu, still red in the face said, "I'm not shouting!"
Sakura gave him a look.
Suigetsu groaned and then stood up. "Tch. Whatever. Thanks for this pinky." He said as he tapped his file.
"No problem." Sakura said. "And will you stop calling me pinky? It's getting quite irritating."
Suigetsu smirked at her. "Nah. It suits you."
"Out!" Sakura said as she glared at him.
Suigetsu went out snickering.
The glare quickly disappeared after Suigetsu left. Sakura then stared contemplatively at the door.
"Sometimes, I regret coming here."
Did they all regret staying here?
Did he regret coming back?
Sakura shook her head.
"Nope. Not my problem anymore." She said as she went back to her desk.
Although for some reason, something tightened in her chest at the thought.
…
An hour after Suigetsu left, Ino came bounding into Sakura's office and proceeded to drag the unsuspecting girl out for a coffee break.
"Ino," Sakura started as they entered the hospital's cafeteria. "I need to finish my report for today or else Tsunade-shishou will skin me alive and feed my carcass to Shino's bugs."
Ino laughed. "Oh, forehead. Shino's bugs will not be the only ones that'll feed on your corpse when that happens."
"What?" Sakura asked confused.
"Nothing, nothing." Ino said gaily as they sat on one of the cafeteria's benches.
"Why am I here again?" Sakura grudgingly asked.
"Because you need a break and there's something I need to tell you."
Sakura looked skeptically at Ino. "About what?"
"Ah, I'll tell you later. Let's order first." Ino smiled. "And don't worry, this one's on me."
After ordering two plates of red bean flavored dorayaki and two cups of hot coffee, Sakura started interrogating her blonde best friend.
"So, what is it that you need to tell me?" Sakura asked as she took a bite from her dorayaki.
Ino shot her a thoughtful look before replying, "You better not dwell on hot waters, forehead. Karin was glaring daggers at you last night."
"What?" Sakura asked, looking bewildered. "No, she wasn't. If my memory serves me right, she was busy clinging to Sasuke all night."
"Yup. She was clinging to Sasuke, alright, while glaring daggers at you and Suigetsu."
Sakura frowned. "Why would she do that? I didn't even approach Sasuke last night, much less talk to him."
Ino rolled her eyes. "It's not about Sasuke forehead. Didn't I tell you? She likes aqua man!"
"So?"
"Well, seeing that the both of you were getting all mushy last night…" Ino deadpanned.
Sakura spluttered. "Wh-what?! No, we weren't!"
Ino looked unimpressed. "Sakura. I was there, remember? And I definitely saw something going on between you and Suigetsu."
"There's nothing going on between us, pig."
"Yeah right, and I'm secretly gay for you."
Sakura scowled at her. "Look, Ino it's not like that-"
"Then, what's it like?"
"I can't tell you."
"Ha! So there is something after all!
"What?! No!"
Ino pouted. "I can't believe that you won't tell me, Sakura. I'm your best friend!"
Sakura sighed. "I-I can't. I really can't. I'm sorry, Ino but I made a promise and I just can't-"
After giving her a long and hard stare, Ino groaned. "Oh, alright."
Sakura then glanced at her watch. "Ino, I've got to go." She said, looking very much apologetic. "Thanks for the coffee."
Ino hummed. "No problem, but you're not off the hook yet, forehead!" She warned. " I'll make you spill the beans next time!"
Sakura shot Ino a constipated look and walked off. Right before she exits, she heard a shout.
"Oh and Sakura! Tell your boyfriend I said hi!" Ino called loudly, while grinning cheekily.
Cheeks pink, the Godaime Hokage's apprentice dashed towards the door, acting deaf and ignoring all the surprised glances the others occupants of the room were giving her.
…
Karin was avoiding her.
Sakura concluded as she walked along the busy streets of Konoha. Ever since Sakura's fateful talk with Ino at the cafeteria, the red head had been avoiding her like a plague. Admittedly, Sakura didn't even notice it at first. But after being paired together for a day of office work and Karin disappearing on her throughout the whole day, Sakura is pretty sure that the red spitfire has a problem with her.
Not that Karin didn't have a problem with her from the start. Sakura snorted as she recalled the suspicious and bitter looks she would get from Karin, during the first month of Team Hawk's stay in Konoha. She never really understood why the red head was wary of her because, as far as she knows, she really isn't much of a threat to Karin and Sasuke's 'budding' relationship (if you could call it that).
It had been a pain, but thankfully Karin's attitude towards her mellowed down after the first month and it never escalated to the point that she would avoid Sakura. So Karin must really be mad at her now to evade her like a concentrated slime.
Sakura groaned. She really didn't know what to do. She tried talking to Karin, to find out why the latter's been giving her the cold shoulder but the girl simply ignored her and walked off.
Although the two of them are not close friends, Sakura considers Karin as an agreeable acquaintance and a reliable comrade in the medical field. She really didn't want to have unpleasant conversations with the girl, so Sakura decided to just let Karin's moody phase pass and hopefully be able to sort whatever misunderstanding between them.
Speaking of misunderstanding, Sakura can't believe that almost everyone at the hospital thinks she has a secret lover. After Ino's humiliating taunt about her supposed boyfriend, all the medics have been asking her about the identity of her latest boy toy.
Sakura growled. That meddlesome pig will really get it the next time they meet.
She knew that by boyfriend, Ino was referring to Suigetsu and Sakura would have laughed at the hilarious idea if it weren't for the fact that it was downright ridiculous.
Boyfriend, my ass. Sakura thought. The guy is obviously so smitten with Karin that he spends his free time going to the hospital just to get yelled at and beaten to death by the girl. How in the Kazekage's pants is that logical? Never mind the fact that she just made a blasphemous allusion to Gaara's pants.
She and Suigetsu will never work out. Because...
She does not think of Suigetsu in that way although he is a pretty nice guy.
He likes Karin. Heck he may even love her at this stage.
And from what Ino told her, Karin likes Suigetsu too, so…
OH!
OH!
Karin likes Suigetsu too!
Is that the reason why the red head was avoiding her?
Was Karin actually jealous of her and Suigetsu?
Sakura snorted.
Nah. That's impossible.
Or is it?
Ino was right about Suigetsu's feelings, so what if she's right with Karin's as well?
Sakura sighed.
Maybe if she would see some signs from Karin, then she'll be able to confirm it.
But until then, that thought is on hold.
…
The last of her musings about the two ended just as she arrived at Ichiraku Ramen. Today happened to be the monthly Team Seven get-together that Naruto arranged ever since Sasuke came back. The orange clad shinobi made it routine celebration for the whole team and there are drastic consequences for failure of attendance.
The penalties for missing the said party range from wearing Gai-sensei's green jumpsuit spandex for a day, to reading a whole book of Icha Icha out loud (not much of a concern to Kakashi), treating Chouji out for barbeque and cleaning Naruto's apartment, among other things. The tasks increase in absurdity every month, so no matter how busy she is, Sakura always makes time for the get-together.
Naruto and Sasuke were already seated when she arrived.
"Ah! Sakura-chan's here!" Naruto said happily. "I thought you'd pass today."
"Not happening." Sakura said. "I don't want to be the one to teach Sai the fundamentals of sex." She shuddered at the thought.
Naruto laughed. "Good luck to Kakashi-sensei then."
"Knowing him, he'll probably just stuff Sai with Icha Icha."
"Poor guy. That book's rubbish."
"Uh-huh, says the guy who helped Jiraiya-sama finish the last book."
"Hey! I only helped him because I want to finish my training."
"And because you wanted to help in the data gathering."
Naruto flushed. "No-not true!"
Sakura rolled her eyes and asked, "Have you ordered yet?"
"Yup, we ordered the regular for you."
"Thanks, I'm actually a bit starving."
Thus Naruto and Sakura's incessant conversation began. It was always like this during their monthly get-togethers. They would all meet at Ichiraku and talk about random things. Kakashi (when he decides to come) will be buried on his Icha Icha book, Sai will talk about his misadventures when it comes to interpersonal communication, Yamato-taicho will be giving his infamous scary looks and Sasuke will brood until kingdom come.
Occasionally the lone Uchiha will insert some of his reserved taunts for Naruto in their conversations but he never really participated in the talks. He would simply listen to whatever inane topic they were discussing, acknowledging her presence with a simple nod or a glance.
During Sasuke's first few weeks in Konoha, Sakura had no problems talking to him. Actually, she had asked him about a lot of things but due to the fact that he only answers in grunts and animal sounds and that she is, by no means, an expert in 'Sasukese' (we have Naruto for that), Sakura decided that she would only talk to him if it is about something important or if it was Sasuke who started the conversation (which was never).
So imagine her surprise today, when at the middle of slurping her bowl of beef ramen, the 'never' happened.
"Sakura." Sasuke said in his usual monotone voice. "When is my next scheduled monthly check-up?"
Sakura did a double take.
Woah. Did she hear that right?
Was Sasuke really talking to her? In full sentences?
Sakura forced to swallow the noodles as she struggled to rack her brain for the date of his scheduled appointment.
"Ah, if I'm not mistaken, you're not scheduled until next month." She glanced at him as she answered.
Sasuke stared contemplatively at her before replying, "Aa."
Sakura inwardly snorted. Well looks like he's back to normal. She picked up her chopsticks to continue her meal when he interrupted her again.
"What about Suigetsu, Juugo and Karin?"
"I think Karin and Juugo finished theirs today so they'll probably have it next month too. As for Suigetsu, I've finished his a month ago so he'll probably be called for another this month ."
"You're his medic?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yup." Sakura replied with a smile. "Since last month. He's actually a good patient. A little bit talkative but nothing I can't handle."
"I see." Sasuke replied, looking like he hadn't see at all.
"Ah!" Naruto exclaimed. "Is that why he dragged you away last time?"
Sakura flushed slightly at that. "Yeah. He wants to-uh, he wants to check on his, eh, results."
"In the middle of a fuckin' festival?" The dark haired Uchiha asked in dry tone.
"Um-uh, yeah! But I told him that I still don't have the results so-"
"Were his results satisfactory?" Sasuke cut her off.
"Yeah" She said slowly. "He's fine. I'm sure that he can perform well in any activity."
"Hn."
Suddenly, Naruto chuckled. "Any activity?"
"Uh, yeah." Sakura answered, looking a bit confused.
"Even the activities in the bed-"
"Dobe." Sasuke growled in warning.
Sakura turned purple and glared at her whiskered face friend. "UZUMAKI NARUTO! HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT?!"
Naruto sheepishly grinned at her before replying, "Well, since you're his medic and all-"
Sakura gave him hard thump on the head. "You idiot! That's not part of the exam!" She fumed.
"Ow." Naruto clutched his head. "I think my skull's cracked in half. You didn't have to hit so hard, Sakura-chan!" He complained.
"Well, I wouldn't have if you didn't ask that stupid question! Where on earth did you get the idea-"
And so after that highly amusing catalyst, it felt a little more comfortable sitting there and talking to both Naruto and Sasuke. A few minutes and a dozen bowls of ramen later, dusk began settling in and the three decided to call it a day.
They were just leaving when Sakura spotted a lonesome figure sitting at the okonomiyaki stall across the street.
Uzumaki Karin was staring impassively at her food. Her gaze was clouded and her brow was furrowed as she poked and prodded her okonomiyaki. The crimson eyed kunoichi sighed and scanned the streets. Then she froze.
Sakura followed Karin's line of sight and was shocked to find Suigetsu crossing the street with a beautiful black haired kunoichi.
Naruto whistled beside her. "Oh, is that Suigetsu?" Then he chuckled. "Damn, teme. He's better at you in picking girls."
Sasuke merely glared at him. "Baka."
Sakura returned her gaze to Karin, only to find the kunoichi gone and a plate full of okonomiyaki left at the table.
Sakura sighed.
Ah, there's the sign.
Having heard her sigh, Naruto glanced at her. "You okay Sakura-chan?"
"Yup. I'm fine." Sakura gave him a weary smile.
Sasuke stared impassively at her then at Suigetsu. His brow furrowed but he did not comment.
"You want us to walk you home?" Naruto asked.
Sakura smiled at that. "Nope. I can manage."
"Are you sure?" Naruto said while grinning widely. "As Konoha's future hokage, I want to make-"
Sasuke snorted. "You're not the future hokage, dobe."
"Of course I am."
"No, you're not."
"Uzumaki Naruto, Rokudaime Hokage. Ha! So much better than Uchiha Teme. Ice prick Extraordinaire."
"Shut up."
Sakura rolled her eyes at their antics and looked back at Suigetsu.
The idiot will probably never make a move. He was so convinced of the fact that Karin hates him that he never noticed the telltale signs of the red head's growing affection for him.
"Say Naruto," Sakura said. "We should always give a helping hand to those who need it, right?"
The blond looked a bit surprised at the question, but then he grinned. "Of course!"
Sakura smiled softly. "Thanks. I'll be going now." She said as she started towards the direction of her apartment. "Be careful you guys. Bye!"
Naruto gave her a huge friendly wave while Sasuke simply stared at her.
Sakura hummed as she tread upon the tracks that will lead her home. Her mind gearing on to create an ingenious plot.
Well looks like she'll have to give a push on the budding romance between Kusagakure's flaming red head and Kirigakure's silver haired shark.
Sakura grinned.
Now to tell Suigetsu…
-END-
*Dorayaki – is a traditional Japanese dessert made with pancakes and filled with anko (sweet been paste). It is Doraemon's favorite food. ^_^
*Okonomiyaki – according to Naruto Wiki, this is Karin's favorite dish.
Up Next: Chapter 5: A Proposition
(After a period of explanation, Suigetsu finally accepts Sakura's proposal but not without adding a few conditions of his own.)
A/N: Honestly, I'm not very satisfied with the outcome of this one but I hope that you will all still enjoy this chapter. :) I tried updating last month but things happened and…Anyway, I promise that I'll update the next chapter before March ends. Oh and Please review. I'll be more than glad to read your complaints, opinions and comments about the story.
AND TO ALL THE READERS, FOLLOWERS, TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED AND MADE THIS STORY A FAVORITE: THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ^_^ I LOVE YOU ALL! :)
-reesa
