Chapter 5: Liar
Two weeks had past since they were brought back. Both sustained serious injury and blood loss. With the help of Tsunade, both Sakura and Sasuke were recovering well. They were fortunate, unlike them many others died from their injuries. The battle between Konoha and the Sound raged for three days. Even though, Orochimaru and his top ninja were eliminated the first day, loyal supporters and other misfits of the organization continued to fight resulting in heavy casualties on all sides. However, Otokagure and the Waterfall took the brunt of it. Konoha medics searched through the carnage for three days after the fighting had subsided, looking for survivors. After returning with very few, the medics were then dispatched to the Waterfall village to help with relief efforts.
Back in Konoha, white puffy clouds drifted slowly in the blue morning sky. The sound of birds chirping could be heard through the hospital room window which Sakura peered out of. It was indeed a beautiful morning. Her assistant entered the room, "Morning Sakura-san. Here are your messages. I'm going to put your change of clothes in the bathroom. Also, Hokage-sama has requested your presence at this morning's briefing. It's at ten, so please don't be late."
"Thank you Mari." Sakura said while looking through the messages. One was a letter from the Waterfall village. She dropped the rest of the papers and quickly opened it. It read:
Sakura,
I can't tell you how relieved I am that you were rescued and are in good health. Even though the news of Hiroshi's death has deeply saddened me, hearing you were with him in the end somehow makes me feel a little better; knowing he didn't die alone. There were three things he loved in this world: His village, his family, and you. My brother meant the world to me, and though he is gone, I know he is in a better place, one without war and suffering. I keep telling myself not to cry because I know Hiro wouldn't want that. He always wanted those around him to be in good spirits. I think he would have wanted us to celebrate his life, remembering the good times, and always keeping him in our hearts and memories, never forgetting him. My dear Sakura, thank you for bringing my brother such happiness, and remember you will always be welcome here.
With love, Yuna.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she placed the message aside. She could feel her sadness derived from the guilt that seemed to build ever since she woke up in Konoha's hospital. Her sadness had now spawned into anger and anger to rage. She grabbed the nearest vase of flowers and threw it across the room. The vase shattered, she cursed herself saying how it was her fault they were captured, how Yuna's young son will grow up never knowing his uncle because of her. "It should have been me!" she shouted as she buried her head in her hands. "I should have died...why..why..did I have to wake up?" she sobbed. She then opened her eyes and through the cracks of her fingers stared at the daffodils that lay on the floor in a pool of water and glass. It reminded her of someone she once brought that same type of flower to. "And Sasuke..I should have never.."
"Is everything alright?" asked Mari who came in after hearing the breaking glass.
Picking her head up, wiping her tears, and refusing to look her way she said, "Its fine." in an irate tone.
"But you're crying?"
"And it's my business, not yours." Sakura stated coldly.
"Of course, please excuse me. And just a reminder, the briefing is in twenty minutes." she then scurried out hoping not to catch Sakura's wrath. Mari had always walked on eggshells when Sakura was in one of her moods. A trick she quickly learned while working with her years ago.
Taking a deep breath, Sakura tried to calm down. She knew Mari was just being her caring and considerate self as she always had been. Sakura got up, went to the bathroom to get dressed. As she took off her shirt, it caught her attention. This large, thick scar on her back accompanied by the deadened red seal which decorated her shoulder down the top half of her arm. "It's not.. so bad." she said to herself in reassurance.
"No, it's not." A strong deep voice said from the doorway..
She turned and gasps, "Sasuke! Geez, don't you knock!" She yelled as she scrambled to cover herself.
He walked in the bathroom, put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Sakura stop. Let me see." Holding her shirt over her chest she solemnly looked away, then slowly turned. His hand slid down over the soft skin of her back to the healed tissue. Closing her eyes, her body fell loose as his touch made her feel so safe and serene. A feeling she had longed for since that night. His hands slipped up to her neck, where he brushed back her hair as she tilted toward him. His cheek grazed her ear as he took in her scent and slowly descended down to her shoulder. Her breath caught in her chest as his so warm and heavy, fell across her skin, causing her heart to flutter. His lips then parted and softly kissed the nape of her neck. She was just about to give in completely when he spoke. "Sakura, I'm.." His voice, her name, it brought her back to reality.
Her eyes popped open, "No." She turned and lightly pushed him away. "Don't apologize, like I said... it's not so bad. Besides, it's not the first time you stabbed me in the back." Slipping on her shirt, she then walked over and sat on the bed.
Sasuke followed, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," she said under her breath. "What do you want Sasuke?"
Sitting beside her he said, "I, just.. wanted to see how you were."
"Really? It's been weeks since we were rescued. Your room was just down the hall, and this is the first time you come see me, the day we are released. I don't think my well being is what's on your mind." She said while putting on her boots.
"There's something...I have to talk to you about."
She sighed, "If you're concerned about what happened between us, you needn't be. I told you, it was a one time thing, nothing more. And that...what just happened..it didn't. Understand?"
He could sense the contempt in her voice. "Fine. That's not what I wanted to discuss."
"Well you better hurry, I have five minutes before I have to be in a meeting."
Her tone and her attitude toward him was starting to piss him off. "Yeah, so do I." he replied.
"You? Why you?" she asked.
"Ahh, never mind that. Just tell me, why didn't you follow the plan?"
She put her head down, avoiding eye contact, "I don't know what you are talking about." she said in a soft yet stern voice. Then she got up and started to walk away.
"The hell you don't!" He got up, reached out, and grabbed her arm pulling her close to him, then turned her to face him. Glaring down at her, he angrily asked again, "Why didn't you kill me!?"
The weight of his words, the forceful tone he used, and the pressure of his eyes, caused her to start to shake. "I..um.. I couldn't. I barely had enough strength to kill Orochimaru."
"Really, you could have killed both of us in one movement and yet you didn't I find it hard to believe you were too stupid to realize. So it had to be because you were too weak to do it?" he said trying to provoke her.
Sakura's eye twitched as he dared to say that word. "What!?"
"Well it could have been either you were too weak physically, or too weak emotionally. No matter how you look at it, you were weak. Personally, I think it was the latter. You were always too emotional. Hymph..I guess some things never change." he said condescendingly.
Infuriated with his words, she got in his face and said, "What the hell do you know! You know nothing about me and you're lucky I was too busy bleeding to death that I didn't kill you! Next time I promise you, you will not be so lucky!" He could tell he went too far when he could feel her inner rage bubble to the surface as she spoke. She grabbed his wrist and squeezed with just a fraction of her strength forcing him to let go of her arm. "I'm not.. as weak as you think."
"Ahh," he grunted as he rubbed his arm, "Fair enough. But there is something else we need to discuss."
"What time is it?" She asked as if ignoring him.
"10:06."
"Shit, we're late! Tsunade's going to..."
"That doesn't matter, this is more important!" Sasuke protested.
"I doubt it, besides you don't know Tsunade-sama well enough to say that. Let's go!" She ran out the door.
He reluctantly followed as they went to the main conference room. A few Jouinin were there, several Chuuinin and even a few Genin. The two large doors made a loud screech as they swung open as if announcing their presence. Everyone turned and stared at Sakura and Sasuke. Tsunade seemed irate as they tried to discretely enter. She briefly paused in the middle of her statement and eyeballed them as they made their way to the front. "Ahem... As I was saying, all remaining Jounin with Genin cells will report to the village of the Waterfall where they will relieve the current cells helping in the recovery effort. All unassigned Jouinin and Chuunin are to report to the border for patrol duty. Should there be any kind of attempt to invade due to our recent battle, I want to be ready. Any questions?"
Someone shouted, "Why is he here!" pointing at Sasuke. "He betrayed our village to become the understudy of Orochimaru! He should be in prison!"
"Kazuma, it seems you didn't inform your subordinate about the situation."
The newly appointed Jouinin put his head down in embarrassment, "My apologies, Hokage-sama. Didn't I tell you to keep you mouth shut Ari-kun!" Kazuma whispered, then smacked the back of the young Genin's head.
"For you and the rest who did not get the message, and have questions listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. Uchiha Sasuke was formerly with the Sound due to a top secret mission he agreed to take on six years ago." Sakura shocked at what she just heard, looked to Sasuke, but there was no reaction. He continued to stare blankly ahead of him as Tsuande continued. "He has been our most important spy, providing us with invaluable information, and saving countless lives all while risking his own..." Sakura felt sick. Unable to think, to say anything, she glared daggers at Sasuke. "Now that Orochimaru is dead, his mission has completed, and he will now be re-assigned..." Sakura felt betrayed, not only by Sasuke, but by her former master as well. She needed to get out of that room. Caring less about what Tsunade was saying, she stormed out. "...I trust all of you to treat him with the utmost respect. Dismissed."
Sasuke stood there stoically staring at the swaying doors. He couldn't help but regret not telling her. He thought, But it was her own damn fault. Why did she have to be so stubborn, like she wanted to start a fight. That girl is just so...so.. annoying!
Tsunade approached him then commented, "I guess you didn't tell her."
"No.."
She sighed, "You better go after her..."
"Aaa." He made his way through the crowd, then out the doors. He then flashed and appeared on the roof, where he could locate Sakura easily. Spotting her about a mile up the road near the market, he vanished and caught up with her. "Sakura.. Hey, Sakura!" She ignored him and started to walk faster. "Sakura, would you stop!" he got in front of her.
"Leave me alone!" she shouted.
Noticing the many people around now starting to stare, Sasuke got closer to her and said in a low tone, "Can we go somewhere and talk about this." trying to avoid a scene.
"Stay away from me!"
"Saku.." Before he could even finish saying her name, she slapped him with great force causing him to fly back, and overturn a fruit stand. The crowd gasped and giggled.
"I can't even look at you right now!" she shouted then pushed her way through the crowd and left. Sasuke watched her leave from the pavement where he laid among the mess of apples, melons and other assorted fruit. People old and young alike all speculated the nature of their argument, most assumed it was a lover's quarrel. They watched as Sasuke got up in embarrassment and dusted himself off. He was at a loss of what to do, but based on Sakura's previous behavior, he had an idea of what her next move would be.
A week later, at Ichakaru's Ramen shop, Sasuke was meeting an old friend.
"Oy, Sasuke!" the blue eyed blonde said with a great smile.
"Hey Naruto." They both sat down and ordered. Now Naruto had been away on mission for the past two weeks, but was made aware of Sasuke's previous mission. It was during that time he came to terms with the past. Even though it hurt him greatly that Sasuke had left, Naruto felt at peace knowing it wasn't just a ploy at revenge and power, that he was also aiding his country. In a way, it was like Sasuke was looking after them, just like he always had, though beit of different means. Naruto knew Sasuke wasn't as heartless as he often acted.
"Hey have you seen Sakura-chan lately?" Naruto said in between mouth fulls of noodles.
Placing his chopsticks across the untouched bowl Sasuke replied. "She went home."
"Really, when? I was just there and she didn't answer the door? I haven't talked to her since she's been back."
"No, dobe." He turned to face him. "She went home...back to the Waterfall."
"What!? WHY!!? When!?" the young blonde shouted.
"Last week. We...had an argument."
Grabbing Sasuke by the shirt, "What did you do!?" he demanded.
Shoving Naruto off, he turned back and stared into his bowl sullenly. "I..hurt her."
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It was twenty past midnight. The streets were empty as they often were at that time. The blue-silver light of the full moon illuminated everything it shone upon. Sakura walked along the path. A light breeze blew past her as she passed by a familiar bench. Stopping a few feet ahead, a figure leaped out of a tree, "Running away again?" Sasuke stated.
"I don't have time for this." she said coldly.
"Wait." he said while continuing to block her path. "Let me say what I have to, then you can go and never talk or see me again. Okay?" She impatiently agreed. "Look, I'm sorry you found out the way you did. I should have told you before the meeting or even yesterday, but I was worried how you'd react. I care for you and never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry."
"Are you finished?" she said with irritation. She started to walk away.
"That's it. You have nothing else to say!"
Sakura turned to face him. "What do you want me to say to that pathetic excuse of an apology? It's all bullshit! You care for me. If you really cared you would have been straight with me from the beginning! You knew how I felt about you. I poured my heart out and all I got was a thank you. No...if you really cared you would have told me in some form six years ago, sparing me from the heartache I had to endure! You're sorry? Here I've been blaming myself for getting involved, for getting captured, for Hiro's death! Swimming in the guilt of letting my weakness for you take over resulting in our being together! When all along it was your fault! You could have stopped the invasion! You could have prevented all those casualties, then Hiro would still be alive. I would be by his side and would've never been with you and have to live with these scars! It's your fault! It's your fault!" she yelled out hysterically with tears in her eyes.
Seeing her in such distress hit him like a huge rock to his chest. "There's.. nothing I could have.."
"Save it Sasuke! You know you really had me going. That night, you were so convincing, it was like you were a different person... But I was clearly mistaken. You are the same cold hearted, self-righteous bastard you always were. And now a liar as well."
"What? I was more sincere with you than with anyone!"
"Shut..up. Everything out of your mouth is a lie. You hurt me more than any one person ever could. I'll never forgive you for what you've done!" she shouted.
Stunned at her heartfelt outburst, "Okay.. I understand. Right now you need to blame someone, and that's fine. I'll take the blame. You need to grieve.."
"Don't you tell me what I need! What I need is to get as far away from you as possible!"
"Fine, but answer this: Have you even cried for him since we've been back?"
"Tha..that's.. none of your business!"
"I bet you even feel guilty for surviving don't you?" She said nothing in response. "I know how it is, believe me. Like it or not you're alive and need to go on living. In time, your memory should clear and you will see things as they are. You know I'm right."
Sakura started to shake. Knowing she was about to breakdown she said, "If that is all?" anxious to leave. He said nothing and watched sullenly as she walked away.
Sasuke then called out to her, "Sakura!" She stopped. "Be safe." She glanced at him then went on her way out of the village.
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"So you let her go?" Naruto said sadly.
"Aah"
"And you're ok with that?"
"I have to be. I hurt her so bad the least I could do is let her be."
"Sasuke.. What exactly happened in that cave?"
Sasuke sighed, "Nothing. Don't worry about it."
"You are a liar. I'm not sure what, but I know something happened. When we found the two of you unconscious, you had her hand in a death grip."
"Yeah well." Sasuke whispered as he looked away.
Frustrated Naruto tightened his fists. "This is wrong. All wrong. We should all be here together. And you two, as much as it pains me to say it, you need each other."
"I don't need anyone!" Sasuke stood up and shouted.
"Still telling yourself that?" Naruto told Sasuke looking at him suspiciously. Sasuke backed off slowly, then sat down. "She belongs here Sasuke, we have to get her back."
"It's not a matter of getting her back, she has to want to come back idiot." he replied.
"And how do you suggest we get her to want that?"
"We don't. She has to choose. The most we can do is talk to her at the right time, when she has calmed down a bit and with any luck she'll come back."
"Okay," Naruto said confused. "But..how are you going to talk to her when she hates your very being?
"Well, you're going to help me with that. Besides there's something I need to return to her."
End Chapter 5
A/N: Well I think I finally got the chapter to where I like it. And After a year of waiting, I hope you do as well. I've written this chapter over and over so many times. Anyway let me know what you think. Sorry for the extremely long wait. Thx to those of you who kept on my ass to get out an update. Keep it up. More updates to come!