Chapter 3: The village

Sakura stumbled over a rock and fell to the ground with a scream. With effort, she got back up while Sasuke, who was standing a few meters ahead, was watching her. She felt awful. Now, she was really a burden for him, just as she had thought. But they had been walking for hours with no break in scorching heat and the path seemed to get more and more rampant. She was really exhausted. First the cold yesterday and now this heat, that was too much for her.

Yet she struggled to get to her feet under his icy glance and resumed her pace. Only she didn't get very far. Her skin felt hot, she felt like her head was going to explode. "Sasuke…", she stammered and fell to her knees. "I need a break."

"We're already late. We have to reach the nearest village before sundown, or we won't find the way."

She didn't want to be a hindrance, so she muttered: "Okay. I can… it's okay…" When she stoop up again she staggered and he grabbed her by her shoulders. Even he realized that she wasn't in any condition to keep walking.

Sasuke sighed and knelt down with her. "Here," he said and handed her his backpack. For a moment she was deeply scared that he would leave her alone right here. But then he knelt with his back to her and placed her arms around his neck. "Hold on to me," he said gruffly and then simply lifted her on his back.

Sakura blushed when she realized he was going to carry her on his back like a child. As if he didn't even notice the additional weight, he moved along.

She clung to him and let her head rest on his shoulder. "Sasuke," she whispered, "Promise me you won't leave me alone."

"Hn," was his reply and she took it as a yes. She closed her eyes and fell asleep exhaustedly.

With a start, Sakura awoke from a restless sleep. Surprised, she looked around. Where was she? "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" someone asked and Sakura automatically reached for her kunai. By the door, a woman was standing, Sakura was sure she didn't know her. But she didn't seem dangerous.

"Where am I?" Sakura asked, confused. The last thing she remembered was Sasuke, who had carried her on his back. No, there was something else…. And now she realized it hadn't been a dream… Sasuke, laying her down on a soft bed, whispering to her: "Gomen, Sakura."

The woman replied friendly: "Your brother brought you here." Sakura stared at the woman in confusion. Brother…? "He asked me to take care of you. He told me to tell you he is sorry but he can't take care of you. You lost your home, is that true? He didn't tell me much… are you survivors from the village down at the valley?

"Eh… yes…" she hesitatingly replied, starting to realize what was going on.

"Poor child," the woman said. "Are these your brother's clothes?" Sakura looked at herself and remembered now that Sasuke had lent her his clothes. The woman went over to the cupboard and pulled out some clothes. "I think my daughter's clothes might fit you. Don't worry, you can stay here until you feel better, then we'll find a new home for you. I'm sure your brother will be back soon, too."

Sakura gripped the sheets tightly. "No he won't," she said, disappointed. She wasn't stupid enough to think that "her brother" – Sasuke – would come back. He had made up this story about them being siblings who were survivors from the village she had been to a few days ago. So, he had made the decision for her, and he hadn't even bothered to ask her first. Whatever her motives for staying with him had been, now they were forgotten. Sasuke had left her alone. "He left me here. How could he do this to me?"

The woman looked at her sympathetically, while placing the clothes on her bed. "When he brought you here, he seemed really worried about you. He made sure you were going to be safe here and then he left."

"Where did he go?"

"He refused to tell me," the woman replied.

"When did he leave?"

"Maybe half an hour ago," was the reply and it raised Sakura's hopes.

She stood up. "I'm sorry but I have to find him! I can't stay here!"

She stormed over to the door, but the woman held her back. "At least take some of the clothes with you. It gets cold here at night," she said.

"Thank you so much," she said and stuffed the clothes in her backpack. "I don't even know your name…"

"Hayame Minako. If you ever need a place to stay, come back. You'll always be welcome here."

"Thank you." She hugged Minako-san quickly, then turned around and stormed out of the house.

The village was small and at the exit the road diverged in two paths, one leading back down the mountain, the other up. Since she assumed Sasuke was going upwards, she simply followed the path.

As fast as she could, Sakura ran along the road. It was getting dark quickly and she had to find Sasuke soon. In the darkness there would be no way to find him. Besides, she wouldn't have the power to run for much longer. Walking uphill was bad enough, but running was cruel. "Sasuke!" she kept yelling.

And then she ran around a curve and there he was, with his kunai in his hand. He was really surprised to see her. "Sakura? What the hell are you doing!"

She said nothing. She'd been thinking about what to say, but now her mind was blank. She walked over to him and slapped him across the face.

Absolute silence followed.

Sasuke placed a hand on his smarting cheek and stared at her in disbelief. But Sakura was even more shocked than he was. She hadn't intended to do that. She had HIT Sasuke! He was a wanted criminal! A murderer! "I'm sorry Sasuke!" she stammered. "But.. but you said you wouldn't leave me alone… how could you do that to me?" Sasuke just stared at her.

Are you INSANE!, her inner voice screamed, You slapped Sasuke! He's going to KILL you!

"I thought it would be best for you," Sasuke replied softly. His hand dropped and she could see a red mark on his cheek. She had really hit him too hard. "She was a nice woman. She lost her daughter recently and I'm sure she would have taken good care of you. I told her you were a survivor from the village, you would have been able to start a new life and escape those who want to kill you. All I can offer you is a life dependent on others and missions which will take much more than just strength. You will be forced to kill, and in the end, it is nothing more than the life and death of a missing-nin."

"I don't care. I could never forgive myself that I just let you go. I don't want to lead a normal life. I'm a Shinobi just like you. I want to be by your side."

"Is that your final decision, Sakura?" He asked seriously. "If you enter the hideout, there will be no turning back."

"Yes, this is my decision. I want to go with you."

He nodded. "Okay, I understand." Then he turned around and commenced his walk. Sakura hurried to keep up with him.

After moments of silence, she said: "Sasuke-kun?"

"Hn?"

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to slap you."

He stared at her and something similar to a smile played on his lips. "It's okay."

…tbc…