DISCLAIMER:

NARUTO © Masashi Kishimoto

KUROSHITSUJI © Toboso Yana

Single Approach

Naruto/Kuroshitsuji Cross Over

Sakura Haruno and Sebastian Michaelis

Romance/Adventure/Humor/Angst

Rated T: for Language

Chapter 5 – 5th Step: Crying

Author's notes:

WARNING: OOC SASUKE COMING YOUR WAY!

This chapter mainly focused on characters connected to Sakura. Please don't kill me if you found all the characters in this chapter OOC, like Sasuke.

Thanks for the reviews, faves and alerts. You all made my day. Virtual lollipops for all of you!

"Talking"

Sakura's thoughts /thoughts

Inner talking

When was the last time I saw her? Sasuke ask himself as he walks to the village gates once again. How many time have he come here, he can't remember. Every day, if he doesn't have a mission he would walk to the gates, sits on a bench – where he left Sakura – and wait.

For whom?

For her

For Sakura

Glancing at the opened gates, he kept his face impassive as few ninjas came in. They were looking at him. Making faces of worry – even though they were not, whispering lies and rumors, asking for the truth. Their eyes scrutinizing him, and their voices hushed as they try to soften their whispers.

"He's here again." And so

"That's the third time I saw him here." You're counting?

"I wonder who he is waiting." Sakura

"Maybe he's getting crazy" No… His eyes shifted to the gates once again. Yes...

"Shhhhh. He can hear you" Of course, I'm not deaf.

They didn't know why he is there. They kept telling rumors. They kept telling his getting crazy. They kept whispering, staring at him, looking at him but no dared to ask him. No one dare to talk to him, no one dared.

If she's here, will she talk to him? Will she dare to ask? He knew the answer but he denied it.

Sooner or later he'll have to go back home and wait for tomorrow. If someone did ask him, if he ever got tired of it, he'll answer no. He won't.

So, he waited

Again

And again

When he remembers the last time he saw her. He instantly regretted it.

It was when he was going to report to the Hokage. He just got home from an S-class mission and was on his way to report when he saw her. She was on a hurry, he can tell. Her face scrunched, telling him she's frustrated about something. Maybe it was because of the scroll she was holding at that time. She was gripping it so hard. She didn't acknowledge him or say anything, she just stares for a while and when he moved pass to her, she simply walk away. Leaving him confused, as to why she did that. He was expecting her to talk to him, or even smile, or maybe he was really expecting her calls of 'Sasuke-kun'. He was thinking of following her and talk, but he had a report to give. "Screw the report." He muttered then leaves, following Sakura outside.

He found her walking and was about to step out of the shadows when he heard her laugh. He was curious, the way her eyes saddened but at the same time it was hinting happiness. She must be reminiscing to make her laugh. He suddenly felt guilty, and asked himself – When was the last time he heard her laugh? Maybe when they were twelve or when was it? He can't remember. Ever since he came back to Konoha, he never got a chance to talk to her. He was busy rising on the ranks, and totally forgot about her. Not that he do that in purpose, he was just busy.

Busy forgetting everything –

Madara

Blood

Death

War

And Itachi

He needed time to forget. He can't talk to her if he was in his crazy state and he was definitely crazy that time. He doesn't want Sakura to get hurt on anything he would say, so he avoided her. He won't admit it to anyone but he does care for her.

It was for the best. He tries to convince himself that he did the right thing.

It was for her own good. Yes, for her. He did it for her.

He was startled when she began walking, her eyes carefully watching everything as though that was the last she will see them. He was curious again, why would she do that? He wanted to ask her, he wanted to talk to her, but what would he say? "Why are you like that?", "Why didn't you talk to me?" or "Why are being your annoying self again?" No, scratch the last part. She will definitely kill him if he said that. He shrugged, she can't anyway.

The way her eyes softens and almost glistening with tears, made his heart ache. What was happening to him? Did she really have this impact to him? What was wrong? Why was he making second guesses? Why was he hesitating? Why? He looks at his hands, they were shaking. His head, spinning, his heart, aching. Looking at Sakura, his eyes soften, he knew the answer, and he just keeps on denying it.

Should he tell her? Or should he wait?

"Damn" He was Sasuke Uchiha, the last Uchiha in the whole wide world, the ever stoic man, and he was not supposed to show emotion. "Fuck" He muttered as he kept on observing Sakura. She was staring at the sky. The moon's light hitting her pale face, making her look sick. Now that he noticed it, she does always look like that. He sighs and ran his fingers on his hair. He doesn't have time observing her. Why can't he just go out there, and talk.

In the end he didn't tell her, he merely watched her do a teleportation jutsu and then leaves. He told himself, he'll tell her when she comes back. That if he told her now, she'll get distracted on her mission and she might die. And he won't let that happen.

He'll give her time.

He'll wait for her.

He'll tell her when she comes back.

When she comes back

Comes back

But she didn't.

Every day he would find himself near the village gates, standing, looking up ahead, and waiting for a pink-haired kunoichi coming home from a long term mission. He would sometimes imagine that she was waving and calling him. There are days he would just stares on the gates then leaves, or he would just stand there for half a day then comes back after noon and wait 'till midnight. And sometimes he'll sit on the bench just like today.

How long will he do this?

He doesn't know.

How long have he been waiting?

9 months.

He's waiting for 9 whole months.

Where was she? He doesn't know.

He already asked everyone who knew her. It's either they merely ignore the question and asked him 'why are you looking for her?' or they just shrugged and say 'I don't know.' He asked the 'dobe' and he says, "She must be on a mission, Teme." Kakashi said the same, even his replacement – Sai – told him he don't know. His last options were the Hokage that was still keeping her mouth shut for unknown reasons, and Genma, the man-whore himself. He kept asking himself why he was Sakura's friend. Rumors were circulating all over Konoha that she was sleeping with the man. But he knew Sakura very well; she's an intelligent person and won't do something stupid.

He's waiting for so long and he can't wait anymore.

He should have move early.

He should have done this soon.

And he'll find out.

He stood up, stealing one last glance at the gates and walks away. Time to hunt Genma.

He was surprise, of course who wouldn't? The Uchiha himself was on his living room, standing near the windows, his Sharingan blazing, directed to him. Why oh why? He thought as he closes his apartment door. He didn't even felt his presence. That's Uchiha for you. He sighs, not even daring to look straight at the Uchiha's eyes, he opened the lights.

Light flooded the room, taking away the scary sensation that was circulating inside. Though it disappeared another sensation replaced it – anxiety. Genma Shiranui was nervous. He can feel his Sharingan boring holes on his head. He swallowed and gathers his courage. "What are you doing here, Uchiha?" He sat on his couch, not even inviting him. Why would he? He enters his house without permission. And he hated him.

"Where is she?" Sasuke's voice echoed the whole room. He didn't answer. He was busy thinking if he would be dead before sunrise or before midnight. He glance at the clock, it's still early. 8:45 pm, why did he go home early again? Ah, yeah this is the 9th month.

"Answer me."

"I don't know."

He heard him growled. He's freaking angry, it sends shivers down his spine. "Then look at me when you're answering." He wouldn't dare. No way in hell he'll look at him.

"Deactivated your Sharingan first Uchiha, then we'll talk." It takes minutes before he felt his chakra faded and then he turned around. "Take a sit." He pointed the lone couch in front of him. Maybe he'll be civil tonight. Anytime soon, he'll give the box to him. The box of Sakura's Sadism. He lean on the couch and sighs, she just have to leave something that will complicate everything. What a sadist.

Sasuke made no move. All he wanted was to know where the hell Sakura was. He came here for that. Not to sit idly in front of the man who seems to be closer to Sakura.

"Just tell me where is she." He heard him sighs. He's getting impatient. Why can't he just tell him where is she? All he had to do was answer him.

"Where is she?" his voice calming a little. If he won't answer again, he'll chidori him to extinction. The man was cunning for his own good. Really, was Kakashi serious when he told him that the senbon-sucker was a good man? He sighs in frustration.

"Just tell me."

"I don't know."

"Where is she?"

"Why would I tell you?" Genma knew he was digging his own grave by provoking him. He was asking himself why Sakura loved the man. Loved with the d, and a past tense. Seriously, the man was living with anger and hatred. He hated him because no. 1. He made Sakura cry, 2. He's so damn good looking – he's not gay by the way and 3. Because he really, really hate him.

"Why? Tell me why?" Almost shouting it aloud. He wanted to hear his reasons. He wanted to know if it's worth being civil to him.

Sasuke laughed at the question "Why? Were teammate that's why!"

Alright, its official he won't be civil anymore. "Really?" Genma scoffs as he stands up. The senbon on his mouth falls on the ground. He looks at Sasuke straight to his eyes. He doesn't care even if he activates his Sharingan.

"Where are you when she needed you the most? Where are you when she got her first kill? Where are you when she was heartbroken? Tell me where! You were with that sick pedophile Sannin and now you're demanding me to tell you where is she? How dare you!" he was shaking in anger. He's been waiting for this time to shout on him, to tell him, to scold him. He wished Sakura was here. But if she did, she'll punch him for sure. "Now, tell me Uchiha, where were you really?"

Sasuke was taken aback. His eyes widened at what he heard. When he recovered from shock, he stares at the ground, the wood varnished floor suddenly become interesting. He can't look at him. He suddenly felt ashamed for a reason he won't admit.

"Where are you when she was heartbroken?" Where was he really?

"Where are you when she got her first kill?" He was with Orochimaru for 3 years.

"Where are you when she needed you the most?" He was hunting Itachi for almost a year. That's where he is. He's been busy.

Again

"Shut up." He activated his Sharingan and glare at Genma. "Just tell me where is she." He hates this man, not only Sakura favored him, but also he said something that was right.

"That's all you're going to say? Seriously Uchiha, you're fucked up!" He sighs in defeat, not believing at what he's hearing. He knew the Uchiha was stoic and cold-hearted bastard, but not whatever he's right now. HE's a bastard to the core.

"Tell me where."

Without a word, Genma left the room and went to his bedroom. He decide to give Sasuke the box, he doesn't care if he'll turn berserk on what he will find inside. This is his revenge. It's a good thing he really opened it. At least he knows that Sasuke will cry. At least he knows that he'll be in tears. At least he knew that he'll regret. Stomping on his way, he opened his bedroom door and walk towards his closet.

"This is it." He said to no one as he holds the box. He bit his lips to stop himself from crying. But it's no use. As tears flows from his eyes, Sakura's sad eyes flash through his mind. Her tears, her calls for help, her hands that were bloodied, and her smiles that always faltered every time the sun rose. Though he can't see them anymore, it will be engrave on his heart forever.

He won't forget them.

He'll never forget them.

Something is coming. She just knew it. From the way her hands would shake or the way she can't concentrate at all – not that she concentrate – and the fact that she just won on lottery today. Whatever is coming on her office will be bad. Her heart keeps beating so fast, her hands were sweating and the sake was not working. She already drank 7 bottles and she's still sober. She sighs then pinched the bridge of her nose. Leaning her head on the chair, she swiveled it, turning to the windows. The dark night promises something she can't tell. Based on the lightning that was striking one by one and the way the wind beats the window panes, a storm is brewing. Maybe this was it. Maybe the storm was what she was feeling a while ago. But why can't she rest, instead her heart beats even faster as the first drop of rain hits her windows. Maybe she needed to sleep. She stole a glance at the clock; it read 10:21pm. Almost an hour and a half 'till midnight.

The slow raindrops turn violent as the lightning strikes once again. She sighs; she'll finish the paperwork tomorrow. Shizune would be angry, but she's not in the mood to continue working. When she turned around, she was greeted by the drench form of Uchiha, Sasuke. Shit. This is the reason. His Sharingan were activated, blazing with fury.

For her?

She didn't know.

"What are you doing here, Uchiha?" Silence answered her. Her left eye twitched in annoyance. She shook her head. "Look, whateve—" she stop when she heard a soft thud on her desk. A black leather-bound notebook was on it. She gave a questioning look at Sasuke.

"My brother's"

Hesitantly, she took the notebook and flips the pages. Her eyes skim on the pages and was shocked at what she saw. Was this real? She didn't know any of this. She knew the council was evil and corrupt, but not this corrupt. Though Danzo was already dead courtesy of Sasuke himself, the council and even the Sandaime orders this. "Where did you get this?" Her eyes not even leaving the notebook.

"Sakura"

Her eyes widened at that. She gave this to Sasuke? Then how come she didn't know about this?

"Are you sure this was real?"

"I know my brother's handwriting; I even compare them to some of the scrolls he left at the manor. Those are real. Even the Uchiha stamp, it can't be forged. "

"I see." She just can't believe this. "When did she give this to you? She's been gone for almost a year." She regretted ever saying that as she felt Sasuke's chakra raised.

"Where is she?"

"She's dead, Uchiha." She saw Sasuke stiffened at this. She knew she was right, after all it's been 9 months. She received no reports, anything. The ANBUs she sent didn't even come back. Even the missing persons didn't return. The mission was a S+ for a reason, and she can't tell that to Sasuke. The way he's looking at her, it won't matter to him even if she was the Hokage. He will kill her.

"I sent her on a S+ mission."

Sasuke was angry, no, angry was an understatement. He was furious. This woman sent Sakura to a suicide mission. How dare she do that! He thought that Sakura was intelligent enough not to accept that. She should have said no. She's the Hokage's apprentice for god's sake.

Wait.

That's it.

Karin becomes the apprentice too.

"I am not needed…" she said that on her letter. That's the reason why she accepted the mission. That's all? The reason was not enough.

"Why are you looking for Haruno?" Haruno? Everyone's calling her that, even the dobe and Kakashi. Why? What is happening? There is something wrong. Something must have happen. He look at the Hokage's thinking form. She is hiding something, and he knows it's about Sakura. He slammed his hand on her desk and glare at Tsunade.

"Tell me, where is she."

"She's dead."

"You're lying. Then why is her name not carved at the memorial stone?" She flinched at that. "Do tell me why?"

"Fine" she shouted, losing her patience. "I'll carve her name, tomorrow early. Or if you want I'll carved it right now!"

His eyes narrowed as he tries to control his anger. "She treated you like a mother, protect this village with all heart, obey all of your orders, and this is all what she got!"

He wanted to kill her; his hands were itching to draw Kusanagi out and slit her neck. But he can't do that. He can already feel the ANBU guards nearing to them and he can't afford to be caught. "You…" he paused, took the notebook out of her hands and turn around. "Disgust me." Using a teleportation jutsu, he disappeared.

A speechless Tsunade was what the ANBUs found. No intruders, just a standing Hokage, staring off in the space. Genjutsu first came through their minds but after checking, they found none. They were startled when tears started to flow on her face. A little later the Hokage collapse on her knees and cries. She tries desperately to muffle her wails, but failed to do so. They were worried, but they won't pry. Looking at each other, they leave the Hokage alone. But the crying face and wails of the Hokage will be forever engraved on their minds.

"She's lying." He won't believe her. The rain was getting stronger as Sasuke ran to nowhere. His feet already felt numb, demanding rest.

He won't. He liked the feeling of being numb. He wanted to be stoic again. He wanted to be a cold-hearted bastard again.

"She's dead." He stopped on his tracks and look at his surroundings. The team 7's bridge was there. The memories, the fun times, the sad moments, everything flashes before his eyes. His eyes let tears out, combining with the rain as it flows on his face. He can hear her laughs, see her smiles, feel her touch and smell her strawberry shampoo. He let out a soft laugh.

"I'm sorry; I'm really weak ne, Sasuke-kun?" He collapses on his knees; his shoulder slumped and let out a loud cry.

"No matter what happens, you're still my baby little brother." It doesn't matter; he doesn't care if someone saw him crying.

He's grieving.

He's regretting.

He's crying. "Crying is not a sign of weakness Sasuke."

He took them for granted. He ignored their love, the caring thoughts and he let himself walk to the dark.

He misses them. Sakura's smile

He wanted to see them. Itachi's eyes of approval

He wanted to apologize. "I'm sorry"

He wanted to hear their voices again. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun" "I am proud Sasuke."

"I'm sorry, please forgive me." He stiffened when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder, looking up he saw Kakashi. His gravity-defying silver hair wet from the rain, and no orange book on his hands. Sad eyes look at him. He was crying, he can tell.

He was crying.

Just like him…

"Sasuke, stop this."

"Don't you miss her, Kakashi?"

"You know Kakashi, maybe if you take off that mask. I'll fall in love with you."

He sat next to Sasuke and glance up to the darkened sky. Letting all his tears washed away with the rain. "Yes, Sasuke. I missed her."

His pack on his back, Kusanagi placed on his right side, black cloak covering his old training clothes back when he was twelve only replacing the white shorts with black pants. His kunai holster on his right thigh, his forehead lacking hitai-ate.

He's moving

He's leaving

To find her

"Dobe"

"Teme"

He knew something was up to Sasuke. There is something wrong with him. He won't hang with them anymore, talk to them, or even train with him. Each and every day, he would find him, near the gates staring far away. Sometimes he even heard him talk to the village guards and tell them that if Sakura came back, he's the first one to know.

Why was he doing this? For all he knows, she won't come back. Why was he waiting? It hurts Naruto to see his best friend like that. Kakashi told him to talk to Sasuke, but he won't even talk back. The only time he talked to him was when he asked where Sakura was. That's the end of it.

"Teme, stop this."

"Naruto" he flinched when he called his name. It sounded as if they were strangers. His voice was distant and sad. "Why did you give up?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Sakura" Sasuke turn to look at him. His eyes red not because of the Sharingan but something else. He's crying? "Why did you give up on her?"

"She's de—"

"Don't finish that." This time his eyes bleed red as he activated his Sharingan. "Why did you give up on her?"

"Sasuke" He bowed his head in shame. He didn't answer, for he didn't know what to say. And for the first time, the loud-mouthed blonde Hokage-wannabe was speechless.

Silence engulfs both of them as the rain pours even harder. The lightning still lightens the skies and the thunder roars afterwards. No stars to lighten the dark night and there was no moon to witness them, as it was covered with clouds. The winds howling harshly, surrounding them, telling them to move.

"I miss her." At this Naruto looked up to Sasuke. "I want to see her again." Swallowing, he took one last glance at the drench Naruto. "I'm going to find her dobe, wherever she was right now. I don't care; I'll find her, even in the ends of the world."

He turned around and moves, not even waiting for an answer. He won't stay here longer. He knew that Naruto won't even dare to stop him. He doesn't have the guts to say it. He doesn't care anyway, no matter what they say, he will find her. He still believes that she's alive. In his heart, he can feel her heartbeat like it was his.

"That's a promised of the lifetime right?" He heard him shout. A grin was plastered on Naruto's face, he was certain. He smirked, the dobe will never change. He merely thumbs up for an answer. He knew that it was enough.

"Took you long enough" A smooth voice echoed on the dark. His silhouette was standing near the gates, arms crossed; a glinting metal was on his mouth. A senbon. He knew that voice. Smirking he stop right in front of him and stare at his eyes.

"Man-whore"

"Any idea where to look?" Sasuke frowned. It was Genma's turn to smirk. Beat that Uchiha! He looks around and saw Naruto standing along with Kakashi. He knew that those two wanted to come too. But they have obligations to the village. "Mist" Sasuke raised his eyebrow to question. "That's where she's last seen."

"hn."

He turned to the Sharingan prodigy; his own black cloak billowed when the strong wind blows. "So, Mist is it then?"

"Just don't drag me down."

Genma laughs "Of course, I won't lose to you."

"Man-whore"

"At least I don't have a duck-butt hair."

Sasuke hissed. "Shut up."

Dundundun…..

And yes there's no preview…

Sorry if I made Sasuke really OOC there. I shall do my best on the next chapter I promise. If you're asking why Naruto and Kakashi didn't come with Sasuke, don't worry they will. *another spoiler* but that is not right now.

Sorry to keep you all waiting though, I'm rewriting Lost Symphony and writing another story for FF.

Oh, by the way, I will be on hiatus for the next 2 to 3 weeks I guess. My father decided to renovate our house. *scoffs* more like demolish it. And now it's official that we'll be spending x-mas with no house.

Just joking... The house was almost finish, the construction started a long ago which was 1st of Nov. The hiatus was for health reasons.. and it's nearing x-mas.

I hope you all understand that. Don't worry I'll be back :)

Random question though: Are there guys here who read and write fanfiction? I was just wondering.

Thanks for reading…

Read and Review

No flames please

~2008roseelixir out.