Hey, I am SO sorry it took weeks! It annoyed me to no end with having to get this chapter right. Not only that, but bloody college started up again with absolutely NO mercy. Bloody work loads! Grr! Anyway, I feel happier I got this out of the way, though I can't promise you quick updates, I can promise you I WILL NOT give this story up and it is actually coming closer to the finish line, yet not quite close enough yet. Gah, I'm confusing myself and probably you. So, away with my small talk! Onward!
Recommended Song: Burn Season - Perfect
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of its characters. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
-To Rely-
-21-
Tiny grains dissipated into nothing, after whipping around pale skin revealing a red headed figure. A figure with dark-rimmed eyelids, which held irate jade eyes for the soul purpose of warding off unwanted distractions with a single glare.
Or for their current purpose; of staring at the tall home of one Haruno Sakura, wishing it alight.
He sniffed the air carefully as he approached the house, smelling nothing out of order only worrying his insides more. It was quiet; too quiet.
Erasing any destructive thoughts or plans, should the information he received be false, he knocked at the door, steadily, but firm enough to put his point across. He wasn't in the mood for games and where Naruto may have smiled politely when the door opened; Gaara wasn't going to be hospitable.
With a swift motion, the door opened revealing an unexpected blonde, whose face was battered blue and had a depressing edge to it. She looked startled and began to search the floor by his feet for any business bag or box of sales he was knocking to sell. After realising there were none, she looked up and examined his face, visibly paling when she recognised the sand user as the male she tried to seduce into her bed.
"Can… Can I… h-help you?" She asked civilly hoping he wasn't wanting to vent his anger on her.
"Where is she?" He scowled pushing the door open wide and snapping her hand from the back in the process.
"W-Who?" She stuttered not knowing whether he had a connection with Sakura.
"Don't play dumb, whore" He spat coming to a halt in front of the wooden stairs, where he sniffed hurriedly. His eyes flinched when he smelt the distinctive coppery, stale smell and he began to race up the stairs, fully aware of the woman following him in shock.
He stopped at the top and sniffed once more, his inner demon directing his senses towards the door in front of him. He marched towards it and pushed it to find it wouldn't budge, despise the large crack in the delicate wood work.
oOo
She barely heard the door from the front of the house slam against the wall behind it; nor the threatening footsteps which climbed the stairs, full of fury. When the door slammed in connection with a fist, or hand, however, she jumped in fright and gathered the strength to lift her head and look through dysfunctional eyes.
'He's back…' she thought wearily, wondering if she'd survive much longer without food or medical care. The pain wasn't there, thanks to the amount of chakra she had supplied, but in its place laid a constant exhaustion. '…he sounds angry. Wonder what I did now…" She clenched her eyelids shut, not wanting to see that gleam in his eyes or the oncoming abuse, be it physical or mental.
oOo
Not bothering to look to the blonde for permission, he send a flurry of sand towards the door, understanding perfectly that he could pick the lock more gently with the melded shape of his technique.
Once the door was thrown from its hinges, he stepped in, immediately wishing the emotions he felt weren't showing so obviously. It was more than he expected.
She was suspended, in worse shape than the woman who got off easier who was cowering behind him. Blood poured down her head and bruises lined her legs, arms and cheek. Those vibrant green pools of depth were clenched shut in preparation for the expected something he didn't want to know. Her shaking fingers were gripping the chains from her wrists bracing herself. The sight sickened him to the point of his pupil's gradually changing in colour and the fangs, from his inner demon, growing longer, seeking out a source for the frustration and anger he wanted rid of.
After a lengthy pause and an unbearable silence, Sakura opened her eyes hesitantly and looked towards the door to have her heart painfully clench in fright. She didn't want him to see her looking so pitifully, in such a provocative manner, dressed so scarcely that all her wounds were showing. She could have laughed had her eyes not taken on a look of defeat. He was her one dream, her only hope; the person she could escape to, who made her life feel as a normal teenagers should. He knew the secret she lived in; the secret, which would sicken him into leaving her alone once more. She didn't think she could keep it up. Her benevolent façade could only last so long. It was rapidly crumbling and now, she wasn't sure she had reason to continue this dreary life.
Her body fell forwards, after she noted the shock and horror in his eyes, emotions he would never have normally shown, and her arms dropped by her side weakly. The blood rushing back to the strained limbs made her fingers tingle painfully. When she looked up, she seen his eyes were changed in colour, but it didn't scare her. His teeth were longer in length giving him a more devilish appearance, yet she still wasn't scared. She had never been happier to have him helping her out. It could mean there was some hope she could hold onto for the red-head.
He picked her up with strong hands and cradled her as if she were fragile goods, close to his chest, letting her head tuck gently under his chin. He turned around and left the room, ignoring the gaping woman who was frozen into a halt. He kept her close, taking her from that room. From that house. From that life.
"Pass on a message. I'll make sure his death is a slow, painful one" Was his parting words to Yoko, who nodded quickly.
oOo
A loud, unladylike sniff vibrated from Temari's direction. The other two didn't acknowledge her teary disposition, on standing by the wall holding towels, while the other sat by the bed, a hand gripping the smaller, paler which was lying on his bed.
"Did they…?" The question hung in the air, Kankuro not feeling fit enough to finish it. It was the only explanation as to why she was wearing such disgusting clothes.
"Shit!" Gaara cursed holding a hand to his face in despair. If only he had noticed sooner.
He didn't know why Kankuro's question affected him so much. He should be happy he rescued her and that she still clung to life quite stubbornly. But somehow, he didn't feel happy. He couldn't feel happy from the state he found the pink-haired girl in. It sickened him. It annoyed him. He wanted someone to experience each cut she received as well as his own. He wanted answers.
Kankuro's unfinished question played in his mind like a disease. It made him shake with anger. "Why didn't I say something?!" Temari wailed, rinsing the cloth she had dipped in warm water so she could wash Sakura's body until she was clean enough until she awoke to bath.
"How long have you known?" Gaara asked, his eyes never left her face, which looked so peaceful in contrast to her bruised body. She had eventually given up consciousness after they left the house and the cold wind hit her.
"I didn't know anything beyond a few scrapes. The first day we met I noticed bruises while she changed a fitting room."
"That long?" Gaara asked incredulously, allowing his eyes to leave the sleeping girls face to take in the emotional wreck that was his sister. She nodded simply.
He couldn't place the blame on Temari, or anyone for that fact. It was the bastard who did this to her who was at fault.
"I don't think she would want you watching…" Temari said looking to her brothers who didn't understand until she reached for the vile pink dress the girl wore. They both stood in a hurry, not noticing Gaara look longingly before he left after Temari's order.
"Sakura…" She whispered removing the material so she could burn it later. Her ribs were beginning to show through her usually toned stomach and her hip bones stuck out too much. The skin was paler than usual minus the red and black bruising. "I won't let you go back there… I can't" She promised to her unconscious audience, simply to harden her resolve. "I'll be like your sister, an over-protective one at that. So beware girl" She chuckled to lighten her mood, washing the girl so she could cloth her in some of her own nightwear.
oOo
Viridian eyes opened. Slowly, yet the progress was welcomed. An arm was thrown over her eyes to shield them from the blinding sun she expected, but when the sharp sting of light never hit her eyelids, she removed the hand to look around the darkness. The next, more obvious fact, was that her arms were no longer chained, as her emotionless eyes stared down at the marks on her wrist. Proof that it wasn't a dream.
That feeling rose within her. The feeling where she knew someone was watching her; silently, in the shadows. Her eyes seemed slow on the uptake as the pitch black view was her only field of vision. Blinking seemed to work some as the silhouette of a figure appeared in the far corner of the room, sitting down patiently as if waiting for something.
Her memories were a blur; she remembered chains, the bullet, the monster, the whore and then… blur. Only when the feel of covers over her body registered, as well as the apparent male physique, did she react, quickly throwing the covers from her body and sprinting to the door. Instead, she yelped as her legs stumbled to hold her weight and her malnutrition caught up with her. Her head light and her body frail, she stumbled into a large, wooden object which let out a dull cry as she held on for support and the figure seemingly moved until it was in front of her.
"Stay back! I'm warning you, I won't hold back!" She screamed frantically, pointing at the figure before turning her hand into a fist and holding it close.
He took in the sight of her with a painful tug at his chest; knees weakly shaking and a thin bony body screaming out for nurture. Not to mention the bandaging and bruises, which lined her skin. The panic streaking in the usual carefree eyes was also sign of abuse; emotional abuse. It's a wonder she lasted so long; however long that may be.
"Haruno"
It was all it took for her face to tighten, fighting off any tears that wanted to leak from her eyes. He came for her. Now her eyes looked closer, she recognised the messy spikes which stood up at great angles. It truly was him.
Moving quickly, he stood over her, holding her close, simply because he wanted to and she needed it. It didn't take any more reasoning on his part and he didn't want to look into it further. It felt good.
Suddenly, she tensed and pushed him away, greatly confusing him as she took a step back placing herself firmly against the wardrobe behind her, looking away from his own jade eyes. "I-I'm dirty… don't… don't"
"Don't what?" His voice sounded a little hurt rejected.
"Don't look at me… I'm… dirty. He made me like this. I don't want you to die too"
He scoffed catching her attention and her eyes stared up at him as if self-conscious. "Dirty? The only thing dirty is that scum you live with and the disgusting clothing you were exposed in. Besides, I'm kind of stubborn, you see. I don't die easily"
She smiled, unwillingly; she didn't know what she wanted anymore. How to act; what to say; who to trust. She was an emotional wreck.
On one hand, she wanted to go alone. Keep everyone safe and take no chances. Escape and get through this herself, until they forget about Haruno Sakura and her existence. Until everyone forgot and she could live freely.
However, there was another, much more appealing hand with many risks. To, for once in her life, ask for the help she so desperately needed. To put down her impenetrable wall and shout and scream her story and cry into the chest of the heartthrob in front of her. To simply admit how she felt and why she felt it. To Rely.
To rely.
Was she ready for such a big step? She knew she would, eventually, have to rely on another in such terms. But was now the time? Were they strong enough? Would they fight for her; with her? Of course they would; she knew them too well.
In her mind, the exact picture played in mind of the battlefield which may come their way. Naruto would be upfront yelling insanities, being held back by a cursing Tenten and a hesitant, blushing Hinata. Neji would be by Tenten's side watching over them all and remaining focused. Kiba would be growling possible scenarios to Akamaru who would yip in reply. Shikamaru would be in the back with Choji by his side, loyally. His mouth moving slowly and minutely. To the untrained eye, not moving at all, yet to those with the hearing of a beast, murmuring attack plans to the group.
Hey, if she looked around some more, she may even see others. Ino by her side in the centre, encouragingly promising her of trips they would take once it was all over and a thing of the past. Sai behind her, silently supporting any actions they made. Temari and Kankuro up front, flexing knuckles and grinning sardonically; if any enemies still stood against them after their creepy smiles, they must have balls of steel.
Sasori and Deidara would be preparing their little bomb enhanced puppets they worked on, hidden from the rest of the group as a surprise attack. Lee would be beside Naruto, being held back by Tenten's foot as fire blazed in his eyes. But… where would…
Of course. If she looked around in her mind's eye hard enough, Gaara wouldn't be there. He would already be attacking; most likely the reason Naruto was shouting into nothingness, wanting part of the action. He wouldn't waste any time, letting his own fury take him over and lead him into the battle for her freedom. Why did she ever doubt him?
"Gaara" She asked quietly.
"Hn?"
"Should I be ready… to rely on everybody?"
He paused, expecting something like this, yet still wondering about the sporadic question. "You'll know when you're ready"
"When will that be" She rhetorically replied with a longing breath.
"Soon… Very soon"
oOo
They didn't know how long they had simply lay there. It was comforting, nevertheless. On one side of the bed, a fully awake crimson haired male, watching cautiously across to the other pillow, with his arm tucked under his had as leverage and his other down the centre of the bed, should he feel like touching her soft skin.
Over the other side, a candy pink girl with drooping emerald's watching his hand, mentally ordering it to move to her and connect with her. She didn't feel ready at all. But right now, she was content with simply lying beside him. Did he know?
Did he know she was wishing for him? She didn't think she could tell him. She felt no better than a fan girl; a toned down one at that, but still a fan girl.
"What's gonna happen?"
"First, I think I'll let him choke on his own blood. Then quickly move on to ripping his bones from his flesh. Maybe I'll even…"
"Gaara" She interrupted keeping her giggles to a minimum.
He sighed and rolled over onto his back, interlinking his hands behind his flock of red spikes. She cursed her head for following the hand and even twitching forward wanting to stop the limb from moving away.
"It depends"
"On what?"
"On you"
"Hmm… how?" She tiredly replied.
"What do you want to happen?"
"Well, the choking on the blood part sounded good, yet I think that would be letting him off easily" She chuckled playfully, deciding on dropping the serious talk. He had other plans, as his restlessness took over. He was desperate in finding out some answers.
"If you rely on us, we would need to tell Tsunade"
"What!? But-!" She leaned up seriously, looking down at the red head.
"She is worried about you. She still never received her answers from the fight and I witnessed her screaming about the lumps of sugar in her coffee. She has become irritable"
Sakura rested back down on the soft pillow and carried on watching Gaara. "Who else?"
"Perhaps your friends, so they know who they're fighting"
"They…have to fight?"
"There'll be no stopping them. They came twice to your home only to encounter the prostitute you live with."
"T-They did?" She smiled, feeling fresh tears sting her eyes in a pleasant manner. He turned his head to see them fall and rolled over, pulling her against him letting the shirt he wore soak up the salty tears.
"Hn. Then you'll stay with us where you will be required to watch all sorts of gore while putting up with my sister's emotional changes and Kankuro's disgusting habits."
"Let's not forget your anger sessions" She added with a chuckle and a sniff.
"I won't have a reason to be angry"
She smiled sweetly into his chest and let herself absorb his heat as she drifted off into a deep sleep. Did that mean he would be happy with her there? She had a feeling she would be too and could almost hear the inevitable arguments between the siblings while she sat smiling at her own happiness.
oOo
The sun still never shone through the thick, black curtains as she woke. Her body clock told her it was time to get up and go to school, but her body was still sore and weak. She smiled to herself as she felt the familiar and welcomed chakra within her from her good rest in the arms of such a handsome, caring male. Not all her chakra was there. Enough to cover up anything problematic, yet her training still didn't allow her to cover up the bad wounds quite yet. She was so close it was stressing. She had no hobbies and rare chances to escape the house to her friends, so she would study under extra books from her Sensei.
Her hands cupped the wounds gently and glowed a soothing green as the tension from the sore was released and the skin became flawless once more. Th bed shifted behind her and she turned to see Gaara watching her quite awake and… impressed? Okay, now she felt important.
She smiled at him but dropped the gesture to watch his hand reach up and remove the bandage on top of her head, where the deep gash from the gun had connected with her hairline. He traced his fingers around the wound, never hurting her once then he froze when her hand traced over his and touched the wound, sending tiny tendrils of a blue haze into the wound, which began to fade into nothing. He watched amazed and pressed against the area, making sure it didn't hurt or feel abnormal.
"See? I'm fine" She said turning to stand. His hand grabbed onto her arm, preventing her from leaving as the question which had been haunting his every moment spilled from his mouth.
"Haruno, he… he didn't… did he?"
A pretty blush lined her cheeks and her eyes widened in embarrassment. "No, no! He… didn't get the chance"
Gaara relaxed and let go of the breath he had held in, only more subtle so his calm façade didn't falter. She smiled knowingly before rising and stretching her arms stiffly. They were the main source of her pain right now, which had greatly diminished after her healing session. Yet, days of hanging by the joints hadn't done her back, or arms, any good.
"How do you manage to get up in the morning with these curtains? I'd have slept all day if I hadn't such a stubborn body clock."
"I don't sleep" Was his reply when she turned and found him topless, hunting through his drawers for a vest. She blushed and turned quickly, pretending not to have seen, yet still aware of the arrogant smirk plastered over his perfect lips.
She gulped. Now wasn't a good time. "Um… I need my uniform"
He turned on her "Why?"
"To… go to school?" She replied lamely.
"I know that, but why do you want to go back so quickly?"
"Because… I need to start relying"
His face softened from the tense, doubtful emotion he held and instead he nodded approvingly. If she really was ready, so be it.
oOo
"I feel sick" She moaned, rubbing her stomach pitifully and glancing behind her, not forgetting her situation.
"You were underfed for days on end, she felt it was necessary to… fatten you up. Still, I feel sorry you were fattened up on Temari's cooking."
"You two should give her more credit. She told me she couldn't cook, yet I thought it was great. You're making her doubt herself."
Gaara shrugged, well aware of how Temari's cooking tasted. "It is most unattractive to see a girl made of simply skin and bone" He replied as she pouted and looked away ashamed. "Why didn't you fight back?"
"Hm?"
They walked around a corner to find small groups of students talking loudly amongst themselves, dotted around the mown grass lying out front of the academy. As the student's periphery vision locked onto the head of pink hair entering the school grounds, they immediately looked over to Sakura, some smiling, some curious. In fact, most of the bustling conversations faded to an end and other took the hint to turn and watch her when their partners of friends lost interest to look away instead.
"Erm… Wh-what did you say again?" She asked trying not to pay attention.
"Why didn't you fight back?" He repeated, looking over the crowds, expectant of an attack of sorts.
"Oh, well…" Unaware of the answer she gave she mumbled out her response, only half-heartedly as a main portion of her attention looked between student to student wondering why they were looking. She didn't miss any of the bruises and they were over seeing her with Gaara by now. "Guess it was a thing… you know?" She looked over past Gaara to another group, "Like, I never had the chance to before… so I'm sorta not used to being able to… err, fight back. So I never really, thought about it… I suppose."
Gaara spared her a confused glance before dimming down her response to how she never had power over the man before and wasn't sure how to react. He spotted Naruto's group across by the tree, yet to have turned along with the students around them. He stopped her before they carried on.
"You want to tell them now? Because they will need answers immediately"
"I'll be fine."
They continued onwards and Naruto's senses picked up as he turned to Gaara fully serious. "Did you do it?!" He blurted before he seen Sakura's wide, doe eyes looking at him expecting to understand what he said. "You found her! Sakura-chan!" He yelled jumping on the girl in a death hug.
"N-Naruto!" She spluttered unexpectedly before returning the hug, which was joined by Tenten and a shy Hinata who simply leaned in and told her how great it was to be back.
"But where were you? What happened?" Naruto asked stepping back. After she nodded or greeted those around her, she look back towards her cerulean eyed friend and her face saddened.
"I want to tell you. But I can't here, so everyone should come with me to Tsunade's office. She needs to know too…"
They nodded dumbly, not yet knowing the depth of what had happened, though the more serious members of the group, such as Neji and Shikamaru, had their suspicions. Gaara followed her all the way, extremely close and protective of Sakura, yet she only seemed happy about his care.
Breathing deeply and calmly, she mentally prepared her words and thought up answers to any questions that could be asked. This was going to be one of the hardest things she had done in her life. To reveal all her secrets and tell them all the truth. To trust them with the truth…
And, to rely on their aid. Truly a big step, which she was sure to feel lighter from. The weight would no longer be as big of a burden to bear. They were here with her. She could do this.
To Be Continued…
God… I'm so tired. I still have college work to do… but I HAD to do this. I felt so bad for keeping you guys waiting so long… it annoyed me to no end.
Also, sorry it isn't very long. It's only ten pages, and I usually finish it to the very end of the tenth page, or add another one or two. This reaches around three quarters of the way through the tenth page and it doesn't seem like the chapter is very descriptive. But I'm drained and… god I don't know anymore.
Next Chapter: So, had Sakura truly resorted to relying on her friends? What plan does Tsunade have to better understand Sakura's past? It involves some serious mind arts and a strange device, thanks to the strategists, in order to replay the memories she holds.