A/n: let me pass on with 'no comment' this time.
Chapter XVIII
Chapter Eighteen Summary: sooner or later, this had to happen. So it did. Sasuke, who was on a mission, returned. Sakura has to make a decision and clean up the mess she has created
- Well, you're getting better. Just a few more days in the hospital and you can go home afterwards, - Sakura smiled to a middle-aged chuunin who was anxiousto know the results of his examination.
He relaxed, grateful to hear the words. The pink-haired girl made some notes in her note-book and was about to go se another patient when the door flew open all of asudden,
- Sakura-san! – blurted out a young nurse, leaning on the jamb to restore breathing. – They're back! Hurry! There're injuries!
Sakura didn't have to check twice who the girl meant. Into her heart, a chilling fear crept. Casualties? God, please, let he be unharmed. She stuck the nte-book into her pocket and ran downstairs behind the nurse.
The hall seemed to have turned into a mess, which looked more like chaos, through which she pulled her way, deftly maneuvering among stretchers and medical staff around the place, while giving brief instructions as well as assessing the condition of the wounded. The face she was searching for was nowhere in sight.
'How's he? Is he alright? Dropped behind? Killed?'
- Sakura!
As though struck with electric charge, the girl turned to such a familiar voice, nearly bursting into the tears of relief as she saw him standing at the door, trying to make his way to her. Pale, battered, with a bandaged arm, but alive nonetheless.
- Sasuke! - she darted towards him, forgetful of everything, neglectful of all but a tired smile on a dear face
He caught her, wrapping his arms around the girl, slightly wincing at the pain caused by the injury,
- Hush-hush, honey, it's OK
- Sasuke... You're alive! - she looked up at him, eyes luminous with happiness. - When they said there were casualties I was so scared. I thought, - she checked herself as doctor's instinct took over. - Your hand! What's happened?
- It's alright, - he waved away. - Nothing serious, just a scratch.
- How you talk, - Sakura snorted. - Akiko! Hey, Akiko!
A dark-haired girl in a medical gown heard her name, ran up to the couple and, bowing to the two, froze, ready for her boss's orders.
- Bring him to the ward and take care of his arm. And let me know immediately if there's something serious. Sasuke, - she turned to her husband. - I have to go now, we've got several cases of emergency. My presence is necessary. See you later, - it was a gentle smile that she gave him, and a peck on his cheek, before she was off to the operating room.
Once out of the intensive therapy department, Sakura carefully closed the door and wearily leaned against the sill, forehead pressed to the window. It's over. Everyone's out of danger. Yet, how exhausted she felt. And there were other people who had to be examined. A few hours prior, Tsunade had visited her. The fifth Hokage, aware that head of detachment was in no condition to make a due report, had come to ask him about the results of the mission in detail. The kunoichi had explained where she could find him and returned to the patients. She sighed upon gathering strength, then glanced at her white reflection. Well, time to work...
Somebody's hand lay on her shoulder,
- Sakura
A turn. She saw him look more or less healthy with a re-bandaged arm and only a scratch on his face. She could enjoy a sincere smile at last as she embraced and kissed the man,
- How're you feeling? - she wondered, unclasping her arms. - Hokage... did she call on you? How was the mission?
He waved aside with his free hand,
- Akiko says I'll live, just a few more days before she removes the bandage. She's a good doctor. Your apprentice?
A nod followed.
- As for the mission, - his features darkened. - I could say it was a success. Except that we lost twelve men and barely made it to Konoha. You've seen it with your own eyes, I guess
- Yes, - was the answer when she recalled the mutilated bodies in the hall, all the ninja who she, struggling, tried to bring to life, gradually, as if collecting a jigsaw
- I'm here to ask you something, - his eyes met hers. - Are you going to make the round?
- Yes
- Mind if I join you? They're my people, after all. I'm responsible for them, you know
His look expressed genuine concern, seeing which she agreed and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder,
- Sure, but first we need a gown for you
Doctors and nurses were doing their best, Sasuke noticed this by the improving state of the wounded, he scrutinized everyone and talked to some of them while Sakura couldn't conceal a smile, she was so glad to see him so caring, humane, normal. When finished with the round, the Uchihas stopped in the passage near Sakura's room, and the shinobi lingered, flicking a glimpse at the watch - it was only 7PM. The lock clicked but the girl was in no hurry to enter, instead, she suddenly let go of the handle and looked at Sasuke. The green of her eyes stared into his black, he was surprised,
- Sakura?
For a moment, she lowered her eyelids as if collecting herself for a tough decision, then looked him straight in the face and said softly,
- Look, Sasuke. I can't leave the hospital right now. So many things to do... you understand, I hope. Why won't you go home, relax, take a nap and eat. I'll come home and cook something special later, alright? - he was presented with a warm look
In the abyss of his eyes she spotted a flame burn up, but it changed into thoughtfulness afterwards. Thoughtfulness and relief.
Fine, - there was a light smile on his face. - When will you be there?
She figured how much time he needed,
- About eleven, - was her decision. - A bit too late, but we've got the state of emergency here
- I see... Well, I'll get going then
- Aha. Don't be upset, - she winked at him, feeling her heart clench in pain for a second
The guy was about to leave when he paused, gave her a flash and came up to plant a gentle kiss on her lips,
- Thank you, Sakura, - he said quietly and looked away. - Until later
- Goodbye, - she whispered, watching him disappear round the corner
Still stunned, she touched her mouth, inhaling yet-audibly before entering the study. A peek out of the window, and she saw Sasuke all but flying past the gate along the road towards Ichiraku ramen. 'Hopefully, he's got enough time'
"Itachi's gonna be so happy to meet him," pointed out her inner voice while the girl bit up her lip, turning away from the window.
Soon life returned to normal. Sasuke "detained at work", Sakura waiting for him at home, chancing to pay a call to Itachi from time to time. Everything came back to square one, though to the pink-haired kunoichi it was becoming a burden. During those two short weeks of Sasuke's absence something had changed, and presently, while he was "kept late at the office" she wandered restlessly about the house unable to stay calm. On several occasions, she went as far as come to the familiar street where she hesitated near Itachi's door, not knowing what to do or why she was there in the first place. The fact that she had no right to go inside made her terribly angry at Sasuke, meanwhile he could easily visit his brother only because they were relatives, it was a privilege which let him come here as often as he pleased, so all left for her was stand outside, drilling the closed door with her gaze. 'Let me go see him!' she shouted on the inside, fists clenching on their own. Jealousy. She didn't understand who she was jealous of, though. Along with it, she had something that warmed her up at such moments - a secret advantage, a piece of information Sasuke was not aware of, but which triggered Sakura's grin, filled with childishly naive and cruel triumph. She felt like sticking her tongue out and singing, 'Hey, Sasuke, I got something you can't have! Tra-la-la, go die of envy!' She ought to be ashamed, she realized. She's cheated on him, her beloved Sasuke! There was no trace of guilt somehow, as there was no regret, she was actually happy to know she has done it. Moreover - she wanted it to happen again. Yet, the longer they lived together, the sorrier she felt for him. The drugged, half-intoxicated look seemed even sadder when he came back home late at night. As though pulling the rest of his courage, he attempted to hold in the enormous tension that tore him apart. The girl loved him with a soft, almost motherly affection and when he froze staring off into space, on his face appeared a strange, piteous expression, so that she wanted to come up and give a hug and press to her chest and wrap him up with tenderness, thus releasing the agony, festering him day by day. The contradiction was driving her insane. Sakura hated uncertainty.