Hello and welcome to chapter thirteen! I hope you guys liked the last chapter. It was a little hard for me to write. That's why it took a little longer than normally. Well without further ado we have Gaara here to introduce the summary and do the disclaimer.

Author: Ooh Panda-Kuuunnn!

Garaa: Why do you people insist on calling me by such a ridiculous name? I look nothing like a panda! *grumbles lowly to himself so the audience doesn't hear how foul a mouth he really has*

Author: Would you just do the stuff? ... I'll give you a cookie!

Garaa: That better be a whole jar of cookies. Here's your blasted summary.

Summary: While out late one night being dragged around by his goofball friend Naruto, Sasuke suddenly feels like they are being followed. Next thing he knows is that they are surrounded by strange beings that clearly aren't human. One of them tries to attack and kill him when he is rescued by someone that oddly reminds him of his school principal based on her hair style choice. He learns the girl's name is Sakura and that she isn't alone, there are four others. Tenten, Ino, Hinata, and Sakura are a team joined together to fight the creatures that lurk in the night. They are known as the Midnight Assassins. After their impromptu rescue Hinata is injured and they disappear into the night. Sasuke can't help but wonder if he'll see his pink haired savior again, but he's in for a shock as our beautiful assassin is now attending school with him but she is hiding a secret what is it? Will Sasuke figure it out before he falls for her? As he peruses trying to find out he is slowly making her fall for him as well.

Author: Perfect! Now for the disclaimer if you would Panda-Kun.

Garaa: *munching cookies the whole time* Fine Author-San does not own the original cast of Naruto characters. She also doesn't own the original plot line. She does own any characters that are in the different branches of Assassins around the world. Including but not limited to: Naomi, Sakura's twin sister Saki and older sister Yumi. The twins, Jose, Alex, etc... She is also responsible for this plot line and anything that befalls any of us. So if something happens that you don't like blame it on her.

Author: HEY! That's not fair! You make it sound like I'm purposely displeasing my readers! *both walk off stage bickering*

Chapter 13 Scars That Heal

Sasuke's P.O.V.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Itachi had no idea about how Sakura was. I thought back to the last moments I'd been awake before we ended up here.

FLASHBACK!

Sakura had pinned the redhead (whose name I still couldn't remember and didn't care to) to the ground and raised her katana to deal the final blow. The big guy had moved out of Sakura's line of vision and seemed to be waiting for something as he watched me intently. A half crazed look in his eyes. I wanted to help her but I was still feeling light headed and dizzy.

Just before Sakura could finish her off the redhead shouted out something I didn't quite understand. The big guy disappeared for a moment. When I spotted him again he was by the white haired guy. He pulled something out of a hidden pouch and threw it. I never saw it coming but Sakura did. She muttered a low curse as she sprung to her feet.

Time seemed to slow down as she got up and ran. Her katana at the ready to block whatever it was that was thrown. I thought she did, until I heard her low grunt and she fell against me. A tanto protruded from her stomach on the right side. Blood rose up from her mouth and trickled down her chin. Her head fell forward as she hunched over breathing harshly.

The redhead sprang to her feet and appeared in front of Sakura, dagger in hand. A glint came to her ruby eyes as she brought her hand up and shoved the tanto further through Sakura. A gasp escaped her lips and shallow breaths left her.

I could see the tanto sticking through her back now. Her blood trickled out of the wound staining her white shirt a dark crimson.

I wasn't paying attention so I never saw the other vampire on the move again. I heard her speak again from behind me but it was too late. Fire erupted near my spine o my lower back as the darkness enclosed me. The last thing I saw was Sakura spinning around and her green eyes filled with fear.

END OF FLASHBACK!

That was the last thing I could remember before waking up here. The rest was just a huge blank of nothing. I frowned and shifted on the bed trying to find a more comfortable spot. Instead a sharp pain shot up my spine. I flinched and my mother fluttered over me. Silently asking what hurt.

"I just pulled on my stitches mom, I'm fine". A sad smile crossed her face as she took my hand. "I'm just worried about you that's all. The doctor said you were severely hurt. He told me they almost lost you twice on the operating table". At this fresh tears sprang to her eyes and rolled down her face. Being unable to move I squeezed her hand tightly.

I looked up at Itachi and he nodded before coming around the bed and wrapped her up in his arms. Giving her a reassuring hug. We stayed like this for several minutes. Silence all around. Not too much later the door opened and admitted a person. It was Hinata and Naruto.

Hinata looked terrible. Her eyes were blood shot and her usually neat hair was messy. It was almost like Sakura was gone all over again. Only she hadn't reached the stage where she was unresponsive. She wasn't crying anymore but her eyes had the look of a person who was.

My mother got up from her chair near me and went to the petite girl. She hugged her tightly before leaving. Itachi followed after squeezing her shoulder lightly.

"Good to see you awake Teme. You had us all worried for a while. Glad you're awake now". He stopped in front of my bed but Hinata continued around to my side. Taking the chair my mother had occupied. Naruto smiled and turned to leave. He must have sensed Hinata wanted to have a few minutes alone with me.

After having spent much time around Sakura And Hinata. I'd grown to care for the shy girl. Hinata was like the little sister I never had. She was someone that everyone got along with easily. Even me. Seeing her like this pulled at my heart.

She looked up from her clasped hands now and stared directly into my eyes. "Sasuke? What if Sakura doesn't make it? What if she's really gone this time"? I didn't know how to answer that. Having never been put in this situation before. When my father died I was really sad. It was like losing a distant friend. You're sorry to see them go. I know it's bad to think of a parent like that, but he and I never had much of a relationship. He spent most of his time at HQ and the rest doting on Itachi.

I never really had a chance to know him since he died when I was six. I had no idea how to answer her question. Hinata seemed to understand since she didn't press me for an answer. Not that she would have anyways. It just wasn't like her to do such things.

I stuck my hand out on the side of my bed and she looked at it before sliding her much smaller one in and holding tight. A small but grateful smile graced her face shortly before it vanished.

"Sasuke, I'm so glad you're awake. I don't know what I'd do if you were still asleep. I think I'd go crazy with worry if you weren't. I'm going to go ask on Sakura now. See if they learned anything new. I'll come back as soon as I do". She stood up and leaned over me, pressing a kiss to my cheek as she slipped her hand out of mine. "Feel better soon", she said as she left. The door clicked closed softly behind her.

Sakura's P.O.V.

The darkness was all around me. Incapacitating me. I couldn't move or see. No sounds reached me for the longest of times. Time seemed to tick by slowly for me. I didn't know if it was or not. It just felt like it.

"Am I going to die"? I voiced my question aloud. I didn't really expect an answer. So when I got one it scared me quite a bit. "That's up to you sweetie. As things stand right now you could go either way. According to your future that has been made based on your choices you are not supposed to die for a good long time as things stand at the moment".

I looked around trying to find the source of the voice. The only thing that surrounded me was the darkness. "Who's there"? A light hearted chuckle resounded. The person found my question amusing. "I'm not surprised you don't remember my voice. You were so little the last time you saw me. Think hard you might remember me. I've always been with you".

Someone I knew? That's a hard one I know lots of people, but the voice was specific. Someone I knew when I was little. A small hope built in my chest. "Mom"? I asked out quietly. Afraid to be wrong".

"It's so good to see you again sweetie. I wish I could have watched you grow up".

As soon as she'd spoken again color began to spread all around me. Blotting out the nothingness. I closed my eyes when it became too bright. A few minutes passed and I squinted open my eyes.

I looked down at myself and noticed I wore a strapless red summer dress that flowed down to my knees. A white ribbon wrapped around the front of the dress and tied in a bow resting on my lower back. My tattoos were visible on my upper back, shoulder and my right foot where the butterfly was.

I wasn't floating anymore. I was standing barefoot in a field of wildflowers. Trees bordered the edge of the clearing. A woman sat at the base of one of the trees. Looking up at it I noticed it was a cherry blossom tree.

Glancing down I took in the woman. Blond hair fell in waves past her back down to her hips. Blue eyes sparkled back at me. She hadn't changed much from the few pictures I had. She still looked the same.

She stood up and I noted that she wore a pale pink tank top and a white skirt that fell to her knees. A whit ribbon tied like a sash on the side of her waist. She was also barefoot. She came towards me and held her arms open. I ran to her immediately.

"I miss you so much mom. Why'd you have to go. It's been so hard without you and everyone. I hope you don't hate me for not helping you fight that night". She rubbed soothing circles on my back. Calming me down. "Sakura you needn't worry about that. No one blames your for that. Now I don't have much time and there is much I must say before I'm called back".

"I know who ordered the attack and brainwashing on your older sister. It was Madara. He used her tiny bit of resentment against us sending her to America to manipulate her. He is responsible for everything, but beware he is not alone. The person works for someone you trust immensely, this person is very good at manipulation and deceiving others".

"A spy rests within the Assassins. You have never met him, but he is a snake in hiding. . The one has no idea of his treachery, don't let him know you're on to him you're on to him when you find him. As he can become quite hostile when cornered".

My mother's form wavered for a second and she groaned. "My time is nearly up but I wanted you to see three people before I go. Please come out now".

My mother called loudly and I watched as three figures emerged from the trees. The first was my sister Yumi. She walked to me and I saw the guilt written on her face.

"I wanted to apologize to you Imoto. For everything I did. I wish I could have stayed with you longer". I already had my answer and I walked foreword she bowed her head expecting me to hit her. I embraced her taller frame tightly. "I could never hate you Ane* you're my sister". Her arms came up and returned my hug eagerly.

"I hope you've got one of those for me". A male voice sounded as another person stepped from the trees. A head of flaming red hair was his most distinguishing feature. Green eyes exactly like mine stared back at me over Yumi's shoulder.

"Dad"! Yumi released me and I ran over to him. He gave me a good squeeze. "Hey squirt", I rolled my eyes. "You're just like Naomi. She calls me that all the time to"! He just chuckled at my pout. I started looking around. Someone was missing.

"Where's Saki? Isn't she here to? I was wondering when you would ask that. It's about time"! The final figure emerged from the trees. "Nice to see ya again Saks. I see you figured out how to get in trouble on your own. Mom was not happy when you got your first tattoo. She was sooo mad. Especially when I told her I wanted one".

"That aside it's time for you to choose Sakura. You can come with us now and give up your life forever or you can return to the life you have and wait until you were originally supposed to die. The choice is up to you. Unfortunately we cannot help you make it. Our time here is up. Choose well Ane".

With that said my two sisters vanished along with my dad. It was just me and my mom now. She stood in front of me with a sincere expression. "Sakura I know this is a hard desk ion for you to make and I want you to know that I support you no matter what. This is your choice. Don't let others make the choice for you okay? I love you sweetie".

She pulled me into her arms and held me close. After a few seconds I felt her start to disappear. So I held her tighter not wanting to let go. When she was completely gone I fell to my knees wishing for her to come back and stay with me a little longer. Something wet rolled down my cheek and I looked at the sky to see if it was raining. It wasn't. I touched my cheek and realized I was crying.

I rubbed my face erasing the evidence.

Not too much later I wandered over to the tree that she had been sitting under to think. My answer when the question had been asked was yes I did want to go with them but a choice like this can't be made hastily.

I thought back on everything. From the day that I'd saved Hinata and then later on meeting up with Tenten and Ino. My year spent traveling with Naomi before she went to the different branches around the world for three years. Then I thought about the night we'd rescued Sasuke, Neji, Naruto, and Shikamaru and learning that Sasuke was part of the request I had made of the younger generation of hunter families. In a way they all resented me at first, that was until Ino made them see how stupid she thought they were being.

I remembered the missions we'd gone on that led up to my eventual abduction and then me being reunited with everyone two weeks later. The gala and my childishly immature revenge on Tsunade when I hadn't worn the school uniform just to spite her.

Thinking of Tsunade made me remember how much she'd been there for me. She had basically taken over the role as my mother in life and I loved her for it. I wasn't as alone as I thought. So many people have stuck by me and excepted me for who and what I am and not because I'm an heiress. Make that the only heiress to the entire Haruno fortune and legacy.

If I died now I would leave so much left undone. Then the dream I had a few days ago came back to me. The one with me and Sasuke sitting under a tree near a river. While our children played down by the small river. I still wanted that future I had seen. I can't have it if I'm dead.

I've made my choice. There is too much for me to live for and by for me to die now. I hope they understand. I can't die yet. "I choose to live. No matter how hard I want to live this life". Darkness floated in around me once again but this time it wasn't as pressing and I found myself lulled into a peaceful sleep free from nightmares.

Naomi's P.O.V.

I was so pissed. No one had bothered to tell me that Sakura was in the hospital fighting for her life while I was at school. So imagine my utter surprise when I got back to HQ and the only person there that I knew were the twins telling me that she was at the hospital. They had asked why I wasn't there.

I stormed up to Sakura's room and packed a bag for her. So she would have clothes to change into when she was discharged. Then I hunted around her drawers till I found the keys to the car she rarely used. It was a burgundy Porsche. Honestly I don't know why she even bought the car. She almost never drove it preferring her motorcycle to anything else. Though something tells me she'll be driving it more from now on.

I was only briefly amused before my rage set in again and I was on the move. I went down to the garage and clicked the beeper. The car lit up and sounded from underneath a sheet near the back. I tugged the sheet off, got in, and pressed the garage door button. The mechanical humming sounded as the door slid up and I was off.

It didn't take me long to get to the hospital and luck seemed to be with me as I raced there going twice the legal speed. I found a parking space and then made my way to the front desk. People moved out of my way. I guess my 'don't approach me I'm pissed off' aura was a little intimidating. Oh well.

"How can I help you miss"? The woman at the front desk asked trembling in terror. "I need the room number of one Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke if you please". The nervous tapping on the keyboard sounded as she looked up the information. "I'm sorry miss but Haruno Sakura-San is still in surgery. However Uchiha Sasuke-San has been in a room for almost four hours now". I looked at her expectantly.

"Are you going to give me the room number or not"? She trembled at the tone of my voice. A small part of me was enjoying scaring the shit out of the receptionist. Yes I know I'm a bitch sometimes. Deal with it. "I ca-cant gi-give you that information miss. No-not without identification and proof that you are on t-the friends list".

She looked down and away from me trembling in her seat. I was about to tell her off when a familiar voice sounded behind me.

"Is that really necessary Naomi-Chan? You're going to give the poor woman a heart attack"! I turned around to see Mikoto and Itachi standing behind me. Mikoto had a reprimanding look on her face and Itachi had something of a smirk/smile on his. "Sorry Miko-Chan but I'm afraid it was. Did you know that no one bothered to call and tell me Sakura much less Sasuke was in the fucking hospital"?

Her face turned a little sour at my blatant disregard for her dislike of cuss words for a second before she rounded on Itachi. "I know for a fact I told you to call Naomi, Itachi. Why didn't you"?

His smirk disappeared as she tapped a foot with her hands on her hips waiting. "Sorry mother it slipped my mind when they came out and announced Sasuke was out of surgery. She threw her hands up in the air before linking it with mine and escorting me back down the hall to Sasuke's room. Muttering about how you can't trust men to do anything right.

I looked over my shoulder and cast Itachi a sympathetic look before mouthing "we'll talk later". He nodded in understanding as he stepped out the doors I'd come through a few minutes before.

Ino's P.O.V.

Naomi had been in Sasuke's room for over an hour and we'd yet to hear any news on Sakura and if she was out of surgery yet. It was taking so long. I resorted to pacing now since I could no longer sit still. After I passed out at the school earlier when Sakura was rushed passed, Shikamaru had been keeping a close eye on me. It was starting to get annoying. Just as I knew my constant pacing was annoying him.

I glanced over at Tenten. She'd fallen asleep against Neji's shoulder about twenty minutes ago. His head rested on top of hers as he slept as well. I whirled around looking for Hinata when someone grabbed my hand and tugged me down.

I fell into their lap as arms wound around me. "Can't you just be still you troublesome woman"? Shikamaru asked as I struggled against him briefly. His hold tightened and I finally gave up. I huffed before it dawned on me that I was in Shikamaru's lap my face heated up and I looked away from his questioning eyes.

"It's nothing", I told him softly and he grunted in response. A few minutes later a doctor came our way a small smile on his face. He stopped in front of Hinata and she looked up at him expectantly. "Mrs. Haruno? Yes", she responded to him. "I have some news for you about your sister Sakura-San. She is out of surgery now. She is in the room down the hall from Sasuke-San. Number 323. You may go in to see her but she is not awake so we'll have to ask you to be quiet and let her rest. We're not sure when she will wake up. You may go see her now".

Hinata stood up from her seat quickly. I was so happy, Sakura was finally out of surgery! I turned to face Shikamaru who looked wary of my sudden action. Without really thinking about what I was doing I grabbed the collar of his shirt and tugged him forward. Giving him a chaste kiss before getting up and almost dancing down the hall to Sakura's room.

Sasuke's P.O.V.

Naomi had been in my room for over an hour and hardly anything had been said on her part. After she demanded to know what happened I recounted what I knew. She was particularly furious to learn about the tanto bit. Can't say that I blame her. Although I've never had something shoved through me before. I'm guessing it is very painful.

We were sitting in silence now when the door burst open and admitted Naruto. He wore a blinding smile.

"Guess what Teme! SAKURA-CHANISOUTOFSURGERY"! He shouted loudly. I didn't catch half of what he said. It sounded like gibberish to me. "Naruto could you repeat that a little slower and not so loudly please"? Naomi asked. Her mouth twitching. Apparently she found the Dobe's antics funny. I didn't find it amusing not one little bit. He did this way too often. To be honest? It was getting fucking old.

"I said Sakura-Chan Is. Out. Of. Surgery"! He looked at us waiting for a response. Naomi was first to respond. Her eyes were wide and full of happiness. "Well keep us in suspense why don't you Naruto. What room is she in"? His grin widened before he finally responded. "Room 323, that's just down the hall from Teme's"! Naomi stood up and muttered an excuse me before she left.

I dozed off shortly after everyone left to visit Sakura. When I woke up again the room lights were off and a nurse or doctor must have unhooked my IV drip since nothing was connected to the IV needle and short tubes still in my arm. I assumed it was to administer pain medication and antibiotics.

I wondered if Sakura was awake or not. It was very late now. Almost three in the morning. No one would still be visiting at this hour. I doubt anyone spent the night either as they all had school or work the next day.

So I decided it would be safe if I went to see Sakura. I remember the Dobe saying where her room was. Just down the hall from mine. I might not get another chance to go see her. After all she had saved my life when she jumped in front of that tanto. Then it was shoved through her. I flinched at the memory.

I sat up very carefully, testing my back to see if the movements pulled at the stitches any. It wasn't nearly as painful as it was last time so I figured that I must have been given pain meds recently.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed I discovered I was wearing my pjs. Well what I normally were to bed. Long pajama pants and a random T-shirt. My mother most have brought them and changed me or something. She knew how much I hated the hospital gowns.

I slid off the bed and placed one foot on the floor experimentally. It barely hurt at all. I must be healing faster than I thought. Considering the injury was near the base of my spine and all.

Finally I was completely off the bed. I took careful steps to the door and opened it. Peering down the hall both ways revealed no one. It was dark and quiet. So I silently made my way towards Sakura's room. The only light on the floor. Meaning her room light was on. I looked in the window and saw nobody, but the curtain was drawn around the bed. The only person I could sense in the room was Sakura so I opened the door quietly and slipped in.

The low beeping of a heart monitor reached my ears. Why was Sakura still connected to one of those? She was out of surgery and had woken up right? A new sound reached my ears next. It almost sounded like an oxygen machine. The sounds of someone breathing in and a little click of another machine filtered through the room often. What was that?

I walked around the curtain and saw Sakura. At first glance nothing was wrong. She just looked asleep. Then I looked again. There was an oxygen mask on her face and the steady beeping that I'd heard was indeed from a heart monitor. Her skin was very pale. Sakura normally had porcelain colored skin but this was different. It was like all the color had been sucked out of her. Even her hair was affected. The normally bright pink locks were duller. Now somewhat resembling a washed out version of what it once was.

Anyone could tell from one glance that Sakura looked sick, and in a way she was. Her medical chart hung on the front of her bed frame. Curiosity got the better of me and I grabbed it. What was listed really shocked me.

According to this chart. Sakura's heart was not strong enough to beat on its own right now. Which was why she was hooked to the oxygen machine. Her surgery was successful, but just barely.

The tanto had caused massive damage and this chart said that she'd ripped it out herself causing even more damage. She had major internal bleeding and it had taken hours to find the cure for the poison that had kept her wounds open and bleeding. She was receiving transfusions twice every three hours.

Well that explained why the light was on. She had just gotten one thirty minutes ago. That wasn't all though. According to this her body had rejected the first two admissions of the antidote. She hasn't been able to accept it for some reason. There wasn't an explanation for that. I kept reading her chart.

During the surgery her heart had given out twice. Causing the need for them to perform a heart surgery and see what was wrong. The chart stated that blood had built up around her heart and the amount she had left was insufficient to keep her body functioning properly.

As if that wasn't bad enough her spine was damaged when the vampire shoved the tanto further into her. She had also struggled with the paramedics and that further opened her injuries. The final two things written on her chart was that her heart had stopped a total of four times. Twice in surgery and twice on the way to the hospital. The last was something that really confused me. According to this chart Sakura was in a self induced coma. Meaning her body had induced a coma unable to properly heal while awake.

That was all that was written. I glanced up at Sakura's face again. Her hair was spread out on her pillow and her face could have almost blended in with her pillow if not for her hair. Her gown had slipped of her shoulder and you could see a single star shining there.

I walked closer and took her hand, squeezing it hoping to get some sort of response from her. Nothing, not even a twitch. It was like she didn't even know I was here. Maybe she didn't. I released her hand and brushed some hair away from her face. I kissed her forehead and whispered words that I'd never said out loud to anyone before. "Thank you for saving me. I'm sorry it put you here and you ended up like this.

I grabbed her hand and squeezed once more before leaving. I knew I wouldn't get a response but still it felt right to do. Something else bubbled up in my chest before I made it all the way around the curtain shielding her bed.

They were words I'd only ever said to my mother. I love you. That startled me. Did I love her? I don't know I'm so confused right now. Are Sakura and I good friends? Absolutely. Can we be described as more than good friends? Yes. Do I care for her? Without a doubt.

You ask me any of those questions about Sakura and I could answer them immediately. You ask me if I love her and I wouldn't be able to. Part of me wants to say yes. The other says no.

I finally made it back to my room without even realizing it. Huh, guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Oh well at least I went the right way. I slipped back into bed and let sleep take me over again. The words I'd almost said out loud and questions swirling into my dreams. Confusing me even further.

Two days later I was finally released from the hospital but I still wasn't allowed to go to school. I needed something to do. I was used to doing something most of the time. Even if it meant dealing with fangirls I'd still rather go to school. I'm already pretty behind. Having missed two, no technically three days of school.

What was worse is that Tsunade wouldn't let me go on missions either. She said until my stitches came out I couldn't risk reopening my injury. I was lucky no permanent damage was done to my spine. She told me to go home too. I couldn't even be at HQ. she said if she so much as even saw my face at the base before she cleared me she'd take me off missions for two months and have me train new recruits. If there were any at the time. Otherwise I'd have to sit around twiddling my thumbs like a dumbass.

Which sadly is what I'm currently doing. My mother won't let me get out of bed unless I'm going to the bathroom. I can't even go visit Sakura in the hospital. Who according to the girls might wake up soon, but they're not sure. They said she s regained some of her color and no longer looks like a ghost.

Somehow I got the feeling that they were just lying to make me feel better. Which is why I held little doubt that if I walked into her hospital room right now I'd find the same things about Sakura. Nothing would have changed. Though I wanted to believe them I just couldn't bring myself to accept something I was sure was a lie.

I was laying on my bed flipping through the TV channels without really paying attention to it when I hear a door downstairs burst open. I glanced at my alarm clock. It was the Dobe. School ended twenty minutes ago and I made him promise to take me to the hospital today to see Sakura.

I heard a thumping all the way up the stairs and down the hall finally coming to a stop in front of my door. Not two seconds later that too was thrown open. My idiot of a best friend stood there with a grin on his face that was so big I was amazed his face didn't split open.

"Come on Teme! We're going to see Sakura-Chan! Get your lazy ass up out of bed! Let's go already"! I glared at him waiting for the idiot to remember that he was one of the people who had forced this unnecessary bed rest on me (A/N yes Sasuke is in denial. And don't we all know it?). He just stared at me blankly for several minutes. You could almost hear the click in his head when he finally put two and two together. "Che, Dobe"... It took about ooh, four seconds for what I said to register with him. "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME YOU BASTARD"? (A/N I didn't think 'Teme' really fit here. So sue me this is my story anyways. What I say goes.) "I guess you also have hearing issues Dobe".

I got up and kicked him out of my room before he could protest some more before getting dressed. After that we drove to the hospital. Once we walked through the doors we discovered the place was in complete and utter chaos.

Nurses and doctors were rushing around so quickly you couldn't stop one of them for questions. Finally we managed to catch the attention of one nurse. She was about to run through the double doors when Naruto flagged her down.

"What the hell is going on here"? The nurse hurried to explain as her eyes darted around. She was nervous. Something was wrong. Really wrong. My thoughts flew to Sakura and I hoped she was all right.

"About two hours ago two men came in and requested the room number for Haruno-San. They provided identification stating they were with the law enforcement and we had no choice but to give them her room number. They left thirty minutes after that. Then about forty-five minutes ago Haruno-San started to wake up".

"She was very irritable. She kept asking for someone named Sasuke. You seem to know Haruno-Sama. Do you know someone by the name Sasuke"? I looked at her. This was actually funny. "Yes I do. I am Sasuke". She looked bewildered for a moment before a small smile broke out across her face.

"Great, Haruno-Sama wishes to see you. Right this way please". She took my hand and tugged me down the hall. Going a different direction than Sakura's room was in. Maybe she has a new room now. Whatever. Naruto tagged along behind us. His hands crossed behind his neck a big grin on his face.

Finally we came to a stop in front of a room. The nurse said we could go in before leaving. I stood outside the door for a minute thinking. Why was I hesitating? Sakura wanted to see me. Without further thought I pushed open the door and stepped inside. Naruto decided to wait outside and give us a minute alone.

The moment the door was closed and I turned around ready to face her I was tackled. Sakura had jumped up on me (completely ignoring her injuries and the fact that she underwent surgery recently) with her legs wrapped around my waist and her arms secured around my neck. Her face was buried in the crook of my neck.

My arms came up and wrapped around her small waist, pulling her tight against me. "I thought I'd lost you". She mumbled against my neck. She brought her head back and stared into my eyes for a long time. Her eyes were bright and shinning with some emotion.

Sakura leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine in a heated kiss. Her eyes were closed as I remained shocked for a minute. Then I closed my eyes and took control. Brushing my tongue across her bottom lip she immediately opened her mouth and I slipped my tongue in. I ran it across one of her fangs and she shivered in response.

Apparently those fangs of hers are sensitive. I did it again and a low moan sounded in the back of her throat. She pulled away and stared at me. A light blush coated her cheeks. Almost rivaling her hair color. That was another thing. Her hair seemed brighter to me. Maybe it was just because a few days ago it had been so dull.

"Sasuke-Kun", she said in a low voice. Trying to pull me out of my thoughts. "Hmm"? I said in reply not even realizing what she'd just said. "Sasuke-Kun", this time I heard her. "What did you say"? She huffed and a pout formed on her pink lips. "Mou, Sasuke-Kun. Weren't you even listening"? I interrupted her again. The way she said my name. I just had to hear it again. "Sakura, say my name again. Huh? Oh Sasuke? Is that what you wanted"?

I shook my head lightly. "No say it like you did before. "S-Sasuke-Kun? Like that"? I nodded my head and watched as her cheeks heated up again. This time competing with her hair. "Would you quit distracting me? I have something I really want to tell you"!

She unhooked her arms and legs and hopped back down to the floor. She turned around and stuck her head to the left. A pout already on her lips and her arms crossed under her chest. "Sakura, what did you want to tell me"?

"Humph"! Was my only response. "Come on Sakura I really want to know". I said putting my hand on the side of her shoulder and coming to stand beside her. She shook the hand off and turned to face a different direction than before.

"Come on Sakura. Will you tell me if I say I'm sorry"? She turned around to face me then. A small pouty like smile on her face. I brought her close to me again and pulled her into my chest. I bent my head lower till my lips were level with her ear. "Well then I'm sorry Sakura. Do you forgive me"? She nodded and her small arms wrapped around my back as she buried her face in my chest.

"What is it you wanted to tell me"? She loosened her hold a bit and leaned back to look me in the eye. The emotion from before filled her green eyes. "When we were on the roof top and you almost died it made me realize something. That coupled with a dream I had about us. I want to tell you what I realized while you lay on the roof dying".

She took a deep breath calming her oration heart beat before speaking again. "I don't ever want to lose you. Not because you're a good friend but because... I love you Sasuke-Kun".

Tadaa! How was that for a good ending? Eh, eh? I know what you're all thinking. *Gasp* how could she end the chapter right there! Easy I thought it would make for an excellent ending. Now for the questions. How will Sasuke respond? What will Sakura do now that she knows who is ultimately responsible for the death of her family? Will Naomi and Itachi reconcile? Who is the spy lurking in the Assassins? You want to find out, stay tuned. As always leave me a review and tell me what ya think but please no flames. If you don't like the story do read it. Simple as that. In case anyone was wondering, *Ane* mans older sister. That's all for now my lovely people.

-SasuSaku993 Out-