Author's Note: DarkAngelRakell, that was so screwed up, but it made me laugh. And sorry to burst your bubble but no raping in this fic! …not that I know of anyway but who knows!
I'm going to be doing the number thing now for words that you might not know. It's just a bit better I think.
Man, this chapter took forever! I'm sorry, and I hope it never takes this long again. I'm having terrible writer's block. I got the beginning and the end and absolutely no middle. Ha. Anyway. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Chapter 12--Pictures of you
There is nothing in the world That I ever wanted more Than to feel you deep in my heart. There was nothing in the world That I ever wanted more Than to never feel the breaking apart.
--
Her body hit the floor terribly hard it bounced with the force of the fall. She coughed harshly as the air was knocked out of her and she rolled herself to the side, spitting out blood. Her body shook in it's protest as Sakura tried to push herself up. Her broken arm snapped again and she crumbled to the floor.
Her shaking hand landed on the broken appendage and green light flowed through it. She was able to set the bone but it would take some time to get feeling back in it. The image of only his one finger landing on her forearm, popped in her mind.
Only one finger.
His footsteps were getting closer. He was going slow, she knew. Allowing her to heal whatever she wanted. She couldn't beat him. Not as she was fighting now. His legs were in her sight and he glared down at her. "You aren't fighting with everything you have."
Her heart hastened. How had he known that? Throughout this fight, he has been seeing things before she decided what to do, known thoughts that she did not express. And that's when it hit her. "You can read minds now?" She scoffed.
"Hn." Was his only response. Thunder instead replaced his words. It rolled for over a minute as she laid there to catch her breath. She looked up to the sky, wondering when it had gotten so dark. The clouds were threatening and the lightening that was far off was getting closer with each second. He was getting angry. She smiled. So this world depicted all his emotions. That's what she thought.
Her mind worked continuously. She knew she couldn't beat him in this world. She had to get out of here. If she died here, then she died there. But if she could some how get out of this alive, all her injuries she has sustain thus far would vanish. She didn't know if that was a fact, but she had to at least believe it was true. "If you get out alive." He stated, reading her thoughts.
"When I get out." She smiled, funny how they had this same conversation, just the complete opposite. She had to act without thinking. She had to shut off her mind, it's the only way she could get out. She had to stop thinking, survive only on instinct. The exact lesson Hokage Tsunade taught her on her very first day.
She flipped herself in the air, throwing a kunai out and keeping the other in her hand. All her injuries were healing, all she had to do was ignore the pain. She couldn't get hit again. She wouldn't.
He slowly, eerily, extracted his chokuto(1). The only sound that existed in this world. The metal scrapping against the sides. He held it up in front of him. Sasuke had to step this up a bit, he was running out of time. Ten minutes had past since he first started and now only ten minutes were left.
Sakura smiled, "If you believe yourself to be so strong, why fight me in a world where you have the upper hand?"
"I've given you everything you need to defeat me. The only thing you lack, is skill."
Sakura ran at him, then promptly disappeared. His eye went to the corner of his socket. He swung his sword around and pulled back, slicing her arm when she appeared beside him. Sakura disappeared once more, running and flying and dodging and hiding. He couldn't feel her mind anymore. She shut it off. "Impressive. But not enough." Holding two fingers up and without the need for seals, " Katon: Hosenka no Jutsu"(2) He released several fireballs from his mouth all along the trees, only a few survived but not enough to hide her.
Sakura dropped from the sky, so suddenly and so unexpectedly he could only block the back of her leg as it smashed down on top of him. He grit his teeth, holding tighter to his sword that wanted to fall from his numb arms and hands. She dropped down next to him, giving him no time to recover as she did several taijutsus in accurate accession. Again he found himself only able to block, his arms were going limb however after only two hits and he had to throw himself back just to get away from her. His katana laid on the ground forgotten.
But she continued, her hands glowed with her chakra as she followed his every moment. He ducked and dodged and performed armless back flips and side flips to get out of her destructive path. Then she stopped and he caught sight of her smile. Until it was too late. She had backed him up in a trap filled with explosives.
He jumped in the air but she went faster and kicked him back down to the ground just when they went off.
Panting heavily, Sakura rubbed the sweat from her brow. She knew that it wasn't over, that she was no where near defeating him. But she was becoming a challenged for him. And that brought a smile to her lips, listening to the lightening crack and the thunder roll behind her.
--
She stood in front of him, the only sign that she had injured him at all was the rip in his clothing. His white shirt was dirty and his black pants had several tears. But he was still completely unfazed. She had spilt no blood, she had destroyed no bones. It wasn't until this moment that he pointed out to her that she was still holding back. She clenched her teeth in her anger. She had landed blows that lesser people would succumb to a coma, but yet here he was, whole and unharmed.
He held out his hand and his sword flew up to meet the palm. He swung it at her, she shifted just slightly to the right, then again to the left. She jumped back as he stabbed the air, the tip of the sword was just an inch away from her shoulder. Sakura released a sigh as she stared down at the tip. That had been close. Too close. She smirked however, in satisfaction toward the Uchiha staring at her.
Her mouth dropped open to let out a gasp. Her eyes were wide as she gazed at him.
He had made no movement. Yet the tip of the sword had somehow pierced through her, nearly exiting out the back. Her brows knit in questioned. "I can extend it." He explained to her, pulling it from the female's body. Sasuke had run out of time, only three minutes remained in this world. He had to end it. And ending he must. If anyone of Konoha ninjas find out of his advanced dou-jutsu(3), they'd never take the blind off. And therefore ridding any chance of escape.
Her hand lifted to the wound, her eyes gazing at him coldly. He smirked when no chakra emitted from her hand. His eyes glanced down to her fingers were a barely visible needle had cut off the flow of chakra. She hardened her gaze in response. "This fight. Is over." He stated, taking only a few short steps and raising his blade to perform his finishing move.
But she dodged it with a back flip. A knife was held in her other hand, no matter the pain it caused to raise it. Blood was pouring over her shoulder down her arm, and made the knife slippery in her grasp but she held on to it and took the needle that was on her other hand, out with her teeth. "I don't give up so easily, Sasuke."
"Hn." He disappeared from sight but she felt him on her left and moved to the side to dodge it, but it ripped across her thigh. She groaned in pain, falling to one knee but she had no time to get used to the pain as he attacked from behind. She lowered to the floor, the sword slashed across the top of her shoulder. It cut off nerves to her arm, her knife dropped from her useless hand. Sakura panted, and she looked up, he had moved to be in front of her again. "What are you doing?" He narrowed his eyes in confusion. She was keeping him from the killer blow, but she was no longer fighting back.
He stabbed the air again, this one was aiming for her heart. She stood, knowing there was no use trying to block it. She gasped, her lips shaking with the pain as it past right through her stomach. Sasuke shook his head. She had only stopped instant death. Why?
She looked up at him, her emerald eyes shined and a smile was on her lips. "The only thing I ever lacked," She whispered softly, groaning as a new wave of pain ransacked her body.
She grit her teeth but stared at him nonetheless as blood rolled down her chin. "Was hatred."
Sasuke's eyes widened. A voice was echoing in his head. His brother's voice, so cold and harsh as he had whispered in his ear, 'Why are you weak? It is because you lack hatred.'
He pulled the sword out quickly and harshly, watching her fall to the floor. But her body was giving no rest as his hand reached down and lifted her up. A tree was against her back where she was held by the neck. Her feet still touched the floor, his hand was only there to keep her up. "Why? Why not let me kill you?"
She smiled softly, her body was shaking from the blood loss and impending death was looming over her. A few droplets of water splashed on her face, she looked up and saw the rain cover the sky and fall between them. She closed her eyes enjoying the soothing cold water, "I never want you to regret anything, Sasuke."
"Your death is nothing to me. I will regret nothing. I have severed all bonds."
"Then kill me. Do what ever will make you happy. That's all I ever wanted. That's all either of us have ever wanted."
He stared at her, the rain was pouring hard and without mercy. Her hatred that had been so vibrant before had become non-existent. What had changed? Now that she was dying, she was calmer? She was happier? Why wasn't there any hatred? He could respond to hatred, not this patient and tender demeanor. "Why?"
She smiled, even while blood was dripping down her lips, mixing with the water that poured down her face. He narrowed his eyes, confused. "It's something you never understood, Sasuke." Tears were welling up in her eyes, "We love you." She was thankful for the rain, to hide the drops that poured from her gaze. "So no matter the horrible things you do, and the awful things you say, we will continue to love you. We won't give up on you Sasuke. Even if you kill us."
They were drenched by the downpour in a matter of seconds. Sakura lowered her eyes from the black sky and finally met his gaze. Her memory flashed a picture of a boy from so long ago. The first time Sasuke had showed up on her balcony and the last. His black hair hung in front of his face, water dripped down, running along his smooth skin. He had been standing there, soaked, staring at her with emptiness in his gaze, just like he was now. She remembered the love she felt for him each time he caught her eyes, and how desperate she wanted to be as close to him as the rain was.
She half-smiled sorrowfully despite the happiness that moment brought. She wished she could find that man again. And love him like she was destined too. But sadly, the coldness of his gaze, the hate that radiated from him, she knew it was too late.
He narrowed his eyes. Her thoughts were as clear as the lightening that just flashed behind them. Why think of that moment at a time like this? Death was looming over her and yet, all she could think about, as she was dying by his hand, was him. He shook his head, hating her so much more for her memories then her confessions. "You're right." He whispered angrily, "It's too late."
With a blink of an eye, he was gone. She collapsed to her knees then the rest of her body hit the floor. She panted heavily, feeling the rain pound against her. The ground was turned to slush and threatened to cut off her air passage as she breathed in mud. She smiled, however, watching Sasuke's retreating form, the thunder and lightening following his movements but the rain stayed and battered worse then ever before upon her back.
Sakura wasn't sure, but as she watched his form move further away, the boy she had fallen in love with flashed before her eyes. The tears that clouded her gaze now, was from the happiness, that for just a moment, she had been able to see him again. Maybe Naruto had been right, maybe the Sasuke they searched for was buried inside the man that walked away from her. And if that was so, then she preyed that he finds him and brings him back.
She closed her eyes, and with her drying breath, she couldn't hold back her whisper, "Sasuke-kun."
--p--
Conscious thought was coming back to her. Words were being whispered in her ear, pleading, begging. Her lids were so heavy, her head was throbbing from the aftermath, a sharp pitch was ringing in her ear but it was slowly being tuned out by the voice.
It was still so dark, she begged herself to open her eyes but she was afraid. Afraid of what was before her. She concentrated, listening to the voice by her ear. Kiba's voice. "Onegai(4), Onegai, don't. Come on, Sakura, wake up. Onegai, Onegai wake up."
Her brows knit in confusion, why was he in so much misery? Sakura slowly pride her eyelids apart, squinting through the light that shined nearly blinding her. But it was then she saw it. The glinting of the kunai aiming at her throat. Her eyes widened, fully awake and all senses returned to her.
Kiba's legs were wrapped around her waist from behind, one hand was resting on her forehead, pulling harshly while the other gripped her hand that held her knife. "Wake up, Wake up, Onegai Sakura, Onegai." He begged continuously, his hand so white, straining against her strength to keep her from killing herself. Akamaru was trying his best to help, he bit the clothe on Kiba's arm, pulling and whining pleadingly.
She swallowed, her body shaking in her fear, "Kiba." The moment he heard her voice all pressure fell away and she released the weapon, and it dropped forgotten on the floor.
"Aritgato kami-sama." He whispered, slowly releasing her.
Sakura turned with wide green eyes, catching his stressed gaze. The battle flashed across her mind and left her weak and numb. The tears piled up instantly, recalling each slash of his sword and every glare of hate. The reality of it all knocked the cries from her and she flung herself against Kiba, squeezing with all her might as she cried so brutally into his shoulder. His arms encircled her, his hands fisting around her shirt and hair. Kiba softly laid down upon the floor. Akamaru whined and placed his chin down upon her back.
"You're okay." He whispered over and over in her ear, squeezing his eyes tight to hold back his anger. He had only one guess of what had happened and knew instantly it was right. Loathing for the Uchiha heir was building great inside of him. Never once had she cried. Never once in the year and a half that they've been together. Not one single tear. Her sobs was gut-wrenching to listen to. He stared at the top of the tent, keeping his grip tight to stop himself from going straight to the Uchiha and punching him right across the face.
A while past till she finally managed to lift herself away from him. She turned her face shamefully away, wiping her face clean on a towel near by. She fisted her hands, trying to keep more of her tears from coming. Her soul felt worn and dirty, her chest hurt, her heart once again broken.
She buried her face in her hands, shoving the nasty thoughts away and sniffed. She smiled softly down at Kiba, "Arigatou." She whispered and kissed his lips chastely. She tried to stand but her legs did not obey her command. Sakura sighed heavily and put on her sandals to give herself something to occupy her mind.
"It was him, wasn't it?" He whispered.
Sakura stalled, her eyes void, remembering the dead look in his eyes as he stared back at her with the rain falling all around them. She nodded but turned her gaze down to him, "Don't tell Naruto."
"Why not? It's important, we have to figure out how he did it."
"Iie, it's nothing. I was stupid. I just…don't want him to know."
"Sakura, he has to face the fact that Sasuke's changed."
"I'm sure he'll figure it out sooner or later. I just can't…Onegai." He sighed but nodded with a small lopsided smile.
--
Sakura sighed thankful of the sight that now stood in front of her. The large mountainous wall to the Sunakagure village. It had taken just under three days to reach this place, the haven for their tired bodies. And they were tired. Resting for only two hours every six had done enough to keep the conversation to a low minimum and everyone grateful when they finally reached their destination.
Sakura glanced all around, everyone still surrounded Sasuke in their perspective positions, her eyes skipped over Sasuke's form, refusing to allow herself a moment to think of him. Akamaru nudged her hand when the pain in her heart ached. She smiled down at him, and scratched his head affectionately.
She was a bit confused however, her green eyes going to the corner of their sockets to peak a glance at the Uchiha. No other incident had happened with the Sound Ninjas. Nothing suspicious and no one had been following within the hundred meters Neji could see. It was a bit odd to say the least.
Naruto darted out from the rest of the group, running along the sand. Sakura smiled when she realized what had gotten him so energetic.
Gaara, along with his older siblings and a few soldiers stood now at the front of the entrance. The young kage wore his red and white robes, his sand gorge was, however, not in sight. Temari leaned against her body length fan with her arms crossed and a small smile. Kankuro wore his normal black outfit but had left behind his puppet casing.
Naruto came to an abrupt halt in front of the young Kage. "Gaara." The boy sounded and smiled brightly.
The team shortly came upon them. "We've been waiting for hours. We thought something happened." Temari smugly stated.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes upon stepping up to her, "Like you had anything else to do."
She put a hand on her hip, "I'll have you know we're preparing a party." He only yawned in response.
"Party?" Naruto spoke up.
Kankuro smacked a hand on Gaara's shoulder, "My little bro's turning nineteen tomorrow. The whole sato's celebrating."
Temari smiled, "This is the first birthday we've ever celebrated so it's going to be pretty big."
"Gomen," Sakura stated softly, "We didn't know. We wouldn't have brought…" She stalled to look over at Sasuke.
Kankuro waved a dismissive hand, "That won't bother us any. We have a good facility underground waiting." He ordered the five guards and they reached for the strings. The Konoha ninja's were unsure but with a nod from their leader they past him over.
"We'll come visit soon, Sasuke." Naruto called, watching with a protective gaze as the man was directed away.
Sakura moved her green eyes from Sasuke to Naruto. Her hand fisted against her chest, her gaze narrowing in her sadness. He loved Sasuke so much, just like he loved her. They were brothers, not by blood but by fate. And here she stood with the power to destroy that. She turned away, unable to meet his blue eyes when they turned to her.
Kiba barely graced her hand with his, her sight quickly catching his diamond eyes. She smiled and nodded, thanking him silently for comforting her just by being near.
"Will you," Gaara's voice sounded stopping all the mingling conversations, "be my guest?"
Naruto's eyes widened in response. His first reaction was to instantly say 'no.' Being the Kage's guest was a very honorable position, he had no right to be. But the teal eyes stared back at him, waiting patiently. Unable to conjure up any words, Naruto only nodded once.
Kankuro smirked knowing an awkward moment when it arrived. "You guys must be tired. Tenshi will take you to your rooms. Best place in town. If you want or need anything she'll get it for you."
Sakura smiled thankful, "We don't deserve such hospitality."
Tanshi shook her head, "Of course you do. You saved our Kage. For that your stay will be free no matter what you desire. If you'll follow me."
--
"Kami, would you look at this place!" Ino hollered as she entered. "It's gigantic!" She quickly took off her shoes before stepping out of the depressed genkan(5). Her eyes were wide taking a right into the condo instantly greeted by a huge living area with a overly large kotatsu(6) in the center and behind that was a separated kitchen with a dinning table.
Sakura didn't follow Ino, instead right when she entered she ran her hand along the wall, going along the hallway that led to five rooms. Two on one side, two on the other, and one room directly across from the entrance. She slid open the first fusuma(6) she came to and nearly fainted at the sight, the king sized bed sat in the middle with fly netting draping down from the ceiling encompassing the silk covered mattress. The wall across from the entrance was large floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding glass door in the center leading out to a balcony that overlooked the entire city below.
Naruto came running in, flinging down his bag, bouncing on the bed before flipping over himself and shoving open the glass door out to the balcony. "Can you believe this view! Kami, Gaara went all out on us. I'm starving! Let's go eat!" He zoomed past her and pounded his way into the kitchen.
Sakura dropped her bag next to his. She weakly, forcibly, smiled as she listened to everyone's excitement, Naruto's voice louder then all, screaming about his stomach. All she wanted to do was crawl into that cozy bed and fall asleep.
Sleep, what an idea. For the past two and half days she had been without it. Too afraid to shut her eyes incase that world greeted her again. The world where Sasuke's smirk was something to fear. The world were her heart was cut out and held in his large hand.
Her mind raced in wild thoughts on why he had kept her alive. This question had plagued her and distracted her from nearly all conversations for the last two days and would continue to be at the forefront of her mind. Why? Why didn't he kill her? What did that mean? Did it mean anything?
Sakura stopped herself, upon hearing voices behind her. Kiba barely graced her shoulder as he passed, telling her silently to return to the real world.
She took in a deep breath and let it out slow. She was thankful that for the moment, Sasuke would once again be out of her life. She could recovered in that time, all the strength he had, physically and mentally, ripped out of her. Her soul and heart could heal, no matter the scars that would be left over. Then maybe she would be able to smile and laugh and actually mean it.
--
TenTen bit her lip, her arm stretching as far as it could possibly go. Her fingertips touched the rim of her kunai and with a last ditch effort stretched for it. With a satisfied smirk, she raised it to Lee's neck. He stalled on the next step. "For the last time." She spoke slow and threatening, "Put, me, down."
Lee tightened his hold around her, her body cradled in his arms as he had climbed the four flights of stairs. He had ignored her angered words since the first step but found he no longer was capable. Reluctantly, he placed her on her feet.
She annoyingly sighed, fixing her clothes but still holding the kunai out of in front of her incase he tried to reach for her again. His pleading words stopped her, "Onegai, TenTen, you must rest."
"I must nothing. I don't know what has gotten into you…." Her voice faded as Neji came up the flight of stairs they were speaking on. He did not make eye contact and said nothing when he went to pass them. She side stepped to get out of his way and he passed without interference.
It was a painful reminder of his ignorant demeanor as of late. The whole three days traveling and he never once slept in their tent. Always some excuse and whenever she finally got a moment alone with him, he would shake his head and say nothing was wrong. How heartbreaking that simple lie could be.
TenTen grit her teeth to force her anger out on her innocent victim. "I don't need any help. I don't need you to catch when I fall, to fight my battles, to blow on my food so I don't burn my tongue!"
"Demo--"
"Iie, I've taken care of myself for past seventeen years of my life, so stop acting like a fretting okasan!." She turned swiftly around but the tug on her bag and she snapped back around, glaring at him. He held his arms up in apology. She turned aggravatedly around, mumbling to herself little curses, not noticing the hands that were raised behind her, making sure she didn't fall.
--
Ino placed her chin in her hands with a heavy sigh. Her gaze trying to ignore the disturbing sight across from her but it was getting harder with each passing second. Shikamaru sat next to Temari, their conversation was a battle of wits, one that she found herself unable to comprehend most of the time as she tried to listen in. And though she couldn't understand, she could hear the flirting innuendos that seem to stab tiny needles in her pride.
She turned her dark blue eyes to Choji who sat beside Shikamaru. With the appetizer he had ordered, he instantly challenged Naruto to a eating contest. The food was splattering all over their faces but they seemed to not care. And though it was a distraction, it was too gross to stay interested for long.
She leaned back in her chair, TenTen's voice getting her attention and she was glad to tear her mind away from the torture it was going through. "Lee." The weapons mistress's annoyed tone made Ino smile mischievously and she nudged Sakura who sat next to her and pointed. "I don't want Chanpon(7), I want Kake soba.(8)"
"You need your daily nutrients. Meat and Vegetables must be included in a healthy diet."
Sakura giggled next to her and she nudged Kiba, who interrupted his conversation with Shino, but the bug wielder didn't seem to mind as he too turned his attention to the bickering couple in front of him.
Sakura had to lean forward on the table to go around Kiba's head to spot Neji. She wondered what he had to say about Lee's behavior as of late. But the young Hyuuga sipped on his tea, his eyes shut and his attention elsewhere.
The young waitress was standing at the head of the table, her notepad poised at the ready and pen steady, staring nervously biting her lip, not knowing which one she should obey and trying her hardest not to run away from the increasing argument. The female looked down to Hinata, the only one that was not interested in what was going on and was at the head of the table, "What can I get for you, miss." She whispered, hoping that whatever it was didn't start a war.
TenTen slammed a hand on the table, her patience barely alive anymore. "I get enough nutrients. I want to have my noodles now stop it." Ino covered her mouth trying to keep her laughter at bay, Sakura fell over in her giggles against Ino shoulder and she couldn't help but burst out in her own cackles.
"Someone like you should--"
"There you go again, Like me, what is that suppose to mean?"
"That you need a good diet. Onegai," He now spoke to the waitress who jumped in response. "get her the Chanpon."
Ino whispered in Sakura ear, "I've never seen her so angry before."
"I don't know what has gotten into him. He never goes against her." She whispered back, still smiling however.
Kiba turned his diamond eyes to them, "He needs to learn to pick his battles."
Shikamaru smirked, "It's good entertainment though."
Kankuro leaned against his sister, "Are they always like this?"
Naruto, who sat beside Choji, who was again next to Shikamaru, nearly crawled over the giant young man to get into the conversation, "What are you guys whispering about?"
Kiba narrowed his gaze, "Uruseetan kachi."(9)
"Oi!" Naruto yelled back, holding a bold fist in the air.
TenTen snapped to her feet in aggravation, "I don't want Chanpon! You are not my keeper!" Lee stood quick to defend himself
"Lee." Neji's voice sounded suddenly and all attentions turned to him. He placed his empty tea cup down and leaned over the table to look directly past the woman between them. TenTen's gaze widened, surprised to see him get involved. "If she wishes to eat poorly then allow her. It is her health at risk and therefore not our problem."
Sakura's brows knit in confused surprise. It was a harsh thing to say, and the tone he used was a bit too cold. She darted her gaze up to TenTen, her eyes only for a moment reflected the hurt that she felt until they glazed over and she dropped her sight down to the table.
Lee did not argue and instead flopped back on the bench, defeated.
TenTen numbly sat back down also, and even though anyone else wouldn't be able to tell, Sakura could see the space she now placed between them. "I'll have the kamameshi."(10) She whispered much against her dislike in surrender. Lee brightly smiled in accomplishment and agreed to the same thing.
Ino placed her chin in her palms, trying to ignore the constantly bickering between Shikamaru and Temari that sat directly across from her. But it was getting harder by the second now that she had nothing else to distract her attention.
"Minna." Temari's voice sounded once everyone's food had finally arrived. "As you know the party is tomorrow. We know you have no clothes for the event so I will be taking the ladies in the morning to get outfits, while Kankuro will take the guys."
"We can't wear our regular clothes?" Naruto looked across the table to Gaara, who sat beside a very distant Ino.
The young kage said nothing however in response and his sister responded for him, "It's a very expensive party and though it might be hard for you manners and good taste are required." Small giggles and chuckles echoed the table, except for Team Gai. They sat morose and silent.
Sakura bit the side of her cheek. Having not been around Neji and TenTen in so long, she had not noticed the difference in their demeanors but now, she was beginning to see what TenTen had spoke to her about earlier. He did seem more distant then usual. When TenTen got up suddenly she tried to catch the woman's gaze but she was ignorant of it, "Sumimasen."(11) She whispered before leaving.
"Matte,(12) I'll come with you." He took his plate and TenTen's with him and ran out after her.
Hinata whispered across the table, "Is TenTen-chan alright, Neji-nii-sama?" Sakura leaned back to see him shrug with indifference as he continued to eat his food, undisturbed by his teammates' departure. She shook her head, patting Akamaru's head when he looked up at her and whined.
--
The room was nearly pitch black, but the lights from the city below reached up to their large windows, allowing a bit of the room to be seen. Sakura laid with her back to Naruto, who she was sure was sound asleep by now but he wasn't snoring at the moment so it was hard to tell. It was late, the rest of the house quiet and peaceful but sleep again was still not welcome for her. Her body was fighting her, begging to rest but her mind refused to allow that simple pleasure. It was effecting her she knew, her skills were falling and her chakra wasn't recovering as quickly as it should be but none of this could convince her to relax.
Sasuke's image flashed in front of her and for a moment she stopped breathing. She squeezed shut her eyes, trying to dispel whatever curse he laid upon her but she knew it was hopeless. He had caused more damage then he'll ever know. And it irked her that she hadn't been strong enough to protect her heart through their battle.
"You're awake." Naruto's voice sounded suddenly and she flinched. "You haven't been sleeping lately."
She smiled in the dark, trying even now to keep up her fake visage. "Of course I have. We haven't slept in the same tent in days, how would--"
"I can see it."
Sakura stiffened dramatically but she forced her voice to sound unaffected. "There's nothing to see. I'm fine."
"It's Sasuke. Isn't it?"
"Naruto--"
"Being with everyone from our childhood, just isn't right without him, huh? I didn't like seeing him all tied up either. It's just not fair. He wouldn't hurt any of us." Sakura fisted her hands under the covers, a tear actually falling and she silently scoffed at herself. She wanted to scream to Naruto, scream that he already has, he hurt both of them, why was he ignoring all the facts! "We'll visit him tomorrow, okay? We need to do everything we can to bring him fully back to the way he was."
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut tight and nodded unable to form a response and incapable of telling him how wrong he was.
Japanese Words: Wow, I don't know why I used so many this time around
1-Chokuto- Sasuke's sword obviously, long
2-Katon:Hosenka no Jutsu--Fire release: Mythical Fire Phoenix
3-Doujutsu-- Eye Technique
4-Onegai- Please
5-Genken- Like a entryway, a place to change from shoes into indoor shoes, sometimes elevated to keep dirt from expanding to the rest of the house.
6-Kotatsu- Table with a blanket over it, usually used only in the winter. (I know I used two sixes, I just didn't wan to change it all.)
6-Fusuma- sliding doors made of wood and paper
7-Kake Soba- hot noodles usually served with a rich cake
8-Chanpon-- Noodle dish with fish, vegetables, and meat
9-Uruseetan Kachi-Noisy ass. Not to be confused with Usuraton Kachi which is what Sasuke normally calls him.
10-Kamameshi- Rice dish with meat, fish, and vegetables.
11-Sumimasen-Excuse me
12-Matte- Wait
Have to good weekend, I'm going to see IRON MAN! I've been dying to see it since the preview last year! Peace.