Chapter Nineteen: Misleading actions.
Please don't lose your faith
Don't worry 'cause I'm here to keep you safe
I promise if you let me see your face
That I won't let you down
I won't let you down
I'm here to wipe your eyes
The sound of ebbing, steaming water filled the small room. Its thick, misty air covered the glass doors, causing them to sweat.
Sakura's slender, ivory figure was nestled under the hot spray, un-bothered by the confining heat.
Sprawled on the tiled floor, her arms were wound around her knee's and chin rested atop her crossed wrists... Having long since washed her body and hair - she was currently sorting through her many, inner disputes.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It was mid - December, and the whole gang was on Winter break.
Her father had spontaneously drove up to KU several days prior and brought her back to Suna for some 'quality time.' The rose-haired girl had complied, since many of her friends were visiting home as-well. Though, they all made a pact to spend the last week together - on campus, before classes started back. Ino, Hinata, Tenten, and all the others would be back at the school by the end of this week.
But, Sakura wasn't sure that would be her case.
Her father hadn't been home much, as expected. So, why he had bothered to come get her, she didn't understand... It made no difference whether she was here or not, so why did he pretend that it did? The inclination of separating her from Sasuke during the break had struck her but Kizashi had yet to make anything clear. He was quieter than usual, and his mind was constantly preoccupied. She had to wonder what his thoughts were so overwhelmed with...
She sighed.
Having decided that a week with Kizashi was more than enough, Sakura was planning - with her fathers consent, to take the train back to KU tonight...
It hadn't been very long but she missed her friends dearly... Predominantly, Sasuke.
A month had passed since the Uchiha banquet and things hadn't been quite the same since...
After that night - everyday he pulled back a little more... Every week he became a little more reserved.
He missed more classes than usual and didn't return her text messages half the time.
It both hurt, and grieved her... Because she thought they were progressing, she thought she was finally getting passed his barriers.
But the gear was in 'reverse.'
Sakura realized, it was one step forward and three steps back with Sasuke.
She felt the sickening numbness creep up her toes and push its way up her blood-stream until it enveloped her chest.
Yet, the rosette also understood his speculation. She had seen a glimpse of his suffering and now he was withdrawing - exiling her completely.
But how much more could her heart take?
A part of her demanded she hold onto what dignity and sanity remained and end their relationship now.
But the more empathetic, devoted part of her couldn't even bear the thought.
Because she understood him...
Though it didn't change the fact that her uselessness in the matter tore her to pieces.
Inhaling a deep breath she held it for a moment before exhaling sharply and unwinding her arms. Pushing off the slippery tile, she reached and twisted the knob with a little more force than necessary, ceasing the streaming water. The glass door rattled as she pushed her way out, and sought out her towel.
Wrapping it securely around her petite frame she exited the bathroom and entered her bedroom.
Shortly after she lathered on some lotion, threw a pair of grey skinny jeans and a mahogany long-sleeve, she heard the shifting of the door downstairs.
Kizashi was home.
Grabbing the towel, she rubbed and ruffled her hair with the cloth until damp.
Soon after, she exited her room, passed the hall and hopped down the steps.
"Sakura, I've brought food, join me." Kizashi hollered from the kitchen upon hearing her shuffling steps.
It wasn't til he spoke those words that Sakura realized how hungry she was.
Pulling the seat across from him, he set a cased chicken salad and sandwich before her along with a bottle of natural fruit juice.
The rosette mumbled her thanks' and began to dig in.
They ate in silence until she felt his eyes on her - just barely catching his identical green gaze before he quickly brought his attention back to his food.
Odd.
Attempting to take a bite out of her salad she felt him watching her again and the words came spilling out without a second thought,"What is it?"
She watched as an inner debate waged within his mind before he tossed the crumpled napkin in his hands onto the now, empty plate before him.
"Have you had much contact with the younger Uchiha lately?"
Of course...
Of all the things to discuss, of all the things to say, did he always have to go there?
Especially with all that's happened between her and Sasuke within the last few weeks.
She hadn't seen him in over a week.
Discussing the M.I.A. raven-haired boy with her father was not going to happen.
Her brows creased in confusion and offense,"Why would I? You told me to stay away from him, remember?"
Kizashi smiled sardonically,"And you heeded my words?" He snorted before resting his arms on the table and leaning in,"Come on Hanami, how stupid do you think I am?"
Sakura's jaw clenched in frustration, as she slid the half-eaten food away and pushed out of her seat.
She was not in the mood for this conversation.
"Hold on for a second, I'm genuinely concerned for your well-being."
Emerald eyes narrowed,"What are you talking about?"
He pushed out of his seat and stood before her,"My first question... Be honest with me Sakura - He's withdrawn from you, hasn't he?"
Her eyes widened fractionally and it didn't go unnoticed by her father.
Encouraged, he continued at her silence.
"Its December, the month of their anniversary..."
"What anniversary?"
She had told herself she wouldn't be manipulated by this man, that she wouldn't listen to anything he had to say.
But she had to know...
Because she was on the verge of insanity, trying to put this picture together when she was missing the most vital pieces. Why was Sasuke disappearing? What did his family endure? ...Why didn't he trust her?
Kizashi was studying her closely.
Reaching out, he gripped her shoulders,"The anniversary of the late Monsieur Uchiha."
Her heart thundered against her rib-cage.
No..!
But that day, after the banquet - deep down, she knew this.
"Sasuke's father..? He - He's dead?"
He nodded, watching her eyes glaze over with pain, misery, and fear.
Too shocked to physically react to him pulling her in, and wrapping his arms around her, she remained frozen.
"Ah sweety, I tried to warn you... But you didn't listen when I told you they were trouble, and now your hurting."
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she tugged out of his arms,"Sasuke has never done anything to hurt me."
That same, disbelieving sneer adorned his lips,"From the moment you met him he's been hurting you... Those girls harassed you - probably would've buried you because of him! And still, you defend him - even now as he fades away from you!"
Her insides were tearing apart,"You don't know what your talking about! He was there for me when you should have been! He - He isn't fading!"
His green gaze narrowed,"You don't know the cause of his fathers death, or the dark lies and secrets that encase that family!"
No!
She shook her head at him and he grabbed her wrist,"Where is he Sakura? ...His father died six years ago, so why is he still mourning the whole month of December? That's not healthy, Hanami. You've been deceived by that handsome face and charm - underneath is an enigma you will never figure out. You wont reach him where he is - he's too afflicted, too damaged."
'Too Damaged.'
"Well - SO AM I!" She wrenched her arm free of him, and his brow dipped in confusion at her outburst.
Breathing hard, she watched him in bafflement and fury,"You claim - that you've known whats been going on between me and Sasuke this whole time, yet you've been unaware of my depression since I stepped foot in this house..? Tell me Kizashi, you never heard me crying myself to sleep when I first came to live with you? Or nearly passing out in the kitchen at the sight of your blood when you nicked your finger? ...Or why I hate you?" She choked out before she could stop it and began backing up toward the steps, avoiding all eye contact. She puffed out a heavy breath,"Suddenly, there's an Uchiha in the picture and you give a damn about me and my life? ...If you knew all these things, Kizashi, you shouldve judged me in the same manner you just judged Sauske."
She raced up the stairs to pack her bags without a second glance.
Kizashi stood still as a statue.
Internally, he was an explosion of emotions.
She hated him?
...She's been hurting all this time, and never told him?
How had he not noticed?
Would he ever get it right with her? ...He just pushed her further and further away.
His eyes glazed over as a deep remorse consumed him.
Sakura, I'm so sorry.
'Too Damaged.'
The truth was - everyone had some baggage.
Some people unzipped the bag, and cleared all the unnecessary contents and others left it as it was... Bottom line was, how you deal with situations reveal your outcome...
Sakura's mother had told her that long ago, and only now did it resurface...
Her heart hurt, it hurt deep.
She sighed, staring out the glass window and into the starry night as her thoughts traced back to him...
Did everyone know about Sasuke's father except her?
Her own father Kizashi knew - no doubt because of work but still...
Having slumped into the cushioned seat of the train hours ago, her mind had replayed their exchanged words over and over again. Had she gone too far, in telling him she hated him? She hadn't meant it in a juvenile way, but to pull the blinding veil off his face. Their family was just as twisted, if not more than the Uchiha's. Could someone be so clueless? Still, she felt guilt swell in her chest at her choice of words.
As if she didn't have enough on her mind...
Sakura sighed.
What was she going to do for the next four days without her friends? ...Without some distraction?
"Destination Konoha, we have arrived at 11:37 pm, please prepare to depart."
She rose from her seat and reached up into the baggage compartment to grab her small duffle bag, oblivious to the gawking men that had been watching her for some time. The train slowed to a stop and many of the passengers filed before the exit preparing to leave and the rosette followed suit.
There was some bumping and shoving but she receded out mostly unscathed.
The icy breeze immediately seeped into the thin fabric of her shirt and Sakura shivered. Gripping the hood at her back, she brought it over her head and folded her arms over her chest. It was a little later than she was accustomed to walking out alone, but she would be at her dorm in no time.
No reason to be tense... Still, she reflexively chanced a glance behind and to her surprise - found two scruffy looking boys walking a short distance away, kicking small pebbles in her line of direction.
She gulped.
Stop being paranoid, they're probably headed for the school too.
That could be accurate, she agreed internally.
Though her pace quickened, regardless of what their motives were. She wanted to get to the dorm before the clock struck midnight.
Sakura heard them snicker, and somehow their voices seemed closer.
She pushed her legs a little faster at the sight of the glorious buildings coming into view. All she had to do was get passed the gate, security patrolled the campus all through the night... Not that those boys were following her or anything. She chanced a glance behind her a second time to find them nowhere in sight.
"Woah, slow down baby... Where you headed?"
A slurring voice intoned from her very right, sitting on a stone bench with the two other suspicious looking men.
Her arms tightened around her chest as she bowed her head and continued down the stone path.
Giving a reaction was exactly what they wanted, and she refused to even spare a glance. Still, she heard they're shuffling and snickering and couldn't help the unease twisting at her stomach.
"Mmmm... If running is your game, than I can chase sweety..." One of them uttered in a sickening tone, sounding closer somehow.
Nausea sprung forth and she fought the urge to run.
Abruptly, small pebbles scratched against the cement just beside her and the rosette's edgy-green gaze shifted toward the right. Sakura yelped, flinching back as a strong arm was abruptly thrown over her shoulder, and the left side of her body was drawn in, crushing against - Sasuke's.
Sasuke...
Her legs in-admissibly faltered, and his arm wound around her waist, steadying her swaying frame.
Was she dreaming..?
Light-headed by his presence, all she could do was watch him with hazy - half-lidded eyes as he brought them to a stop. She stood idly by as he shifted on his feet, covering her petite frame he stood in view of the drunk men.
"You have two minutes to get the fuck off my campus."
The three men's laughter diminished immediately as they processed Sasuke's demand.
The scruffy one who had spoken before sneered,"Fuck you! Who do you think you are? I'll do as I damn-well please." Even as his two friends faces sobered up when taking in the raven-haired boys features. They began tugging at the sleeves of the un-shaved, older man in haste. He eventually shoved his two friends off and took wobbling steps toward Sasuke. The young Uchiha's jaw clenched, though he stood completely still with his hands in his pockets.
"I know who you are, and I don't give a shit how much money or connections you have... This here is my turf!" The drunken man growled, coming to stand just before him,"It has been for the last - uh - month and I'll be dammed if some bitch says otherwise," He huffed, bringing his fists up,"So if an ass-whoopin' is what you want, your gonna get-"
Without warning, Sasuke's hand shot out, gripping the drunkards head, he brought it down on his knee. Hard. The snap of his nose breaking was heard by everyone within the ear-shot. The scruffy man fell to the ground, out cold - even as blood gushed from his nose and mouth. The rosette gasped in shock and fear, feeling her small tremors rattle through her body.
Standing behind him, there wasn't even the inclination that Sasuke was angry... He was aloof, and almost relaxed... And if she were being honest, that was what frightened her most... He was utterly unpredictable.
The two standing men stood rigid with trepidation, watching the young Uchiha with wide eyes.
Sasuke's expression darkened, reaching his limited time of patience, his tone was low and gruff,"Why the fuck are you two still standing there..?" Immediately they shuffled, hesitating as they came near the sprawled body where Sasuke stood so close, they grabbed either arm of the unconscious man, and dragged him as they went - neither voicing any remarks or looking back.
He watched until they were out of sight before shifting toward the rosette... When Sasuke's veiled-black eyes met her own, she exhaled a heavy breath, removing the hand from her pounding heart, her body acted of its own accord. She nearly collapsed against him, rocking against his solid frame, Sakura embraced him as un-shed tears pricked at her eyes.
God, she had missed him.
No matter the current circumstance.
They stood quiet, with only they're laden breaths filling the silence as they savored the moment.
Stroking the pale-pink locks at her neck, Sasuke's voice was at her ear,"What were you thinking, coming out here at this hour?"
Though his demeanor was no longer severe, he was definitely disgruntled with her.
A dejected sigh left her lips, as her hands moved up his torso and gripped the material at his chest,"I hadn't planned to come this late... Things happened at home, and I just needed a break, so I took the next train here."
"And didn't tell me." He stated lowly, accusation the underlying tone.
Sorrow consumed her as her fingers unconsciously tightened over his chest,"You - You've been distant... I wasn't sure if it would have mattered."
His features strained as if he wanted to say something, and she waited, but no words came.
After a hanging moment, his eyes fluttered open, and he uttered,"Lets go."
Sakura merely nodded in response.
She hadn't really expected an explanation for his disappearances so she wasn't as disappointed. Just glad to be away from the horrible situation, and eventually put the whole ordeal behind her... And though she should flee from this boy - this man, and run far, far away because he was trouble in every definition of the word and would also - no doubt leave her as soon as they reached the building, she couldn't.
Any chance she got to be close to him, to feel his warmth, to witness him unmasked, even for a little while was worth it...
Yes... She was screwed, and she knew it.
His hands reached around either side of her neck, bringing her hood up, and over her head. Sakura felt her face heat up at the simple gesture and began fidgeting with the strap of her bag timidly.
He then pulled the black hood of his sweater over as-well, before circling his arm around her back and urging her forward.
As they walked - their trudging feet the only sound in the still night, her mind in-admissibly went over the gruesome event.
Why was Sasuke on campus?
The last time they had spoke, he'd told her he would be with his family for the holiday...
But then again, if he hadn't been here tonight, who knows how it would have ended.
She gulped, feeling repulsion and paranoia resurface.
But why were those disgusting juveniles lounging around the entrance of the school now? She'd never seen or encountered any of them before.
And most importantly, they recognized and cowered in absolute fear, when they saw Sasuke.
Why?
Obviously the Uchiha's wealth and status made them known throughout the cities, but that didn't explain why they were so afraid of Sasuke...
Then again, if she recalled past events - the boys seemed to get away with a lot of things.
She sighed, shifting her eyes over to the enigma of a boy beside her.
His passive nature had returned, and mask had been carefully placed.
...What she would give to know what he was thinking.
There was so much she didn't know, so much she didn't understand...
A weighted lump formed in her throat.
Would he ever fully let her in..?
Her chest heaved with every pull and shove.
Struggling, struggling against a force she couldn't see.
It was so dark.
Her arms quaked with fatigue.
...And eventually gave out.
Foul laughter filtered the air, echoing from a distance until it pounded in her ear.
"NO!" Sakura cried.
Whimpering up from her laid form, the covers slipped down to her torso as heavy hands pressed flat against her racing heart.
The same dream again - more severe this third time, and all in the same night.
Her heated flesh became cold because of the perspiration that gave out and she pulled the covers over her shoulders.
Sea-green eyes traveled toward the window to find the night just barely receding into day.
Sleep was no longer an option with the persistent nightmares, so she decided it was morning' enough.
Pulling her shaking limbs out of bed, she tread over to the small bathroom within the dorm.
If only there was a shower in here.
Though she planned on going for a run, so the shower-chamber would be within reach.
Splashing ice-crisp water over her face, the rosette proceeded to dab it dry.
Squirting tooth-paste on her brush, Sakura brushed her teeth while simultaneously slipping on some cotton, grey sweat-pants, and black nike's.
Lost in her many thoughts and plans for the vacant day, an unexpected knock at the door had her movements halting and heart dropping.
Who would be at the door, at 5:25am? ...And especially on winter break?
...It couldn't be Sasuke.
He had walked her all the way up to the dorm last night without a word. And not wanting to be alone after the encounter with those men, Sakura had asked if he could stay with her... And not wanting it to sound like a scandalous implication, she timidly expressed that there were two extra beds. He declined with regret and no solid explanation as to why he could not and turned to leave but not before he demanded that she not wander off campus past 11:00pm. No affection was exchanged, and no schedules for the next day were either.
The knock resounded a second time, with a little more force.
Easing herself off the bed, she moved to grab Ino's curling iron and approached the door with slow steps.
Don't. Open. It.
Open it! Those assholes wouldn't dare come after you after last night!
...Maybe it was Naomi from two doors down?
Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes and unlocked the door, turning the knob.
When she didn't immediately recognize the person at the other end her arm reflexively raised the iron curler, preparing to bring it down on the strangers head-
"Sakura."
That voice, that face... And those familiar, piercing eyes - which were now regarding her with confusion and amusement.
The rosette stood frozen and incoherent,"I-Itachi..?"
There, standing before her, clad in ebony from head to toe, was indeed - Itachi Uchiha.
...What?
His mirthful eyes shifted from her bewildered expression, to the iron-rod in one hand and down to the tooth-brush in her other hand.
He chuckled at the unusual scene before him but cleared his throat soon after and took on a very serious expression.
"I apologize if I scared you, I don't usually arrive without notice or invitation but this matter is of the utmost importance, may I come in?"
What!?
...How did he know she was here?
"Uhh - Yeah, sure," She agreed before realizing she hadn't fully dressed - still remaining in a white-tank top, she felt heat envelope her face"Umm, hold on one sec!"
He nodded, before turning at the waist, he addressed another down the hall,"Go on ahead Sasori."
Sakura noted the exchange in even more confusion but quickly slid her arms through the sleeves of a grey-cotton jacket, racing into the bathroom to re-deposit the brush and rinse her mouth out. She emerged to find the door closed, Itachi inside and seated comfortably on Ino's bed, skimming through one of her 'Cosmo-girl' magazines.
It was unbelievable...
Just priceless.
But she was so numb and confused, laughter felt unfamiliar.
His hooded eyes flashed over to where she stood and he took on a frank expression,"You really shouldn't believe everything you read, the 'facts' on this scrap of wasted paper are distorted and half-truths."
Somehow that cracked a smile out of her,"That's my best-friend's and she would seriously beg to differ."
He smiled,"Sounds like a charming young woman."
Sakura snorted,"Definitely."
The mysterious Uchiha set the magazine back on the desk and raised his hand, gesturing for her to sit.
The rosette moved to sit on her bottom bunk across, and timidly crossed her fingers atop of her lap.
He sat forward, resting his elbows on his bent knee's, silently scrutinizing her features and body language.
"Be at ease Sakura, I'm hoping to bring light to all that you've remained in the dark."
Her green eyes widened, and she remained mute.
There were so many things that confused her, what would he clarify on?
Itachi noted the mixed emotions playing on her face and held her gaze for a heavy moment,"I assume Sasuke didn't stay the night?"
"H-How did you-"
"I know my little brother, and it appears, he knows me too... That is why he didn't stay here with you."
"...Because he knew you'd come?"
"Precisely."
Her brows creased with further confusion,"I don't mean to sound rude, and really don't mind the company, but why are you here Itachi?"
A soft smile spread at his lips,"You do not mind company at this hour? If only your courteous nature would better rub off on Uzumaki Naruto... Though, I'm relieved that I didn't wake you... And its just as I said, to help you better understand the situation..."
"...Why?"
His dark eyes regarded her with an unnameable emotion that caused goose-bumps to arise all across her cold skin.
"Because Sasuke needs you right now, in spite of his actions."
Crossing her arms over her chest, Sakura looked away from him,"I want to believe you, but I'm not sure that's the case,"She paused, swallowing the knot in her throat, before facing him again,"Last night was the first time I saw him in over a week, and it wasn't even a planned meeting."
A knowing smirk lifted his lips,"Everything is planned Sakura... Through my connections I've kept a close radar on all the difficulties you've both faced and want to assure you that those men from last night have been properly dealt with... But before I could go into depth, I must ask you one question Sakura Haruno."
Overwhelmed, and even more distraught then when she first awoke from the nightmares, all Sakura could manage was a nod.
"Are you in-love with him?"
Her breath escaped her altogether, and chest ached with conviction, and deduction.
"...Blindingly," Tear's filled her eyes and over-lapped the edges, trailing down her face,"Deafeningly."
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"We have much to discuss."
Huge Revelations next chapter, so I made this one short, but I promise to work on this next one every moment I'm free... And next chapter will also be the LONG-AWAITED -Dun. Dun. Dun!
I'm sorry but If I say it, it will ruin everything :( ...but I will say that it will be the steamiest chapter yet!
I'm also sad to announce that there arent many chapters left for this fic... But stay tuned on a new story Ive been pondering for the longest time... Though it will be heart-breaking parting from Aftereffect, its been my baby :((
Soooo, what were your thoughts on this crazy Chapter? I hope you guys are still with me on this, cant wait to hear from you!
Thank you, dear friends :)