CHAPTER TWO
For the rest of the night Sakura didn't get anymore sleep. All she could do was lay in bed, replaying the time she had spent with Orochimaru and wonder if what had happened was a dream or not. Where you really here Orochimaru and if you were, why did you come here? Sakura thought confused.
Her body trembled as she remembered Orochimaru's silken voice say "You're so beautiful Sakura."
Were you toying with me Orochimaru or did you really mean it? Sakura wondered and then heard her digital alarm clock started buzzing. She looked over and saw that it said seven a.m. Damn it, I've been up for six hours. Sakura thought wearily.
Sighing Sakura said "I guess it's time for me to get ready to meet Lady Tsunade."
Pushing her thoughts of Orochimaru aside for now, Sakura quickly showered and changed into her usual ninja cloths: a red top, tight black shorts, black knee-high heeled sandals, black gloves, pink elbow protectors, and a short pink apron. As Sakura headed from her bedroom and downstairs to the kitchen, she smiled remembering happy memories she had with her parents. She remembered baking warm delicious cookies with her mother, giving her father a farewell hug as he went off to work, and dozens of other happy memories. Sakura then remembered the day she passed the ninja academy graduation exam. Her parents had been so proud of her.
Unfortunately happy memories are sometimes tied to bad and perhaps even terrible ones. Sakura was no exception for she found herself remembering the worse day of her life. Two years ago, in the same kitchen she was now standing in, Sakura had found the bloody and carved bodies of her parents. Tears flowed from her eyes as she tried to forget that afternoon. The scent of blood seemed to suddenly surround her caused Sakura to cringe as she fell to the floor, tears continuing to pour from her eyes. The memory came back to her in its full clarity.
Sakura was walking down the streets of Konoha, heading home after completing a mission with Kakashi, Naruto, and Sai. She was completely exhausted after the mission, which turned out to be quite difficult. Right now all she wanted was to take a nice long hot bath.
As Sakura entered her house she called out to her parents saying "Mom. Dad. I'm home."
No one answered as the house remained deadly silent.
Sakura took her shoes off and set them by the front door and started for the stairs leading up to the bathroom. As she walked by the kitchen, Sakura froze in horror. She saw her parent's carved bodies lying on the floor, blood pooling around them like a crimson ocean. Their bodies were covered with dozens of deep cuts and gashes, across their faces Sakura could still see their looks of anguish as their cold dead eyes bored into her emerald green eyes. A scream of agony escaped Sakura's lips as she fell to the floor, tears pouring down her face. Only then did Sakura hear the cold cruel laughter coming behind her.
Turning around, Sakura saw the blood soaked murderer. He was a man around his mid twenties with long silver hair that spilled across his face; the only part of his face showing through the his hair was a single crimson colored eye and an evil grin across his face. His cloths were long baggy black paints and a white shirt, both soaked in her parent's blood. In his right hand he held a large metal knife dripping with spilled blood. Sakura had never seen a more terrifying person in her life as she sat on kitchen floor gazing at him in fear.
In an icy voice he sung "Little girl. Little girl. Can she come out to play?"
The man slowly began walking over to his new terrified prey.
He continued to smile and sing "Little girl. Little girl. Please come out and play."
Sakura tried to get up, she tried to scream for help but all her training, everything she knew was being consumed with the image of her parent's bloody death and a single thought: I-I'm going to die. Die. Die! Die!!
Suddenly something inside Sakura snapped. Nothing but raw animal emotion took over as Sakura's fear and anger transformed her into a weapon of vengeance. In that moment she cared for no one or even her own wellbeing as she rushed at the man.
Everything after that was a blur. Sakura couldn't remember what happened next and part of her never wanted to find out because the next thing she knew, she was standing over the corpse of her parent's murderer. His chest was filled with nearly a dozen fatal stab wound and in her right hand was the same bloody knife he had used to kill her parents. Tears fell upon his corpse like the showering rain but these tears weren't of sadness or regret at what Sakura had wrought, these were tears of happiness and joy that fell from her face.
Steeling herself, Sakura got up and after wiping the remaining tears from her eyes she left her house. She wasn't reminded about her parent's death every time she entered her kitchen; no she had done her best to forget that day. Something had triggered her memory of that terrible event. Wondering what it might be Sakura thought: Could what have happened last night with Orochimaru have triggered the memory somehow?
Sakura shook her head and tried to push all unpleasant thoughts from her mind. She didn't want to think about Orochimaru right now. She looked around at the streets of Konoha in an attempt to keep her mind busy and off of unpleasant issues. Sakura noticed how bright and warm the sun was so early in the morning. Despite this fact, very few people seemed to be on the streets not that Sakura could blame them. After staying up most of the night and revisiting her traumatic past, Sakura felt thoroughly exhausted.
Sakura's mind again came back to Orochimaru, despite her best efforts to forget about him. At first she had been frightened by Orochimaru's sudden appearance in her bed but as the night had progressed, Sakura couldn't deny that she had enjoyed his company…even the kiss he gave her. However Sakura just couldn't believe that Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin and an S-rank criminal had snuck into the village to see her of all people. It just seemed preposterous.
Did Orochimaru really visit me last night? What would he have to gain by visiting me anyway? Sakura thought.
Before Sakura knew it, she was standing before the Fifth Hokage's office's door. Should I mention that I saw Orochimaru last night? No, Lady Tsunade would think I was crazy for even suggesting something that improbable. It was more than likely just a bad dream.
She knocked on the door but due to her weary state; she nearly missed Lady Tsunade's voice say "Enter."
A fatigued Sakura stumbled into the Fifth Hokage's office. "I'm here to report to you Lady Tsunade." Sakura said wearily.
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Lady Tsunade sat at her desk engrossed in the paper work piled before her. Tsunade hated paperwork with a passion and no matter how much she got done in one day, there was always more to do the next. The only real break she got, other than sneaking away from Shizune for sake, was the training she gave Sakura.
I wonder how Sakura is doing? Tsunade thought and check the time. It was ten minutes after eight a.m. This was a first, in all the years Tsunade had been teaching Sakura; the young girl had never been late.
Normally Tsunade would be annoyed at such tardiness but with Sakura it was different. The Fifth Hokage couldn't deny that she had a bit of a soft spot for the young girl. Sakura was feisty, easily angered, hardworking, and a powerful ninja; in a lot of ways she and Sakura were alike.
Tsunade couldn't help but smile as she thought: She's like a daughter I've never had.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and after a moment Tsunade said "Enter."
Tsunade became concerned immediately as the young pink haired girl stumbled into her office. Sakura walked hunched over with a lifeless look in her eyes and the skin around her eyes was red and puffy, like she had been crying. Tsunade had rarely seen Sakura in such a state and it always tore at her heart to see her pupil like this.
Oh Sakura… Tsunade thought hiding her sadness and trying to look reassuring to the girl.
Tsunade was well aware of how the young girl's parents had died and guessed that was the reason why she was late. For a time Sakura had stayed with Tsunade at her house because she couldn't bear to be alone in the place where her parents were murdered. During that time they had gotten much closer as the young girl poured out her heart to the older one. It had taken time but Sakura, with the help of Tsunade and her friends was able to move on and start living a somewhat normal life.
In a warm and reassuring voice Tsunade said "Sakura are you doing well?"
Sakura looked at her with a blank look on her face for a moment before she comprehended what she was being asked. Sakura immediately stood up strait and tried her best to wipe the weary look off her face and said "Sorry I'm late, I had … a rough night. It won't happen again."
Tsunade studied Sakura for a moment before rising from her desk and saying warmly "Why don't we head out to the training grounds today."
"Um okay." Was all Sakura could say in response.
At the training grounds Tsunade sat down on the grass, the warm morning breeze flowed gently through her hair as she smiled and motioned for Sakura to do the same. Smiling at her pupil Tsunade asked "How are you doing Sakura?"
"Fine, why do you ask?" Sakura said her face void of any emotion.
Tsunade stares past Sakura's emotionless face and into her emerald eyes seeing confusion, pain, and an immense sadness. Concerned Tsunade says "You look like something's bothering you. Do you want to talk about anything?"
Sakura just looked away, unable to respond. Tsunade saw the young girls lower lip quiver and her eyes grow hot as tears stream down her cheeks. It broke Tsunade's heart to see this beautiful and brave young girl break down and cry. Tsunade immediately moved to Sakura and wrapped her arms around her, feeling Sakura's hot tears as the young girl buried her face in Tsunade's chest.
Tsunade cradled Sakura in her arms and gently said "It'll be alright Sakura. I promise you that it'll be alright."
That evil murdering bastard! How could he do such a thing to this poor girl! If he wasn't already dead I would kill him for what he's done to Sakura! Tsunade thought furious at the murder who killed Sakura's parents.
For a long time neither one spoke, Tsunade just held Sakura praying that the pain her pupil felt would one day be gone and she would be free of it. When the sound of Sakura's sobs began to grow distant, Tsunade gently brought Sakura's face up so she could look her in the eye. Tsunade gently kissed Sakura's forehead and said "Sakura I'm sorry about what happened with your family. I wish I could have protected them and spared you from your suffering."
Sakura wrapped her arms around the older Sannin and said in a ragged tear choked voice "It's…not your fault…Lady Tsunade…I appreciate how much…you care for me. I really…do."
For a few minutes they just held each other before pulling apart. Sakura wiped her eyes of any remaining tears and gave Tsunade a small sheepish smile as she said gratefully "Thank you for your concern and for being with me today. I'm really thankful for everything you've done for me Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade smiled and said "You don't need to thank me Sakura. I consider you a very close and trusted friend; it's only natural for friends to be there for each other during the difficult times."
Sakura brightened and said "Thank you Lady Tsunade. I consider you a close friend too."
They both stood and hugged. Tsunade thought both happily and concerned: I hope this wound you have taken to your heart can now begin to heal. You have my and all your friends love Sakura; I only pray that it's enough heal your heart.
As they pulled apart Tsunade said "Sakura, why don't you take the rest of the week off."
Sakura seemed shocked by Tsunade's words as she said "I-I couldn't do that!"
"Yes you can." Tsunade said reassuring her.
"But…" Was as far as Sakura could get before Tsunade put a finger on her lips silencing her.
In a soft but serious voice Tsunade said "Sakura I need you sharp and ready to work. You've pushed yourself to your limit and as Hokage I am ordering you to take the week off."
Sakura smiled at Tsunade gratefully and said "Thank you Lady Tsunade, I really could use a break."
"Good…" Tsunade said before a long yawn escaped from Sakura's mouth interrupting her. Smirking Tsunade said amused "I guess the first thing you should do is get some sleep, you look worn out."
A small quiet chuckled escaped from Sakura's lips as she said "Yeah I think your right. Thank you again Lady Tsunade.
As Tsunade watched Sakura leave she smiled and thought: You really are a courageous girl Sakura.
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As Sakura walked home, she felt good. Tsunade always knew just how to make the young girl feel better. Smiling Sakura thought: Lady Tsunade is amazing! She always seems to be able to put me at ease.
Smiling even wider Sakura thought: I've got a whole week off; I bet Naruto will be jealous. Tough luck for you Naruto, while you're working I'll be at the hot springs enjoying the peace and quiet.
Suddenly Sakura hears a voice behind her shout "Hey Sakura!"
Sakura turned around to see none other than Naruto Uzumaki running towards her. He was wearing his usual orange and black jumpsuit with his black head band tied around his forehead. As Naruto reached her he smiled and said in his usual high spirits "Hey Sakura it's been a while since we've seen each other. What are you up to?"
Sakura flashed Naruto an evil smile and said "Oh nothing right now I've just been given the rest of the week off."
Sakura giggled as Naruto's jaw practically hit the sidewalk.
"W-Whaaat!!!" Naruto yelled in disbelief.
"That's right. Enjoy your training and missions. I'll be relaxing at the hot springs." Sakura said smirking at him.
Naruto surprised Sakura when he smiled and said "Good for you Sakura. I think you deserve some time off with all the work you do on missions, not to mention all the hours you put in at the hospital."
Sakura still wasn't use to how more mature Naruto acted sometimes.
"So since you're not working right now, where are you going?" Naruto asked.
"Oh, right now I'm heading home." Sakura said smiling at Naruto. She was aware that Naruto has had a crush on her for years. Hell probably the whole village knew; Naruto wasn't particularly good at keeping it a secret.
"Why don't I walk you home?" Naruto said warmly.
Sakura was even more surprised. Naruto had offered to walk her home several other times but never in such a well mannered way. Usually his offer was surrounded with snickers and jokes about them going on a date. Sakura did have feelings for Naruto but only those that a sister might have for her brother, she honestly didn't have any romantic feelings for her knuckle headed partner.
Deciding to take advantage of Naruto's well mannered attitude today, Sakura smiled and said "I'd like that Naruto, thank you."
"No problem." Naruto said grinning back.
As they walked Naruto filled Sakura in on what's been happening in team seven. Sakura participated in most of team seven's missions but wasn't able to train with them or even hang around with them afterwards. She wanted to, but she just didn't have the time between her training with Lady Tsunade and working at the hospital. Most of what Naruto said interested Sakura greatly. Sai apparently had continued his research on how to understand human emotions but somehow still managed to insult everyone at social occasions. Kakashi on the other hand was all excited about the new Icha Icha movie coming out soon. Sakura and Naruto had such a good time talking about the team that they almost walked past Sakura's house.
Sakura smiled and gratefully said "Thank you for walking me home Naruto. I hope to see you and Sai later this week."
"Yeah that would be nice." Naruto said smiling back.
To Naruto's amusement and Sakura's embarrassment a loud rumbling echoed out of her stomach. Naruto, bowled over and laughing hysterically said "Wow I guess you must be on one serious diet huh?! I think the people on the other side of Konoha must've heard you!"
"Shut up!" Sakura said annoyed and punched Naruto across the head.
"And to think I thought you were more mature today!" Sakura said stomping up to her house's front door.
"Wait Sakura I didn't mean it! I can be more mature!" Naruto said running up to Sakura with his arms open wide ready to embrace her.
Unfortunately for Naruto he was stopped when Sakura's foot connected with his face, knocking him to the other side of the street.
"What hell kind of girl do you take me for, you pervert!" Sakura yelled and went inside her house leaving Naruto dazed on the sidewalk.
Inside her house, Sakura reluctantly takes Naruto's advice about getting something to eat. Steeling herself Sakura walked back into her kitchen, today this was the one room in her house that she didn't want to be in. Thankfully Tsunade and even Naruto had helped her to work out her emotions and got her release some of her stress. Just thinking about the two of them set Sakura at ease.
Maybe I should thank Naruto for his jokes? Sakura thought before thinking annoyed, No that will just give him more of an excuse to harass me.
Sakura made herself a sandwich and sat down at the kitchen table. As she ate, her mind turned back to Orochimaru. She thought: Last night…was it all just a dream? If it was then it was the most realistic dream I've ever had, but if it's not a dream does that mean I'll see Orochimaru again?
In her head, Sakura head Orochimaru say again "I'll leave you for now my little cherry blossom."
"Does that mean you're coming back Orochimaru?" Sakura said unsure on how she felt about that.
After eating, Sakura headed upstairs to her room. There she took off her black knee-high heeled sandals, black gloves, pink elbow protectors, and short pink apron and climbed into bed. Wrapping her brown blanket tightly around her, Sakura closes her eyes hoping that sleep will take her. After a few minutes it did and she drifted peacefully off to sleep.
Several hours later Sakura awoke. At first Sakura thought about rolling over and heading back to sleep but curiosity got the better of her and she sat up in bed. She looked around the dark room and noticed that it was ten p.m. at night but who Sakura was really looking for was not in the room. Sakura walked over to her window, looking out it she sighed thinking: Orochimaru's not here tonight. I guess last night really was just a dream.
Sakura closed her eyes and gently pressed her right index finger to her lips, remembering how good Orochimaru's lips felt pressed to her own. Her eyes slowly slid opened and she looked at her reflection in her window. Scowling she removed her finger and chided herself: What am I doing?! It was just a dream, besides how can I want to kiss that evil bastard.
After a long moment Sakura sighed and said "Oh well, it was just a dream after all."
Suddenly Sakura heard an amused chuckle behind her and feels his warm breath as he whispered in her ear "I hope you're not referring to me my little cherry blossom."
Sakura quickly turned her head around and saw Orochimaru standing behind her. She was speechless.
"You…" Was all Sakura could stammer out.
Orochimaru wrapped his arms around Sakura and pulled her against his chest. Whispering in her ear he said silkily "Yes it's me. Isn't this so much better than a dream?"
Sakura closed her eyes and rested her head on Orochimaru's shoulder and said "Yeah it sure is."
Sakura now knew beyond all doubt that this was not a dream and that she was truly with Orochimaru. The questions why he was there and what he was after never once entered her mind that night. She felt content to just be held in his arms.
After a while Sakura looked up, her worried green eyes gazing into his confident golden serpent eyes as she said "Are you going to be here tomorrow?"
Chuckling Orochimaru said "Do you want me here tomorrow?"
Her answer came so quickly it surprised not only Orochimaru but even herself. "Yes!" Sakura said in near desperation.
Orochimaru brought his face down to hers as he said in a teasing voice "Ah, so I'm forgiven for what I said about Sasuke last night then?"
Sakura jabbed him hard in the stomach. Then smirking at him she said "No I still hate you and all you've done Orochimaru."
Chuckling again Orochimaru said "I know my little cherry blossom."
He then tenderly said "Yes Sakura I'll be here tomorrow."
Sakura then felt her whole body shiver with excitement as Orochimaru's lips captured hers.
