Stand By Me
Chapter 18 - A Drop in the Ocean
''A drop in the ocean - a change in the weather - I was praying that you and me might end up together. Its like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert...but I'm holding you closer than most, cause you are my heaven.''
Sasuke climbed out of the window by the bathroom and was grabbed by Naruto.
''Whats going on?'' the blonde demanded, shaking him.
''She says shes gonna kill him.'' Sasuke told him, all emotion drained from his voice.
Naruto closed his eyes, slowly shaking his head. ''We can't let her do it. Not alone.''
Sasuke watched Naruto for a second. They really were a team, weren't they? Team 7.
Slowly, Sasuke smirked, ''Lets do it.''
Naruto nodded again, both turning to take off when their collars were grabbed and yanked back, they both fell back, landing on their behinds and looking up at the green pullover with the symbol on the back, and the twin blonde pigtails.
Naruto's jaw dropped and Sasuke shook his head.
''T-Tsunade Baa-chan!''
Tsunade turned around and grinned at Naruto.
''How...youre alive...?'' he whispered.
''Of course I am.'' she scoffed, taping the diamond-shaped seal on her forehead.
''Now,'' she said, tapping her foot on the ground. ''Tobi wants me for something. If he knows I'm alive, he must assume you're dead,'' she nodded to Naruto. ''and you resealed the Kyuubi, you just couldn't give the kid a break, could you, Uchiha?''
Sasuke shrugged. ''He agreed.''
''Naruto, I would prefer if you stayed out of this and let Sasuke save my foolish student, but I'm dreaming aren't I?''
Naruto grinned. ''Of course I'm not trusting Sasuke to save her on his own. I'm gonna kick Tobi's ass.''
''It'll be better if he doesn't find out about you yet, so...only jump in if you're needed and its unavoidable,''
''Sure thing, Baa-chan.''
Naruto was still staring at Tsunade in wonderment, as if he just couldn't believe it.
''Oh for God's sakes Naruto! Go get Sakura!''
Naruto jumped up and Sasuke followed.
''Shikamaru will meet you on the west border, at sunrise. Do not be late.''
Naruto and Sasuke nodded and Tsunade disappeared.
''Naruto, go up to the window and stay there. I doubt I'll need assistance, but if it comes to that, get your ass in there immediately.''
''Gotcha!'' Naruto gave a thumbs up and began to climb the building out while Sasuke slipped the mask back on and went inside.
x-x-x-x-
Sasuke's eyes couldn't move away from Sakura's lifeless body. His heart had stopped beating, and he couldn't breath.
A rush of pure evil chakra hit him and Tobi actually gasped and grabbed him at the throat.
''What the fuck did you do!'' he screamed right into Sasuke's face, and then he delivered a kick to Sasuke's abdomen. Sasuke flew back and hit the wall, rebounding and sliding down the wall.
A hand of red chakra shot inside, smashing the window to pieces and slamming into Tobi, sending him flying into the opposite wall.
Sasuke snapped out of his daze and his eye bled, ''Amaterasu!''
The black flames hit Tobi's lower leg and he let out a howl, quickly putting out the flames with his own eye, but the damage was done. He couldn't use that leg until he had it healed. Sasuke stood. Clenching his Katana in his hand. To his left, Naruto growled and launched himself at Tobi, but suddenly he froze, Tobi used his Sharingan and Naruto let out a violent growl, frozen on the spot.
Sasuke ran at Tobi, swinging his Katana, Tobi's kunai came up, ready to block, but Sasuke's hit dipped at the last second, cutting into the raw, burnt flesh of Tobi's leg, Tobi attacked with his Kunai, slashing Sasuke's cheek just as he jumped back. The distraction ultimately released his hold on Naruto because the beast roared.
The door was kicked down, a dozen Shadows drawing the Kyuubi's attention and it launched itself at them. Their screams filled the air and Sasuke re-focussed on Tobi.
Behind him, there was a feminine moan and both he, and Tobi froze, on a slight movement in the corner of his eye, Sasuke's head whipped behind him. Sakura was pushing herself up onto her arms. A dark aura surrounding her.
''Sakura...''
Her head whipped up at his voice. Half of her face was covered in beautiful spirals and vines that seemed to have thorns. Her eye whites were all black, except the color, which remained green. The cursed seal activated!
''Sasuke-kun, you're bleeding.'' her head turned to the side. ''Who hurt you? Who was it?'' she demanded and then she laughed sardonically. ''Ironic, isn't it? That I'm the one saying that to you this time?''
Sasuke was too shocked to speak, he watched her stand and then move her head from side to side. A slow smile spread across her face. ''Hey, fuckface.'' she said pointing at Tobi. ''Im gonna fucking kill you.''
x-x-x-x-
Sakura's eyes snapped open and she fell to her knees, pulling at her hair as she screamed. No, no, no! She couldn't...couldn't...
Oh Kami...I am dead!
''Sakura!'' Itachi called, but she couldn't stop screaming. ''Sakura!'' he reached to grab her shoulders, but instead - he fell through her.
Sakura stopped and turned to him. ''W-whats happening to me?''
''You're not dead, Sakura.''
''Im not-'' she froze her eyes going wide. Through her right eye...she saw Sasuke and Tobi and that fucking room and through her left, she saw Itachi.
Sakura blinked, watching as she went forward through her right eye, it felt absurd, like she was watching something in the first person. She went passed Sasuke, the shock and relief on his face made her heart swell, and then her leg lifted and she delivered a kick to Tobi's head. He grabbed her leg and twisted, a pain shot through her and she bent, grabbing her ankle.
''Sakura? What is it?''
''The- The cursed seal...is controlling me.''
Sakura could feel herself laugh, then she bent down, grabbing at his burnt flesh and digging her fingers into it. Tobi groaned in pain, lifting his fist and punching her in the face.
Blood ran from her nose and she whimpered here. On the other side, she laughed sadistically and wiped the blood away.
Tobi stood, grabbing her throat and slamming her to the ground.
She coughed and struggled beneath him as Sakura grabbed her throat on this side.
''Cant...breathe!''
''You will kill me? Dont make me laugh!''
''No! I will!''
Sasuke's Katana came down but Tobi disappeared, Sasuke looked around the room, he seemed to have run away. So like him.
''Sakura...look at me.''
She felt herself smirk. ''Above you.''
Sasuke's head whipped up as Tobi came down, kicking Sasuke in the face and bringing a kunai down into Sakura, she dodged the deadly hit, and it came down into her thigh.
''Fuck!'' she screamed, and again, the her on that side gave no reaction.
She twisted around, kicking him in the abdomen and sending him through the wall.
''Sakura-chan?'' her head turned to the doorway, Naruto stood there his eyes flicking from red to blue slowly. ''Sakura-chan!'' he ran over to her but she pushed him away making to go to Tobi but both Sasuke and Naruto caught her wrists.
''Sakura, calm down. Come back to us.'' Sasuke said and she could feel herself relax to his voice.
''Sakura-chan...come on.'' Naruto whispered, and her body slumped.
She became solid in the Void.
''Am...I still alive?'' she whispered to Itachi.
''You're fine.'' Itachi told her. ''Everything is fine...''
x-x-x-x-
Naruto and Sasuke made it to the border before sunrise. Sasuke had Sakura in his arms, ignoring Naruto's unguarded, confused glances.
''What the hell happened?'' Shikamaru demanded, dropping down from a tree.
Kakashi, Sai and Chouji behind him.
''Unforeseen circumstances.'' Sasuke answered vaguely. ''Short story? Tobi knows about Naruto and the Kyuubi.''
''Tsunade-sama is going to have a fit.'' Shikamaru said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Naruto shrugged. ''Sorry...I had no choice.''
''Lets just get back before reinforcements arrive.'' Shikamaru told them, and they followed him through the thick forest.
They leapt through the trees for about six hours, Sakura didn't stir once but she mumbled in her sleep, giving Sasuke the assurance he needed. She was ok. The relief he felt was so great it shocked him.
''Check point.'' Shikamaru muttered , leaping down.
''Yo,'' Shikamaru waved and the image faded. A Genjutsu. Tenten stepped through the barrier.
''Hey, Shikamaru! Chouji!...Naruto!'' she blinked and the grinned. ''Oh, and Kakashi-sensei too!''
''Sasuke-kun!'' Ino stepped through the barrier, ''Sakura! What happened?'' the blonde came up to them.
''We fought Tobi.'' Naruto said and Ino's eyes widened, looking back to Sakura. Worry deep on her features. ''Sakura...'' she whispered.
''Tsunade-sama is expecting you first thing.'' Tenten told them waving them through. ''Go on ahead.''
They stepped through the barrier and then a while later through another and then into a small village.
''T-Tsunade-sama is furious.'' Hinata said coming up to them.
Sasuke turned to Naruto. ''Take her. I'll deal with the Hokage.''
''Sasuke-''
''Just do it.''
Sasuke turned, and followed Kakashi and Sai towards Tsunade's office.
''F-Follow me,'' Hinata gave him a small smile.
''These a-are all empty, s-small one-floor apartments.'' she told him.
''I...prepared this one for Sakura.'' Hinata walked up the steps to the glass, wood-rimmed doors. She pushed them open. Naruto followed her down a small passageway that opened to a open-plan kitchen on one end and on the other a bedroom space, a double bed stood to the side and on the other side, a door that led to the bathroom. Naruto laid Sakura down on the bed.
''Hinata,'' Naruto began softly and she took a step forward. ''Im so glad you guys are alive.'' when he looked up, tears swam in his blue eyes.
x-x-x-x-
''What happened, Uchiha!'' Tsunade half-screamed.
''Tobi snapped Sakura's neck and Naruto lost it.''
Tsunade's face paled her jaw opening and snapping shut.
''She had a cursed seal. It activated upon her death. She's alive.''
Tsunade sat down and took some sake from her desk, drinking right from the bottle.
''The cursed seal! How?''
Sasuke shrugged, ''You should ask her.''
''What a mess...'' she muttered. ''We need to get Naruto back to Cloud. He needs to learn to control the Kyuubi again...but later.'' she shook her head.
''Uchiha, get out of my sight. I can't deal with this now. Report back tomorrow, Kakashi, report.''
Sasuke took the dismissal eagerly, stepping out of Tsunade's office and passing her assistant and pig duo. The day had just started and the small village was alive, everyone already up and around.
Sasuke sighed and ran a hand through his hair. What he needed was some time alone. To think all of this through. He could agree with Tsunade on this - what a mess.
Sasuke hopped onto a nearby roof, and hopped on to another until he got to the edge of the village. The sun was out today, despite the cold bite in the morning air. He sat down on the dead grass, not caring if it stuck to his clothes and let out a breath as he ran a hand through his messy hair. He allowed himself to breathe. Itachi, Sakura, Naruto. He didn't give a fuck about Tobi. He regretted not killing him, every part of his being wanted to go back and slaughter that motherfucker. For everything he'd done...killing Sakura and manipulating him...Tobi's death was already written, for killing the clan, but this just made his death all the more painful.
x-x-x-x-
Naruto sat by Sakura all day, only getting up to take a quick shower. At lunch time Hinata stopped by, bring lunch for them both before she left again.
Late afternoon, Sakura stirred, coming awake with a jump.
Naruto grabbed her hand. ''Hey, its ok, Sakura-chan.''
Sakura blinked, turning to the blonde.
''Hey, Naruto.''
He grabbed her into a hug and she returned it. ''Im ok.'' she whispered.
''I don't know what I'd do without you, Sakura-chan.''
''Im glad you made it out ok, too.'' she told him and he pushed away, staring into her eyes. Something in his gaze changed, and Sakura felt uncomfortable in his sight.
''Im...'' he leaned in, brushing his lips against her's and Sakura jumped. ''Naruto- no.'' she pushed at him and he went easily.
''I know you want it to be him.'' Naruto said, getting up and Sakura followed him, limping slightly. Luckily she'd only been wounded in one leg. ''Naruto that's-''
''You don't see him here, do you Sakura-chan?'' he paced around.
''He never even came to see how you were! When are you going to see what's right in front of you? Why do you keep holding a candle up for someone who is probably incapable of love?''
''Naruto. Because I love him, I have always loved Sasuke!'' she yelled back, feeling frustrated and helpless at the situation.
''Well...this is awkward.'' Sakura's head whipped to the voice.
Ino and Shikamaru stood looking shocked, Sasuke behind them, his eyes met hers, burning into her, before he shook his head and left. Naruto stormed after him.
After a beat Sakura's knees gave way and Ino grabbed her. ''Easy, Forehead.''
''You're alive...'' Sakura whispered, pulling Ino into a hug. For a second, pale blue eyes widened before the blonde smiled and returned the hug.
''Glad you're ok too, Shikamaru.'' Sakura said and he looked uncomfortable, smiling slightly and scratching the back of his neck.
''Uh, you too Sakura.''
''Lets look at your wounds, ok?'' Ino asked and Sakura nodded.
''Hey, you pervert! Get out!'' Ino snapped and Shikamaru sighed.
''See you later.'' he muttered, and left.
Sakura allowed Ino to heal her wounds in silence and Ino made quick work of it, healing neatly, leaving no scars. The had to break the ankle back into place and heal it after, but that was the worst of it.
''So, are you going to tell me what happened between you and Sasuke-kun or do I have to go into your mind and see for myself?''
''Happened? Nothing happened.''
''Riiight, and that's why he was clutching you so close to his body like he's some kind of alpha male douchebag trying to protect his woman.''
Sakura stared at Ino. ''What...the...fuck, Ino?''
''I swear I'll go into your mind, Sakura. Don't push me.''
''Ugh! Fine...we kissed.''
''You...kissed.'' Damn, Ino sounded...intrigued.
''A few times, but that's it. I swear.''
Ino eyed Sakura, as if she was trying to see into Sakura's very soul, and then decided to believe her. ''Thats...boring. You were staying together long enough, I expected some erotic adventures.''
Yeah, right. Sakura ignored that.
''You seem happy.'' Sakura said, smiling at her friend, while on the inside, her heart constricted painfully. Kami, first the scene with Naruto...and the Sasuke hearing her confession. He would probably never speak to her again. He probably thought she was some crazy fangirl...oh Kami.
''I am.'' Ino answered with a secret smile, hiding a blush that Sakura didn't notice.
x-x-x-x-
''Whats your problem now?'' Naruto demanded, glaring at Sasuke who had taken a seat on the floor, leaning against the wall.
''She just said she loved you, what are you doing here?''
''Love...?'' Sasuke's tone was baffled and disbelieving.
''Fuck, Sasuke, yes - Love. Its not such a difficult concept. Not like its the fucking Tooth Fairy or some shit.''
Sasuke's head hit back against the wall, looking completely bemused.
''Is it such a shock to you that she still loves you?'' Naruto asked.
Sasuke's eyes flipped to Naruto. ''I wouldn't exactly say she loved me before. She was 13, what did she know of love?''
''Enough to know she felt it. You didn't see her after you left.'' Naruto returned.
''Why are you suddenly such a match maker? You love her, don't you?''
Naruto closed his eyes and stayed silent, taking a few deep breaths. ''I want her to be happy and I want you to be happy. Its as simple as that.''
Sasuke fell silent, watching the sun dipped down, fighting to stay up.
Sasuke pushed himself up. ''I'll take care of it.'' he said.
''You're going to her?'' Naruto asked and Sasuke nodded.
''Good...that's...good.''
Sasuke passed him, heading down the street.
Naruto watched him go, he was sure it was that moment that his heart broke.
''Still I can't let you be, most nights I hardly sleep. Don't say what you don't need from me.''
Yup, another update! Already working on the next one, *ahem*
anyway!
Reviewwww!
Zana-Lee
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