Earthshine — erth-sha-yn - The light of the sun that is reflected back into space by the Earth, and which can illuminate other objects such as the Moon.
PIONEER
CHAPTER 6
SAKURA'S POV
I woke up in cold sweat and was in my bed. I slowly sat up and tried to calm my spinning head. The sickly feeling has lessened but nonetheless still there. It was already dark, with only the moonlight illuminating the room.
"How did I get here," I muttered to myself.
I looked around to look for a clock to check the time and in the far corner of my room stood a shadow.
I immediately invigorated me and I started to get out of bed, stumbling a little, my eyes never wavering from staring at the shadow in the corner, afraid that the shadow would disappear if I blink.
The shadow stepped forward and into the moonlight revealing the pale handsome face of Uchiha Sasuke.
It was stupid of me to feel speechless because of the sight of him. I felt like I was a child again, a child with a stupid crush on a boy. Every year that Naruto and I failed to bring Sasuke home with us, I convinced myself that I was okay with it. Seeing him here in front of me is just a slap on my face. Like a wakeup call from the gods.
"I'm not dreaming," I muttered.
He seemed to contemplate whether or not to answer, "You're not dreaming,"
"Sasuke,"
No more words were needed as I stepped towards him.
Step.
He stayed still this time.
Step.
I stared at his face I can't believe I've missed.
Step.
He didn't back away anymore.
Step.
I held my breath as I was nearing him.
Step.
He seemed like he was holding his breath too.
Step.
I stood in the moonlight in front of him.
Step.
He stared intently at me without blinking.
Step.
I was afraid of blinking. Fearing he'd be gone if I did.
Step.
He looked so pale and cold.
Step.
He blinked.
Step.
He didn't disappear.
Step.
I never stopped looking at his dark eyes.
Step.
No more words were needed.
Step.
We stood in front of one another.
Step.
He was even closer now.
Closer than we've ever been.
For the longing I didn't know I felt for him,
No words were needed indeed.
"Come back home, Sasuke," I said as I looked up at his face.
He looked down, "I can't"
"Look at me please," I said softly.
He did so reluctantly as I said, "Come home with me,"
"I can't, Sakura,"
I whispered, "Why not?"
"I just can't,"
I stepped back, "It's easy. Just come with me. I'll deal with the villagers please,"
He repeated, "I can't,"
"It's easy Sasuke –"
He interrupted, "It's not,"
"You still have a family in Konoha," I reasoned.
He looked crestfallen, "I know,"
"Then come home please,"
"I can't,"
I couldn't understand and argued, "Why the hell not? You said you weren't with Sound anymore. You can deal with your brother when you come home too,"
"It's not about that. I...just can't,"
I slumped my shoulders and said, "Are you afraid of what the villagers will say? You're not a traitor Sasuke. I'd beat anyone who would say that. Even Naruto would do so too,"
"Stop, Sakura,"
"No. I won't accept that. I finally have the opportunity to make you come home to us and become a team again,"
He muttered, "No, that's not possible,"
"Sasuke," I exasperated.
"We should stop this," he sighed, "I shouldn't have appeared to you in the first place,"
I squeaked, "Please don't leave me. Not again,"
He looked down on me and looked away as he whispered in the air, his voice barely audible, "I don't want to leave,"
I reached out and held his arm. My grip strong as steel and his skin cold as ice, "I won't let you go,"
He looked startled at the contact and kept his eyes on my hand gripping his arm, "Dont,"
"Come home to us. I'm leaving tomorrow," I said.
He said nothing as he continued to stare at our arm and hand.
I was getting desperate, "Please,"
"Thank you, Sakura,"
Hearing these words, a cold shiver went down my spine, remembering his farewell words to me all those years ago.
He disappeared in front of me, startling me that he easily escaped my grip. I felt him appear behind me. He stood so close to me that I could feel his clothes in my back. I was afraid now. I could feel his breathing in neck. This situation and feeling brought up memories I've buried long ago. Remembering the horrible and cold feeling of being abandoned, I started to hyperventilate.
I felt cold hands on my arms, his grip strong and different, "I'll meet you tomorrow,"
I whirled around and looked at him as he released me.
He was slowly backing away from me. Away from the light, into the shadows once again.
"Don't be late," he smirked as he disappeared into the shadows leaving me breathless and sick again, alone in my cold room.