Beeping of the machines didn't stop. Sasuke stood over Sakura's bed, watching the sleeping girl. She was connected to countless tubes and other equipment next to her. She looked so peaceful; completely different from her normal, everyday energetic form; if he could say that at all.
Sakura's annoying nature wasn't annoying at all, it just triggered feelings he didn't want to feel - joy wasn't what he was looking for. Being happy won't make him successful and won't make his father proud of him at last.
"We're done for today, Sasuke. You can go on your rounds." Tsunade snapped him out of his thoughts.
The woman continued to write down information for the patient's chart, illuminating the sheet with the yellow light of the lamp.
"Aa. See you tomorrow, Doctor."
He grabbed the doorknob, pressing it lightly.
"Don't come until next week. Sasuke." He paused, listening to Tsunade's tired voice, "Sakura will need peace and quiet. I'll take care of her myself for now."
…
The lobby was bustling. People were plentiful - sitting on chairs in the waiting room, filling out the necessary data or sleeping with their heads leaning against the wall.
Standing in front of a high table, Sasuke wrote down his personal details. What had tempted him to make this decision? How likely was it that everything would match up?
Many questions remained unanswered, but as he signed the final pages, Sasuke did not regret his decision. If it was possible to save Sakura, he would do it.
"Do you want to become a donor?"
His fingers trembled at the sound of that familiar voice. Itachi was standing next to him, dressed in a black cloak, with his ponytail reaching his waist. Sasuke hadn't seen his brother in two years. Ever since his father sent his eldest son to Italy to become the head of the hospital there, built by their parents, Itachi had been consumed with his work, with no time to visit his family in Japan.
"For Sakura," he said.
"I know perfectly well that for her, little brother." Itachi patted Sasuke on the shoulder, "Did you apologize to her as I asked you to?"
Evening conversations with his brother on the phone became a daily occurrence as soon as he got Sakura under his care. She was his first patient, and willing or not, Sasuke needed Itachi's help in this case - because he had no idea how he should treat her without hurting her unnecessarily; something he wasn't doing very well.
"Yes." he put the papers together "And an hour later she almost died in my arms."
Itachi placed his hand on the back of Sasuke's neck in reassurance.
"Sakura is a strong girl, she will recover,"
"You shouldn't say that. You're a doctor and you know the percentage chance of that. If she recovers then we can call it a miracle."
"Medicine is constantly evolving." Itachi reached for the same bundle of papers as he did earlier, taking a pen in hand "I'm staying at home for the next year, if I can be of any use, I'll also volunteer as a donor."
"What about the hospital in Italy?"
"I gave my position to Izumi."
Sasuke watched his brother fill out the necessary data, feeling warmth in his heart. Another person who could save her life.
"Thank you."
He said sincerely. Sakura was too young to die. It was hard for Sasuke to see a girl of the same age, who still had so much life ahead of her, lying on her deathbed. She deserved better.
"Can I ask you for something, Sasuke?" Itachi looked seriously at his brother. Sasuke nodded, listening intently, "Make her happy."
Sasuke understood - Itachi, as if he could, would go back in time and do everything to put a smile on the face of one of his first patients and make it stay till the end.
"I will do whatever I can."
…
Pain had been her best friend for years.
It clung to her like a shadow, never leaving her side.
Sakura lay covered by a thick quilt, with a pillow that sunk into her head. Cold chills made their presence known from time to time, and the warmth from her face never faded.
Waking up was a miracle - that's what Tsunade called it. Her body was giving up, but she kept fighting. Just how much more could she manage?
"You're awake." said Sasuke.
She didn't even sense him. But she was glad he was here. Her parents and friends visited her once; they had to strain to convince Tsunade; all the while crying and not letting her get a chance to say a word. They experienced it more than she did.
"I already thought you would never come back." she said weakly, in a half whisper.
"I couldn't come. Orders from above."
She smiled softly. Sasuke had no intention of leaving her. Although his presence was not the best she could have dreamed of, she had grown accustomed to Sasuke. It would be strange never to see him again. Not to mention that he was the only boy she had spent more than a month with, and he wasn't her friend in the process.
"So you'll stay... until the end?" she asked for reassurance and a desire to hear his voice again, which had a calming effect on her.
"Aa."
Sakura expected a more elaborate answer, but that was enough. Taking the medicine, she swallowed it carefully. Sasuke, meanwhile, was changing the drip.
"Sasuke?" he looked at her from below, waiting for her to speak further, "Would you read me medical books?"
Setting everything down properly, he lowered himself to her level, taking the chair from under the window. Black irises stared at Sakura with such intensity that, as if she could, she would hide her face behind her collar so no one would have to see her embarrassed and burning cheeks.
"What do you want to learn?"
He didn't ask Sakura what she wanted to learn, why she should supposedly do it, nor did he change the subject, avoiding an answer. This surprised her.
"Everything." she said, as cheerfully as she could.
"It's not going to be possible in... Medicine is a broad subject, it takes a lot of time."
Sakura was well aware of the direction his first statement had taken. Why was everyone avoiding the topic of her death so much? The chances of her being cured were slim, very slim, so they might as well give her an exact date already so she could find time to do the things she wanted to do before leaving this world.
"Then as much as you can manage." She ran a fingernail over the skin on her hand. Sasuke was still sitting in place and didn't look like he was going to leave her room anytime soon "Aren't you going out?".
"I'm supposed to keep you company."
"Who asked you to do that?"
"A lot of people." He pulled a small notebook from his pocket.
"And one of them was you?" he didn't answer, busy writing something "Shouldn't you be making rounds and accompanying Tsunade with other patients?"
"You are my only patient. And I've finished my work for today."
He flipped the page, all the while not lifting his head from above the notebook.
"In that case, go home. You deserve a rest."
"Today I am with you as a friend."
It left Sakura speechless. What had changed from the beginning of their acquaintance until now that Sasuke had begun to look at her as more than a mere patient? Was he doing it out of pity, or did he really notice something more in her? Did he look at her as a young woman?
"We're not..."
"Not yet." He put down his pen for a moment "I want to get to know you better, Sakura."
"Today I'm too tired for that." She shook her head, unable to hide her smile. This was the first time a boy had said something like that to her. So she could allow herself a bit of vulnerability; Sasuke, after all, wasn't bad in appearance either "Why don't you tell something about yourself? And what do you write there anyway?"
"Everything I don't like about you."
"Sa-!" a cheeky smile formed on his lips. As if Sakura had the strength, she would have tapped him on the forehead for such behavior "Don't joke like that."
"Should I stop joking and thus miss your reactions? No way. You're all red, Sakura." he moved dangerously close to her face.
"Hey!" she pushed him away, hiding under the quilt "You were supposed to say something about yourself." she muttered from under the quilt.
"There is not much to tell here. My life has been spent only studying and being compared by my father to my brother. I worked for my position so that I would eventually be enough for him, but I still failed. I sacrificed my entire childhood without having any joy from it." He shrugged his shoulders "That's all."
Emotions were difficult, but they were a completely different problem for Sasuke. This was enough for Sakura to realize what a sad and unhappy man Sasuke is. The father had deprived his son of his only years of innocence with a foolish competence that took its toll on him.
"...You need me in your life," she said, with dreamy eyes and a smile.
"And what are you talking about now?"
"I will be that ray of sunshine in your life. Yes, you need happiness, and I will give it to you!"
"Sakura, this has gone a little too far." He pulled the quilt off her, seeing her excited face again. He had to massage his temple out of it all " Happiness is-"
"Shh..." she put her finger to his lips "Let's make a deal. I'll show you what life can be beautiful, and-"
"No."
She made sweet eyes, twisting the corners of her mouth downward.
"You refuse me? I have so little left to..." she didn't finish on purpose, playing even more on Sasuke's emotions. Sometimes it was necessary to act dirty.
"Fine. Whatever you want."
…
The news spread quickly.
All Sakura had to do was tell Tsunade and Shizune about it, then mention to one girl during chemotherapy together, and share the information with a new nurse.
People - doctors and patients - started talking about it among themselves. The rumor did not leave their lips; everyone was looking for the truth in it.
Staring at the ceiling and listening to the apple peeling, Sakura bit her cheeks, pleased with their little arrangement.
"News has reached me," Ino began, cutting the fruit, "that you have a boyfriend. And not just any boy, but Sasuke Uchiha himself."
"Mhmm."
"Why didn't you tell me anything?!" she handed Sakura a plate, looking at her expectantly. Sakura tightened her lips into a narrow line, trying not to laugh at her friend, "At least tell me what you've already done."
"Ino! We haven't done anything!"
She blushed at the thought. Sasuke was not one to show his feelings very openly and shied away from any intimacy with her. Their 'relationship' was based on small gestures that Sakura initiated because Sasuke didn't know what to do or how to do it.
"You two didn't even kiss?" she shook her head "Sakura, you have to do something about it!"
"I won't force him to do anything." she bit into an apple "You know very well why Sasuke is dating me. He's only doing me a favor. Remember how many times I've complained to you that I have no one and will probably be alone for the rest of my life." she said with a full mouth, eating the fruit "He only made my little dream come true."
"But that doesn't mean he should keep you at such a distance." Sakura saw Ino's disgruntled face. The idea of not really dating, didn't appeal to the blonde; she wanted something better for her friend "Don't you think it's strange?"
Sakura decided not to answer that question. Maybe Ino was right. Because what was so difficult about bringing his lips into contact with hers? Why couldn't he do it? After all, it didn't have to be a long and passionate kiss at all to be called that. A small kiss was enough for her.
Although why did Sakura demand so much from a boy who didn't even really want to be with her?
"Time's up."
Sasuke entered the room with a book under his arm.
"I still have half—"
"Not anymore."
Sighing, Ino got up from her seat, patting Sakura on the cheek and announcing that she would be back next Saturday. Final exams were fast approaching at school and leaving home equaled less time to prepare. Ino and the rest of Sakura's friends had their own plans for the future; she had no intention of letting them neglect their studies to visit her.
"Treat her well, this is a warning."
"Ino!"
"See you around, Sakura! My parents greet you."
And after these words she disappeared behind the door, leaving her alone with Sasuke.
The boy put the book down on the table, walked over to the metal tray and began to sanitize the needle. He said nothing, concentrating on his task. Sakura watched him in silence.
Having finished, he walked over to her. He wiped the needed area and positioned the needle, poking it lightly. The blood flowed into the tube.
Finally, he pulled the needle out of the vein and sealed the tiny wound. Sakura could no longer be quiet.
"Don't you think you should do something as a greeting?" she asked uncertainly.
"Hey?"
She grabbed her head. She didn't think Sasuke had such trouble reading signs.
"That's not what I meant." She looked meaningfully at his lips "We're together, so..."
"No kisses."
"Are you disgusted with me?"
"What came to your mind? Did your friend tell you something?" Sakura quietly refused, covering herself more tightly with the quilt "I'm not disgusted with you, Sakura. I just ... can't." Seeing the girl's sad face, Sasuke placed the book in front of her, lifting her chin up, "What do you want to study today?"
Sakura might have been angry, sad, unhappy about Sasuke's decision, but she couldn't refuse to gain new knowledge. She loved learning along with him.
"Anatomy."
…
Finishing writing, Sakura dropped the last paper heart into the jar. While watching a video last night, she came up with an idea for a sweet gift she could make herself for Sasuke. She didn't own much, so she had to find something inexpensive and easy.
Sakura took their 'relationship' seriously - as much as possible, as it wasn't hard to see and sense the lack of any feelings in it. She wanted to give Sasuke joy, and since she had gone a bit too far earlier, as everyone was aware that she had no way to show him the real beauty of the world while trapped in the hospital, she decided to make him happy with gestures and gifts from the heart.
Turning the cap, Sakura wrote on a red card taped to the glass - 'For Sasuke from Sakura' with a heart underneath.
With a knock, Sasuke communicated that he was entering. Sakura managed to quickly hide the gift behind her, smiling broadly at him.
"Nice to see you Sa- Shizune... you too.", she looked with disappointment as they prepared the equipment together, "What are we doing today?"
"There will be a lot of examinations, Sakura, sorry." Shizune sent her a sympathetic look; she rolled her eyes, remembering how many people had looked at her that way before.
As Sasuke stood with his back to her, she opened the drawer and put the jar inside, locking it for an unknown amount of time.
She crossed her legs. Shizune put on gloves, and Sasuke approached her, leaning close. He undid two buttons of her shirt, exposing her collarbones.
"Have you fallen recently?" he ran his hand over Sakura's skin, looking at her closely, "You have a lot of bruises. Even on your arms."
"It was an accident," she explained.
Sasuke continued to watch her body, gently touching the bruises. He turned his focused gaze toward her.
"What happened?"
"I fainted in the shower." She corrected her overly droopy sleeve "But I really didn't mean for it to happen." Unbeknownst to her, her voice trembled.
"Sakura, these are the kinds of things you have to say. What if something more serious had happened to you?" Shizune rebuked her with her eyes. She stood over her towering and fetched the last of her tools, "From now on, you will go to wash with one of the nurses. They will watch over you. And now let's get started."
…
After two hours of examination, Sakura had lost any energy.
With her head resting on Sasuke's shoulder, she listened to Shizune packing her equipment. If she closed her eyes a moment longer, she would fall asleep right away. She couldn't afford that; not now, when she had a very important thing to give Sasuke.
"I'll leave you two alone, but come Sasuke to my office in twenty minutes."
"Aa."
The woman finally left. Sakura moved away from the boy, with the thought of reaching for the shelf, but Sasuke grabbed her forearm.
"Lie down, Sakura,"
"Wait." She said weakly, pulling her arm out of Sasuke's grasp. She took out the jar along with the camera he had left for her here a few months ago, "This is for you."
She smiled as much as she could, looking at Sasuke's surprised face. The boy took the gift, running his finger over the inscription.
"You didn't have to,"
"Normal couples make surprises for each other, so I also wanted to give you something." she explained, extending her now too heavy hand to catch Sasuke's wrist "Later you can read what's on the hearts." She said half asleep.
Her body was letting fatigue take control of her. Her eyelids closed of their own accord, not allowing Sakura to look at Sasuke any longer. With the last of her strength, she turned on her camera, wanting to capture this moment forever not only in her memory. She opened her eyes one last time and took a picture of Sasuke. How beautiful he looked.
"That's enough already. You're exhausting yourself."
He caught her under the head and back, slowly lowering her onto the bed. He put the camera down next to her, covering Sakura tightly with the quilt.
"Do you like it?" she whispered, but didn't hear an answer.
Holding Sasuke's hand at her side, she fell into sleep.
…
Locking the office with the key, Sasuke walked out into the hallway. He left his white apron in the social room, as well as the patient charts he had to look at for Tsunade. Having finished his work for the day, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Correcting the collar of his black shirt, he stuck his hand in a pocket to make sure he definitely still had it with him. For the past two weeks, he had been thinking constantly about the gift and the more than twenty things Sakura likes about him - she had written there, for example, about his smile, which, though it rarely appears on his lips, is the prettiest she has seen; or his dark irises, so beautiful that they could rival the night sky with their beauty; or the work he does, saving people's lives. Sakura didn't know Sasuke for long, yet she was able to see the beauty in him; outer and inner; that others had missed over the years.
For this reason, he couldn't leave her without a good thank you. As fake as their 'relationship' may have been, Sasuke wanted to try to make it as real for her as he could.
As he approached Sakura's room, he noticed his brother in the distance. Itachi was talking to the doctor, nodding to him the whole time. What was he doing here? Shouldn't he be at home taking care of the paperwork?
Although he was back in Japan, he was still busy with things in Italy. He rented an apartment in the city center, not far from their family home, but only showed up once in two months. Sasuke wasn't even there then. Itachi didn't call anymore either, as he was theoretically at home, but practically Sasuke heard less from him than before. It was always like this - he was in one place and his brother was in another, far away from him.
Pressing on the door handle, he almost entered Sakura unnoticed.
"Sasuke." Itachi grabbed him by the arm "I was waiting for you. Mother invited us to dinner."
"Give me ten minutes."
He thought Itachi would let go and wait outside, but the man started talking again.
"Ah, you're going to say goodbye to her. I knew you would do what I asked you to do, but I didn't think you would get into a relationship with her."
"She proposed it. I couldn't refuse her."
"Just remember not to get attached." Sasuke nodded, opening the door wider. He felt his brother's presence behind him "I'd love to meet her."
He didn't have time to say anything because Itachi entered first, and Sakura was sitting on the bed.
"Sasuke!" she greeted him with a smile as always.
"I thought you were still asleep."
"Oh, you were earlier." She said surprised, looking suspiciously at Itachi, "I just got up."
An awkward silence fell in the room, which was broken by Sasuke.
"Sakura, this is-"
"Itachi." interjected the man, extending his hand toward the girl. She accepted Itachi's hand shyly "I wanted to see my little brother's girlfriend. I apologize for the intrusion."
Sasuke noticed the slight blush on Sakura's face that followed Itachi's words. She was squishing the end of her shirt in her fingers, lowering her gaze to her feet.
"Sasuke was bragging about me?"
Sakura sometimes asked questions to which there could be two answers - the truth, which would make her sad because Sasuke had never told anyone in person that he was dating her, and a lie, which would make her happy, but deep down guilt would eat him up because he was a liar.
"He said a few things about you."
Sasuke gave his brother a sideways glance; Itachi clearly had no problem with lying.
"What did he say?" she asked excitedly.
"Sasuke would rather leave it a secret." He winked at Sakura, putting his hands behind his back, "I won't bother you. See you later."
Sakura waved goodbye to him. Sitting down next to her, Sasuke squeezed the small box tightly. Sakura didn't even look at him, immersed in her thoughts.
"It's so... nice of you to talk about me." he couldn't get the word out, angry at his brother. It would have been better if Sakura hadn't found out the truth "Why did you even come?"
Finally, he pulled an object from his pocket. The red box was decorated with gold beads and tiny painted black flowers.
"For a gift. Just a little thank you for that." He scratched his neck, watching Sakura carefully.
The girl held the box tightly, admiring its beauty. Her eyes were wide open and sparkling like those of a small child. It was the first time he had seen her so joyful.
Lifting the lid, a porcelain cat figurine and a silver necklace appeared to their eyes. Sakura carefully pulled out the two items, unable to say anything. She was too fascinated. She put the cat down on the cabinet next to her, running her finger over the necklace.
"How did you know I like jewelry and a floral theme?"
'I wrote it down in my notebook when you mentioned it,' he answered in his mind, leaving this secret only to himself.
"Coincidence. It caught my eye in the store and I thought of you."
The word "thought" was enough to make Sakura's thoughts fly away again, biting her lower lip. Sasuke took the necklace from her, asking her to turn around. The flower rested on her neckline as he fastened the clasp at the back.
"Thank you." The word flowed from her lips, floating in the air, carrying with it gratitude.
Before Sasuke could react, Sakura placed a gentle, barely perceptible, but still first and sweet, kiss on his cheek. Her breath brushed his ear as she pulled away from him.
He quickly covered her eyes so she wouldn't see his red ears. He might not have tied his hair in a bun, then he wouldn't have had such problems.
"You're welcome." Sasuke stood up, walking to the door "Take care of yourself, Sakura. I'll be back tomorrow."
…
"Why did you do this?"
They drove through the streets of Japan, passing apartment blocks, stores and restaurants along the way. Calm music was playing on the radio, making the ride more pleasant. Itachi drove, focused on the route, while Sasuke looked out the window, all the while until now not speaking to his brother.
"You saw how happy she was. Isn't that what you wanted for her, little brother?"
"Not like that. A lie always comes out."
"Your lie can become the truth." Itachi drove onto the property "Now stop being angry, mother prefers to see you in a better mood."
They parked and turned off the engine. Sasuke got out of the car slamming the door. Itachi was getting on his nerves, as always, which may be why being with him for more than an hour was exhausting for Sasuke.
Mikoto, noticing her son's car through the kitchen window, went out to greet them. The last time Sasuke saw his mother was two weeks ago, due to a busy schedule. The woman still looked young and was bursting with energy. She kissed her sons on the cheeks.
"How good you guys are already here. I missed you two." She looked at them with love and concern in her eyes "Come on, it's chilly." Mikoto took her sons under her arm. Spring was slowly approaching, but the days at the end of February continued to be cold and shiver-piercing "Did you manage to get all your business done, Itachi?"
Sasuke listened with only one ear to their conversation. He took off his thick coat and shoes; washed his hands in the bathroom and walked to the living room. Not once did his mother ask him about the progress of his training.
"I'll help you, Mom." Itachi headed after Mikoto to the kitchen.
"Sit down and rest, Itachi." The woman led her son into the dining room, "Sasuke, you could help me."
He didn't even have the strength to tell his mother about the ten-hour shift he had been on and how much his muscles needed a moment of rest. He simply followed the order.
He poured soup from the pot into three plates. The aroma of food wafted through the kitchen, and Sasuke's stomach begged for at least a gram of it.
"I'm so glad Itachi is home." Mikoto began, wiping down the cutlery, "And you, Sasuke?"
"Aa, me too,"
"Although he might not work so much." She handed Sasuke the spoons "But that doesn't change the fact I'm proud of him. I hope that someday you'll achieve the same things he did." She went on, ignoring her son's feelings. Sasuke felt uncomfortable "That's what you study for." she said, putting the cloth aside "Right, how you're doing in the hospital?"
"Good."
"Just as I expected from my son." Mikoto took one plate and Sasuke took two. They slowly walked to the dining room "When Itachi was your age he also..."
Sasuke stopped listening, knowing the story by heart; his mother had told it to at least twenty people in his presence. He put the soup in front of his brother and sat down next to him himself.
Mikoto chattered on, telling about a neighbor's husband; a friend's children; the new bakery on the corner that has such delicious baked goods that from now on it's the only place she goes to shop in the morning; and a recent fatal accident at a pedestrian crossing, because the bushes placed next to it restrict the view and no one wants to get rid of them.
Between more stories, Sasuke brought a second dish. They were eating and sharing various news when suddenly someone entered the house. Mikoto and Itachi noticed Fugaku faster than Sasuke.
"Welcome home, darling." She stood up, kissing her husband in greeting, "Weren't you supposed to be tomorrow?"
"I finished work and caught an early flight." He explained, entering the dining room.
All the while, he maintained eye contact with Sasuke. His father's eyes were not at all friendly. Fugaku put his briefcase down on the table along with his work bag.
"Father, it's good to see you,"
"Itachi." He nodded appreciatively to his son.
"How did the trip to China go?"
"Excellent. Final corrections done." He turned to Sasuke, without sitting down "By the way, I was at our hospital to bring the documents. As it happens, word reached me about an interesting matter. Apparently, my son is dating a certain Haruno Sakura. Is this true, Sasuke?"
His father's seemingly calm voice had something frightening in it. His heart sped up to an all too rapid rotation.
"Yes." he replied as uncertainly as ever.
Fugaku smiled for a second before slamming his fists on the table, shaking the porcelain. His face twisted in a hostile grimace.
"Are you crazy?! A future doctor with his patient?! What will others think? How can our reputation suffer? Did you think about it, or did it 'fall out of your head' as usual?!" he exclaimed, throwing up his hands.
"Father, this is only a temporary situation. Sakura, unless a donor is found, will only live two more months."
Itachi's words made Sasuke run out of oxygen in his lungs.
"How do you know?" he asked, barely moving his lips.
"I was at Tsunade's. I had to find out when, more or less, you would finish your apprenticeship and be able to leave this hospital."
"What are you talking about?" he furrowed his brow, feeling anxiety rising in his chest, "Tell me, Itachi!"
His brother silenced him with a mere movement of his hand, returning to the conversation with his father.
"It's for her happiness. Let her enjoy it." Itachi continued to speak in a neutral tone of voice. He tried to reassure Fugaku, "I proposed it to him myself."
"Ah, so you were the one who suggested to your brother to play at the romance?"
"No." hissed Sasuke, turning his fear into anger.
"What?"
"I'm not playing."
"Even better," laughed Fugaku mischievously, "Do you remember the last time you got close to someone, or should I remind you? Three years ago, because of your friend, what was his name, Suigetsu? Never mind." He waved his hand dismissively, "You stopped studying because of that boy in college, almost failing all your exams. That's why I forbade you to get attached to people." He sat down, looking past Sasuke to his terrified wife, standing at the kitchen exit "Will it be like this now too? Will you give up on your future and shut down after her death? That's not what I expect from you."
Sasuke had had enough. He stood up, knocking his chair over accidentally with a bang. He looked straight into his father's eyes with the kind of hatred he had never had in him before.
"I don't give a fuck what you expect from me! I'll never be enough." his hand shook "For you, I will always be a failure."
"It's good that you know that."
Oh, how much that hurt. Sasuke didn't think any words could make him feel that way, but he felt like crying.
"Fugaku!" Mikoto entered the dining room, with her mouth covered. Sasuke motioned to the exit "Sasuke, wait-"
"I regret being born!"
"Me too."
He trembled, and a single tear ran down his cheek, which he wiped away quickly. Since then, Sasuke hasn't been able to look his father in the eyes, but he was still too young, too stupid and too scared to cut off all contact with him.
He put on his shoes and jacket, leaving the house where he didn't even feel like he was in one. He longed to get back to his place and be alone. Unfortunately, not everything has to be the way he wants it to be. Itachi followed him out, stopping him with words that paralleled Fugaku's, only in a slightly different way.
"A dying girl is not worth arguing with the father."
Sasuke couldn't stand it a second time. He punched Itachi right in the nose. Blood gushed out, dripping onto the man's shirt.
"A dying girl? How could you call her that, saying those words, as if it was the most indifferent thing in the world! Sakura doesn't deserve this!" he shouted, uninterested in the attention of passersby "You're a doctor and you treat people like garbage? You asked me to do it yourself, don't forget. I thought you cared at least a little."
"I misspoke, Sasuke-"
"As usual." he snorted disdainfully.
"I meant that family is more important than her."
"Family?" he hissed, biting his cheeks in anger "The same one that doesn't want me as I am? Sakura likes me because I'm me, and she would never ask me to 'fix' something about myself."
He left, leaving a sad mother, an angry father and a hurt brother.
None of them were able to learn from their mistakes, as Sasuke will realize in the future.
…
The medium-sized painting rested in Sakura's hands. She stroked gently painted faces - hers and Sasuke's. The drawing had been made by Sai based on the first photo they had taken together, at Sakura's request.
She originally wanted to give it to Sasuke for their 'anniversary', but after thinking about it for a while, she figured she wouldn't live to see it. In fact, Sakura wasn't even sure if she would still be alive by her birthday, which would be in three weeks. Her body was still fighting, but she wouldn't last long without help. So she decided to give the painting now.
She squeezed the canvas tightly, waiting impatiently for Sasuke. Sakura told the nurse to go get the boy and bring him in as soon as possible. Evening was approaching and Sakura felt a slowly growing tiredness.
She closed her eyes for a second, only to hear a door creak a moment later. Sasuke, already without his apron and work clothes, stepped inside. The expression on his face was the same, but Sakura noticed a strange change in his eyes. He looked distressed.
She decided not to do anything about it for now, moving on to why she brought him here.
"Sasuke, I'm so glad you're already here. Sit down!" she patted a spot on the bed.
"I don't have much time, Sakura," he announced hesitantly.
"It's all right." She pulled out a painting, handing it to the boy.
Sasuke stared at their drawn figures, and it was hard to tell from his face what was on his mind.
"What's the occasion?"
Sakura sighed.
"I've already told you once that you don't need an occasion to give each other gifts, but today just happens to be an important day."
"The fifth of March is important?"
It was obvious that Sasuke would not remember. She was the only one who paid so much attention to these matters. Looking seriously into his eyes, Sakura smiled softly.
"Exactly three months ago we started dating. Isn't that wonderful? I've lasted so long with you." She laughed, but Sasuke didn't look happy at all.
He put the picture aside, pushing his hair out of his eyes. Twice he lavished Sakura with a look that expressed no emotion. She felt no warmth in his irises.
"Can it stay here for now?"
"Sure, just don't forget to take it later."
'Later' expressed more words than anything else. Sasuke nodded, not discussing any further. He was quiet, much too quiet. Sakura began to worry. What if she had done something wrong?
Taking the canvas, she set it on the table, next to the empty vase. Suddenly she lost the extra weight on the mattress; Sasuke stood up. He most likely wanted to go home after an exhausting shift, but Sakura decided that he would not leave the room without an explanation. She grabbed his sleeve, stopping him.
"What's wrong, Sasuke?"
"Nothing."
He broke out of her grasp. 'Nothing' for Sasuke Uchiha did not mean nothing at all. Sakura stood up, blocking his path. She wouldn't let him stay with his thoughts in private.
"I can see, after all, that something has happened. Please, tell me."
"It's not your problem,"
"I just want to help, to understand." she continued, in a soft tone.
"But you won't understand, Sakura!" for the shout, she was not prepared. She took a step back, not used to Sasuke's sudden outbursts "I'm sorry," he ran his hand over his face "I'm sorry, I shouldn't take my anger out on you."
At the very end, she heard a tremor in Sasuke's voice. The matter was serious.
Sakura led him back to the bed, standing over him and catching his face. She looked deeply into his eyes, begging her body not to fall.
"I'm here to listen to you, Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke gathered himself for a moment to finally get any words out. Sakura waited, giving him as much time as he needed, being proud that he was beginning to open up about his feelings for her.
"I don't know what to say. I've never talked about such things with anyone, and it's a little uncomfortable." He avoided eye contact, looking down at his hands "It's just... I had an argument with my father and brother." he played with his fingers "It was mostly about our relationship."
"Did we do something wrong?"
"I am almost a doctor, and you are my patient. You already know the answer yourself."
This hit Sakura harder than it should have. Only now, after so many months, did she realize that she had never asked Sasuke for his opinion on their arrangement. He didn't question it, but Sakura knew from the start that he was doing it because of her illness. She didn't think about the consequences or the controversy that could have been caused by their 'relationship'. With her foolish dream, she could have ruined Sasuke's career.
"S-sorry. It's better for you if we end this, now."
"Sakura, you think for too long sometimes." he took one of her hands off his face and squeezed it, "I'm so damn angry with them for what they said and did. I don't know if I can ever forgive them, and it hurts me because they are my family no matter what. But that doesn't mean I want to change anything between us."
"I won't let me be the reason you ruined contact with your father and brother,"
"Our contact was shitty from the very beginning. They would have preferred me to be different."
She swallowed saliva with difficulty. She didn't even think Sasuke had such big problems in the family. For Sakura, her parents were everything and she wouldn't have been able to cope with life without them; but for Sasuke, it was his father and brother, and perhaps his mother, who were the cause of many of his son's sadnesses.
Placing her forehead against Sasuke's, Sakura stroked his cheek.
"For me, it's enough for you to be yourself, Sasuke-kun. Don't change anything." She spoke straight from the heart. Black irises finally looked deeply into her green "If my words mean anything—"
"Thank you."
Sakura felt like she was about to start crying, and even she wasn't the one suffering.
She moved away to a safe distance, so as not to do anything stupid, inappropriate and undesirable; or perhaps desirable? There were so many things Sakura wanted to do at that moment, and if only she had even the slightest bit of courage in her make it happen, she would have kissed Sasuke long ago - which would also have meant violating his boundaries, set at the very beginning, and she didn't behave that way, so she quickly put the idea out of her mind.
Catching hold of the railing, Sakura's head spun. She needed to relax and stop thinking about him. She would only hurt herself with this.
"I'm tired." she choked out, laying back down.
Sakura wanted Sasuke to stay with her a little longer, but it was better if he left her alone now.
"Good night." he said, leaving.
…
A thick sweater framed her body. Sakura was sitting in front of the mirror, watching Sasuke. The boy was curling the curls on her long wig. He did it carefully, as he had already burned his fingers three times, always silently cursing under his breath.
"Here." She pointed to the front of her hair.
Without a word, Sasuke inched closer, winding a strand onto the curling iron. Letting go of the curl he had made, he finished by taking the beginnings and tying them to the back of her head. Sakura loosened her grip slightly, smiling at her reflection.
Red lipstick lay on the countertop, tempting her. She applied delicate makeup to cover the pallor and imperfections of her skin damaged by medications and therapy. Finally, she picked up the lipstick, running it over her lips. Her face looked much better, more vibrant.
"Anything else I can help you with?"
"I have a dress on the bottom shelf. It will be easier for me if you help me put it on."
It had been two weeks since Sakura had left the room even once. She didn't have the strength to do so. She was trapped in the midst of these four walls by her own body, which betrayed her every second.
"Won't you be too cold?"
"I'll be fine, don't worry."
Putting her sweater back on the chair, Sakura began undoing the buttons of her shirt one by one. It took her some time, but she didn't care; she couldn't get tired.
Sasuke returned with the dress slung over his shoulder. He held out his hand, helping Sakura up. She held onto his neck as he slipped her pants off her. It was very embarrassing and shameful for Sakura that she was unable to perform such an ordinary and simple task. Sasuke must have noticed her change in mood.
"Sakura." He looked down at her, lifting her chin.
"Hm?"
"You look beautiful."
She smiled, although the sadness from her eyes did not disappear. It had been hiding there for four years and was forever to stay.
Sasuke threw the dress over Sakura's head, smoothing it out and fastening it. Despite her earlier assurances, she had to throw the sweater back over her shoulders. The cold and chills refused to leave her.
Slowly heading to bed, Sakura noticed out of the corner of her eye the two roses that had already withered. She had received them from Sasuke and decided never to throw them away; someday that would surely happen, but as long as she was here, they would remain with her until the end.
Sitting down, she turned on her phone, seeing a message from her parents that they would be right away.
"Have you talked to your mother since our conversation?" she asked, as was her habit since the last situation.
Sakura's only wish for Sasuke was a good relationship with the woman who gave birth to him. As she found out later, Mikoto was having a hard time dealing with the argument and bad mood that had arisen in her family. She rarely left the house and did not visit the hospital, leaving these responsibilities to her husband. Sasuke felt sorry for his mother, but did not possess the courage to go to her. Sakura spoke to him about it a few times, asking him to just come visit her.
"Three days ago." he said, standing with his back to her "She cried and apologized to me over and over again. I was hoping for something more, but what could I do, as she is more sad now that Fugaku's last time home was ten days ago." he joined her "I knew he was a bad father, but I didn't expect him to be a husband as well."
"Oh... I'm-"
"Sakura, my darling!"
Mebuki and Kizashi interrupted them, entering with huge smiles. Her mother approached her first, kissing her forehead. Sakura wanted to get up to hug her mother, but Mebuki stopped her, telling her to stay in her seat. The woman handed her daughter a gift and stepped aside for Kizashi. Her father stroked her head, ruffling a bit of the hairstyle that Sasuke had been struggling so much over.
"Sasuke." The man extended his hand to the boy.
Sakura looked at this ordinary, but having something in it, greeting. Kizashi patted Sasuke on the back, starting a conversation about the new medical books that had come out recently, asking the boy if he should reserve it for him.
"No more talk, help me with the cake, Kizashi." Mebuki snapped her husband out of his endless chatter.
Kizashi went to help his wife, leaving Sasuke. The boy sat down next to her, putting Sakura's hair strand behind her ear.
"Happy birthday."
It wasn't that long ago that she thought she had heard those two words for the last time last year, so saying them again, and from Sasuke's mouth, sent a wave of different emotions through her.
"You are the first."
"I wanted to be."
She laughed, pinching Sasuke gently on the nose. She would give anything to be able to grow old with him. To stay by his side for the years to come he would be able to live - to be the person with whom he would form a real relationship and fall in love.
"Dad, would you take a picture?"
"Of course."
Kizashi took the camera from the table, facing them. They both smiled - Sakura grabbed Sasuke's hand, linking their fingers together. Sasuke squeezed her tighter. The flash flared, leaving black spots in front of their eyes.
"Promise me, Sasuke-kun, that you will frame our pictures and hang them on the wall. I don't want you to forget me."
"You can't be forgotten, Sakura."
Before he could say the rest of his sentence, Mebuki began to sing a happy birthday, and the rest joined in, focusing all their attention on Sakura. The joyful singing quickly turned into crying coming out of the woman's throat. Sakura had to turn her head to the side to hide the tears gathering under her eyelids.
"Blow out the candles, honey."
Two pairs of irises met; both equally sad. Sakura blew, rubbing her wet cheeks. The realization that this was her last birthday was depressing her. But not only that - she wouldn't be able to attend so many occasions - her parents' next anniversary, her friends' graduation, Sasuke's advancing career.
'Stop thinking about it,' she admonished herself in her head, trying to put on a happy face for them.
Mebuki cut the cake, Kizashi handed it over, and Sasuke did not leave her side for a second. They ate, sharing new gossip, which Sakura loved, and touching on the future, avoiding even the thought of lurking death.
Evening was approaching, blanketing the city in darkness. No more light came through the curtains.
"Sorry, Sakura, but we have to go home. Work in the morning." Mebuki kissed her daughter goodbye.
They left, leaving only the smell behind.
"I haven't given you a present yet," Sasuke spoke up unexpectedly.
"Do you have something?" he nodded "I didn't notice that you came with something. What is it?"
He squatted suddenly with his back in front of her, pointing to his back.
"Come on. Just put on your mask."
"Are we going outside? Shouldn't I stay -"
"I have permission from Tsunade."
Sakura, excited by the surprise, put on her mask and embraced Sasuke by the neck as he caught her below the knees. Leaving the room, they started up the stairs. On the last steps, Sasuke pulled out a key and opened the door to the roof.
Beautiful scenery appeared before them. Trees with pink flowers decorated the gravel path. There were flowers and bushes with small lights everywhere. Ten warm brown benches were set up next to small tables. The moon with stars added to the beauty of the whole setting.
"How beautiful it is here,"
"In a few months it will be even prettier. This is just the beginning."
Sakura couldn't even imagine what it would look like in the end.
She felt warmth in her soul, knowing that Sasuke had led her here first. No one had any idea about this place except now her.
"Thank you, Sasuke-kun," she whispered in his ear. Sasuke muttered, pulling a heart from his pocket, "What...?"
"Each patient will be able to decorate the lights. I took one for you. Where do you want to attach them?"
"Over there." She pointed to the tree with the pinkest flowers.
Sasuke walked over there, leaning over so Sakura could attach the heart. The light turned red, illuminating their faces with a small stream. It had been a long time since she /they/ had been so happy.
…
The atmosphere in Tsunade's office was overwhelming.
Sasuke stood aside, following Shizune's movements. The woman was sorting through documents, putting them away in the correct cabinets, trying to ignore the quietly crying Mebuki. Sakura's parents were summoned to arrive immediately.
Their first thoughts were, of course, bad - she is dying and they must say goodbye to her. However, if that had been the case, Sasuke would have already known about it, so Tsunade invited them for another reason, which he didn't happen to be aware of.
Sasuke counted down the seconds along with the hands of the clock. Waiting time dragged on mercilessly for him.
"Sorry for the delay. The patient had a heart attack."
As if nothing had happened, Tsunade sat down in a chair. She spread out the important documents in front of her, raising her eyes and looking hard at Mebuki and Kizashi.
"Doctor wants to say how much she has left, right?" the woman choked out through a clenched throat.
Sasuke's heart squeezed at the pain in Sakura's mother's voice. Mebuki was suffering her daughter's last moments every day, and thus paying with her own health. Sasuke didn't understand why Tsunade didn't tell the poor two people sooner when they would have to bury their only child. Itachi had known about this for some time. Although his brother was known for his good manipulation and his disregard for what he was allowed and not allowed to do. Itachi's parents owned the hospital, so he took it as too much of a privilege.
"No." She slid the papers across the desk "Read."
Kizashi took the documents as his wife could barely lift her hand. He read quickly, while his eyes filled with more and more tears. Sasuke breathed shallowly, almost as if praying for good news. His thoughts refused to accept Sakura's absence.
'You must live, you annoying girl.' he said in head, himself practically on the verge of crying.
She couldn't; she had no right to abandon him without one last word. She couldn't leave a bottomless hole in his heart.
Mebuki reached out, taking the cards from her husband. She familiarized herself with the text through her teary eyes, wiping them all the while. Finally, she covered her mouth, sobbing. Sasuke pushed himself up against the wall as far as he could see.
"Wh-what... are the cha-chances?" asked Kizashi tremblingly.
Tsunade rested her elbows on the countertop. A piercing gaze fell to rest on Sasuke for a second. He pushed himself away, slowly taking steps forward. He felt as if his feet were made of lead.
"The disease may recur or there may be other complications, but thanks to Sakura's organism, we have a good chance that she will recover. She's a strong girl, I knew that from the beginning."
Donor. They found a donor.
Instead of calming down, his heart sped up. He couldn't put his thoughts in order. He stopped in front of the desk, his eyes expressing all the gratitude, joy, fear of failure. Sakura had left a big impact and feeling on him; she was his first patient and friend, but Sasuke couldn't understand why he felt so much emotion through her.
"But... that price."
Mebuki was shaking in her chair.
"I'll pay." He said automatically, without even thinking.
"It's too much, Sasuke." Kizashi stood up, catching him by the shoulders "We can't ask you to do that."
"I don't give a damn about that. This is about a person we both... who means a lot to us. Sakura is too good to die so early." Sasuke turned to the doctor "Tsunade."
The woman separated handed one document to Mebuki and the other to Sasuke. Kizashi did not object, realizing that Sasuke was their only hope.
"Sign."
He did so.
…
The parking lot was almost empty that afternoon. Sasuke walked sideways, dodging moving cars to cross to the other side of the sidewalk. The early spring had decided to surprise the residents. The sun was practically burning, forcing people to walk in thin blouses and short shorts.
Moving further across the parking lot, a black car slowed down next to Sasuke. He, at first, didn't care, walking ahead until the car window lowered. On the driver's side sat Itachi wearing sunglasses.
"Do you want a ride?"
"No."
Sasuke purposely came on foot to take advantage of the nice weather as well as he had no desire to see his brother.
"In that case, otherwise. I need to talk to you, so get in." He opened the door for Sasuke.
"Now do you want to talk? You're too late. You've had a month and a half to do this."
Itachi sighed, driving up to his escaping brother.
"Don't act like a child."
Oh, that he had the audacity to speak to him like this. Sasuke stopped, leaning against the open window.
"If I go in, will you leave me alone later?"
"For as long as you want."
Annoyed, he climbed into the car. Sasuke slammed the door and turned on the music, buckling his seatbelt. Itachi took off, pulling out of the parking lot. He sighed under his breath, not speaking to Sasuke for the time being.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked, impatiently.
"I have an offer for you."
"And I already thought you were going to apologize to me." he said it to himself, but loud enough for Itachi to hear him.
"Ah, you're still angry about the last situation. I may have exaggerated a bit, but I haven't changed my mind, Sasuke."
He didn't even delude himself that this was the case. He looked at the changing landscape, clenching his jaw angrily.
"Go ahead."
"Izumi would like you to go to her hospital. That's where you'll complete your practices." They stopped at a traffic light "You can accomplish a lot, Sasuke."
"Did you know they found a donor?" he asked suddenly, looking hard at Itachi.
"Ah, that's good. Coming back—"
"As long as Sakura is alive, I'm not leaving Japan."
"Don't you think your fake relationship has gone a bit too far? Do you want to ruin your career for this girl? Think about it, little brother."
"I feel sorry for you for putting your career first. Maybe one day you'll understand."
Itachi breathed deeply, preparing to say the worst thing he could say at that moment.
"Or maybe father was right, you -"
Sasuke heard him no more, stepping out of the car into the street. He squeezed between the standing cars, catching his brother's shout in the background. Itachi always made the same mistakes.
Turning into a side street, he headed to a bar to clear his thoughts and calm his nerves.
…
Circling around Sakura were Tsunade, Shizune and Sasuke. They were busy recording the results and connecting various tubes and needles. The boy was explaining along what they were performing, but she wasn't focusing on it, absorbed in her possible recovery.
All of this was like a dream for Sakura, a miracle, an incredible thing. Never before had she cried so much as when the information about the donor was announced. The happy faces of her parents were the most beautiful sight.
"Sakura, are you listening to me?"
"Not a bit." She replied sincerely, smiling.
Sasuke shook his head, hitting her gently on the head with a piece of paper, hiding a smile himself. Exactly one week from now, her battle for the rest of her life will begin. Sakura would like to thank the man, but unfortunately the donor asked for anonymity.
"Sakura, give me your finger," interjected Shizune.
She pricked the tip of her thumb, drawing a drop of blood. Sasuke was focused on his work, but Sakura's eyes were on him the whole time. She couldn't take her eyes off his beautiful face and figure; his hands gliding over the tools; his medical gown perfectly accentuating his body. If only he could truly be hers.
Tsunade gave further orders, walking from one table to another.
"Sasuke, check the cable behind the bed." Sakura watched as the boy leaned over. He informed Tsunade everything was fine "That's all. We can go now. We'll come back later, Sakura."
Shizune left the room, leaving the door open. Sasuke's weight did not disappear. He leaned over Sakura, correcting her pillow. His breath brushed her ear.
"I promise," he whispered, running his hand over Sakura's lower back, "that when you recover, I'll take you to the park."
She turned her head, almost touching Sasuke's nose with her nose. He was so close that all she had to do was bring her face closer and she could kiss him. So little, and yet so much.
"Will it be a real date then?"
"Uchiha."
She didn't get an answer, as they were interrupted by Tsunade, summoning Sasuke to her side. He waved goodbye, smirking. Sakura's heart was beating at an alarming rate - how he was affecting her.
…
Six days passed, surrounded by a bubble of happiness and joy. The contrite hearts pieced together enough to survive the next few years. Thoughts tormented by impending death brightened, showing a light in the tunnel.
To this day.
"Sasuke, you look as good as ever." Kizashi greeted him.
"You too, sir."
"Oh, no formalities, we're almost like family."
The man laughed, patting him on the shoulder. The good humor didn't leave Sakura's father, even after another sudden call from Tsunade. They got the call early in the morning and arrived at the hospital just twenty minutes later. Sasuke had been on duty since yesterday evening, so the news of Mebuki and Kizashi's arrival was passed on to him by Shizune.
"Do you, by any chance, know what's going on?" asked Mebuki.
The blonde looked frightened, holding tightly to her purse strap. She clung to her husband's forearm, clenching her cheeks unhealthily.
"Unfortunately, no."
In silence, they sat down on chairs in the waiting room. They waited impatiently for Tsunade, dreaming of good news. Stress gave none of them peace. Noises from the corridors sounded louder than they should have, and the smell of the hospital began to make them nauseous.
A loud slamming of the door startled Sasuke. The unexpected sound snapped him out of thought. He jerked up to see a nervous Tsunade. Beside her walked Shizune, with her lips lowered down.
"Doctor," Kizashi rose from his seat, "we weren't expecting a call today.""
"I also did not expect to have to call you." she muttered under her breath.
Sasuke noticed how her hands trembled.
"Please tell us what happened? Did the results get worse? Do we have to postpone everything?"
"Let's sit down first."
She indicated the seats with her hand, sitting down on one herself. Sasuke stood aside, watching the conversation. Or more the lack of conversation, because unexpectedly Tsunade's eyes glazed over - never, ever had Sasuke seen this woman cry; she always experienced the deaths of patients in a calm and self-effacing way.
"I'm sorry..." Tsunade's voice was so quiet and unsteady that she took away the speech from the rest "I tried, but... the donor has resigned for private reasons."
A void appeared before Sasuke's eyes. They had spent so much time preparing; toiling; believing that things would change for the better, only to have it taken away from them now by a stranger. If Sasuke knew who he was, he wouldn't let him live peacefully with the knowledge that he had taken someone's life.
"That means— No." Mebuki leaned back, sagging over the chair.
"I can't give you any more hope. Miracles happen too rarely."
Sasuke had to cover his eyes with his hair as tears trickled uncontrollably down his cheeks. Some part of his soul had died that day.
"My baby girl. My darling." sobbed Mebuki, and her scream was the only one heard in the entire hospital.
The cry of this innocent, dear and lovely woman sat in Sasuke's mind and could never leave him again. If this was what a suffering mother sounded like, he didn't want to hear it anytime soon.
His throat tightened terribly, making it impossible to speak. Sasuke moved toward Sakura's room. A thought sat in his head - a horrible one, one that shouldn't be like this, but if it meant saving a crying heart, at least this last time he would be selfish and do it, because he wasn't sure he would ever be able to pull himself together after seeing Sakura dead.
Kizashi stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder. The man looked at him with sadness in his eyes.
"Sasuke, remember," he barely spoke the words, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He was the only one still somehow holding on, "You are practically like a son to us. You can come to us with anything that bothers you. We will welcome you with joy. Sakura would like us to support each other together." he squeezed Sasuke tighter "We love everyone who loves our daughter."
More tears streamed from his eyes. Sasuke couldn't get a response out of his mouth, swallowing saliva the whole time.
"... Money," he began, struggling to get the sounds out of his throat, "leave it for—for..."
Funeral was too hurtful word to say. Saying it aloud would break him to the core. It would destroy the bubble of denial that had surrounded him for the time being.
He left Kizashi, who was sobbing quietly, hiding his pain inside.
Entering Sakura, he found the girl on the bed, reading a book and embracing the necklace from him.
"Sasuke-kun!" she said cheerfully, lifting her gaze from above the text. She patted the spot next to her. Sasuke sat down, hiding his eyes from her, "When are you done? I thought we could study for a while, and then we could think about the first trip we'll go on once everything gets going." He didn't answer her, fighting the betraying tremor in his voice "Sasuke-kun?" she suddenly grabbed his face and turned him around "Were you crying? What happened?"
She ran her thumb over Sasuke's cheek, wiping away tears. The merriment disappeared from her face.
"You're scaring me. What is it, Sasuke-kun?"
"Sakura..." he whispered at last, unable to make any more sound in his voice.
Gently, as if she were about to break, he embraced her face. The green irises looked at him with all the warmth they still possessed. Sasuke pressed his lips to the girl's forehead, and Sakura didn't need to read his mind at all to at least partially understand what was going on.
"Sasuke-kun."
A faint voice reached his ears. He didn't want to hear anything more, not now. He closed her lips with his own, putting all his feelings into that kiss. Their tears mixed together, leaving a bitter taste.
Reluctantly, slowly, he pulled away from Sakura, touching his fingers to her lips one last time. Sasuke quickly got out of bed, not wanting to remember Sakura in such a state - sad. He preferred the happy version of her that had accompanied him from the very beginning.
"Why does it look like goodbye?" she asked, in a breaking voice carrying so much fear, uncertainty and pain that his knees almost buckled under him, "Sasuke-kun, don't leave me. I love you."
He backed up against the wall, leaving the room hastily. He will regret it for the rest of his life, he knew, but his mental health was at stake. Otherwise, he wouldn't rise if he stayed.
A cry could be heard on one side and silence on the other, having more suffering in it.
"Are you okey?"
Itachi stood beside him, watching his brother. Why he had come here Sasuke didn't even feel like knowing.
"When can I fly out?"
"I'll book your flight for today, if you want."
"Do it," he said without hesitation.
Sasuke turned in a different direction than the one he had come from. He had to leave behind the last ties connecting him to Sakura. Itachi walked right behind him.
"Why this sudden change? Weren't you supposed to stay until Sakura died? She still has about two weeks left."
"I can't watch her dying." He paused, looking hostilely at his brother, "And I advise you, shut the fuck up."
There are two more parts left
I hope you enjoyed the chapter - feel free to let me know what you think!