Sasuke laid on his bed, an hour had already passed since they arrived from their mission, within that hour he spent alone in his room with Naruto busy doing god knows what and in god knows where, he used the time to write their report for their mission, knowing Kakashi would delay his mission reports again, affecting their team and giving them a bad reputation for always passing reports late. Just thinking about the blond idiot and their lazy captain made him rub on his temple. He stared at the ceiling thinking about their recent mission, he finds it strange that on their way to the site, they were hearing desperate cries and loud banging. They expected the mission to last for 5 hours, unexpectedly it lasted less than 2 hours, everything doesn't sound right. Unable to stop thinking, he stood up and looked at the wall clock.
Right, he remembers he still needs to meet up with the surrenderee an hour from now. So he stood up and took a steamy hot shower, inside the bathroom, he stripped off his clothes and turned on the hot water. Though it stings on his skin he needs this right now, with all the stress from the mission, the strange underground laboratory, and a certain annoying pinkette. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes and the first thing he thought of was the pinkette biting her lower lip. He shook his head wishing the image of the pinkette would disappear and quickly finished his shower.
He doubts his next shower would be peaceful, ever since he met the pinkette, she would casually pop in his head. He grunted and turned off the shower and headed to the room. Just in time, he saw Naruto walk in casually, whistling and avoiding Sasuke's eyes. Sasuke pulled out his black cargo shorts, and a plain V-neck shirt. He looked back at Naruto whose back was facing him. The blond was making himself busy by digging in his bag searching for nothing, throwing everything on the floor creating a pile of clothes and a mess.
" Dobe what did you do this time? " Naruto sheepishly smiled at him and shook his head. Naruto glanced at him. Sasuke crouched down and tied his shoes, and when he felt the blond's eyes on him, he looked up and saw Naruto stare at him, guilt evident in his eyes.
" You'll be in big trouble if you don't tell me now. " Naruto turned red from embarrassment and chewed on his lip. He went to the door and opened it to look at the hallway then slammed it shut. He paced back and forth then approached Sasuke who was now, organizing their report inside the folder. Naruto pulled out a torn and wet orange booklet.
" Please don't tell Kakashi-sensei. " Sasuke rolled his eyes and pushed Naruto away from him. He took his Kusanagi beside his bed and walked to the door. He looked back at Naruto, who was sitting on the floor, and Sasuke then smirked evilly at him. " Kakashi is so gonna kill you, so you better find a way to replace that. " Naruto's eyes widened and crawled towards Sasuke who immediately slammed the door close.
Sasuke had to hide his smirk, he enjoyed teasing Naruto sometimes. He looked around the hallway, finding it empty, so he took his time to leisurely walk and familiarize the place. He paused on his track when he heard soft curses and shuffling. He followed the sound that led him to the laboratory. He peeked through the glass pane of the door. The room was dark and silent. He was about to shrug it off not until he heard glass breaking. He unsheathed his sword from his back and silently went inside. When he saw no one, he crouched down and walked slowly to the corner. When he heard frantic footsteps, he leaned on the wall and tightened his grip on his sword. He stayed like that for a whole minute. He was about to turn on all the lights. When he saw someone pass in front of him. Sasuke immediately grabbed the person's shoulder and exchanged their positions. Sasuke slammed his fist on the wall next to the person's face and pointed his blade on the person's neck.
When he heard a gasp, he knew all too well whose voice it was. He squinted his eyes and flicked the switch on just beside his hand, on the far right corner of the room the fluorescent turned on, with the lowly lit bulb he could only see half of her face but he could still see her. He saw her wide teary eyes filled with fear and agony. Her hair was a mess, pointing in different directions. He could see her tear-stained cheeks and her bruised lip from the biting. She was breathing heavily, he could pick up a strong scent of coffee from her mouth but he could still smell the alcohol on her lips. She looked tired, Sasuke was seeing a different Sakura right now. Quite the opposite of a smiling Sakura he always saw but despite being a mess right now. He still finds her beautiful.
Sakura looked up and saw Sasuke staring intently at her. She looked down and saw his adam's apple bob up and down. She then looked down to his chest heave a deep breath. Sasuke then slowly pushed himself off her. Sakura then moved away from him, heading to the mess she made, and crouched down. Sasuke then immediately crouched beside her and held her hand when she was about to pick up the broken glass. Sakura turned red and looked away. Sasuke then started picking up the broken glass and moved to throw it in the garbage can.
Sakura went to sit by the counter filled with herbs. She moved everything aside except for her journal. She then slammed her head on the journal and groaned. Sasuke stared at her back and moved to sit beside her. She turned her head to look at him while laying her head on her journal.
" You should go back to your room Sasuke. " Sasuke lifted a brow at her then looked around.
" And report your midnight drinking sessions? " Sakura groaned and pouted at him. Sasuke then noticed her bleeding lower lip. He then straightened Sakura and turned the chair for it to face him. Slipping his hand in his pocket, he pulled out a white handkerchief. He leaned closer and wiped off the blood on her lips. Sakura turned red and avoided his deep stare. Sakura looked down at the now stained handkerchief and snatched the handkerchief from him.
" I'll wash it tonight and give it to you tomorrow. " Sasuke shook his head and leaned back. He then crossed his arms and stared at her. The room fell into a deep silence, so Sakura took the moment to organize her herbs again. Sasuke took the containers and handed them to her. Sakura would smile and glance at him once in a while. He, on the other hand, would just stare at her.
When the silence continued and the room's atmosphere thickened, Sakura cleared her throat and went to face Sasuke again. She rested her cheek on her palm and stared at Sasuke who stared back at her in return. " Would it hurt if we talk? " Sasuke shrugged and scoffed. For awhile they both stared at each other until an idea popped inside Sasuke's head.
" If you want to talk. Then what's bothering you? " Sakura bit her lower lip and went back to organizing her stuff. " You know work, it's frustrating to not finish everything on time. " Sasuke stared at her uninterestingly and grunted. He knew all too well, this girl doesn't go on tantrums just because she wasn't able to finish her work. From his observation, the girl would rather stay up late or not sleep at all just to finish her work rather than drink and waste time.
" Hn " Sakura glanced at Sasuke's face, his eyes are literally telling her he's not stupid. She pouted and went back to packing her stuff. Sasuke handed her the tote bag where she usually keeps her herbs. When Sakura reached out for the tote bag, Sasuke immediately pulled back his hand.
" Or should I tell your superiors about this? " Sakura glared at Sasuke who smirked playfully at her. She glared even more at him, not trying to back down from his taunts. Sasuke only stared calmly at her, not until she gave up. She sighed and groaned. Sasuke smirked at her and helped her with her stuff.
"It's -, I-, I saw this person who used to bully me in high school. I'm not sure if it's really that person since I haven't seen that person for like years, well not until today. " Sasuke looked at her intently, why would a girl like Sakura get bullied? what for?
Sakura unconsciously touched her forehead then bit her lip. Sasuke took it as the reason and sighed. " Why would that girl bully you for your forehead? " Sakura laughed at him and when Sasuke stared seriously at her, her laugh faded awkwardly.
" Pfft- who says it's a girl and it's my forehe- " Sasuke glared at her and she sighed in defeat. She moved her tote bag aside and slumped on the counter " That I don't know why they were bullying me, she was one of the girls who used to bully, but still seeing her reminds me of those days. " Sakura looked up at him and smiled sadly at him. Sasuke stared at her forehead. " Maybe they envy it cause it's filled with facts and knowledge. " Sakura lifted a brow at him and covered her forehead.
" Hey! " Sasuke smirked and stood up. He took the bag and locked it inside the closet. He went back to stand beside Sakura and turned off her desk lamp. Sasuke then pulled Sakura to stand up. " Are you saying, I'm smart? " Sasuke stared at her and sighed.
" I'm stating your smart. " He then cocked his head to the door and Sakura went out first with a smile on her face, followed by Sasuke who then locked the laboratory. Sasuke went to walk ahead and Sakura trekked behind him. When Sakura noticed they had already passed her room, she tapped his shoulder and pointed to her room. Sasuke shook his head at her and continued until they reached the entrance of the base. When they arrived outside they saw 3 people standing together was surrounded by 5 men. When they approached the group Sakura saw the bully that she talked to Sasuke about. She slowed her pace and stood behind Sasuke.
Sasuke nodded at the guards, who bowed at him and went back to their post. Sasuke stared at the group, then studied their looks. The orange-haired man was tall and strong he has orange eyes just like his hair, and he looked like a serious and quiet person. Sasuke moved to look at the 2nd person, he had white mid-length hair, he got purple eyes, and sharp teeth. Based on his aura, he is a loud and boisterous kind of person. Sasuke then moved to the last girl, redhead, with an uneven haircut, her eyes were red as well. The redhead smiled and winked at him. Sasuke had to roll his eyes at her.
" I'm ANBU Lieutenant Sasuke Uchiha, I'll be watching over you three for the next few days. You are to follow my orders without asking any questions, and you are to give me a detailed report during the interrogation. Your actions towards the people of the base will be the basis for your detention. Either we settle it without the use of force or we pass this problem to the council, are we clear? " The group nodded immediately.
Sasuke moved to stand in front of the orange-haired man. The man bowed and introduced himself, " I'm Juugo, I have no name last time because my memories were erased, so Suigetsu gave me a name. " Sasuke nodded and moved to stand in front of the smirking white-haired man, " I'm the infamous Suigetsu Hozuki, I named him, pretty smart, huh? " Sasuke snickered and moved to stand in front of the redhead.
" I'm Karin Uzumaki, I'm 23 and single. " Karin bent down a bit to show off his cleavage. Luckily Sasuke was staring at Suigetsu when the said man snickered at Karin's introduction. Sasuke moved again to stand in the middle, he moved his gaze from left to right and nodded at them.
" Who here has medical knowledge? " Karin smiled widely and raised her hand, Sasuke then looked through his shoulder and saw the unnoticed Sakura fidgeting with her lab coat. Sakura immediately straightened her shoulder and moved to stand beside Sasuke.
Sasuke could see her fist unclenching, he could hear her silent but heavy breathing. He definitely knows she was nervous despite the hard stare she gave the group. She looks stern but he could feel her nervous aura vibrating. He may look unemotional and cold but he was not insensitive. He looked back at the group who were fidgeting under Sakura's gaze.
" What is the loser doing in he- " Sasuke immediately cleared his voice and glared at Karin. " You are to know your superiors. Doctor Sakura Haruno here will lead the medical team on this mission so show her some respect. You are to take orders from her if you disobey her, consequences will follow, you are not an ally you are still an enemy being watched over " Karin gulped and nodded at him.
" Does anyone here have combat or weapon handling skills? " Suigetsu raised his hand and sent him a haughty smirk.
" You'll be training under me then, I will evaluate your skills. You are not to train with anyone that I did not assign to. " Suigetsu sent him a salute and snickered at the now fuming Karin.
Sasuke moved to look at Juugo. He does not believe a man like him has no experience nor skill in combat let alone handling weapons. Sakura followed Sasuke's gaze. The big man was looking nervous despite his cool composure.
Juugo breathed in heavily and stepped forward to Sakura. He bowed at her. Sasuke looked at him and raised his brow at the now, sad-looking Suigetsu. Suigetsu met his stare and looked away. Karin was biting her lip and was now looking at the ground.
" I know, we're still your enemies, but I hope you'll help me Sakura-san. Please help me. " Sakura eyes looked sadly at the bowing man before her. She glanced at Sasuke who was staring down at the man. She bent down before the man and took his hand. She held his rough hands and pulled him up. She smiled softly at him.
" I would gladly help you Juugo-san, meet me tomorrow in here, after my shift, and whatever problems you have we'll fix it, mmkay? " Juugo nodded and sent her a small yet sincere smile. He nodded at Sasuke then went back to his place.
Sasuke nodded at them and threw Suigetsu 3 keys. Suigetsu held it up to his face and Karin took it from his hands.
" You'll be living in the same room, so you'll be monitored easily. The three of you will have a curfew. I don't want to see your faces in the hallway by 10. Are we clear? " Everybody nodded, Sasuke nodded his head to the guards at the entrance.
The said guard then walked up to the group and escorted them to their room. When the group was out of sight, Sakura finally let out a loud sigh followed by a groan. Sasuke glanced at her and walked to the opposite side of the building. Sakura looked up and saw him a few meters away.
He walks fast, she thought, and went to catch up to him. She jogged next to him, keeping up with his long strides.
" Aren't you going back to the base Sasuke? "Sasuke shook his head and slowed down his steps for the pinkette to catch up. Sakura moved in front of him while walking backward. She held her hands behind him and smiled up at him.
" Well, where are we going? It's late, shouldn't you rest? " Sasuke looked at her now cheery face, definitely blushing from the jog. He shook his head again and pocketed his hands. Sakura then moved to walk beside him. She looked up and saw the stars twinkling down at her. Too busy to admire the surrounding, she soon realizes they were very far from the base and was now, standing before the cemented staircase. She looked up at Sasuke who was walking up the cliff. She looked back and saw guards still near them.
She was trailing behind the monotonous man. The short hike was silent, yet peaceful. She again looked back and saw they were still not that far and could see a glimpse of the building. She needed to be close to the base in case of an ambush or emergency. She admired the daisies growing beside the stairs and loved the budding flowers. She would occasionally pause to admire it and touch it then would jog to catch up with the raven.
Once reaching the top, the view in front of her took her breath away. She moved to the edge of the cliff and admired her surroundings. The cherry blossoms just near the cliff and watched as the blooming flowers sway with the wind. The cherry blossom tree shaking off small pink and white petals off its stems. She looked up and felt the moon and stars closer to her than ever.
Sasuke on the other hand moved to sit at the bench in the middle of the cliff. He closed his eyes and leaned up to the sky. This was the only place where he could relax ever since moving to the base a month ago. Whenever he feels the pressure on his shoulder, or he just couldn't sleep with Naruto's loud snores, he would go to this place and calm his mind from all the chaos.
Now he recalled he had been staying in here for a month he wondered about the responsibility he turned his back to. He was pressured by his father to take their business since he was getting old but Sasuke wanted something else, he wanted to work for ANBU, the darker side of the military force. Sasuke knew his life was a risk, but he loved to surpass his brother who used to be part of the ANBU before transferring to the Konoha Police Force which was established by their ancestors. His brother was busy with the Police Force, with no one to take over their business, his father feared, their company will end in his term. Sasuke knew nothing about business, he could not deny the attention his father gave him was great, but he could not see himself, sitting in meetings, doing paperwork, and converse with businessmen.
He loves the idea of helping and doing what's right. The police force gave that power but they couldn't satisfy Sasuke's need to punish the corrupt and punish the killers. Imprisonment was just a consequence but never a punishment.
He let out a deep sigh and stared ahead of him and saw the pinkette, leaning at the railing, appreciating the view before her. She was staring at the moon reflecting on the ocean, while the flowers around her glowed under the moon's stare with the stars accentuating the night sky even more. Sasuke always has shown great marvel to this place but that thought immediately vanished when the pinkette looked at him then smiled. He was even marveled by the view of the smiling pinkette. He might have just decided she was the best and most beautiful view he had laid his eyes on.
She was definitely glowing, the moon was shining down on her, and her apple green eyes sparkled even more with the stars glittering above her. He could feel his cheeks heating up, but his body stayed frozen while staring at the pinkette who let out a soft giggle to the fireflies. Everything about her was too good to be true. She was like how his mother described fairytale stories of how princes meeting the princess.
Just this time he lets his emotions and her charm, enchant him. She is undeniably beautiful and breathtaking and perfect and just. His mind went blank and had never felt so serene and peaceful ever since puberty hits him. He could feel his heart beating erratically and his mouth goes dry.
Sasuke stared at her, longer than he usually thought he would. The trance broke off when he felt her sit beside him and stared at the view ahead of him. He moved to look ahead ignoring his recent actions. Sakura sighed and looked at the moon before her. She always has loved to stare at nature. It's like she was a part of it. Though she lived in a big city, she would always make time to go to places like this. She sighed in content and glanced at Sasuke who was leaning on the bench. His serene face shone under the moon's glare. She saw his eyes soften whenever fireflies move to block his view. She noticed how he would unconsciously smile for a second. For another night, she was getting to know him even more. She smiled and went back to look ahead of her.
" Everything in here is beautiful Sasuke. " Sasuke glanced at her and nodded. Everything in this place was beautiful, but her presence made it even more beautiful and more serene. She looked at him and caught his stare. She smiled widely at him like a kid and he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
IDK if I wrote what I imagined but guuuys if you could just read my mind, everything would look even better. LIKE AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Anyway, work has been hectic but guess what whenever I have a day off, I would use that time to edit and write another chapter. Will try to make it even longer and better next time.
Stay safe and healthy! Love lots!
- Luna