Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Chapter Two: Topsy-Turvy

The light of the new day woke her before her alarm did. Sakura felt worse than she did after a long, grueling mission. Her emotions felt raw and exposed after the night's torment. Nightmares haunted her while she slept, and she woke often through the night, sweat drenched, shaking, with tears stinging her eyes and trailing down her face. She didn't want to wake up but neither did she want to sleep, not if their faces were going to haunt her. Not if closing her eyes meant seeing theirs.

Eventually her alarm clock began to blare but she did not have it in her reach over and turn it off. The shrill beeping droned out the pain, filling the hollow void in her heart with something other than haunting memories. Her head pounded, her throat was raw, her lips dry and cracked and her nose bright red. Her body cried out for reprieve, for comfort, for silence. Yet, she let that screaming, mechanical beep continue to play. That was, until, a long mewl interrupted the wail. Sakura closed her eyes and a bleak smile tried to pull at her lips.

"I'm sorry, Kinshou," she croaked out, and a moment later a large, fat cat jumped up onto the bed with her. He cried again in protest to the harsh song bombarding his ears. Sakura wheezed out a laugh as the feline patted at her face, his plea for her to turn that infernal racket off. Obliging the cat's sensitive ears, she finally pulled herself over and reached with a heavy arm, switching off the alarm. She had let it go for a solid seventeen minutes; no wonder he came inside. Kinshou mewled again, this time in relief, and proceeded to pester Sakura for attention.

"Now you're here," she chastised him, "I could have used your company last night." The grey and black tabby only purred as she clumsily scratched at his ears, green eyes peeking open to catch her own jade ones for a brief moment. "Fat cat," she chuckled. It always amused her at how large the animal had grown to be. She called him Kinshou, Little, because when she found him behind the clinic a year and a half ago, he was a tiny thing in desperate need of care. Now he weighed a hefty thirteen pounds. Oftentimes he'd go out for the night and wouldn't come back, but it never really worried her. Despite his girth he was surprisingly agile and was smart enough to hide from trouble. It seemed like he understood her accusations because he was being extremely affectionate. Perhaps the scent of salty tears or being able to sense her troubled aura made him come back home. Perhaps he anticipated what had transpired through the night and he left to cope with it in his own way. "You're here now; I guess that's what's important, hmm?" The cat only continued to purr.

After a long, hot shower, Sakura sat once more at the little table on her porch, drinking her coffee and enjoying the sunrise. Just like yesterday, the sky was beautiful and the town looked magical in the glow. Kinshou laid in her lap and she stroked his plush fur absently as her eyes wandered the waking village. She had contemplated the idea of calling Yanagi and asking for the day off, but she knew staying home would only give her time to think. Sakura liked to imagine that she could preoccupy herself somehow, but she knew well she wouldn't. Even though she felt like a train wreck, the clinic would be the best place for her. She also didn't want to worry the old clinician. She knew he cared for her like she was his granddaughter. Also, she hated not being there to help, to accomplish things in mere seconds with her ninjutsu that traditional methods would take minutes, maybe hours, to finish. Prying her cat from the tops of her thighs, she got herself a second cup of coffee as she began to get ready to work.

"Good morning, Sakura-sama," Yanagi greeted as she entered the clinic. This morning he was sorting through fresh herbs to prepare to dry. Sakura made a mental note to check his wrist before she left for the day before he got to his mortar.

"Hello, Yanagi-sama." Sakura tried to make herself sound as pleasant as she could. The dark circles that were just present under her eyes contrasted with her bright tones, though, and when he turned to acknowledge her, Yanagi didn't fail to notice them. Her posture was also much poorer, her usual gusto subdued, and he couldn't help but think back to the day before.

"Poor sleep?" He inquired, and Sakura cursed his perception not for the first time.

"Yeah," she admitted, the word coming out like a sigh. She approached the table that was her desk. "I couldn't fall asleep until really late for some reason," she lied, and he hummed his acknowledgement. At the desk, she noted something that was not there the previous day: flowers. They were beautiful pink lilies, the same hue as her hair, and they were planted in a pot thrown locally in Hougyoku. She recognized the style. "Yanagi…" she turned to face the old man who only smiled at her.

"I saw them and they made me think of you," he admitted.

"They're gorgeous… but why?" Yanagi shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and turned back to his herbs, not answering her right away. Sakura waited, knowing it would eventually come.

"…I don't know much about your past, Sakura… it's not my business. I know you've suffered greatly and for that I am sorry. I'm not blind; I see the pain on your face when I mention certain things. I sense it on your person some days so strongly that it almost feels tangible, and I wish I could reach out and take it away as if it were a shroud you cannot remove yourself." He sighed, still turned away from her. She silently approached him step by step until she was mere inches from his back. "I'm not telling you to open up to me, or anyone else. That will come in time. I just want to let you know that there are people here in Hougyoku who care about you, who are concerned about you, and who want you to be happy… I guess I just-" He stopped when he felt arms snake about him and a firm but gentle weight settled on his back.

"Thank you… Yanagi-sama." He placed a hand upon her arm and she tightened her embrace. "Thank you, for everything." He could hear the tears on her voice, and when he turned himself about, he saw her eyes were glistening. Placing his hands on both her shoulders he looked Sakura in the eye, his own dark gaze intense with emotion.

"If you ever want to talk, or simply need someone to listen, I'm always here for you, Dear." Sakura nodded her head, unable to speak, so overwhelmed with emotion she was. A few tears finally fell over her eyelids and streaked down her face. He had no idea how much his generosity meant to her. Such a simple action blew her away. "Now wipe away those tears and let's hustle! You're about to make this old man cry!" Sakura laughed and shook her head, noticing his own eyes beginning to become wet.

"Right. I'm sorry," she chuckled, and Yanagi wiped away some of her tears with a thumb. The scent of fresh sage and lavender filled her nose, the crushed oils having lingered on his skin. It soothed her frazzled nerves and she couldn't help but take in another deep breath. "Thank you, so much. You have no idea how much this all means to me," she told him before getting to work. Yanagi smiled broadly and reached up beneath his glasses to wipe at his eyes.

"No thanks are needed. Now go, get to work! It's already seven!" Sakura huffed in humor at him, but her spirits were lifted and she felt much better than when she woke up this morning.

Just as Sakura had anticipated, clinic work preoccupied her mind, and the day was bustling with activity and patients. Rather than slip into a wreck, she was calm and content and busy. It was exactly what she needed. Whenever there was a lull, the sight of her lilies sitting happy on her desk put a smile on her face. Rather than dwell on her misfortunate past, she filled her mind with thoughts of her new life, her new friends and family. She was sick of feeling torn and tattered by the ghosts of her past. Sakura forced herself to only think about the present. To think of happy things only. To be happy. True her loved ones were gone, her old home ruined, but she had a new home, and new loved ones to fill that void. She was able to start anew, here, in this lovely town, and she was too blind to see it sometimes.

I'm not some pathetic, sniveling girl. I'm a strong woman. A kunoichi. A Leaf. Tsunade's legacy! I don't have time to feel sorry for myself when other people need me.

By the end of her shift, Sakura felt like she could take on the world. Yes, the thoughts of her friends and family, now gone, were not completely erased from her thoughts - they could never be. But their faces were now bright and happy, not lifeless and cold as they entered her mind. Yanagi noticed her change in behavior and continually smiled her way, encouraging her in his own way to live, and be happy! To see the joy in life and not the misery. By the end of her shift, though tired, her aura was bright and her eyes twinkled again.

"Thank you again so much for the lilies, Yanagi-sama," Sakura told him as she gathered her things to go. Yanagi was washing his hands at a small sink and he smiled her way.

"Stop thanking me, woman. You're more than welcome." Sakura grinned sheepishly. "If you'd like, you should stop by for dinner tonight. My wife said she wanted more company again at the dinner table since the kids have all moved to the city." Sakura couldn't tell if that was all true. She knew his children had all moved away for schooling or work and their home was now empty but for the two of them. For all she knew, he was simply extending his courtesy once more, seeking to keep her in a good mood, and to keep her from the monsters he knew often haunted her. Sakura lived alone, she had no one to go to, to talk about her day with, to eat with, or even watch tv with – except the cat he knew she rescued. Sakura didn't want to impede upon Yanagi and his wife if this was a spur of the moment offer, but the look he gave her was so heartfelt she couldn't say no to him. Despite her earlier resignation to start being herself again and not dwell on her past, it wasn't to say she would slip and sob herself to sleep once more. Company would probably be a good thing.

"Great!" Yanagi exclaimed when she accepted the offer.

"I'd wait and walk with you, but little Hana-chan threw up on my feet today," she admitted with a face. "I still feel like I smell like vomit. I'd like to shower and change."

"Of course, of course! Come by once you're ready."

True to her word, Sakura rushed home and showered off the lingering stench of bile from her skin. It was probably just in her head, for she scrubbed her feet off vigorously at the clinic, but the hot shower was welcome to reinvigorate her senses. A hot shower always did wonders for the soul. Wanting to appear well dressed but not too formal, Sakura had an excuse to pull out a pretty spring yukata she purchased last year and rarely wore. It was only linen and not silk, but the craftsmanship was apparent once viewed. The color was a soft mint with a simple cherry blossom pattern sewn onto the skirt in white embroidery. A nice pair of sandals adorned her feet, the white fabric thongs matching the embroidery. Her long, pink locks of hairs she usually kept up for practicality's sake she decided to let flow down her back and shoulders. A quick shimmer of pearly eyeshadow, mascara and pale pink lip stain completed the look.

Observing herself in her mirror, Sakura chuckled, trying to remember the last time she actually put on makeup, even if it wasn't much. She felt good, though; carefree. It would be nice to go to dinner and make small talk. She hadn't seen Yanagi's wife in some time, too.

"Whaddya think, Kinshou?" she asked the fat tabby who watched her from his perch on her bed. He made a soft mew at her and she grinned. "Yes, I think so, too."

As Sakura made her way towards Yanagi's house she passed a few people along the road. They all greeted her merrily, complimenting her yukata and asking where she was headed.

"Do you have a date, Sakura-san?!" some of the women asked mischievously. Then men would ask, "Who's the lucky guy?"

"No, I'm just going to go have dinner with Yanagi-sama and his wife." Though not as interesting as a date, the women would 'aww' and the men would smile. All of Hougyoku respected Yanagi, and they all told her to tell the couple a warm hello.

It's like they all want me to date, she laughed to herself. Luckily, Sakura was only twenty-two and not a middle aged woman whose biological alarm clock was ticking away. She had many years, she felt, before she would settle down. If she settled down.

Yanagi and his wife, Ajisai, greeted her like she was their own flesh and blood. Yanagi made no mention of that morning, nor did his wife lead on to think anything had been amiss with Sakura. Since she and Yanagi saw each other regularly, Ajisai and Sakura did most of the talking that evening as they ate. Though it wasn't much, it was like a gourmet dinner compared to what Sakura typically cooked for herself. Though a successful ninja and medic, cooking wasn't in her repertoire. She wasn't particularly terrible, but eating Ajisai's food made her own cooking seem like slop. After eating, Yanagi showed the progress his bonsai trees were making to his guest. His newest addition was a little red maple tree, a gift from a colleague from the big city north of Hougyoku. Ajisai revealed small projects of her own to the girl, such as items she was knitting and sewing and painting. She was an excellent chef and artist, and Sakura marveled at her skill as the woman proudly showcased her works.

The night was fun and relaxing. It was normal. It was happy. No tears filled her eyes. No rage or guilt clouded her heart. The couple didn't bombard her with questions about her past. Didn't try and make her relive her life five years ago. That was what she was most grateful for. When she finally said her farewells and made her way back home, that good mood remained. Kinshou greeted her, and they watched some television together until she dozed off on her couch. Waking again and realizing her location, she shuffled to her bed, fat cat in her arms, and fell into blissful, dreamless sleep once more.

She woke up with her morning alarm feeling brand new, and the rest of her week went smoothly. Work was busy, her flowers remained on her desk, and each night someone invited her to come and eat dinner with them. Sakura was sure it was Yanagi's doing, but she accepted each offer with a graceful smile and a please and thank you. Each night the company was welcome, so she had no intentions of asking him to stop. And as the week came and went, so did the anniversary of her home's destruction, and with it her emotional state. By the time Friday came, Sakura was back to her normal self, and she could periodically think upon her lost friends with a smile, not tears.

Saturday had plans to keep her busy all day with a trip into the outlying countryside beckoning her. The beautiful landscape was cathartic, and she needed to replenish certain wild herbs and flowers at the clinic. She expected a peaceful afternoon hiking through the valleys and rolling hills, drinking in the fresh air and foraging for plants. What she didn't expect was an urgent knocking on her front door as she was preparing her pack for her afternoon. Worried about the repeated rap of knuckles against wood when she didn't answer right away, Sakura made haste for the door.

"Sakura-san!" It was a young man just a few years her younger, out of breath and looking worried. "Please come quick! You're needed at the clinic!" Her heart lurched in her chest.

"Sanosuke! Yes, of course I'll go." Kicking her sandals on, she shut the door behind her. Sanosuke, hands on his knees as he gasped for breath, waved his hand towards the village.

"Go, quickly! Don't wait for me!" With a swift nod, Sakura powered chakra into her feet and she flew like an arrow from a bow towards the clinic. The journey that typically took her about half an hour to walk only took a few minutes. Gasps followed in her wake as she streaked past the villagers in a blur of pink hair.

Even before she entered the building her senses could feel something was off. Her nose detected that cloying stench of blood and death, and she felt a hollow pit of dread form in her stomach. The fine hairs on her arms and the back of her neck suddenly stood on end as a presence brushed against her senses, making her heart skip a beat. She knew this presence. Or did she? It felt familiar, and yet, she couldn't be sure at the same time. Pushing away those thoughts, she tried not to ponder on such things. If the clinic had sent for her in such a manner the person was obviously critical, and her ninjutsu was in much need.

"I'm here!" She called out more loudly than she intended as she rushed in through the employee entrance, adrenaline still surging. She hadn't used chakra to run like that in quite some time. She hadn't used chakra for anything but medical ninjutsu these days, the thought briskly occurred to her. The clinic staff were crowded inside one of the patient rooms, blocking whoever needed her help from view. Yanagi was there, his white frock and gloves gleaming with blood.

"Sakura! Thank goodness!" He dropped the usual honorary suffix when greeting her for the day in his haste. "Quickly!" She immediately approached, and that nagging feeling that something was off was even stronger now. Sanosuke never told her who had been hurt. The village wasn't very small, but neither was it big. He would have given her a name, wouldn't he? So why not? Who was laying on that bed, then? Her heart raced as the person came into view.

While she expected it to be someone from the village, or at least someone from nearby, she never would have expected to see the man that was lying on the bed before her.

His typically pale skin was even more drained of color. Those long, raven tresses were thickly matted with blood. And those eyes, dark like onyx tinged deep blue, were half-mast and unfocused. As always, those lines of what she could only think to be insomnia marked his handsome face, but those eyes were certainly not the beautifully dangerous red and tomoe marked weapons she had always seen him sport before. For the briefest of seconds she had thought it was her former teammate and crush that had turned a traitorous enemy, but that was impossible. He was dead. It always startled her the resemblance they shared, and that was no exception now. Yet… and yet, this man should be dead, too.

There was no denying that the man bleeding out before her very eyes was the infamous rogue shinobi, Uchiha Itachi.