21 • No Rest for the Wicked
Waking up, I'm assaulted with a terrible headache that only worsens when I try to open my eyes and am further attacked by the harsh lights of the room I'm in. I would groan if I didn't feel so tired that making any sounds seemed like a tremendous effort. Instead, I carefully feel around me with my hands and chakra.
Judging by the soft material beneath my hands, I'm on a bed of better quality that I've ever experienced. Which is suspicious in itself because the only places I sleep are at Camp, the Academy, or the small clearings in the forest I found surrounding the many parks in the village.
The suspicion doesn't last for long as I recognize what my chakra is telling me. Wherever I am, it's been deemed fit enough to have all the Brats asleep as they're clustered together - with some adults nearby, just slightly further away and awake.
Now, I think as I swallow against my dry throat and try to stretch, where the fuck am I and why.
"Sakura?" Someone whispers my name, sounding disbelieving and hopeful at the same time, which is alarming in itself. Seriously, what happened?
My body is very uncooperative and does not want to stretch so I settle for wiggling because I sure as hell am not about to open my eyes again.
There's a sound of chairs scraping on the floor and people shuffling before I feel several presences hover next to me. I think I even hear someone mutter a "holy shit" in the small commotion.
"Sakura? Can you hear me?" The same person as before asks and being closer I can identify the voice as the Nara Head, Shikaku.
Turning to face the voice, I nod while grimacing slightly at the kinks in my neck that have to be stretched out. I feel so stiff, as if I haven't moved in days. I'm also really hungry and thirsty.
"Thank the Sage," someone else whispers, pure relief in their voice. It's concerning but not really one of my priorities, not as several things are readily becoming more apparent.
I've been unconscious for some time, perhaps a few days, and I'm not looking forward to the hissy-fit Danzō is going to throw because of it. Ugh, not to mention all the training I'll likely be put through. But why was I out in the first place? Trying to think about it only makes my headache worse.
"Why aren't you opening your eyes?" I'm too tired to bother trying to place voices to names or faces or chakra signatures. Knowing Shikaku is here is enough as far as I'm concerned.
At the question, I pause and try to give off the best deadpan expression I can without opening my eyes. It's too bright, that's why, I want to remark but my throat only feels drier at the notion of speaking.
"Ah, right," Shikaku mutters. "Someone turn off the lights and close the blinds."
There's a few seconds of quiet as the others move around to do just that. I can hear the blinds being closed, somewhere to my right, just as someone else hisses for someone to be quiet and not wake the kids. Honestly, who are these other people? I can sense at least three others besides Shikaku.
"Can you try opening your eyes now, Sakura? The room isn't so bright anymore."
I'd rather go back to sleep actually, I frown as I finally notice just how tired I feel. Everything feels so sluggish and heavy, like I just finished an intense training session with the Hunter barrack.
Nonetheless, I slowly peel my eyes open to finally see where I am and who else is here with me. Blinking, I can see the room is dark, but only slightly so as some light still peeks through the blinds of the window to my right.
Turning my head around, I'm met with the concerned (some more obvious than others) expressions of four Clan Heads. Nara, Yamanaka, Aburame, and Inuzuka.
Well, I shift around and test my strength to see if I can sit up, whatever happened couldn't have been good.
"Easy, kid," Shikaku warns, moving forward to place a gentle hand on my shoulder to keep me down. It's more annoying than it is nice. At least I can now see that I'm in the hospital.
"Here, have some water, Brat," the Inuzuka Head steps forward to hand me a bottle with a straw poked through the cap.
I can't help the twitch in my brow at the nickname, especially when it's one I give to the others, but I can't exactly show any offense when this is the first time I'm meeting this woman.
My arms feel heavy as I lift them to grab the bottle, almost shaking with effort. This doesn't go unnoticed because the wild-haired woman frowns sharply and moves closer to hold the straw up my lips instead.
I would be grateful if it didn't just remind me of all the training I'll be thrown into later. As it is, I nod in thanks and slowly sip some water to quench my dry throat and mounting hunger.
I pull away after a minute, thoroughly unnerved by the silence in the room that has all the Brats in it - even if they are asleep. I turn my attention to Shikaku, the only adult I actually know in the room, and try to find some answers.
"The fuck happened?" Okay, so maybe I could have been more polite with my words, especially considering the new adults and Clan Heads that are in the room, but I'm so tired damnit.
He sighs, looking a bit troubled. He shares a quick glance with the other three adults, clearly seeking advice on how to continue. No one actually says anything or expresses much, leaving me even more confused.
"Well," he begins, turning to look back at me with a neutral expression. "What do you remember?"
Why would I be asking what happened if I remembered?!
"How many kunai am I holding," is my mulish, if sarcastic, answer because while being uncooperative would be a bad idea at the moment, I'm also a little shit. "Gives me a headache to try."
He rolls his eyes at the first statement, but that quickly falls into a short grim silence at my second. Ugh, adults. Why can't they just be honest and straightforward about stuff?
"The Hokage will want to speak to you about the details of it later, when you're more recovered-" Pardon? The Hokage? The same Hokage I insulted in our first meeting together? The one I still insult? Shit. Danzō really isn't going to be happy about this. "-but I can give you the bare bones of the situation, if you want. Though, I'd prefer if the kids weren't in the room when I do."
The suspense! Just kill me already, why don't 'cha? I sigh, turning to look at the kids in question.
"How long have they been here? And like that?" It can't be comfortable to sleep in those plastic chairs.
"Refused to leave once they found out you were here," the Inuzuka Head answers this time, looking at her son in particular. When she turns to look at me, there's a suspicious light in her eyes that's mostly hidden by her confusion.
"Got quite the following, don't you, kid?" She motions to the other side of the room that has a table full of cards and gifts and other get-well stuff you give to people that are in the hospital.
I'm a bit appalled I missed the mess of colors, but push the irritation away easily so I can give her my own look of confusion. Does it look like I know why these kids like me so much? Hell, I don't even like myself. I'm a damn mess.
"Lady, I've been trying to answer that question since I first noticed. Trust me, if I knew what the other kids like about me so much, I'd kill it. Brutally." I blame the drugs I'm undoubtedly on for my missing brain-to-mouth filter.
"Oh?" Oh cool, now she looks amused. Yay for the drugs.
"Kiddies aren't bad," I mutter, sighing again to hold back on a yawn. I just woke up, what are you doing to me, drugs? I thought we had something. "The attention is just…" exhausting. Overwhelming. Makes me want to puke-
Woah, not cool, drugs. Not cool. Let's save the introspection for later. Preferably when I'm dead (again).
I shrug instead of finishing the statement. Which, I notice from the corner of my eye, makes the Yamanaka wear a very complicated expression for a moment. That's…something to look out for. Maybe.
Inuzuka says nothing, looking thoughtful. It's odd and goes against everything I was told about the woman from my instructors. So let's just ignore it all and get back to figuring out what the fuck happened to land me in the hospital.
Except, no, the universe decides that's not what's going to happen because the door opens and suddenly there are nurses and doctors in the room and crowding around my bed.
I just want answers damnit! Is that really too much to ask for?!
Yes, a small part of me remarks sarcastically as I notice the Brats wake up to all the noise and activity. Yes, it really is, it continues when they start shouting as they realize I'm awake.
This is going to be a long and very annoying day. It hasn't even been ten minutes since I've woken up! Cut a girl some slack, will you?
"Sakura!"
Somehow, I get the feeling I'm being laughed at by someone somewhere.
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
It takes a full hour before all the medical staff leave me alone. During that time, the other adults managed to wrangle the Brats out of the room and into the hall to give me some "privacy" and get them fed.
I was only slightly uncooperative with the staff, mostly because their hands were cold. People who have cold hands have always been the biggest assholes I've ever known. I don't trust them. Like, why are your hands always so cold? What are you doing to have cold hands?
I bet Danzō has cold hands, is my passing thought as I watch them all leave the room.
Through much pestering, I managed to make them sit my bed up so I can see the room much better. I also won't strain my neck or test my strength trying to look around.
Apparently I'm very talkative for someone in my "situation," whatever the hell that meant. I tried asking, but anytime I needled them for answers on what's supposedly going on, they just got quiet and looked sad, looked at me with pity.
In completely unrelated news, they are all now on my Don't Like list. Only the really aggravating people go on my Shit list. Then the real fuckers of the world go on my Hit list - like Danzō!
Sighing, I turn my attention to the other side of the room that holds a table full of stuff. It's irritating to look at for long, all the cards, flowers, plush toys, and other things are just…so colorful.
One of the nurses, in a completely unprofessional manner, had mentioned how much of a headache it was to receive it all before they all left. I very carefully did not retort back about it, even if I did flip him off specifically when they all left. Just think about the headache I'm going to have from going through it all and deciding what to do with it!
"How annoying," I mutter darkly while leaning back.
There's nothing for me to do before I get answers, which hopefully won't be long now. Shikaku said the Hokage wanted to speak with me, so he should have already been informed that I've woken up after…a week, was it?
To be out for a week, whatever had happened would have had to be big. But, in the village, as a "civilian and academy" child there shouldn't have been any large dangers. I would understand waking up in the Nurse's Office at Camp, because at least there I can make guesses as to what knocked me out.
Simply put, it doesn't make any sense.
There's a knock on the door, pulling me away from my thoughts as a voice calls out. "May I come in?"
"So long as you're not a doctor or nurse, yeah. If you are, fuck off."
There's a slight pause before whoever's on the other side chuckles, opening the door. I almost groan in frustration at seeing who it is, barely resisting the urge to scream and throw my pillow at the man's face.
I knew he was coming, and I planned on being civil, but it seems the Third Hokage will forever be on the other end of my terrible manners.
At least Danzō will derive some amusement from this when I make my report? That should save me from some extra training, right?
"It's good to see you awake and feeling better already, Sakura-chan," the old man says in greeting as he walks in, Shikaku and the Yamanaka Head following behind him.
I purse my lips together to stop them from twitching up into a sneer at the honorific, only blinking placidly as the door closes behind Yamanaka with a very ominous click.
"So as many others have said," I reply back tiredly, watching as he moves to sit in a seat next to my bed. The other two men stay standing behind him. "I hear it's unexpected, but considering I can't recall what the big deal is, I can't say I agree. It's rather annoying, you see."
"Ah, I can imagine it would be," he hums, clearly thinking about something as he clasps his hands together on his lap.
Right. "What do you want, Old Monkey? Am I finally going to learn what has everyone so twitchy and hush-hush?" I hate small talk and pleasantries; don't have much patience for them.
Shikaku sighs, sounding aggrieved at my nickname for the Hokage. Yamanaka is a little wide-eyed, watching incredulously and stealing glances between the two of us. As for the pajama man himself, he just seems a tad amused but mostly tired.
"As of last week," he begins, the atmosphere immediately dropping and turning solemn. I straighten up under his sad gaze, instincts sending an unpleasant shiver down my spine. "Uchiha Itachi is a rogue-nin for the massacre of the Uchiha Clan."
My stomach drops as the words process, stunning me into silence. I swallow against the lump in my throat, hands clenching the bed sheets on my lap as confusion swirls in my mind.
It doesn't make sense. I don't-
There are bodies in the streets, their blood pooling into puddles that splash as I run forward. He stands over his parents, bloody tanto in hand. He falls to his knees, crying and shaking.
"Such kind children."
I stand where he once did, bloody tanto in hand.
"Don't worry, I'll protect Sasuke to the best of my abilities in your stead."
It swings down, blood flying through the air and hitting my face.
"I report to the Hokage and get branded a rogue shinobi."
His eyes are red and black pinwheels, spinning and spinning and spinning-
"Danzō promises to protect the others and keep away from Sasuke."
Children, there were no children amongst the bodies or blood. No small hands and faces, forever etched in fear and despair.
"I'll..look out for them. All of them. I'll keep them safe. I promise."
A sigh of relief, tension leaving his shoulders as he looks at me, grateful and sad and apologetic all at once.
"Thank you."
I'm falling, the world is turning black and I'm tired but there's still more to say, to do.
"Stay safe-"
"Sakura!"
There's a hand pressing my head down, between my knees. A voice is calling my name, steady and calm. There's another hand, rubbing circles on my back, trying to get me to focus.
I blink, the memories overwhelming enough to make my stomach roll with nausea and my eyes burn with tears. I swallow against the urge to throw up, curling tighter into myself to press down on my sick stomach.
My breathing is erratic and my hands are shaking. I open and close them, remembering the tanto I held in my hand as I killed Mikoto and Fugaku. Then, suddenly and unbidden, the realization hits me that I've killed three people in under 24 hours.
How many did Itachi kill in even less time? The thought is hysterical and I almost laugh at it, because the logical part of me knows that there's something wrong with the statement.
"I report to the Hokage…"
I freeze, remembering where I am. Slowly, I lift my head from my knees, the hand on my head hesitantly lifting away. I turn to stare at the old man, the "strongest" in the village, the leader, the one we should all be able to trust.
There were innocents, I think, staring at him blankly, adults and teens and children that were not part of the problem or plan.
"Sakura?" Yamanaka's voice pulls my attention away. I glance over, realizing his hand is still on my back. "Hey, do you want to tell us what happened there?" His voice is soft, calm and unobtrusive. Such a large contrast to his brash and bold daughter.
The Brats, Sasuke, the children-
"..I'll keep them safe. I promise."
I breathe in and out deeply, nausea rolling up again with vengeance. And once again, I feel like laughing.
"I'm fine."
"You were hyperventilating and almost had a panic attack," Shikaku cuts in dryly, leaning against the bed frame. "Excuse us if we don't quite believe that."
I scowl at him, similarly unamused. Sage, that was embarrassing. Danzō would probably throw me into even more training just for that. And ugh, thinking about him reminds of something else.
I reach up slowly, feeling along my cheek for the scar I know will be there. I can see everyone's expression either drop or become guarded once I find it, tracing it slowly. I wonder, what excuse will be used to explain this? And considering I've been changed into hospital scrubs, what do they think happened with my legs?
Would it be too much to hope Itachi helped out to build an excuse? Probably. It's not like he could know about the ones on my legs anyway.
"Sakura," the Hokage calls, solemn but serious. Looking at him now, I can see why he's the Hokage. Doesn't stop me from believing he should step down. "Can you please tell us what happened?"
I have no way of knowing what they already know or think. Have no way of knowing how or where they found me, my last memory being caught by Itachi as I blacked out. But no matter how I act or seem, it'll be best to remind them that they're interrogating an eight-year-old who is very clearly traumatized.
Still, though, you've really left me quite the pickle, haven't you, Princess? Ah, well, I hope he's having better luck than me.
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
They sit outside in the hall, huddled together on the floor instead of using the chairs that were set up for them. Sasuke is squished in the middle, between Naruto and Hinata - the two people he's known for the longest right after Sakura.
He stares at the door, knowing that the Hokage, Shikamaru and Ino's dads are on the other side with his pink-haired friend. Thinking about her makes his stomach twist, reminding him of the week they all spent at her bedside.
He can still remember what it was like when he was first informed about- everything. He remembers running with Naruto through the streets back home, having realized how late it had gotten and that his mother would scold them for it. Remembers almost tripping when two ANBU appeared before they could turn a street, saying that the Hokage wanted to see them.
Truthfully, he had only followed because Naruto trusted them. Presently, he doesn't know whether he's glad he did or not. On one hand, he didn't get to see…what happened. On the other hand, he wasn't there and Sakura was.
After being told what happened, that Itachi - his big brother - would..and that his parents-
Well, it was all sort of blurry after that. Up until another ANBU showed up and they all found out that Sakura was in the hospital. He feels a little ashamed for not remembering the fact that she went to talk with his mother earlier.
He and Naruto didn't hesitate to run out, going as fast as they possibly could to reach the hospital to see their friend. They had burst through the doors, demanding to know where she was and if she was okay.
They almost got turned away and kicked out before the Hokage showed up himself to ask a nurse to let them through. They didn't get to see her right away, she was being looked over by several doctors.
The two of them didn't leave the hospital that night; Naruto was particularly loud in his protest about moving before they could know if Sakura was alright.
The others in their group showed up the next morning, stumbling through the front doors and halls in their haste. They all came as soon as they heard from their parents; most of them were still in their pajamas as proof.
They staked out the hall, just like they're doing right now, until the doctors walked out. It made him uneasy to know that Sakura had to be looked after for a whole night.
The doctor, probably understandably if Sasuke was feeling any less petty, did not want to tell them what sort of injuries their friend had. It had, rather understandably and justifiably he thinks, resulted in a screaming match between all nine of them.
They really almost got kicked out for it, clan heirs or not. Thankfully, their parents had shown up right in time before someone could try to pick them up and cart them off. (Sasuke ignored the observation of neither of his parents or Itachi showing up.)
It took a while, and a lot of crying on their part, before the doctor would tell them anything. He didn't think they, as children, should have to know.
Scars. Sakura's going to have a scar on her face, and several on her legs. The one on her cheek was made by a blade (Sasuke feels sick) and the ones on her leg from a lightning jutsu of some sort (Sasuke wants to cry).
What's worse, he remembers, was hearing about the other, older scars. The ones she's had for years. (Sasuke doesn't scream, but it's a very near thing.)
The news was bad, but Sasuke is glad they got to know about it. Even if it makes him feel guilty about (not noticing, not knowing, not being able to help) the obvious breach in privacy about their friend's life.
"Do you think," Naruto mutters next to him, snapping him out of his thoughts. The blond isn't looking at him, but at the door with solemn eyes. "Do you think she'll be okay?"
Sasuke frowns, unable to find a suitable answer. Will she be okay? Sakura is probably the bravest, strongest person he knows. She doesn't back down from anyone or anything, is always ready to defend them or someone else. She won't hesitate to get into someone's face or pick a fight if it means they'll back off.
She's also brash and blunt, but means well and is the kindest person he knows. She'll stop to help someone out, will smile at them with complete faith and encouragement. She doesn't coddle anyone, believing in their capabilities and thus making them believe in themselves too.
It's hard to reconcile the image of his best friend, fierce and full of life, with the pale girl that looked small in the hospital bed they've been watching over for a week. It's hard to know if she'll ever be the same again.
"Sakura's strong," Hinata speaks up, startling him into looking over. Her expression is confident, her hands clenched into fists in front of her. "She'll be okay."
"But," Choji says next, looking sad and scared. "How can you be so sure?" He sounds and looks guilty for doubting, and Sasuke feels the same.
"Did I ever tell you how I met Sakura?" She asks instead, looking surprised when they collectively say no.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Shikamaru leans forward from his spot next to Naruto to look at her.
"Does it relate to your confidence in Sakura?" Shino asks next, head tilted to the side from where he sits next to Hinata.
Sasuke still can't believe that, just a week ago, he had raised his voice at an adult and authority figure. Him and Choji. They're the quietest of the group, content to keep in the background. Shikamaru would probably fit in the same category if he didn't get so intense about things that interest him.
"It does!" Hinata responds happily, garnering their interest. Immediately, she launches into a hushed story about the winter, a kidnapping, and a savior that fell from the trees. At the very least, it's a nice distraction from the knowledge that Sakura's awake and speaking with the Hokage about…things.
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
Shikaku has a headache. It has shoulder length light-pink hair, mint-green eyes, and is named Sakura. If he had known just how troublesome his son's friend would be, he…would probably still have invited her into the compound that day they met.
He had never seen his son so animated or excited for anything, and wonder of wonders, Shikamaru had lit up when he met them on the path towards the house. He had seen how happy he got whenever the two sat together to play shogi, saw the satisfaction of a good game on his face.
While a bit quick tempered and blunt in a vulgar way, Sakura is good for his son. For all the kids, really. And he knows that the other parents that have met her would agree too, if a little grudgingly in some cases.
They all could have done without the curse words, but she motivates and encourages their children. She befriended and helped Uzumaki Naruto, the son of their late friends, where they weren't able to — opened up a way for them to interact and take care of him too.
So, rather understandably, they were all very upset to learn that she was in the hospital - found in the Uchiha Clan Compound that had just been massacred at the same time.
Still, seeing the way his son had run out after being told the news as delicately as he could was..something. Finding out the rest of the kids did the same, some still in their pajamas, was interesting.
The same could not be said about her scars.
Even now, as he leans against the frame of her hospital bed, listening to her recount what she remembers of the day she ended up here, Shikaku can't help but stare at her covered arms.
He had seen the scars, thin and neat but sporadic in placement, when the children had fallen asleep their first night staking out the hospital. They're almost unnoticeable, would have been too if the doctors weren't thorough in their check up.
Haruno Kizashi was a medic-nin, he remembers and knows he'll need a drink later once he gets home again. Seeing the way this Q&A is going, he thinks that Inoichi will be joining him.
"Wait," Inoichi speaks up, stopping Sakura from continuing in her very casual explanation of her being the one to kill Sasuke's parents. "Please elaborate on that. Why do you believe you were the one to kill Mikoto-san and Fugaku-san?"
Shikaku has been around the girl long enough to recognize her expression as "don't be stupid" - she likes using it against him a lot whenever he gets the chance talk to her about the debates/discussions his son brings home from the academy.
"Because," she enunciates slowly, very clearly showing her thinning patience. "I never saw Itachi kill them. I saw their backs, I felt the tanto in my hand, I remember swinging it in a way to cut both of them down in one strike, and I tasted their blood on my tongue when it hit my face."
They all blink, taking in the fact that this eight-year-old is very calmly recalling what could theoretically be her first kill(s).
"So," she continues, unbothered by their silence and stares. "I can't say Itachi killed them because I don't actually know that, now do I? You asked me what I remembered. This is what I remember."
Alcohol, he thinks wearily as the Hokage continues on with the questions after a moment's pause, and a lot of it. Already he can see and hear Inoichi ranting about the girl's mental health.
"Can you tell us how you got those scars?"
She stills, expression closing off and eyes darkening even if her head tilts curiously and her tone is innocent confusion. "Scars?"
He doesn't grimace at the sight even if he wants to, a reminder of her much emptier expression during her father's funeral. She had seemed so lost then.
"You sure you aren't going senile in your old age? I mean, you're already wearing pajamas in broad daylight," she snarks, tone light in contrast to the sharp and focused calm in her expression. "I already told you what I remember about the one on my face and legs."
And she had. Had explained that she remembers running and getting caught by surprise, barely flinging herself back in time but not quick enough. Then further explained looking into sharingan eyes and blacking out after having a (of all things) chat with Itachi in a genjutsu. No memory or idea of how she got the lightning scars on her legs that day, and was completely unbothered by them when asked.
"They're just scars," she had answered in honest confusion, not seeing what could be so wrong with that. "I don't even feel any pain."
They're going to have to keep a closer eye on her, won't they? At least, more than they usually do ever since they found out that the girl doesn't seem to get enough sleep.
"Sakura," the Hokage sighs, weary.
It's the wrong choice he immediately notices, when she shifts to sit up a little straighter and away from the old man. Now she doesn't bother trying to pretend to be pleasant, expression blank and guarded.
"Pardon me, Hokage-sama," she says and Shikaku isn't the only one to wince. Sakura doesn't do formalities. Oh, she can be perfectly polite, but she'll never be formal with people of any standing. They're stepping on a land mine of a conversation topic here. "I fail to see how that relates to the purpose of your visit, or its relevance to our topic of questioning."
"It doesn't," he agrees quietly.
"Then it'd make sense to get back on topic, yes?" She says it like a question and request, but they can all tell that she's telling them to drop the subject.
Thinking about it, and sharing a glance with his friend, Shikaku knows that even if they push, Sakura won't budge. Knowing her, she'll try to run or start screaming. Maybe she'll even try to throw something at them. She's made it very clear that she doesn't respect or care about their statuses.
The Hokage is obviously aware of this if the small frown on his face is anything to go by. "Very well," he relents, reluctantly. "Let's get back to topic."
None of them miss the way she does not relax for the rest of the visit.
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
I slump back against the bed and let out a quiet groan of frustration once the three men leave the room. It's not exactly easy to think and act in such a quick manner that it looks natural. Thinking up half-truths is even harder when there's no time to prepare without seeming suspicious. But being too willingly in giving up information is also suspicious, considering the nature of our conversation and how I reacted upon (re)learning about it.
I don't care how good I've gotten at deception, it's officially the part I hate the most about being a ninja. It's just so much work. I rather start punching someone for answers than sit down and talk.
Huh, I think I just figured out why there's so many fights and wars between countries. Talking can be so exhausting sometimes.
A soft, hesitant knock on the door makes me sit up straight again, reminding me of what I asked for before the three adults left the room.
"Come in!"
The door opens slowly, Sasuke peeking in for a moment before quickly stepping inside while closing the door behind him. He doesn't step any further into the room, watching me almost nervously. Which, considering I asked to talk to him first and alone, is understandable.
I grin at him. "What? I don't get a 'oh thank the Sage you're alive' hug? Wait, that's more Naruto's style, sorry. But still, not even a 'hello'?"
He blinks at me, clearly dumbfounded. Then, a bit unexpectedly on my part, he bursts into tears. I didn't think he'd start crying until later, but I guess we're doing this right now.
Seeing how he doesn't look to be moving from his spot by the door anytime soon, I toss aside my blankets and swing my legs over the bedside to drop down.
I immediately fall to my knees, my body not used to movement after a week, but shakily push myself up to my feet while using the IV pole to balance myself. Thankfully the thing has wheels as I can continue to hold myself up against something while making my way over to Sasuke.
I drop down beside him, moving the IV pole to be out of the way as I reach out and pull Sasuke into a side hug. He startles, looking up to stare at me in confusion.
"What- Sakura! You shouldn't be out of bed!"
"Hmm, nope. No one told me that, so you're wrong."
He glares at me, not amused with my logic, as I smile back at him. Then he frowns and looks away. Right, eight-year-old child that just lost his entire family in one night and I'm the only "witness".
"The old monkey told me about what happened," I begin softly, watching him to know if I should continue or not.
His face falls blank as he curls into himself some more, but he doesn't say or do anything to indicate I shouldn't continue. Technically. I mean, I would have continued whether or not he didn't want to - I just had to see which way I'd need to word my..words.
Damn, I'm thinking myself into circles. I'm more tired than I thought.
Either way, better he confronts the trauma with me than anyone else. I doubt he'll be too willing to speak with a stranger about it. He's emotionally private like that, keeping things to himself until one of us (the Brats and I) pester it out of him.
"Tell me what happened."
He glances at me, confused. "You already know what happened. Nii-san..Itachi.." He cuts himself off, sounding bitter and distressed in speaking his brother's name.
"Hm, maybe. But now I want to know what you know, think and feel about it. So, tell me what happened. In your own words."
He stays silent but I know he's just thinking about what he wants to say. I lean back against the door we're sitting in front of, content to just wait. It's also probably better that we're on the floor, less of a chance that I'll fall asleep.
"Hokage-sama told me what happened too," he decides to start. I hum quietly to let him know I'm listening and for him to continue. "He said…he said that Nii-san..that Itachi killed everyone.."
His voice breaks off, clearly showing his reluctance to verbally admit what happened. As if saying out loud will make it all the more true and real. As if by not admitting anything, he could pretend it's not real for a while longer.
I don't interrupt. Mostly because this is the better option than Itachi being an idiot and trapping his little brother in a genjutsu to influence his feelings and views.
Sage, what a dumbass. How did I not see it before? Was it because he was usually just quiet? Did having Shisui around, with his own brand of dumbass, overshadow it? Is it a prodigy thing? Because Shikamaru is a genius but he's not a dumbass either. Why am I stuck on this thought process in the first place?
Focus, I chide myself, listening to Sasuke murmur about what he was told.
"I just..," he huffs, evidently and justifiably frustrated and angry. "I just don't understand!" He glares at the ground, a white-knuckled grip on his pants as he heaves with his outburst.
I carefully do not sigh, knowing that children are rather sensitive to everything when under any sort of duress. Instead I hum quietly in thoughtful consideration to show that I'm not ignoring him, but need a moment to organize my thoughts.
I've never encountered a situation as convoluted as this Before, mostly dealing with abuse cases whenever I interacted with children (because those were familiar, easy to understand on a personal level). I don't know if there's a right or wrong thing to say or do to a child whose whole family was murdered (and secretly sold off in a desperate effort) by a close family member.
From what I have seen, been taught and told, Family is a large thing in Konoha - even more so to clans. But the Uchiha? A clan that felt things fiercely and wholly? It's everything.
So yeah, this is a really delicate situation. That isn't even considering the fact that whatever I decide to do here will be reported back to Dino - whether through the force of my seal or training, or by the agent I can instinctively feel by the window (and ugh, the guards posted around the place are a whole other can of disgusting worms I don't want to even look at).
So, I think with a small frown, what's good for Sasuke and can be twisted to be "good" or "beneficial" to Dino?
"Then I think there's just two options here." He looks over, doubtful and tired. "One, don't try to understand. Grieve and find some way to cope, take your time to come to terms with what happened." He shoots me a rather scathing look, lips twisting into a small scowl. Understandable since I basically steamrolled over the tragedy as if it's nothing to be overly concerned about.
"Or, two, you do try to understand."
He blinks. "What."
I need to stop expecting people to just know what I mean. I think speaking with prodigies like Shisui and Itachi, as well as the trained agents in Camp, has spoiled me in that area when it comes to important matters.
I wrangle back a sigh, running a hand through my hair to try and form my thoughts into words. I've only ever comforted Hinata and Naruto after "big" or "important" events (and dear lord, this better not be a pattern or I will strangle someone). Hinata had to be distracted and assured she was safe, using humor and given the tools needed to be able to protect herself. Naruto had to be assured he was supported and wanted, using soft words and seeing visible action of that fact.
Sasuke...doesn't enjoy any form of coddling or comfort, not really. He needs to feel independent and in-control. He needs direction. Guidance will come later in life once he's more settled with himself.
"Look, as far as I can see, you can either forget about the 'whys' and 'hows', and just focus on the 'whats' and 'nows.' Or you can spend how-ever long it might take to search the 'whys' and 'hows', and end up entirely dissatisfied with the answers. The bottom line, Sasuke, is the fact that you're upset over not understanding. So you need to figure out what you're going to do about that."
A little harsh, maybe, but if not confronted with the issue then he'll just internalize it to the point he won't be able to properly move on - always have it stuck in the back of his mind and leaving him distracted when anything related possibly pops up.
Either way, both options would be good for him and Itachi. The first lets him move on with his life, thus letting Itachi not have to worry so much about the boy as I know he undoubtedly will. The second will give him a goal to strive towards, something to help pull him forward, and allow him to learn the truth - which would, hopefully, bring him and Itachi some closure. (Not that I'm saying they'll make up in any capacity, but forgiveness isn't needed to have closure.)
The first option would also, coincidentally and technically, keep Sasuke loyal to Kohona. Something Dino would be interested in because due to his actions, Itachi is no longer an heir, leaving Sasuke to become the future Head of his Clan.
The second option toes the line since I'm basically planting the seeds of investigation against Dino. The way I worded it makes it seem like a waste of time, but Sasuke is an inherently stubborn child that very much dislikes being lied to or kept in the dark (he likes being informed even if he has no use for the information, evidenced by the time and effort he puts into his studies). However, if I can convince Dino that Sasuke sees it as a waste of time, then well, there goes any ideas of investigation (supposedly - though it's not like Dino would have actually left any trails, the paranoid old bastard. No, any investigation will need to be..prompted with some type of presentation and evidence).
God, it just never ends. I internally whine, imagining and reviewing all the ways I can horribly kill a person to try to alleviate some stress. I miss my guns, but I'm getting used to the up-close brutality of this place.
"Okay."
I don't even twitch, merely blinking slowly to pull my attention back on the little boy next to me. He's still frowning, still frustrated and angry and sad, but he now has a decision that has to be made - something to do.
"Okay," I echo, nodding along amicably with a small smile.
The silence between us doesn't last more than five minutes when Naruto decides that obviously something is wrong, since it's been about an hour since Sasuke walked in, and proceeds to burst through the door (almost hitting Sasuke in the process) with a shout.
Little Duck does not take very kindly to the intrusion and predictably retaliates as the rest of the Brats walk in and swarm around me.
I finally let out a sigh and begin wondering just what the hell these next few years will be like.
Busy, I think over the worried and disapproving chatter of the children around me (ignoring the shouting and fighting happening a short distance away). Very, very busy.
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
This was supposed to be a time-skip & filler chapter, but then the one hospital scene I planned for the beginning kind of spiraled out of control (obviously)
So the next chapter will either be shorter and a filler, or one of my other scenes will spiral out of control so, yeah. Depends on how I decide to go about writing it I suppose.
I could have stretched this chapter out longer to make it a time-skip chapter, but to be honest I started getting bored. Whoops.
Small heads up (though I'm not sure if you'll really care) but I might be changing the "ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ" to ":: ::" just for the sake of convenience in future chapters