#i wish we could see the uchiha house getting recovered

[spield]

the sun and the moons - decades after

Notes: This is probably (most likely) isn’t what people expect when they asked for a suns and the moons sequel/follow-up for the infinite universes anthology. But this has been in my drafts ever since Naruto got sick in the first one.  Summary: Sakura’s life with the Uchiha family is a storied one, but we must remember that she loved Naruto first, as he had loved her. And in his deathbed, he requests to see her. 

Long, long after, Naruto’s the one who departs the world of the living first.

As Sakura steps into the main house of the Senju, she tries to recall a time passed. The old house remains unchanged, its floors polished clean even as grief seeps into its planks, leaking from the room where Naruto’s life force flickers.

Who would’ve thought they’d get here?

Here, with Sakura, old, with her bones creaking and eyes milky green? Her back bent but not wavering, covered by the crest of this house’s old rival?

At a distance, she hears the sobs of little ones, mourning. Mourning, in a time of peace. That alone is a privilege, she thinks, one that she and Naruto paid - kicked, fought, and broke their hearts- for. And will pay again and again if asked.

“Sakura-chan.”

Hinata’s soft voice rings true like bells as she steps out of her husband’s room. She, too, is older. Still beautiful, with her fading raven hair and kind eyes. At her side is a cane, she’s never fully recovered from her last childbirth no matter how hard Sakura tried.

Here, away from the sun and the moon, only the lanterns paint and touch the two women of Naruto’s life. From the East, his childhood love stands and in the West, his wife of six decades.

When Hinata wrote Sakura, saying that Naruto asks of her, she almost said no, knowing the pain the woman must be in learning that in her husband’s time of death - he asks for another?

What of their years together? What of their children?

But, oh, the rose-tinted glasses of an old loss can blind even the most reverent of men. And so, Sakura came. (because, she also knows the desire, the desperation, to give someone she loves everything on their death bed — Itachi asked for an illusion, Madara asked for a goodbye— she can’t bear the thought of wondering what Shisui and Sasuke will ask of her. Her soul might just fly if they ever leave her. Her moons, her loves.)

Hinata steps aside and her voice breaks, “He asks for you.”

When Sakura thought about death in her younger years, she always envisioned a fall in battle. It was a time of war, that is to say, it was also a time of grandeur, bravery, and spinning of legends. She always thought it’d be with Naruto.

He and her, protecting the Senju down to their very last breath.

In these thoughts, Naruto always goes last. Seeing Sakura to her crossing, arms around her broken body, bright blue eyes against the blue, blue sky. His smile, strained, promising to follow soon after.

It’s morbid, but it’s all the romanticism they allowed themselves then.

But then, here they are.

The only thing that remains true from those thoughts are Naruto’s eyes, still. Blue, blue as the oceans and as bright as his heart. His sun-lit hair is pale against his pillows, and yet, so, so, bright still.

“Sakura-chan,” he calls, squinting in her direction.

Across him, Sakura steps closer, her feet not as light and quick as in their youth. Much of it spent chasing children and grandchildren she never thought she’d have.

Soon, she reaches his side and takes his withered hand. “Hello, Naruto.”

Naruto smiles, deep lines of grief and happiness etched on his face and for a moment, they are young again. All the pain and responsibilities off their backs like water against a duck’s. “How are you?”

It startles a laugh from Sakura, the very unimportant question of her well-being. “Old. Old and tired,” she laughs, “Why make me take this trip, you idiot.”

The question hangs like Hinata’s cloaked chakra outside the paper thin walls. Away, but not quite. Not even the most selfless of love can drag her away from this. Not even when it hurts.

“I can’t leave without saying goodbye,” Naruto whispers, “And we have so many stories we haven’t told.”

This, this is not a last confession. Nor is it a time for whispered regrets. In the light of the candles understands what this is. A conversation, a goodbye. A last catch-up with a dear friend, and this makes emotion ball up in her throat that all she could do is nod. 

For hours, she makes herself comfortable on a cushion beside her old love’s bed and they talk. 

They talk not of their past together, but of the lives they built apart. They skip the politics, the clans, the responsibilities, and speak of things they would’ve spoke of if they’d remained close. 

Naruto confesses how he fell in love with is wife - “by the moon, Naruto, really?” “Hinata thought it was romantic!” - and he asks how she fell in love with hers - “fire-blown glass? that’s... romantic, I guess?” “oh, shut up, Naruto, Sasuke worked hard on it.” “yeah, sure, can’t imagine him blowing up smoke up--” - and so much more. 

Sakura could feel the bijuu’s chakra leaking out of Naruto, volatile and poisonous, as the night deepens. But Naruto pushes it back with a wince, buying himself more time. He turns incredibly cheeky as the candles burn through. 

“You’re daughter, Sarada...”

Sakura rolls her eyes, “Yes, what about my lovely daughter?”

Naruto smiles, eyes warmed with fondness. “Boruto’s fond of her. Seems like an Uzumaki trait, huh?” 

Something rattles in Sakura’s lungs as she laughs, chuckles at the image painted by her old friend. 

Boruto might be his father’s carbon copy, but he doesn’t have his flair for honest, earnest conversations. He might have a great deal of a harder time winning her daughter’s heart, but he could - if Sakura’s right about Sarada’s eyes. 

(now, if only her husbands will stop glaring at the poor boy...)

“So it seems.” 

Naruto sighs, sinks back to his pillows with a pondering smiles. His voice is raspy from use, quality brittle, the exhaustion catching up to him. “Who would’ve thought?”

Beside him, on his bedside table is a photo of his family. He and Hinata only had two, despite of trying for more. Boruto, with his eyes as blue as his father’s and hair as gold as the sun, and Himawari, with her mother’s hair and her mother’s eyes with a hurricane for a heart. 

In another life, they could’ve been hers. Theirs. 

But as Sakura holds his hand, eyes tracing the lines on his face, she finds not an ounce of regret. 

Good. Because it has no place here. No space for if’s and if only’s, or promises for a second life. No. They won’t insult themselves and the people they love for it. 

Finally, as she feels his control waver, and eyes wandering, she lets go, and stands, her old bones creaking audibly.  

“Were you happy?” Naruto asks, old, wiser, and still so, so kind. 

Sakura smiles, “Were you?”

Naruto falls back to his pillows with a smile, his eyes flickering to the door where Hinata’s shadow stands unwavering, “I am.”

This time, when Sakura walks out of the door, she doesn’t weep. 

Hinata looks up at the opening of the shoji door, protest ready to spill from her lips. The jutsu wavers, and her ears ring with the songs of cicadas. She didn’t want to intrude, perhaps, but it’s more of she didn’t want to hear. 

Sakura stands beside her kneeling figure and sighs, sinking to her knees. 

The two hold hands in solidarity as they feel the man they love, albeit in different ways, and whispers words of gratitude. Sakura, for letting her see him again, and Hinata for granting him this wish. 

But, as Sakura stands up and pushes away Hinata’s surprisingly strong hands that beg for her to stay with her husband, she hopes that the matriarch understands and remembers that at the end it is this: 

Sakura may be Naruto’s first love, maybe his greatest love, but it wasn’t her he spent his life with.

It was her, Hinata, who spent decades by his side, ruling the clan with dignity and grace. It was Hinata who saw him transformed into a boy-leader into a man, it was Hinata who bore him children, who love him—

It was Hinata who stayed.

It was Hinata he built a life with.

At the end of all things, it’s her he loved the longest and it’s her he wants on his deathbed.

Sakura understands that, and with the way flowers bloom on her fellow kunoichi’s cheeks as she enters her husband’s room again, Hinata also do. 

“Are you ready to go?”, her youngest husband asks when she steps out of the gates. Behind him, Shisui waits in a carriage, their third son sitting in front.

With the bright lights of the Senju compound behind her, Sakura nods and takes Sasuke’s hand, “Yes. Let’s go home.”

End Notes: Hearts are golden but reblogs and comments will be much more appreciated! 

#infinite universes #the sun and the moons #decades after #uchisaku #narusaku #naruhina #older characters #mentioned death of Madara #mentioned death of Itachi #Sasusaku #Shisuisaku

[briefololtragedy]

Two halves wanting to be whole

Pairing: Shisui x Sakura

Rating T (to be safe brief mention of a suicide attempt)

Summary: Shisui got his mark when he was 7 years of and was determined to find his other half. Sakura was born with hers and was not going to let a mark define her.

Words: 7809

Also posted on AO3

It was once said that humans didn’t look like they do today. Humans of the old times were said to have 4 arms, 4 legs, and 2 heads. They  were once strong, fearless, powerful beings that even the gods at one point feared. This fear led to them being split in two.  No longer were humans whole, they would venture the world searching for their other half. After the split it was easy to find the other half, a sense of completion washing over the couples once they were united with the other half. However, as time went on it became more challenging. The greed of man led to famine, wars, and death. Instead of looking for a perfect fit many opted to marry for advantage. Those bearing soulmarks dwindled in numbers. It was said that many always felt incomplete, many being  driven to insanity never being able to find their other half.  

Shisui remembers the stories well from when he was a child. His mother would tell him bedtime stories. The stories he loved the most were about soulmates. His clan is a large and powerful clan, one that strikes fear into the hearts of many. Yet he always wished for peace. He felt sorrow for those who ended up marked and never finding their one true person. Even at a young age he knew his life would be dictated by his clan. 

That’s why when he was 7 years old he didn’t understand why a mark appeared on his skin. A searing pain at the base of his skull made him fall to his knees. His younger cousin raced to his side, worry on his face. It was Itachi who first told him about his mark.  It was an intricate mandala design almost resembling a design of a sharingan, in the middle, surrounded by delicate swirls. His soulmate was going to be born within the year. 

At first he didn’t know what to do. He was scared of telling his parents. What would they think? What would his clan do? It was after the death of his mother during the nine tails attack that he told his father. His father sat there staring out the window, the sound of rain cutting through the silence. “The clan comes first, there is no place for love or soulmates. We have a duty to uphold you more than anyone else with your eyes and potential. This world is filled with many battles, don’t set yourself up for heartbreak that turns into insanity. Forget about the mark.” His father’s words would haunt him for years to come, even after his father passed. At times he was able to forget, his focus solely  on his clan and his village. However, over the years there was a piece of him that searched for his other half.

There were many theories as to why the amount of people with soulmarks dwindled over the years. One such theory was that once soulmates meet they would no longer bear the marks. The unlucky few who never found their soulmates over the centuries were cursed to wander missing their other half going mad. 

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Beeps could be heard in the background with the occasional ding in between. His throat was on fire and his body felt like he had been trampled by every villager and shinobi. Ever so slowly he tried to open his eyes. When did eyelids become like lead? As he blinked his eyes open the smell hit him. He was in the place no shinobi liked, the hospital. The last time he was in the hospital it was years ago, before his cousin Sasuke graduated from the academy. 

“Uchiha-san it's good to see that you have decided to wake up. I must say Itachi-san gave the staff quite the scare when he dragged you in over his shoulder in a bloody mess.” 

“Can you tone down the color in this room?” Shisui eyesight was being assaulted by pink. His mind was going into overload. He had spent months with his ANBU team traveling in the dead of night, scouring Rain and the villages around it. They were tracking a terrorist organization who was starting to make waves in the different hidden villages. The godaime wanted them nipped in the bud before they got bigger. Before they were able to head home, shit went sideways. 

“Hmm I have no care to change my hair color, but can close your blinds. Since you have woken up you will be transferring to one of the lower acuity rooms. Itachi-san and Sasuke-kun will be able to visit as they please with the move. It also means you will get a different medic Uchiha-san, who will likely have hair that isn’t so assaulting to your delicate eyes.” 

As his vision started to clear he realized who was standing in his room smirking at him. His little cousin’s teammate, apprentice to the Godaime, sweetheart of the village, and owner of a temper you don’t want to ignite. Rumor had it she also would do missions with certain ANBU teams, she had never been assigned to his. Part of his heart started to flutter. His interactions with Sakura Haruno have been limited to sparse. He blamed her unique colorings to his eyes always lingering on her over the years. Her soft petal pink hair and emerald green eyes were a stark contrast to anyone in the village.

“Hn “ When he didn’t know what to say he lowered himself to use his family's go to word. He then heard the medic sigh and roll her eyes. 

“I’ll perform a quick check of your system and then give you some pain medication. We were able to heal the internal damage caused by the poisons and injuries. The main goal will be working with physical therapy to get you back on your feet. This will put you on mission leave for at least a few months as you recover. “ Shisui wasn’t expecting the smell that hit him, he would have expected her to smell like flowers. Instead the smells of mint and vanilla, with hints of antiseptic, tickled his nose. Her chakra almost lulled him back to sleep as she was performing the exam. 

“Everything is looking good. Your chakra pathways are slowly recovering, it was a nasty poison that worked by destroying the pathways. Get some rest and when you are up to it we will start you on some liquids.” Just like that she left the room. He blamed the ordeal for his heart continuing to flutter. He leaned his head back and slowly drifted back to sleep. 

Giggles filled his ears as he started to wake up again. He couldn’t make out the conversation that was taking place. As he looked around his room he realized it was different, not as sterile, and Itachi had taken over a beat up side chair. “They are trying to figure out who gets the privilege to help you bathe.” Itachi didn’t look impressed. 

“What’s the difficulty I'm sure the more the merrier.” He couldn’t help but also wiggle his eyebrows. 

“ I know you better than that Shisui, you can drop the act. Father is looking into getting you moved into the compound for rehab. He doesn’t like the idea of you staying here.” Itachi was rubbing the bridge of his nose, the scroll he was reading long forgotten. 

Shisui leaned back again. He hated the confines of the hospital, but being stuck in the compound would be more of a lateral move. His thoughts were interrupted by a chorus of whining outside in the halls. 

“That’s not fair Sakura-sama!” The voices grated on his nerves “This is a professional workplace, we do not treat patients like prizes to be had. Now get back to work before all of you cleaning bedpans for the next month.” Scattering of feet then filled the air. 

“Itachi-san! Visiting your cousin, I see. I hope your injuries aren’t giving you any trouble.” Her voice was like springtime cutting through the air, light and airy. A part of him didn’t like that she was talking to his cousin over him. 

“Sakura-san they are not giving me any problems. The creams that you made and gave to Sasuke for me have helped.” Her smile was mesmerizing. Would she be assisting with his bath? A part of him hoped so, he could feel his heart race and palms start to sweat. 

“Shishui-san Ron will be in shortly to help with your bath. My apologies if the ruckus in the halfway disrupted your rest. Shizune is the one who oversees the rehab side of the hospital and is working with your clan for arrangements of you being moved out of the hospital.” The smile on her face was strained, he doubted they agreed with having him leave the hospital. For some reason he didn’t know what to say to her. As he went to open his mouth they were interrupted by a big burly man coming in with a washcloth and basin. No!

“Hello Uchiha-san I will be assisting with your bath.” Itachi had to hide his laugh behind a cough. 

“Thank you Ron. I'll leave his care in your capable hands.” Just like that Sakura and Itachi left the room, he felt betrayed by the snickers he heard as they exited the door. 

_________________________________________________

“Shisui please make yourself at home. We have arranged for you to stay in the lower level guest room so you don’t have to worry about the stairs right now.” Mikoto was like a second mother to him. After the death of his mother and then his father she took him in and made sure he was looked after. When he heard that he would be staying in the main house his mouth started to water at the thought of having Mikato-sans home cooking. This whole rehab thing may not be so bad, even if he had to share a roof with two of the prissiest members of his clan, Sasuke and Fugaku. 

Sasuke was 20 years old and consistently acted like he had a stick shoved somewhere unpleasant. He and his team had made jounin at 17. He had his eyes set on ANBU, always trying to follow in his older brother’s footsteps. Shisui remembered when Sasuke got his team assigned to him; he moped for weeks. Naruto was an idiot and Sakura was a useless cry baby with a crush on him -- Sasuke’s words. It was shortly after the first failed chunin exams that Sasuke stopped complaining about his teammates. Part of that may be due to his female teammate punching him in the face and breaking his nose after he insulted her and Naruto, citing them as the reason he wasn’t going to be a chunin. Over the years team 7 grew closer, each of the members growing in more ways than anyone imagined. Naruto and Sakura were frequently seen over the years in the main house, Mikoto taking them under her wing as well. 

Shisui ventured into his temporary room. He was going to have to get used to having so many people in a house with him. At 28 years old it had been over 13 years since he had someone live in the same house as him. 

“Mikoto-san do you need help with anything?” That voice made him stop in his tracks. His heart was pounding. 

“Sakura dear how many times do I have to tell you that guests don’t help.” Shisui had heard the rumors that Mikoto wanted the petal haired woman as a daughter inlaw, but it was likely a far off dream. 

“Are you sure? I really don’t mind helping.” It sounded like she had lost the battle when he heard her soft footsteps and felt her chakra going into the library. A force possessed him as he moved into the library. There she was sitting crossed leg with a book in her hand. 

“Shisui-san how are you feeling?” She didn’t even look up from her book, reminding him of a certain sensei. 

“Better. It's nice being out of the hospital and having real food.” Sakura hummed  in agreement with him. He went to grab a book to pretend to read. He sat down taking in the calming effects of her presence, but it didn’t last long. 

“Teme I’m telling you we need to do something, he’s not good enough.” Just like that her booked snapped shut and she was up. 

“Naruto! Sasuke! You two better not be thinking of interfering with another date that I have.” There was a feeling in his chest he didn’t like. While he didn’t know much about the 20 year old in front of him he had to agree with the blond idiot. 

“Hehe Sakura-chan I didn’t know you were here yet.”  Shisui tuned out the conversation and went to dive into the book he picked up. He had no business getting into whatever team drama was happening. 

______________________________________________

It seemed that no matter where he went Shisui got a glimpse of pink in his periphery. This time he had decided to go to a new tea shop with Itachi. There she was sitting at a table with a male that he knew from ANBU. 

The guy had sandy blond hair, brown eyes, and a slight tan to his skin. There was that feeling again. Sakura had an adorable blush covering her cheeks. Her laugh cut through all of the conversations. He wanted to be the one to make her laugh like that. He couldn’t explain why he wanted to rip the guy’s arms off when he went to grab her hands. 

________________________________________________

Shisui didn’t know when it happened, but he caught himself multiple times following Sakura. It was becoming his favorite pastime. He would watch her in the market taking delicate care of picking out her food. When he ventured to the hospital for a “check up” he would see her interacting with the staff, her patients, and the children. He liked watching her with the children most.  At times he caught glimpses of the sandy ANBU with her. Rage at times would overcome him when he saw them together. The guy was either holding her hand or had his arm draped around her shoulders as they walked.  

It was one night at dinner that he felt ice fill his veins. Team 7 would be going to Suna, where Sakura would be staying for at least a year to help set up a new training program. 

__________________________________________________

Sakura looked around her childhood home. Her parents passed when the village was attacked during the chunin exams that went so wrong. She felt like everything around her was suffocating her. Aito was sweet, but no matter how much she tried everything felt off with him. Sakura went to rub the back of her neck, knowing the reason why. 

The stupid mark was the reason for so much in her life. Sakura had not been born in Konoha, she had moved to the village before she could hold her head up. She was born with a smudged mark at the base of her skull. The people who she shared her DNA with had no desire to have a child cursed with a life of insanity, because that’s what was thought of those who had a mark signifying they had a soulmate out in the world. That led her to being adopted by the Haruno’s, a couple who could not have children of their own and wanting to share their love with a child. They were two of the kindest people she had known. 

It was when she was 5 years old her mother sat her down and told her about her mark. Sakura had wanted to chop her hair into a pixie cut, a hairstyle that would reveal the back of her neck. Her parents had come to accept what fate had dealt Sakura at an early age. They were a couple who fate was not kind to, they were subpar shinobi never able to become the elite. Her mother had been injured on a simple mission that left her unable to bare children of her own. 

At the tender age of 5 Sakura didn’t comprehend what the mark meant. Her mother had sat her down telling her there was another person who would be her other half. Sakura romanticized  this for years. However, when she got older her mother explained more to her. Marks signifying a soulmate were rare. Many of those who had the marks never found the other half, the ones who searched fell into insanity. Sakura found herself full of dread, realizing what that meant for her. She would likely never find her other half, the world was too big, and if she looked for them her mind would slowly slip into insanity. 

Her mother cupped her face, tears in her eyes. “This life is full of people being dealt with things outside of their control. You my dear are a beautiful, strong, and smart girl. Do not let this define you. Don’t waste your life thinking of what could be. Live your life for yourself. Only you can make yourself happy and don’t need another person to complete you.” Sakura decided she would not succumb to the insanity. She was going to make her own path. 

When Sakura entered the academy she took her mother’s advice and developed a crush on her classmate Sasuke, like all the other girls. It was a crush that cost her a precious friendship.  Her heart soared when they were placed in the same team. After their first real mission, she realized she was behind her teammates.Her chakra control was better than theirs, but her other skills were lacking. This was enforced more after their first chunin exams. It was also when she realized her crush on Sasuke was not worth it and when she realized she didn’t care romantically for Sasuke. Sitting there watching her teammates defend her and once they were injured she couldn’t do anything. Sakura found herself in the library studying medical ninjutsu. When Naruto brought lady Tsunade into the village, Sakura knew what she had to do.

Sakura found herself being the Sanin’s apprentice. It was during a training session she had felt the pain in her head. She was gasping for air, like the fish below her. The pain was unbearable. Her Shishou rushed to her side, she had to pry Sakura’s hand away from her neck. Her mark was turning red. “ You have a mark, you poor girl.” 

Sakura’s hand clenched into a fist, her tears falling down her face. “What’s happening? Why does it hurt so much?” 

Her shishou rubbed soothing circles on her back. “ Your soulmate is dying. I don’t know how long this will last.” After what felt like an eternity the pain was gone.

 Sakura asked the question she feared the answer to. “ Is it... gone?”  She felt Tsunade brush her hair to the side. 

“No, it appears your soulmate is still alive.” 

“Is it bad I wished it was gone?” Her voice was a whisper. Sakura had to pause for a moment. “ I found out about it at 5 and thought it was romantic, then my mother told me the stories. It once brought me comfort knowing there is someone out there who would accept me for who I am, faults and all. I thought of looking for them, but the words my mother told me stuck in my head. I refuse to feel like I’m incomplete. I live for myself. I have the power to choose who I decide to love and wont let some mark dictate how I feel. My parents choose to love me …” 

In a rare show of affection Tsunade hugged her. “Your mother was a wise woman.” 

It was then Sakura discovered a way to weaken the mark. It stayed imprinted on her skin, but she would never be a victim to its pull ever again, or so she thought. 

No matter how hard Sakura worked something always felt off. Over the last 8 years team 7 has grown into a family. Like her parents it was a family that chose her. She saw the hardships that civilians and shinobi faced as she went through the ranks. Her team didn’t know that over the last two years she would go on selective ANBU missions. It was then she decided to change the medical system. There needed to be a place for mental health in the village. Over the last year she had been working with Ino to build her dream. They were able to mend their friendship after the horror of the chunin exams, it was one of her most precious relationships. 

Sakura looked around her house, thinking of her mission. Gaara was interested in having part of the new program implemented in Suna, him having first hand experience with trauma. She would be in Suna for at least a year, which came as a refreshing thought. This house no longer felt like home. Ino was going to help her while she was away selling the house. Then there was  Aito, who she couldn’t bring herself even close to loving, she was going to break up with him before she left, it was only fair to him. She rubbed the back of her neck again, blaming the mark for another failed relationship. 

Sakura packed a few sealing scrolls with what she would need. Everything else would be sold with the house. She took one last look around before stepping out the door, with the door closing it marked a new door opening in her life. 

________________________________________

Sakura watched as her boys left. Their silhouettes gradually shrinking until they were but a memory. They had arrived in Suna 1 month ago. Sakura was placed in a small apartment near the hospital, it was smaller than her parents house, but it was hers. There were no old memories lingering in the air, instead there was hope for the new. Part of her heart ached. It was a feeling that intensified the more out of Konoha she went. She was able to push it down and place it in a box. It was time to get to work. 

________________________________________

It had been 6 months since Shisui was cleared for duty and 9 months since his stay in the hospital. He was ready to get out of the village. This morning he woke up Itachi for a spar, his muscles enjoyed the strain of the spar. “Lets get some breakfast, my treat Weasel-chan.” Shisui laughed as Itachi glared at him. Itachi may have the reputation as a powerful feared shinobi, but he would always be the same dango loving little boy from their childhood. It was hard to believe his cousin would be proposing to his girlfriend soon. 

“Fine, but you are paying.” Just like that they were off. While Shisui loved his aunt’s cooking, he almost (keyword almost) got tired of it. The shop was not busy yet making it easy for them to find a table. This was the same shop that he saw Sakura and Aito at almost a year ago it seemed. There was no melodic laugh from her this time. When the waitress came to take their order, he found himself basking in her attention.

 Part of him hated his playboy persona he was known by. He rubbed the back of his neck remembering his mark. It was hard going out with the different women of the village, no matter how beautiful they were something was always missing. Shisui also knew that the elders were planning on an arranged marriage for him if he didn’t find someone soon. This wasn’t the life he wanted. He would sacrifice his life for his clan and village, but he wanted to find that special person. He didn’t know what came over him with the obsession of Sakura Haruno following his stay in the hospital. Shisui boiled it down to that smirk on her face and how she didn’t seem to back down. 

Itachi and Shisui settled into an easy conversation. Itachi was worried about how to propose to Izumi. His cousin was an idiot to think the girl wanted something elaborate, Itachi could dress like a hobo with all his teeth falling out and she would say yes. 

Just as they were finishing their tea that a messenger found him, they were needed at the Hokage tower. Shisui bid farewell to the pretty waitress and left with his cousin. 

Lady Tsunade was standing looking out the window of her office when they entered. Genma was also there, the third member of their team. “Finally!” Tsunade turned around and gave them all a hard look. “ I have a very important mission for you three. As you are aware, one of our shinobi is currently in Suna on a diplomatic mission. She is helping them to establish a similar institute that caters to the mental health of the shinobi.  It came to my attention last night that they are in possession of an important and highly coveted item. I am entrusting you three to bring it back to Konoha. You leave this afternoon. Now go!” 

The three men looked at each other confused, but set off nonetheless. “ We will meet at the gates in 4 hours. It should take 2 days if we push to get there. The Hokage didn’t say what the item was, but it must be of importance for her to send us.”  

_______________________________________

Sakura wanted to sigh. She thought the council members  of Konoha were old fuddy duddies, but these old geezers took the cake. Every time she proposed a new addition or change to the plan for the mental health wing of  the hospital, they would push back. She could not strangle the council, she could not strangle the council, she could not...maybe Gaara would cover for her...no she wouldn’t. 

It had already been eight months since she came to Suna. Gaara and his siblings allowed for an easy transition. Temari was like a more scary version of Ino, but they easily bonded. Gaara was aloof, but had gotten better since his younger days. Kankuro constantly  kept saying he wanted to repay her for saving his life a few years ago, which always brought a blush to her face. Temari would tease her when she noticed. While Sakura had come to enjoy Suna, she wasn’t sure if she could see herself living there for the rest of her life, but enjoyed it nonetheless. Her heart still yearned for her home. 

“I hear there is a team from Konoha coming within the next couple of days. Do you know anything about this lord Kazakage?” 

Gaara, who was doodling in his journal, suddenly popped his head up. “ We found an import that Lady Tsunade has been looking for over the last couple of years, she must have sent a genin team to retrieve it.” Sakura had to roll her eyes at her shishou’s behavior. Could she not wait 6 more months? 

“I think we are done here. Sakura I will approve your new reports for the expansions.” Gaara all but ran out of the meeting. 

Kankuro stayed behind and helped her pack up her stuff. “You really don’t have to stay here, go home.” 

“Lets get dinner together...as friends of course.” Kankuro had puppy dog eyes that she couldn’t say no to. 

“Fine, as friends. Can we go to that bakery after?” 

They had found a simple barbeque restaurant that was busy due to the night rush. Once both of their stomachs were full, but Sakura still had room for dessert, they ventured down the streets of the village. The nights were Sakura’s type of weather, during the day the heat was stifling, but nights were her favorite. She could lay outside and gaze at the stars forever. 

Sakura soon felt three familiar chakra signatures walking down the streets. “Itachi-san, Shisui-san...Shiranui. What are you three doing here?” Genma faked a hurt look when she said his name. 

“Oh come on blossom, why do you have to say my name like that..” Genma had moved to place his arm around her. 

“You know why. Now remove your arm before I shatter every bone in it.” Quickly Genma moved away from her. 

“Sakura-san we are here on a mission for the Godaime.” Sakura had to groan. “Please tell me she didn’t send you three for the sake! I told her I would bring it back when I return, when they mentioned a team coming in the council meeting I thought it was going to be a genin team.” Her shishou really had a problem. 

Shisui looked at Sakura, no matter where she was her coloring made her stand out from the forests of Konoha to the deserts of Suna. He didn’t realize that the Kazakage’s brother and her were so close. Then there was Genma, who was a bonafide man whore. However, his cousin’s irritation was the most hilarious thing going on. He could sense the annoyance radiating off him. 

“We came here to bring the Hokage sake.” Itachi’s face was blank. They had traveled at their fastest speed to get to Suna for sake! 

“Oh Itachi-san why don’t you guys join us as we head to the local bakery. I will even buy you the first round of dango. Of course in return I want to hear more details about a certain event you are planning. Don’t look at me like that. You told Sasuke who told Naruto who wrote it in one of his letters. God knows your brother and Naruto have no ability to communicate even in writing.” 

Shisui could tell his cousin perked up at the mention of dango. As he walked into the bakery his mouth watered, their last meal was more than 20 hours ago. It was at that time he decided he would consume his weight in baked goods. After getting his dango Itachi left with Kankuro to get their rooms for the next couple of nights. Genma not wanting to be left with Sakura went with them, leaving just Shisui and Sakura. 

“I just realized you guys probably didn’t have much to eat on your way here. Do you want me to show you a takeout place to get something other than sugar?” Sakura couldn’t help but smile as she watched him down another piece of pie. She hadn’t spent much time with the man, but knew he was a genius that rivield Itachi. She also knew he didn't stay with one girl long, again Sakura found herself pushing down an unknown feeling. 

Shisui swallowed the bite of key lime pie. “But I have already had dessert?” Did the premise of protein appeal to him? Yes it did, but he just stuffed his face with sweets. 

“Oh come on. Have you never heard of dessert before dinner? Life is too short to save the best part for last.” Sakura was taking bites of her red velvet cake. Before Shisui knew it she was pulling him up and taking him to get more food. The warmth of her hand in his felt so right. His heart started to flutter. 

“How has your time been here?” He had to get his mind off of these feelings. Just an hour ago he felt himself becoming a horrible monster seeing Sakura and Kankuro together, thinking of them as a couple. 

“It's been busy. The council keeps giving me push back on some of the changes, but Gaara and his siblings have been very supportive.”Jealousy filled him. 

“Suna has been amazing, but it's so great seeing you guys here. I must say I do miss home, you being here is like you brought a piece of Konoha with you. Sorry that you came for a genin level mission.” Sakura was staring at him and he had to control himself from touching her face. Shisui had to agree with the mission being ridiculous. He placed his hands in his pockets, so he wouldn’t grab her. It was then he felt the wrappers on the tips of his fingertips. 

“It may not be a big thing, but here. I swiped these when I was last visiting Aunt Mikoto, you should have them.” Sakura looked at the candy in his hand like it was the most precious treasure. “Are those candies from the shop just outside the Uchiha district? Are you sure?” 

“It’s a small piece from home. Take them. I can get more.” It seemed like a handful of candy was all it took to become close to Sakura. He wanted to activate his Shanigan to remember her smile for the rest of his life. 

“Thank you Shisui-san. This means so much to me. My father always seemed to know when I had a bad day at the academy and would have these waiting for me when I got home.” She looked like she was about to cry and this time he didn’t stop his hand going to her face. As the clear crystals started to pool in her eyes he wiped them away. “My mother always seemed to have a stash of these as well when I was having a bad day.” 

Their moment was interrupted by Genma and Itachi. Shisui and Sakura broke apart before the two came into view. Sakura bid them goodnight. Both of them would have the most peaceful sleep in years that night. 

____________________________________________

Sakura didn’t know how she felt as she escorted Itachi, Shisui, and Genma to the gates. Well she knew she would be happy to see Genma go, but the other two she would miss. Itachi had finally settled on a method to propose and would likely be popping the question shortly after he gets back to Konoha. Shisui was a great ally in getting itachi to see reason. 

“I better get an invitation to the wedding, or else.” Sakura whispered to Itachi prior to him leaving with the team. She couldn’t help but give the socially inept genius a hug. She knew she was the only one outside of his mother and Izumi who could get away with it. Izumi and Sakura had become friends when Izumi decided to learn medical ninjustu, they bonded over their long shifts. The letters she had received from the beautiful Uchiha made her jealous at times, her heart aching for what the two had. 

Shisui had to push down that monster again as he saw Sakura and his cousin hug. Itachi looked as stiff as a tree. “Be safe you three and don’t break a single bottle or Shisou will have your head.” The last image he would have of Sakura before departing would be of her dazzling smile and waving goodbye. 

____________________________________________

5 months later….

Shisui couldn’t believe his cousin was getting married today. Itachi had stayed the night with him pretending it was part of the bachelor party, but in reality it was so he could freak out without anyone seeing. Shisui never thought he would see his cousin so flustered. He was almost happy he has never felt this way for another person. However, Shisui knew he would give anything to experience all of this. 

They were sitting on Shisui’s back porch drinking sake and eating dango. “This will happen for you one day, just have faith.” Shisui snorted. “When did you become a romantic?” 

“Don’t think I haven’t realized what all the missions you have taken over the years to other villages is for or why you go through so many women. You date them yes, but once you realize they aren’t it everything ends. I know you have cared for some of them, could almost picture a life of ease married to them, but at the end of the day you feel...incomplete. She’s out there waiting for you.” Shisui was flabbergasted by his cousin. He was starting to think he was not meant to be happy. He thought that way 7 years ago and nearly ended his life, it was Izumi who patched him up, no one knew besides her and Itachi. It was then that she went to the hospital to learn to heal. 

Pink crossed his mind. He didn’t understand the pull to Sakura Haruno. Was she beautiful? Yes. Could she keep up with him in an intelligent conversation? Yes . Was he absolutely terrified of her? Yes. None of it made sense.

 Shisui downed his glass. “Let’s get you off to bed. Don’t want you looking so ugly that Izumi runs crying tomorrow.” 

Maybe he’d ask her to dance, just maybe. 

_____________________________________

“Forehead do not ruin my masterpiece! I have spent hours on your hair and makeup.” Ino had ripped a warm sticky bun out of Sakura’s hand. “Pig I’m hungry. I didn’t get home from my shift at the hospital till 6am and then you wake me at noon to get ready for this wedding, without providing food. That ‘s just cruel. It was a 48 hour shift.” Sakura tried to extract her delicious confection out of Ino’s hand, but the blond had deposited into the garbage. Sakura wept on the inside. 

“There will be plenty of food at the reception. I’m sure the Uchiha clan is going all out on the future head getting married.” Ino was wearing a simple dark purple full length silk gown that had a narrow dip in the front revealing just a wisp of skin down to her navel.

Sakura decided to give herself one more once over. She decided on a forest green long sleeved scoop neck dress that was full length, like Ino’s dress. It was slightly form fitting and flaring out gradually. The back was a show stopper. The dress was mostly backless, her modesty was preserved with delicate black lace that showed just the right amount of her skin. Ino had done her hair in a fancy braid. She wanted to wear it up, but didn’t want to risk her mark being seen. 

“Alright the boys should be here soon.” Ino went to grab her clutch. “What boys?” Sakura hoped she meant Shikamaru and Choji. 

“Did I forget to mention that I arranged dates for the two of us. I couldn’t take waiting for Sai to make the first move, so I asked him to be my date. Then there is that cute chunin who works in the hospital. You know the one I’m talking about, he’s tall, brown hair, baby blue eyes, and those dimples when he smiles. Plus he has a crush on you.” Sakura wanted to bang her head against the wall. Shin was nice, but she wanted to enjoy the day and not worry about some guy. Before she could protest there was a knock on the door. 

“They’re here!” Sakura grabbed her purse, muttering to herself. 

_____________________________________

The wedding ceremony was beyond words, there was not a dry eye in the house (even Sasuke and Fugaku looked teary eyed). Mikoto was glowing, but not enough to outshine the bride. Izumi was a vision, no one could take their eyes off of her. Sakura found her eyes lingering on Shisui in his black tux and red shirt. 

Sakura found herself holding Shin’s hand at one part during the ceremony, she blamed her emotions. They both deserved to be happy and what a beautiful picture they made. Shin apparently thought ahead and tissue at the ready for her. She couldn’t help but rest her head on his shoulder. 

Shisui found it hard to concentrate on the ceremony. Sakura looked breathtaking, but then he saw she was with some lower ranking chunin. He almost left his position at Itachi’s side when she rested her head on the guy's shoulder. He couldn’t understand where it was all coming from. Soon Itachi and Izumi were kissing and walking down the aisle together. Shisui was looking forward to as much liquor as he could drink. 

The party was in full swing and Sakura finally got food in her stomach. The dance floor was crowded after Itachi and Izumi had their first dance. Sakura found herself being pulled onto the dance floor by Shin. She soon found herself laughing as he twirled her around, she couldn’t remember the last time she felt this free. The tempo of the music changed to a slower song and soon found herself in Shin’s arms. They swayed back and forth. As she looked into his eyes everything felt off. That suffocating feeling returned to her. 

“I’m feeling a little light headed. I think I need some air, excuse me.” Sakura had to get out of here. “Do you want me to come with?” Shin was ever the gentleman. “No, please stay and enjoy the party.” 

Sakura made her way out into the gardens. The night sky was so clear she could see all the stars, they glistened in the sky like jewels. Mikoto also made sure the gardens were in top shape and found it to be her favorite place on the Uchiha lands. In her haste to get out of that room she realized her hair was a mess. Sakura didn’t think as she undid the rest of the braid and placed it in a bun.  She could feel her head start to clear, then realized she wasn’t alone. 

She looked around the garden and noticed Shisui laying on a bench, sake bottle in hand. “Shisui what are you doing out here?” Shisui looked at her and then got up to leave. 

“Where are you going? Are you alright?” Sakura had never seen him like this. She had gotten back to the village a month ago and found herself bumping into him more frequently. At times they would sneak away to one of the small shops and have tea together, those moments were turning into her favorite memories. When she was around him things just seemed simpler. She had come to enjoy his laugh and humor, this was not him. 

“Am I alright? No I’m not. I haven't been alright since i was 7 years old, ever since then I have tried again and again, but find myself failing. My best friend is married to the love of his life and what am I thinking about? I’m thinking about every time I see you with someone else, I break a little inside. This doesn’t make sense.” Shisui couldn’t take it anymore. All he wanted to do was go to her and push her and her date apart. He wanted to hold her in his arms, he wanted to be the one to twirl her around. Right now he wanted to kiss her senseless. None of this made sense. She was his little cousin's teammate, she should be no one to him, yet here he was. 

Sakura couldn’t breath as she stared into his eyes. “I…” Sakura turned away from Shisui and ran. It was as she turned that Shisui saw the mark. He froze, only to regain his mental facilities after she dashed off. His feet came unglued and he followed. 

“Sakura wait. Come back!” Sakura didn't know what she was doing, All she knew was Shisui was right. She couldn’t explain why her heart broke when she would see him with the different women around the village. It never made sense why she would feel so pulled to him. Sakura was so focused on her thoughts she didn’t see the tree root and started to fall. She never hit the ground. 

A pair of strong arms wrapped around her and soon she was pulled into a muscular chest. He smelled like the earth and rain, she wanted to be consumed by that smell. 

“Wait...please don't run.” His voice was weak, it sounded like he was about to crack. Shisui held her tight, she was finally in his arms. Her head came to his collar bones, the perfect height so he could rest his head on hers. Mint and vanilla filled his senses, soothing him. 

“Do you know how long I have waited for you? Searched for you?” She tried to pull out of his hold, but he wouldn’t let her. “Shisui … I don’t understand.” Sakura found his hand cupping the back of her head, tracing the mark she despised so much. 

“I saw it just now. You never wear your hair up, so others wont see it.” Sakura looked up at him, but he wouldn’t let her speak. “My mark appeared when I was 7 years old. I started to give up hope of ever finding the person who I shared the mark with. You were always right there, so close, but I never found you.”  

If it wasn’t for holding onto Sakura like a lifeline Shisui was sure he would have crumbled to the ground. He was worried that she hadn’t spoken yet. His worries melted away when he felt her bone crushing hug. 

“I was born with mine. My parents...my biological parents didn’t want me because of it. I didn’t know about it till I was 5. I was filled with so much hope that there was someone out there who would love me, flaws and all.” Sakura had to pause, she could feel the tears. “It was when I got older my mother sat me down and told me fate would likely be cruel… I would likely never find the one with a matching mark. I tried so hard to find happiness in what I had, the dates always felt so wrong.” They were looking into each other’s eyes. 

“It never understood why it hurt so badly when I would see you flirt with all those women, even before we got to know each other over the last year. Then when the waitresses at the tea shops would bat their eyelashes at you and bend over extra low for you...the thoughts that I had.” 

They didn’t speak again, well Sakura tried, but found herself distracted. Shisui couldn’t wait any longer and sealed his lips to hers. His soul felt complete for the first time in his life. It was like the heavens opened up and trumpets sounded. 

“Let’s get back to the party.” Just like that Shisui led Sakura back to the reception. He would not let go of her hand the whole way. Itachi and Izumi gave each other knowing looks as the couple swayed together on the dance floor, no one else mattered to them. 

It was then that the two souls found each other. They will never be incomplete again. There were going to be challenges in the life ahead and lifes after this, but they would always have each other. Each a strong force on its own, but together they would be unstoppable. 

#shisakuweekend082020 #shisaku #sakura x shisui #soulmarks #fanfic #naruto

[dessarious]

Broken Harmony Pt77

Inspired by @ozmav Maribat AU

Master List 1   Master List 2    Prologue   Beginning   Previous   Next

Damian stood against the wall watching Adrien’s bodyguard. He had no idea the man had said to his soulmate but Ladybug seemed to think he wasn’t a problem. He wasn’t restrained and she seemed to think having him in the same room as Adrien wouldn’t cause issues. So of the two people who shouldn’t have any idea what was going on and they absolutely shouldn’t trust, one was now guarding one of their prisoners and the other might end up fighting with them. He was getting a migraine.

Red Hood stood next to him still refusing to let Adrien out of his sight for fear of Chloe’s retribution. He still didn’t understand why his brother’s were so afraid of the girl but it did provide entertainment. Ladybug had gone to check in with Red Robin and Oracle and while Damian didn’t like having her out of his sight he was more concerned about Adrien having an ally.

Ladybug poked her head in and smiled at the giant in the corner. Damian was a little shocked when the man smiled back at her since it was the most expression he’d seen. Adrien seemed to think her smile was aimed at him and gave a idiotic grin that Damian wanted to slap off his face. Perhaps not the healthiest reaction but his need to keep the former hero away from his soulmate got stronger by the day. His instincts were almost screaming at him. When he saw the uneasy expression on her face he knew she could feel it too. Then she looked at him and her entire expression changed. His breath caught at the look but he didn’t understand why.

“Robin I need to speak with you.” When he glanced at the bodyguard she just gave him a reassuring smile. He just huffed out a breath in annoyance and followed her into the hallway.

“Is there something about him you know that we don’t?” He couldn’t help the annoyance in his tone. The longer they were holed up in this house the more stressed he seemed to get, and he wasn’t the only one.

“Yes, but that’s not what I need to talk to you about.” He just frowned down at her and she had the audacity to giggle at him. “You know what happened to Tim?”

“Of course. Did you figure out the exact cause.” She looked hesitant and uncertain.

“Yes and no. I’m fairly certain it has something to do with the experiments M. Agreste has been doing to create more Miraculous. I think it’s affecting you as well.” He let out an indignant huff but she continued. “Your mood and song have been getting darker the longer we’re here but the second we leave the grounds it’s like a cloud has lifted. It’s not just you either. We need to find a way to either stop the effects or cleanse the house.”

“And how exactly would we do that?”

“Tikki has a few ideas…” She suddenly refused to meet his eyes and he saw a blush creeping onto her face. What could the Kwami have said to her? “But I think I want to consult with Gen and see if she has any suggestions. I would think with the Kwami of Creation, Destruction, and Renewal we would be able to fix the problem.” He opened his mouth once again to ask what exactly Tikki had suggested but was interrupted by Chloe, Kagami, and Gen walking towards them. His soulmate’s smile held a touch of relief that just made him more confused.

“Are we interrupting something?” Gen was looking between them as if seeing something no one else could. Given the little he knew about her it wouldn’t surprise him if she was.

“No. Is everything okay with you two?” Chloe and Kagami shared a look and Damian had to fight back a small smile. They may not be able to hear each other but it looked like they could already communicate without words.

“We’re good. Though Kagami still thinks you’re insane for trusting her.” Gen let out a snort of laughter at Chloe’s words while Kagami gave them both a flat look before turning to Ladybug.

“I do not pretend to understand any of this and I doubt I’ll ever understand your reasoning. Still if you wish to give me the opportunity to destroy the man who managed to take my free will along with that of so many others, I’m not going to say no.” Ladybug laughed. Really laughed at least until it hurt her ribs. Damian had a strong urge to hug Kagami for making his soulmate happy thought he’d never actually do so.

“Well then, welcome to the team.” She held out a hand which Kagami accepted. Before they let go Ladybug’s expression shifted to one of confusion. Damian watched in horror and confusion as her transformation dropped and she, Kagami, and Chloe all clutched their heads in pain. The other girls seemed to recover quickly but Marinette went pale and collapsed. Damian barely caught her before she hit the ground and cradled her to his chest.

“Gen what’s going on?” He realized too late that she might find his tone offensive but she was already focused on Marinette’s unconscious form. Nixx came out of nowhere to land on her chest. The Kwami appeared to be pulsing light and there was a slight hum coming from them. Tikki had taken up residence on his shoulder and was oddly quiet.

“I’m not entirely sure…” She looked at the other girls, squinting at the area around them if he had to guess, before cursing. “Oh that’s just great. I spent a millennia trying to fix this soulmate bond and she did it without even trying.”  Chloe and Kagami were just staring at each other with wonder on their faces and Damian realized that whatever had just happened, it seemed that those two could now hear each other’s songs.

“But what about Marinette? What’s wrong with her.” Gen blinked at him before shaking her head as if to clear it. She walked over and put a hand over his soulmate’s eyes. She also started humming in the same pitch coming from Nixx. She slowly removed her hand before looking up at him.

“There’s nothing wrong with her. She’s worn out. I’m not sure what she did but it drained all her energy. Nixx will stay with her to keep her asleep and speed her recovery. Tikki do you know what just happened?” The Kwami shook her head, eyes wide.

“I just felt a surge of power. The same as when she healed Red Robin. It seems to be something that comes from within her rather than from me.” Gen gave a thoughtful hum while staring down at the girl in his arms.

“For such a little thing she sure makes huge ripples. You two need to stay together. And I don’t mean near each other. You need to be in physical contact at all times until we figure out what’s going on.” She was staring straight at him and the look in her eyes worried him.

“I don’t understand.” Those words felt like they were ripped out of him. He hated not knowing things but admitting that he didn’t know was a sign of weakness he never allowed himself. Gen sighed and looked frustrated, though it didn’t seem directed at him.

“I’m not entirely sure I do either. All I know is that you ground each other. This place is wreaking havoc with everyone and I think her powers are trying to compensate to balance the evil radiating from the house.”

“She wanted to ask your advice about how to fix that. She said she thinks it’s because of the experiments Gabriel was doing.” Gen shook her head but seemed deep in thought.

“I don’t think it’s just that. The Agreste family and by extension the house seem to carry ill fortune with them. By adding first a damaged Miraculous and then the Black Cat which carries the essence of bad luck… I think those experiments are the least of our worries.”

Master List 1   Master List 2    Prologue   Beginning   Previous    Next

Tag list for Broken Harmony

Thanks for all the positive responses! Here’s the tag list I’ve go so far. If I missed anyone let me know.

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#maribat #maridami #damimari #marinette dupen chang #damian wayne

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Forty: Moving Out ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hanako ] [ SasuHina, pregnancy, death, blood, gore ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

It all happens so suddenly.

Hanako’s second pregnancy hadn’t been without its share of worries. The Hyūga woman seemed to get a little weaker day by day, Hiashi hovering in worry despite her assurances she was fine, just...tired. Her morning sickness was powerful, her aches and pains keeping her in bed more often than not. But if Hanako was anything...it was set in bringing her second daughter into the world. So she endured, her patience never failing as she faced the dawn of every day determined to see its sunset...and do it all over again for as many months as it took.

And then, in late March...Hanabi was born.

Hanako survived, much to the nurses’ surprise. Weary and worn, she’d held the newborn with a sense of pride and relief. “You’ve given me quite a run of it,” she had murmured, Hiashi watching silently. “I’ll be glad to sleep without you kicking me from the inside...now to just handle all your fussing and crying for a while, hm?”

...but she would not get that chance.

Three days after returning home, after a particularly twisting roll over in bed...Hanako inadvertently caused her own demise. Tears from the strain of birth subtly reopened, blood loss unnoticed in her heavy sleep, exhausted from the past nine months. And the heavy drowsiness of an emptying circulatory system only ensured she wouldn’t wake.

Come morning...Hiashi work to a fussy Hanabi, and a dead wife.

Hemorrhage.

The shock and horror was almost too much. Calling emergency services in vain, he was told she had been gone for at least two hours by the time he noticed. There was nothing they could do. Nothing he could have done. Her body was simply too fragile, too weakened.

And now, it was lifeless...the only proof of it left in two little girls.

Hinata, only five at the time, barely understood. The ambulance and EMTs had frightened her, retreating to her room as a heavy, blanket-like atmosphere settled over the house.

Her questions about where her mother was were answered with an outburst of emotion from her father: something she could never recall seeing before.

...it scared her even further.

Hiashi slept in the guest bedroom as arrangements were made for his wife’s funeral, all while juggling a newborn and a preschooler. His brother’s widow offered her help, coming to stay for a few weeks with her son, Neji.

Hinata still didn’t fully comprehend. Everyone kept telling her her mother was gone, but...gone where? When was she coming back? Why had she gone, with the new baby only just arrived?

Didn’t she want them?

“But...what does it mean, she w-won’t come back? Why not?”

“It means she’s dead,” Neji replied quietly. Not cruelly, but simply as a matter of facts. He, after all, had been forced to come to terms with the idea even younger than Hinata had when his father died. “She’s asleep forever, Hinata. You won’t see her or talk to her anymore.”

Dark brows wilted, tears burning in her eyes. “But...w-why?”

“I don’t know...but when they were taking out the bed from your parents’ room, I saw a lot of blood.”

“B...blood…?”

“They said it was from the baby. Babies make you bleed when they come out. Your mama just...didn’t stop bleeding.”

...it hadn’t made any sense. Her mother had been fine! She’d come back from the hospital, and there wasn’t any blood...three days had gone by, and nothing!

Then why…?

People kept coming by their house. All of them were sad, with those eyes that said more than words ever could. Hanako had been beloved in their community: an active member of the garden club, among the other parents of the preschoolers, and just being friendly and welcoming to everyone she met. A bright light had been lost, people kept saying. Now things would be darker without her there.

Almost a month passed...and then Hiashi made a decision. He just couldn’t stand it anymore. Being in that house, seeing those people...all they were were constant reminders of her, of his loss, his broken heart.

...so, he found a house in another city two hours away. Not too far as to be cut off from his sister-in-law should they need one another, but enough for a new start. A blank slate. Something to let him begin to recover from the loss of his beloved Hanako.

...but not everyone is so ready to leave.

“Hinata...I must speak with you.”

Looking up from her small gathering of toys on her bedroom floor, the girl meets her father’s eyes. They’ve been dark and sunken as of late, and today is no different. And yet...there’s something different about his gaze...she just can’t quite put her finger on it. “...y-yes?”

He sits on her bed, patting the mattress beside her. “...how are you feeling?”

“...sad…”

“You miss Mama, don’t you?”

A small, somber nod is all she can manage.

“...me too. Every moment of every day. Which is why...I think we need a change.”

“C...change?”

“Yes, Hinata. I want to move to a new house.”

“...huh…?”

“This house, it’s…” He pauses with a sigh. “...it’s full of memories of your mother. And those memories - as much as I love them - are making me sad. It’s hard to move forward when we’re stuck here, in a place that’s tied to the past. Does that make sense?”

“I...don’t know…”

“...I think it would be good for us. We can meet new people, make new friends...and have a new house to make new memories in.”

“You want to forget Mama…?”

“Hinata, no...that’s not what I -”

“I don’t w-wanna forget Mama! We can’t leave...this is our home! This is where she was, where she was alive!”

“Hinata, listen to me!” Carefully, he takes her shoulders, trying to stop her temperamental flailing. “We won’t forget Mama. We can never forget. But if we stay here...then we can never heal. Our hearts will always be sad. Sometimes...you need to take time away from what makes you sad. Mama will always be with us, no matter where we go. That I can promise you.”

Looking to him teary-eyed, Hinata isn’t convinced. “W...what about my friends…?”

“...we’ll have a day where they can all come over and say goodbye before we leave. And maybe if their parents say it’s okay, you can call them on the phone sometimes, and come visit. Or they can come visit us. Will that be all right?”

She can’t find an answer.

“...I’ll talk to all the parents. I think most of them knew this would happen. So they’ll be ready. That way you can say goodbye, okay?”

...no reply.

Sighing, Hiashi goes quiet for a time. Without a word, he gets up and takes his leave.

Hinata just...sits before rolling over and staring at the wall.

With the money to spare and not wanting to wait, Hiashi hires a moving team to pack up the house. Hinata watches sadly as so many pieces of their lives - most untouched since she can remember - are wrapped in paper and put into boxes. Hiashi tells her that much of it will be donated, or put into storage. Where they’re going, the house will be a little smaller, but in a better neighborhood with a big yard and a smaller school.

By now, she doesn’t have the words to argue.

Two days before the final push, Hiashi arranges for her class to meet in the park just down the road. It’s well into Spring now, and the grass is green, even if the days are still rather cool. The other children all gather around as Hiashi explains.

“Hinata, Hanabi, and I are going to be moving to a new city, soon. We wanted a chance to say goodbye to you all...and thank you for all of your help.” Even now, his tone is a bit stiff - Hinata knows that means he feels awkward...and is trying to remain professional, even as the subject grows heavy.

“...I know that many of you treasured Hanako as we did. Her absence is felt by many...but so too is her presence. It lingers, and seems to drain us. We hope that a new start will let us adjust to life without her, without her memory hanging so heavily over our shoulders. You are all, of course, welcome to stay in touch. Especially the children - I know Hinata will miss many of you, and I thank you for being such good friends to her. Take today to have fun, and tell each other what you mean to one another. We’ll take those tidings with us when we go.”

Given how young they are all, many of the children seem a bit unsure what all the fuss is really about - mortality isn’t yet a reality for some.

Were she a little older, Hinata might find herself a bit jealous of that.

“How come you gotta go away?” one boy, Kiba, asks in despair.

“Papa wants to go.”

“Can’t you stay?” Sakura asks, looking unsure.

“No...I w-wish I could. But Papa says we might come s-see you guys. But not for a while. I can call you on the p-phone.”

“I’ve never used the phone,” Chōji muses.

“M-me neither. But...m-maybe it will work.”

Everyone murmurs in discussion, but one boy seems to linger back from the group. Hinata knows him: Sasuke. He’s quite popular despite being so shy. They actually get along rather well, given their similarities.

“...I’ll miss you,” he offers quietly.

“Yeah…m-me too. I’ll call you on the phone, okay?”

“Okay...mister Roary will really miss Luna, too.”

Hinata jolts a bit at that. Luna is her little bunny plush, which she often brings to school with her. She’s good friends with Sasuke’s dinosaur plush, Roary. “M...maybe I’ll bring her to visit!”

“Yeah? Promise?”

“I promise.”

As the afternoon fades, Hiashi begins saying goodbyes to the adults, Hinata doing the same with her classmates. All of them give her hugs, wishing her well.

“Be careful, okay?”

Hinata nods as Sasuke takes his turn - the last of them - to embrace her. “I-I will…”

“I hope you like your new house, and your new school.”

“Yeah, me too. I’ll m-miss everyone.”

“We’ll miss you too. But we’ll see each other again! Okay?”

“...okay.”

                                                     .oOo.

     I am...VERY tired, so this probably isn't my best work - I feel like the end is rushed cuz I was running out of steam @~@ And it doesn't help that angst tends to be very...slow work for me, aha~      Idk this is just...what my brain gave me. I've never gone into too much detail about Hanako's (Hinata's mother) death. But this is what I HC to have happened in pretty much every verse: her body is just too fragile and worn out, and a while after Hanabi is born, she has internal bleeding that kills her.      I didn't mean for this to be TOO graphic, and I hope it's not horrible. I often have trouble writing gore, so...I tried to tread a little lightly but also still make it impactful. Idk if I succeeded.      But for now I REALLY need to sleep, so...that's all for now. Thanks for reading~

#sasuhina #uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #hyūga hiashi #hyūga hanako #pregnancy // #death // #blood // #gore // #best years of your life [ au ] #365daysofsasuhina

[shikastemari]

fireworks - b&s.

pairing boruto uzumaki x sarada uchiha

request

word count 3,019

when it happens they’re 17 here

warnings none

a/n should i be studying? yes. am i ignoring this fact and writing borusara fanfic instead? yes. will i regret this when i see my grades? possibly. do i regret it now? absolutely not.

MASTERLIST

Shikadai just knew exactly what buttons to push.

It was one hundred percent ironic that even if Boruto was way better than him in videogames, regarding the real life, the blond was losing hard to his best friend. Especially when the teal eyed boy decided he was going to prove to Boruto how much the blond was into Sarada Uchiha.

Except that Boruto didn't need someone telling him that because himself was too aware of his feelings. The fact was he didn't want to acknowledge them out loud, hoping they'd soon vanish or transfer to someone way less.. Well, Sarada.

Deep down, he actually want to believe it was working. On the last mission of the team 7, Boruto only caught himself staring like twenty times at her. A number way lower than the mission before. If he continued on this path, his feelings for his female best friend would soon disappear, as they had never existed. At last, that was what he was telling himself nonstop.

Maybe it could have worked, if his eyes hadn't caught the exactly moment when he saw Shikadai wrapped Sarada's middle and pulled closer to his body, whispering something on her ear and pointing to the sky where a firework had just burst on the night sky. Sarada chuckled lightly, and shook her head, pushing Shikadai away.

It could easily be a innocent gesture between friends and that'd be what was roaming Boruto's mind if Shikadai hadn't directed his sharp look at Boruto, as if challenging him to do something about it.

Boruto only arched an eyebrow at him, trying to keep his feelings on check. If Shikadai was so eager to break him down in front of everyone out of jealousy, the guy wasn't getting it.

But Shikadai surely tried.

Never in his life, Boruto had seen Shikadai so handsy before and what bothered him the most was the fact that Sarada didn't seem to notice the sudden change with their friend attitude. She was laughing hardly on every joke he was voicing - especially the ones roasting Boruto - and even returning some of Shikadai's slight touches.

He thought that jealousy would never be a problem for him. In a way, he had been prepared, because first, there was Inojin. But his jealousy of Inojin wasn't really about hovering over his teammate, it was about how the blond guy was dating his sister, and how there was literally nothing wrong with him apart from his age - him being way too old for Hima-chan, in Boruto's opinion but apparently it was only his. To everyone else, Inojin was actually a perfect human specimen on all levels and Boruto was grumpy about it for a while, until Sarada alternately teased and badgered him into getting over himself.

"Oi, Boruto, you are kinda moddy today, aren't you?" Mitsuki shot at his way, out of nowhere. Boruto could swear the blue haired boy wasn't standing next to him five seconds ago.

Feeling his heart would escape using his mouth as a gate, Boruto took some seconds to recover from the scare his teammate just gave him as he glanced kunai at his way. "Mitsuki, you really need to stop doing that. I swear someday you'll give a fucking heart attack!"

A chuckled filled his ears and he turned to see Sarada looking at their direction. Boruto was still holding his chest, in a dramatic move, when the girl wrapped one arm on his neck, pulling him closer and poking him with her free hand. "The problem is not Mitsuki, you should stop being a scaredy cat." She teased as she used her finger to trace one of his whiskers on his cheeks.

Boruto felt his face burning with the power of a thousand suns and pulled her away. "Yeah, so why don't you go stay with Shikadai, I bet he's not the type who scares easily."

"Boruto..." She called out his name, but he was already walking toward Shikadai, who was paying full attention at something Chocho was telling him and currently frowning at it.

"...and that's the reason why we should be renamed to Team Chocho." The girl proudly stated, as her teammate scratched his neck.

"Mendokuse..." Shikadai said, closing his eyes.

Boruto almost let Chocho continue to talk to him, as a way to punish him for his behave that night, but his jealousy talked way louder. Fires of fury were smoldering in his own eyes as he weighed the pros and cons of the various and creative means available for him to punch his best friend.

"Chocho, do you mind if I talk with Shikadai for a minute?" Boruto glanced over the girl. "Alone."

"Of course, Boruto. You two surely have a lot to talk about." She pointed out, already preparing herself to leave.

"What do you mean by that?" Shikadai questioned her, as she started to walk away.

"You are a good actor, Dai, I'll give you that, and Boruto is doing a great job trying to hide his jealousy." Chocho shrugged, leaving the two boys back, confused.

Once she was far enough to hear, Boruto turned his head over his best friend, fighting the urge to give him a good punch on his perfect nose. Narrowing his blues eyes to Shikadai, he pointed to his best friend.

"Okay, Nara. That's enough, 'ttebasa." Boruto hissed, trying to sound at least scary, which it didn't seem to work, because Shikadai's eyes were filled with amusement.

"Enough of what?" He shot his eyebrows up, in a mock innocent tone.

"You know what, baka!" Boruto got closer to him. "I swear, if you lay a hand on her again, I'll cut your arm off."

For a moment, Boruto thought he was speaking a different language, because his threat made Shikadai shot him the most wide grin he had even seen.

"And why is that, Boruto?"

"Because I like Sarada, dattebasa!" He blurted out, a little too loud than expected. Even Shikadai wasn't expecting a full confirmation. The two boys looked around to see if anyone had heard it, and no one was look at their direction. Except for Mitsuki, who had a playful smile on his lips.

"Don't." Boruto warned before Mitsuki could say something. Shikadai had his arms crossed on his chest, giving the blond his usual 'I knew I was right' look. Boruto wondered for a moment about what would happen if he accidentally disposed of his eyes. Could his dad keep him from getting into jail?

Sighing deeply, Boruto started to walk away from his friends, turning back just to glance over Sarada one last time. She was talking excitedly with Metal, laughing about something.

"Boruto, I was just joking, don't go!" Shikadai screamed at his best friend, but he was fully ignored.

The street he was walking on was filled with people, happy kids running around and worried parents looking after them. There was still fireworks bursting through the dark night, fiery blooms amongst the start. Boruto only raised his shoulders and picked up the pace.

"It is rude to leave without saying goodbye to your partners." A voice behind him said.

"I am just not in the mood, Sarada." He retorted, his heart skipping a beat when she appeared in front of him, obliging him to stop. She had her arms crossed against her chest and Boruto had to dodge his stare. He'd like to think that, by now, he was already used to her beauty, but when she was in front of him, wearing a red kimono that matched her glasses with her hair loosen, without her bandana... Well, he felt his mouth become suddenly dry.

"Strike two, Boruto. Why are you so grumpy? You love watching fireworks since we were kids."

The strikes count was something Sarada would do every time Boruto was a jerk to her, without any reasonable motives.  Although this time he did have his reasons, he wasn't excited to actually let her know about them. He had once reached the strike three and the girl didn't speak to him for a whole week. Boruto thought he was going to lose his mind.

"Shikadai just know what buttons to push." The words slipped out of his mouth before he could even ponder them. He sighed in defeat, hoping she wouldn't get what he meant by that.

If she did, she didn't demonstrate it.

"Come on." She grabbed his hand, pulling him to a place where the crowd was emptier. Once they reached it, she looked around, and jumped to the roof of one of the houses as Boruto's eyes widened. That was so unlike her to do. "Just today." She shouted out from the roof, calling him with her hands.

He followed her, jumping to the roof where he saw Sarada disappear. The raven girl was already sitting on the tile, looking up, her glasses reflecting the different colors on the sky. Boruto just walked toward her and sat next to her, carefully not to touch her.

Although the fireworks were one of his favorite things, Boruto couldn't be less interested in the display than in watching Sarada's expressions, how they light up her face just as she smiled, like a perfect real life photograph.

"Do you like Shikadai?" The question blurted out of his lips, almost in a painful tone, as Sarada tilted her head to stare him, confused.

"Of course I like Shikadai, he is my friend." She stated like it was the most obvious thing.

"I mean, do you like like Shikadai?"

"Oh." She shook her head with an amused smile on her lips. "No, I don't think I do."

"You think?" He sounded worried, and Sarada hastily reassure him, shaking her head.

"Why the sudden interest in my love life, Boruto? Jealousy?" She teased, narrowing her eyes at her teammate.

He kept quiet, not sure if he should say the truth or lie to her, what he didn't realize was that keeping quiet was that his silent was a confirmation of its own and Sarada noticed it.

"Oh." She repeated herself.

For once, Boruto wished he could know what was going through her mind as she turned her head to watch the fireworks once again. Maybe it wasn't a good idea of letting her know about it, it could mess up their friendship and he felt terrified with that thought.

"I mean. I am your best friend, so it is okay if I get over protective of you, right?" He looked up to the lights exploding above their heads, vivid colors to ignite the otherwise black sky. The air had a tincture of gun powder, and Boruto scrunched his nose.

"Sure." She replied monotonously, as Boruto felt his heart breaking a little.

"Sarada..." He turned to her, but when she didn't look over his direction, he assumed the worst, terrified he was going to lose one of the best friendship he ever had in his life.

So, imagine how surprised he was once Sarada pulled him closer and literally smashed her lips against his.

For a moment, Boruto's eyes widened and then closed in, absorbing the whole thing. It was a shy and messy kiss and he still didn't want to stop. A few seconds longer and then, she parted it. Boruto didn't want to open his eyes, so he waited for her to say something until he had the courage to look at her.

Boruto was speechless, so stunned that Sarada merely chuckled, cupping his cheeks with her hands. "Stop or I will decree strike three."

He opened his eyes in a hurry, making her laugh even more and he felt like his heart was about to explode inside his chest, just like the fireworks. They stared at each other for a moment.

"You don't need to be jealous of Shikadai. He's not my type." She shrugged and he felt his entire body relax at hearing those words.

"Well, I did notice you have a good taste in guys, so I am not debating it." She rolled her eyes, but her smile got bigger and all Boruto wanted was to kiss her all over again.

"You suck." Sarada poked his side, her black eyes crinkled at the corners, her mouth soft and only slightly curved into the barest semblance of a smile.

"At least, I am good at kissing." He said, allowing only the faintest strains of amusement coloring his voice.

"Who told you that?" Sarada questioned back, visibly doubtful, enjoying the way his brows twitched in irritation.

"What do you mean by that, dattebasa?" He whined, pulling her closer and killing the distance between them. She was placed next to him, her shoulder slightly touching his as his arm was still wrapped around her middle. Sarada laid her head on his shoulder, looking up the sky. It was not a position Boruto wanted, since he wasn't able to admire her face, but he enjoyed the heat her body was sending his.

"Shut up, let's just enjoy the rest of the fireworks. It is almost at the end." Sarada muttered, their breathing matched together in a slow rhythm.

Boruto being Boruto, he managed himself to be quiet for exactly one minute and seventeen seconds.

"Sarada?" He called out for her.

"Hm?" The girl turned her glance from the explosions on the sky to his face.

"I am walking you home and I am getting a goodbye kiss." His tone was clear. That is not open for a debate. He couldn't think about a single thing that she could say to make him regret this decision.

But Sarada being Sarada, she knew him way too well.

"Dad's here." Her lips twisted upwards in a smirk, waiting for his response.

Dead silence.

Sarada felt his chest moving faster under her, as she did her best not to laugh at his face. Boruto clicked his tongue, as he peered down at his favorite dark eyes. "You know, there is fireworks every year. We really should kiss, like, now."

"What happened of taking me home?" She asked in return, squinting her eyes in a challenging way.

He leaned in to whisper on her ear, and Boruto felt amazing when he realized the shudder that crossed her arms. "I believe you are a capable kunoichi and no need someone guarding you."

"You are afraid we are going to get caught by papa." Sarada laughed, trying to put some distance between the both of them, but failing miserably when Boruto held her closer to his body.

"Right, this thought may or may not crossed my mind a few times in the last minute. It is really funny how many ways of dying I can think of." He pointed out, pinching the bridge of his nose as Sarada chuckled next to him.

"He's not going to kill you." She traced his jaw with her fingers and Boruto fought the urge of closing his eyes to focus on her touch because, well, they were talking about her dad and there wasn't a bigger turn off than that.

Boruto arched his eyebrow.

"I will ask him to have mercy on your soul." She completed.

"Thank you." Boruto found tremendously funny how they literally went from friends to basically acting like a couple in a roof. Words could not describe how much he was loving that. It was basically the Universe telling him they were meant to be since the very beginning. "But if your dad are going to kill me, we better make it worth, right?"

Unable to contain himself, Boruto leaned forward and pressed his lips to Sarada's. They were frozen for a split second before he felt her melting into his mouth with a little moan escaping. Her hand came up to grab the back of his neck and pressed their lips together more forcefully. Boruto gasped, clearly not expecting that, and Sarada took advantage of the slight part in his lips and slipped her tongue just the tiniest bit into Boruto's mouth, which drove him crazy.

He tilted his head to the side to ease the process, unsure of how fast or even how far Sarada wanted to go with that, and that was when it hit him. They were kissing. They were fucking kissing. He swooned and almost broke the kiss but Sarada grabbed him by the collar tightly and held him upright and the gesture is so bloody hot that Boruto had to steady himself additionally or else he’d probably faint. The fact that he did so by putting his hands on Sarada’s peachy thighs was pure coincidence, of course.

A whine came out of Boruto's throat when she separated herself from him. "Yep. Definitely worth it." Boruto said, with a look of wonder in his eyes. For a moment, he felt the rotation of the globe under his feet, the vastness of the universe and the meaning of life inside him all at once, then he identified the odd feeling as needing to breathe because he somehow forgot how to do that.

"Look, the fireworks are done." Sarada laughed and looked down, a blush starting to color her cheeks.

"What are you talking about?" Boruto started to make 'boom' noises near her lips, his hands simulating explosions. "See?"

"I need to go home." She stood up and offered a hand to help him, who were busy pouting as looking at her. Once he realized she was not going to let this go, he breathed out heavily.

"Fiiiiiiiiine, 'ttebasa." He accepted her hand, standing up as she did, but pulling her into a thigh hug once he was on his feet. The thought of not letting her go crossed his mind, but he got afraid that Sasuke might start looking for her.

"Boruto?" She pushed him, placing a kiss on his chin. She pushed his hair off his forehead and poked it with her index and middle fingers. "We are continuing it next time."

"You bet we are, Uchiha." Boruto whispered, his hand touching his forehead, where her fingers had just touched as he watched her leave.

Damn, he really loved fireworks.

#boruto #boruto fic #boruto uzumaki #boruto uzumaki imagine #boruto uzumaki oneshot #boruto uzumaki x sarada uchiha #boruto uzumaki fanfic #sarada uchiha #sarada #sarada uchiha oneshot #sarada uchiha imagine #sarada uchiha imagines #borusara #borusara imagine #borusara fanfic #borusara oneshot #borusara otp #boruto x sarada #sarada x boruto #boruto and sarada #boruto uzumaki and sarada uchiha #sarada and boruto #fireworks #oneshot #imagine #anime #naruto #naruto fic #naruto oneshot #naruto imagines

[ariannjs]

KARIN | A SasuSaku FanFic (4/10)

(Karin - Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3)

———

When he opened Karin's room, he didn't expect the sight to leave him frozen by the door with his mouth slightly parted in awe. His heart ran wild as his mind suddenly flew to a far future that he didn't even know if he'll ever reach or deserve.

For he found Sakura in the middle of the room, gazing at a redhead baby in her arms as she hummed a random tune and swayed it to sleep. He never imagined how such a beautiful scenario was fitting for her to be in.

"Oh. Good afternoon, Sasuke-kun."

He recovered from his trance when Sakura glanced up and smiled at him, gently and almost sheepishly, taking his breath away. "Hn." He avoided her eyes as he dropped the bag he was holding to a table once he was inside the room. "I brought the remaining stuff of Karin from my house."

"Ah. Karin's still asleep, she became easily tired after welcoming Suigetsu earlier." Sakura giggled softly to avoid waking the little bundle in her arms. "Meanwhile, Suigetsu said he'll try to search for a temporarily place they could stay in while Karin and the baby are recuperating."

He tersely nodded, continuing to avert his eyes from her. After years of his absence, and a month of her deliberate avoidance in seeing him, Sasuke suddenly struggled to keep his cool around the pink-haired medic.

It didn't even help that she began pacing towards him, still humming a sweet melody that he couldn't put a name on, and then she stopped close enough for him to smell the cherry blossom scent of his hair alongside – what was that – milk? Ah, of course, she was holding a baby. His heart pounded against his ribcage at that fact once more.

"Sasuke-kun, this is Suika." She cradled the baby and looked at him. This time, he had no choice but to meet her dazzling gaze. "Do you want to hold her?"

Sasuke's eyes widened momentarily. "I...I only have one arm, Sakura."

She chuckled. "I know. But don't worry. Here, I'll help you." She was already extending her arms and positioning the baby on his only arm before he could even reply.

He, on the other hand, was stuck in staring at her face the whole time. It wasn't having a single arm that could compromise the baby's safety, but his lack of focus due to his awestruck admiration towards the medic nin. He didn’t expect her to be that knowledgeable and comfortable about anything related to babies at such a young age.

He felt a tug at the corner of his lips at the realization that his former teammate in their genin squad has come a long way. A part of him wished that he was there to witness her growth in the past, but a bigger part of him suddenly desired that from now on, he’d be there to see her reach the beautiful future that awaits her.

"There! Suika, this is Uncle Sasuke." She cooed.

Sasuke gripped the baby a little tighter when she let out a soft whimper. He finally turned his face to Suika and slowly imitated the way Sakura cradled her moments ago as she fixed the infant's bib in place.

He was well aware that Sakura was too close and that they were in such an intimate position, holding a baby and all. And Sasuke couldn't help but think about the possibility of him and Sakura being in the same scenario again one day. The only difference would be holding a black-haired (or pink-haired? He doesn't mind.) baby in between them by then. He was a little surprised with the direction his thoughts went so he softly cleared his throat, hoping to clear his mind as well.

"You're doing well, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura chuckled as she took a step back, taking in the sight of the great Sasuke Uchiha holding an infant in his arm. "You look so cute holding a bab—oh!" Her hand flew to cover her lips at the realization of what she had just said. A flush immediately appeared on her cheeks. "I mean, it's...uh...you—"

Tch. Annoying. "It's fine." He smirked. At least he's not the only one who was flustered.

"Hey, Sasuke!" They suddenly heard a voice by the door.

"Sssh! Suigetsu! Your wife and daughter's asleep!"

Sasuke stifled a laugh at the way Sakura hissed at his former comrade in Taka which reminded him of the usual way she scolded Naruto in Team 7. He still found it a bit odd that two parts of his past could still be there in his present.

The water ninja scratched the back of his head. "Ah. Sorry, Sakura-san."

"Do you want to hold your kid?"

"Where is—oh!" Suigetsu suddenly snickered when Sasuke turned to face him. "Never in my life did I imagine seeing you holding anything valuable other than a sword, let alone a baby!"

His former leader rolled his eyes.

"Here, let me get her."

Sasuke eyed Sakura for assistance but she simply gave him an encouraging nod, trusting him fully that he wouldn't be the cause of a newborn’s cracked head today.

When Suigetsu was already carrying his daughter, his gaze quickly softened as he flashed a toothy smile.

Sasuke was yet again surprised with the sight. He couldn’t deny that he was amazed with how his former comrades have changed for the better since the time he formed Team Hebi.

He looked on the ground. How could someone with an intense drive for killing people have such a look on his face? Is redemption really that possible? Does he even deserve the same thing?

“Really, though, Sasuke, thank you,” Suigetsu began, his eyes still fixed on his kid. “I believe it was orchestrated how we crossed paths last month. I...I really didn’t want to put Karin in danger in the Mist. They still needed to believe that I’m really pledging allegiance to my clan again despite my connection with Orochimaru for my new family needs a place to stay in. But if they saw Karin with me while we settle disputes, they might think we’re plotting something against the village.” He rolled his eyes and cackled. “Things like that were fun. But, I’m way past that. I and Karin are way past that. Thanks to you.”

Sasuke’s head snapped up, his lips parted as if to ask him what he was talking about.

“When we saw how willing you are to recommit to the Leaf, and help it from the outside, we thought it’s possible to do the same thing, to be like you in some ways. Now, we’re here. And you’ve kept my wife and child safe up to now. So, thanks Sasuke.”

Sasuke was still frozen in place as he stared back at Suigetsu. How could his former teammates be inspired with someone so messed up like him?

Sakura was smiling the whole time as he observed the two men. She could sense how uneasy Sasuke was, and she could only imagine the struggle in his thoughts right now. She sighed softly, realizing that he probably still didn’t believe that he’s now a changed man.

How could he not see it? She’s heard from Naruto and Kakashi how he was serving the village from afar and how he was helping people from other villages. It even made her think of him as a one-man police force that protects the village in the shadows. And that kind of man is far from the broken boy he used to be. She really wished he sees it now.

“I’m sure Karin is grateful as well. You know how much that woman was into you.” Suigetsu released another laugh. “I don’t even know how your patience survived her in the past month.”

“Oi! I can hear you!”

Three pairs of eyes darted towards the patient in the room.

“Oh. Speaking of the four-eyed devil,” Suigetsu muttered, feigning irritation.

Sakura found herself amused at the husband and wife. “Karin, glad you’re awake.” She then paced towards her and assisted her so she could be in a sitting position.

“Thanks, Sakura.” Karin slightly shifted in her bed, her entire body still sore from yesterday’s labor. “Well, truth be told, I didn’t bother Sasuke that much since I could take care of myself. I only sought for his help when I needed to go out and buy something since long walks are going to be the death of me, probably until now. So mind you, Shark-face, I don’t think I’ve stretched his patience. Right, Sasuke?” She grinned.

Sasuke heaved a sigh, and they weren’t sure if he wanted to say otherwise.

Suigetsu stifled a laugh at this. “Well, if circumstances were different I’m sure you would’ve been glad that you finally had an alone time with Sasuke.” He quirked an eyebrow at his wife. “You’ve always wanted that, right?”

“Oi! That’s not what—!”

“You’re both waking up and stressing out your kid.” Sasuke took it back, his teammates hadn’t changed at all.

“Sasuke-kun’s right, guys.” Sakura chuckled with her hands on her hips. “Now, now, I need you, men, to be out for a while because I’ll let Karin try to breastfeed Suika.”

Both men’s ears turned red.

“Oh, alright.” Suigetsu approached Karin who was still glaring at him. Snickering, he handed their baby gently in her arms. “I’ll be back. I might go out again to continue searching for a place.” He then kissed the top of his daughter’s head, paused in front of Karin’s face, and stuck his tongue out at her when she expected for a kiss.

Her reaction was worth it, and he was sure if she wasn’t holding their baby, she would’ve smacked him around the head.

When the water ninja was already by the door, holding it open for him, Sasuke turned to face Sakura and said, “I’ll just wait for you outside.”

And then all the girls were left inside the room.

Sakura remained staring at the door, slightly wondering as to why Sasuke would say that he would wait for her when in fact, Karin was the patient and the one he should be visiting. Then she realized the fact that weirdly, he didn’t even speak to the redhead at all.

———

(Karin - Part 5)

Any comments on this part wherein we’ve finally seen the father of the baby? Haha. Your comments on your thoughts, feelings, and feedback are highly appreciated!😄

My estimate on the chapter length of this was extended due to the limits of what I can post on a single tumblr post. Stay tuned for the next one! Thanks & God bless!

Check out my other SasuSaku fics here!☺️

- A

#sasusaku #sasukarin #suikarin #sasuke uchiha #sakura haruno #sasusakufanfic #ssfanfic #sasusakuoneshot #sasusakufanfics #sasusakufanfiction #sasusakucanon #karin uzumaki #suigetsu hozuki #karin hozuki #ss fanfiction #ss fanfic

[fiercyy]

Chapters: 8/? Fandom: Naruto Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura & Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura & Hatake Kakashi, Team 7 - Relationship, Uchiha Sasuke & Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura & Hatake Kakashi & Uchiha Sasuke & Uzumaki Naruto Summary: Sakura always wished she could relate to her teammates better. She wishes she could take it back. In which Sasuke acquires some unwanted roommates and a team becomes a family.

(ffnet)

or read on tumblr below:

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Sasuke does the cooking and dishes. Naruto vacuums and dusts. Sakura cleans the bathroom and the kitchen.

The shower drain is a multicolored nest of hair and the sink is looking grimy. Sasuke grinds his teeth every time he looks at the kitchen counter but on principle, he can't clean it. He made a chore wheel for a reason!

Sakura hardly leaves her room. She never spends any time in the common spaces. Sasuke hasn't seen her in three days. Where does she go every day, while still recovering? He doesn't care. Definitely not. It's just baffling is all. And he refuses to ask Naruto. Even though he knows he knows. The blond is the more belligerent roommate of the two. He plants himself in the kitchen or the living room and stares at him. Sometimes he'll give Sasuke shit about things that aren't at all his problem. Mostly he complains about Kakashi-sensei.

That's the other thing. Naruto hasn't been coming to training. Out of solidarity.

Sasuke wakes up at 6am and rolls over to look at Naruto. The other boy is out cold and facing the wall. He wonders if he's putting his back to him consciously, or if it's a subconscious manifestation of his anger. It's a weird change. Sakura is angry. Kakashi is angry. Naruto is angry. Sasuke is just tired.

He gets out of bed, dresses and heads for the kitchen. He pauses outside the door of the second bedroom for a moment before moving on.

The smell of breakfast won't wake either teammate. Or, if it did, he would never know about it. They won't leave their rooms.

He fries a couple of eggs and breaks them over cold leftover rice.

The walk to the training grounds is quiet. It bothers Sasuke; how used to the chatter he's become. He waits for Kakashi at the bridge. He doesn't have long to wait though, Kakashi has been on time for the past three days.

Sasuke doesn't like when patterns are broken. It makes him anxious. He feels like everything's falling apart and the hateful voice in his head tells him that it doesn't matter… but it does.

"No Naruto today?" Kakashi asks, cheerfully, like he's inquiring about tomorrow's weather.

"No Sakura either." Sasuke tells him, and he's unable to keep the spite from his voice.

He shows up, because that's what a good shinobi does. They report for duty on time, ready to work. He needs to get stronger and he can't do that if he doesn't train. Naruto doesn't seem to understand that. He thinks he's betraying Sakura by showing up at all. Solidarity won't change Kakashi's mind though, letting their muscles atrophy won't teach him a lesson.

"Then I guess we'll work one-on-one on some more advanced techniques," Kakashi takes a stance, "Just like we did before the chunin exams."

With Naruto and Sakura gone, Sasuke doesn't have to share his sensei with teammates. He has the undivided attention of a master who can make him stronger, better and more powerful. He doesn't have to waste time on teamwork exercises or correcting his teammates form.

He doesn't need it. He doesn't need them. When he faces off against Itachi, it won't be with partners. He'll be by himself. And when his brother is dead, he'll finally be truly alone.

Sasuke shakes away that unpleasant thought. He isn't the last Uchiha yet. He doesn't have to think about it until it happens. He doesn't even expect to survive.

Except now he's stuck on the thought. What would it do to Naruto and Sakura if he were to die fighting his brother? It would kill them. He's not stupid. He knows they care about him. They'd die for him. It's for the best then, that Team 7 is falling apart. Maybe, if they all hate each other, it won't hurt. He should kick them out. He should try harder not to care, but it's like every time he does, something happens that forces him to admit that he does.

At the end of the session, lying panting and depleted on the ground, Sasuke achieves a moment of clarity. "She isn't like us." Which he's always known, but he's not sure Kakashi does. "You can reason with her."

Kakashi seems to find this amusing. "And I can't with you?"

"She still cares what you think."

"Ah." Kakashi sighs and rubs the back of his neck, "You're chatty today."

Fine then. He's done talking for the day. "Hn."

Kakashi takes this for the dismissal that it is and leaves first. Sasuke's too tired to move quite yet.

.

.

Sakura discovers something new about herself. Gentle encouragement does not work. But Spite does.

She's out of the house before her teammates wake up.

It's 5am and she's barely awake, but she can't stand the thought of running into either of them in the hall. She forces herself out of bed and into the cold morning air.

At first she sits on a boulder in Training Ground #14. She doesn't know what to do. She's never planned a training regimen before. Eventually sitting turns to meditating. Sort of accidentally. She doesn't want to think about things, so she doesn't. But soon, meditating becomes difficult; all the painful thoughts she doesn't want to think bump against her subconscious until they propel her to her feet.

So she starts with what she's good at. She practices chakra control. She holds herself upside-down on a tree limb until she almost passes out from the blood rushing to her head. She does all the katas she knows on the surface of the pond. She feels the chakra flow through her network and consciously tries to control its route.

She thinks about the medic nin who healed her, and what a poor job he did. She wonders if he was incompetent or if he just didn't care. Maybe he saw her life as a waste of chakra. Sometimes she feels like he was right.

Sakura needs to prove him wrong. She needs to be better. But she can't do that by herself. She can't go to her sensei either.

The conclusion is obvious, where does anyone go to learn anything? The library.

From then on, she makes it a point each day to go to the military library. It's an archive of history, lineage and techniques. All active shinobi have access… to parts of it. There are levels of clearance and the wild-haired librarian with sharp almond shaped eyes is not someone to be taken lightly.

She starts with the chakra network. And medical ninjutsu. It strikes her as incredibly useful. Why doesn't every team have a medic? Why don't more people become medic nins? She comes to realize there are three reasons:

1) Shinobi want to be in the field and in the fight.

2) Medicnin are targets. Strategically, the wisest course is to attack them first.

3) It's too difficult for most people to manage it.

Every healing technique is high-level jutsu. It takes precision, control, power and determination.

"So that's where it's gone."

Sakura looks up, but she's been straining her eyes in the dim corner for so long that her eyes need a second to refocus. When they do, she gasps. "H-Hokage-sama!"

Tsunade rests her right fist on her cocked hip, "How'd you get your hands on that, Kid?"

Sakura's eyes widen while she struggles to come up with a good enough lie. "Uuuuh…" Masterful Sakura, great. "I found it?"

"Mhmm," she hums, unimpressed. "Where?"

"…On the returns cart."

Tsunade gestures, indicating she should stand. Sakura does as she's told. She holds out her hand for the book and the girl gives it to her. "Smart, much easier than sneaking it out of its section," she comments while leafing through the book.

Sakura shrugs as if to say it was nothing.

"You're interested in medical ninjutsu?" She purposely makes her tone skeptical, which makes Sakura's hackles rise.

"I'm looking for a challenge."

"Well, you'll definitely find it in here. This isn't where I'd advise you start." And with that, she snaps the book shut and walks away, taking it with her. "I'm sure there's something more your speed in the level D section."

She's steaming mad and she knows exactly what to do. Sakura learns best when the deck is stacked against her, when she's out of options, when nobody thinks she can win.

She's going to win over the Hokage and make her her teacher.

.

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"Crap, I have to go." The clock on the wall behind the counter at Yamanaka Flower Shop reads 1:45pm. "I'll see you later Pig."

Ino rolls her eyes as Sakura dashes for the door. "Whatever Forehead, do what you've gotta do."

Sakura sticks her tongue out at her friend and flicks her hair before dashing out. It's getting long again and she's not sure that she likes it. She was so upset about it when it happened, but she's gotten used to it being short. She's noticed how in-the-way it's been lately. And it's so much work to maintain, she just doesn't have the energy for it anymore. Some days she doesn't have the energy to shower. Why did she keep it so long in the first place?

Oh yeah, Sasuke-kun likes girls with short hair. She could just puke. She wanted to be pretty, to fit in, to be loved and accepted.

What does that matter now? She's all alone.

Her parents are dead. Her teacher abandoned her and her Team will be better off without her.

Fine. She doesn't need them. She's going to prove them all wrong.

She's got an appointment with destiny!

.

.

A sweet-faced woman with dark hair named Shizune leads her into the Hokage's office for her two o'clock appointment.

Tsunade doesn't look up from her paperwork until the door snaps closed behind her. "Oh," she sounds unsurprised, "It's you."

"It's me," Sakura says self-consciously.

"What can I do for you kid? You can't have the book back, sorry to say."

"Don't worry, I already memorized it."

"You already memorized it?"

"…Yeah."

She's good at books. Books, Sakura understands. People? Not so much. Except sometimes she thinks she really really does. Then sometimes she turns out to be very wrong. She thinks of her teammates, whom she hasn't seen in days. She shakes off the melancholy and straightens her spine.

Toughen up Sakura, you can do this.

"How many bones are in your right hand?"

"27."

"How much water can your kidneys process in a day?"

"Combined or separate?"

"Combined."

"28 litres."

"Well, that's a neat trick." Like a dog. Or a trained seal. Okay.

"I need…" she hesitates.

"Yes?"

"Uh…"

"Don't waste my time. Come back when-"

"I need someone to teach me!"

"Is this you asking me?"

"Yes! Please!"

"No."

"No?"

"Can't do it. Too busy."

"But-!"

"Have a nice day!" When she turns back to her paperwork, Sakura knows she's lost the battle.

But not the war.

.

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The next night, Sakura waits for Tsunade outside of Hokage Tower. She leans against the stucco wall, with her arms crossed, eyes trained upward. The streetlamps have just switched on, blotting out the stars with their light pollution.

Tsunade strolls right past her and she runs to catch up.

"Godaime-sama!"

"Hm?" she half turns. "Oh, it's you."

Hell yeah it is. "I thought about what you said. And I know you're busy, but think of it like an investment. In the long run I would save you time, because I could do things like do your paperwork or fill in at the hospital for you."

"Good pitch. Still not interested." She laughs. "And you really think you could fill in for me? There's a reason they gave me the giant hat and it's not because I'm easily replaceable."

Sakura's eyes widen, "That's not what I meant at all! I just mean… I could help you!"

"No."

"I could!"

"I'm sure you'd try, but I'm not sure I want to invest my time."

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"What are you doing?" Kakashi demands, confronting Tsunade at the bar only an hour later. "You agreed you'd do it."

"I want to know how bad she wants it." She turns to the bartender. "Another bottle please."

"She's good."

"So?"

"She's talented."

"That's just another word for good."

"You said you would do it."

The bartender comes back with two cups and a bottle. Tsunade moves the second cup to her other side, out of Kakashi's reach and pours herself a few ounces. "Why should I invest my time, when you don't even want to? She's your responsibility."

Kakashi glances at the ceiling and prays for patience. "I don't know how to help her."

"Uh huh."

"I don't! I can't be what she needs. She needs someone better than me." He rubs his eyes, under the forehead protector. "I can't get through to her or make her stronger. She's nothing like me."

"Ha!"

He doesn't get why that's funny.

"She's exactly like you. You just don't see it yet."

Kakashi wants to throw his hands up in the air but he doesn't. He needs to think. Just to be a bitch, he steals her bottle of sake and takes a swig before slamming it down on the bar and heading for the exit.

"I'll give them this," Tsunade says to herself before taking a delicate sip of her sake. "They're determined."

.

.

He's so worried he can't even concentrate on his smut. It's truly dire.

Kakashi really thought that Team 7 would benefit from being together. And they have, he thinks… But Naruto and Sasuke have benefitted more. They've softened and calmed. They consider each other's needs. And each other's pain.

That ended when Sasuke spoke to Sakura that way. His rage lit the fuse of her fury. It was the catalyst that made their progress go up in flames. But he still cares. He defended her. Maybe he doesn't have to separate them. Maybe there's hope for them after all.

But Sakura is still a danger to herself and others.

Sasuke's words come to him and he sighs. He has to fix this with words? Outrageous.

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"Good morning!"

Sakura shrieks and almost falls out of bed.

It's dark out, darker than her usual 5am wakeup.

"Hush, you'll wake the boys."

Sakura leaps to a standing position. The mattress bounces beneath her. And there's Kakashi-sensei, balancing in a crouch on her footboard.

"So?" she spits.

"You guys are so cute. Come on." He shoves his hands in his pockets and moves to the window.

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Sure you are, now come on."

And despite herself, she follows.

Kakashi leads her out the window and onto the roof of the apartment building. He takes a seat on the ledge and pats the spot next to him.

"Oh so you have time for me now?"

"Stop being a brat and sit down."

She does as she's told, several feet from where he's sitting.

"Come on," Kakashi says in a conciliatory tone, "Do you want me to have to yell?"

"Why?" she replies, "Are you hard of hearing Old Man?"

"Stop calling me Old Man," he complains, but off her cutting glare he sighs. "Fine. Maybe I deserve that."

Sakura crosses her arms and looks towards the horizon to avoid looking at him. Her feelings are hurt. She feels abandoned and tired. She was going to give it another go with Tsunade-sama today, but she's feeling a little discouraged. What if she never says yes? She's out of options. If she can't go on missions, she can't make any money. And what's she supposed to do every day? She can't be goalless. It's a state that leaves her alone with her thoughts, and they are her worst companions.

"Oh, I guess I should talk first." He hadn't expected Sakura to apologize first but he really thought after following her around for the past couple days that she'd be a little contrite. She's obviously unhappy with the way things are. "I'm sorry."

She tries to hide her surprise.

He explains the best he can. "I just want to make you see what path you're going down. It doesn't lead anywhere good. Trust me."

"How would you know?" she mumbles.

They're quiet for a while, until Kakashi gathers the courage to tell her the truth. "Did you know that… my father committed suicide?" she gasps. "I was the one who found him. I used to be angry. So angry. And there was nothing to fight, no enemy to beat. The only thing I could direct my anger at was him, and myself. And the world."

"…How old were you?"

"Very young," he says sadly, "I know now that when someone kills themselves it's because they've lost a very long battle against themselves. I know that it's a sickness. But that doesn't change the fact that I lost him. I lost a lot of people."

He tells her the story of his team; of Obito and Rin. "I loved them, but I couldn't do it properly until it was too late. I almost didn't go back for her, but Obito gave me some tough love. He made me see. I want better for the three of you. What you have is precious. You need to hold on to it."

There are tears in her eyes as she whispers, "I'm not sure I know how."

"Yes you do. You've always known. You held them together when things got tough. Let them be there for you too."

She swipes at her eyes as the tears fall. Kakashi scoots closer and lays a gentle hand on her shoulder. "When Sasuke and Naruto… Did you tell them all this?"

"No," he admits. "I know you guys are all different. I was trying to give you an ultimatum, make you see that what you were doing was dangerous. I was trying to scare you straight. I'm not very good at this." She giggles. "I was treating you like I'd treat them, but I also wasn't. That kind of thing wouldn't have worked on them. They'd never find their way back, but you?"

"I need them more than they need me," she says sadly.

"Nah, that's not it," he searches for the words. "You're willing to admit when you need them." It's not strictly true, but he thinks he can remind her that she's supposed to be the mature one. "I don't tell them this kind of stuff because you can't reason with a knucklehead or a robot."

Sakura giggles again, "No, I guess you can't. I don't know if I can forgive him though. I don't know how to stop what I'm feeling."

"You don't have to. But I'm worried that if you don't wake up and look around, your family might not wait around. You can't be angry forever or you'll push them away."

"It's not fair. Sasuke gets to be angry all the time, and I'm supposed to just forget it?"

"'Gets to'," he snorts. "Don't tell him I said this, but you're stronger than he is-" Off her sudden laugh, "No. Really. You're more resilient. You process, while he's stuck. Do you want my advice?"

"Not really."

He snorts, "Damn kids."

Sakura rolls her eyes but can't help the fond smile that blossoms in time with the first peek of morning sunshine over the horizon.

"All the love you feel for the people you lost, put that into something new. Love your team, love your family as much as you can. Instead of focusing on your anger, concentrate on protecting the people you love. That will make you strong. I'd tell him that too if I thought he would listen, but he likes to make his own mistakes."

"You think he'll figure it out?"

"I think he already knows. He just doesn't know he knows."

Sakura realizes something else about herself that night. More than gentle encouragement, more than spite, the will to protect the things that matter to her, motivates her best.

.

.

The Godaime has a reputation among the higher ranks of shinobi. She's in the Bingo Book for a reason. She's tough. And deadly. Her healing powers are the least of people's worries when they encounter her. She is a fearsome choice in Hokage, her status as a sanin alone dissuades other villages from interfering. She doesn't wonder what her own forces thing of her; the truly powerful have no need to care.

She's still new. Konoha has been in a rebuilding stage. Her work has mostly been commissioning repairs, rebuilds and restructuring.

Her first disciplinary meeting begins with a silent staring contest. An ANBU officer with a mask painted like a Vole. His squad stands at attention behind him. "You deemed this mission a success."

"Yes ma'am. The envoy arrived safely and the enemy nin were drawn out and eliminated or brought in for questioning," he relays the facts with a detached tone.

"I see. But there were unforeseen complications."

"A member of the genin squad tasked with accompanying Arakawa and baiting the enemy was injured in action."

Tsunade snorts, "Yes, I saw your handiwork when she arrived at the hospital."

Because of the mask, it's unclear if he looks abashed. Or makes any expression at all.

"Consider some remedial courses. That was shoddy fieldwork and you can do better. Additionally-" Her eyes flash, her anger bubbling to the surface. "I'm not sure how my predecessor ran things, but under my administration, we do not unnecessarily endanger genin. We prioritize the lives of Konoha citizens, even at the expense of the mission. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes ma'am!" The ANBU squad affirm together.

"Dismissed." They flashstep away, leaving the Hokage alone with her burdens. "…Fools."

It's her last meeting of the day, so she decides to leave the pile of paperwork for tomorrow. She takes the long way, climbing down the spiral staircase instead of leaping out the window. Just as she's about to walk out of the lobby, there's a flash of pink and suddenly Sakura Haruno's upside-down face is four inches away from hers.

The girl hangs from the ceiling. She looks cheerful and full of a vigor that's been lacking since the first time she met her.

She sways side to side, grinning. "Hokage-sama, please just hear me out."

Tsunade has to laugh. "Why do you want this so bad? You've come to me three times, and I've said no every time."

"I want to become stronger… and I have this feeling that you can help me do that."

"Why do you want to become stronger?"

She doesn't hesitate. "I want to protect the people I love. I want to be able to fight at their side. For once, I don't want to be staring at their backs. I want them to watch mine."

Tsunade considers her for a moment.

Sakura waits, with baited breath.

"You pass."

"Huh?"

Tsunade slides around her and heads for the door, waving over her shoulder. "We start tomorrow. At a reasonable hour, like 11."

She's so surprised that her feet become unglued from the ceiling. She falls with a shriek but lands laughing.

#sasusaku #sasukesakura #sasuke x sakura #naruto #fanfiction #if you can't hold on hold on #my fic #sakura haruno #tw: grief #tw: violence

[theredpalace]

To Devour Light (Musashi and Madara Fic) Part 2

Musashi stares up at the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. But with its eyes closed, it cannot stare back, nor offer anything to the Uchiha in form of wisdom or comfort.

There is even less room for comfort and too much demand for wisdom these days.

The cave is dark, dimly lit by a few candles and sparsely furnished. The bare bones of a house in a very inappropriate location. The cave is so bare, there aren’t even the sounds of dripping water or squeaking bats. No bugs crawl here, no animals or insects at all. It’s all clean grey stone and a smooth domed ceiling. It’s big enough to house this mighty statue his father summoned from the moon itself, a statue that made a first impression of deep horror on Musashi.

He was sixteen then. He’s fifty one now.

He doesn’t look it. His body is nearly identical to when he was twenty four. The only addition, is a pair of gentle eyes on the back of his neck...closed shut forever. Musashi hopes they never open. Someone might see the First Hokage staring back at them.

Musashi isn’t entirely comfortable seeing Hashirama on his father’s chest or protruding from the statue high above. His kindly features are a stark contrast to their work, even as Hashirama lies dead in his grave.

The man that sits in this cave is not as alone as he was years ago. Not just his elderly father, withering and too tired to sit up from his seat, the roots of the Statue embedded in his flesh. To Musashi’s annoyance, there are others now.

The Zetsus that formed were irritatingly unusual. Like children even. They submitted to Musashi’s stony severity and Madara’s iron will swiftly, but he hears them gossiping and murmuring to each other as they tend to their duties in the cave. Musashi didn’t let them touch Madara at first, but eventually allowed it for the continuation of preserving his father’s health. The Zetsus have Hashirama’s cells and thus his rare Wood Release. Musashi envies their easy going attitude regarding that skill.

When the Uchiha was told by his father to swallow the modified flesh to absorb its power, he almost vomited it back out. He swallowed it down in the end, like he’d swallowed everything else.

Then there’s the boy.

To be an Uchiha should be comforting enough. And though the boy’s right half was pulverized, Madara was able to revive him with the cells of Hashirama and now he lay resting. Musashi feels a twinge of jealousy that anyone else would have been worth his father using his precious little strength and energy to free someone from an earthy tomb. But Musashi swallows the jealousy and helps him.

Musashi wonders if they would still be sitting in this cave if they had succeeded.

___________

The Kyuubi raised destruction Musashi had never witnessed before. And with Madara’s aid Musashi raised his own jutsu....Hachiman ,God of War. It took its toll on his chakra and could only hold for three minutes. But those three minutes pushed Hashirama to his brink against the two. Two glowing gods against a jutsu with a thousand hands.

Musashi no longer cried, but he was tearing himself apart in fury when  he met the limits of his strength and his father’s own strength was wasted in protecting him.

He thought he’d died.

He was so sure it was all over.

But in a single flash, Musashi went from cradling his father’s corpse, and ready to die fighting Hashirama...to flickering away into this cave, staring at his very living father as he gagged and hacked up the consolation prize. The Izanagi had done everything. The world was sure that Madara and Musashi were dead.

They lost their opportunity, and the Kyuubi. All that work for a pound of flesh.

Musashi never knew a more difficult time. He took over maintaining supplies, even those dangerous to procure to continue experimentation on Hashirama’s cells. Madara lost one eye to summon the Statue of the Demonic Outer Paths...and when he finally attained the precious Rinnegan he ordered his son to plant it in another. A future seed to fallow and grow into a useful pawn. Madara’s body fell victim to age for a simple reason.

He had given the best of everything to his son.

Musashi swallowed no more than a bite’s worth of Hashirama’s flesh, but in that one bite he was able to develop a skill to preserve his body’s health, strength and chakra stores when they were at their peak. The sparse cells his father ingested gave him more than enough, but he had given his son the gift of youth and life. The Strength of a Hundred.

Uchiha Madara was always ready with some other plan to revive what was lost but Musashi still remained his silent, faithful ally...even if the silence sometimes grew taxing on his mind and he wished to do nothing more than let out a good scream. Madara promised, again and again, without his son even having to question him. It would be worth it. Like it or not, the world would change.

Dreams were going to become reality.

_______

Obito awakes, and though Musashi fumes to see his father wasting his energy again just to talk to him, making himself tired, he says nothing. When Obito swears he’s going to recover and get out, he says nothing.

He gives him food and water when he asks, points him to the latrine and tends to his father. And waits.

Musashi should not be so good at waiting this long. His childhood may have been so long ago it might as well be forgotten, but he recalls his impulsive, impatient younger self. Madara would have laughed to see him brooding and pacing a furrow into the floor because he didn’t want to wait back then. But Musashi had very certainly sent the person he was as a child to his grave. The Plan is all that matters. Until Obito asks him a question he cannot ignore.

“Why do you even do all of this?!”

Obito is frustrated and angry. He might be an Uchiha, but he’s weak still...a baby lost in the woods. He’s trying fruitlessly to train himself back to full health and to break open the sealed wall. He can’t. Musashi knows the way in and out, but he doesn’t share it. And while Madara sleeps, Musashi waits in silence...eats a little now and then, but that’s all. He doesn’t even really need the food much and he only sleeps to better ignore the nuisance sharing their space.

“For crying out loud you and the old man live in a cave! There’s no sunlight, no fresh air, nothing!” Obito slams his hands on his bed. “What the hell are you waiting for?!”

This strikes a chord Musashi thought he had long since buried deep.

There is satisfaction in seeing Obito flinch rapidly when Musashi stands up straight and marches over to him, scrabbling on his bed against the headboard to put futile distance between them. But nothing can prevent Musashi from grabbing him by the hair and hissing in a voice containing more pent up frustration then he ever felt before.

“You don’t know devotion boy-” He said in an icy whisper. He doesn’t want to wake up his father, he’s already at an age where sleep is a struggle. “-until you know what it means to lose someone you’re devoted to.”

And he will.

Musashi knows what will come.

“Not yet.” Musashi warns, and lets him go.

________

Obito acts exactly as Madara suspects he would. No sooner did Musashi return from his secret excursion on his orders did Obito see what the Hatake boy saw. His beloved in danger. The Nohara girl.

It disgusts Musashi that his devotion is so petty and romantic, but Obito musters his strength and absorbs the spiral Zetsu...and goes.

He and Madara are alone at last, and he couldn’t be more relieved to see his father open his eyes and sigh. “Finally.” Madara says in his deep voice. Even if age causes it to come out more tired, Madara’s voice always carries a comforting tone of strength. It puts him at ease to see him slouch lazily in his chair. “A hurdle that has taken years of waiting for the right match to come along.”

Musashi notes with bitterness it might not have had to wait if Madara had used him like he offered. But he was Madara’s only child, and Musashi had given up convincing him of anything.

“He’s still green. His Mangekyou will not be as strong as yours.”

“No.” Madara’s expression shifts, to one of tired acceptance. “But it will do. Besides, there will be a stronger one to come. Better than mine. Maybe even on par with the Rinnegan.”

This is news to him. Musashi was acutely aware of everything, Madara always shared these things with him. “Whose?”

“Yours.”

There is ice in Musashi’s heart. He....he can’t. He thinks, his face shifting to one of barely restrained horror and pleading. “...you can’t mean it.”

“I do mean it.” He is looking right at him with his one remaining eye, his will and determination manifested in the gaze alone. “I am old. I would not die of old age rather than to give my son the opportunity to make the ultimate Sharingan. And so long as our plans are achieved in the order we have prepared them, I will return.”

“Don’t.” Musashi’s voice is almost a rasp. He knows he’s being a child about this, but he wants to cry. He hasn’t felt like he’s needed to cry or beg or emote the way young children do. “Don’t ask this of me.”

Madara only need beckon him and his legs move without his consent.

Its like his nightmare, now kneeling before his father, except the sword is in his hand, not the other way around. “You can make it quick.” He assured. “It won’t even hurt because of Hashirama’s cells. And I will be back. We have everything in place. And you know what to do.”

“I don’t want this.” Musashi admits. Its the first he’s confessed of any weakness and he despises himself for it. Over fifty years he has choked down his weaknesses and refused to let them show and now here he is. On his knees, begging like a coward.

“No...” Madara’s voice is soft, parental. Like if Musashi was still eight years old, coming home from school in tears because the insults of his classmates cut a little too deep. “Of course you don’t.” Another sigh. One that’s ready to get it over with. “Do it.”

Musashi’s hands don’t belong to him anymore and he cuts through the heart, impaling him right through the copy of Hashirama’s face. And the last, shuddering breath that exits his father is one of elated relief and pride, and Musashi feels his withered hand pet his head.

“What a good child you are.”

________

Obito returns to a funeral pyre, and Musashi holding something bloody in his palm.

The fire looks different under a Mangekyou Sharingan. It’s almost black and blue, eating up the remains of Madara and burning so hot that it fills the cave with heat. The light illuminates the Statue morbidly, and its closed eyes almost flicker with vision.

“Old man...” Obito mutters. He’s coated in blood.

Good. Musashi looks at him over his shoulder, Mangekyou dancing in the firelight. Suffer. That’s the only strength you have you idiotic child.

“He’s gone.” Musashi answered. “And he has something for you.”

Obito looks so tired, so ready to cry. Musashi hates him. Madara shouldn’t have wasted his energy on this emotional child. “Rin....she’s dead.” The young Uchiha’s eyes hardened. “Kakashi let her die.”

Everything fell into place like a dream. And when Musashi gives him Madara’s right eye, the Mangekyou of an Uchiha legend, he accepts it. He accepts his father’s name, his plans, all of it.

Musashi keeps the truth and swallows it whole.

You’ll see. He watches Obito don this persona, this impossible person to emulate and represent. He will never love him because he knows he’s not his father. He doesn’t have to love him. This world will change. Dreams will become reality.

And Father will come back to me.

#musashi #uchiha madara #long fic #part two! #masterofwar

[eleanor-devil]

Naruto Fanfic - Boruto: Sacrifices - Chap.26, Building Tension

IMPORTANT: It would be very very appreciated if you reblogged it and left a comment. We get lots of likes/favs but almost no comments, so please everyone, leave a comment, it encourages us to continue.

Written by my friend @mirage-05

Cover by @eleanor-devil

prologue, chap.1, chap.2, chap.3, chap.4, chap.5, chap.6, chap.7, chap.8, chap.9, chap.10, chap.11, chap.12, chap.13, chap.14, chap.15, chap.16, chap.17, chap.18, chap.19, chap.20, chap.21, chap.22, chap.23, chap.24, chap.25, chap.26, chap.27

For more Sacrifices stuff, click on this link

Chapter 26 - Building Tension

As he looked up from where he was lying down to the stars shining out of the window, the young blue haired boy was thinking that he was actually doing a good job during his... recovery. Mitsuki. That was his name, as told by the angel and many others. He was twelve, but apparently his birthday was closing in. Although no one around him wanted to go into details, he had apparently been through a very rough fight (because he was a... ninja, that was the word) and had missed more than a month of his life because of it. He didn't remember being dangerously impulsive or reckless, but by the looks of it, he was. And apparently... he was best friends with the blondie - Boruto. Strange enough, through everything... this was the one fact that he had the hardest time to wrap his mind around. If he was such an important person in his life, how... why couldn't he remember him?! He sighed. The thing was, whenever he tried to remember something, anything... he had a splitting headache, caused by what seemed to be a myriad of voices speaking in his head. He didn't know any of these voices... or rather, he couldn't decipher enough out of the ramble to recognize who was speaking, but still... he was sure these were no memories. And although he didn't exactly know why... he was actually afraid to hear what the voices had to say. And so he was, in a way... avoiding remembering anything... Which was why the visits of Boruto had become guilt trips. Sometimes, he really wished he would stop visiting... but then, this thought was unbearable too, for reasons he didn't know. Hearing footsteps and low murmuring from the outside, Mitsuki immediately ducked back into the covers, pretending to be asleep if the medics decided to come inside for a check. He didn't feel like he could talk about these problems with anyone - at least not yet. He knew that this was something only he needed to sort out.

... "Ta-daaa!" the black haired girl said cheerily as she brought out some delicious looking pasties from the basket she and her brother had brought. "Mama made these especially for you, Mitsu-nii!" The girl's bubbliness was kind of... overwhelming, especially the way she (Himawari, her name was Himawari) kept calling him 'brother'... Just another pang in the young boy's heart, and yet... for some reason he just couldn't see her presence as unnerving as her brother's. "Hey, dig in, 'ttebasa, this is all yours!" Boruto said with a big grin, leaving Mitsuki amazed at just how much enthusiasm he had. "I... thank you," the boy replied, with a smile that he hoped that at least looked genuine. He took a sweet bun from the basket and took a bite... it was indeed delicious beyond words. He didn't notice how Boruto's face fell, his expression taking on a thoughtful quality. He didn't have a chance to notice it anyway, seeing that Himawari was still chattering away. He came to a halt as the taste of the bun started to feel... too familiar, almost like... home... the feeling almost made his heart ache... "Yo, Mitsuki," Boruto's voice was now as thoughtful as his expression, not the cheerful one as before. "You okay?" Maybe that wasn't the best question to ask, since he was still recovering from his injuries as well as a memory loss, but Mitsuki knew that the blond was just worried about him. And somehow, he was glad for it. "I'm good." he said, not enjoying the fact that he was lying, but not really seeing any other way out of it. ... "He's not good," Boruto sighed as they walked down the Konoha streets with Sarada. "He talks with us, smiles and all... but it's just so clear that he's putting up an act. That..." he stopped himself there, because he was about to say 'that my best friend's still not back', but... that hurt to admit. Sarada remained silent. Looking over at her, the blond could see a thoughtful, almost sad expression on the Uchiha's face. Why though...? "Nee, Sarada," he said at last, his voice, too, becoming a little worried. "What are you thinking?" Sarada came to a halt before turning to face him, although not quite meeting his eyes. Boruto couldn't tell why this was bothering him so much... "I..." she finally began, but she clearly wasn't too keen to continue. "I was just... thinking lately..." "And?" "You're not gonna like it Boruto..." The blond let out a humorless laugh. "A lot of things I don't like happen Sarada. Just go on with it." She closed her eyes with a sigh. It was only when she reopened them that she met his gaze. "Mitsuki's condition... I just... can't help but think that we unintentionally contributed to it all this time..." Those words indeed made Boruto came to a halt as his expression slowly turned blank. "W-wait, what... do you mean...?" "Just... think about it..." Now her voice was sad too, desperate... "He had always been... well, secretive, but did we ever really try to... understand him?" "That's not true," the blond said immediately, but his voice didn't really hold unwavering certainty. "He is good at hiding it if something's bothering him, if he is in trouble, believe me I've seen it so many times while we were dealing with the bullies... and we... we took him by stride... Never questioned his motives, reasons..." "This is nonsense, Sarada," he snapped at last, and the girl could hear it crystal clear in his voice... denial, denial that he was trying to hide by acting out... she knew her childhood friend only too well. And that was why she hated pushing on with this. "You remember back in the Chuunin exams? When he lost to Shinki?" "Well... yeah, of course I do." Boruto said, a little uneasy... because when he thought back to that time, the first thing he clearly remembered was the intense look Mitsuki gave him... which was... disconcerting, he had thought... But... had he thought much deeper into it? Things began clicking together in his mind. That was also when Sarada decided to complete her theory. "Did we even wonder why he decided to give up?" "I..." the words came numb to his lips. "I just... didn't think it was too unusual of him... That I could never truly understand him if I tried anyway..." But that was the thing... he didn't try. Not really. Ever since Mitsuki came to Konoha, they had an... awkward relationship. Mitsuki seemed to follow him everywhere, look up to him a lot... much more than his other classmates, now that he came to think of it. He seemed to tie his reasoning of staying in Konoha solely to him, even calling him his... sun... although the blond would be damned if he knew what that meant. And he never questioned its meaning either... They only got closer, becoming what they considered to be best friends in the passing year... but now Boruto had doubts about just how much of a best friend he was, not knowing Mitsuki thoroughly, and only going back to it after he almost lost him... "That was exactly what I thought, too," Sarada's voice brought him to this world, his own regret reflecting in her obsidian eyes. "And I... just can't help but thinking... what if it hurt him more than we could ever imagine? That we..." "...didn't even get to know him better..." the blond's voice was almost hollow. Sarada didn't know what more to say to that. They stood in complete, shocked silence for they didn't know how long. "...what... had we been doing all this time...?" Boruto's hand was slowly balled in a fist, his teeth clenched. It hurt the Uchiha to see him like that. These episodes of dark emotions became too often in the Uzumaki, uncomfortably so. It was scaring her... She was afraid that those emotions could lead him to a place where there was no return... "I-I'm sorry," she said, stuttering. "I told you... you wouldn't like this..." Boruto closed his eyes for a minute, his posture still stiff, fists still clenched... He gulped a few times, visibly trying to calm himself down. It started to work slowly... "It's alright, Sarada," he said slowly, sighing as he opened his eyes. "If nothing... you helped me open my eyes." "What do you mean?" Sarada whispered. "I've been doing this wrong all this time." His voice had taken on a firm quality... determined. "No more secrets from now on... When he regains his memories... I'm gonna make sure there will be no more boundaries between us." Relieved, a genuine smile formed on Sarada's lips as she put a hand on his arm, which made Boruto make a double take and glance at her. "Well, we can both agree on that." It took him a minute, but finally, Boruto gave her a smile, too. ... Part of Karin still didn't believe she was doing this. But for some reason... she also didn't feel any threat coming from the situation. No, she... somehow found it easier to trust the person her colleagues and Orochimaru-sama chose not to. Well, she had decided to rule that off as pigheadedness as it was... She put a hand over her belly as she waited. She had come a little earlier than the arranged time. As much as she liked to defy the rules of the 'house'... she still tried to keep as low a profile as possible, to not raise any suspicions... so she had lied and told everyone that she was going to do shopping for her daughter. "Oh I'm sorry - did I make you wait too long?" Startling out of her thoughts, the Uzumaki turned to the source of the voice. There she was, the redhead Kiri kunoichi. She pulled up a chair across from her and sat down. "Thanks for responding... I didn't know who else to reach, since... y'know..." "And how did you know I would come?" Karin asked, mostly out of curiosity. Her question made the woman hesitate for a moment. "Call it a hunch... but I thought only a woman, a mother nonetheless... would understand that I had no ill intentions. I just want to help." And strange enough, Karin could really understand her. That was part of the reason she came... "He has woken up." she said suddenly, and she didn't know why she wanted to reassure this woman. Izumi was clearly taken aback, but slowly, a genuine smile spread across her features. She hadn't been able to catch up on everything since she came to Konoha. "I... that's..." For a moment she was unable to speak. "That's great news... I'm so glad..." Karin wanted to ask her... why was she so keen on helping Mitsuki, especially with the way that she was reminded that she wasn't a welcome help time and time again... But one part of her actually could relate. Her motherly side. Izumi reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial. "Here is what I talked to you about on the phone. You can put it up to any test you would like, but I'm positive it will work. It worked before, on someone I know..." she thought back to the one time they very nearly lost one of her teammates, Masaki, in a mission where he had been confronted by a lightning user... a shiver went down her spine. The Uzumaki took the vial from her, raising it to her eye level. It didn't seem much... but then, as a scientist, she knew very well that most of the powerful medicine (or, well... poisons) look pretty ordinary. "I'm doing this against the wishes of Orochimaru-sama..." she began. "You are doing this because you know it's right." the other woman said, a sort of determination in her voice. "But... I wouldn't want to inconvenience you any further in any case. So, if you'll excuse me..." She got up on her feet, ready to leave. "Will you be staying in Konoha any longer?" Karin suddenly found herself asking, and she could see that she once again caught Izumi by surprise. "Maybe a couple more days... why?" She smiled. "Because I think I would like to let you know about the results." ... "Do you feel comfortable, Mitsuki?" The young boy didn't know how to respond for a moment. Looking down on the pads and cables on his chest, wrists and ankles that connected to some... weird looking machine, his emotions were churning. Then he glanced to the glass panel overseeing the room, and saw the familiar blue haired man, watching intently with his arms crossed... that sent an immense relief coursing through him. "Yes. I'm good." "This is not gonna hurt you," the angel continued explaining lightly. He had also heard her name many times through a lot of people, but for some reason... he preferred to refer to her as angel. "It's just gonna record your heart's activity, and it won't take more than ten minutes." Mitsuki gulped inconspicuously before nodding. "Okay." The pink haired woman gave him an encouraging smile and then started the machine. The boy felt himself relaxing even more when he realized that there was indeed nothing to be afraid of about the procedure. It was over even before he had the time to get bored. As she took the paper coming out of the machine, a thoughtful expression settled on the medic's face. Mitsuki straightened himself on his elbows, looking at her curiously. "Is it bad?" "Hmm?" She didn't exactly look at the boy as she regarded the results. "Well, to tell you the truth... it's a little early to determine that. We will need to run a few more tests." The boy almost groaned at that. He didn't know what possible implications these test results would have, especially if they turned out to be... bad... but he didn't particularly enjoy going through all of them. Seeing his expression, the woman's smile returned. "Don't worry, it's not gonna be something big. I'll just attach a small version of this machine on your chest and it'll monitor your heart's movements for two days. We will talk after that." It felt like a balloon deflated inside of him. The angel patted his hand. "You don't have to worry too much about it, okay? I just don't want you to do anything rash for these days, no sudden movements, nothing that would tire you out." The boy nodded meekly. "Alright, I will be careful." ... Log was a little disoriented as he entered his brother's house. The medic had been vague about her estimates on how Mitsuki's... heart condition was, yet alone whether his memories were returning back or not... And the more he needed to keep the "father" facade up, the more he was worried about the long-term effects on Mitsuki. What if he... was to lose his trust, after his brother found out that he wasn't telling the truth about his parentage? His thoughts came to a standstill when he saw the tall figure of his creator... or the one who Mitsuki had no trouble in assuming the parent role, which he himself just couldn't... emerged from the door. He knew why he had chosen to come out right at this moment, when he had just walked in. Although Orochimaru hadn't gone to the hospital himself yet, he was keeping close tabs on the Taka and him, prying on any bit of information from their conversations, occasionally asking questions if he feels like it. Which... was annoying Log to no end. Mitsuki needed the man who he deemed his father throughout all these years, needed his support, especially now that his health might be a big risk on his ninja life... And this man was doing nothing all day, cooping himself up in this house, only scraping information he doesn't even deserve... Feeling like he might hit something - or rather, someone - if he kept facing Orochimaru, Log turned his back on him, clenching and un-clenching his fists. "So... how is your procrastinating going?" It was almost like he had just dropped a bomb into the room; the silence and tension that had been building between the two of them coming to its peak. Log couldn't care less about that at the moment. He'd had just about enough of Orochimaru's crap. He didn't need to turn around to see that he was frowning. "Watch your tone." "Well, then watch your attitude!" The young man turned to him now, so furious that he felt like he was going to explode. "What the fuck is wrong with you?! How long has it been since Mitsuki woke up?! Why is it so hard to get the hell out of this house right now and go visit him?!" He managed to barely stop, heaving heavy breaths. There was so much he wanted to say, so much left unsolved between the two of them... But what was important now was not himself, but his little brother. "He needs you," he continued, his voice low and tight. "You can at least do what you couldn't previously... make a difference with him, actually become a parent... Yet you sit here all day, hearing the news only from us..." "Unlike you, I do something much more essential," the sannin pretty much hissed through his teeth. The words that were delivered... and his tone, so... belittling... this stirred Log's blood even more. "Oh yeah. I forgot. Your big project. The ultimate medicine that will somehow save the boy you don't even care to visit." "You are not the one to question my reasons." "Maybe I'm not." It was becoming harder and harder to keep his cool. "But good luck explaining them to Mitsuki. Because he won't understand. He doesn't need to understand! He's just a child! Do you even have any idea what you're doing to him?!" "He's strong." "He is not a machine! He has emotions... and you're breaking him!" Not being able to contain himself anymore, the young man punched the wall. "Or do you even care?!" Orochimaru didn't say anything to that... and honestly, Log knew that by now, he shouldn't find it surprising. Yes, Mitsuki was a child driven by his emotions, and although he wouldn't classify himself as sentimental, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do when his little brother was concerned. This man, however... it was as if he was talking to a wall. With the exception that even a wall could be considered more emotional when compared to Orochimaru. "You aren't even gonna say anything?" he asked between gritted teeth. "You will excuse me if I don't think your question merits for an answer." He didn't know why that cold answer hit him like a slap in the face... it certainly wasn't the first time his creator dismissed him in such a manner, only pretending to hear him if his opinion was of any importance. He had learned better than to take offense, believing that he is the better out of the two of them. But there were times like this... Maybe it was because in figuring out that Mitsuki was in need of his father instead of a replacement, it brought into stark attention that he lacked a father figure in his life... for so long... He kept his emotions as far away from his voice as he could when he spoke next. "But when I come to think of it... why am I even surprised, right? After all, you didn't even want to keep him at first when he was born." All he got in a response was the closing of the door as the sannin got back into his son's room. Log closed his eyes for a moment as the unwanted memory of his brother's first day came into his mind... [Flashback] Wuaaaah wuaaaah... The long and constant cry of the baby was starting to kill the young boy's ears, it sounded like an annoying siren that slowly wanted to end with his ears. The child in his arms hadn't stopped crying since he had been taken out of the tube that Orochimaru had broken in his anger towards the project... Was the child scared? Hungry? Sleepy? The blue haired boy had no idea and he was sure that he wasn't the best person to comfort a crying newborn... where was Karin when she was needed? She certainly could fit the role better... The child sniffled a little and then he was at it again, the boy really didn't know how a baby this small could produce such a wail. Was he even that noisy when...? He crumpled his face as he remembered that person... and a pain plunged in his chest. He was starting to grow desperate... The baby's distress was making him restless, almost desperate to do something to calm him... Awkwardly, he swayed him side to side. "Sssh... it's gonna be okay..." He added as an afterthought. "I'm here..." And slowly the child started calming down, the cry moved on to a simple whimper, a little pout in his mouth and big tears at the corners of his eyes as he slowly opened them. It almost made his heart skip a beat... yes, he was aware that this child was technically a clone of himself, just smaller, but... seeing those eyes, as amber colored as his own, it made him feel... strange? Like the child was looking into his soul. "U-Um..." he didn't know what to say. "Hi?" He almost slapped himself mentally, why was he saying that, the child wouldn't understand him! But at least his ears were feeling much better now. He didn't know why he did that but the oldest boy moved his hand and his index finger touched the child's nose... and it made the baby let out an unintelligible noise before he moved his tiny, tiny hands out of the blanket and grabbed his finger. Another skip in the boy's heart-beat... What was that feeling...? Why did it feel... nice, the way that little hand was holding on to his finger...? Like the baby did understand him and was trying to say hi himself? Or that he was somehow... seeking support from him? Why did he suddenly feel like he was glad he was given this solitary moment to meet the baby? "Umm... okay..." he gulped nervously, and then smiled at the thought that came to his mind. "I guess this makes me... an older brother now, huh? Heh..." Those words felt both a little odd but too right at the same time. The child blinked and maybe it was a trick from his mind but... it seemed like the corners of the mouth of the little one curled into a smile? He didn't have time to process that... as Orochimaru finally returned inside the laboratory. The child immediately stood up from the chair he was sitting on and started following his creator with his eyes. It didn't go unnoticed to the boy what the black haired sannin had in his hands. A basket? As Orochimaru put it on the top of the table, his curiosity couldn't be kept out. "What is that for?" he wasn't usually one to question his parent's actions but... something felt off... "For the child." he said without looking at him. "You're going to leave him at Konohagakure, Mitsuki." And that made the boy freeze... turning the words in his head, trying to understand the meaning, although he had a nagging feeling of what they probably meant... "I what?" "He is not going to stay here." the sannin said curtly, as if putting an end to the conversation. "I need you to deliver him to the orphanage in Konoha, making sure you're not seen. The director is an old disciple of mine." He had delivered this speech with such an emotionless voice that... Knowing him or not, the boy felt his blood boiling beneath his skin. So when the man reached forward to take the baby... the boy's arms tightened a little more around his "brother", and he took a step back before half turning backward, shielding the baby from sight. "No." This simple protest was enough for Orochimaru to furrow his brows. "This is not up for discussion, Mitsuki." "That is not fair!" he raised his voice, brows furrowed as well. "What did he do? You created him and now you want to get rid of him!? Is that how your little game goes?!" "You know nothing." Orochimaru took a step forward and Log took another step backwards, the determination clear in his eyes. Mitsuki had never really cared about what Orochimaru did or his experiments in general but this one... he didn't know why but it was just calling for help, even if the baby in his arms had said nothing... "I know enough to know that you're not even allowed to do this!" he said pointing to himself and to the baby. "We aren't even supposed to exist and yet we do. I wonder what that ninja that watches the hideout twenty-four hours a day would say if he found out." The sannin's eyes narrowed at that, and the boy almost gulped at the look in his eyes... almost. But the presence of the baby... gave him the courage he needed, and his chin pushed up a little in defiance. "What is this?" his creator asked in a hiss, his tone dangerous... "Are you trying to threaten me?" A fine coat of sarcasm had seeped in the tone, as if daring him... guessing from experiences that he won't. But the boy's voice was clearer when he next spoke. "Make me go out... make me take him out and I will do much more than going to Konoha." He was sure he had crossed the line... only, he didn't care. "You insolent child...!" the sannin roared, Mitsuki was sure he had never seen such an angry look in his creator's eyes, it was a roar that even shook the baby in his arms and it made him cry once again. "Do you have any idea of what you're saying?! Of what kind of power that child holds?!" "I may not know but I do know that you created him and you should take full responsibility of what you did! Instead you want to drop him in your former village?! You want to drop such a "bomb" of power when only you know how to control it?!" The baby continued to cry, his arms moving out of the blanket, his hands closed in fists and his head moving from side to side. It was clear that he didn't like this discussion... almost as if he could understand it... Instinctively, the older brother once again tried to soothe the baby, it was becoming natural for him... then he raised his head to glare at the sannin, meeting daggers himself. "You are scaring him. I hope you will learn to take better care of him, because he's staying." "You are not the one making the rules here!" "Am I not?" The boy asked, raising an eyebrow. "Feel free to try me." With each word he was uttering... he felt a warm spot growing inside of him... a need to be beside this baby whenever and however he needs him... He was already born into unpredictable circumstances... he would surely need his help in the times to come. The sannin clenched his teeth in anger but didn't say anything. "So here is the deal..." his eyes shone with confidence. "You'll raise him properly, not as a weapon... you'll take good care of him and my mouth will be kept shut... no one will know that you kept making experiments. But try to get rid of this baby..." his voice faded as he looked back at the baby, a wondrous expression filling his eyes. "Mitsuki... that will be his name from now on." "Oh? And what are you supposed to be called then?" "I will decide on that." the boy said curtly, not taking his eyes off from his brother. "... but try to get rid of him or me..." he looked back at his creator. "And I promise that every nation will know about what you've been doing. And I can assure you that they won't spare you a second chance. I don't care how much power you put in him, you did it and so you will take care of it. He will not be a bomb slowly ticking to explode..." And with that the boy started walking towards the door that led outside the laboratory. "I will be in my room." The door opened, only to reveal the three members of the Taka acting like they hadn't been listening to the conversation. [End of Flashback] Log came to his senses as he heard the apartment door opening. Suigetsu rushed there when he saw his girlfriend walking in. "Where have you been? I was beginning to worry..." "Hey, don't forget who you're talking to," Karin said as she raised the shopping bags she was carrying. "These aren't gonna miraculously appear on our doorstep, you know." As she walked inside, she once again addressed to her boyfriend, keeping her voice low so they won't be overheard. "We need to speak." ... Mitsuki was trying not to get too bored as he laid on his bed, having just given up on counting the drops in the IV attached to his arm. He had hold up good to the angel's words up until now. Most of his awake hours passed with drifting in and out of sleep, watching some TV when he felt like it, reading a book that someone had kindly brought... but of course after about five hours, it had become tiring. He started to feel like... wish that... he could do something else... that wouldn't include this small room. Sighing, he tried to focus his attention elsewhere. He was healing, nothing much to do about it. The blue haired man, who he called his father, had left not long after the angel finished the exams concerning his heart, not before he had seen him once more in his bedroom but the visit had been brief... Mitsuki wished he had stayed longer to keep him company. He was even starting to miss the presence of the blond boy who was always there with him and his bubbly little sister, even though they had just been there this morning. What else could he do in this room...? Sighing, the child decided to step out of the bed and grabbing the IV to bring it with him, Mitsuki approached the window, opened it and allowed the fresh air to reach him. It was a beautiful day... the sun that shone outside, although it was going steadily down the horizon, sent warmness coursing through him, and before he knew it... a smile slowly spread across his face. It felt... joyful, lively... it almost made him sad that he had missed this feeling for a month and half. He put a hand on the sill, closing his eyes and slightly leaning forward... and he made a promise to himself then and there, that he would never take this blissful sensation for granted... Suddenly a rush of wind shot past, close enough for him to feel it. The boy's eyes snapped open in surprise. What was that...? He had to lean out a bit more to understand what that had been, and taking a better look outside and then up, he saw many figures jumping around the different ceilings of the village. Mitsuki was hit with a sensation he hadn't felt since he woke up, it was like... what they were doing was calling for him... like... like he had done this before too... He couldn't recognize much of these figures but two of them caught his eye, the two people that had been there when he woke up... Boruto... and Sarada... What were they doing? It looked like they were chasing the other people... he saw Boruto jump from a ceiling to another and suddenly he was out of view. He had probably jumped to the hospital's ceiling. Faintly, the girl's voice reached his ears through the clear air. Warning Boruto about something... Mitsuki didn't know why but he felt his pulse racing as he craned his neck to try and follow the blond, although he had no chance whatsoever to see from here... Clashing noises, metal against metal, the battle was on full force... Mitsuki hoped that things were going in Boruto and Sarada's favor... He had no way of knowing how many opponents the blond had taken on, but it sounded too many... Then he heard a scream... Realizing that it was from the girl, his gaze immediately shot upwards... And like in slow motion, his eyes widened in shock when he saw Boruto falling from the roof, he thought he heard him scream too.        

#boruto #naruto #mitsuki #sacrifices #sarada #sakura #himawari #log #orochimaru #karin #izumi

[lazyaris]

[Naruto fanfic] Can’t Escape - Madara x Tobirama

Omake Chapter: Chunnin Exam (2)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14186574/chapters/33694461

Below is the full view of this chapter. Anyway, this is just the omake as the main story is finished long time ago. 

"So... Where should we go first? "

One of the two kids asked as they looked around and tried to take in the views as much as they could. Although they knew Konoha is their daddies's home, they have never come here before and since they are in the future at this moment, everything became even more complicated. Still, they have to admit, Konoha is a beautiful village, no wonder their parents love it so much (Well, they knew Madara still have mix feeling about this place but sometimes he will tell them stories with such fondness...). After dropped them somewhere near the Senju Compound (they wondered why the compound is empty... Where is all the Senju?), the Tobirama Clone had disappear with a poof to give back the memory to his owner while the two kids stood there, tried to form a plan as fast as possible.

 "Hm..."

Akashi pondered at the thought as they were kinda lost at this moment. They didn't know anything about the village, so it was a hard question. They needed to know which way to go and how to get there, but without a map, that could be quite troublesome. Fortunately for them, a year ago, it had been discovered that Akashi is a Sensor like Tobirama, thus, he could at least use his ability to pinpoint their destination. Sure he still needed to learn a lot about his ability and how to control it, but at this moment, he could use it to pin point where most of the foreign charka came from (For example, their affinity is different from the rest of the ninjas here, so Akashi could at least figured out who is who). Since Tobirama had said that he wanted them to help and protect the village, Akashi supposed they should go and defense the hospital as well as the academy before go somewhere else since those two places are the most important one with little protection. With that in mind, the boy started moving with Katsuya right next to him, he told her his plan as they jumped through roof after roof, hoped that they were going to the right direction.

 "We should check out the Hospital and Academy first. Then we can try to check out one of the gates, I feel a lot of charka signature at the North gate."

"Sound good. We should speed up then, I want to test myself!"

 At this, Akashi rolled his eyes, he really couldn't understand how Katsuya loves fighting too much, just like Madara, yet, she always fights and argue with him, something about Tobirama belong to her, not his. Honestly, he had no idea where did those ideas come from, but he knew she was just messing with their parents anyway. Then again, Tobirama always tell him to ignore those two idiots and focus on study, something he gladly follows. Shrugged, he speeds up as Katsuya's wish and moved faster, wanted to finish the mission and perhaps got a chance to see just how strong he is at this moment.

Meanwhile, Katsuya was all excited, like Christmas came early because she finally gets to fight some bastards. She didn't seem to have any problem with his order or his lead, after all, she knew that between the two, Akashi is the brain and Katsuya doesn't mind follow his orders. Her job is to fight, so why should she care too much? At this moment, she wished to be stronger so she can protect her family, that's why she trains so hard and so eager to find a worthy enemy to test her skills. While it is truth that she tends to fight and argue with Madara, but she still loves her family with her whole heart, it just, she likes to provoke him. Why? Because he keeps taking Tobirama's attention away from them (Akashi and Katsuya), not only that, he often threw them out of the house with the training excuse. (Hm! She knew exactly why the bastard did that and that's why she always tries to prank him or get him in trouble, considered this as her way to pay him back, alright?)

Either way, Akashi and Katsuya both love their family a lot and right now they have something very important to do, protect their parents's home.

 "Let's the game begin."

.

.

.

A few minutes before, right after Madara unleashed his Gunbai, the Uchiha quickly dash toward Hashirama, even if he knew this probably wasn't the fight he wanted since Hashirama was being controlled and wasn't called back with his full strength (Orochimaru wasn't that stupid, he knew Hashirama could break out of his control if the man was summoned with his whole power). But hey, this actually quite perfect in his view. Madara still somewhat mad at Hashirama for the shit he did back there and since his friend was just an Edo, who recover again and again until the controller get defeated, it means he could use any jutsu he wanted and killed him without a care, right? The Senju already dead, it wasn't like his attack could make any different, so maybe he should try and get his revenge. Beside, Madara knew Tobirama wouldn't mind it that much, seeing Hashirama pretty much their enemy right now. With that in mind, Madara gladly took on Hashirama and became his opponent while Hiruzen was facing against Orochimaru. The Sandaime knew if he asked for it, his sensei - Tobirama would help him, but this was his fight, his responsibility because if he wasn't such a soft-heart back there, Orochimaru wouldn't able to escape and later come back to invade Konoha like this. It was his fault and he wanted to end it himself, even if it cost him his life (Hiruzen should know that like hell that was going to happen, seeing Tobirama was right there and ready to interfere any moment). Glanced between those two (idiots), Tobirama - who just received the memory from the clone and knew his kids are safe - could only shake his head and mind his own business. At this moment, the Nidaime focus his attention on the purple barrier and a way to release Hashirama from Orochimaru's control (but is it really like that? Madara was enjoying his game and Tobirama wasn't going to end it any time soon, even if it was Hashirama who Madara was screwing with). Still, Edo Tensei is such a dangerous jutsu, that's why he dropped it the moment he realized that, yet, he didn't think someone actually finished it. Sighed, Tobirama noted to himself that if they managed to go back to the past, he better visit Konoha and destroy everything that related to this jutsu.

 The fight went on and on, especial with Hashirama's Wood release and Orochimaru's Snake, it was amazing how the roof still haven't collapse and how Tobirama could shield himself from all those jutsu to focus on his own problem (The Nidaime pretty much is observing the barrier and something else, so yes, he is busy). The anbu outside just couldn't tear the eyes away from the fight as it was so amazing and they doubt they can see it again. Some of them have lived through war, through the Kyuubi attack, but none of them have seen something like that. They knew the Shodaime is strong, but this was still unbelievable and to think Hashirama wasn't summon back to life with his full strength, it made the anbu realized just how weak they are. How can they protect their village when they are this useless? Sure they couldn't use the Wood release like the Shodaime, but they should at least try and catch up his strength, even if just slightly. All of them vowed to train harder so they wouldn't ashamed their village and could protect Konoha better, so even if someone else decided to attack Konoha and attack their Hokage, they would able to protect everything instead of getting lock outside like this.

 At the same time, Orochimaru was having some difficult moment because even if Madara didn't interfere with Orochimaru and Hiruzen's fight, the battle between the Uchiha and the Shodaime still affect him in some way and it annoyed him to no end (Honestly, can those two use jutsu with close or medium range? Why must they keep using wide range attack? The Sannin questioned himself while keeping an eye on his ex-sensei). Both of Hashirama and Madara's attacks are wide range, thus, with so little space right now, it wasn't like the Sannin could do something, especial when his ex-sensei already summon the Monkey King - Enma to help him. He cursed his luck and jumped back, had enough of messing around with Hiruzen, he wanted to end it quickly and killed the old man (It was hard to explain, Hiruzen used to be someone he respected so much, it was the old man who acknowledge of him and taught him everything, but, it was also Hiruzen who turned his back to him. The sign was there, so clearly, yet no one bother to see it and in the end, the Sannin just snapped. He turned his back to them just like they did to him. This was his decision, this was his choice and he had no regret... He wanted to destroy everything, to destroy his past, to show them - the village and his sensei - they were wrong).

 Looked at Hiruzen, Orochimaru wondered why it hadn't happened yet. By this time, the Jinchuriki brat should have unleashed his biju already, the Sannin wondered what could possible disturb his plan. Sure the Nidaime and Madara showed up with two brats, but Orochimaru doubted those two could be the caused, powerful they may be but they still just some brats and they are no hero. His thought was soon disturbed as out of a nowhere, a raccoon made from sand with a red hair kid on its head suddenly appeared (The Sannin hid his disappointed as the Biju didn't appear in the village, but it didn't matter, at least, he hoped everything still according to the plan). Either way, the Biju will destroy the village!

 "You see now, Sensei? You and your village stand no chance!"

The snake smirked as he struck at his ex-sensei again, the man already panted by now, his age caught up with him and Orochimaru felt like success already in his hands. With the Biju and his own soldiers who was attacking at the North Gate, he believed this village is going to fall, or at least get damage quite a lot. Yet, the Sandaime didn't even seem to react to this, he smirked and held Enma in his hands, stopped Orochimaru's attack and destroyed it with his own. He maybe old, but he was far from weak. Meanwhile, Madara barely acknowledge of the Ichibi, after all, if things became too back, Tobirama could take over Hashirama while the Uchiha goes deal with the Biju. If he could control the Kyuubi, what stop him from doing that with the Ichibi? Tobirama may felt worry, but he believed in Konoha and in Hiruzen, he doubted Saru would allow this to happen without a plan. How unfortunately for the Snake, but it wasn't like Orochimaru aware of that, yes?

 "You're wrong, Orochimaru. This is why you could never understand Konoha's Will of Fire."

He began as he actually pushed Orochimaru to stumble back, heh, this old man still able to fight and give people a show, alright? "To me, Konoha isn't just an organisation. Every year there are a lot of ninjas born and raised in Konoha… They live, fight to protect this village and what is precious they would go to their death. Even if we are not related by blood, those of the village like these are, to me, my most precious, most important… family!" That's why, Hiruzen wasn't going to let Orochimaru win and Konoha wasn't going to get destroy. This was their home, the home of every Konoha's villagers and they were going to defense it with everything they have. Plus, with Madara and Tobirama here, the Sandaime believed Konoha to stand strong no matter what! Before Orochimaru could even react, a huge smoke appeared right next to Ichibi and when it disappeared, stood right there was Gamabunta and Hiruzen knew for sure the Ichibi wouldn't able to attack Konoha anymore.

 [Like father like son]

 He thought to himself as he looked at Orochimaru, Hiruzen wasted too much time already, he better stepped up in their fight and finished it, before things get out of control (something he can’t allow happening).

 "So... Are you going to fight? Or you are going to stand there all day, Orochimaru."

"Tsk! You will eat those words, sensei.”

 The Sannin snarled as he leaped forward again, ready for round two and this time, there was nothing to stop him from killing the Sandaime or at least that was what he thought. Orochimaru’s plan got disturbed as Hashirama used his Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence jutsu and the roof soon covered in trees. No, it wasn't just trees, the roof had changed into a small forest and they knew if it wasn't due to the barrier, the forest could have been bigger. But even so, this was enough to cover the entire roof and the anbu could barely see what was happening. They weren't the only one who annoyed by this out turn though, as Tobirama saw what jutsu his brother had used, he narrowed his eyes and flashed to his student's side, grabbed the old man and moved behind Madara. Even without words, he already has an idea what jutsu his husband may use toward this, Tobirama supposed he should help him as those trees aren't that easy to get rid off. (Or maybe he just wanted to tease Hashirama because despite everything, it was Tobirama who stand beside Madara and not him – who is a known as the Uchiha’s best friend. Hm. Tobirama wasn’t going to admit he is jealous, but goddamn it, even if his anija married Mito, back there, Hashirama and Madara were still quite close to each other.)

 "Sensei?"

Hiruzen blinked as he was teleported next to his sensei and stood behind Madara. It just happened too fast, he was still thinking of a way to deal with the forest and Tobirama already grabbed him away. But he got no answer because his sensei had something more important to do right now. The Senju stepped forward, right next to Madara and flashed through hand seals at the same time as the Uchiha. Although the Senju's Infinity is Water, a strong one actually, but it didn't mean he couldn't use Jutsu in other Infinity. Just as Madara finished the last hand seal, Tobirama also finished his and together, they unleashed their jutsus upon Hashirama and Orochimaru, this wasn't the first time as the two tends to train together and enjoys combining their jutsu to create something even more powerful. To be honest, no matter which jutsu Madara used to combine with Tobirama, the white-hair Senju always knew exactly how much charka he needed to put into his jutsu to make sure it wouldn't accident destroy Madara's jutsu. This show just how well they worked together, as if they could actually understand each other’s thought without any words (Even if they argue a lot, there was no doubt about their feeling and their teamwork skill). But then again, it wasn't like he need to do that right now, if it was some other Fire Release Jutsu then yes, but this was Madara's favorite jutsu, also one of the strongest ever, so whatever Tobirama did, it would only increase the power of this jutsu.

 Outside the barrier, everyone's eyes became widen when they saw just what happened when Madara's jutsu - Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame and Tobirama's jutsu - Wind Style: Gale Palm combined together. Although the Wind jutsu wasn't a high rank jutsu, under their Nidaime's control, it actually became quite dangerous and when it worked with the Fire jutsu, damn, that was so fucking deadly. They were left speechless and amazed with how well those two worked together. At this moment, all of them wondered if the rumour about how Tobirama hated and loathed the Uchiha was even truth. There was no words to describe the flame unleashed by Madara and Tobirama, they swore if their Nidaime didn't grab their Sandaime before this, no doubt he would be swallowed by it as well. Still, they wondered if it was enough to destroy the forest created by Hashirama or if it was strong enough to kill Orochimaru.

 As the smoke slowly faded away, everyone held in their breath as they waited for the outcome, but to their disappointed, Orochimaru still alive, even if just barely. Truth, the jutsu was dangerous and deadly, but Hashirama was there and even if he wasn't in his full strength, he was still no joke. His forest may get destroyed, but he still able to created a dome to protect both himself and Orochimaru, even if that didn't work well enough as the Shodaime needed to be reform and the Sannin was burned badly, who looked like shit himself. Still, they knew Orochimaru can just vomited himself and once again recover. They weren’t wrong though, because the Snake actually planned to do that until Tobirama sudden threw a kunai toward him and used the Shuriken Shadow Clone. Surprised by this sudden actions, Orochimaru jumped backward and was forced to stop himself from shedding his skin. No one saw the corner of Tobirama’s lips turned up for a small smirk except Madara and he knew exactly what his lover was planning. Chuckled to himself, the Uchiha quickly masked his charka so people will somewhat forget about his existence for now and with Tobirama’s sudden attack, his attempt worked. The Nidaime focus on his mark and disappeared just to appeared again right next to him and Hashirama - who still tried to recover from Madara's flame. Right now, the Sannin regretted it so much, he should have escape when Madara and Tobirama appeared, but no, his rage and his wished for revenge against the Sandaime had blind his eyes, thus, he got caught in such situation. He knew those two are strong, but this just so fucking insane! How could he forgot about Tobirama’s Flying thunder god?

 "Your game end here, child"

 Truth is, Tobirama has been working on a seal that could temporary bind Orochimaru to his current body and made him unable to shed his skin. Yes, throughout the fights, even if he stayed out of it, Tobirama still made sure to observe both of the battles as he planned to be their supporter, which had proven to be a good idea. After he saw the Sannin shed his time twice due to Hiruzen's attack, the Nidaime had kind of figured out he needed to stop that for a small moment in order to end the Snake's life. (Though, Tobirama believed this will be the end of Orochimaru, there was something off about him, but he just couldn’t tell what is it.)

To say the Sannin didn't expect this would be a lie, after all, Orochimaru knew just how powerful and smart Tobirama is, one of the reasons why he respected the man so much. Perhaps, in another world, where things could have been better, Orochimaru may get a chance to work with Tobirama and they could bring great things to Konoha, but in this time, this world, this was his fate, to die by the Nidaime’s hands. He wasn't afraid, because he knew he couldn't be killed, one or another way, Orochimaru would return to the living world with a perfect body instead of the Edo Tensei Jutsu like Hashirama right now. Time seem to slow down as the Nidaime hit the traitor with the seal, right that moment, Madara sudden showed up right next to Tobirama and the Snake, one last movement and the Sannin was gone. With how close Tobirama was, the Uchiha didn't use any jutsu, instead, he used his sword to chop off Orochimaru's head and Madara's Kenjutsu was actually quite good, just like his husband's skill. The chance to escape was too low and everyone could only watched as Madara ended the Snake’s life. It was such a shock that even after the Snake's head was cut off his body that no one could progress what just happened. Then as the information sank in, everyone looked at the Senju-Uchiha couple in admired, unable to imagine just how powerful they are. Looked at them, even after such battle, they didn't even seem exhausted, such power... But, right now the people have something more important to do than stood there and admired those two, they had won and their Hokage still alived! It was time to spread out and made sure the rest of the village was safe. But unknown to them, Orochimaru was far from gone, still, that was for another story, right now, they have a village to defend!

 "That's it?"

Madara asked, somewhat disappointed, to think someone like that traitor could give Konoha too much trouble, have the village became weak? Frowned at this thought, the Uchiha turned to glance at the old Hokage and Tobirama did the same, after he gave Hashirama a good bye as the older Senju broke free from Orochimaru's control and faded away.

"Saru?"

"Sensei... Madara-sama..."

The Sandaime wasn't stupid, he knew what the Senju-Uchiha couple wanted and he could only sighed. They are from the past and they were going to return any moment, so he couldn't tell them too much, but, the Hokage told them as much as he could. He couldn't burden anyone with this, but, Tobirama was different, his sensei was once a Hokage as well, Hiruzen knew Tobirama understand this and perhaps able to give him some advises. Though, beside that, he actually hoped that this may make the two returns to the village. To think Madara and Tobirama still alive after that time, although Hiruzen was a little sad because his sensei faked his death to leave the village with the Uchiha, part of him also happy because his sensei finally happy. He trusts Tobirama’s choice and all he ever wanted was to see him happy.

Right now, the village is safe, Naruto had defeated Ichibi and the rest was handle by the village's ninja, as well as the help from Akashi and Katsuya (Hiruzen guessed because if those two are train by Tobirama and Madara then they would be a big help for Konoha). So the Sandaime tried his best to tell them what is necessary, but the talk couldn't even last long, because just after a short moment, Hiruzen's eyes widen as he saw what was happening to his sensei and the Uchiha. They were fading away and the Sandaime knew this was the sign, whatever took them to the future is now returning them to their timeline. He still has so many things he wanted to ask, like, how did Tobirama and Madara survived their death, how did they have kids, why Tobirama never come back to Konoha, too many questions, but perhaps, there was only one question that truly matter.

 "Sensei, I--"

As Hiruzen spoke up and tried to grab Tobirama's hand, the Nidaime had already lifted up his hands to stop him. Tobirama knew what his student wanted to ask, a small smile found its way to his face as he looked at the Sandaime, dead in the eyes and said.

"I never regret my action, Saru... You have grown and become such a wonderful Hokage. I'm proud of you..."

That was everything Hiruzen wanted to hear, to be acknowledge by his sensei, to know that despite all of his mistake, he had successed and made his sensei proud. It was enough. But this wasn't the time for weakness, he wanted Tobirama to remeber him, to know he has grown as his sensei's hope, so he tried to smile, even if his old face was shaking and tearing up.

 "Sensei, thank you for everything!"

One last sentence and all he could saw was Nidaime's smiling face (and Madara's brooding face, probably jealous because Tobirama doesn't care about him right now due to Hiruzen). Then, they were no more...

 Somewhere else, to be more specific, at the North Gate, Akashi and Katsuya, who had just finished the last enemy and was standing side by side with Ibiki and the Ino-Shika-Cho Gang, noticed they were fading away as well. They knew, their time was up and they looked at the Konoha's ninja, grinned cheerfully at them. After showed up at the Hospital and Academy to help them, they have moved to Gate they first planned. At first, the Konoha Nin did wary of their sudden appearance, but after the two kids showed them just which side they are on, everything became much better and smoother. Katsuya actually surprised them when she actives her Sharingan and leaped forward to fight, while Akashi only rolled his eyes and summoned his clone to heal some injured ninja before jumped forward as well. Honestly, the Konoha Ninja just couldn’t tell where they came from and how came their skills seem so familiar. Some of them, like Shikaku, already realized the two kids probably an Senju and an Uchiha, but where have they been and how can they know about this invasion to show up and help? (Really, how many kids have white hair, red eyes, red tattoo on cheek and a strong Water infinity like their Nidaime anyway. What is the chance to see an alive Uchiha that isn’t crazy or have some stick in their ass? This day have become weirder and weirder, some of them wondered if this is real or just a dream.)

 As they continued fading, the ninja around them stopped and looked at them, only Shikaku sighed and shake head, mutter something about 'Troublesome'. Seem like the man already figured out something.

"Well... Seem like we are going to return home now."

Katsuya said as she wiped away the blood on her sword. It was fun, but she is tired as fuck. Still, she got what she wanted, to see just how strong she is comparing to those ninjas and what she needs to do to improve her skill. That could be done later, right now she just wanted to go home and rest. Though, who knew Konoha could be this fun? Maybe she should take some missions with Akashi and sneaks in Konoha when she returns to her time. By her side, Akashi panted heavily, unlike Katsuya, he wasn's such a stamina freak, the fight was so exhausted, but he enjoyed it nonetheless! He knew he needed to work even harder, because if this is the future, then he needed to be strong enough to protect his family.

 "Brats! Take care!"

Ibiki shouted to them, cut off the two’s thought, but they didn’t seem to care, only stood there and smiled at the Konoha’s shinobi and kunoichi as they continue disappearing. There was something off about those two, for example, all the Uchiha had been wiped out and they doubted their Nidaime even has a kid, but Ibiki knew he wouldn’t able to get any answer from them. They just showed up all of sudden, helped them and now slowly faded away, even an idiot could tell that those two didn't belong in this time, such a pity. But even so, he knew there was nothing to do. Although it was just only a short moment, the Konoha Nin already developed some liking toward those brats, because despite their ages, the two fought so well and respected them, unlike a certain Uchiha in the village, plus, they could saw their Will of Fire burn so bright!

"Of course we will." Akashi chuckled softly, also enjoyed those ninjas a lot, perhaps Konoha wasn't so bad. Oh wait, screw it, this was their daddies's home, of course it is amazing!

"So... Ja ne, everyone!!!"

 As the two kids completely faded out, this was their last words to them, but they knew this wasn't the time to stand there with wishing thought. Truth they had managed to defeat all the enemy, but they still have a lot of things to do, so narrowed his eyes, Ibiki barked out his order.

"Scatter! Check out the village and take all the wounded one to the hospital!"

"HAI!"

The ninja quickly followed his order, but they knew, today was a day none of them could forget because, today was the day Konoha showed the world just how powerful they are. They had survived against the Ichibi and against the two village (Sound and Sand)! Today is the day the rest of the world know that Konoha was still kicking strong and ready to take on them!

 Today.

Konoha shine!

 End.

#myfanfic #Narutofanfic #Madara x Tobirama #Madara/Tobirama #Senju Tobirama #Uchiha Madara #Original Characters #Chunnin Exam AU #Finally Complete #Now I can move on new plot

[sagara-megumi]

SasuSaku Month - Day 15: The Slug and the Snake || [Fanfic] Till Death Do Us Part

Title: Till Death Do Us Part

Rating: T/PG-13

Notes: Sorry to keep you waiting, but at last, the final chapter is here ^^ It’s sad but at the same time accomplishing because it’s the first time that I finish a multi-chaptered story and that I write so much in such amount of time.

The notes are a bit long this time, but I’d like you to read them, since they can be useful.

This time, the prompt is symbolic. Looking for information for my next story (that hopefully will use some of the prompts I still haven’t done) I found on a book about Japanese Mythology that the snake, among other things, symbolises lust. Imagine the possibilities that opened in my mind at that moment *grin* Regarding the slug, the only thing I could find was the healing power, so Sakura gets stuck in the medical field once again.

I decided that both their names are written in kanji, since both of them belong to old families (I haven’t seen any examples of this written in hiragana/katakana, like in the manga). For those who feel curious…  団扇 佐助 // 春野桜 (I know that in Sasuke’s case those are the kanji for “uchiwa“, but… ^^U)

The events described in the fanfic are my impressions after watching several videos and reading about the topic. There will be mistakes, of course, so I apologise in advance.

Be aware that the rating has gone up. There’s nothing really explicit but you’ll know what’s happening. If I labelled it incorrectly, please don’t hesitate to tell me. Since a few years, the rating system has been a mess. I’ve found really strong things under the M/R and even the T/PG-13 tags and really innocent ones under T/PG-13 so, I’m more or less following my instinct.

Thanks to the lovely @isa-chi who put up with my ramblings and my frustration, and advised me on a couple of topics especially related to OOC. And also to all the people who read it, sent messages, liked, reblogged and followed me, waiting patiently for updates. You don’t know how happy each of those single things made me. And thank you to @sasusakumonths for organising it. It’s been really fun ♡

As always, if there’s something wrong (spaces, brackets…), please, tell me. I hope you enjoy this final instalment :)

Glossary: I’ve tried to keep the Japanese terms to a minimum, though some things are not accurately translated

-uchikake: the bridal kimono. It can be white (the most common used for the ceremony) or with colours (normally used for the celebration). it’s much more heavier than a normal kimono, and it’s tied differently too. -onigiri: riceball -nori: the seaweed that is wrapped around the onigiri

Words: 7339

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TILL DEATH DO US PART

Drinking a sip of her coffee, Sakura observed as Sasuke started to complete their marriage form, the pen in his right hand tracing the kanji of his full name slowly, as if he feared to make a mistake. They had decided to fill it and take it to the Ward Office together so, early in the morning, Sakura had gone to his apartment carrying the documents she would need.

Finally, the day had come. After their engagement, as soon as Sasuke had recovered, they had visited each family to announce that they were getting married. She still remembered the satisfaction in her grandmother’s eyes as Sasuke bowed to ask permission to her and her parents to marry her. At the beginning, she had felt a bit offended. It was as if Chiyo was telling her that she had caught the prized candidate when that had been the last thing on her mind practically from the beginning. However, later that night as she made her way to the kitchen for a snack before going to bed, she found her kneeling in front of the altar dedicated to her late grandfather, talking lovingly to him about the happiness she felt because her granddaughter had found a wonderful man, that she had seen in his eyes how much he loved her; reminiscing the time when they had met and how love had grown between them in the same way as in the young couple; that now she understood why they had taken their time to made their decision. And her heart had gone to the old lady who still mourned the death of his dear husband.

In the Uchiha clan’s house, things had not been very different. As Sasuke did, she had tried to ignore the whispers she heard about how pleased the elders were that the second son of the main branch had attained to such a wonderful heiress. Though, she had to say that his closest family had been truly happy for him as they wished them happiness.

“Sakura,” Sasuke’s voice, a bit disgruntled, reached her. “Are you listening to me?”

With a jolt, she looked at her fiancée, who was watching her with a delicate crease in his brows. He sighed.

“Obviously, not.”

“Sorry, Sasuke-kun… I had something on my mind…”

“I saw…” he smirked lightly. “Last minute jitters?”

She pouted, her eyes flashing defiantly.

“Of course not!”

He moved his head to the sides, a gesture that Sakura interpreted as mocking resignation, and then, he handed her the ball point.

“I’m finished.”

For a moment, she seemed to find fascination even in the action of him giving her that pen and she exhaled, exasperated at herself. She was too absent-minded that morning. She took it and with precise strokes, she wrote the information needed and took her family stamp to seal the document.

“Alright” Sasuke said standing up and putting the form inside the folder with his documents. “Let’s go. Today we have a very busy day ahead.”

Sakura looked at his retreating form for a moment before rising from her seat. It was the first time since they had met that she saw him in such informal clothes. It was summer, so he was wearing a dark blue polo shirt and white jeans. She could not help swoon a little. That man, who she had seen attract the attention of women without doing anything special wherever he went, was going to be hers from that day on.

“What’s with you today?” he was already in the hall, with his deck shoes on and one hand on his waist, looking at her with a mixture of concern and confusion. “Are you feeling well?”

“Yes!” she walked quickly to his side and put her cream-coloured sandals on, “I’m just a bit distracted.”

“Why?” he asked, checking that he had the keys for the house and the car in his pockets.

“Well” she put her hands behind her back and looked at the flat somewhat wistfully. “Today is a very important day… And, this will be my house from now on…” he looked at her with slightly widened eyes. “I suppose I’m feeling a bit melancholic apart from the usual nervousness…”

Sasuke’s features became warmer and he put a hand on her head, stroking it affectionally.

“Come on…”

.

They arrived at the Ward Office a few minutes after it had opened and finished with the last procedures quickly.

“The certificate will be available in two days” the friendly clerk at the desk told them. “Congratulations on your marriage.”

They thanked him and went back, Sasuke looking at his watch. Fortunately, it had taken less time than they had thought, so there would not be any delays in the tight schedule that they had that day. After his collapse, they had become very busy with their works and the wedding arrangements, but he had been careful not to cross the line again, especially with Sakura, Ino, Itachi and Naruto checking on him every day. The last few weeks, however, he had tried to do as much as possible to be able to clear those three days, from that one to the end of the week, for the wedding and an extremely short honeymoon that they had decided to spend mainly at home after the stressful preparations. They would have time for a proper wedding trip later on.

As they came out, they stopped and looked at each other, smiling. Even if they called off the shrine ceremony and all the events that were taking place in a few hours, they were now officially husband and wife.

Sasuke grabbed her hand with a satisfied expression on his face and started walking toward the car, she following him swiftly. But she could not help looking over her shoulder towards the entrance of the Office, swallowing hard and feeling a sudden rush of emotion. She had entered there being Haruno Sakura, and though nothing special had happened, a different person had come out. From that moment on, she was Uchiha Sakura.

.

“… Going forward, we’ll love each other, trust one another, share the good times and the bad and swear that this will stay unchanged throughout our lifetime.”

Sakura’s hands trembled slightly listening to Sasuke take their wedding vow before the gods in the shrine that his clan belonged to, as they held the paper where it was written. His voice, clear and steady was a reflection of his resolution to honour that promise.

“Husband, Uchiha Sasuke”

Despite her agitation, she breathed deeply, wanting to answer with the same conviction as him.

“Wife: Sakura”

Sasuke folded the paper again and left it carefully on the reclining set before them, stealing a glance at his bride. She had her head tilted down and he could only see her lips, painted in a rich shade of red, under the cotton hat she wore for the ceremony. To say that she was beautiful in her wedding kimono was not enough compliment. He had literally stopped breathing when he had seen her clad in the beautiful white uchikake embroidered with cranes and flowers that, as she had told him before while planning the wedding, had belonged to her family for years as her grandmother and her mother had worn it before her.

The Shinto priest, then, brought a tray with a box and offered it to Sasuke. He took the wedding ring with great care and offered her his other hand. She lifted hers, her heart beating wildly in her chest, and he took it as he put the ring on her finger. Sakura realised that he was trembling a bit and she lifted her face to him. What she saw stole her breath away. Maybe it was not the most beautiful smile of the world, but the one that graced Sasuke’s lips at that moment was radiant with content and tenderness. Sakura’s eyes filled with tears and she would have ended up crying if the priest had not put the tray in front of her. Swallowing hard and clenching her teeth to control herself, feeling relieved that with the hat she wore no one could notice her moment of weakness, she picked up the other ring. He extended his hand and slowly, feeling as if her heart could burst from all the happiness she was feeling, she put it on his finger.

.

“Ready?” one of the women dressed formally who were at the door of the reception hall looked at Sasuke and Sakura, and they nodded.

The double door opened and they entered the room, their guests clapping enthusiastically. Sakura had changed some of her clothes. She had taken off the hat and now wore her hair in a modest bun adorned with traditional hairpins, and had changed her white uchikake for another colourful one which belonged to Sasuke’s family.

They arrived at their table and bowed to the guests. Just then, the waiters and waitresses came out of a door and started filling their glasses while the host told the people they were going to toast to the groom and the bride.

Soon after, the food was served and the speeches began. One by one, their kindergarten teacher, Kakashi, their professors at university, Tsunade, as her mentor, and Itachi, as Sasuke’s superior, told anecdotes about the years spent with them.

Then, Naruto went up the platform and Sasuke felt himself cringe. They had gone through a lot together, good things and bad ones and their bond was practically unbreakable, but also, his best friend was aware of all his failures and most embarrassing moments, and though he was completely sure that he could trust him with his life, he also knew that sometimes, he talked too much. He could not help having a bad feeling about it.

.

“They make a fine couple, don’t you think, Madara-san?”

The man, with his arm crossed on his chest, nodded as he watched Sasuke and Sakura listen to his best friend, Naruto, give a speech which made people laugh and clap, as he talked about some of the moments they had lived together.

“I have to confess that, at the beginning, I was quite sceptical about your suggestion of arranging for them to meet, Chiyo-san” he said with a small smile, very similar to Sasuke’s. “I thought that you desired someone in the medical field for the future heiress of your legacy. Someone who doesn’t have any knowledge, like my grandson, is not going to be of great help.”

“I understood soon enough that my granddaughter didn’t need a husband like that. She’s extraordinarily intelligent and a brilliant doctor; after all, she’s trained under the famous physician Senju Tsunade” she said sparing a fleeting glance towards the renowned doctor, sitting at a table not far from theirs. “Any man in the same field of expertise would feel intimidated by her, even resentful. And, despite being burdened by responsibility and tradition, I love my granddaughter and I was not going to get her into a marriage where she would end up suffering. However, Sasuke-san can lend his support in other ways. Financially, of course, but also he can offer her advice based on his experience. A hospital chairman is a doctor and a business person at the same time.”

“You had your plans well laid” he smirked. “I’m impressed.”

“Well, not all of them” she folded her hands on her lap. “I hoped that, being young, they would grow some affection for each other with time. However, my wish became true much earlier. It is obvious that Sasuke-san cares deeply for my granddaughter, and sincerely, I could not ask for more.”

.

“Honestly I even thought once that he would never marry” Naruto continued his speech. “He’s got a weird personality and he sometimes doesn’t talk, probably thinking he’s so cool. Also, he can be really arrogant and a bit twisted, but he’s the best man I’ve ever met in my life. Sakura-chan, I know he’s a hassle and a pig head, as you probably noticed a few months ago when he fell ill, but, please, take care of him. I’m sure you two are going to be the happiest couple in the world” he made a victory sign. “After Hinata-chan and me, of course.”

People laughed as they clapped and Naruto went back to his seat. Then, as the host announced the next speech, Sasuke took a sip of his drink, relieved. Apart from some comments, like the last ones, about his character, and that he had talked about the first time he had got drunk, things had not gone so bad.

The hall became darker as Ino took her place behind the microphone.

“Good afternoon. I’m Yamanaka Ino and I have the fortune of knowing this two people for years. But today, I’m not going to talk as Uchiha Sasuke’s secretary, but as Sakura’s friend” she paused for a moment to look at her notes. “Sakura and I met in the first year of elementary school, when we ended up in the same classroom, sitting one behind the other. As you see, we have a long story together…”

A soft music started playing and they all turned to a screen located over the main door, where a video started to show. It displayed photographs of the two girls since their childhood: school events, festivals, graduations, parties… Ino had a memory for each of those moments, which people laughed about or had to dab at their eyes with handkerchiefs. Finally, the video ended with the two of them laughing at the entrance of the Todai University, the day of Sakura’s graduation.

“When she told me that her omiai partner was the President I work for, I was a bit wary because I discovered then that I was linked to both, and it was going to be uncomfortable if one of them felt hurt in case that there was a rejection. But when she said they were getting married, I was really glad.” she turned to the couple. “President, the only thing I’m going to ask of you in this life is to make her happy. Despite our arguments and differences in many things, she’s one of the people I love the most and, forgive me for my impertinence, I’d hate you if you made her suffer her. Congratulations…” she inhaled, trying to hold back her tears. “And stop crying, Forehead!

She bowed and Sakura felt the strong urge to run to her best friend and hug her. However, she had to repress it, since it was not the moment and with her clothes she would probably make a fool of herself, so she restricted herself to watch Ino coming down the platform and going straight to her seat, trying to hold her tears. She had to remember to hold her tight the next time she saw her.

“Are you fine?” Sai whispered putting an arm around Ino’s shoulders so she could lean her head on his shoulder, not caring about maintaining the appearances or the curious looks they were receiving.

She nodded and he dropped a soft kiss on her head.

“Good…” he paused for a moment. “Did you finally graduate from him?”

She nodded again and he could not help the smile that drew across his lips, relief washing over him. His heart filled with content at knowing that Ino was now completely and truly his, as he realised that a very small part of him that had been well hidden deep inside, had been really unhappy and jealous. Maybe, it was time for them to start thinking about tying the knot too.

Sasuke stood up, after a few moments. It was time for the groom speech. However, he did not move, he just looked at Sakura that smiled, carefully rising from her chair too. They were going to break the rules a bit. There was a soft surprised humming as the guests saw that both of them moved to the microphone, the expectation hanging in the air heavily.

He took a small slip of paper from the folds of his kimono and opened it, drawing in a soft breath. He was used to speaking in public, to weave his way and opinions without any doubts to business partners, directors and associates. However, he had never been good at expressing his emotions, at telling the people he cared for his feelings. His heart had been closed for many years after he had understood his position in his family and what they expected of him. His life no longer belonged to him, but to the clan. But that did not mean that he had become cold or had stopped loving them. That speech had taken him a lot of time to write, carefully choosing his words, rewriting once and again what he wanted to say. He only hoped he had been able to convey his thoughts in his words.

“Thank you to all of you for coming today and share with us this joyous event despite your busy schedules…” after the standard greeting, he breathed again. “When I was five, my life changed completely. From being a carefree child, I became someone who would have an important role in the future of his clan, and though, as a boy, could not see farther than my own selfishness, getting angry because things were not the same anymore, my family’s guidance and affection helped me to take the correct choices in life. I am what I am thanks to my father, who taught me the value of working hard, having perseverance and taking pride in my origins, my mother, warm and caring, but also stern when she had to be, and my brother who protected and comforted me as a child, and is someone I look up to every day” he glanced at Sakura. “Today, my wife and I are starting a new life. We are inexperienced in many things and we will probably stumble from time to time. I hope that you can continue watching over us the same as you have done for me up to now” he turned to Sakura. “Our beginning was difficult and we were unsure and full of doubts, and we have been through difficult moments. However, despite not being married, not even engaged, you were beside me during that time, strong and steadfast. Thank you, Sakura-san. I hope that in the years to come, I can be your support as you have been, and are, mine.”

He bowed, and Sakura had to bite her lower lip hard to contain her tears. When he lifted his head and saw her efforts, he took his handkerchief from his kimono and gave it to her with a tender smile that made those who saw it stare in awe. Sakura took a deep breath and straightened. Turning to their guests, she nodded.

“I’m sorry…”

Then, Sasuke took a step back to let her take his place. She took a paper from her obi and unfolded it. Breathing once more, she started reading.

“Thank you for being with us on such an important day in our lives” she inhaled again, calming herself, her voice becoming more confident. “I have always been aware of my role in life, and I embraced it enthusiastically since I was a little girl. I come from a family of doctors and I saw like a natural thing that I would become one in the future. I am one now. However, it’s not my merit alone. I had, along the way up to now, three wonderful people, my grandmother, my father and my mother, who were an example and my inspiration for all I wanted to achieve and I have been fortunate to count on their support and their advice in the steps I have taken along the way.” she paused for a moment. “Even though an omiai can be a very difficult event nowadays, when life offers us so many possibilities and ideas, I’m very glad to have followed my grandmother’s counsel and gone through it, because I met someone who has become very important for me” she tilted her head and looked at him. “Sasuke-san, let’s walk together this path that we have started today and build a household of our own following the example of the people who had surrounded and cherished us until this moment. I am sure that they will continue offering us their encouragement and love. As for us, as in all journeys, we will probably have good times and also encounter difficulties in our marriage. I want to be able to enjoy the first ones and solve little by little the second ones together with you, till death do us part.”

She gave a step backwards and together with her husband, she bowed to the guests, who were clapping and some of them crying openly. They could even hear one or two cheers from their louder friends. Then, two assistants gave them bouquets of flowers, and they made their way to the back, where their families were awaiting them. They bowed respectfully and then, gave the flowers to their mothers. Mikoto had a hard time controlling her tears, deeply moved because her younger child had never said what he truly felt since he was small and Fugaku put his hand on his back, smiling proudly at the respectable man that his son had become.

“Thank you…”

A tear fell down Sakura’s mother as she took the flowers from her daughter, who held her hand affectionately.

When they stepped aside instead of posing for a photograph, all the people in the hall held their breath again, expectant. Both of them approached the table nearest the place where their parents were, and the assistant gave her a second bouquet that she gave to her grandmother.

“Grandmother…” the old lady took it a bit disconcerted. “I know that you’re not in favour of breaking traditions and protocol, but it’s thanks to you that we’re here today. Sasuke-kun and I wanted to give you this.”

Chiyo blushed a bit.

“But it was Madara-san’s idea too…”

“But we can’t give him flowers, can we?” she said with a smile.

Then, she straightened and turned to his grandfather, bowing again.

“Thank you.”

.

Sasuke sighed as he adjusted his grey tie watching his reflection in the full-length mirror before letting one of the assistants help him with the frock coat. Despite liking kimonos quite a lot, he was definitely much more comfortable with those clothes, so similar to his everyday ones. He took the gloves and, nodding to the assistants, came out of the changing room. He walked along the corridor to where Sakura’s door was, ready to wait.

After the photographs with their family, they had gone out of the hall for a change of clothes. As they were planning the wedding, he had asked Sakura if she did not want to wear one of those big white Western wedding dresses that Japanese women dreamt of. Though her answer had been somewhat vague saying that it had been a little girl’s fantasy, he had realised that she still (tenía la ilusión). And he had finally managed to convince her to do it. Though they belonged to old families and they were going to follow tradition to the end, the wedding was theirs, and they could allow themselves a whim. Like the one with their grandparents. He had been surprised when he had learnt that his grandfather had played an important role in their omiai, despite being all Sakura’s grandmother idea. And when she had asked him if he minded that she paid a little homage to her, he had thought it would be nice to thank the patriarch of the clan too.

He was looking out of one of the windows on the wall opposite her room when he heard the door behind him open, and he turned. The sight left him breathless. Sakura was at the door, being helped by her assistants, and she was looking at him with a mixture of excitement and hope. She was wearing a beautiful empire style wedding dress with sleeves that only covered her shoulders, a bodice decorated with small pearls and a flowing skirt with two layers embroidered with lace. Her hair was tied in a side bun on the left side of her head framed by some organza lotus flowers.

“Oh, the groom” one of the assistants said with a smile. “We hope you are pleased with the bride’s look.”

He felt a knot in his throat. He wanted to say something and make her happy, it was obvious that she was expecting him to do it, but he just could not do it; not with those strangers listening and the people near the reception hall door waiting. If one day he complimented her, he wanted it to be for her alone.

Sakura smiled softly, as if she could sense his inner conflict and, turning to her helpers, she thanked them. Then, she approached her handsome husband, who was still looking at her with admiration, and took him by the arm. He did not need words to say what she wanted to know.

“Come on, Sasuke-kun” Sakura started walking towards the hall, changing the topic. “We still have a cake to cut and many greetings to give” he groaned a bit and she smiled widely. “And the after-party, let’s not forget about that!”

He chuckled lightly, letting her drag him away from the women who had put him in a predicament, calming down with her chatting. And he decided to follow her cue teasing her a bit.

“So, your intention from the beginning was to kill your groom of exhaustion and become a widow on your first day of marriage…?”

.

“What a day, um?” Sakura said with a sigh as she looked at Sasuke’s back, who was busy in the kitchen.

They had arrived at their flat a few minutes before, completely spent after the after-party with their friends and younger members of their families, where they had been drinking and playing games. However, neither in the reception nor that gathering they had been able to eat much so they had just been finishing taking off their shoes when Sasuke’s stomach had made a rumbling sound that had made her start laughing. He had shown her an irritated expression and had called her annoying but it was difficult to take his soreness seriously seeing the blush that adorned his cheeks.

After he had taken revenge tapping her on the head lightly and she had calmed down, he had suggested an early dinner and they had entered the kitchen. However, as she was asking him for an apron, he had taken her by the shoulders and sat her down on a stool, alleging that she had to be more tired than him, since her efforts during the wedding had been greater.

He made a sound of assertion as his hands took another scoop of rice and moulded it like an onigiri that he put on a plate.

“Are you going to wear that for the rest of the day?” he asked looking over his shoulder, clearly referring to her wedding dress.

“Of course!” she said with a childish smile, lifting her legs and wriggling her toes. “I really love it and it was very expensive, so the least I can do is enjoy it as much as possible” he chuckled lightly as he bent, opening a cabinet on his right and picking up a wooden board to cut the nori for the onigiri. “I’m thinking I could have it altered and have a new dress for any event that we have to attend.”

“It’s a good idea” he spared a brief glance at his grey frock coat, neatly folded on a chair near her. “Maybe I could do the s- Ouch!”

Instinctively, Sakura stood and rushed to his slightly crouched figure. He had his finger in his mouth, a mixture of pain and annoyance marring his face.

“Let me see” she commanded him with a professional tone, taking his hand and inspecting the cut.

Fortunately, it was not very deep but some thick drops of blood were running down his finger.

“Where’s the first-aid kit?”

“In that cupboard”

She put his finger under water from the sink tap and went to retrieve it. Looking for some bandages, she took his finger and inspected it again before pressing firmly to cut the bleeding. She guided him to the stool where she had been sitting and smiled softly to him as she lifted the gauze to take a better look at the little wound. After a few more minutes of pressure, she picked up another piece of cloth and dabbed at the cut delicately with some antibiotics cream she had found. Finally, she put a plaster on it.

“There, almost healed. Keep it covered for two day-” she brought her hand to her mouth. “Sorry… It’s the habit…”

“Thank you” he shook his head once, not really minding her doctor side showing.

She smiled as she put everything back in the kit and put it in the same cupboard.

“And now, let me finish dinner, okay? It’s better if you don’t get that cut dirty” she looked at the drawers on her left pensively. “And, it’s better if I get used to things here soon.”

He smiled, feeling inwardly happy.

“Second drawer.”

.

An hour later, Sakura heard Sasuke’s footsteps behind her and she turned in time for him to offer her a cup of tea. She smiled thankfully and he sat down next to her, giving a sip to his drink. They were sitting on the sofa in the living room watching the landscape, after enjoying dinner. As that night many months ago, they had turned it so it faced the large window, hearing the muffled sounds that came from the street and watching the sun sink slowly behind the buildings in a comfortable silence. Little by little the living room became darker.

“Give me your cup” Sasuke said standing up and going to the kitchen to leave them on the sink.

When he came back, he sat beside her again, looking at the rays of the sun reflected on the glass of the buildings near theirs and the light of the cars that went up the street opposite them, travelling in precise order. Absentmindedly, he took her hand in his, caressing the back with his thumb for a few minutes, and she answered to his touch squeezing it lightly. When he felt the roughness of the stones, he looked down and watched for a moment the two rings on her finger, playing with them lightly with his index. Then, he brought it to his lips and kissed it reverently, closing his eyes briefly.

When he opened his lids, slowly, he found her gaze on him, full of tenderness, and a soft smile on her lips. He leant forward and she met him halfway. It was a simple, lingering brushing of their mouths but it made them giddy with emotion and filled their hearts with happiness.

The first kiss of their married life.

They parted after a few moments and looked at each other, smiling softly. Then, Sasuke touched her forehead with his, and she laughed a bit.

“Are you happy?”

“Yes…” his smile widened a bit and she looked at him. “And you…?”

As a reply, he cupped her cheek with one hand, brushing her skin with his thumb. Sometimes, he felt so useless for not being able to express what was truly in his heart openly, to tell her all she wanted and needed to hear. She deserved so much to listen to them… However, his reserved character, his stern upbringing had made him like that. Maybe, someday, he would be able to tell her all the things he kept inside. As he looked into her eyes, shining with delight he found himself fortunate for having found a woman who understood him.

He kissed her again, this time deeper, wishing to express what he could not put into words, giving his all each time their mouths separated for a brief intake of breath just to join again more passionately. The soft moan that escaped her throat filled his veins with desire, and this time, he did not bother to tame it. She did not have to go back home, she was not a partner, she was not his fiancée… He did not have to contain himself anymore.

He left her lips and hid his head in her neck, leaving a trail of open mouthed kisses. She sighed his name and he went back to her lips, satisfied at her equally intense response.

When they parted, completely out of breath and quivering, Sasuke stood up and put an arm around her waist and another under her knees, lifting her from the sofa, her arms circling his shoulders, and he crossed the living room and entered the corridor, towards the bedroom.

“It’s still daylight…” she murmured, hiding her face in his shoulder.

“And, do you have any complaints? Do you want me to stop…?”

Her only reply was to move her head negatively, a deep blush covering her pretty face.

The room was still bathed in a soft orange glow. Closing the door after them with his foot, he advanced a few steps, kissing her again, before letting her stand again. He did not let her go, though. After releasing her lips, he brushed his mouth on her neck, just below her jaw.

“Do you want me to help you with that” he murmured softly, touching the flowers that decorated her hair.

“Do you mind…?”

He shook his head and turned her, facing the full-length mirror on the corner nearer the bed and they looked at their reflection for a moment before she lifted her arms and started taking pins from the headdress. He did the same with her bun, feeling it with his fingertips and removing them carefully not to pull her hair. Occasionally he gazed at the mirror. She was trying really hard not to look at it and he could not help a little smile at his wife’s sudden shyness.When he had gathered a bunch of them in his hand, he looked around and finally decided to leave them on the bedside table. He switched on the lamp to see better.

“You should think about what you want to change or buy for the flat…” he commented as he touched one inside her bun. “I suppose it’s not very comfortable for a woman…”

“Your house is fine, Sasuke-kun!” she said turning, and with the sudden movement, the pin he had just discovered and picked escaped from between his fingertips. “Just two or three things will be enough, and we can bring them from my former bedroom.”

“Our house” he said, and she looked at him a bit confused. “It’s not just mine, it’s ours.”

“Ah” her fingers flew to her mouth, realising her mistake. “Sorry…”

“You’ll get used to it…” he replied, touching her head lightly to give her the clue of where to tilt it, looking at the place where the pin he had missed was and retrieving it, his breath falling on her nape, making her blush again.

They continued their task for a few more minutes until all her hair was free from the hairstyle, and Sasuke started combing the tresses down her back, but it was really difficult with all the spray the assistants who had helped her with her change of look had applied. Then, he bent a little and he kissed the curve between her neck and shoulder.

“Sasuke-kun…” she said gasping softly when he grazed the tender skin just above her collarbone. “Ca-Can you cover the mirror…?”

He smirked against her neck and, leaving her, he grabbed the bedspread and threw it over the mirror.

“Is that better?”

She nodded and he extended his hand, touching her red cheeks. With her dishevelled hair falling on her shoulders and back, her darkened green eyes that shone like emeralds in the dim light and her red lips, swollen from being kissed, she offered the most tempting and lovely sight he had ever had in front of him.

“Sakura…”

As if falling under a spell, it was her who approached him this time, kissing him as her hands cupped his face, and he held her close, tangling his fingers in her hair. The others went to his shirt, suddenly bothered by it. They parted and she looked at him, one of her hands brushing his, as if asking if she could continue. He dropped it to his side, his gaze not leaving her for a second as she took the button with trembling fingers.

As each one came undone, his skin was exposed to her sight and she felt the temptation to kiss it, Sasuke noticed the change in her breath and the indecisive spark of her eyes.

“You can do as you wish” he murmured in her ear, his voice lowering down an octave, and she shivered. “I’m your husband…”

She let out a quivering exhale and crossed the step that still separated them, hiding her head and kissing him in the curve between his shoulder and neck. He took a sharp intake of breath as her arms made their way around his waist, pressing her body to his. And Sasuke’s fingers flew to her hips. As her mouth left timid kisses along his collarbone, his hands made their way upwards slowly until they found the zipper of her dress. It was then that she noticed the slight trembling of his fingertips.

The wedding dress fell on the floor in a pool of chiffon and embroidered organza, leaving her dressed in only her tights, undergarments and a short satin and lace white slip which covered her body.

“You’re so beautiful…” he whispered, and her heart missed a beat, thundering loudly just a moment later, as she felt her eyes damp.

He smiled tenderly as he cleaned her unshed tears with his sleeve and brushed her lips softly, his hands taking off his shirt, dropping it near her dress. Then, he held her tight by the waist, lifting her up and laying her on the bed delicately, kissing her and burying one of his hands in her hair as he joined her, and the other started a path filled with soft curves and the movement of her agitated breath. For what seemed hours, he worshipped her body with kisses and caresses as her hands slid across his shoulders and back as far as she could reach, whimpering when he found a sensitive spot. Slowly, the last clothes that still separated them fell on the floor and she could not help a shiver feeling each centimetre of her skin covered by his, their bodies getting warmer and warmer as passion slowly erased from their mind any thoughts that were not related to the other, or what they were feeling.

She called his name, gasping at the honorific, and he kissed it from her lips, not wanting to hear something that put a barrier between them. There, in the privacy of the bedroom that now belonged to the two of them, they were simply two human beings that loved each other in body, soul and mind: Sasuke and Sakura.

Fingers lacing and breaths mingling in their kisses, the tension between them increased with each passing moment until it suddenly broke. Her heart overflowed with feelings for him, and his followed a few moments later with only one certainty: She belonged to him as he to her.

.

Still regaining their breaths, Sasuke embraced Sakura protectively and rolled over on the bed, resting on his back. He was tired, the traces of passion slowly dissolving in his blood replaced by a feeling of completion that he had never experienced before. He closed his eyes, savouring it, smiling as she nuzzled his chest softly. He brushed her hair from her damp body.

“Maybe I should have it cut…” she said in a slightly raspy voice, lifting a hand and removing some strands that gone unnoticed to his fingers.

“I like your hair…” he stated in a gentle voice. “Maybe we should have left it in that hairstyle if you felt uncomfortable…”

She mused his words for a moment.

“I’d probably had all the pins piercing my scalp” she paused and hid her face a little in his chest. “Maybe next time I can tie it up before…”

Sasuke chuckled and kissed the top of her head. His hand brushed the space between her shoulder blades and she shivered a bit.

“Are you cold?”

She shook her head briefly, but stayed quiet, not moving except for her slow breathing. He would have thought she was falling asleep if it was not for the barely noticeable agitation of her fingers on his skin

“Are you alright?” he whispered, deeply concerned about having done something to upset her.

Did I pay attention to your needs? Was I too brusque, too anxious? Did you feel the same pleasure? That simple question was filled with so many others, with insecurity and a hint of regret, that Sakura felt guilty, and moved. She was just feeling overwhelmed by the powerful sensations that still coursed through her body and mind, She had never thought she could feel something like that. But how to tell him? How to make him understand the strength of her emotions at that moment? She only knew one way. She lifted her head and smiled tenderly, making him relax. She took his hand in hers and brushed a kiss on his palm, and then on his ring finger, the thin band of gold warm to her lips.

“Yes…” .

It was already well entered the morning when Sasuke opened his eyes with a soft intake of breath, and immediately, his features softened when the first thing he saw was Sakura’s face, still deeply asleep. Her expression was completely relaxed and content, her cheeks still slightly flushed and her lips a bit swollen from his kisses. They had loved each other once and again between short slumbers and sweet moments of titillation until just a few hours ago, and though he felt exhausted and tempted to curl up with her and go back to his dreams, a part of him fought back, wanting nothing more than to watch her until the moment when she woke up. Blinking a few times, he propped up on one elbow, resting his head on his hand, lifting his free arm to brush back a loose strand which had slid down across her cheek delicately, revelling in each single detail and engraving them all in his mind.

An hour later, Sakura opened her eyes, slowly, and her clouded gaze fell on his face. He was watching her with a tender smile.

“Good morning…” he whispered, cupping her neck and kissing her forehead softly.

“Good morning…”

THE END

Extra notes:

-Japanese people don’t kiss in traditional weddings (sometimes, they do in Western-style ones, like the ones we see in manga), neither do they in the reception.

-For Sasuke and Sakura’s wedding, I wrote the same vow as in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeJQMvydpzQ All the credit goes to its maker.

-There’s a change in the honorifics, I know ^^ I did it on purpose, since reading examples of speeches, I realised that the language is very formal, so I decided to make them talk formally too. That is why there aren’t contractions in it either

#naruto #fanfic #ssm17 #ssm17d15 #sasusakumonth #uchiha sasuke #haruno sakura #sasusaku #otp

[kusunogatari-a]

[ Again ] [ @despairinghxpe ] [ Uchiha Itachi, Suigin Ryū, Uchiha Sasuke ] [ Death mention ] [ Verse: Ryū no Ryokan ]

...this will be the last time.

She can feel it – a knowing that settles into her bones like an ache. When Itachi seems to unstitch himself from the shadows, something about his demeanor feels...final.

When he takes his leave, this time...he won't be coming back.

Looking to him from her desk, she slowly lowers her pen – accounts will wait. Instead, she rises to her feet and turns to face him fully, doing her best to maintain a calm facade. Nevertheless, there's a hesitation – something she thought they'd long moved past.

But it's not the wariness of strangers. It's the pause of two people who know...this is the end.

“...I have an important battle soon,” Itachi murmurs. “...I must be in the best health I can manage. If...you wouldn't mind.”

Ever so slightly, her expression wavers, sadness in her eyes. “...I'll...see what I can do.”

A silence blooms, and grows.

Head bowing and eyes closing, Ryū tries to steady herself. “...I can't change your mind...can I...?”

“No.”

The blunt reply is expected, but it doesn't stop her flinch. “...I'm sorry. That was a selfish question.”

“And yet, it was expected.” Finally, Itachi is the first to move, taking several paces to close the gap. And yet still, he does not touch her. “...after all...it's clear that this entire...” A pause. “...arrangement has been a selfish dealing for us both for quite some time.”

For a long moment she stares to one side before braving a look to his eyes. “...has it?”

“At the very least, it was foolish on my part to engage in that which was doomed from the start...and yet...” With a small sigh, the Uchiha relaxes, if only just. “...I knew, in the end, this would only hurt you. That...in the end...any hopes it gave you would be for naught. And I...apologize.”

“...don't do that.” The reply is little more than a whisper. “I knew what I was getting into. I'm not that stupid.”

“You're not -”

Her head bows, shakes, stopping his retort mid-word. “...I feel just as self-centered. I don't...want you to feel regret. This wasn't your plan. I'm only making things more complicated.”

“...then, shall we simply both accept the blame, and move forward?”

Barely heard, an ill-humored snort escapes her. “...very well.”

A hand reaches – first tucking hair behind her ear, before cupping her cheek. Eyes close, expression pinching as she battles herself. Nonetheless, she leans into the touch.

“...I do not wish to leave you with regrets, either,” the Uchiha murmurs. “I can be spared until morning. But then, I'll have to go.”

“...understood.”

He can hear the clip to her tone, struggling not to fall apart. It's been a long time since he's faced painful goodbyes. Arms pull her to his front, feeling her brow tuck to the crook of his neck. Tears, warm against his skin, soak through his shirt as her fingers dig into his back like needles.

Itachi's jaw clenches, his own grip tightening as best his weary form can manage. Breaths deepen as he fights back any urge to slip, face burying into the snow of her hair.

Selfish...

Eventually she forces herself to part from him, stubbornly ignoring the blotching of her skin, red after her allotted outburst. She's every part disheveled by emotion, but she sets her jaw and tells him to sit. Palms glow white as she looks him over, watching her knuckles as she refuses to meet his eyes – she can feel him watch her every move. Hours pass at an agonizing pace, what little good she can do done until there's nothing left. His body is battered, but anything else would take far too long.

Besides...she knows, in the end, it won't do any good.

One hand pressed to his chest, she stares at it as the chakra recedes, not daring to move lest she crumble again. But he slowly takes her wrist, removing her touch and replacing it as he weaves their fingers. Knowing what he wants, she offers the other without resistance. A gentle yet insistent tug pulls her to his lap. Her head bows as his own cranes upward, brows meeting and eyes closing before they shift their angle. As they have uncounted times before, mouths meld. And not for the first time, she paints his cheeks with tears.

Hands drag along her sides before slowly ridding her of the obi holding her yukata in place. The fabric parts, letting fingers drift against her skin unhindered.

As always, his hands are cold.

She can't help a shiver that echoes her trembling, breaking the kiss and tucking to the crook of his neck for a moment. All the while, she grips the chest of his shirt, knuckles white under pressure.

Skimming along her shoulders, he urges the garment down her back, pooling at her elbows as she refuses to loosen her hold. But all it takes are fingers at her wrists. With that, it shrugs to the floor.

Lips ghost against her collarbone, occasionally puckering and begging bruises from her skin. As he grips the dip of her waist, her own fingers weave through loosened hair, head lolling according to his attentions to let them fall where he wills them.

They've danced this dance before, but never this slow – never this careful, never this soft. Fingers beg clothes to the floor until there's nothing left, bare bodies migrating to the blankets of her futon. Touches linger, a desperate attempt to memorize every plane and valley of skin before they're gone forever. They writhe with a renewed passion born of desperation, every action exaggerated – breaths hot and heavy like summer fog, thrusts slow and punctuated with whispers. Hair, blankets, all muss in the wake of their fervor.

It stops only when she concedes to sleep.

Moonlight that manages to spill through her windows – the narrow time when it peers between the valley walls – illuminates her unconscious figure. Pale skin is peppered with purple, snow-white hair haloing her head in untamed waves. Breath whispers between bruised lips, a hand up on her pillow as she dozes.

In the shadows, at her side, Itachi simply...stares, crimson gaze appearing to glow as he takes her in.

Should all go well, he won't see another sunset. He knows there's little point. But the dōjutsu takes in every detail, memorizing her perfectly. Every goose bump, every stray hair – the way her lashes disappear against her cheekbones; the way her chest swells with each breath.

One last memory to take with him where he goes – the last among a collection he's garnered without her knowing. A way to enjoy her company whenever he strays too far.

Absentmindedly, fingers trace along her collarbone, unnoticed against her fatigue. Every moment he lingers, the drive he needs to vanish seems to dwindle a little further.

“...I can't change your mind...can I...?”

Yet he wishes she could. Gods does he wish. But wishes are nothing to knowing...and he knows what he must do.

Carefully, he leans his weight forward, pressing lips to her brow before ghosting to her own. It begets a soft sigh, her head turning in her sleep to face him. As she does, the angle lets a traded tear slip down her cheek before slithering to her pillow.

Atop her, his head bows, jaw clenched with bared teeth as he shakes. Against his will, emotions find form along his lashes, dripping from his skin to hers. Fingers clutch the hem of the blankets, just as they did the hilt of a sword nearly a decade past. He won't kill – not this time.

...not literally, at any rate.

It takes him a long moment to recover before he slips from their tangled nest. Clothes adorned, he debates one last look back. In the end he can't refuse himself, a glance thrown over his shoulder.

She's still as stone, asleep.

Just as silently as he appeared, the Uchiha vanishes...for the last time.

___

She hears the news just a few days later, whispered between jōnin marveling at the fact: Uchiha Itachi, mass murderer, dead at his brother's hands.

Sasuke, however, is unaccounted for.

No one seems to notice as the medic loses weight, bags under her eyes as she often vanishes from view, cheeks pale yet blotched with a red that matches her eyes when she reemerges. No one can hazard a guess as to what makes the woman so listless, often caught staring into nothing for hours at a time.

And as the world approaches its tipping point, no one has the time to care.

The war, however, seems to stir something within her. With conflict looming, she seems to rekindle, burying into her work until her fingers bleed and her knees give out. She runs herself ragged – never before has she been so weary, so thin, so desperate.

She's nowhere near the battlefield, but even she does not escape the snippet of the illusion that drowns the world.

Within it...he returns. No longer does he hide. Together they walk the valley floor, arm in arm, gazes warm with love and turned only to each other. Happy and carefree, at last.

...but a dream is just a dream.

Things fall into a strange kind of normal after that, the ryokan busy as ever as the world reassembles itself. She hardly notices the passing time anymore, lost in the rush of morning to night.

It's all she has left.

So when a certain stranger finds himself at the mouth of the valley, she has no idea what's yet to come. Dark eyes stare at a place he's never been...and yet of which he has uncounted memories. Standing beneath the torī gate, Uchiha Sasuke loses himself in a moment of deja vu.

He has never seen this place...yet, these eyes know it all too well. Already he knows the lay of grounds, the springs, the inn itself...and the house that sits at the valley's end.

Not to mention the woman within it.

He's not sure what he expects to find. But the memories have plagued him like nightmares since he took his brother's eyes. Memories so vivid, so detailed, the lines between them and his own begin to blur. In quiet moments, images of her smile, her hands, her hair...the adoration in her eyes as she looks at him – no, Itachi – stare at him within his mind.

They implant a burning curiosity of the woman that – however temporarily – stole Itachi's heart. A piece of his brother's missing history – a subject shrouded in mystery – that still lives and breathes.

What end coming here will bring him to, he can't know. But something tells him he'll have no peace until he sees her...

Again.

     *SWEATS*      So...uh...*wipes brow* I got a random idea while listening to a song today while afk. And uh...the ending there just kinda...popped into my head in addition to the initial angst? lol      ...I actually have written something similar to the ending before as a random idea, but...it wasn’t for any specific muse - rather, just as an AU for Ryū’s main fic with the Sasuke from that. Only it, uh...goes a lot further than that x’’D      So this is TECHNICALLY DIFFERENT. In a lot of ways, actually. But, I dunno...I can’t remember if it’s canon, but I’ve always loved the idea of the Sharingan copying not only jutsu, but whatever it sees PERFECTLY. And that the memories also stay with the Sharingan that saw it, hence Sasuke ending up with Itachi’s memories. And just...I dunno. I have to wonder what Sasuke would think, seeing this mystery woman in his brother’s memories. If he’d go looking for her, whether it be to find out more about his brother’s life during their separation, or just...to see just who managed to get that close to him.      ...I DUNNO I’M WEIRD OKAY XD      Anyway, have some random angst. Because I love angst. Especially romantic angst xD Hopefully it’s okay - if not I can change it lolol      *throws at Phoenix and runs away*

#despairinghxpe #uchiha itachi #suigin ryū #uchiha sasuke #death mention #ryū no ryokan [ canon verse ]

[isolavirtuosa]

Post-Post Traumatic: The Second Time 11-13

Post-Post Traumatic [fanfiction] NaruSasu (in progress)

A series of “drabbles” following the events of Post Traumatic.

Previous Parts

The Second Time

11-13 under the cut

This is the end of The Second Time, The Last Time is very short but unedited, should go up in the beginning of February.

- 11 -

             Karin came to see me the day before I was going to be released. I’d been in the hospital for almost a month, and I hadn’t seen her even once.

           “You look… less crazy…” she concluded.

What looked like a burn scar was wrapped around her neck, and I had this sudden flash of grabbing her by the neck right before Jugo knocked me out.

Karin followed my gaze. “Sakura said if I stop in Konoha, she can probably fix the scarring.”

I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t meant to do it, but saying that would be akin to avoiding responsibility.  I’d done it, and there was no taking it back.

“This room is awful,” Karin said, rubbing her arms.  “How can you stand it?”

           “I don’t have a choice in the matter.”

           She shrugged.  “Guess so.”

           We both regarded one another silently.

           Karin, like Naruto, never could stand the silence for long. “You and I aren’t good right now. Do you get that?”

           “Yes.”

           “Do you get that you scare me?”

           “Karin…”

           “You’re too fucking powerful to be that fucking crazy. You’re a ticking time bomb, and I don’t want to be around when you go off.”

           “I understand,” I said, trying to sound flat.  The medications helped.  It was hard to feel much of anything on them.

           “No, you don’t,” she said, frustrated.  “I love you, Sasuke.  So much.  But how many times do we have to go through this?  When you ask for help, does it cost you something?  Why do you hate doing it so much?  Because when you do ask for help, you get it.  And things are good.  Things have been great the last four years.  Look at what you’ve done with Taka.  Look at what you’ve done with your little ragtag bunch of orphans.  The world is better for having you in it. But then you go and act a fool and ruin everything, and for what?  Is it your pride?  I don’t get it.”

           “I don’t get it either,” I said quietly.  “I don’t know how things got so out of control.  I don’t know how I could…”

           She watched me.

           I met her gaze.  I wanted to say so many things, to express to her how important she was to me and that I knew how badly I’d messed up.  It was like there was a wall between my head and my mouth, though, and no words came out.

           “I’ll be waiting for you at home,” she said, standing up.

           “Thank you,” I managed to say before the door was closed.

           Karin’s mouth upturned before she disappeared.

           Jugo came to take me home the next day.

           I sat in the wheelchair and let Jugo push me towards the front door.

           “Where’s Naruto?” I asked, like a reflex.

           “I told him to stay home and relax.”

           “And he agreed?” I asked.  I would have looked surprised if I was capable.

           “I think Naruto has realized that if he doesn’t take care of himself first, then he can’t do anything for you.”

           “I’ve only been telling him that for twenty years,” I muttered.

           “You’re both slow learners.”

           The walk from Suna to home seemed longer.  I hadn’t been eating or exercising properly, not to mention all the stomach issues I’d been having.

           Jugo was a silent, steady rock beside me.

           “I think you should take over Taka,” I finally said.

           “Don’t be ridiculous.”

           “You’ve been running things since I went to the hospital. It makes sense to just continue.”

           “Sasuke.  You’re perfectly competent at your job.  That’s never been an issue.”

           “Who’s going to want to do business with me now?”

           “No one knows what happened,” Jugo said.

           “Then how did you explain my absence?”

           “Said you were sick and in the hospital.”

           “And you don’t think that everyone could read between the lines?”

           “The only people who notice how erratic your behavior gets are the people who know you well.  Which is a very small number of people.  Of course there are rumors, but they’re not substantiated, and it all just plays into the mythos that is Uchiha Sasuke.”

           I thought about it.  “I still don’t think that I’m fit to lead Taka.”

           “We’ll talk about it later.”

           I didn’t know when Jugo had gotten so assertive.  Or talkative. But then we went back to our usual silence.

           Naruto and the kids were all out at the training grounds, while Karin and Mari were back at the house.

           Mari gave me a tentative look, trying to size up how crazy I was.

           I waited, and then she gave me a running hug.

           “You’re so dumb,” she said.

           I had the feeling I was going to be taking a lot of abuse over the next few days.

           “Don’t scare us like that again,” she said, her face still attached to my stomach.

           “I don’t want to,” I said, which was the best I could offer.

           “I said don’t do it!” she snapped, stomping on my foot.

           “Ow,” I said flatly.

           “Yuck, you are way too medicated,” she observed.

           “I know, right?” I agreed.

           “Does that mean I can say whatever I want and you won’t get mad?”

           “Why don’t you try it and find out?” I suggested.

           Mari looked me up and down, then thought better of it.  “Can I have Karin’s room?”

           “She’s sitting in the living room, why don’t you ask her yourself?”

           “Kariiiin!” she yelled, still attached to me.

           I pushed her way. “Talk like a normal person.”

           “I was?”

           “I’m going to lie down.”

           “Oh.  Are you feeling okay?” Mari asked, worry creasing between her eyebrows.

           “Yeah, it was just a long walk,” I said, moving towards the stairs.

           “Oh… kay…”

           I crawled into bed, feeling exhausted.

           When I woke up, it was dark.

           “Hey, did I wake you?” Naruto said from where he was rummaging through his weapons drawer.

           “What time is it, eight?” I asked, sitting up.

           “Mm, just about,” he said, coming over to me.  “Welcome home.”

           I found myself wrapped in a hug.  “Thanks for letting me come home,” I mumbled into his stomach.

         Naruto pet my head like I was an animal.  “I made dinner.  If you want some?  It’s just curry, nothing fancy.”

           “I should eat.”

           Naruto looked down at me, eyes faintly glowing in the dark.  “Come downstairs.  Say hi to everyone.”

           “They’re not all terrified of me?”

           “Well, Mari isn’t.”

           “Maybe it’s better if I don’t.”

           “Don’t be stupid, Sasuke. This is your home.  This is your family.  That hasn’t changed.”

           “Hasn’t everything changed?”

           “Nah,” he said, rocking me side-to-side.

           “That’s all you have to say on the topic.  ‘Nah’?”

           “Mm.”

           “I’m toxic.”

           “Only sometimes.”

           “Do you think your life would be better without me?”

           “No,” he said, pinching my cheeks.  “Easier, definitely.  But not better.  I’d be like half a person.”

           “You won’t know until you try.”

           “I have tried, in case you forgot.  It was always like something was missing, and I couldn’t quite be at ease.  I never feel right until I’m next to you.”

           “That sounds like a psychological issue.”

           “Yeah, probably. But you complete me.”

           “Gross.”

           “And you love it,” Naruto said, suddenly throwing me over his shoulder.

           “What the fuck-!”

           “We’re gonna eat curry now.”

           “You’re not going to carry me-”

           “Watch me,” he said, giving me a sharp spank.

           I spanked him back in retaliation.

           “Save some of that for later,” he said, moving down the hallway to the stairs.

           “Put me down if you want to live to see later.”

           “Yeah, yeah,” he said, dropping me on my feet.  He started moving down the stairs, but I caught his arm.

           “Is there really going to be a later?” I asked.

           Naruto turned around slowly.  “Babe. Of course there’s going to be a later. You gotta stop this self-doubt thing.”

           “But I ruined everything.”

           Naruto sighed, coming back up the stairs.  “Listen to me, please,” he said, putting his hands on my shoulders.  “It’s… hard to deal with sometimes.  You do things that are crazy and awful and hurtful and scary... And I can’t just say, ‘well, you have a disease, so it’s okay.’  It’s not.”

           I felt myself crumbling.

           “Listen to me,” Naruto repeated.  He tightened his grip on my shoulders.  “How long has it been since we left Konoha?  Like ten years?”

           “Eight,” I mumbled.

           “Yeah.  So in those eight years, how many times have you done something… you know, over the line?”

           “Every day?”

           “Stop that.  I’m being serious.  Okay?  I’ll tell you my answer.  Twice. The time you went off your meds and ran away, and this time.  Two times in eight years, ya know?  I’m not saying that it doesn’t matter, but when you look at it that way, it’s such a small part of our life.”

           “But-”

           “Sasuke.”

           “You don’t deserve this.”

           “It’s not like all of our problems are because of you.  I kept promising to be home more.  I saw you coming apart, and I knew that I should be here, but it was always one thing after another that I had to deal with.  I think I’ve finally realized that it’s just never going to stop. Maybe it’s time to let someone else step up and save the world.”

           I studied his face. He didn’t look as tired as usual.

           “I want to be home with my family,” he continued, cupping my face.  “I’ve been pushing all this responsibility on you to take care of everything here, and… I know that hasn’t been helpful.  I can’t keep prioritizing all the politics and whatever over you guys. Okay?  I get it now.  I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

           I didn’t know what to say to that.

           Naruto threw me over his shoulder again.  “Curry time.”

           I started yelling at him as he carried me down the stairs, only to suddenly realize that we had an audience.

           The kids were peeking out at us silently from the doorway.

           “Put me down,” I muttered.

           “Never,” Naruto said cheerfully.

           I could have made him, but I didn’t think that would do much for my image rehabilitation.

           “Hey, kiddos, look who’s home from the hospital,” he said, swinging me around to show them.

           “Naruto-sensei, shouldn’t you be… careful?” one of the kids said.

           “Yeah, wasn’t Sasuke-sensei real sick?  You shouldn’t just be playing around like that.”

           Naruto, looking chastened, put me down at the bottom of the stairs.

           “Thanks, brats,” I said, and the two kids grinned.

           “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Naruto asked, trying to recover his authority.  Not that he had any to begin with.

           “We wanted to say goodnight to Sasuke-sensei,” one of the kids said, pouting.

           I wished I bothered to know their names.  “Good night,” I offered.

           “Good night!” they chorused.

           They continued to stare at us.

           “Go to bed already!” Karin yelled from the kitchen.

           The kids scampered away.

           “Is there still rice in the rice cooker?” Naruto asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

           “There’s a little bit,” Mari said.  “Sasuke, are you gonna eat?”

           “I guess.”

           “It’s not, ‘I guess’,” she scolded me, scooping some rice into a bowl.

           Karin took the bowl from her and added curry.  “Sit.”

           “I’m not a dog,” I muttered.

           She put the bowl on the table, sighing dramatically.

           I sat down and started eating.

           Naruto sat next to me, one foot up on his chair, resting his arm on his knee.  He dropped his other hand on my thigh.

           “Do you have any table manners?” Mari huffed, swatting at his knee.            “What’re you, my mother?” Naruto complained.

           “Might as well be!”

           “You’re like… twenty years younger than me…”

           “It’s all about mental age,” she said, knocking her fist against her head.

           Naruto squinted at her, like he thought she might be making fun of him, but he wasn’t quite sure.

           “Thank you for taking care of the house, Karin,” I said.

           She gave me a small smile.  “It’s not a problem.”

           “I’ll be home tomorrow,” Naruto said.  “Planning to be home for the rest of the week.”

           “You don’t have to be,” I said.

           “Yeah, but I told you, I’m cutting back on Hokage work,” he said, rubbing his thumb against me. “I’m not gonna let this job kill me like….”

           I rested my hand over his, squeezing.

           Mari looked between us curiously.

           “I’ve got the bath warmed up,” Karin said to her.

           “But I wanna sit with Sasuke.”

           “Do whatever you want, kid.”

           “I would kill for a cigarette,” I muttered.

           “What, babe!” Naruto cried, looking aghast.  “You were doing so good with the patches.”

           “I wasn’t doing well, I just didn’t have another option in the hospital,” I said.  “And also I was more focused on what felt like my body trying to destroy itself than my need for nicotine.”

           “Is there nothing I can do to get you to stay on the patches?”

           I raised an eyebrow at him, chewing slowly on my rice.

           “Smoking is gross,” Mari chimed in.

           “Yep,” Karin agreed.

           “Very,” Naruto said, scowling.

           I got up and started looking at the usual places that I had cigarettes squirreled away.  I wasn’t surprised to find them all gone.  I was betting all my booze and drugs were gone as well.

           “I thought you were quitting,” Naruto said, pointing at the trash can.

           “Even my tobacco and rolling paper?”

           He started to look sheepish.

           I sat back down, feeling irritated.

           “You want a new patch?” he offered, holding one up.

           I held out my arm, frowning.

           He carefully worked the old patch off of my arm and put the new one on.

           “Thanks,” I muttered. I didn’t want to be so moody, but even psychiatric medication couldn’t do much to dull the irritation.  I’d just spent weeks in the hospital coming down from opium, which was right after I’d spent weeks coming off of all of my medications, only to be forced to go back on all of them.  And then everyone in the house had stolen my cigarettes.  I hoped they didn’t expect me to be nice.

           But looking around the table, of course they didn’t.  This was Naruto, Karin, and Mari.  They all knew me.  It didn’t mean that they were going to put up with shit, but they weren’t going to expect me to be someone I wasn’t.

           “You look weird,” Mari commented.

           I turned my narrowed eyes on her.

           “Well, you do,” she said, getting to her feet.  “I’m gonna take a bath now.”  She came around to my side of the table and threw her arms around me.

           I had my spoon half-raised to my mouth, and strained to make sure none of the curry spilled on me.

           “Tell Karin to give me her room,” she whispered into my ear.

           I watched her skip off to the shower room.

           “She looks so much happier now that you’re home,” Naruto said, kissing my cheek.

           “I’m trying to eat…” I muttered, spoon still in the air.

           Naruto took the spoon from my hand and tried to feed me with it.

           I stared at him.

           He grinned.

           I took a begrudging bite.

           Things felt okay. I was irritated, but in that hazy, medicated way that wasn’t real anger.  Karin was giving me tentative smiles.  I wanted a cigarette more than anything, but it seemed like we were going to survive this.

           I woke up in the middle of the night.

           There it was again.

           It took my mind some time to sort out that it was Naruto, sniffing long and slowly.

           “Naruto,” I said, touching his shoulder.  He was on his side, facing away from me.

           “Go back to sleep, love,” he said, his voice shaking.

           “Naruto,” I repeated, pulling more forcefully on his shoulder so he’d roll over.

           He looked at me with bleary eyes.

           I felt like the shittiest person alive.

 - 12 -

             I sucked on my third cigarette of the session, while Naruto stared out the window.

           “You two are really lame,” Maiko finally said.

           “Are we boring you?” I asked.

           “Yeah, pretty much.”

           I shrugged.

           “Ugh,” Naruto said.

           I ignored him.

           “This seems really healthy,” Maiko commented.

           “We’re fine,” I said.

           “We’re okay,” Naruto said with a tilt of his head.

           “I’m convinced,” Maiko said, rolling her eyes.  “Did anyone tell you that you both look like shit?”

           “Hey, everyone keeps saying how much happier I look,” Naruto protested.

           “You look… lighter,” I agreed.  “But you look like you’re not sleeping.  Because you’re not.”

           “I sleep!”

           “After you stay up half the night crying.”

           “I don’t cry!”

           I stared at him. It was always easier to confront each other at therapy.

           “I…” Naruto trailed off, turning back to the window.  “I’m having a hard time, okay?”

           “Then stop acting like you’re not,” I muttered.

           “You’re having a hard time, too.”

           “Yeah, and everyone knows it,” I said with a shrug.

           “Stop shrugginggggg,” he complained.

           I shrugged.

           “You did that on purpose.”

           I shrugged again.

           “Do you see what I have to put up with?” Naruto complained, turning to Maiko for sympathy.

           “An impeccably handsome partner with a penchant for shrugging at nonsense?” Maiko said.

           “Why do I even come here?” Naruto muttered.

           “So we can work through our problems,” I said, nudging him.

           Naruto sighed, reaching his arm over the back of my chair.

           “You’re doing the same thing you did when I…”

           “Ran away?” he concluded for me.

           “Yeah.”

           “I know,” he said, pressing his lips to my cheek.  “I’m sorry.”

           I shook my head. “What are you apologizing before? This is all because of me.”

           “Is it, though?”

           I already knew that Naruto was blaming himself, but hearing him allude to it out loud stung. “Yes.  Of course it is.”

           “I should have-”

           “No.”

           “But I didn’t even-”

           “No.”

           “Sasuke, let Naruto speak,” Maiko interrupted.

           “I already know what he’s going to say.”

           “Well maybe he needs to say it.”

           “Yeah, Sasuke, maybe I need to say it,” Naruto mumbled, tugging on my sleeve to get me to look at him.

           I did.

           “I should have known better,” he said quietly.  “I mean, you actually fucking told me that you were a drug addict, and I just ignored it.”

           “I wasn’t being serious.”

           “You were being serious. You’re always serious.  Uchihas don’t joke, and all that.”

           “Naruto.”

           “I should have said something.  I should have done something.  I should have fucking noticed.  I mean, god, even Jugo and Karin noticed.  I’m supposed to be the person who knows you best, and I couldn’t even see you drowning.”

           “You noticed,” I said with a shrug.

           I felt his arm tense around my shoulder.

           “You kept saying things, you said I was spiraling.”

           “Yeah, but I didn’t know how bad it was.”

           “Because I didn’t let you know.”

           “But-”

           “Do I have to keep listening to this?” I complained to Maiko.

           “If you love and respect Naruto, it’d be nice, yeah.”

           I leaned my head back tiredly.

           “Sasuke, I’m not… I don’t know.  I guess the point is that I should have been there for you, and instead I was off chasing the Covenant.”

           “It’s not your job to hold me together.”

           “Maybe it’s not my job, but it’s like my hobby.”

           I looked at him.

           He grinned.

           “You can’t blame yourself for the stupid things I do,” I said, rubbing at the tension in my eyes. “I stopped taking my medications. I started smoking opium every day. I hurt Karin.  All of that has nothing to do with you, and when you try to blame yourself for it, it makes me feel even worse.  So stop already.”

           “It’s not that easy,” Naruto said, giving me a rueful smile.

           “I do wish you were home more,” I finally said.  “But even if you were, it wouldn’t have changed what happened.  The second I started thinking that I was in control… I’ll never be in control.”

           “I don’t agree with that.”

           “Well it’s the truth.”

           Naruto leaned into me, and I put my arm around him.  “I wish I could make things better for you,” he murmured.

           “It doesn’t work that way.”

           “I know.”

           I squeezed his shoulder. “Stop carrying the world on your shoulders.”

           “If I don’t, then who will?”

           “Narcissist.”

           “No.  Nuh-uh.  You do not get to call me a narcissist, you self-loving jerk.”

           “At least you’re not being boring anymore, but you’re kind of being ridiculous,” Maiko put in.

           “How… what…  You are not being a good therapist!” Naruto complained.

           “I’m a fantastic therapist,” Maiko said.

           “Then therapize!”

           “Okay,” she said with a shrug.  “You two have certain behavioral patterns that you keep repeating.  Maybe you should try not doing that anymore.”

           “You are the WORST THERAPIST!” Naruto yelled in his way that wasn’t really angry and just seemed comical, except it was in my ear.

           I elbowed him.

           “OW!”

           “Baby,” I muttered.

           “I’m gonna pretend that you mean that in the cute boyfriend way.”

           “You keep living in your delusional little world,” I said.

           “Thank you, I will,” he said, pulling me towards him and smooching my cheek.

           “Are you listening to what Maiko’s saying?” I asked, feeling myself getting sucked in closer to him.

           “Blah blah blah, figure out your own problems and then pay me for not doing anything.”

           “Damn, you’ve figured me out,” Maiko said with a grin.

           “Why don’t you just tell us about our bad behavior patterns so we can all go home early?” Naruto suggested.

           “The journey is more important than the answer.”

           “Stop being vague!  Nothing you say means anything!”

           I could tell that Maiko was having a grand time, and Naruto loved getting riled up, but I actually wanted to talk about our problems for once instead of everyone just joking around.  “Everything is going well, and then I stop taking my medications because I think I don’t need them anymore.”

           “See, Sasuke gets it,” Maiko said.  “So what do you do, Naruto?”

           “I don’t know, why don’t you just tell me?  Or is it that you don’t know and just expect me to do your work for you?!”

           “You put the whole world on your shoulders and think that you have to save everyone,” I said.

           “Sasuke, you have to let him think it out for himself a little.”

           “He’s too stupid, and I’d like to hurry this along.”

           “Rude,” Naruto growled, pulling away from me.

           “Okay, then.  I use insults to distance myself from showing how much I care about the idiot.”

           “Oh, Sasuke, you are just so delightfully self-aware,” Maiko said.  “And yet you never change any of your behaviors despite understanding perfectly why they’re not right.”

           “Because I’m a horrible person.”

           Maiko and Naruto looked at each other, then suddenly both rolled their eyes.

           I did not like this new alliance.

           “Naruto, what do you think about what Sasuke’s saying?”

           He scrunched up his brow.  “Whaddya mean?”

           “You’ve heard him say that he stops taking his meds because he thinks he doesn’t need them anymore, and that he insults you so that he doesn’t have to admit how much he loves you.  How does that make you feel?”

           “You’re using fake psychobabble again,” Naruto said.  “But I guess it makes me… I dunno.”

           “Good talk,” Maiko said.  “We’ve only got five more minutes, you know.”

           “What am I supposed to say?” Naruto muttered, scratching at the back of his neck.

           “Something,” I said, kicked his chair.

           “I love you?” he offered, giving me doe eyes.

           I glared at him.

           “I do, though,” he said quietly.  “I guess when you go off your meds, I feel kind of lost?”

           “That’s a good start,” Maiko encouraged.

           “Okay, so it’s like I don’t know what I should do,” Naruto continued, getting warmed up.  “I can’t tell you to take them, ’cause that’ll just piss you off and make sure that you never take them again.  And it’s not like…  I dunno, I kind of like you off of your meds?  Minus the instability and insanity.  But I feel like I’m trapped?  I don’t know.  So then I bury myself in my work, ’cause I don’t know how to help you?  Is that what I do?”

           “I don’t know, is it?” Maiko asked.

           Naruto turned to me pathetically.

           I took pity on him.  “There’s no right answer, Nar’.  I just want us to not… make the same mistakes over and over.  I don’t want to keep doing this to you.”

           I found myself being pulled over the arm of my chair, into Naruto’s chair.  He needed physical reassurance, so I bumped my forehead to his, looking into his eyes.

           “I don’t want to keep letting you down,” he said.

           “Oh, boy, look at this Hallmark moment.”

           We both turned to glare at Maiko.

           “No, you’re both getting sappy and all ‘this is my fault’, ‘no, no, this is all my fault’, ‘no, no it’s me’, and you really need to stop that shit.”

           I went back to my chair, but we were still holding hands. We really were the grossest couple, and I simultaneously did not mind it and thought it horrific.  “That’s exactly what I don’t want,” I said.

           Naruto tilted his head towards me.

           “What’s that?” Maiko asked.

           “For Naruto to keep blaming himself for this.”

           “Naruto, do you blame yourself?” she asked directly.

           “Yeah, of course,” he said, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand over and over.

           “That’s so stupid,” I said.

           Naruto made a face at me.

           I thought he might sleep that night, but of course he didn’t.

           “Baby, why’re you up?” I complained, pawing at him.

           “You’re so cute when you’re half-asleep,” he said, a laugh in his voice.  He touched my head, still sitting up.

           “Come back here,” I growled.

           “Can’t sleep.”

           “Who said anything ’bout sleepin’?”

           “Oh, are you seducing me?”

           “Iono, is it working?”

           “Crap, you are so cute right now.”

           “I’m not cute, I’m sexy.”

           Naruto laughed at me.

           I was starting to wake up, so now I was mad.

           He finally came back to bed, giving me a smooch.

           I wrapped myself around him, feeling insecure.

           “What’s wrong, love?” he asked, burying his nose in my hair.

           “Nothing…”

           “’Kay.  Wanna have sex?”

           “Better not,” I said, sighing.

           “Your stomach’s still messed up?”

           “Yeah.”

           “I could wear a condom.”

           “First of all, that’s disgusting.”

           “How is it disgusting?  Who cares if I get sh-”

           “Second of all, where the hell are you going to get a condom in the middle of the night?”

           “Borrow one from Karin.”

           “Are you going to give it back?”

           “Get one from Karin.”

           “Ugh.”

           “We could do other stuff.”

           “No,” I said, feeling depressed.

           Naruto pulled me closer.  “We’re gonna get through this.”

           “Yeah.”

           We both stayed awake into the early hours of the morning.

 - 13 -

             The front door opened and closed, and then Naruto was suddenly flopping at my feet, resting his chin on my knee.

           I closed my book, petting his head.  “What’s wrong, puppy?”

           His stormy face suddenly lit up with a smile.

           I didn’t mean to say such stupid things, but they made him happy, so sometimes I let them slip.

           “I missed you,” he murmured, rubbing his cheek against my knee.

           “You’ve only been gone a day.”

           “It was a very long day,” he said, starting to get upset again.

           “Was the raikage mean to you?” I teased.

           “Fuck A,” Naruto muttered.  “Can’t fucking wait for him to step down.”

           “Don’t think his replacement will be any better.”

           “Ugh.  Ughhhhhh.”

           I rubbed behind his ear and watched his leg twitch.  I half-smiled.  “Are you going to say anything comprehensible?”

           He looked up at me with big blue eyes.  “It doesn’t matter.  They’re assholes.”

           “So it was about me?”

           Naruto sighed.  “They think you’re dangerous.”

           “I am dangerous.”

           “Yeah, but like they think you’re out-of-control, out-of-your-mind dangerous.”

           “I’m also both of those things.”

           “No, you’re not,” he said, voice getting firm.

           I shrugged.

           “I trust you again,” he said, staring up at me.

           “Thank you,” I said, a little knot catching in my throat.

           “I do,” he reiterated.

           I looked away from him.

           “Let’s go to bed,” he finally said, standing up. “It’s late.  Were you waiting up for me?”

           I nodded, letting him pull me to my feet.  I reached back for my book to take upstairs with us.

           Naruto stopped in the kitchen for a glass of water, and knocked back a sleeping pill.

           We went up to bed, Naruto resting his head on my lap while I read.  I listened to his breathing even out.  When I was sure that he was asleep, I put my book on the nightstand and turned the light off.

           It had been a couple of months since I’d come home, and things finally felt like they were going back to normal.  By that I mean that life was no longer completely awkward.

           I pressed my back to Naruto’s, falling asleep.  I proceeded to sleep for the next twelve hours, only to be rudely awakened by Mari and Ao yelling at me about something that I couldn’t be bothered to listen to.

           “Are you listening to me?!” Ao shrieked.

           “Not at all,” I said, pulling the blanket over my head.

           “Sasuke!” Mari yelled, jumping up and down on the mattress.

           “I’m trying to sleep,” I growled.

           “You can’t sleep forever!”

           “I can damn well try.”

           “Baby, can you get up and help me, please?” came Naruto’s voice.

           I peeked out of the blanket.

           Mari was bouncing in front of me, while Ao was looming with her arms crossed.  Naruto was behind them, wearing an apron and looking frazzled.

           “It’s early,” I complained.

           “Yeah, I know, sorry,” Naruto said.

           “It’s lunch time, you zombie!” Ao exclaimed.  She was new and not used to my marathon sleeping.

           I climbed out of bed crankily.  “What’re you three doing?”  Then I really looked at Naruto, and realized that his arm was attached to his apron with colorful-looking string.

           “Macramé!” Mari and Ao said cheerfully.

           “Macramé,” Naruto said glumly.

           “Why are you teaching them macramé?” I muttered, pulling on a sweatshirt and following them down the stairs.  “Where’s Jugo?”

           “Jugo-sensei took the little kids for a nature walk,” Mari explained helpfully.

           “They have to learn macramé for the new home ec curriculum,” Naruto said.  “And I thought, ‘how hard could it be?’”

           I pulled him towards me by the front of his apron, half-smiling while I freed his arm with a kunai.

           He gave me puppy eyes.

           “Pathetic,” I said, kissing his nose.

           “Jun’s still trying in the living room,” Ao said, tugging me away.

           Jun was sitting on the floor, colored threads strewn around him while he played a handheld game.

           “Cigarette,” I said, holding my hand out.

           Mari handed me one, and Ao lit it.

           “What are you teaching these kids?” Naruto growled, smacking me on the butt.

           “Good manners,” I said, raising an eyebrow at him while I took a drag.  “Okay, let’s try this from the beginning.  Do you even have an anchor?”

           “What’s an anchor?” Mari asked.

           I eyed Naruto.

           He batted his eyes at me.

           “The literal beginning then,” I said, wondering how I’d suddenly become the resident expert in macramé.  Naruto and the kids sat in a circle on the floor around me and studiously listened to my instruction.

           They all did a passable job, so I made them cookies while they finished up.

           “What grade do I get?” Naruto asked, putting his hideous orange and purple bracelet on my wrist.

           “Mediocre,” I said, eyeing it like it smelled bad.

           “Well, it’s our new engagement bracelet.”

           “We’re already married.”

           “I’m renewing our vows.”

           “With this?” I asked, shaking my wrist at him.

           “I made it with love.”

           I rolled my eyes and took a cookie off of the cooling rack, stuffing it in his mouth.

           “Mum,” Naruto said with his mouth full.

           I patted his head and moved to look back on the three kids.

           Ao and Jun both held up their mostly finished bracelets, while Mari held up her small purse.

           I looked over them all carefully before assessing, “Good.”

           The three beamed.

           We sat at the table and ate cookies.

           “Why do you know how to macramé?” Naruto asked, eating more than his fair share of cookies.

           I swirled my sharingan at him.

           “Okay, but when would you ever see someone just making macramé?”

           “Why do you know how to bake so well?”

           “Well, there was this old granny in the Land of Wind-”

           “Exactly.”

           “Baking is more common than weird forms of knitting.”

           “Shut up and eat your cookies.”

           “Rude.”

           “So sorry.”

           “I’m going to accept that despite how sarcastic you sound.”

           “Thank you.”

           “Do you two ever stop fighting?” Ao asked, stealing a cookie from right in front of Naruto.

           “We’re not fighting, we’re communicating,” I explained.

           Naruto was too busy pouting over his lost cookie.

           When Jugo came back, he offered to take the kids out to play.

           Naruto and I watched them all go off into the desert from the doorway.

           “You’re a good daddy, you know,” Naruto said, leaning his cheek on my shoulder.

           “I’m not anyone’s father.”

           “Okay, but you’re a father figure.  And you’re good at it.  All stern and gruff, but gently offering encouragement when needed.  Very masterful stuff.”

           “What are you even talking about?”

           “I love the way you are with the kids when you’re not high or drunk or hungover or crazy.”

           “So, 5 percent of the time?”

           “Sasuke.”

           “Are you grabbing my ass while trying to have a serious conversation with me?”

           “A little bit, yeah.  Sorry.”

           “Are you now grabbing it with both hands?”

           “Yeah, uh… have I told you that your ass looks fantastic lately? Because seriously.  Damn, baby.  You’re lookin’ good.”

           I levelled him with a stare.

           “Not to say that your butt doesn’t always look fantastic. Besides the times that you’re all skinny and sickly-looking, and it gets all boney.  Which is cute in its own way.  But you know.  I like it a little thick and juicy.  And right now… yeah.”

           “Are you trying to tell me that I’m getting fat?”

           “NO!  Well, yeah, a little, but in a good way.”

           I moved away from him abruptly, kicked him out the door, and slammed it shut, clicking the lock into place.

           Of course, he just used his father’s damn transporting technique to get into the bedroom ahead of me.

           I frowned at him.

           “Sasuke, you’re not fat at all, come on,” he complained. “But you gotta admit, you’ve been getting a little soft around the edges-”

           “It’s the medication!” I snapped.

           “-and it’s super freakin’ sexy, and I would hit that in a minute.”

           “Why do you talk?  At all?  You should just stop doing it permanently.”

           “You like it when I talk.”

           “I most certainly do not.”

           He pinned me against the wall.  “You do.”

           I reversed our positions.  “Do not.”

           Naruto responded by grabbing my ass again.

           “Are you a child?” I asked, exasperated.

           “Nope, these are definitely the opposite of childish thoughts,” he hummed, working himself up to a good fondle.

           “Do you like me again?” I asked.  I didn’t mean to sound so pathetic.

           He paused in his sexual harassment, but his hands were still resting there lightly.  “Do I make you feel like I don’t like you?”

           “No,” I lied.

           Naruto bumped his nose to mine.

           I pressed him more firmly against the wall, closing my eyes. I wanted to put it into words, but I didn’t know how.

           Naruto changed his hold to a hug.  “Things are okay between us, right?”

           “Are they?”

           “Things are good on my end.  I mean, I was about to tear your clothes off five seconds ago...”

           “Great, you want to fuck my fat ass.”

           “Love, come on.  God, you’re vain.  You’re gorgeous.  You’re the most handsome guy I have ever seen in my life.  You’ve gained what, ten, fifteen pounds?  And you’re still the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen in my life.  In fact, your sexiness rating has skyrocketed.  You are at like max attractiveness right now.”

           “Go date Chouji.”

           “Ughhh, yooooou,” he said, squishing my face.  “What are you upset about?  Be clear.”

           “Nothing,” I mumbled.  “Nothing, really.  I’m happy.”

           Naruto laughed at that, a sharp burst.  “That sounded believable.”

           “I just don’t understand why you stay with me,” I finally said.

           “Your self-esteem is low today,” he commented, grabbing my butt again.  “Are you actually worried about the weight you’ve been gaining?  I thought you’d be more worried about that acne you’re hiding with a henge.”

           “Die in a fire.”

           “See, you stay with me even though I always say the wrong thing.  We both have our faults.  We both accept each other.  It’s all really nice and beautiful.”

           “Naruto.”

           He looked at me, eyes probing.  “Sasuke, love.  We’re okay. Right?”

           I nodded, keeping him pinned to the wall.  It felt safer.

           “I loved watching you with the kids earlier,” he said quietly. “Just reminded me how much I love you.”

           “Why does dumb shit like that make you love me?”

           Naruto made a face at me.

          “This bracelet is hideous,” I added, flexing my wrist where my hand rested against the wall over his shoulder.

           “Now, see,” Naruto said, backing me up.  “I loved you with the kids, but you were a complete jerk to me.  And you’re still being a jerk to me, even when I’m trying to cheer you up.”

           “How was I a jerk to you?” I asked, getting defensive.

           He backed me up some more, and I let him.  “Because you were patient with them, and offered them advice and stuff on their projects, but you just kept insulting me and telling me that everything I did was terrible.”

           “It was terrible.”

           “Sasuke.”

           I sighed.  “I don’t know how to be nice to you.”

           “You’re nice to me sometimes.  When we’re alone.  And you’re orgasming.”

           I gave him a look.

           Naruto turned us around, sitting on the bed.

           I stood between his thighs, looking down at him.

           “I’m not trying to pick a fight.  I told you we’re okay.  It’s just… you know.  Something to think about,” he said, taking my right hand and kissing the back.

           “We keep having the same fights…”

           “We’re not fighting.”

           “Naruto.”

           “What?”

           I threw my hands up in the air and yelled.

           He blinked slowly.  “You okay there?”

           “No!”

           He watched me quietly, waiting.

           “I’m not… good enough… for you…” I said slowly.

           “Sas-”

           “All I do is bring you down, and you’re the fucking sun. I’m blacking out the fucking sun.”

           “Sas-”

           “Just leave me, Naruto, please.  Get rid of me.  Throw me in the trash where I belong.”

           “No.”

           “What the hell do you mean, ‘no’?”

           “Don’t wanna.”

           “Idiot,” I said, hitting him in the chest with my fist. “Then I’ll leave.”

           He had me on the floor before I’d even finished speaking. “You don’t do that.  You don’t threaten me like that.  You do not.  If you want to leave, then we can talk about it, but you don’t just…  You don’t just…”

           I cradled his crying face against my chest, staring up at the ceiling.  We were drowning each other.  It was time, I decided.  I had to leave for a while and see the world again.  “I’ll come back,” I whispered.

           Of course there’d be obstacles.  It wasn’t exactly a good time for me to be travelling in a world full of drugs and alcohol.  I was far from stable.  And I looked like shit, no matter what Naruto tried to say.

           “We’ll meet at Orochimaru’s in six months,” I said a month later as I shouldered my bag.

           “That’s such a long time,” Naruto complained, leaning over Mari so he could kiss my cheek.

           Mari stuck her tongue out at him.  “Sasuke’s gonna be all mine, all that time.”

           “Yeah, have fun with that,” Naruto said, not offering up any jealousy to appease her.  “You’re gonna have to drag him out of his sleeping bag every morning, make his coffee, fight with him to take all his meds, drag him away from the bars, rub his back when he has nightmares-”

           “I’m not doing any of that,” Mari said flatly.  “He can make coffee for me.”

           “That’s right, Mari-darling, fight the patriarchy,” Karin said, patting her on the shoulder.  “If Sasuke’s too much of a princess, just get Jugo to take care of it.”

           Mari nodded solemnly.

           I scowled at Karin as she went in for a hug.  She hugged me anyway.  “If you need anything, you send a messenger.”

           “You, too,” I said, touching her shoulder begrudgingly.

           “Why you touchin’ my woman?” Suigetsu said, punching me in the shoulder.

           “You’re admitting she’s yours?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

           “Crap.”

           “We’re going now.”

           “Mari!” Ao cried, throwing herself at the older girl.

           “Sasuke-sensei,” Jun said, giving me a firm handshake.

           “I miss you,” little Yuka said, eyes all watery. Naruto had found an adoptive family for her, so she probably would be gone by the time I got back.

           We started off.

           We weren’t on some epic journey.  I wasn’t even completely sure where we were going.

           Mari curled her fingers in mine as Jugo moved ahead, leading the way.

           “It’s a nice day,” Jugo commented.  A bird landed on his shoulder.

           I glanced back at the kids and Naruto, all still standing in front of the house, waving.  I waved once, then straightened up.  “Yeah, it is,” I agreed.

           “That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Mari said with a snort.

           “Try and keep up, runt,” I said, picking her up and leaping into the sky in a blur of motion.

           Mari shrieked excitedly, and the three of us pushed forward, losing sight of the house.

#fanfiction #narusasu #isola post traumatic

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Eight: Servitude ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

When you’re young, some established norms in your life that - to anyone else - may appear strange or even wrong can be hard to realize yourself. You grow up in an environment that’s all you know. Has always been the way you know it. And only by taking in outside stimuli and opinions can you start to form your own beyond what you’ve always known.

For Hinata...her suspicions began earlier than most that something was very, very wrong with her clan.

Neji, her dear cousin and playmate when very young, took a sudden turn for the worse after her third birthday. Hinata, so new to the world, had difficulty understanding precisely why. But the next time she saw him, the strange mark upon his brow was a stark difference...as well as the cold, hollow look in his eye.

“This is the legacy of the Hyūga, Hinata,” Hiashi had told her, a hand on her shoulder as she peered to him in question. “This seal is what has protected our bloodline and its secrets for centuries. The branch clan will always serve the main house...to keep us safe.”

Young and impressionable, Hinata hadn’t wholly questioned it...but nor has she fully understood it. The house hierarchy was something her young mind had yet to comprehend.

And yet...even then, part of her knew that anything to bring such an expression to Neji’s face was something she did not like.

As she grew, Hinata began to notice more and more things about the Hyūga that struck her as odd at best...and horrifying at worst. In the Academy, no one knew what she meant by branch house. The other clan children assured her there was no such thing in their bloodline. When Hinata asked how they kept their kekkei genkai or secrets safe, none had an answer...but nor did any admit to having such a stark line drawn through their clans.

The first time she saw Hiashi use the Caged Bird seal against Neji...she almost threw up. Seeing him suddenly so helpless, so pained, so eager for death to make it stop...her horror was only outweighed by her shock. Only once he deemed his nephew properly subdued did Hiashi release the technique, Neji left drooling and twitching on the dojo floor before being hauled away to his room to recover by other branch clan Hyūga.

She didn’t sleep for over a week after that, haunted by the contorted misery in her cousin’s face.

...no wonder he hated them.

Years passed, and the servitude expected of the branch clan Hyūga began to disgust her. While there was no punishment so long as one was obedient - and most of them seemed to know their place - the fact that they could be treated so poorly was bad enough...let alone that they were literally servants to other members of their own clan…!

Bringing her concerns to Hiashi, however...did more harm than good.

“You dare to question our ways…?” he’d retorted, tone dangerously quiet and foretelling of punishment. “The Hyūga have relied on that seal to keep our eyes safe for generations! Without it, the Byakugan and its secrets would be known across the continent!”

“B-but...the punishment -?”

“Is meant to keep those of lower, thinner blood in their place,” Hiashi had cut in, eyes narrowing. “To maintain order...force must often be used. Remember, Hinata...you are of the purest Hyūga breeding. This makes you fortunate...and there are those within our clan who would take that fortune from you if given the chance.”

She didn’t believe it.

Not once had she ever felt animosity from her clan save for her cousin’s thinly-veiled hatred of the main house. All she’d ever felt was a tired, somber acceptance. If any of the other Hyūga truly wished to take her place, to usurp the main house...they hid it well.

Early on, Hinata had secretly, silently promised herself one thing: that, when she became head of the Hyūga clan...the seal would be discontinued, no matter what lengths she had to go to.

...but her hesitation about the seal wasn’t the only weakness her father saw in her. Before even becoming a genin, Hinata was stripped of her title, which was given instead to her younger sister.

Every dream she’d had about ridding the clan of the seal was stolen that day...and could only be regained by reclaiming that title.

And though it was a major factor, it wasn’t the only thing that saw her determined to get stronger. Naruto, her idol, would quickly grow to outmatch her, getting further and further ahead once they became genin. And the longer he kept his back to her...the more Hinata realized...he would never see her as she saw him.

But her determination remained. She would get stronger…! If not for Naruto, if not for her title...then for herself. And someday...she would confront her clan, even if she never regained her position as heiress. Because she had made up her mind after Neji nearly killed her with the fires of his hate:

Enough was enough.

The gap between Naruto’s departure and return saw her train with her cousin nearly every day, even on the days when she would also have sessions to work with her team. Once-dainty hands became calloused from Jūken strikes against the wooden training logs. Baby fat slowly stripped away until her round face became more heart shaped. Though her build remained rounded, it was accented with muscle. Her Byakugan range reached ten kilometers. She pushed her limits of the Hakke. And after the Uzumaki’s return, she created and mastered her own technique, Jūho Sōshiken.

In those few years, under Neji’s tutelage - the genius of the branch clan - Hinata flourished...and edged closer to her goal.

...which made his death all the more heart shattering.

She’d made her choice. Even if Naruto couldn’t see her...he was too precious to lose. Both for her personally, and for the sake of their world. Hinata was ready to die for him. And yet, despite his fate being told to him as a boy...Neji embraced it not out of duty, but of a genuine will to protect his cousin when he took those mokuton shards through the chest, and died in the village hero’s arms.

...like father, like son.

Though she was exhausted, and in pain, and grieving more than words could say...Hinata pressed on with a lioness’ ferocity, helping to tear through the enemy until they overwhelmed her...and she was lost in her dream.

And then...the war was over.

But her fight had just begun.

Hanabi was still heiress. In truth, Hinata no longer wanted the position. The war had changed her perspective so drastically...she felt without direction. Save for one thing: to change her clan, for good...for the better.

But it wouldn’t be easy.

The aid of an old friend saw Neji revived, seal conquered. Hiashi, attempting to better himself, embraced his nephew fully, and agreed to help him and his daughters begin fighting back against the seal’s implementation.

At last...the branch clan’s future began to brighten.

And she felt...at peace.

...in part.

For Hinata, there was still something...missing. She had accepted the shape of Naruto’s heart, so different from her own. It would take time to do so fully...but no longer would she chase him as she had. What it meant to be a shinobi, however...she was no longer sure. Their entire world was shifting...and she had no idea how to keep up.

...but she found that in the last place she expected.

Uchiha Sasuke was, in many ways, a mystery...and yet, in others, she understood him better than most given their almost eerie parallels. It was that, coupled with her heightened understanding, that made her the champion among their year to welcome him back and do so without hesitation or wariness. In many ways, she knew his struggles, if only in a different light.

So when he, too, fought for change...she helped him, arranging for the Hyūga to ally themselves with the last Uchiha, and bring the massacre to light at long last.

And then, he repaid her...though he really had no intention to with what he’d done.

Reviving the police force with the Hyūga clan’s help was meant to help ensure that such shadows would never again choke their village. And as Sasuke explained his plan, wanting to earn her approval, Hinata felt his meaning in her bones: to work within their village to keep peace, connect with the villagers, and help keep darkness at bay.

It called to her...and so she joined: a public servant to the people. Fitting, she thought. Shinobi and their place were changing. And her doubts about her role only made her all the more sure that this would be the path to take. And alongside another champion of an oppressed clan, she would serve her village proudly.

Of course...her new career and friendship led to something else completely unexpected, getting closer to Sasuke in a way she’d never thought to. But sometimes, things just...fit.

Her road was long, and difficult...but in the end, it brought her right where she needed to be.

                                                              .oOo.

     First let me say that if this is a lil...off, that's my bad. It's very late and I had to deal with some severe tooth pain, so I'm a liiil bit out of it compared to my usual self, so...this might be a little...well, off, lol - hence why it's more introspective than actually...narrative. idk, I'm very tired and really just ready to crash.      One thing I despise about the canon ending is the complete lack of address given to certain issues. Foremost is the Uchiha massacre just being...swept under the rug despite ALL of team seven knowing the truth. But a close second is the Hyūga clan and their abuse of the branch house being COMPLETELY ignored, even after Neji's (unnecessary) sacrifice, and Naruto's promise to change them. We even see Hiashi - Mr. Abandon-his-daughter-and-abuse-his-nephew - supposedly embrace his half-blood grandkids, who would NORMALLY be given the seal. But otherwise, to my knowledge...nothin'.      I'm disappointed, Naruto.      So, in my lil version of things (which I'm currently overhauling, so...bear with me lol), Hinata puts her heckin' foot down cuz THAT AIN'T GONNA FLY with her around. So...yeah, lol      Anywho, I'm...on the verge of passing out, so that's it from me. Thanks for reading!

#sasuhina #uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #a light amongst shadows [ canon verse ] #365daysofsasuhina

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Five: A Goblet of Wine ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina, alcohol ] [ Verse: To Rule Them All ] [ AO3 Link ]

Buckling on his armor, Sasuke pauses as a knock sounds against his quarters’ door. “Yes?”

Permitted to enter, a courier steps through with a small bow. “A letter for you, milord.”

“Thank you.” Accepting the note, Sasuke quickly recognizes his brother’s elegant script. Ah...seems Hinata was able to get word to him. Unfolding the parchment, he finds an invitation to Itachi’s lodgings to discuss ‘the issue at hand’.

...had Hinata told him what was going on? Or only that the pair need to speak?

Sasuke, after all, has found himself in a rather...interesting position. For nearly a year now, he has served as the primary guard for the crown princess of their kingdom, Hinata of the house Hyūga. He is her sword, her shield, her first defense against any and all threats, and has been since she was coronated and deemed suitable to be courted by others of rank.

But with his duty given by Hinata’s father, king Hiashi...Sasuke found himself with a secondary task. Hinata, dreading a marriage so early in her life, asked him to help vet her suitors and prevent any...unsuitable from claiming her hand.

Now, his own house - that of Uchiha - has long produced noble and notable knights of their land. Sasuke immediately took his role seriously...and that included the princess’ request. He was, after all, to serve her and her alone, first and foremost. If she wanted protecting from what may be an unjust marriage...then he would do his best to aid her.

For months, he carried out all of his duties without flaw, helping to keep Hinata spared from noblemen she found distasteful. And over time, the pair grew close, Sasuke serving as a confidant for the princess. She confided in him her worries, her doubts, her fears...and her hopes.

Eventually...Sasuke realized that - in spite of his best intentions - he found himself far more fond of her than he ever should have let himself become. And soon after, an attack on Hinata’s life saw him gravely wounded...and her own confession could wait no longer, the fear of losing him while withholding her feelings too great.

And now...neither is sure what to do. Hiashi has halted visits from foreign lands in the wake of the attack, both out of paranoia, and a want for Sasuke to recover and be available to protect his daughter a second time if necessary. Neither Hinata nor her knight have spoken to the man since. Hesitation holds them back from asking if such a union could ever be allowed, fearful of being parted should Hiashi find their feelings inappropriate for princess and guard should he reject them.

Knights have, in the past, earned enough valor and reputation to wed a princess. But would Hiashi ever consider such a thing…?

Hence why Sasuke - now nearly fully healed - has decided to pay a visit to his brother for advice. Itachi, though the elder of the two, serves not as a knight, but as a member of the court: his wisdom and intelligence quickly earned him a place among Hiashi’s advisors. If anyone can give the pair any ideas of how to proceed, it would be him.

Armor in place, Sasuke leaves his quarters behind. It’s good Itachi got back to him so quickly - as soon as he’s deemed fit, he’ll be back at Hinata’s side every moment, and getting away would be all the harder...and he could hardly take her with him.

Rather than in the castle, Itachi resides in a small manor just outside the grounds. Not nearly the home they grew up in, but a decent enough place for one of his rank yet unwed and alone. Crossing the castle lands until he reaches the proper door, Sasuke then gives a heavy-handed knock.

“Do come in.”

With permission granted, Sasuke does as asked, finding the place warm and cozy. He rarely has time to visit his brother here since his new post. While not the most homey place, it’s at least a bit more personable than a fortress.

The elder Uchiha brother is in his sitting room, currently perusing a bookshelf before turning to his guest. “You’re rather early - I didn’t expect you to be so prompt.”

“I’d like to have plenty of time to discuss what’s...on my mind,” Sasuke offers evasively.

“...I see. Shall I make some tea, then?” Itachi offers, abandoning his search and moving to pick up a kettle left on a table.

“...Hinata and I are in love.”

That stops Itachi in his tracks, kettle in hand. After a moment to consider it, he places it back and instead moves to a cabinet. “...perhaps something a bit stronger than tea, then,” is his reply. Fetching a bottle, he pours the crimson liquid within before handing Sasuke a goblet of wine. He then takes a rather hefty draught of his own. “...I must admit...I did not see this coming.”

“That so?” Sasuke asks dryly, sipping his wine.

“Well, you’ve always been so…” Itachi gently swirls his glass, thinking. “...particular. I simply did not envision you ever finding someone who would suit your specific tastes. How intriguing you would find it in the last place you were ever meant to look…”

Something in Sasuke’s face sours. “...I came here for advice, not a scolding.”

“I’m hardly scolding you, brother...I am simply being honest.” Itachi sets his goblet aside, expression sobering. “You surely know that it is not...traditional for a knight and a lady of rank like Hinata to wed.”

“There have been exceptions -”

“Yes, rare ones...after great feats of valor.”

“I saved her life!”

“Which is your job,” Itachi counters, firmly yet gently. “...Hiashi is a proud, proud man. Though his relationship with his elder daughter has always been strained, he still will settle for nothing less than the best when it comes to her marriage.”

“I’m aware…”

Looking his brother over, Itachi then sighs in sympathy. “...what a cruel predicament…”

“Hinata asked me the day we met to protect her from suitors she disliked, and I have done so. When one attempted to take her life, when no others believed my suspicions, I protected her. Nothing means more to me than her safety. If I cannot be with her as a husband, then...I will swallow my feelings and my pride, and satisfy myself as her knight. But Itachi...if there’s a chance…”

Itachi’s brows lift in surprise at Sasuke’s vow to Hinata, expression then hesitantly softening. “...you do have something that - to my knowledge - none of Hinata’s previous hopefuls ever had.”

“...which is?”

“Precisely that: you protect her. And you’ve already done so once, nearly fatally. It shows that you have dedication: that, as sworn, you take Hinata’s life and safety seriously. There may be a chance to convince Hiashi that - should he wish for his daughter to be, and remain, safe - then his best option is to simply combine the role of knight and suitor into one. Allow you to marry Hinata, and eliminate the risk of another potential king attempting to usurp the royal bloodline by killing his wife.

“Our house is already one rich with history and mighty knights. That too may help convince him. And yet...while our blood is rich, and your actions heroic...even I cannot say for certain if that would be enough. I advise the king, yes...but I am far from his friend or confidant. I could only guess...and I do not know if you wish to stake your future on chance.”

Sighing, Sasuke takes another swig. “...I’ll have to speak to Hinata. This involves her and her future, too. If Hiashi refuses us...he’ll surely part us as a matter of decency. Which means she’ll lose a friend and confidant...and a knight she trusts with her life.”

“All heavy things to consider,” Itachi replies softly, watching his brother sip his wine. “...then I suppose, for now, I cannot aid you further. Let her know my thoughts, converge your own...and I will begin carefully prodding the king and testing his intentions and limitations. Perhaps I can help point him in the right direction. The assassination attempt has him rattled, and rightly so...but it may work in your favor, what with your position as her protector.”

“Thank you, Itachi.”

“Of course.”

The pair sit and finish their wine, mostly in silence but with sparse, familiar conversation until Sasuke admits he must return. “The healer will have my head if she knew I was out before she gave me her leave.”

That gets Itachi to chuckle. “She can be a fearsome thing, indeed. But it comes from good intentions.”

“Oh? And you know this, how?”

“She makes me an herbal tea mixture to help with my coughs,” Itachi replies, expression well masked. “My frailty is more than just a reason why I cannot be a knight as you are - it affects even my current work. She keeps me healthy.”

“...mm,” is all Sasuke hums in reply, standing as Itachi does the same. “Well...if I’m to speak with Hinata today, I’d best get back soon.”

“Indeed. Have patience. Let me needle Hiashi. Your happiness is dear to me, my brother. I’ll do all I can to help protect it.”

The sentiment makes Sasuke pause. “...thank you.” He then embraces his sibling before taking his leave, mind heavy with thought.

Itachi doesn’t seem wholly convinced, but...he does, at least, seem to think there’s a possibility, no matter how slim. For now...they play it patient. Soon Sasuke will be whole, returned to Hinata’s side. Will Hiashi then resume the visits of suitors, or will his caution last a while longer? If it does...that make work to their advantage.

Until then, however...all he can do is wait.

                                                        .oOo.

     (This is a sequel to days 67, 109, 212, 220, 236, and 275!)      More of our princess and knight AU! Seems the brothers are up to something...can they hatch a plot to see the two lovebirds united forever? Or will Hiashi instead part them and deny them their affection? I guess there's only one way to find out!      I...would say more, but I honestly had an awful day and want to just crawl into bed, aha~ Thanks for reading!

#sasuhina #uchiha sasuke #uchiha itachi #alcohol // #to rule them all [ au ] #365daysofsasuhina

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day One Hundred Thirty-One: New Furniture ] [ Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

“You know, one of these days you’re going to have to start living in your own house.”

Seated at the new manor’s table, Sasuke gives his brother a glance. “...meaning?”

Itachi breathes a soft sigh, a weary smile on his face. “...we love having you here, of course. You and Shisui both. And I know that with all that’s going on...it feels better to be all together. Safer. But Yamato-senpai was very kind in crafting you each a home here in the compound. Don’t you want to use it…?”

“Hn…” Cup of tea held aloft in one hand, hanging down by spread fingers gripping the rim, Sasuke’s mouth hides behind it as he thinks of how to respond. In all honesty, Itachi hit the nail on the head. At least, in a sense. Sasuke isn’t afraid of anyone in this village. Not even Naruto.

But…

The only thing he has left to fear is losing his family. His brother, his cousin...and his niece and nephew, and their mother. Those five people are the only reason he’s still here. Uchiha blood is so rare. Any loss would be monumental - be it strictly in regards to their scarcity, or far more importantly, his attachment to what few remain. And if something happens to them…

He doesn’t doubt Itachi’s strength or will to protect his own children. Not in the slightest. But he’s also still recovering from his revival - still learning to use a brand new body. And even now, with the modification it’s had to bolster his immune system, he still has spells of weakness and frailty. Nothing like before. But it terrifies Sasuke to think that such an attack might strike at just the wrong moment.

The next generation of Uchiha - even if halfblood, as they will all have to be - is worth more to him than the entirety of Konoha. He’d raze it to the ground in a heartbeat if he felt he had to for their sake. For their safety.

And Shisui too has his own instabilities...but his are of the mind. A decade alone, and blind, has left him...off. He’s still Shisui. Still a lighthearted, flirty goof who can flip a switch to a side worthy of his flee-on-sight orders. But there’s still moments when you can see him slip. Not in any way dangerous...but he worries for his cousin.

He worries for them all.

“...I just want to be close.”

“You’re right next door, and Shisui on our other side.”

“...closer than that.”

Looking his brother over, Itachi then offers, “...and when you marry?”

“Who said anything about me getting married?”

Despite the tone of their discussion, Itachi’s eyes spark with merriment for a moment. “Come now, Sasuke...there’s no fooling us. Hinata-san is a lovely young woman. I think she suits you perfectly.”

The younger brother blanches. “We’re not even dating -!”

“Ah, but do you intend to?”

“I -! That’s not -! You’re changing the subject!”

“Quite the opposite, dear brother. I am simply connecting dots to my original query. If you marry Hinata...as much as she enjoys visiting here, I do believe she would be more...content in a home of her own. Being neighbors will surely be enough.”

Sasuke heaves a soft sigh tinged with aggravation. “...it’s not safe.”

“...us being spread out, or Hinata becoming involved.?”

“...both.”

It’s Itachi’s turn to sigh, shoulders wilting. A moment is taken to think. “...in the end, you cannot stop Hinata from involving herself if it’s something she wants to do. Even if not so...personally, she is a Hyūga. They made themselves our allies. Either way, there’s no separating her from this. Would she not be safer near you…? Who else can protect her as you could?”

“Naruto could. That’s who she wanted in the first place.”

Itachi gives him a look.

“...I just...don’t want my actions - our actions - to put her in danger. That’s not fair.”

“We’ve involved plenty of people in our little family drama,” his brother reminds him dryly. “Believe me...at times, I regret involving my own spouse. But in the end...I am glad to face this with her at my side. For the sake of our children. I am sure Hinata would gladly do the same, if only you asked her. She cares for you, Sasuke. I doubt much could get her to change her mind. By now, she knows the risks. What’s happening, and why. If she still wishes to remain by your side...then I say let her.” A somber smile curls his lips. “...I doubt she’d let you say no, unless you truly wanted it. And...surely a part of you still wishes to be with her.”

A dark eye narrows, and one could almost say Sasuke’s pouting. “...hn.”

“I know how closed your heart has become...and I know a great deal of it is my doing,” Itachi offers softly, cutting of his brother’s rebuke with a hand raised, begging silence. “...so you and I both know that Hinata is very, very special for having gotten this close to you. I know your worries. As I’m sure she does, too. But while your concern is valid...Hinata is very capable of making her own choices. Perhaps you should speak with her. Sit, and have an in-depth conversation about your futures.”

Sasuke’s nose wrinkles. He’s had that same thought, but...dreads it. He’s never been much good at sitting and talking. Especially about things he feels...let alone something as big and unknown as what he feels for Hinata. “...yeah. I’ll get right on that,” he mutters.

Another look. “You are an adult, Sasuke. Please behave like one. Such a talk will be uncomfortable, I’m sure. But it’s necessary. I believe in you.”

Sasuke doesn’t reply, and the subject comes to a quiet end.

A few hours later, he leaves the compound and makes his way into the village. Thankfully she’s not hard to find.

“Hey.”

“...hey!” She perks up at the sight of him, turning to face him fully from a window she was browsing. “Are you all right…?”

“I need your help with something.”

A tilt of her head. “...all right. I hope nothing’s wrong…?”

“No.”

Adjusted to his blunt manners by now, Hinata simply follows as he turns and heads further on. They don’t stop until they’re standing in front of a...furniture store…?

Hinata gives him a curious glance. “...browsing for new furniture?”

“Yeah. My house is empty.”

“...oh!” She perks up, cleary interested. “Um...why do you need my help…?”

“Cuz I’m not versed in this stuff. I dunno what to look for, or what’ll look nice. Figured it’d be best to have a woman’s touch, and you’re the only woman besides my sister-in-law I can stand. And she’s busy.” He turns to give her a glance, eye flickering over her face. “...and because it might be yours too, someday.”

Stiffening and quickly going pink, Hinata sputters as he makes his way in.

“C’mon.”

“B-but I -?”

“Time is money, Hinata. I’d rather be spending it on furniture.”

Pale eyes still wide and face still blushed, there’s a pause punctuated by several blinks before she slowly follows.

“...a-all right.”

     I...almost didn't get this done. I don't like to bring up my life here much, but in short...I had a very, very bad day, and it's not over ^^; But I had a lull in the chaos and got this churned out. Hopefully the quality didn't suffer for it.      So in ALAS, after Pein attacked and the village smooshed, Uchiha land was just left...empty. Yamato later built the new manor, and later still a home for each Sasuke and Shisui. The latter two, however, are unfurnished...and sit unoccupied for a good long while. With all they've gone through, the remnants of the Uchiha (both in blood and in marriage) just...cling to each other unspokenly. They're all scared in their own ways, and are loathe to be apart.      But Itachi's right: someday, they need to be able to go about their lives normally. And for Sasuke, that means using his own home...and filling it with a new family of his own.      I...could explain more, but I'm honestly both exhausted and keyed up, so...I'm gonna call it a night. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you enjoyed - see you tomorrow.

#sasuhina #uchiha itachi #uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #a light amongst shadows [ canon verse ] #365daysofsasuhina