Karin (Part 6)

"Guess what? We're getting much progress with the effectivity rate of the new samples!"


The apparent glee on Shizune's expression as she made her way inside the head medic's office made Sakura sigh in relief. That kind of exhale which encompasses the realization that none of your labor was in vain.


A clipboard was handed to her while Shizune sat in front of her desk. "I wouldn't be surprised if this is already available for delivery to Suna tomorrow after the final lab test. As always, great job, Sakura!"


To say that she was grateful for the impending finale of their painstaking weeks of research and development was an understatement. If she wasn't too tired due to her lack of sleep recently, Sakura would've jumped or run around the hospital, but she could only smile at her colleague with a small blush adorning her cheeks for now.


She studied the charts given to her as she leaned back on her office chair. "That's...wow, that's amazing. Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you, though. Just thinking about it, this was the most complicated concoction that we've put together so far, huh?"


"Well, it's for the most difficult case ever since the war. I'm actually surprised you're still able to manage your time without becoming all over the place."


"I'm surprised too!" She chuckled. "But really, it's a great help that Karin's here. Makes the load a lot easier. I couldn't focus on doing the daily rounds anymore so that's where she takes over."


Shizune nodded in agreement. "I can see how she seems to be enjoying the job. Did you know that her patients are asking for her sometimes even after her rounds? To think that she started with lots of complaints around here, you've assisted her well in unleashing her potential."


Her lips twisted to a smile. Ever since she asked Karin to help out in the hospital, she didn't have any doubts about her skill, albeit having a difficulty in interacting well (and nicely) with people. "I didn't expect to have that much of an impact to her, really. I guess it just gives me joy being able to do anything to help her and her family, you know?" Her voice softened as she continued, "Especially because...she was there for Sasuke-kun when I couldn't be there for him."


She sank further on her seat, the charts now forgotten as she recalled those years ago wherein Sasuke had decided to sever bonds with them. There was still a tinge of pang in her chest just remembering how she couldn't do anything for him back then, no matter how much she was willing to throw everything away to be with the man she loved.


Thinking about it now, she was grateful that Sasuke didn't bring her with him when she tearfully pleaded for him to do so. It was a stupid idea, to begin with. For if he allowed her to join him on his defection, she wouldn't be the woman that she is now – stronger, wiser, more loving, and more forgiving – because and for Sasuke.


All the while, however, she had always hoped that there were others who were looking after him – others who could still build some sort of a bond with him despite his reticence to it; others who could show him love in their own ways. Despite being wary at first, she was glad when she learned that those others were Suigetsu, Karin, and Jugo.


And even though she almost had a heart failure figuratively when a very pregnant Karin came back to Konoha with Sasuke, Sakura was extremely relieved to know that Sasuke found a reliable comrade in her and the rest of Taka.


Because of this, she became very fond of Karin and Suigetsu (after confirming that there was nothing going on between Sasuke and Karin, of course). So fond to the point that she would do anything that she could for their little family.


She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of accomplishment as she realized the progress in Suika's health in the past three months.


"So, it's still Sasuke, huh?" There was a smirk in Shizune's face the whole time Sakura was lost in her thoughts while gazing at the ceiling. "How's everything about you and your boyfriend anyway?"


The Head Medic almost fell from her swivel chair as a blush profusely made its way on her cheeks. "Wha—? B-boyfriend? It's not—we're not—no! He's not my boyfriend, Shizune!"


A loud cackle escaped from the other woman's lips. The sight reminded her of the younger Sakura that she first met and she couldn't help but shake her head in amusement. "Sure. But he's acting like one, don't you think?"


"I..."


"You two are always together recently, you can't deny that." The smirk was back on Shizune's face as she crossed her arms. "Also, these past few weeks, whenever you took longer shifts for our project, I constantly see him at the hospital lobby waiting for you that I had to inform him you're not going out yet."


Sakura could only stare at her colleague as she relaxed on the chair again. Of course she wouldn't deny that she was flattered with all the actions of Sasuke with and for her lately, but she wasn't the 12-year-old Sakura anymore who would either squeal or faint once Sasuke shows any minuscule affection to her.


As a mature woman, no matter how much she loved the man, she wanted to stick to her convictions. "I could tell that he's doing his best to restore his bond with me, probably with Naruto and Kakashi-sensei too. I shouldn't assume anything beyond that without him telling me his intentions, right?"


"Are you sure he's only there to restore his bond with you or to restore the Uchiha clan with you?"


"S-shizune!" Sakura became much redder at the sound of her co-medic's laughter.


Not wanting to see any crack in the head medic's office or worse, on her face, Shizune stood up from her seat and turned to the door. "Alright, alright! I think I'm hearing Suika's babblings right outside. I'll head off now. Don't forget to check the test results at the lab tomorrow, 'kay?" And then she was out the door.


Sakura heaved a sigh as she turned her attention to the papers on her desk. In the end though, she decided to leave everything and not bring any paperworks at home. After all, she already immersed herself so much into lab work today. And she had one more patient to check up on in a little while.


"Shizune seemed to be having a good laugh when I saw her in the hallway."


She soon heard Karin, who didn't even bother to greet as usual, by the door. She only rolled her eyes. "Oh, that woman. Let her be." A glimmer then appeared in her eyes at the sight of her little patient who was gurgling incomprehensible syllables to her mom. "Hey there, little one!"


"Uhuh, yes, hun. Auntie Sakura will do your check up later," the redhead cooed at the bundle she was holding before returning her gaze to her senpai. "Are you ready to go? I could already sense a brooding chakra nearby."


A melodic laughter filled the small office. "I think I already know who that is."


True enough, two figures were before them when they reached the hospital lobby – one was wearing a toothy grin, and the other was wearing a contemplative expression.


As Karin instantly left her side to reunite with Suigetsu, emerald eyes reunited with obsidian and amethyst.


The crease on Sasuke's forehead only relaxed the moment their gazes met.


Sakura smiled softly. "Hey, Sasuke-kun."


"Have you eaten dinner?"


Her smile widened. It might be subtle, but she could observe how Sasuke's caring side has been manifesting recently. And whether it was intentional to him or not, she was glad that she has been the recipient of this.


"Actually, not yet," she answered sheepishly, considering it was already half an hour past eight. "I'm still on my way to the Hozuki's since I wasn't able to conduct Suika's weekly check up in the hospital today."


Sasuke paused as if weighing the predicament, a look of what seemed like dismay painted on his features.


For a second, Sakura suspected that he was a bit disappointed that they couldn't spend their dinner together just like the usual, but again, she didn't want to assume anything.


"I'll grab some takeout and bring it at their place then."


"You'll do that for all of us?" Sakura questioned, eyes soft and heart warm.


"Suigetsu and I haven't eaten yet anyway."


"Oh, right!" Suigetsu chuckled. "Speaking of, I'm actually starving now!"


"I see. Alright, then. Thank you, Sasuke-kun." Sakura gave him a crinkly smile. "Also, you don't have to worry about staying after dinner. I know you're tired. I still have things to discuss with Suigetsu and Karin about Suika's development anyway."


To her puzzlement, Sasuke shook his head in response. "It's not a problem. I'll bring you home."


"But Sasuke-kun—"


"I'll bring you home, Sakura."


Sakura just stared at him after that, studying him while his face was angled away from her with his eyes shut in annoyance.


A part of her wanted to confirm her first thought that Sasuke probably wanted some time for them to be alone. Her heart fluttered at the possibility.


She giggled afterwards. "Okay, dad."


Suigetsu guffawed at her response, earning a glare from the Uchiha. But he tried his best to stop laughing so Sasuke would not set him on fire. Besides, he already had enough of him for the day.


"Tch. I'll go now," Sasuke announced.


Then for a split-second, Sakura caught a glimpse of him shaking his head sternly at Suigetsu, as if a form of instruction, which the other man returned with a nod of serious agreement.


Whatever that meant, she merely brushed it off.


Karin could only smirk as she watched Sasuke leave to buy their food. "You're irritating Sasuke again."


"Nah, he's been irritated the whole day anyway."


"Really, Suigetsu? How so?"


Scratching the side of his cheek, Suigetsu pondered if he should tell Sakura his new discovery about the changes in the behavior of his former leader. Albeit tempted to witness firsthand the reaction of Sasuke's object of affection, he chose to leave it to the Uchiha instead. "Well, he was in such a hurry to go back home, only to be hindered by a bunch of bandits on the way." After all, she only asked how, not why. He smirked to himself.


"Oh, well. That's Sasuke for you." Sakura chortled. "Thank Kami you're both safe though. There are always unforeseen circumstances even during light missions." She sighed, a little flashback of their very first mission resurfaced in her mind.


"Ah. That's true. We're taking care of ourselves, Sakura-san. You don't have to worry about Sasuke." He flashed a mischievous grin, which widened when he suddenly saw her blush at his last statement.


"Uhm...sure." Sakura's hands sank deeper in the pockets of her lab coat. Even she was surprised at the vivid implications of her concern for Sasuke. It wasn't like she intended Suigetsu to have any clues about her feelings for his team captain.


"Ha. You better, Shark-face," Karin intervened. "Suika's just three months old. And we've been married for just a little over a year. If you become reckless and end up getting killed, I'll kill you another time."


Sakura then let out a chuckle while hearing Karin huff. There was that usual annoyed tone in her while she was talking to her husband but Sakura didn't fail to notice the crystal clear worry and affection in the redhead's words.


As the couple continued to share some banter with each other on their way to the Hozuki's, she couldn't help but wonder if there was hope such as theirs between her and Sasuke.


Sure, things were going well in their friendship right now. But she still couldn't claim the certainty that they could be something more.


That Sasuke even wanted them to be something more.


Still, she clung to the tiniest spark of hope that she had come to slowly accumulate ever since they started going out, fervently praying that no one and nothing would crash that tinge of possibility in one way or another.




Dinner was quick for Sakura wanted to immediately get back to work with her favorite patient. Thanks to Sasuke, that Chinese food takeout rejuvenated her strength for the last part of her day.


While he was seated beside her, she could somehow sense a bit of tenseness in him, as if he was bothered about something that he was keeping only to himself.


On normal days, Sakura would've asked him what's wrong, but she knew Sasuke wasn't the kind to open up about his thoughts and feelings in the earshot of many. It even took him a while before he became open to her too.


So, she just gave him an encouraging smile instead, causing him to gaze at her with an unusual softness that led her to feel like a butterfly had made shadow clones inside her stomach. And then she excused herself to prepare her medical stuff.


The parents were closely observing her expert hands as she checked the vitals of Suika in the Hozuki's small living room. Sasuke, on the other hand, was interestedly watching across the dining room, eyes tracking her every move even without the Sharingan.


It has always been that way, she realized. Sasuke didn't have to be present during her check ups with the redhead kid, but he would always stick around as if something in the whole ordeal was too fascinating for him.


Was it the healing process? Was it Suika's growth? Was it...her? She didn't know, although if she would be honest, she wished it was the latter.


Besides, why in the world would he insist on always bringing her home after Suika's check up, right?


He didn't even have to.


But he obviously wanted to.


Even just for a moment, she allowed herself to think that Shizune was right with her label for Sasuke earlier. Biting her lip to stifle a growing smile while she ended Suika's physical therapy to her tiny legs, she wondered if it's possible to officially define Sasuke that way soon.


Yet the first move towards that future should not come from her.




"I've heard from Suigetsu that some bandits attacked you earlier." Sakura sighed as they turned to another street on the way to her apartment. "Seems like there will always be lots of bandits around no matter how many we catch, huh?"


Without even tilting his head towards her, his only reply was: "Aa."


She fixed her gaze at him. If she was able to disregard the thought earlier, she finally decided to conclude that something was really off. Usually, Sasuke would tell her at least a two-liner summary of what happened to his day.


But it seemed like he wasn't in the mood to do so now. And whatever his mood was, she couldn't even figure it out.


Hoping to not sound as if she was prying, Sakura tried to prompt him to speak more. "So how's everything in Ame? The last time I was there for a medical mission, the rainfall was at its peak. We couldn't even go out of the clinic!" She chuckled a bit and waited.


"It was okay. Not too rainy."


"Oh. That's nice!" She smiled, then after a moment, her face fell.


It was when he looked at the sky that she realized how lost Sasuke was in his thoughts so she resolved to allowing themselves to be immersed in silence.


After the war, she has learned to like silence with Sasuke for unlike what she used to think, it wasn't awkward at all. If anything, it was soothing, even to her as an extrovert. But the silence they were in on this normal night was quite something else.


As much as she wanted to respect his privacy, she wanted to know what was bothering him and if there was anything that she could do to help.


Was he in pain due to an injury from today's mission? Was he remembering his family's past? Was he dwelling in guilt again?


Looking down at her feet, she clutched a hand to her chest. Being able to ease his anguish felt like a mission that she's always bound to fail.


"We're here."


His voice veered her away from her thoughts as they came to a halt. She glanced up at him, and found him staring at her with an emotion that she couldn't quite place.


She was sure that he wanted to say something, but when he didn't, she sighed before telling him, "Thanks again, Sasuke-kun. Goodnight."


He shut his eyes and then instantly turned around. "Aa. Goodnight."


He was already a few steps away from her door when she realized that she wanted to assure him of something, anything that would make him know that she cares. That she always does. And that whatever was troubling him, she wanted him to be completely fine. "Sasuke-kun!"


As if sensing an urgent matter, Sasuke paused and tipped his head over his shoulder.


"I...Uhm...please rest well tonight, okay?" That was all Sakura was able to say.


She decided she was already at ease when she saw his lips curve upward before gently responding, "I should say the same to you."


-


He honestly didn't want to do it.


The feeling was a tad similar – only with a valid reason and correct motives this time – to that time he was thirteen. Back then, no matter how much his decision was already final, he was conscious about the fact that a certain teenage girl with flowing tears and an astonishing confession was able to sway his rock solid heart – almost, but not quite.


The only difference was that, he wasn't accountable to anyone with his decision that time; he knew he could've stayed – should've stayed – if he wanted to. Now, despite the same girl moving (not just swaying) his heart to want to stay, he couldn't afford to say no to the Hokage. Even if he had his perks as his former student and his son of sorts.


Kakashi said that Suna needed the help of someone as adept as him in tracking people, especially with the little possibility that the need for space-time jutsu would arise. With the apparent importance of his part in the job, he found himself struggling with an immense desire to stay.


Because he and Sakura were just starting to become closer and more comfortable with each other. He was beginning to earn her trust again. He was becoming accustomed to feeling things his younger self would've initially brushed off, making him able to translate it into actions that he could show to her – something that he wished she was understanding in one way or another no matter how scarce his ability to express was.


And he knew that leaving even just for a while could possibly taint whatever they were already able to build. It's been a slow progress, and he didn't want their relationship to crumble into pieces again just because of his duty.


He couldn't bear the sight of a frown appearing on Sakura's face because of him. It already happened so many times before.


He couldn't bear the idea of her having to wait for him again. She's been patient for so long.


He couldn't bear the fact that the distance and time could stir something in the depths of her heart.


Because what if she finally got tired of waiting? Of loving him? What if she just saw him as a mere friend now and by the time that he's away, someone else would receive her astonishing confession that he wished he was able to reciprocate many years ago?


He didn't even have the guts to tell her the night before. If anything, he was tempted to simply leave without facing her, probably just handing a note to Karin, or Naruto, or Kakashi.


It has always been her who watched him leave, and pulling her into another episode of that made his heart constrict.


Of course, she would understand that it was for a mission. But he didn't want her to ever think that it's always too easy for him to leave everything behind—to leave her behind. That she wasn't a good enough reason for him to stay. That she was always the last option for him just like how it used to be when defiling black and not blossoming pink used to fill his heart.


So, he honestly didn't want to do it.


But here he was, standing right outside the hospital and waiting for her to come out just like all the other evenings since Karin's delivery, ready (not) to inform her of his and Suigetsu's impending departure.


He realized she would be back to going home alone once he left. And it was irking him to the core. He knew full well that Sakura could take care of herself, but what if an unexpected danger comes and catches her off guard on her most vulnerable, most exhausted, and most chakra-depleted (most stubborn) state at an eerie hour such as now while he was gone?


He released a heavy sigh. He had no choice now. The best thing he could do was to exert all that he could to accomplish the mission earlier than expected so he could immediately go home, just like what he usually did on their daily missions.


As weird as it sounded, he was already starting to miss her. And he almost choked on his own spit when he finally saw her walking out of the familiar double doors, smiling tiredly yet sweetly at him which easily warmed his heart in the process.


"You're here," she mumbled while pushing stray pink locks away from her face.


Her hair was up in a messy bun that left a few strands on the sides of her cheeks, and for Sasuke, he realized that she's beautiful like this – raw and genuine – not as the shinobi Sakura nor the medic Sakura that everyone knows, but just plainly, his Sakura.


He allowed himself a few seconds to just take in her appearance, appreciating every bit of her as much as he could as if it would be the last time that he would see her.


A part of him regretted all those times before that he didn't appreciate Sakura's presence in his life. But now, he would do it every moment he could.


"I always wait for you, don't I?" He finally spoke, voice a little hoarse from the absence of verbal communication the whole day, albeit being consumed by mental conversations with himself all throughout.


"Well, yeah, but it's already very late. And this was an unexpected overtime schedule so I or Shizune wasn't able to inform you or anything." She gave him an apologetic smile.


It doesn't matter, as long as I still get to see you before I leave.


"How long have you been here?"


"Since your usual end of shift."


She gasped. "That's two hours ago, Sasuke-kun!"


That's nothing compared to how long you've waited for me many times before. "It's fine. I had nothing to do today." He began walking then, until she did the same and fell in step with him.


"Oh. I..." She bit her lip, catching another stray strand of her hair and placing it behind her ear. "I appreciate it, Sasuke-kun. So, you and Suigetsu have no mission today?"


He swallowed thickly. "Aa." Because our new mission will start in a few hours.


A resigned silence filled the journey towards Sakura's apartment, aside from the cicadas residing on the trees nearby and the pitter-patter of their feet against the uncemented road.


Frustration was getting the best of him for he couldn't even glance at her, making it even more difficult to disclose about the topic he wished he shouldn't even bring up. But there was no doubting that she was already feeling the tension between them.


There's a certain familiarity with how they spent comfortable silence together, not having to say anything while revelling on each other's presence. But last night and tonight, were far from that. And he was sure that Sakura wasn't dumb to not notice anything for it was her who knew him better than anyone else.


True enough, as they turned to the last street to her place, she sighed and cleared her throat, making every bit of him suddenly rigid. She then began, "I'm getting worried, Sasuke-kun. Is everything alright?"


He found a little consolation at the fact that she was only concerned with him and not annoyed although she had every reason to be. He shut his eyes and stopped walking right in front of her apartment then, slowly turning to face her and bracing himself for whatever reaction her beautiful face would show once his news was out in the open. "I have something to tell you."


There was a pause. And her gaze was softly fixed at him when his eyes opened, assuring him that she was all ears and urging him to continue.


His heart raced. How in the world could he survive another long while of not seeing that face?


He forced himself to believe that he wasn't bothered about her tear-filled yet still pretty face when he left the first time.


He focused himself on becoming a better man than thinking of her blushing face after he poked her forehead when he left the second time.


And he endured a month of unexpected emotional turmoil when he returned only to be avoided by her due to a wrong conclusion after seeing a very pregnant Karin with him.


So this should be easy – natural, even – right?


Dang it.


He was probably being overly dramatic but he had to tell her now. He sighed. "I'm going to a long mission with Suigetsu."


"Oh."


And there went that faltering smile he wanted so bad to avoid. He inhaled a sharp breath as he quickly looked away.


But then, she bit her slightly trembling lip and after a moment, she was smiling at him again, albeit forcefully. "For how long?"


"A month or two. At most, three."


There was another pause, and Sasuke wondered if Sakura thought about the last time that they didn't get to spend a whole month together even though he was in the village. He wondered if she felt as conflicted as he was then, and if she could feel as dismayed as he was now.


"I see."


He finally glanced at her. There was still a small smile to her face but he found her hands fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Surely, if there was a better option, she wouldn't choose this too. "This would be the last time that I could bring you home for now."


To his surprise, she suddenly chuckled. "It's fine, Sasuke-kun. I can manage. But I'll..." Although it was dark, Sasuke didn't fail to catch the blush on her cheeks. "I'll miss you," she breathed.


Sasuke's heart skipped a beat. There was an upward tug on the edges of his lips now.


For she wasn't sad. She wasn't angry. She wasn't hurt.


But she'll miss him.


All his former apprehensions suddenly went down the drain after hearing that from her.


How could this woman have such a tender heart towards him up until now?


Then Sakura instantly added, "Anyway, maybe you could bring this potion that Shizune and I have just finished. It's something you could use just in case y—"


"There's no need, Sakura." Sasuke's gaze softened at her while he reached out to stop her hands that were quickly rummaging her pouch as if time was running out for them. "We're just gonna help some villages. Nothing to worry about."


"O-okay." Sakura pulled her hand away from her pouch as Sasuke also retracted his. The sudden contact made her a little dizzy, or maybe she was just really tired for the day. But she still had one information she wanted to know. "When and what time will you leave anyway? I'd be glad to send you off and say goodbye to Suigetsu too!"


Of course she'd want to send him off, but he gently shook his head. "Thanks. But we'll leave before dawn, roughly three hours from now. You're supposed to be asleep by then," he emphasized the last part. He didn't want to see a live footage of how they would part ways. And he didn't want her to sacrifice the only time she could finally sleep just for him.


"Are you sure though? I could help you pack your stuff or make you some snacks. Do you have medical supplies? Give me a moment, I could get some for you inside the apartment so you cou—"


"Sakura." Sasuke smiled. When she bit her lip at the realization that she was already rambling, Sasuke lifted his two fingers and softly, affectionately, poked her forehead once again after more than two years. "I'm all good. I'll see you when I'm back."


At this, her hand flew to the place he marked as she looked away in an attempt to hide the crimson stain on her cheeks. She then chortled. "Right. Uhm...okay. I'll see you soon then, Sasuke-kun. Take care."




The next morning, he left the village with Suigetsu pestering him about why he had such an uncharacteristic grin on his face.


-


The first week without Sasuke went by pretty fast. But Sakura was right with what she told him – she missed him just like those years ago.


At first, she thought the feeling wasn't anything new anymore, but she realized that there was a lot in their dynamics that changed ever since his return from his journey.


And that in itself was completely new, refreshing even.


Because before, she was missing someone who had no desire to return to the village. Someone who seemed to have no care about her. Someone who only returned her confessions with a single thanks on the first time and a horrible genjutsu on the second.


But now, she was waiting for a changed man who has eventually learned to come to terms with his past, embrace his present, and be hopeful for his future. A gentleman who made lots of efforts to restore bonds that he formerly decided to sever. A caring man who might be – even just a little bit – feeling the same way about her too.


Sakura grinned as her thumb paused over a familiar face on an old picture frame. It's been an unconscious habit, she noted. For whenever she thought about Sasuke while she was seated on her desk – bombarded with tons of paperworks she wished her perfect chakra control could accomplish – she would find herself staring at the official group photo of the genin Team 7 with her thumb eventually brushing over her beloved's face.


She traced back to how Sasuke was so tensed before telling her about the mission. He didn't even have the responsibility of informing her about his daily missions or whereabouts, but the fact that he still chose to, and the fact that he seemed to be so troubled and unsure on how to let her know that he would be gone for a while made her heart glad for it just showed how he was concerned about her in his own ways.


She tried to imagine their next reunion. And she wasn't able to fight a smile as she wondered if Sasuke would then tell her that he missed her just as much as she did. Or if he would let her know how life was a lot better when they're together. Or if he would finally confess that during their time apart, he realized that he loves her too, so damn much that he would not allow them to be separated ever again.


Not realizing that she has already lifted the picture frame close to her grinning face, a loud knock and Shizune's sudden appearance through her door caused her to loosen her grip on the frame so it tumbled front first on her desk.


"You have another surgery in a few, Sakura."


Blinking, she broke out of her daze and returned the Team 7 photo on its usual place. "I-I'm coming."


Oh well, good things come to those who wait.




"What's going on, Karin?" Sakura frowned the moment the redhead entered her office upon her instruction. "I've heard that you've been snapping at people too much recently. Is it true that you've also countered the decision of one of my subordinates from the Emergency Department?"


"That's not–!" Karin inhaled sharply and looked away from her senpai. "I didn't mean to, okay? It's just that I think she's doing it wrong and I had a better idea on how we could do the medicine tests faster."


Sakura sighed. She wanted to deal with Karin in the nicest way possible, knowing that she's her friend and not just her employee. But since the past week, complaints about a certain redhead medic had been delivered to her, so she wanted to know what was really going on before giving her some consequences if necessary.


"Does having your own opinion give you the right to contradict her if she was doing exactly how I told her to do her work?"


"N-no."


"Then why did you do it?" Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose.


Her frustration was rising now that another matter has been added to her already overflowing plate. There's the tension of standing on the thin line separating her roles as the Head Medic and Karin's friend. And it was becoming a bit difficult to control herself in simply picking the superior side.


"I'm sure you know that when you don't submit to any of the department heads under my care, it means that you aren't submitting to my headship too. Karin, even though I'm your friend, based on the Code of Conduct set by Tsunade-shishou, that could lead to your suspension."


Karin gasped at this. "No, please!" For a second, even she was surprised with how she sounded so desperate with that uncharacteristic plea coming from her. Her brows furrowed as she bowed her head. She definitely didn't want to disappoint Sakura, but it was clear as day that she had already done so due to the way she was looking at her now.


"I mean...I'm sorry, Sakura. I don't know...to think that it's already been four and a half months since Suika was born, I'm sure this isn't due to the pregnancy hormones anymore. I don't understand, but sometimes, I just couldn't help but burst!" The redhead sighed and shook her head before adding, "Rest assured, I will do my best not to have such an attitude again next time. I just can't lose this job, Sakura, now that...now that Suigetsu's not he–" She stiffened for a moment, and then suddenly released a loud exhale as the realization of what was going on hit her.


Sakura leaned forward and waited. As Karin slowly looked up and pushed her glasses back, she noticed her red eyes becoming glassy with sudden tears.


"I think I understand now. I..I think it's because...I miss Suigetsu." Her voice softened while she averted Sakura's gaze. She found it weird and irritating how she could become this vulnerable to her. But at the same time, it felt like she could show this side to Sakura knowing that she's not the kind who would judge anyone. There's just so much kindness in Sakura that makes her oddly comfortable in being open with her.


And so, she continued, "I remember how Sasuke had to endure my mood swings too back when I was separated with Sui for a whole month before my labor, that's why he was oftentimes out of his own house. To think that Sui's been gone again for a time longer than that, I find it difficult to be at ease." She finally looked at her senpai. "I know it's not an excuse that my attitude to the patients and some of my colleagues have worsened due to my emotions, but...I don't know, Sakura. Aren't you feeling the same thing about Sasuke? How are you dealing with it?"


A pregnant pause filled Sakura's office as she remembered the past weeks. How she's been taking lots of workload again, much to Shizune's chagrin. How she's been preoccupying her mind with volumes upon volumes of medical textbooks. And how she's been hitting the training grounds at midnight instead of heading home immediately no matter how exhausted she was from the hospital.


She then realized that like her, Karin had her own way of coping about the fact that they were missing the men that they love.


"I...yeah." She heaved a sigh. "I understand. It's difficult to not...uhm, think so much about Sasuke-kun." Her eyes darted to the photo frame on her desk. "I always wonder about what he's doing. If he's safe there in Suna. If he's okay as they do their tasks. Or if he's gonna be back sooner than expected. And to avoid overthinking about him, I dive into tons of work."


Her heart clenched just like the past few days when she realized how much she longed to witness Sasuke's quiet enjoyment on their (not date, but almost date) dinners together wherein she got to have playful banters, heartfelt conversations, and even comfortable silences with him. She also recognized the struggle of sticking to being patient for his next return due to the undeniable fact that she yearned for his unfailing dedication in spending time with her and bringing her home after work.


Karin broke into a smile as she sensed the apparent similarities of what they were undergoing. As women, there's always that little nudge in your heart and mind about the well-being of your lover whenever he's not around. And knowing that Sakura could relate to this was a consolation to her, an affirmation that she wasn't really alone (and insane).


It was quite funny for her to think that after living a life with almost no friends – especially girls – she would be able to build such a bond with Sakura. She called her attention once more when she said, "Sasuke's so blessed to have you constantly thinking about him and loving him from afar, Sakura."


"I...uh..."


"You don't have to hide it from me, Sakura. It's obvious. Suigetsu might not be my first love, but he's definitely my true love." She glanced away as she tried to hide a rare blush on her face. "But I can really feel the intensity of your love for Sasuke since he has been both your first and true love. To think that he wasn't even always with you. It's inspiring, really."


Sakura's heart swelled at that. Although her love hasn't been reciprocated by the recipient of it, it surprised her how someone became inspired with the way she loved Sasuke – unconditionally, relentlessly, selflessly.


"K-karin...thank you that you see it that way. I—wow, that's—you're right. Sasuke-kun...he's been my first and true love. And uhm...honestly, Karin, I want to thank you for being there for him when I couldn't. For your love for him when mine couldn't reach him."


Her sudden words and her soft smile made Karin's eyes go wide.


"I'm really happy that he met you, Karin."


As much as it irked him being uncharacteristically emotional in front of anyone, she wasn't able to avoid her eyes from brimming with tears.


"I think Sasuke deserves all the love in the world, Sakura. I gave him all the love that I could give back then, but I know that you could give him so much more, then and now." She then grinned. "My love wasn't meant to be his anyway. I...I've never loved as much as I did when I fell for Suigetsu." And then her brows furrowed as she stared at a distance through the window. "That's why these men better be back soon because we couldn't take it anymore!" She groaned.


Giggling, Sakura glanced at the genin Sasuke in the Team 7 photo once again. "You're right. Meanwhile, about your offense..."


Karin stood upright after sensing the senpai mode of the woman in front of her. "I'll do anything, Sakura! Just don't let me be suspended or fired while I'm in Konoha!"


Sakura couldn't help but laugh at that. To think that this redhead is a tough woman but she could turn into a soft and genuine one in front of her, she couldn't help but feel like it was a privilege to be this close with her.


When Karin raised an eyebrow at her in confusion, she shook her head and said, "It wouldn't come to that." Karin's sigh of relief made her smile again. "I understand what you're going through, but like what you said, our emotions are not excuses to have an entitled attitude towards others. What I want you to do is to apologize sincerely to the people you've treated that way. Especially to the head of the Emergency Department."


"That's...all?" She blinked. "Alright! Thank you, Sakura!"


And then Sakura laughed once more when the redhead medic rushed outside her door to instantly do as told. As her laughter died down, she leaned back on her seat and realized that it was the first time in a month and a half that she was able to laugh as freely and genuinely as that.


If she would be completely honest, albeit almost excelling at it like a professional, waiting sucks. Sure, she could immerse herself in whichever stuff that could preoccupy her – and allow her body to be drained process – but it would never suffice to having Sasuke around.


Her gaze fixed at her office window while she wondered if there was still a possibility that one day, she'd finally be able to stop waiting and just have him close to her. Not just because she wanted to, but also because he wanted to.


A subtle pit-a-pat on her window awakened her from her trance. When she returned to her tasks a few seconds later, merely thinking that it was a branch or something colliding with glass, she heard another round of soft knocks that sounded like a bird's beak hitting her window.


A bird's beak...hitting...


She sprang out of her seat with a jolt to confirm her afterthought, her hips thankfully dodging the edge of her table and saving her from sudden pain as she focused on the familiar hawk sitting outside her window.


Sliding it open, the feathered summon skipped closer to her and angled its left foot for a note that could either ease her worries or increase them.


For it was the first time that Sasuke reached out to her after a month and a half.


"Thank you so much," she mumbled before the hawk flew back to its master hundreds of miles away.


She was both excited and nervous. But upon opening the note, she found herself smiling and blushing like never before as her gaze shifted to the sky, following the small figure of the flying hawk from afar.


Just another week left.


Take care.


— S.U.




-




Sakura was all smiles around the hospital all week. She was a cheerful woman, alright, but there was definitely something so eminently special about that week that caused the pink-haired medic nin to be at the pinnacle of her emotions. There was no heavy workload, irritable workmate, nor delayed appointment that was intense enough to wipe away that dazzling smile plastered on her face.


Shizune, who often caught Sakura with her gaze fixed on the only memento on her office table, has concluded that it certainly had something to do with her not-boyfriend. Besides, who else could make Sakura Haruno glow joyously like that aside from Sasuke Uchiha?


Actually, it wasn't only the pinkette who seemed to be completely over the moon that week. Pink and Red were bouncing off the walls all around the hospital and the staff and patients couldn't help but be amused whenever they came across the two. After all, both women with bright colored hair had such contagious bright aura that uplifted the people around them.


Even with the number of appointments and interviews set with Sakura due to the positive reports about the efficiency of her recent concoction, she became more productive without overexerting herself, contrary to the past weeks of intentionally preoccupying herself with workload that she could actually delegate to her staff.


And Karin, on the other hand, was instantly the favorite of her patients once again as if she didn't expose some bad attitude to them days ago.


Another long wait is about to end, Sakura mused, unable to conceal her excitement when she realized that it's been exactly a week after she received Sasuke's note. She brushed her thumb on the specific face on her team's photo one last time before heading to another surgery for the day.




After her extended shift was over, a mother of one of Sakura's patients in the Children's Mental Health clinic approached her in a corridor near the Emergency Department. Sakura was touched with the thoughtfulness of the parent as she received a small gift from her, heart swelling with joy while listening to her gratitude for putting up the clinic after the war. It might have taken years, she said, but her daughter recovered from the trauma of losing her dad during the war because of Sakura's project, reminding her of how far she had come in terms of her profession.


While she was immersed in such heartwarming conversation, Sakura then heard a firm voice she's now accustomed to somewhere near them. But there was a sudden croak to it that made the hair on her arms stand on end, "S-suigetsu? ...Suigetsu!"


Everything else that the woman in front of her was saying came to a blur as her ears tried to pick up the muffled sounds from a few hallways away. But then, the man that Karin called shouted words that made her drop the gift she was holding:


"It's...Sasuke! Help Sasuke!"


The loud thump on the floor amplified the sudden drop she felt inside her chest.


The next thing she knew, her feet was darting to the direction of the voices she had heard.


She was sure something else fell on the floor moments ago but the scene she had witnessed upon reaching her destination made her realize that it was her heart that also fell, shattering into pieces yet again.


For Sasuke was there, more pale than ever, with his eyes shut and mouth bubbling as two nurses hurriedly yet cautiously transferred him to a stretcher beside Shizune, Karin, and a barely conscious Suigetsu.


"What's going on here?" Sakura demanded, forcing to restrain the tremble on her voice as she rushed towards them.


"Sakura!" It was Shizune who responded for Suigetsu was lifted to another stretcher with a frantic Karin clutching his hand. Her colleague hesitated to divulge what she knew but Sakura was quick to assess the unconscious man's condition.


She soon gasped, her head tilting to Shizune for confirmation, trying to deny her realization of what was going on. No, not Sasuke-kun. Please, no!


But Shizune fiercely nodded. "We have to hurry. It's the poison that's been rampant in Suna recently and...and you already know what this entails."


"You both know about this?" Sakura couldn't blame the sheer panic in Karin's voice. "Sakura, save them!—Hold on, Suigetsu! Don't—don't move!—please, Sakura! Shizune! Do something!"


With clenched fists, Sakura couldn't find the strength to take a glance at the man she loved once again. She had to take deep breaths, in order to keep her professional composure so as to not end up into a sobbing mess like Karin.


But it wasn't working.


A few exhales later, she was still frozen on the spot as a million possibilities raced in her mind. She has studied this case for months, and she knew full well its capacity to—


"Sakura!" She inhaled sharply with a blink upon realizing that two firm hands were shaking her by the shoulders now. "Sakura, we have to move!"


That's when she finally glanced at Sasuke again. This was the man who holds her heart. And right at that moment, his life was in her hands.


She had a role to play.


Sakura blinked back the tears that she didn't realize were threatening to fall, before willing her head to nod at the two nurses ready to push both stretchers.


So they all began to move. The urgency of the situation was felt at the sound of shuffling of feet and wheels in the hallway.


Her hand that wasn't pushing the stretcher moved to clasp Sasuke's limp one. Struggling to stifle a whimper, she lifted his hand close to her chest and prayed harder than ever before. Sasuke-kun, stay with me. You have to stay with me.


"Sakura, this is difficult. But you have to decide on what we should do."


Her colleague was right. This time, she squared her shoulders and let go of Sasuke's hand for her role was about to begin. "Shizune, look after Suigetsu. Make sure that there's no poison left in his system because a tinge of it could still spread in his body. I'll take care of Sasuke-kun."


"Alright. But...are...are you sure you could manage taking over Sasuke's operation? I know you're very much concerned with him right now, maybe it's best if you have somebody else to—"


"Yes," she answered in a firm tone. "He's important to me. He's...damn it, I'm in love with him. But I'm a doctor too. I could manage, Shizune." She yet again blinked back some tears, sparing another glance at her patient. "I should manage."


"Since...since this is...oh my goodness, this is poison...doesn't this have a duration until one's body takes its full effect?"


Sakura briefly looked at Karin. "Yes, this poison would manifest its worst immediately within two days since it was acquired. It's...It's fatal and could cause—we better hurry! Nurses! Prepare the Operating rooms! Now!"


As the nurses in the hallway rushed to open the door ahead of them, the barely conscious patient struggled to breathe whilst forcing to turn his head towards the Head Medic.


"T-two days? But, S-sakura...today...is the second day."


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© March 2019 AriannJS


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Hey guys! A lot of things had happened in the past month but I hope you're all doing well. :) By God's grace, I've been a lot better in all aspects recently, compared to the first few months that I was writing this. (Remember those times I posted that I couldn't finish a chapter yet due to some sort anxiety attacks? Praise God, I haven't had one for months now!) Meanwhile, it was still quite a struggle completing this amidst all the stuff I had on my plate internally and externally.


But here it is! Please don't forget to comment! I can't wait to see your reviews about the scenes, plot, characters, emotions, and writing for this chapter! :)


Thanks & God bless!


-- A

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