What Happens Now...

Wow, almost two years since I last posted a chapter. I FAIL AS A WRITER! I could give you so many excuses as to why this chapter didn't come out sooner. College, friends, family issues, hell even lack of inspiration. But none of that matters now sinc there is a new chapter!! I hope it doesn't take me another two years to put out another chapter 0_o Anyway, I hope you enjoy!!


(Sasuke’s POV)
“Naruto!!” My body was suddenly flung away from him, not knowing what was going on. Stumbling backward, my eyes focus back on the figure lying on the metal table. The girl, Haruhi, was by his side. She was the one to tear me away from Naruto. Her hands were flying over him, checking every vital sign. My heart skips a beat. Maybe she can help him. I walk back over to the table, right next to Haruhi. Slowly, I look at her, searching for any sign that Naruto would be ok.

Defeat, that’s the only emotion she portrayed. I could feel my stomach drop to my feet and my heart rip in two. She was supposed to be the best goddamn medical-nin in all of Suna!! Without thinking, I push Haruhi out of the way. Quickly, I gather his hands into mine and stare at his once lively face; willing him to be ok. I couldn’t lose him, not now!

“Sasuke!” The girl grabs my arm, pulling to get my attention. I tried to ignore her, wanting to focus on Naruto. Suddenly, a jolt of chakra flows through my arm, leaving it limp and useless. My head whips to face her, sharingan flaring. Determination is prominent in her eyes. “You need to let me help him, Sasuke.” Anger started to filter out of me, but I was still very unsure. She had looked so resigned only minutes prior, what had changed?

“What can you do?” Fear flashes across her features, but only for a second.

“I can completely heal him, but only with your help.” There was never a question as to if I would help, but I wasn’t sure how I could. Haruhi lightly touches Naruto’s arm. “The damage that’s been done is too severe for me to heal on my own. I need more chakra to heal him completely. We’re too far below ground for me to pull any chakra from the plants.” Her eyes finally lock with mine. I knew where her train of thought was going. “Sasuke, I need you…”

“I’ll do it.” I say without a second thought. Haruhi looked shocked, gripping onto Naruto a little tighter.

“But, I don’t know if you’ll…”

“It doesn’t matter.” Haruhi quickly inhales. “Naruto’s life is a lot more important than mine. He’s an important liason between Suna and Konoha. Naruto is also one of the strongest shinobi that the Leaf has, not to mention that he will become Hokage. He changes people for the better.”

My eyes flicker back up to his face, knowing I’m about to make the right decision. “If I die trying to save him, I can finally do something right for Konoha.” I didn’t want to say that I couldn’t live without him because I knew that I would. I would never waste the life that Naruto fought so hard to protect. My life would just be empty, pointless. The truth is that I couldn’t be Sasuke without him.

Haruhi’s eyes search mine for only a few more seconds before nodding in acceptance. She doesn’t show joy or happiness, knowing what will probably happen with me. Quietly, she holds out her hand to me. I clasp her hand gently, ready for her to help my dobe.

Her free hand hovers over the deep wound in Naruto’s chest, it still seeping with blood. A green light emits from her hand and starts to heal the broken flesh. It is then I feel my chakra leaving me. At first, it just felt like that I was using jutsu after jutsu. Yet, the more Haruhi healed the severe damage, the more I felt my life leaving me. I started to get sick to my stomach, light-headed, and weak-kneed all at the same time. My body wanted so much to give out, to quit, but I wouldn’t let it. This could very well be my one and only chance to help Naruto and I wasn’t about to let fatigue stop me. I could feel my body continue to weaken, barely being able to stand. Just as I was about to pass out, Haruhi lifts her hand away from Naruto; letting go of mine in the process. I use my free hands to brace myself against the metal table, my vision going blurry at random intervals.

Haruhi placed a gentle hand on my forearm, but I ignored it for the time being. My eyes flickered up and my breath gets caught in my throat. Cerulean eyes glance back at me. Naruto was alive. Feeling the table shift, I saw him sit up and place his hands across his stomach. It was then I heard the grumbling that signified that my dobe was hungry. A smile pulls itself across his face.

“Morning teme.” Relief floods through me as I finally exhale. He was alright and I had helped him get there. I smirk back at him.

“Morning dobe…” As I reach out to touch him whiskered cheek, fatigue finally catches up with me. My vision swims as I started to fall forward. I feel my side slam into the table, pain shooting up my arm as I hit the floor hard.

“Sasuke!” I hear Naruto yell. I want to tell him that I’m ok, that I’m just tried. Darkness whispers across my vision, Naruto still calling out my name.
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I could feel my body throb from a dull pain. In truth, my mind couldn’t fathom where my body was. Naruto yelling my name came into thought, the last memory that I can recall. I must have passed out after that. What had happened to Naruto? I had to know. I went through hell to get him back and I wasn’t about to lose him just because I blacked out. My eyes slowly opened, out of lack of use, and beheld a never-ending white ceiling. I had to be in a hospital. I could smell the antiseptics in the air and feel the uncomfortable bed underneath me. Moving my head to the left, my eyes land on a figure slumped in a chair. Relief floods through me. Sitting there was Naruto in perfect health. His eyes were shut, light snores coming from his nose. I release a sigh, knowing I had finally done something right by Naruto. I had saved him.

Moving my hand out from under the covers of the hospital bed, I touch his thigh gently; not wanting to startle him out of sleep. Naruto shutters awake, looking like he was ready for attack. His eyes search wildly around him, searching for enemies. Confusion landing on his features, Naruto finally looks down at me. He looks at me like I’m water and he hasn’t had anything to drink in days. I don’t move, not wanting to startle him more than I already have.

“SASUKE!!!” Naruto moves in a flash, almost too fast for me to follow. He flies out of his chair and into my lap, his arms around me in a bear hug. I flinch in pain, but refuse to pry him off of me. Things seemed like they were back to normal. Slowly, I rest my forehead on top of his head, cherishing this moment. Suddenly I feel Naruto tense and he’s off me within seconds. Concern and embarrassment cover his face.

“Sorry!! I didn’t hurt ya did I?” A chuckle leaves my throat. He was truly a dobe, my dobe. I shake my head in a no.

“I’m fine.” Naruto doesn’t look relieved, only more worried. He sits back down in the chair, his head down, and takes my hand in his.

“I’m sorry, if it wasn’t for me then you wouldn’t….”

“Stop!” His hand tightens around mine in surprise, but he still doesn’t look up. “None of this is your fault Naruto. There was no way you could have predicted Sakura’s actions, let alone stop her from any of the things she did.”

“But if I…” He tries to start blaming himself again, but I won’t hear any of it.

“NO NARUTO!” He shrinks back from me, clearly still ashamed for what he thinks he did. “How dumb are you to think any of this was your fault? How could you have known that Sakura was crazy or that she had this elaborate plan to seduce you? You need to stop blaming yoursel….” All words were cut off, his lips making sure I could no longer argue with him. It felt good to say the least. It had been far too long since we had kissed, and I was going to make sure we never went that long again. He pulls away too soon for my liking and smiles at me.

“Alright, you win. It may not have been my fault, but I’m still allowed to feel guilty about almost killing you.” He sighs. “Geeze Sasuke, why couldn’t you think of some other way? Maybe like finding something else for Haruhi to pull chakra from?” Of course that thought hadn’t crossed my mind. I really didn’t have the time to think, only to act.

“It doesn’t really matter now, does it? We’re both alive, that’s more than enough for me to worry about.” I smile. In truth, I just wanted to forget about what happened over the past couple of days. I didn’t want to dwell on the fact that I could have lost Naruto so easily, not to mention myself. Quietly, I motion with my hand for Naruto to come closer. “Sit with me dobe.” He looks at me, unsure. I scoff. “I’m not going to break, promise.”

He sighs and rolls his eyes, probably thinking I’m stubborn. What can I say, this is what you get when you decide to date an Uchiha. Carefully, Naruto climbs onto my bed, turning around and placing his back along my chest. Placing my arms around him, I bury my face into his back; breathing in his unique scent. Strong emotions pummel through me, brining on the sting of tears. I had almost lost him, again. My grip strengthened around him.

“Sasuke…? What’s wrong?” He sounded concerned. I kept my face hidden, he didn’t need to see me so upset.

“Naruto, I swear I’ll protect you from now on. I swear that I’ll never treat you like I did before. I….I….” I couldn’t continue, my throat deciding to close on itself. I feel Naruto turn, but I hold him tighter.

“Sasuke, look at me.” I don’t move until I feel his hands on my face. “Look at me.” I face him, but my eyes are directed elsewhere. “Hey….” I look up and see comfort in his eyes. “I know you didn’t mean anything that you said. You were only talking out of anger, and so was I. Let’s just live now, while we can.” He then leans forward and places a kiss on my forehead. My body relaxes and I tighten my arms around Naruto in a hug, giving a silent thank you.

Moments later, we both hear a knock at the door. Not really wanting to give up my alone time with Naruto, I inch closer while putting my face into his neck.

“Come on teme, you can have all the time you want with me later.” I humph and loosen my grip. “Come in!” He yells towards the door. The doorknob turns and reveals Haruhi and Gaara.

“Well its good to see that you’re up Sasuke.” She walks over to the bed and gives a smile to Naruto. “If you would Naruto, I need to perform a check-up on Sasuke, and I can’t very well do that with you lying all over him.” Naruto blushes slightly, his hand going to the back of his neck and giving Haruhi a big smile.

“Well you know, it’s been a while since we’ve talked. Needed some time with the bastard.” Haruhi nodded, smiled, and then turned her attention towards me.

“Now, just lay still. This should only take a couple of minutes.” Her hands glow green and start to pass over me. My attention strays towards Naruto, who has a look of determination on his face. He steps up to Gaara and bows. My eyes go wide, and looking at Gaara, he’s just as surprised as I am.

“Kazekage-sama, please forgive me for bringing Sakura Haruno into Suna without knowing about her true disposition. I beg that you don’t hold this against Konoha.” I’ve never seen Naruto act this way. He must really respect Gaara for him to call him by his formal title, something he doesn’t even do with the Hokage. A faint smile crosses the Kazekage’s face.

“Naruto, I never even thought of such a thing. I’m just glad that both you and Uchiha are safe.” Naruto stands up from his bow and reaches out his hand to Gaara. Reaching out his own hand, Gaara shakes Naruto’s in friendship.

“All done!” Haruhi exclaims and walks over to Gaara. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I have to get Gaara-sama back to his office before anyone notices.” They turn away from us and start to walk out the door.

“Wait!” I yell after them, both of them stopping and turn towards me. I had to know something and I had to know now. “What happened to Sakura after I passed out?” I see Haruhi stiffen and then release a long sigh. My own body starts to tense in panic. Had she escaped? Was Naruto going to be hunted by her for the rest of his life? Not if I had anything to do with it! Haruhi looks like she was going to start to explain, but Gaara stops her with a hand on her shoulder. He steps forward, hopefully to give me some answers.

“Sakura Haruno soon collapsed after you did Uchiha. Our shinobi then restrained her and brought her to our holding facilities. After intense mental evaluation, it was determined by our staff that she is no longer able to support herself without constant care. She is essentially a child again, also lacking many of her memories.” Throughout Gaara’s explanation, I saw Naruto slowly become more tense. Guilt washed over me. His once friend was forever changed because of what I did, and there was nothing I could do to reverse that. I reach out and grasp Naruto’s hand, hanging my head in shame.

“I’m sorry….” I whispered. It was all I could do.

“Sasuke,” He grips my hand firmly. “There was no other option. She would have killed us both if you had tried to reason with her.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Naruto’s head drop. “Believe me, I tried. She….she wasn’t the Sakura I thought I knew.”

“That doesn’t give me the excuse of not thinking of something else. I could have….”

“Sasuke!” I flinched. It wasn’t often that I heard that tone of voice directed at me. He wasn’t angry per say, more like frustrated. He turns towards me and brings me into his arms, resting my head on his shoulder. “Nothing can change what happened. I’m not sure…if I would want it to change either. Sure, I’ll miss Sakura to an extent, but I know that at least she’s being taken care of now.” He pulls away to cup my face, staring directly into my eyes. “I forgive you Sasuke, even though there’s nothing that you did that needs to be forgiven.”

I know its silly. Somewhere deep I knew that Naruto wouldn’t hold a grudge. That still doesn’t change the fact that as soon as those words left his mouth, my body relaxed and I felt….free. Across the room I hear Haruhi clear her throat, yet again breaking us away from a private moment. Naruto pulls away and I just shake my head. This girl had a knack for interruptions.

“Thanks for everything, both of you.” Naruto’s gaze lands on Gaara. “And I’m sorry for all the trouble we’ve caused you.”

“Like you told Uchiha, there’s nothing you could have done. I know you would have done the same for me.” Naruto gave him a small smile.

“Alright, you win sand-boy, but where does that leave us now? Where do we go next?” That was a good question. We’ll eventually have to report to Hokage-sama, but I don’t even know if I’m well enough to leave the village yet.

“Sasuke should be able to leave by tomorrow and then you both can report to Tsunade-sama what occurred here. If she wishes it, we will help assisting Haruno back to Konoha to be held in one of your facilities.” I nod and turn towards Naruto, looking for what he’s thinking. His face is only blank for a couple of moments, his brain working over the entire situation.

“We’ll leave Sakura in your care unless or until Grandma Tsunade says otherwise.” Gaara nods in agreement.

“Well then, I have business to attend to. I shall see you both in the morning.” With that, our visitors left. We were finally alone again. A small smirk spread across my features.

“Naruto.” Getting his attention, I beckon him closer with a finger. He smiles and crawls back into bed with me, lying beside me instead of on top of me. The stress from the day finally hits me, making sleep sound like the best idea I’ve had all day. I feel Naruto turn towards me. I maneuver myself to face him and wait for what he want’s to say.

“I know that we’re probably heading home tomorrow, but….where do we go from there?” I saw the real question in his eyes. ‘Where does our relationship go from here?’ I’m not sure if I’m ready to answer that particular question. Instead, I lean forward and place my lips upon his, giving him a simple kiss.

“You’re thinking too much. Just sleep. Whatever the future holds for us can wait till morning.”

Alas, the end of the chapter. Probably didn't merrit two years worth of a wait, but it is what it is. Reviews do make me happy....if anyone cares to review this beast anymore!! See ya next time!!