Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Loveless Suna ❯ Chapter 32

Little warning: when I was rereading it, I found the end too rushed so I rewrote it and that part is still unbetad.

Beta: SilverTwilight88

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Once outside I remembered I needed my hence, but Sasuke stopped me.

“Nobody dares to come here... except Sakura or an ANBU, who's ordered to bring me a mission and since I'm already on a mission…” I nodded in understanding. “And you're going to need all the chakra you've got.” He ended with a smirk before turning his head to look where he was going.

`Why do I have the feeling he isn't going to go easy on me?' We stopped at the Uchiha's training grounds and Sasuke decided to start with a spar. He wanted to know just how far along I was in my training. And of course it ended with me on the ground clenching my side and I wouldn't be surprised if I had a broken rib.

“Sakura's coming.” Sasuke said looking down, bored at me.

“Thank Kami!” I sighed, causing myself unnecessary pain in the process. Trying to get my mind of my injured ribs I concentrated on Sakura's chakra and since there was only one moving in our direction, I guessed it was her.

“What the hell did you do to her, Sasuke-kun?!” Her voice could have been heard a mile away. She quickly started to heal me; while the accused Uchiha still had the same bored, expression.

“I tested her.” He explained in the end.

“How, by almost killing her?” The medical nin glared at him.

“By not killing her.” The glare only worsened, but didn't seem to affect the master of glares at all.

“I'm fine, Sakura… now that you're here. And I don't want people to go easy on me; I'll never improve that way.” My friend looked worried at me, but respected my decision.

“Still, Sasuke-kun shouldn't have used so much strength during your first spar.” Her face turned to her old teammate. “She is still only a genin.”

“At this point she'll end up being a jounin.” The Uchiha defended himself.

“Yeah, but now she can't continue today because her bones have to heal.” Sakura hissed angry.

“Then we have time to visit Iruka.” The pink haired woman seemed surprised to hear this.

“That's a great idea!” I supported my daddy and tested my chest.

“Sit still!” My doctor ordered and I pouted. After what seemed an eternity she finally let me stand up and carefully move around. “Don't go doing any odd moves for the rest of the day and you'll be fine.” She said and I cheered up noticing the pain was minimal.

“Let's go make our visit.” I decided, grabbing Sasuke's hand and hooking my arm in Sakura's.

“Don't forget to hence before we leave the Uchiha district.” My pink friend reminded me.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. So, have you seen Iruka already?”

“Yes, he's doing fine; especially with Kakashi-sensei being such an attentive nurse.” She smiled teasingly.

“Those two are so cute together, aren't they?” Sakura nodded eagerly before looking concerned at the entwined hands behind me.

“There really isn't anything going on between you two, right?” Surprised I followed her look and started shaking my head violently.

“Really, Gaara's the only one for me and Naruto for Sasuke, isn't he?” I got a small nod from the raven, who had left his own world for a second hearing his love's name. “But who's your only one?” I brought the conversation to a delicate subject.

“No one… I mean I'm not interested in anyone at the moment.” Sakura tried to rescue her too quick answer.

“Yeah right, who is it?! Lee?” Hearing her ex-boyfriend's name calmed the pink nin.

“No, not Lee, we're just friends.”

“Oh, what happened?” I asked finding it a pity. Lee would definitely put her first in his life.

“It started really romantic and all, but we were both still too young and not really ready for a serious relationship. In the end we were more growing like friends than as a couple and our feelings started to change in that direction.” I let a disappointed `Oh' escape from my mouth. “Maybe if we had gotten together when we were a little older it might have worked.” Not knowing how to react to this a small pause settled itself between us.

“So… who do you like now?” I changed the subject back to the delicate subject.

“Didn't I already answer that?” Sakura said a little irritated.

“Yeah, but… you answered to quickly, letting me know there is someone you like.” Our arms got unlinked and the pink nin started to yell.

“There's no one!”

“Does she sound convincing?” I asked Sasuke, who shook his head calmly, making Sakura only angrier.

“How can you ask him? He…”

“Sai.” I said noticing a guy with a naked mid section in the distance getting closer. The rambling stopped immediately and the woman in front of me turned almost as red as a tomato. Surprised, but curious I took in her reaction. She seemed to have stiffened and refused to turn around to the man that still hadn't seen us.

“Hence!” Sasuke hissed me back to reality.

“Oh yeah…” Quickly I formed the hand signals and changed into Temari. “Not that he knows who I am anyway.” I mumbled, seeing that Sakura had returned to the living. Taking a last breath she turned around and called out to her friend. Sai finally noticed us and accelerated his pace.

“Hi, Sakura-chan, Sasuke-kun and…” He seemed to search for my name. “Temari-chan.” He smiled in the end.

“Hi, Sai-san.” I was hoping Temari gave him the -san suffix, but since the smile didn't falter I guessed I was correct.

“How come you're already home?” Sakura interrupted.

`Is it just me or does she sound jumpy?' I questioned myself.

“We just got back and I met Ino-chan at the Hokage tower, she said you were looking for me.”

“Ino-Pig!” I heard Sakura mumble angry, but the two guys didn't seem to hear her instead Sai kept smiling expectantly at his friend. “I just wanted to invite you to Ichiruka as a welcome home present.” She mumbled in the end and a little blush began to spread.

“I would love too.”

`Really, an answer from a book' I couldn't help but compare the way Sai answered. “But first I would like to pay Naruto-kun a visit.” His eyes slid over to Sasuke, who didn't seem to react, but I saw it… his posture had changed.

“We're on our way to visit Iruka-san, why don't you come with us and we'll visit Naruto-kun's grave afterwards together.” I suggested while those onyx eyes turned back to me.

“Iruka-san, is there something wrong with Iruka-san?” The raven asked surprised.

“Ino didn't tell you?” Sakura said shocked.

`She was to busy with sending your crush to you.' I thought sarcastically while the former ROOT nin shook his head.

“We'll at the aca… Sasuke-kun, where are you going?” The Uchiha had started to walk again, pulling me slightly with him.

“To the hospital.” He answered shortly before continuing his step. I rushed after him and fell in step with him. Glancing backwards I noticed the other two had also starting to follow us, while the pink nin continued with her explanation.

“Sai probably doesn't even notice that Sakura likes him.” I mumbled to my daddy beside me.

“He still doesn't completely understand friendship, let alone love.”

“Maybe we should give him some books about that… or better books that describes a girl in love.” I got a smirk back before the raven's attention got pulled by something in front of us. Looking up I noticed Shikamaru was walking calmly towards us.

“How would Temari react?” I mumbled as explanation for what I was going to do next. I quickened my pace a little, just like my blonde friend always did when she heard her love had arrived in Suna. Once the lazy nin was in reach I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close. `I wish he was Gaara.' I sighed mentally, closing my eyes and pretended it was a hug from my redhead.

“Where are you guys going?” Shika asked when we released each other. I noticed Sai observing us closely and couldn't help the shiver that ran down my spine. Being observed that closely wasn't that fun.

“We're going to pay Iruka a visit.” Sasuke answered. It seemed he could get along with the genius. Shikamaru nodded and laid his arm around my waist, joining us. During the walk I could feel Sai's eyes on my back and I was almost hoping Sakura would kiss the living daylight out of him to get his attention off me. But of course that was near impossible; more chance that she would knock him out, because he was being inconsiderate to her by staring at another woman… not that he would know why. The other raven also kept stealing looks at Shika and me.

`He's acting like an overprotective father.' I thought chuckling a little. When entering the Hokage tower Shizune saw us.

“Nara-san, I was just looking for you. The Hokage needs you.” My fake boyfriend nodded and bowed over to me. For a moment I thought I was getting a kiss, but instead he asked if I was sleeping at his apartment tonight. I nodded before he released me and followed Shizune. I noticed from the corner of my eye that Sai was looking intensely at me.

`Great, he probably thinks Shika just kissed me… or maybe that's what Shika wanted.' The working mind of a genius was a mystery.

-

After knocking I opened the door that gave entrance to Iruka's room, to find an awake chuunin with a little boy sleeping next to him. Kakashi was sitting on the window bank looking peacefully at the family picture of his lover and son.

“Shi… Temari-san, Sakura-chan, Sasuke-kun and Sai-kun.” Iruka greeted us with his usual smile.

“How are you feeling, Iruka-san?” I asked polite, keeping in mind I had to act like Temari as long as Sai was with us.

“Fine…” He wanted to continue, but at that point Tsunade walked in with Shizune, Shikamaru, Ino and Neji behind her.

“Great you're all here.” She stated, pushing us all, further in the room. She let her assistant pass and Shizune walked over to Iruka's bed. They exchanged a few words before she picked up the sleeping boy. Tsunade kept her honey eyes on her until she had left the room.

“Shizuka-sama drop the hence.” Surprised I looked from her to Sai and Neji. The raven looked shocked and ready to fight while the Hyuuga eyes widened slightly. Quickly I listened to the Hokage, who turned to Sai.

“This is Shizuka-sama, concubine of the Kazekage. She's in hiding here as his sister.” The last she explained to him and the couple, not knowing Ino was already informed. “With Iruka-kun down and Kakashi's need by his side, you three are going to replace them.” The three nodded understanding and Tsunade turned to the Uchiha. “I guess you're already started with Shizuka-sama's training, continue.” Sasuke nodded. “Ino-san, Sakura, I want one of you at Shizuka-sama's side at all times.” The two girls `hai'-ed.

`She's doing the same as Gaara did, giving me bodyguards.' I thought, feeling a little insecure. Gaara had failed, so what made Tsunade confident in succeeding. The only thing she did differently was putting medical nins on my side. “Have you already informed Gaara of the attack?” I asked, seeing she was done with her orders.

“Yes, I also informed him about the extra measures we're taking, so don't expect him to come and get you.” She could look right through me.

“I wasn't thinking that.” I mumbled not very convincing. How much I liked it here; I still missed my redhead like crazy. She smirked at me and ordered me to hence again. After listening to her, she opened the door only to get run over by Souta.

“S-sorry!” The little boy squeaked.

“Next time look where you're going.” Tsunade said ruffling his hair and left the room. Ino, being the one closest to the boy, picked him up and handed him to Iruka.

“What are you all doing here?!” He asked glaring at everyone except his parents. His little mind had probably associated the Hokage with a mission.

“Just visiting Iruka-sensei.” Sakura smiled sweetly.

“All at the same time?”

“Yeah, we really have timing, don't we?” Ino chuckled, but the boy still wasn't convinced.

“If you weren't talking about a mission, why did I have to leave?” He stared challenging the blonde.

“We didn't want to wake you.” Neji aided his girlfriend. Souta still seemed to doubt our story and kept sending glares at us during the whole visit.

“Maaa, Souta-kun why don't we go pay baachan a visit?” Kakashi asked the glaring boy, who perked up.

“Baachan?” He looked from the copy-nin to his sick father for permission.

“Go, she'll be happy to see you again. I have enough visitors.” Iruka added to the statement. The boy gave one last, warning glare at everyone before jumping of the bed and running out the room. Kakashi sheepishly followed him.

“He really is a smart boy.” I sighed looking at the door close again.

“Yeah, you better watch out or he'll discover you're his precious Shizuka-chan.” The teacher teased me with the boy's adoration. A blush crawled on my cheeks and I was glad Sakura suggested to get some chairs for us all. I got the one that was out of the view of the door; so I could drop the hence.

An hour later only Sasuke, Shikamaru and me were still there. Sakura's shift had started, Neji and Ino were expected at the Hyuuga compound; Ino was going to get introduced to the side branch and Sai wanted to visit Naruto's grave before it got dark. I had been really confused hearing this since; it was only a little after noon and only got more confused when Sasuke forbade me to join him. My confusion only got worse when Iruka and Shikamaru agreed with him, saying it'll be dark when they got there.

`Where the hell did they bury him?' I wondered, watching Sai take off.

“We'll go there tomorrow.” Sasuke decided seeing my disappointed face.

“Where the hell did you bury him?” I asked my question.

“Outside the village, Naruto-kun has been an example for many people and has many friends, who aren't allowed inside the village for our safety.” Iruka explained.

“It takes more then half a day to get there and it isn't safe outside of the village for you.” Shika continued. I sighed disappointed but respected their decision. After another half hour filled with talk and laughter, we decided to leave and give Iruka his much deserved rest. He was starting to have trouble keeping his eyes open.

-

The rest of the day I spent with Sasuke and Shikamaru, which was against Tsunade's order, but I guess that Sakura and Ino still had to work out their schedule to keep me company. But as long as Sakura wasn't with me, I could get the book I wanted for Sai. I had forced my daddy into the bookshop he himself had recommended and by a miracle Sasuke was actually paying a little attention to the books I picked out. I guess he was looking forward to Sai's behavior. Unlike my daddy, my fake boyfriend had settled himself near the entrance staring at the sky, once in a while he would look at us and mumbled troublesome, which made me laugh.

-

Later after a long rest at the Uchiha compound; I needed to recharge my chakra, we went to Ichiraku. Against my expectations Sai and Sakura were present. I had thought they would come tomorrow since the raven did say he was going to visit Naruto. While I sat down on the other side from the male with Shikamaru next to me, Sasuke chose to sit next to Sakura, the former ROOT nin explained that some important matters had come up, making him unable to go. Ayame interrupted us to get our order and when she disappeared back into the kitchen, I felt eyes staring at me. I turned my head to meet onyx, observing eyes.

“Is there something on my face?” I asked Sai and got a shake of the head as answer.

“I was just wondering…” My eyes encouraged him to continue.

“How can you pretend to be in love with someone?” He asked to my surprise.

“Euh, well, imagine the other person as the one you love.”

“What if you don't have anyone?” He seemed to have been sitting with a lot of questions.

“Then… remember how you used to act when you were in love with someone.” I decided was a good answer. I noticed Sakura had stopped in the middle of eating and was staring at Sai. I could see some hope on her face.

“What if you've never been in love?” And it was destroyed.

“Well…” In time I remembered the book I had bought for him. “Wait…” I dove to the ground and pulled it out of the paper bag. “Here!” I handed it over to him. Surprised he read the title and looked confused at me. “Giving a present to someone is always a great way to start a friendship, isn't it?” I smiled and he seemed to remember reading something about it since he nodded slowly. “There's a chapter that describes the way people react when they're in love.” I continued, flipping the book open to the table of contents. He looked intrigued at it before clapping it close again.

“I'll read it tonight.” He smiled at me and in the corner of my eye I noticed Sakura getting red. I winked at her, making sure she understood for whom I was doing this.

-

After dinner Sasuke escorted Shika and me home and again I got this overprotective parent image from him. But I couldn't blame him, he had something to protect again after losing everything. Tired I fell down on my bed hugging my pillow.

“I'm beat.” I mumbled to myself, but my backpack pulled my attention. `I still haven't unpacked.' I sighed getting up. I picked it up and sat back down on my bed. I removed a couple of clothing pieces and scrolls out of it. `That's it?' I questioned myself, feeling the sides for hiding pockets. I felt a little bump and with little effort got a necklace out of it.

“The necklace Gaara bought me.” I smiled surprised, feeling warmth develop inside my chest. I caressed the jewel affectionately and some sand stuck to my skin. `Weird, it doesn't want to come off.' I thought after trying to remove it. “The only sand that does that is Gaara's, but… of course… it's because of his chakra.” With something of my redhead this close I felt safe and decided to put the necklace on. I changed into my nightgown and crawled underneath the blankets. While staring, how the sand grains rolled between my fingers, I fell asleep.

Stephke23: Alright, long chapter's done. I can already tell you next chapter's going to be the visit to Naruto's grave and some questions are going to be answered. Review!