Ocean Of Blood And Fire [Sasusaku]

Chapter Seventeen: Sakura's P.O.V.

While Tazuna and Kakashi were talking with the Mist ninjas, I led Naruto over beneath a tree for shade, but I stayed out in the sun, holding his hand out so I had light to work.

But when I wiped the blood away, I was surprised to see the cut already closing. "Wha... Kakashi, get over here! You gotta see this!"

Kakashi was across the path over to us in an instant.

"What is it, are we too late?" I saw the slight panic in his eye before he realized why I'd called him over. The panic was replaced by confusion, then, moments later, understanding. Which was more than I had.

I'd have to demand an explanation later. This wound shouldn't have healed that fast. Under no circumstances does a wound close so rapidly that you can see it healing. It goes against every medical fact I've ever known.

I stared at his hand in my lap, baffled.

"Uh, Sakura-chan?"

I looked up at the serious tone to see a gentle smile, with eyes to match.

"Don't worry about me, Sakura-chan. I'm alright, dattebayo."

I chuckled at his strange habit of using that word.

"Hey! What's so funny? Are you doubting me?!"

"No, Naruto. I'm admiring your determination."

Naruto blinked once, then he blushed and averted his eyes. "O-oh. Well then. Uh, good. That's- that's very good that you're not doubting my abilities, ya know... Cuz then I would have to prove you wrong, hehe. And-"

"Naruto, stop your fumbling and get over here. We have a mission to complete." I glanced over at our 'sensei'.

Why do you hate him so much, Sakura? He helped you... Kind of...

He did get rid of that bastard though. So that actually did help.

"Coming... Sensei," I forced out, trying to make it sound genuine.

He raised an eyebrow, but didn't mention anything about it, which I appreciated.

I stood and tugged Naruto up with me. He stumbled slightly and I put an arm on his shoulder to steady him. He flashed his signature smile at me, so I smiled back, then turned around. As I turned, I caught a glimpse of Sasuke. He was watching us intently. Probably trying to gauge if Naruto was up to traveling. But after a moment, he turned away, casual and and cold as usual.

Well, not always... I thought.

As we walked, headed to the harbor where we would sail to the Hidden Mist Village, (my subconscious already on the lookout for enemies), the memories flashed in my mind of Sasuke being sweet and gentle. Or playfully teasing. The times where he acted more... human.

An image of Sasuke sleeping flashed through my mind. I blushed slightly as I remembered the way his hair fell across his face and pillow. He seemed more like a little kid when he slept.

And the times he seemed genuinely concerned for me. Like in the forest or The Dango Place.

And don't forget the first time you talked to each other, my inner self whispered. My blush deepened in the memory of when he caught me sneaking around his compound in the dead of night. He'd been so rude and demanding- not to mention intimidating, caging me against the wall threateningly. But under that, I'd sensed a genuine curiosity and cautious interest.

I knew a thing or two about putting on an act, myself, so his wasn't hard to spot.

I found myself glancing over at him a couple of times as we traveled, but every time he was staring straight ahead, or scanning the area, alert and on guard against any threats.