The Choice

Chapter 8

Sakura POV:

Once we greeted each other, there was a pregnant silent between us. I never thought meeting him back would be so awkward.

"So what brings you back to the village?" I asked him hesitantly, as I don't even know if he will answer that.

"I have to update Kakashi on my mission and on the investigation that I have conducted." He replied in his deadpan voice.

"Ohh..Nice...Must be an important mission as it brought you back to the village"

"Hnn" he replied.

"So..." Before I could say anything my stomach rumbled and judging by his expression, I think he heard it. This is so embarrassing. Inorder to save face, I blurted out, "Did you have your dinner?"

"Hnn.. No not yet" he replied.

"Would you like to come to my place for dinner? I mean if you are interested..." I asked hesitantly.

"Sure" he replied, which kinda shocked me. I know I have invited him for dinner but I didn't think he would agree.

Then we started walking towards my apartment. Yes, I have my own apartment. I have moved out of my parent's house when I turned 18. At that time, I didn't have fixed hours of work at hospital & I was setting up the children's clinic, hence many times I have to go to the hospital or the clinic in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, due to this, the sleeping schedule of my parents was also disturbed so I decided to move out. Plus it kinda also gave me my own space.

We were walking towards my apartment in silence. Once we reached my apartment, I opened the door and invited him in. I kept my keys in the bowl and remove my sandals and wore my home slippers. Further, I went into my living room. My apartment is a 2BHK. It's not that big but it is sufficient for me.

"There is washroom down the hall, if you want to freshen up. I will just change and get started on the dinner." I said had left him and moved towards my bedroom. I hopped into the bathroom and had a quick hot shower. Once I am done with the same, I changed into comfortable clothing i.e. an oversized t-shirt and pyjamas. As I came out of my room, I saw Sasuke, looking at the photos that I have hung on the wall.

"I will start preparing dinner, meanwhile do you want to have some tea?" I asked.

" No, I am good" he replied.

Once I entered into the kitchen, I went to the fridge to check on the ingredients. I decided to cook fried chicken rice and miso soup. Once I have collected all the items, I started cooking. After half an hour the food was ready. I came out of the kitchen to tell him the dinner was ready. I saw him sitting on the sofa reading one of my Medical books.

"Dinner's ready" I announced, "Can you please grab the utensils from the kitchen, I will set the table." Once the table was set, we sat across each other and started eating.

"So for how long are you going to stay in the village." I asked in order to make a normal conversation.

"Till the time we get an investigation team ready for the mission," he replied.

"Ohh... So how were your travels" I asked.

"Good" He replied. Well even after all this time, his conversation skills have not improved one bit. So we ate in silence.

After a few minutes "So how is your work at the hospital?" he asked.

I was shocked that he initiated the conversation. "It's good. Too tiring but still rewarding. Today I have three surgeries." I said enthusiastically. "Talking about work, I wanted to thank you for the donation of the land in the Uchiha district for the children's clinic and rehabilitation centre. It helped a lot, due to the war we have many kids who have lost both of their parents in the war and have suffered traumatically due to it."

" Hnn..Well the land was laying vacant anyway. I am glad it helped." He replied.

"So where are you staying in the village." I inquired.

"Well Kakashi said he will ready an accommodation for me. Meanwhile, I will stay with Naruto till it's ready" He said while making a little face as if he doesn't like the idea of the same. Well I can see the idea of staying with a couple would make anyone uncomfortable, let alone Sasuke who is the president of lone wolf club.

"Well I hope for your sanity, Kakashi readies your accommodation at the earliest, living with a couple is not an ideal living situation, especially at night." I said chuckling.

"Wait Couple" he asked and looked at me in a confused and somewhat shocked face.

"Yeah, I mean Hinata and Naruto are living together. Even I was shocked when I get to know about that given that Hinata is a huyga and how traditional they are but I guess, as Hinata is not the heir to the clan and its's Naruto, Hizashi must have agreed and judging by your shocked face, I guess you didn't know about this titbit."

"No I didn't, Naruto has not mentioned me this. I guess I need to find an inn to live till my residence is ready." He sighed

"Well you can live here" Again I blurted it out without thinking and I guess I am doing that a lot around him. "I mean, I have a spare room and I live mostly at the hospital due to some night shifts and again this will be only temporary till you get your place."

He looked like he was contemplating the offer. "Okay, I will stay here." He replied.

"Okay"

Once we are done with the dinner, I cleaned the table, kept the used utensils in the sink and started washing them. Sasuske suddenly came behind me and I can feel his breath on my neck as he spoke, "Let me do the dishes, it's the least I can do for staying here."

"Huh..umm it's okay I can do it, no biggee" I stuttered.

"Your chakar levels are low, you need rest. I can take care of this." He insisted.

Sighing, I reluctantly agreed. I moved towards the guest room which I have converted into my home office. Once entering into the room, I saw there were some papers on my desk which I need to organise. Moving towards the wardrobe, I opened it to get out an extra futon, bedding and pillow for Saskue and arrange the same in the room. I also took out an over-sized t-shirt and pyjamas bottoms for him. Hopefully, this fit's him. Once I am done with the arrangement, I am leaving the room and I saw Sasuske standing at the doorframe. I handed him the T-shirt and Pyjamas. He raised his eyebrow "Well I hope this fits as this is the only thing that I have close to your size and Sorry it's a little messy. I didn't have time to organise my office. Do you need anything else." I asked.

Looking at the arrangement he said, "Nothing, It's good."

As I was leaving, he said, "Sakura, Thank You"

I smiled and replied, "Good Night Sasuke" and left towards my room.

Once I was in my room, I sighed and dropped down on my bed. Today was hectic. I remembered all the events from today and damm I am tired. Once I done my night time routine, I snuggled in my bed. As soon as my head touched the pillow, Sleep took-over me in seconds. I guess I was too tired.

At around 5 in the morning, there was a knock on my window, it was an Anbu. Once I opened the window, he said that there is an emergency at the children's clinic and I need to be there urgently. He disappeared after stating the same. Hearing the same, I quickly got out of the bed and dressed in my office clothes. I rushed out of my room and towards the exit while grabbing my keys.

"Where are you going?"

The voice startled me and I turned around and saw Sasuke standing in the lobby.

" Ohh..there is an emergency at the children's clinic. I need to go. Sorry to wake you up, go back to sleep." Saying this I rushed out of house towards the clinic.

Within 10 minutes, I reached the clinic and as I entered the clinic, I saw head nurse running towards me.

"Sakura, it's Nero." and she started explaining me the situation as we go towards his room. Once I entered his room and saw him, my doctor mode is on and immediately started treating him.

After two and half hours of treating him and stabilizing him, he was okay and I went into my office at the clinic. I saw the time, it was 7:45 AM. I sighed and as I sat on my chair feeling too tired I kept my head down and fall into the slumber.

After sometime, I heard footsteps approaching and opened my eyes to see the intruder. What I saw shocked me and left me flabbergasted.