Involuntary Parents

Involuntary Parents [14]

The sound of a cell phone ringing cut through the peaceful morning like a knife. Sakura stirred slightly trying to block out the sound, but it only hot louder.

Groaning, she reached for the vibrating device and quickly declined the incoming call. A sigh escaped her lips once the tranquil silence resumed after putting the phone on silent. But her breath almost stopped when she felt Sasuke stir.

No, no, no. Don't wake up yet. Stupid phone! She hurriedly placed it back on the bedside table and snuggled closer to the stirring figure. Relief flooded through her when his movements stopped and his breathing steadied.

She didn't want the moment to end, Sasuke was holding her. His arms had moved so they now wrapped around her small frame, pulling her closer to his clothed chest. Her legs intertwined with his as her head rested against his chest. And for once in her life, she felt truly safe.

The Uchiha stirred once more and she quickly closed her eyes. She thought about pretending to be asleep to procrastinate getting out of bed. Or rather getting out of his embrace.

Sasuke slowly opened his eyes and cursed lowly as his eyes tried to adjust to the brightness of the room. For a moment he didn't recognize where he was, but then memories of the previous night came flooding back.

He looked down at the sleeping figure in his arms and simply stared for a moment. He'd never understand, it was just beyond his comprehension as to why he found the sight of Sakura in the morning so intriguing.

The raven haired boy tilted his head slightly to get a look at her face. Covered by a mess of pink hair was the only thing he wanted to see every morning. Her face. And he wasn't going to share that with anyone. Not even her 'friends'.

His arms unknowingly tightened around her as a form of protection. Or perhaps possessiveness. He didn't share and he certainly wasn't about to share her. Though he was conflicted about just what Sakura was to him.

He merely liked the fact that her presence beside him granted him good sleep. That he could roll over and actually bump into someone, rather than be met by an empty spot.

Sasuke's train of thought was broken however when he saw her eyes peak open a fraction only to be shut abruptly after. He chuckled softly before speaking.

"You're terrible at this you know," he said.

Sakura groaned and opened her eyes. "It was worth a shot," she muttered. Tilting her head back she stared up at him. He looked so different. His facial features were relaxed and his lips looked soft. Usually emotionless eyes peered at her with a soft gaze. He seemed amused really.

"Ohayo," he said staring back at her.

"Hmm," she hummed inhaling his scent. Sakura smiled, "ohayo." Her hand trailed up his shoulder on its way to touch his cheek, but before it could, he jerked away as though he'd been burnt. And just like that, a perfect, beautiful morning ended.

Sasuke slowly released her and got out of bed. Without glancing at her, he left for the bathroom.

Sakura silently cursed herself as she sat up in bed. She was frustrated and upset. Frustrated with Sasuke being anti-Sakura and upset with herself for ruining the moment. Sasuke was like a wild animal that had just been caught. To touch him, you had to take slow steps and present yourself as an ally and not a threat.

And that's how he was with his emotions. He was so intent on not caring, not showing that he's human like the rest of them, that he would close up whenever he felt vulnerable. For that was what Sakura made him feel. Truly vulnerable.

The sound of a phone vibrating caught her attention. She sighed and picked up the device. Who could be calling Sasuke at this hour? Maybe it was Itachi, after all he hadn't called to check up on them last night.

She looked at the caller ID and frowned when she saw the name.

Karin.

*

"Hey Hinata," Kiba said as he joined Hinata in the examination room along with Naruto and his sister.

"Hi Kiba-kun," she said as he embraced her in a tight hug.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Well Naruto-kun's dog is sick so we came to see your sister." She said turning to look at the blonde as he listened to Hana.

"Oh, poor guy," Kiba said looking at the dog. Hinata yawned catching Kiba's attention. "Are you okay?"

"Me?" She asked surprised by his question. "I'm fine Kiba-kun."

He narrowed his eyes at her, "you don't look fine." He placed his palm against her forehead and she squeaked catching Naruto's attention.

The blonde haired boy watched as Kiba removed his hand from a crimson Hinata. The two continued talking and he frowned. He didn't know why but watching Hinata laugh and slap him on the should lightly made him upset.

"Naruto...Naruto!" Hana whisper yelled.

"Heh? Oh gomen Hana," he said turning back to face the vet. "How is he?"

She shook her head, "it doesn't look good."

"What do you mean?" He panicked. "Is he going to die?"

"Well," she sighed. "He's responding to the antibiotics I gave him which is a good sign. His breathing is stable, but I'm afraid it's exactly we Hinata presumed. It's the same disease. But..."

"But?" He asked urging her to continue.

"He should have been dead by now, his condition is critical. Someone stayed up watching him all night I presume?"

Hinata.

That explained how tired she looked when he woke up that morning. But he was too busy getting Kurama to the vet that he hadn't asked.

"Yes," he answered. He looked at his wife, she was so thoughtful. She sacrificed her sleep for his pet.

"Well I'm going to have to keep him here under observation if that's okay with you?" Naruto nodded. "He'll be isolated from other animals, heaven knows what would happen if Akamaru gets sick." She said glancing at her brother.

"Can I visit some time?"

"Yes, of course," she said. Naruto smiled and stroked his dogs fur.

"Bye Kurama," he said.

Hana wheeled him out of the room and Naruto turned away from the sight of Kiba and Hinata. He hated the way she looked at him. Was she in love with him?

Before he could expand on the thought he heard Kiba yell, "Hinata!"

He spun around to face a fainted Hinata. Immediately he was by her side, "what happened?" He demanded lifting her into his arms.

"I don't know, she just fainted. Hana!"

Hana came running in and she quickly scanned Hinata in Naruto's arms. She placed a hand on her forehead and pulled it back. "She has a fever. Probably just the flu. Nothing to worry about."

"With Naruto taking care of her, then we do have something to worry about. I'll call Neji and—"

"No Kiba, I can take care of her."

"Right, I—"

"Kiba, let him." Hana said.

Kiba sighed, "fine, but if anything happens to her I'll have your head."

Naruto rolled his eyes and left, he placed Hinata on the backseat of his car. Getting in the front he started the car and drove off.

Don't worry Hinata.