Beta-reader: Terror-Of-The-Crimson-Night

Chapter: Three – Guts to Spill and Patients to Kill

Type: Story – Incomplete

Word Count: 4,309

Disclaimer: If you've heard of it it's not mine.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Again the phone rang, again it was stared at. But not answered. No. It was never answered.

No matter how much he wanted to, and boy did he want to, he couldn't. He was supposed to be protecting her from the knowledge of what was happening on this end. If she knew she'd be back here in a flash and that couldn't happen. She is supposed to be happy and to achieve that, she was just going to have to be ignored.

Captain-Commander knew of course that she called and that was good enough for a check in. Thankfully he understood their need to keep her out of it and was allowing it.

Toushiro wasn't a boy genius for nothing though; Sakura must be worried out of her mind. And a worried Sakura is one of the worst things to have. This wasn't going to end well. Not well at all.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

It took all of my strength not to ask for a temporary leave.

Not only would it be bad timing for Konoha, it'd be just bad all together for me. I was already ordered not to return unless told otherwise, and disobeying orders wasn't a smart idea in the least. Captain-Commander could be twice as bad as any authority or highly trained shinobi – Shishou – when he wanted; and that fact alone is good enough for me to stay put.

Not enough, though, for me to shut up. I am worried as hell and my team as well as Shishou know it. I can't help it and they'll ask, even though they already knew they won't get an answer. I don't want to spill my guts just yet. What if he calls within a week? I'd have gone through an entire explanation for nothing, and I most certainly don't want to do that. Not that I can either.

It's already been two weeks since I first started calling. Two. Six or more calls a day; three in the morning, three at night and more whenever I can squeeze them in. But that is just Shiro. I've also tried Byakuya and Captain Soifon multiple times.

But they didn't answer either…

Not only am I worried, but I'm frustrated. I should have gotten on their nerves by now. So why hadn't they picked up and bellowed at me? It doesn't make any sense. None at all. Is something wrong? Are they deliberately not answering? No that can't be it; they'd never do that to me…would they? I shook my head. No! They wouldn't do that. Then did that mean they aren't answering because they can't? If so, then why can't they? All three are captains so they can't be in serious danger…can they?

"Sakura?" Naruto questioned with concern and he managed to shove me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" I returned not only his question but to my mask of faux happiness. I know he's concerned but I have to know if they are okay. I just have to.

"Is something wrong, Sakura?" Sasuke probed before Naruto could do so himself. Not you too, I can't handle you on top of it. Naruto is bad enough.

"No, of course not." Yes, I contradicted in my thoughts, something is very wrong. But what? "Why would you think that?" They won't fall for it. I know that, but I still have to try.

"You're lying." Naruto pointed out solemnly. Of course he'd catch on; I hate how he can always catch what I'm thinking. It's like he's on the same wave length. Or perhaps it's just so glaringly obvious because I've never lied to them before. I watched their faces twist in unhappiness, both looked down right miserable. I cringed. Why do they have to be so blunt with their emotions around me? It hurts to know I hurt them because I couldn't tell the straight up truth. Because I didn't want to. I cringed again at the thought; it'd kill me if one of them lied to me. Why am I doing it to them? Because of orders. Great, now I feel horrible for lying and making them miserable and my heart aches with worry for my other half. Can this get any worse? Why'd I ask that? Of course it can.

I sighed, I hate to see them like this especially knowing I'd caused.

"We're your family, you can talk to us." Sasuke tagged on, fed up with my secrets no doubt. And sore that I'd lied to him. He just wants the truth. Is their misery really worth keeping my worry to myself? They'd help and reassure me, I know they would. So why not tell them? Because I want to know what was going on first. I would also be creating a game of one million questions and I hardly feel up to answering just one. Are those good enough reasons to keep my mouth shut? No, but I am going to try anyway.

"Yeah and you don't need to hide how your feeling." Naruto agreed trying to coax an answer out of me. Don't, please don't. I'll give in if they keep this up. Who ever said the worst form of torture is to harm the loved ones was dead on. I felt my heart throb painfully, sobbing since I could not.

Another sigh was exhaled, "I know I can, and I'm not hiding my feelings." My voice came out tired from all the strain I am putting on myself out of worry for my real family. And for making my team, my family, feel like I don't trust them with my feelings. That's not true.

"Yes you are." Naruto argued, Sasuke nodded completely siding with Naruto. It became clear that unless they got the full truth then they were going to keep at their antics. And just off set me all the more. At times like this, I wish my boys weren't so caring, or attuned to me. That they didn't always want to know how I feel. That they would simply take the hint when I told a lie so they'd leave it alone. Yet at the same time, I know I am lucky to have such people. Such people that could break your heart if they so wished or make you want to rip your hair out and know you'd never hold it against them. Such people that could make you laugh so hard you wanted to cry and knew your deepest, darkest secrets. Such people that would protect you no matter what. Those types of people are few and far between. I'll never give mine up.

Everything always has a double meaning, doesn't it?

"If I was hiding my emotions you wouldn't be asking if there was something wrong, would you?" I shot back, still dodging his first question. "Besides I'm sure it's quite obvious that I'm worried out of my mind, because I am." I tagged on, shutting them up for a few moments.

"Why?" Sasuke question, still determined to get the full story this time around. I wanted to groan. Just let it drop, please.

I just smiled, falsely, and shook my head. If I look okay he'll have to leave me alone. They both will. For the moment at least. "You two know me, I worry far too much over the small things." I'm still dodging and hoping they'd let it drop.

"No you don't, you're confident and not one of your precious people are in danger in any way." I hadn't realized I'd lied until Sasuke pointed this out. I always did hate it when he got logical with his photographic memory and other genius related talents. He always found holes and I never knew how to cover them up quickly enough. It's frustrating and helpful at the same time. Then again Sasuke is full of contradictions.

I sighed for the third time this conversation and opted for a different approach, "Look–" But I never got to try it. Why?

"Don't you dare, Sakura." Because Naruto had interrupted, "Were a family, you don't have to shoulder the burden on your own."

"You're not supposed to." Sasuke added on. That's another thing, I love them and appreciate their support, but when they use it to get answers it's straight up annoying. Because they always win.

"How many times are you going to make me sigh in one conversation?" I threw back, knowing I'd lost and that was just the line that told them they had won. They looked expectant for an answer and relieved and not so betrayed that I was opting for the truth this time.

Orders be damned on this one, Captain-Commander didn't specifically say I couldn't anyway. We're just taught not to unless it's unavoidable. "I'm worried because of…" I trialed off realizing another reason I'd trying to keep my mouth shut was I just didn't know how to word it with out inducing questions.

Naruto's yellow eyebrows drew together, "because of?" he prompted not seeing the why I had stopped

"Your not thinking of another lie are you?" Sasuke questioned skeptically.

"No!" I exclaimed immediately then pursed a soft tone, "of course not. I'm just trying to find out how to word it." They nodded, satisfied with the answer. "I'm worried out of my mind for my–" but I didn't get to finish again. I can't decide if that's fortunate or unfortunate.

"Haruno-sempai!" A female voice exclaimed with urgency and I whirled at my second surname to find the person calling it. Tokiko, one of my nurses, which only meant one thing. I couldn't find the courage to peek at Naruto and Sasuke's faces. They had most likely set back into sullen, because now it probably seems like I planned this. When I didn't, damn it. I found myself wanting to groan again and an odd out of place realization made itself known. Today is really getting repetitive.

"Yes?" I asked. Did something go wrong at the hospital? Was someone injured to the point of near death?

"You're requested at the hospital immediately." She answered through her panting.

"Why? What is the reason?" I questioned my eyes unconsciously flickering in my boys' direction. I won't leave without a good reason, that's for sure.

"I'm sorry, I do not know." the red-head was still panting but had managed a professional look. I felt my eye twitch. She can come find me but not know the emergency for doing so? Can you say irritated?

"Why not? Were you not told?" I continued with the double questions wanting to know why she didn't know.

She cringed, seeming to catch the irritation in my voice, and being frightened by it. My staff knew better then to irk me. So then why had she when she knew I'd go through this? I've done this to her plenty of times, asking why I was being called in and demanding to know why she didn't know, if she didn't. One would think she would have learned by now. "I'm sorry I tried to find that out. I simply wasn't told."

I frowned and glanced at my long time teammates once more. And sighed. What I am I supposed to do? Tell them I'll give them an answer ASAP? I can't very well ignore a 'request' to hurry to the hospital immediately. That's irresponsible and possibly heartless if someone is severely injured. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if someone was unnecessarily killed or nearly killed. At the same time I can't just leave my self-proclaimed brothers hanging like this.

I heard a sigh and turned to in the direction it had resonated from. Sasuke. He looked me in the eye, "Do you promise to tell us when you can?" he seemed reluctant to let me go so easily after all his persisting.

Naruto held hopeful eyes and the fact that I couldn't say no was now pushed to making me want to hurry back. Damn it, even when they are giving up for the moment I still can't bear to make them miserable even if it makes me feel awkward and unhappy. Yet I couldn't help but nod, "Of course."

Both lit up in response and were gone with muttered goodbyes which I took no time in returning. I huffed and turned for the hospital, Tokiko trailing behind.

It didn't take long to reach the hospital and with little need of direction I was quickly heading toward the ER. Great, will at least I was pulled for the conversation with my boys for an important reason. Then I heard, "He won't let anyone treat him except you."

I paled. He. If he is who I think he is, then he is going to get on my nerves. Fast. And is a major idiot. I'm not even needed, my nurses can handle this. He is just being picky and I didn't need to leave to treat him. I'm going to kill him. Well, I would, if I wouldn't get into major trouble for it with Shishou.

By now I'm sure my face is twisted in fury because my nurses are shifting nervously. When I got there though, I made sure to melt into cold professionalism. If he wants to be picky and get on my nerves then I'll show him a cold shoulder and see how he likes it.

I walked in briskly straight to his side. I was right. Stupid Uchiha. I proceeded to shove him into a laying position, if he has the energy to argue who treats him then he can sure as hell withstand a bit of roughness. Though I shouldn't, it's not exactly the action of a caring medic, but it is one of a medic pissed off at her patient because he is being foolhardy. And that's exactly the situation. So I believe I am within my rights to be slightly rough with an absurd patient.

The thing is he allowed me to push him down. Why? Is that supposed to mean he trusts me? No, that's impossible. We don't know each other well enough. Then perhaps he is testing me, seeing if I'm worth it. Worth of what, though? Plus he specifically made sure the one to be his medic is me. He has been doing that since I first tended to him a few months ago. Hell, if he can he'll wait at my doorstep for me to come home or answer the door. What in the world is that supposed to mean? Perhaps he favors me compared to my nurses, since I'm more sensible and not shy under his intent gaze nor timid to boss him around and I'm not a fan girl either. Maybe that's the reason. He just sees me as a more promising and easily coped with caretaker. Which I can be when I want to. And at the moment I'm not to happy that he pulled me from my boys when I was finally going to spill my guts and tell them everything.

I shook my head mentally, I should be concentrating, and besides the whole thing is confusing and mind boggling. And the best solution with everything else going on is to ignore it. Yet I've got the feeling, he is not going to let me. Okay. Enough. Just tend to him and go find Sasuke and Naruto. That's most likely the best solution at the moment.

So that's what I set to work on.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

After I was completely sure he was stable, I left. He'd be out for at least twenty-four hours. And should it be necessary, I asked one of my very sensible nurses to take care of him in the mean time.

Now I've got to find my boys.

Training or at their apartment? Well it's midday, so…

Apartment.

Besides it's closer. I dashed toward their home. Naruto and Sasuke share a home because Naruto lived alone at one time and Sasuke got fed up with his clan's crap and decided to move in with Naruto. Said blonde had no qualms on this front and simply dragged Ino and I into helping them out.

Thankfully when I knocked on the door Sasuke answered. I didn't wait to be let in, I simply walked past him and plopped down on the couch. A second later both were in front of me.

"Why are you worried?" Sasuke started when I didn't speak.

I took a deep breath, "Ireally,reallydontwanttospillmyguts,–.

"Whoa, whoa." Naruto cut me off. "Slow down Sakura. We can barely make out what you're saying."

"Breathe." Sasuke commanded helpfully. So I did. Nodding, satisfied that I'd complied, "Now just tell us why you're worried."

I nodded. "Okay. Well, it's really simple. No one will answer my phone calls."

I got twin very odd looks. Though Sasuke's held a little more anger to it and Naruto's contained confusion.

"That's it?" Sasuke asked. Miffed that I had found my way around the bush yet again.

"What's a phone call?" Of course. Naruto would be the one to ask such a question.

Sasuke threw his best friend a glare, "Haven't you heard of a cell phone?" Wow, talk about growling.

Blue eyes clouded for moment with thinking before clearing up really well, "Oh you mean those communication devices that civilians use." Give it a second, "SAKURA-CHAN!"

I cringed.

"That's what you've been worried about? That's all? You had us worried that something had happened. Why didn't you just tell us?"

I looked at the ground. "Because, I though that you guys might think I was crazy or something. Look, I don't know and I'm sorry for not being straight with you." Then and now. Why am I still lying to them? I shouldn't. They'd understand. I'll give it a bit longer. Who knows, maybe they'll call soon. Yeah, Captain Soifon is probably away on some business and either forgot her phone or had to put in on silent. It could give her away if it rang or even vibrated. And Byakuya could be dealing with some clan business and doesn't want to deal with me to snoop around to figure out what's going on. And Shiro is probably in Karakara Town with this Ichigo person I've heard so much about. It would be odd if a phone rang out of no where, plus he doesn't answer his phone when he's not in Soul Society.

Yeah that's it. They've done it to before; it just happens that it's at the same time. Nothing to worry about. Heheheheh. But there is. If it's happening at the same time, something going on. Something important.

No. They'll tell me if I should know.

Sasuke shook his, I knew he could still tell I had something on my mind but since I wasn't voluntarily answering and I kept beating around the bush I suppose he just let it drop. In turn for, "So what was the emergency?"

Oh that. I'm still completely furious with the damn Uchiha and this nonsense business of me being the only one who can tend to him. It's really frustrating. "Oh that. Well as it turns out your brother landed himself in the ER again and decided to be picky about who was to be his caretaker. He's infuriating." At my tone Naruto erupted in a laughing fit. Tch, whatever.

Sasuke snorted, "You don't have to live with him."

"And I'm glad I don't." I couldn't help but grin at Sasuke's misfortune. Itachi may be hot, strong and a genius. But he can also use those same attributes to be infuriating as hell, and turn around and find it amusing. Bastard. Though he is protective of whatever team he is saddled with when comes to missions. He's definitely different than most males.

My comment earned me a one of those infamous Uchiha, Sasuke glares, but I've gotten them so much they don't faze me anymore. "Oh speaking of family, I'm inviting the two of you over for a clan celebration."

"You can do that?" I asked curiously, having never heard of it done before.

"Yeah, won't your council men have a fit that non-Uchiha members have been invited to a clan celebration?" Naruto scoffed at the stupidity of it.

"They can get over themselves, besides you two are basically family even Oka-san and Oto-san see you guys that way."

I nodded. That's right, since we've been together for so long; they consider us their kids too. "Is it formal or can we dress casual?"

"Formal, go with a kimono and a yukata." Naruto groaned and I joined in. I absolutely abhorred dressing up in a kimono. It makes me feel restricted.

"Quit complaining." My self-proclaimed brother snapped. "I have to dress up as well, you know." That's so true, but he looks even hotter than he already is in a yukata.

"Yeah that's true; at least we can take cover in the fact that you have to look formal too." I teased. "Plus, we'll get to see you suffer from very distantly related girls try and get your attention. Though it'll also mean Itachi will be bothered as well. Serves him right for being picky when he shouldn't be." Wait, Itachi's in the hospital and should be there for the next two to three days. Which means no infuriating bastard. Yes!

Sasuke eyes widened in horror at my teasing, not the Itachi parts but that he'd be buried in fan girls and wouldn't be able to escape them.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

The Sixth Division captain stared at his phone, wanting nothing more than to dial his favorite pink-haired, green-eyed self-proclaimed sister's phone number. Tell her everything was alright. None of his subordinates understood why he didn't do just that. She is the closest person to him, not even his adopted sister was so close. Sakura was always comforting to have around, made hardships easier to get through.

But her happiness came first. Hitsugaya, Soifon and himself all had an agreement. She couldn't know. She just couldn't. Even it was killing them not to speak to her, to make her worried out of her mind.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

I stared with what I'm sure are horror filled eyes at the contents of the store before me. After teasing Sasuke I had turned on my heel while laughing and gone to find a kimono store because I need a new one. And this is going to take all day. I groaned. Best get started.

I found the women's section and started at the beginning.

Light purple? No.

Navy blue? Nope.

Grey? Not happening.

"Oh, Sakura! What a pleasant surprise." Looking up I found Mikoto before me. I blinked then smiled.

"Mikoto-chan. It's good to see you too. Are you buying a new kimono as well?"

She shook her head, "Oh no. I already have one. I knew Sasu-chan would invite you and Naruto-kun and I also knew that you needed a new kimono. So I thought I'd find you here."

I double blinked this time around. Sasuke must have told her that I would be buying a new kimono, but how did she know I'd come here? "Why would you want to find me?"

"Well, Ita-chan is in the hospital I know, but he is still required to attend the celebration even if it is for an hour or two." Oh.

I sighed. "So you thought that since I'm the head medic and all, I could check him out of the hospital for a short amount of time despite protocol."

She nodded. "And that you would be his escort. See if something goes wrong…"

"I'll be there to help." I nodded understandingly. Then glanced around me, can't have people knowing that I'm about to make an exception to my rules. That wouldn't be good.

"Okay, Mikoto-chan if you can help me find a kimono I'll do as you ask."

She smiled, "Then we'd better set to work, huh my dear?" I grinned. I'm saved! And for such a small price too.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

I sighed. Small price? What the hell was I thinking? "I will be by his side the entire time and only for an hour or so."

The receptionist shook her head. "I'm sorry, Haruno-sempai but protocol–"

"I know that. And if Shishou or anybody finds out then go ahead and say that it was me. I signed the papers and everything." Signed the papers… "In fact, I'll do just that." I made my way behind the desk.

"Haruno-sempai!"

I ignored the wide eyed, mouth ajar woman and continued to rifle through the files until I found the one I wanted. The temporary release forms that we didn't tell people we had. That would be a complete disaster if they knew that. It was bad enough keeping the stubborn ones hospitalized as long as they should be.

And Itachi was going to know. There wasn't anyway around it. I groaned inwardly at the prospect, now he was going to be even more difficult. I should never have agreed to this. It's going to be a big mistake for as long as I'm here. Nothing I can do about it now, though. Mikoto-chan is counting on me to be his escort and all. His escort…Damn it! Why didn't I even stop to think about it before I agreed? Oh that's right, because I was more focused on finding something to wear. So not worth it. Wish I'd realized that then. And of course my boys are going to be there.

This is going to be a complete and utter disaster.

Next Chapter: A Mishaps or Two
Next Update: June

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