Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: Haven't updated this story for some time, huh. I should be working on Sasuke, Not Uchiha, or even Fragmented Remains, but the actual involvement of plot makes it kind of hard. . . .

Note: short.

"Kakashi-sensei . . ."

"Hm, Sakura?"

"You . . . are teaching Sasuke the Chidori."

"Yes. He was very eager to learn."

"Oh." Pause. "I see."

"Sakura—"

"See you tomorrow, sensei. I need to find Tsunade-shishou."

"Hai. Of course, of course . . ."

~f a l l e n s a k u r a~

Chapter Four
When "Love" Isn't Enough

Sasuke opened his eyes, and found that he was in the hospital. In Konoha.

His mind felt strangely blank. There was no anger, no rage. Nothing.

Was this what they call acceptance?

Acceptance that Sakura was much too far beyond his reach now?

He tried to move, but as soon as he attempted to lift himself up there came a sharp burning at his back. Sasuke collapsed back to the bed. The wound must've come from the time that snake threw him to the ground.

"So you're awake. Okaa-san was getting worried."

Sasuke turned his head—thankful that no pain came with this movement—and saw his older brother, Itachi Uchiha. The man was sitting on a chair that faced Sasuke's bed.

"W-where—" Sasuke swallowed "—where is Naruto?"

"OVER HERE, TEME!"

Naruto hopped onto Sasuke's bed.

"OW! Get the fuck off!"

"His speed of recovery was extraordinary," said Itachi dryly.

When Naruto finally stopped jumping on the mattress, and Sasuke was finally able to sit up without triggering a nasty stitch or two, the door opened.

"I see you boys had done a lot without me."

"KAKASHI-SENSEI!"

"Kakashi."

The Jounin lifted his hand. "Wait. There is someone else you must meet first."

"Who?" asked Sasuke.

And so the door opened a second time.

Then—

"SAI!"

Even as two ANBU-level ninjas, Kakashi and Itachi were unable to stop Sasuke and Naruto from beating Sai up.

Well, Kakashi didn't really do much in terms of interference, and Itachi thought it would be entertaining to see what his foolish little brother was going to do.

After some time, Sai was bound from head to toe by a few of the hospital's sheets. But instead of resisting, the boy only looked up to Naruto and Sasuke in bemusement.

"YOU!" Steam shot out from Naruto's nostrils.

"Me," said Sai, giving his "politely confused" smile.

Naruto ran for Sai, determined to beat the boy blue and purple, but Sasuke got hold of the blond's collar.

"What the hell, Sas—"

"CHIDORI—"

His attacked was paused by Kakashi's hand on his wrist.

"Kakashi!"

"Kakashi-sensei!"

"Now, now. Let's not be so hasty. I believe Sai has something to say for you both. Don't you, Sai?"

Said boy nodded. "Yes." He turned to Naruto. "Your fly is down."

"Wha—WHAT THE HELL?"

Itachi sighed. Sasuke glared. Naruto zipped his pants.

Kakashi said tiredly, "No, not that, Sai. The other thing. The one about this mission."

And so Sai told them. About Danzo. About his secret mission. About the assassination of Sakura Haruno. About his failure to go through with the mission. About his attempt to capture her instead.

Through the story, Sasuke listened, silent, and forgave. But he could not help the taste of bitterness that lingered his tongue whenever he looked at Sakura's replacement.

Why you and not her?

"What the hell—?"

"Don't just stand there, Sasuke!" Weak, pale legs. Never running fast enough. "Oh god—Sasuke!"

Shukaku's lips, sneering. Tail, swiping.

Sand, sand, sand, then . . .

Orange. Naruto.

"Don't you all are worry! Uzumaki's here in a flurry!"

Relief. Relief. Relief.

(Never enough.)

Resentment.