Konohagakure Hospital

[Sakura Valois]

This wasn't fair. No, it wasn't fair at all. The pink haired medic rounded yet another corner in the over sized Hospital that stood a few buildings over from the Hokage Tower itself. Which made things easy for Sakura when her 48-hour shifts ended. The life of a Medical Ninja put a lot of responsibilities over Sakura's shoulders including running 48-hour to 72-hour caffeine shift and being the apprentice of the Fifth her shifts usually involved running the parts Shizune herself couldn't handle. From blood samples to the injured ANBU that came in and out all day, everyday. She was tired and exhausted-- it simply wasn't fair. The shortages in supplies, the lack of missions it all seemed to be spiraling down for Konoha.

Shaking her thoughts away Sakura pulled up the next clip board flipping the pages as she walked down the long hallway, stripping off her white gloves to put on a new pair for sterile purposes. Although she paused her actions looking down at her bare hands, flexing the fingers out softly as she stared down at the red and white ring that sat perched on her left ring finger. That all too familiar sinking feeling in her stomach took over as she swallowed her heart and pulled on the next pair of gloves covering the jewelry. Despite how long it had been since he left, the ring would never come off. She refused, as if scared when she did all the memories of him would fade. Almost like team seven's had when they lost Kakashi and Sasuke (both for two very different reasons). Her children? Long gone. There was nothing in Konoha other than her job that kept her there alone. There was nothing to come home to day after day-- more like there was no one to come home to. No one to tease, talk to or even drink with. Except for her long time friend and sometimes medical apprentice, Yamanaka Ino. The loud gossip queen of the Leaf Village. Although recently things had quieted down. That or Ino was probably on some mission. Trying to obviously keep her teammate from fawning after the Suna Ambassador. She had to resist a laugh remembering how Raphael told her to keep away from adapting Ino's bad habits of no volume controls or skimpy uniform clothes.


"Now, now I can't keep thinking about him..." She murmured flipping to the last page on the clip board of her next patient as she stood by the room's heavy door. "He's nothing but a distraction."

The pink haired woman shrugged off all thoughts of her B.O.W lover and pushed through the room's door with a groan as she spotted exactly who it was on her examination table.


"What are you doing here?" She asked setting the clip board down and aside on the small side table as she reached for the pen in her white laboratory coat. "...and where exactly are you feeling pain?"

[Yamanaka Ino]

She was frustrated right now. So, incredibly, frustrated. She didn't need to be here. Didn't need to be sent to the hospital. What she did need, was to go home. To attend to her flowers, do something other than spying or taking care of the clan. She wasn't complaining, no far from it. She was pleased to have advanced so much as a kunoichi and adored her family, but the fact remained... she was tired. Exhausted beyond words at this point. Like every other person in Konoha, she was being pushed to her limits. It wasn't only her life as a nin, that was causing dark bags to appear under her normally dazzling, cerulean irises, but outside of work... when it came to her personal life, too. It all added up and keeping her temper in check was so hard, when all she wanted to do, was to simply lose it. To break something in half. To scream, shout, just to smack someone.

Oh yeah, she was in a foul mood -- and if that didn't make matters worst, when that familiar groan came, she didn't bother glancing to the door. "Great." Muttering in annoyance, she finally casted a look to the pinkette who walked in. Here she was, Yamanaka Ino, laying in a medical bed, wearing a hospital gown and hooked up, to a damn intravenous. Perfect. Lovely. How she wanted to hiss but refrained. This was still her best friend, even if her attitude was wavering, she wouldn't let pride... and sleep deprivation spark any arguements. "You know, the usual. Bad guys try to escape, us good guys appear and kick ass." Giving a shrug, she decided to be serious before Sakura could get annoyed as well. "Just chakra depletion. Used my jutsu's one too many times, since those bastard Rock-nin wouldn't stop using theirs. Before you ask -- someone carried me home, I didn't walk."

[Inuzuka Kiba]

Inzuka Kiba stood in front of the hospital. A sigh escaped the boy's lips, and he looked to a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Hana had been in the hospital because she had gotten pretty injured on the last mission she had been in. Since Kiba cared deeply for his sister, he decided to pay her a visit. He turned his head to look at his best friend, Akamaru, who was laying in the shade of a tree. "I'll be out soon."

With that, Kiba walked in. Of course, besides seeing Hana, Hinata had approached him with the news that Yamanaka Ino had been in the hospital. Kiba really didn't care, well, he did, but it wasn't like Ino was in dire danger. Still, Hinata had asked if Kiba could see her condition, because Hinata cared too much. Kiba smiled to himself, and shook his head. That girl cared too much for her own good. Slowly, he walked through the halls, after getting the room number that his sister had been in.

It wasn't long before Hana requested he leave so she could sleep. Kiba left his sister after a quick good bye, and then dreaded walking down the hall to where Ino's room was. He found the room that a nurse had pointed out, and saw the door was already open. He poked his head in, "Thought I smelt your vile odor in here, Ino." And he blinked, looking to Sakura. "Oh, hey, Sakura."

[Sakura Valois]

Sakura shook her head softly as she scribbled down the fine details of Ino's simplistic injuries. If it could be called an injury at all. A little chakra depletion meant nothing much more than a small green pass that meant no missions for a week and constant bed rest. Half-way through filling it out she heard the door creep open a little bit more and the all too familiar voice of the Inuzuka boy. She tilted her head up and smiled over the clip board giving a small wave of her hand.

"Ohayo Kiba-kun." The medic smiled over at him as she finished off the last bit of the green slip, tearing it off of her clip board for her best friend. She shook her head at the blonde in one of those 'be more care' moments as she held the slip out of Ino's reach for the moment.

"Here. No missions, plenty of bed rest. Want an escort out of here?" Sakura asked the routine questions as she handed over the slip of paper and turned on her heel a bit to look at the Dog-nin.

"Hana-san is on break about now. Did you come to see her for Akamaru or are you here for you?"

She smiled her infamous contagious smile that met her jade-green eyes as she pulled the papers off the clip board and slid them in to the pale pink half-folder that was labeled with the Yamanka's clan atop of it. Everything needed to be recorded no matter how big or small. Specially with times like these, Konoha scraping along the edges for not only missions but medical supplies as well.

[Yamato;]

The ANBU officer known solely to the population as Yamato stared up into the Hospital, he had just left the Hokage's office, yet again order after order, no rest for him in these days. If he wasn't himself training, it was a new squad of ANBU, or leading in a top priority mission which seldom seemed to come these days. But for once in a blue moon, Yamato had a few moments to himself, and he chose no better way than to visit his old student, Sakura. He placed his hands on his head piece and adjusted it, preventing slippage as he started into the hospital.

As he started in, he noticed the large dog known as Akamaru, "Well now...What have we here...?" He walked over to the dog and gave a faint smile, "You look thirsty boy...Let me help you out..." He knelt down before the bog and slammed his hands together in a short sequence of hand signs before slamming them into the ground, after a few moments of nothing, a small barrage of branches shot from the ground and slowly weaved themselves into an air tight bowl then slowly filled with water filtered from the ground itself, "There ya go, boy..." He gave the dog a soft pat and started back inside.

As he made his way past rooms and stairs, he spotted a small congregation of people, Yamanaka Ino, Inuzuka Kiba, and then Sakura herself, he showed no smile on his, although he was happy to see her, he chose not to show it, he only proceeded to walk towards the group and to come standing behind Kiba, "Your an Inuzuka...Correct...First one I ever met to leave his partner outside with no water..." He spoke in a deep tone, staring down at the boy, not really caring to hear his response as he quickly spoke towards Sakura, "And hello to you, Mrs. Valois..." He gave a friendly nod towards her.

[Yamanaka Ino]

"Vile oder?!" Snapping angrily, she picked up the nearest weapon. It was a medical tray, with nothing on it -- damn. Tossing it at Kiba's head, missing by a mere inch, it snapped in half and scattered along the hospital floor. "I'm in no mood to deal with your bullshit, woofers!" Resisting the urge to hiss and get up, she blinked and glanced to the paper, being handed to her. "Eh?" Extending her hand, picking it up, a eyebrow raised. "Week off?" She didn't know rather to be happy or upset. The extra sleep was definitely needed, but could she stay in bed and do nothing? A part of her shouted yes, while the other demanded no. There was too many responsibilities to do. She couldn't shove everything onto a random person of the clan, and expect them to know what they were doing. That would be stupid. It took her father a few weeks to explain the politics. It would take her those several days to simply train the person, on how to give reports to Tsunade. That would be a complete waste of time.

Throwing her legs over the bed, she placed her feet onto the floor. The cold marble sending a shiver throughout her body. Goosebumps pricking at her skin, she went to speak again but found herself interupted. Blinking, noticing the ANBU leader coming in, she smiled widely and raised the arm, holding the intravenous, waving. "Ohayoo gozaimasu, Yamato-taichou!" She may have been a wreck, but she was still Ino! Even if she was on her death bed, she would still find some way to dazzle. Grabbing the needles, pulling them out swiftly, she hopped to a standing and picked up the pieces of the metal tray. "How're the missions, taichou? Tsunade-sama said I was suppose to be the spy for your squad a few weeks ago."

She may not have been an ANBU Agent, but she happened to work along side them. Spying and such with her Kekkei Genkei. It was ashame, though. She was at her parents for a little while, over at their estate in Suna, when the assignment was given out. She would have loved to work with him.

[Inuzuka Kiba]

"Oh, hah, hah. Very funny, Sakura-chan. I came here to visit my sister for myself. And, I'd take Yamanaka home, if she wants." Kiba flashed a toothy grin toward the girl in the bed. Suddenly, Kiba was distracted by the appearance of the ANBU agent. His eyes narrowed at the comment, and as he opened his mouth to give a rather heated reply, the tray flew right past his head.

His heart skipped a beat, and he stepped to the side, watching the pieces on the floor. That could have been his head! Was Ino crazy!? And he suddenly glared toward the blond kunoichi. "What the hell was that for, pig!?" And then, oh yes, he glared at Yamato. "I don't give a flying shit if your an ANBU, bub, but I know how to take care of my Akamaru just fine." His hand became a fist. Kiba's anger was rising at each passing moment. Someone would need to calm him down and fast. "Akamaru knew I was going to be short, which I am."

And he growled. A growl full of anger, just like a dog barking at a stranger. His fists were so tight, that if held any tighter, he probably could have drawn blood. His mouth twitched as he beared his fangs, his eyes narrowed into slits.

[Yamato;]

Yamato smirked at Kiba as he made his angered speech towards him, watching him ball up his fist and listened to his words, finally speaking after a small silence, "Well then Mr. Inuzuka...If your so sure of yourself in the sight that I am an ANBU, then why don't you take a swing? That is...If your certain this is the real me, other wise your barking up the wrong tree, and oh yeah, I do mean that in a literal sense..." He came down to where his face was directly in front of Kiba's, "Well?" He rose a brow as his face slowly constricted to form his usual scary face, only to be broken a few moments later by Ino's comment.

"Ah yes, I remember Tsunade-san mentioning something about that, but you were busy, were you not? You Kekkei Genkei certainly would have been an advantage, I'll tell you that, but you know, I am taking another squad out in a few weeks, if your interested, one of the seats is yours..." He gave a small smile towards her as he offered the invitation, doubting that she would deny unless something important were to come up.

[Sakura Valois]

Sakura had hid behind her clip board at the sudden 'scary' face of her new team captain. Well he hadn't been new for sometime now but still-- things felt different without Kakashi there leading them anymore. "Aha-- Yamato-taichou!" Sakura squeaked out as her Captain made his turn back to normal.

"I'm sure there's an unattended Apprentice that could see you if you have some sort of problem." The pink haired woman smoothed out as she glanced to her best friend who was edging off of her exam table and throwing her things at the Inuzuka boy.

"Ino-pig!" Sakura snapped and reached out grabbing the Yamanka's hand to stop her from throwing anything else of hers as she shook her head. "Everyone out! Unless you're my patient!" She snapped looking from the blonde, to her Captain, to Kiba with his sensitive nose.

"You are all stressing me out more than I need this." She announced slamming her clip board down on to her counter top and stripping her medical gloves off and trashing them to grab a new sterile pair as she snatched up the new folder on her next patient. She paused mid-reach and shot a look at her ring like she was angry at it for something to do with Raphael's extended leave. Now she knew what it was like to be a civilian married to a Shinobi. The wait never ended.

"So someone take Ino-pig here home and watch over." Sakura ordered looking from one side of the room to the next. "And the next patient step up to the bed!"

[Aburame Shino]

The hospital allready seemed to be quite busy tending to the sick and injured that were currently stationed within it's walls. Shino had just come out of the Hokage's office after delivering two important documents concerning the current state of the Aburame clan. He held one last document that was to be given which contained the names of all the injured Aburame clan members who needed medical attention. Multiple familiar voices came out of one of the nearby rooms which caused one of Shino's thin brows to rise in confusion. His suspicion got the better of him as he slowly made his way to the door and pushed the door inwardly before seeing various of his fellow Shinobi all caught in anotherone of their silly little disputes.

"Domo.." He stated before stepping inside. With Sakura being there he could deliver his document to her and then be on his way once again. She was one of the best medics in Konoha afterall so she was sure to be able to handle it. Before he spoke to her however he turned to Kiba and Ino who seemed to be the source of the loud noises. As always Kiba's mouth was getting him in trouble.

[Yamanaka Ino]

"I was at the Yamanaka Estate over in Sunagakure." How she disliked the Wind Country. It was so dry... and humid. Everytime she went there, for whatever reasons, her ends split, skin cracked and she broke out. Not to mention walking around the dessert, made her feel as if, she were choking on sand itself. It was everywhere! No wonder why Temari was so uptight for being a female. She wore those fabulous clothing, had decent hair and was a pretty looking girl, that was nice on the eyes. But that weather! It would be enough to drive her mad, if she had to live there. She would be constantly bitchy, with her face pulled back in a frown twenty-four seven, herself, if placed in that predicament.

Then again... the rare times, she saw the Suna-nin civil was around those siblings... and Shikamaru. Hints of inner jealousy twitching at the thought, she calmed them immediately -- keeping her outward composure eased. The Nara was hers and she was his, they made it clear to each other so many months ago. She trusted Shikamaru with her life, and heart, and didn't think Temari, knowing of his relationship, would be low enough to try anything. Ino didn't want everyone to see just how protective and in love, she really was... but she wasn't afraid to fight for what was rightfully hers! Or in this case, who.

Suddenly, Yamato's question sank into her mind, and she blinked. Speaking, while still on the search for the second piece that scattered. "Oh... oh!" Laughing sheepishly, obviously embarrassed, she pipped up quickly. "Sorry about that! I was thinking about something, and accidentally dazed. Really? Do you mean it? I'd love to work under you for any upcoming mission!" Some blamed it on the rivalry between her and Sakura, it could have been that but in a sense, it also wasn't. She genuinely wanted to work under the famous captain. The one who went against Orochimaru, Kabuto and Naruto, after Uzumaki lost his mind with four-tails. With him as a superior on the battlefield, and under his command, she believed plenty could be learned. She did understand a lot, thanks to many of the Leaf Elders.

However, her happy mood quickly diminished. Kiba finally reacting, Ino's posture immediately straightened; both pieces of the tray gripped in her hands, she finally allowed a hiss to escape her lips. "Excuse me?!" Slamming the pieces onto the medical sink's counter top, fist balling, she connected the right one ontop of Inuzuka's head. "It's Boar! Don't ever insult my Clan's Surname ever, EVER, again!" About to grab something else as a weapon, when Sakura apprehended her wrist, she shot her a glare. Snatching her arm back forcefully, she snapped, patience finally running short with the pinkette. "Don't speak down to me like that, Forehead!"

Shino's entrance interupting the chaos, she released a frustrated groan and threw her arms into the air. "I don't NEED anyone to escort me! This puppy would wander aimlessly with his lack of direction intelligence." Pushing past Kiba, careful to slip by Yamato, she stomped into the hallway. Her movement was swayed partially, but she didn't give a damn. She was weak from depleting her chakra, sure... but she wasn't crippled! As she walked away, she didn't care what the oh, so, awesome Sakura-san's orders were! They had the nerve to insult her, then bigger guts to wanna escort her home for safety? Yeah, right.

[Inuzuka Kiba]

Kiba ignored the appearance of Shino, but his anger was calming down a bit. He watched the Yamanaka push past him, and raised his brow. A soft sigh was exhaled, and the Inuzuka boy was smirking. He nodded his head to the nurse, and patted Yamato very ROUGHLY on the shoulder. "I'll see you later, Shino."

With that all done, Kiba walked from the room, and gracefully lifted up the girl over his shoulder. "You can barely work, dumbass. I'm carrying you home. Sakura wants you to rest. So deal with it." A nice, smirk was on his face, his fangs shining in the light. A howl was exhaled and he headed for the exit.

"We don't want you to get more hurt than you already are, poor baby. And hey, you're a lot lighter than I thought." And he gently patted her behind with his free hand. Kiba knew she was going to kill him, but he was going to have his fun first.

[Nara Shikamaru]

After weeks of being caught up with missions and caring for his ailing father, the Nara had just about had enough. For one thing, being a Jounin allowed him to have three Genin running around and as if that wasn't enough both of the boys were bossed around by the one female. Imagine that. "Harumi, I know you think that they aren't as good as you... But that doesn't mean beat the living crap out of both of them... Espically during a mission." The Nara could see how much damage she had actually done. The two boys were relying on each other to actually walk. Tadao was bleeding from a well timed punch to the face, and poor Yuu was just stumbling to stay standing. Giving a smalls igh he dropped them both off at the Medical Center.

"Are you serious!?" the nurse shouted, instantly taking the two Genin into the E.R. Of course she could still had a moment to stare down to Harumi, who was just smiling as if nothing had happened. She was just like someone he knew all too well. Speaking of which he hadn't seen that certain person in quite a long time. "Harumi, Since you put those two here... You will make sure they are healed up properly. Tomorrow, we have nothing so I hope you enjoy a free day." He replied, hearing her squeal out in protest. But what was he going to do, let her train her comrades into the ground? Flicking a wave behind him he moved towards the pharmacy. Now that he was there, he might as well pick up his father's medicine. Until a certain yell echoed out. ~Yeah, like I don't already know who that is...~ He thought to himself as he continued, seeing the Yamanaka woman burst out of a room in an obvious fit. With Inuzuka behind her, rambling on as usual. Suudenly he could see her being thrown over his shoulder. As if time had slowed he watched as a hand reached up and lightly tapped her rear.

Being silent for a moment, his hands quickly formed seals. "Ninpo... Kage Kubi Shibari no Jutsu... (Shadow Neck Bind)" Watching as his shadow rocketed towards his target, it quickly interlacing itself into Kiba and stopping at his neck as he applied just a bit more pressure than he should have. But it was highly inappropriate and being a complete ass to a comrade. "Kiba, what do you think you are doing... She has legs, I know she can walk on her own." Not being one to easily be flustered the Nara was just in complete pissed off mode after having to deal with kids for three weeks straight. "Also, your hand should never touch in places it does not B e l o n g..." He stretched out the last word, tightening his grip, ensuring breathing would almost completely stop if only for a moment. Moving closer to the pair he pulled his comrade from his grip before releasing the shadow from the other, his hands quickly being placed within his pockets. "To think I wanted to just go home and sleep... But no, Looks like i'm going to be stuck as a referee.." He mumbled under his breath. Waiting for a response from either person.

[Yamanaka Ino]

Suddenly being tossed across Kiba's shoulders, her muscles ached as she winced. "OI!" Balling a fist, she punched his back aimlessly. "What're you doing? Let me down, NOW!" About to continue protesting, his next actions caused a vein to appear throbbing beside her forehead. He called her fat... again and if that didn't annoy her enough, he did something worst. He actually touched her ass. Teeth grinding, she went to react and suddenly, her body was jolted as Kiba abruptly stopped. Shrieking, holding onto him tighter to prevent falling, she noticed the shadow and blinked. "Eh? Shikamaru?" Eyes trailing upward, she spotted him a few feet away and quirked a eyebrow at his expression. If she didn't know anybody he actually looked jealous.

Loosing sight, as he walked over and in front, she heard his words and couldn't help but snicker. "Yeah, you heard him Woofers!" Being grabbed by Shikamaru, placed onto her feet, she glanced to him and scowled at his next choice of not-so-smart words. "You aren't stuck anywhere. Just go, Kami." Eyes rolling in annoyance, she spun around to start walking again and felt the room spin. Blinking, hand placing itself onto the wall for balance, she shook it off and proceeded to walk slowly, to prevent any swaying. What was it? Annoy Ino day?

[Sakura Valois]

Sakura had waved Shino in to her medical room before hearing the commotion out side with the others. Ino's voice being the easiest to pick out of the crowd. The medic nin smacked her forehead before shoving out of the hospital room shooting a glare down the halls as she instantly picked up more voices. She peered down at them blocking the way for others with an irritated sigh she stamped her foot loudly.

"Quit causing trouble! All three of you!"

Sakura ordered with a loud snap pointing an accusing finger from Shikamaru, Kiba and her blonde best friend. Figured. Where ever Ino was, Shikamaru would most likely be there too stirring up more trouble. "You all know its forbidden to use offensive techniques in the hospital walls. Especially you Shikamaru-san. Now all of you quit blocking the hallway. There are actual patients that need to get by."

She sighed heavily watching the three bicker, wondering if they had even heard her to begin with. However it did seem as though the Nara heir had taken more than a liking to his teammate.

Inner Sakura threw confetti with a glee dancing around in small circles, "Finally some romance in this dreadful place! Raphael's been gone so long I've hardly had anything to keep me going!"

[Inuzuka Kiba]

Well, apparently, Kiba's attempt at some kind of hospitality toward Ino failed abruptly. He couldn't help being the jackass he was, but maybe he should tone it down a bit. Once he heard Shikamaru's voice, and felt the heavy pressure against his throat, he knew he screwed up big time. Wide eyes filled his face, as he looked to the girl's teammate. Kiba couldn't breathe, hence he couldn't explain himself. "Ahh -"

That was the sound of him gasping.

Ino was taken away, where Kiba watched her attempt to not sway. He honestly felt bad for the girl, and that's why he picked her up. She had been swaying when she left the room, and Sakura said she shouldn't have been on her feet. Once the justu had been released, he nearly stumbled backward. He coughed, putting a hand over his throat, and shot a glare at Shikamaru. But the glare was gone in seconds. " ... " Kiba sighed, inhaling a deep breath.

"I'm sorry," He said, his voice raspy. He looked back to Sakura, and nodded his head. His hands were placed in his jacket pockets. Kiba walked past the group, and walked past Ino, apologizing again under his breath, even if it wasn't in his nature. He did feel like an ass. He walked through the hallways with his head down. Once he pushed open the door to outside, Akamaru got up and rushed over to him, standing at his side.

[Raphael Valois]

“Bad b-b-bad bad bad.”

Ace’s words seemed to fit the situation perfectly. The blue haired man sat atop the corner of Raphael’s desk, his legs swinging back and forth while his blue eyes were glued to the news report. His hands gripped the edge tightly and his panic and worry seemed to radiate the entire room. Raphael sat behind his desk writing a reply a project idea, though his fake eye and both ears were watching the news just as intently. Though his brother was over-reacting to the news, he had a right to be worried. All B.O.Ws had to be worried.

And now for continuing coverage of today’s tragedy. Linda Sheppard, a renowned Scientist for Umbrella Corporation has been killed today when her apartment building suddenly exploded. Police are still trying to discover just who, and what caused-

Ace gulped loudly. “Ya think it was….ya know….”
Raphael said nothing.

“This is the 3rd B.O.W that’s been killed. And they’re getting better though if they wanted her body for evidence of Umbrella’s dirty work, why blow the place up?”
Raphael said nothing

“And Linda… even you liked her.
Raphael said nothing.

Ace stared at his brother a moment longer when the television caught his attention again
…The remaining wall written “Blue Rose-
Raphael set the pen down and shifted almost nervously as the reporter said those words. Ace turned a shade paler and turned around. Raphael took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to calmly figure out the best course of action. But as he opened his eyes he knew there was only one thing left to do. The Blue Rose was Raphael’s answer to the Red Queen. A computer several hundred times more advanced than anything Umbrella had created. It also stored the most secret files of the company. S-class lists, project names, Virus’, and the metal alloy that coated Ace’s transformations, and his latest weapons. Raphael slowly stood up and looked at his brother.
“I’m going to download the Blue Rose into a more secure location.”
“Like….”
Raphael just stared at Ace then tapped his temple.
“You can do that?!”
Raphael rolled his eyes and began to move towards the door. He was about to finish the report on the television when the door opened quickly. Raphael
‘s fake eye quickly shut of the television when a small pink haired girl came into the room, smiling from ear to ear at the two of them. He looked at her and felt himself crack a small smile at his daughter, then felt a ping of guilt in his chest as he thought about her mother.

“I wanna play a game with daddy!” she said cheerfully running forward with her arms open wide. Raphael should have moved to pick her up, but still not use to having her around only watched as she bumped into her leg and fell back. “I…uh…”

“I’ll play with you Nami” Ace said cheerfully, picking the girl up and bringing her out of the room before she could complain. “Daddy will catch up after he finishes something. Ok?”

The proximity alarm began to ring from Raphael’s fake eye, quickly waking him up and moving for his new, and old, katana’s while dressing. His hand reached for the door when his fake eyes picked up movement within his mansion. How they had managed to enter without setting off his traps was beyond him. But now, only one thing mattered. Retrieve Nanami and escape. Raphael waited until the squad of commando’s reached his door when he threw it open and unleashed his old blade. The men were dead before they saw him coming. He wasted no time, and sprinted towards the room his daughter was sleeping in. Bullets rang throughout the halls, missing him by inches and sending painful rings echoing in his head. He reached the door and quickly ran inside as a bullet ran along his neck, singeing the skin. He found his daughter crying in bed, but when she saw him ran forward screaming “daddy daddy.” This time Raphael took her into his arms and held her tight. Just as the explosions began. Fire ripped through the wall and debris slammed into him. Through the fire and smoke he saw a dark figure in what seemed like robes. His fake eye was busy on Nanami preventing him from getting a good look. Instinctively he ran and leapt out the window and fell with nothing more than a loud thud before sprinting off into the night. His fake eye began a countdown. And after 5 seconds, the mansion exploded in a sea of fire, leaving him feeling sick.
He had to ask her for help.

The leaf was in a state that was almost unbelievable. A barely breathing mess of poverty and disorder, a sight that left Raphael discouraged after the long travel to reach this ‘safe haven’. Raphael left Nanami at of Sakura’s friend’s houses before walking along the streets to find her. He was stunned at everything he was seeing. Raphael had ripped his left sleeve and tied it around his head to cover his fake eye, but even so he could see virus’ and bacteria from wounded and sick. It was an hour before he reached the hospital, and a small note formed in his gut. Raphael pushed his way through, staring down anyone who dared challenge his entrance. He went floor by floor, each step sent a flashback of his son, his heir, his Vincent. Even after all this time, he couldn’t find the will to push that aside. And he passed by exam room 2, he saw his son’s murder, before he saw his wife. He felt mixed feelings about her, love and hate mixed into a terrible feeling inside him that made him wonder if this was the right thing to do. Raphael forced his way threw the few remaining people to reach her, his only second look beign a scowel or scoff. He slowly opened the door and closed it behind him. Anything to remove the annoyances of the hall. He looked at her and froze for a minute before.

“You look awful.”

[Sakura Valois]

She just wanted to go home. It had been 47 hours on her shift but there was no end in sight obviously. Shedding off one pair of white gloves, she snapped on the next pair picking up her clip board and flipping though the paperwork as she heard the door open and close all over again. "Take a seat on the--"

"You look awful...

The pink haired kunoichi swallowed hard as her eyes widened. She had to steady herself before slowly turning on her heel to face the object of not only her thoughts but her affections as well. The one man she had been avoiding for months. Ever since she made the mistake of pulling Vincent's machine out of the wall. Her two sons had died. Yukito, from over active chakra tunnels to the eyes, causing a sensory overload-- his small body collapsed.

Still she knew he blamed her for killing his blood.

"Raphael-sama..." She whispered softly trying to decipher if this was real or not. Was she dreaming again? Her hands were shaking lightly, enough to make the clip board fall to the floor as she blinked up at him. Her first instinct was to run and jump just to wrap her legs around his waist, but she refrained.

Instead she reached up and tucked a loch of her pink hair behind her ear before tilting her head to the side lightly. "What... What are you doing here?" She managed to say quietly as she took in his rough appearance. Obviously something had happened-- but what? Then another thought dawned on the medic, her daughter; where was her daughter?


"Where's Nanami?"

[Raphael Valois]

His mind instantly went back to the massive explosion of his life’s work, his home, and his sense of self. Though he wasn’t certain the truth was the right way to handle this situation. He placed his swords on a nearby counter and crossed his arms again, his eye locking onto her. “Those curtains you picked….” He began. “I changed my mind about them…so the entire mansion is being renovated. From the ground up.” Lieing was a good way to forget about their past, at least for a split moment. When it was over he couldn’t stop seeing the death of his son replay over and over again. His body began to lock up in defense of his emotions, and he had to look away and close his eyes, forcing himself to remain calm.

“I left Nam…” he paused, almost using Ace’s nickname for the girl. “Nanami at the flower shop with the old man. She’s fine and in perfect health, though she may be the only one in the village who can say that.” His eye fell to the clip board. He stepped forward and picked it up, now just inches from her body. “You’ve been busy.” He said going through the papers on the board before setting it down on the table besides them.
He held her gaze for the longest time. He had nothing to say that wouldn’t cause a fight, nothing to preoccupy himself with to stop those damn feelings he spent months trying to crush.

He eyed her over several times. She had been working more than training, and it showed in more ways than one. It was strange to have his impulse be to fix her, a shot or an herb. He use to always have the answer or the cure. But with his home gone, he felt more powerless than ever. And that made him both defensive and self-conscious. He let out a small sigh before feeling the need to change the subject again. “I’ve missed a lot.” He turned around and locked the door to prevent interruptions. “I want to know what is going on.” Just as she opened her mouth he interrupted. “With you. I care very little for the well being of this village.”

[Sakura Valois]

Sakura's eyes narrowed at his comment about the luscious curtains she had picked out in his mansion. They were beautiful to her although she had a suspicion there was more to it than just curtains that had lead to his appearance in the village hidden in the leaves. Although hearing news of her daughter's safety made her a little more at ease with the B.O.W. At least Sakura had one of her children left. Maybe now she'd have something to come home to everyday. No more seventy-two hours of non-stop medical shifts with fifteen minute power naps. Sakura looked up at Raphael, would she look forward to coming home to him again?

"I dont think its any of your concern of how I'm doing. You're the one covered in scratches, my god don't tell me the mansion was-- destroyed. Don't think I believe you're reconstructing it over my curtains."

She murmured reaching forward and snatching her clipboard up from where he had set it down at. Her eyes scanned over the pages as she reached for the pen in her white medical coat. "However if you must know, Konoha needs me here. I'm one of the few medics on staff." She sighed heavily scribbling her signature at the end of one of her papers with her overly girly handwriting, still signing her name Haruno.

"Now, what are you doing here in Konoha? I know you didn't come just to catch up with me Raphael-sama." She whispered over her papers as she glanced up at the locked door. She tried not to picture an escape route in her head. It was proving to be too difficult. This wasn't how she wanted face him after several months apart. She at least wanted to have a shower before facing the BOW.

"And don't lie to me. I know when you are." Sakura teased softly as she flicked to the next page writing off Ino's green Mission free pass for the week.

[Raphael Valois]

His lack of sleep the last few days made his temper flare at her comments. Since when had she become so rude to him? It was her fault he made her return to the leaf to begin with. And when had she ever questioned his words before? The Sakura he knew would have….But this wasn’t the Sakura he knew, nor was he the same Raphael from before. “If you understood just how ugly they made my home, you would see that total renovation was my only civil option left.” His hair stood on end and his human eye twitched, the common signs that Raphael was losing whatever he was doing. He eyed her, then eyed the door, and back at her. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“3 weeks ago there was an assassination on a high ranking Umbrella Scientist. This man was also a Bio-Organic Weapon. They attempted to steal the body and proof to the world of our…of my…research. It was luck that may brother intercepted them, and even more lucky that the next 2 victims couldn’t be properly extracted. We have reason to believe that a radical religious order with extreme financial support is attempting to eliminate all B.O.Ws. One week ago they attacked me and Nanami at my own home. I don’t know where Unborn is."

He left out several major details; Blue Rose, Wesker, where his brother was hiding now, and why he picked here to stay hidden. While he wanted to admit it was to be with his wife, that was only half the truth. Maybe when he could trust her more, she would get the rest of the truth. He opened his eyes and glared over at her. “Don’t get me wrong, I am not in trouble and I have failed nothing.” He was becoming defensive again. “The Leaf is the safest place for our…your daughter.”

He understood why she looked the way she did. They must be working her till she drops; few people were medical nins and for reasons understandable. But even though it was her job, and her duty; and even though he didn’t want to get involved, he still felt the bloody attachment he felt long ago. “You’ve done a remarkable job at keeping this place running. But I have several more years of medical training, and I’m inserting my place into your life.” Raphael grabbed the clip board from her and signed the final page Dr. Valois

“End of discussion.”

[Sakura Valois]

Her mouth fell open as he signed his name away along her dotted line. How dare he? She sucked in a quick breath and silently counted to ten before un-clenching her fists. Obviously he was intent on staying a while. Why else would he come to see her? It was clear as day he was still upset over Vincent. Then again, so was she. It was devastating and yet he made her leave. He sent her home. Not to their home. Her home, back within Konohagakure. The shorter kunoichi decided not to press the subject anymore. If he was going to stay, she'd make sure he wouldn't leave again. Not for science, not for Ace, not for anyone but her.

Tilting her head up she shook her head as she crooked a finger up at him, letting him lean down a enough for her to reach his face. Reaching her white gloved hands up she pressed her thumb against the scratch on his cheek and pushed her chakra in to him.

"You, Raphael Valois; are not invincible." She repeated her infamous saying to him quietly as she resisted the urge to lean in to him anymore and break her Hippocratic oath of being too close to her 'patient.' However she did anyway, pressing her forehead to his as she closed her eyes for a moment. There were too many thoughts pressuring her to do different things. Not to mention her shift would end soon and Shizune would be making her rounds so Sakura could have a break. "You don't have to help out here. This village will be indebted to you if you do. I don't know if you've noticed but we're not exactly at the top of our game."

She sighed against him and pulled back slightly gaining a grip on reality.

"My shift ends in an hour. We'll stop my the Yamanka's to get our daughter back, and we will once again squeeze in to my tiny apartment." She murmured opening her eyes softly. "Seeing as you blew up the mansion. Are you sure my Angel is okay?"

[Raphael Valois]

“You’re right Sakura, you’re miserable village needs work on more fronts than I can count. But even so I refuse to sit at home and babysit.” He chose his reason for helping very carefully. It was much easier to admit he would be easily bored, than to admit he didn’t want her to look like this ever again. He was still trying to recover from her close proximity. It had been sometime since he had physical contact and when she pulled away it was difficult to pay more attention to her words than her body. He still blocked the door, and she still had to be punished for the constant smart mouthed responses he had received. No matter, they knew each others strengths, and weaknesses.

Raphael moved forward and took her arm, pressing her hard against him and smirk arrogantly ignorning the comment about his brother. He held her, enjoying her shaking and bite her lip under him as he held her in anticipation. His gloved hand moved over and grabbed the scalpel, moving the tip to his lips. “I think that it’s time you remembered who the master was…”

And the blade ran over his tongue

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