Chapter One
She just kept running. She couldn't stop. She knew she couldn't. If she did the assassin brothers would be upon her before she could catch her breath. She was just as fast as them and had the same amount of strength. All she lacked that they processed was stamina. She was slowing her speed from exhaustion, so her green eyes kept scanning her surroundings looking for somewhere to hide. Her pink hair was tied up in a tight bun on top of her head, but now it was coming loose from her running, and her short hair whipped around her neck.
Her name was Haruno Sakura and she was a fugitive of the city Konoha, after being wrongly accused for the deaths of the Haruno and Uchiha clans. And now Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke, the Uchiha prodigies and the greatest Konoha assassins, were after her on the mission to eliminate her.
Through the ten years since she was exiled Sakura trained with Orochimaru and the Akatsuki and other outcast groups learning forbidden seals and how to heal. She became the most feared S-class criminal ninja in all of Japan. She was always on the run. Hiding from ANBU and the brothers who were hot on her heels.
Suddenly Sakura spied an old tree that was big enough for her to merge her body with. Jumping up onto one of the branches Sakura focus her chakra, which till now she had kept on a very low usage, into her foot and plunged it into the tree's trunk. Her leg slid in easily and the rest of her body followed just as the Uchiha brothers ran past thinking she had gone on.
Sakura silently thanked Orochimaru for teaching her how to merge with things. And the Akatsuki for teaching her charka control. Inside the tree Sakura healed all of the kunai and shuriken wounds that the Uchiha brothers had inflicted on her back. She then decided it was safe enough to try and get some sleep, though she knew she had to get out of the tree before she became part of it forever. She had about four hours before that happened. It amused her to think of the frustration the Uchiha brothers would experience when they discovered they had lost her.
Sakura had been twelve when Konoha had exiled her. She hadn't really killed the two clans, it had been Itachi. Sakura's brow knotted into a frown when she thought about him. She being the heir to the Haruno clan had been betrothed to Itachi as the heir to the Uchiha clan. The head of the clan wouldn't hear of breaking the engagement. So Itachi had taken the matters into his own hands.
Sasuke and Sakura had been going out for nearly six months when they were told that Sakura would marry Itachi on her sixteenth birthday. Itachi who had been sixteen then would have been twenty when they married. He and Sakura who had always hated eachother had argued with their parents relentlessly to break it off. The only other option would have been for Sakura to marry Hyuuga Neji who was the heir to his clan. Not wanting that either Sakura had, in one of her famous rage outbursts, accidentally killed her father. Itachi seized this opportunity and killed the rest of her clan. But his clan knew what he had done and they would have found a way to 'hush' it up. Fixing that Itachi killed his clan only leaving his brother alive. He then started to spread rumours that Sakura had killed both clans. The Hyuuga clan refused to help Sakura in her pleas, as they believe what Itachi said was true. Itachi had planted false evidence that proved that Sakura had committed the crime. Of course this broke off the betrothal. But it also ruined what Sakura had with Sasuke. Sakura had then tried to kill Itachi in front of the court room where she was being held for trial. This just fortified what Itachi had been saying to Sakura's disappointment and she was sentenced to death. Sakura had managed to escape. Barely. She had run into the Uchiha brothers who had then just let her go to her surprise. She then knew why. They were then given the mission to follow her. For years Sakura avoided them, finding friends in Orochimaru, and the Akatsuki who believed she had killed the two strongest clans in Japan, and wanting to learn what she could from them she didn't tell them otherwise.
Now twenty-two, Sakura has improved all her skills and wanders all countries and lands. She had been offered more than once to join the Akatsuki or other S-class criminal groups, each time she refused, not used anymore to staying in once place for longer than six hours.
A few hours later Sakura carefully extracted herself from the tree trying to sense for Itachi and Sasuke just in case she could quite yet leave her hiding spot. Sensing that the coast was clear Sakura landed lightly on the ground crouching running her hand back and forth over the dirt. Closing her eyes she started to draw shapes in the ground. After a while Sakura opened her eyes again and figured out where Itachi and Sasuke were.
"Shit. Only three miles in front." Sakura said out loud. "They caught quicker on to my trick then I thought they would. Never underestimate the Uchiha's."
Standing up Sakura decided that it was better to retrace her steps and head away from Itachi and Sasuke. She'd arrive late to her meeting with the Akatsuki but it was better that that happen then be caught up in another fight with the Uchiha's.
"Well it looks like I have no choice. I go the way I came. Maybe I can put some distance between me and those two." Out of habit Sakura kept talking aloud, though only loud enough for her to hear.
Sakura started to run not really caring where she was going, just as long as she could get to where she wanted and still be away from the two men out to kill her.
It wasn't till long after nightfall that Sakura finally made it to where she was meant to meet the Akatsuki. She had had to make a circle around the Uchiha's which took longer than she had hoped, keeping a good twenty mile radius away from them.
"About time Sakura-san."
"It couldn't be helped Yondamine. The Uchiha's were on my tail again." Sakura crossed her arms across her chest, making her cleavage the main point of the Akatsuki's stare. "Heard from your son lately?"
"You keep Naruto out of this, unless you want to die."
"It'd be an upgrade from the way I'm living now."
"Then why don't you just kill the Uchiha's. Finish off what you started." A sinister smile spread on Yondamine's thin lips.
"Lay off Yondamine. Remember who you are first before you judge me." Sakura was in no mood to play niceties to a pack of murderers. "Yes I've killed. Killed to survive. Just like you. Plus I'm not strong enough to kill both the Uchiha's."
"Then join us Sakura-san."
"No. You know I can't stay in one place for longer than six hours. Why do you continue to ask when you know what my answer will always be?"
"It's worth a try."
Yondamine jumped down from his crouching place in a tree and landed lightly a few feet in front of Sakura. Sakura turned her head as Deidara, Sasori, Hidan, Zetsu, and Kisame walked out into the clearing forming a circle around Sakura.
"So what was so urgent Sakura-san?"
"I need a makeover. Mostly this is directed to Deidara-kun, seeing as he is the most girlish out of you lot..."
"Hey! Un!"
"... All I need is dye for my hair and different clothes. Something that will help me blend into the background more. Especially at night. I'm sick of the pink standing out like a light at night. I need black clothing. And maybe some black hair dye."
"That can be arranged Sakura-san. Come back to our lair and we'll get you what you need. You need only stay till morning." Yondamine said walking forwards stopping but a few inches away from Sakura's face.
"Believe I'll be gone when the sun rises." Sakura felt bad when she saw Sasori's face fall slightly, but he just had to deal with it. It wasn't like she had a say or any choice in the matter. She had to keep moving if she wanted to stay alive.
Yondamine lend in right next to Sakura's ear and whispered to her; "You might want to talk to Sasori before you leave. And this time talk. Don't get other people to do it for you."
Sakura knew he was right. She didn't want him to be though. Her eyes wandered over to Sasori's face and she tried to look into his eyes. Except he had them downcast at the ground. She could tell he wasn't happy.
Why don't you just up and marry him! He'll go with you wherever!
It's complicated inner. I don't want him to be dragged into my life. He deserves better than that.
Is that it or are you just scared?
Screw you inner!
Though Sakura couldn't help but think that her inner self was right. "Maybe I am scared." Sakura said to herself not even loud enough for Yondamine, who was but an inch away from her, to hear.
Two hours later Sakura walked out of the bathroom her hair now a dark purple black. She was wearing a tight fitting black shirt and baggy black pants that flowed around her legs as she walked. She had strapped her kunai and shrunken in the pouches to her left leg. She had her hair up in a tight bun on top of her head.
"Another three hours till sunrise. Well Sakura, might as well get it over with." Sakura turned around from looking out of the window and faced Deidara and Kisame. They both pointed down the hall towards Sasori's room.
"Good luck Sakura-san."
"Good luck Sakura-chan, un."
Sakura nodded to them and walked past and down the hall way. Coming to Sasori's room Sakura lifted her hand to knock. She hesitated. Hidan who had seen her came silently up behind her and knocked for her, ignoring her death glare.
"… Come in." Came Sasori's reply to the knock.
Sakura opened the door slightly and slipped inside closing it behind her.
"Sasori-kun?" Sakura said uncertainly.
"Marry me?" Sasori said looking out his window.
He always asked this question whenever they saw eachother.
"Sasori-kun… ah… You know I can't."
"Why not Sakura?"
"Because it wouldn't be fair to you. I hate being couped up, and I can't stay here with you to play 'happy family'." Sakura walked over to him and slid her hands over his shoulders hugging him from behind. His hands wrapped around her wrists as he closed his eyes. "I can't marry you and then leave again. I only see you once every four months. That's not the type of marriage I have in mind for us."
"If it was under other circumstances would you?"
"…Yes."
"Why did you hesitate?"
"Because if this was under 'other circumstances'" Sakura said making inverted comas with her fingers, "My family and the Uchiha family would still be alive. I'd still be betrothed to Itachi and wanting to be with Sasuke. In a way I like the circumstances we have now, because otherwise I wouldn't know you. And I wouldn't love you. If the circumstance were different in where we were still here, holding eachother as we are, and I was running from Itachi and Sasuke, then yes. I would marry you Sasori-kun. But that's not the way it is. Though to be honest I don't want to let you go."
"Then don't."
"Sasori…"
"No Sakura." Sasori whipped round and held Sakura's hands to his chest. "I mean don't let go of me tonight. I am not going to force you to stay if you don't want to. But please. Just let me hold you tonight. In my arms, no matter how short tonight may be. No matter how fast the sun may rise. I just want to hold you. To feel you next to me. To be able to show you that I love you too. That you are all that matters to me right now. All that has ever mattered to me." Sasori lifted a hand to cup Sakura's cheek and wipe away a tear that fell from her eye. He stepped forward and rested his forehead against hers. "I know who you really are Sakura. I am the only one who knows that you didn't kill those two clans. And I'll never tell anyone Sakura. No matter what you choose. If you want to marry me or not. All I want is to be able to know that you love me. That you're safe. That you feel loved. That you feel wanted. That's all I want."
Sakura flung her arms around Sasori's neck and kissed him, pushing her small frame against his larger one. Sasori picked her up opening his mouth for her letting her tongue dance with his. Laying her on his bed Sasori lowered himself onto her, his hands tangled in her now purple black hair. Sakura ran her hands through Sasori's red hair pulling him closer to her, wrapping her legs around his waist under his Akatsuki cloak. Pulling back slightly Sasori managed to get enough time to throw his cloak on the floor before Sakura clawed at his neck pulling him back down to her waiting lips.
Sasori forced Sakura to lie still as he caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. Sakura struggled slightly wanting to caress him to no avail. Sasori smiled wickedly down at her and holding her wrists with one hand, he used his other to untie her weapons from her thigh. Sakura kicked off her shoes, and managed to get one hand free, which was then quickly recaptured.
Sasori lend down and nuzzled at Sakura's neck getting a small moan from her as she trashed her head from side to side as he slowly bit down onto her flesh. He sucked and kissed pressing his tongue down firmly into the crook of her neck.
After a few minutes Sakura got enough control over her body to flip Sasori over onto his back, and she sat on his stomach. Slowly Sakura started to pull his fish net shirt up and over his head. His black tank top soon followed. Sliding down his stomach Sakura moved her hips down to cover his loins. Sakura ran a hand up his stomach and chest. Sasori's hands gripped Sakura's hips tightly as he shivered under her touch.
Sasori sat up wrapping his arms around Sakura's waist. Sakura lifted her arms above her head and with tantalizing slowness Sasori pulled her shirt up and over her head.
Capturing on of Sakura's nipples in his mouth Sasori sucked and flicked it with his tongue. Sakura grabbed handfuls of his hair pulling him closer not wanting him to stop. Not wanting this night to end.
Flipping Sakura back onto her back Sasori skilfully pulled her pants off and threw them to the floor. His soon followed.
Skin against skin, sweat forming and steam coming from their bodies, Sakura and Sasori moved together. Their bodies entwining, both hoping that the day would never come. As they cried out together they lay sated and with the feeling of joy, love, and completeness coursing through their blood, they thought nothing would tear them apart.
Sasori rested his head against Sakura's shoulder as she pulled the sheets over them, her hands caressing his back. Sasori stroked Sakura's side and stared up at her, hopelessly smitten with his lover.
"I love you, Sakura."
"I love you too, Sasori-kun."
Sakura woke slowly as a bright sun beam hit her face.
"Shit!" Sakura sat up right walking Sasori with her.
"What is it?" Sasori mumbled.
"The sun's up! I was meant to have gone two hours ago! Shit!"
Sasori grabbed Sakura's shoulder and pulled her into his arms. "Why don't you just stay?"
Sakura smiled against his cheek. She wanted to stay. But she couldn't.
"I have to go Sasori-kun." Extracting herself from his arms she noticed he had fallen asleep again. "Men." Sakura said under her breath. Gathering all her clothes Sakura dressed slowly making as much noise as possible trying to wake Sasori, and maybe the rest of the Akatsuki. When that didn't work Sakura kissed Sasori on the cheek and left shutting the door behind her quietly. Leaving Akatsuki head quarters, Sakura saw Deidara sitting by himself on watch duty.
"Hey Dei-kun. How are you?"
"Hi Sakura-chan, un. I'm tired and really wish that Kisame would hurry up and wake up, un."
"Well then go and wake him." Sakura said sitting down next to him. She knew she was procrastinating about leaving, but she just sighed and put that thought out of her mind. She wasn't quite ready to leave Sasori just yet.
"This isn't the same as when you rudely wake Sasori or anyone else in the Akatsuki. This is Kisame. And even you're slightly scared to wake him up. Un." Deidara crossed his arms across his chest giving Sakura a challenging look.
"True. Want to spar before I leave?"
"Sure, un!"
"Good."
Walking to clearing Sakura saw Kisame slowly walk to the guard post and sit heavily. Once he saw Sakura and Deidara facing eachother in defensive stances his interest quickly peaked. Turning on his heal it took him only ten seconds to get the rest of the Akatsuki all wide awake outside to watch the spar.
Sakura had a kunai in her hand and two shrunken in her other. She swivelled her foot in the dirt trying to find a grip on the loose soil. She found it. Kicking off she was behind Deidara before he could blink. Bringing her elbow down, she hit him in the back of the neck sending him flying about ten meters. Deidara then turned into a log. Sakura muttered a curse and then searched the trees from some blond hair. She threw her shrunken at the glimmering gold and hit her mark. Deidara fell with the shrunken in his arm.
"Okay guys no more weapons!" Yondamine said. "Fist fighting only."
"Fine!" Sakura and Deidara said together.
They ran at eachother fists ready to hit. Sakura sent her punch too early but recovered when Deidara sent his too late. Dodging his attack Sakura pulled her fist up and punched Deidara in the stomach. Hard.
Deidara fell to the ground gasping, clutching his stomach. As blood dripped through his fingers Sakura remembered she was still holding her kunai.
"Shit! Dei-kun. I'm sorry. Here." Sakura bend down next to her friends and healed his wound with the green charka that came form her fingers.
Sakura didn't notice Deidara's fist come up and clip her right under the chin, sending her back twenty meters.
Rubbing her chin Sakura sat up.
"Touché Deidara. Touché."
The rest of the Akatsuki came towards them. Kisame helped Deidara up and Sasori help Sakura up.
"You know you'll never get pregnant if you keep fight love." Sasori said quietly to her.
"When did we decide to have children?" Sakura said laughingly.
"Well Sakura-san. I thought you would have gone by now."
"I'm leaving now Yondamine. Good-bye!" Sakura waved enthusiastically at the Akatsuki. She kissed Sasori and whispered to him; "Good-bye."
"Be safe."
Sakura quickly turned on her heal and ran as fast as she could away from him. She had to get away. She had sensed Itachi and Sasuke near there. And if they saw that Sasori was her lover she would be in deep shit.
"Come on Itachi. Chase me. I'm the one you've wanted to kill for ten years. All because I stole your brother from you."
Jumping up into a tree Sakura came face to face with Itachi and Sasuke.
"You make this too easy Sakura."
"I'm only getting start Itachi."
