Ok so this is an idea I have been wanting to write for a while. It is a different couple pairing than I usually do, but I hope you will enjoy it. This story starts on the night Sasuke left the Hidden Leaf Village. When he leaves, instead of knocking Sakura out he takes he with him. And the time line that we all know from the show changes completely. Read and Review, Please!

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Chapter 1: Leaving the village

Thoughts in Italics

Sakura walked home from Ichiraku ramen shop. Naruto had invited her to dinner, but her mind was too focused on Sasuke to eat. So she sat in silence why he ate, then made her way to the street. Naruto had offered to walk her home, but she really just wanted some time alone. She walked through the barely lit streets and let her mind wander. Damn that Orochimaru! This is all his fault. She balled her fingers into fists at her side. He's trying to temp Sasuke with power. She turned down a side street that took her closer to her apartment. The only sound in the quiet night were her sandaled feet hitting the pavement. But Sasuke would never really leave the village. Would he? She came to a stop in front of her door. Reaching into her pocket for the key, a single tear slid sown her cheek. She knew the answer to that question, and she didn't like it.

She entered her home and locked the door behind her. Crossing the room she went to sit on her bed. Picking up the team picture from her bedside table she caressed the images through the glass. Sasuke. Don't you realize I could make you happy. Sakura smiled at the thought of anyone truly pleasing the stoic Uchiha. Well, I could try anyway. If you would only give me the chance.

Sakura knew Sasuke's mind was already made up. He was going to leave the village. She remained sitting on her bed for a long time, wrestling with a difficult decision. Finally she gave a curt nod as she made up her mind.

Holding the frame in her left hand, she reached under the bed with her right and retrieved the small knapsack she used on missions. She left both items sitting on the bed while she removed clothes from her small dresser. Spare shorts, tee shirts and underwear pilled up on her bed. Sakura stuffed the garments into the bag before going to the bathroom to gather her hairbrush and other toiletry items. After adding those she placed the team photo and wallet on top of the pile of belongings and cinched the bags strings tight.

On a tiny nightstand she found a piece of paper and a pen. Quickly she scribbled down her goodbye for whoever would find it. Though she was pretty sure it would be Naruto. She placed a candle on the center of the page to keep the wind from taking away her last words. Sakura picked up the heavy sack and slid it over her shoulder, then headed for the door. She glanced behind her, sparing one last look at her home, knowing she may never see it again. I'm sorry Naruto. Please forgive me.

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Sasuke stood in front of the window in his lonely apartment. Looking around at the room he would leave behind he felt no regret. There was nothing here that held any value for him. His eyes flicked to to the team photo that sat on a shelf. He remembered the day it was taken. Naruto glared at him filled with envy. Kakashi stood behind them both, his hand firmly on each ones head warning them not to fight. And Sakura. She stood in the middle of the group as happy as she had ever been.

He remembered thinking she was annoying. When did that change? He wasn't sure but his feelings for her were different now. Why do I keep thinking about her? Nothing in this pathetic village holds any appeal to me. Except her. Sure there's Naruto, but he was more a tool to help me reach my full potential. And now he is no longer needed.

Sasuke turned the picture over to rid himself of the visual reminder. But it was too late. His mind was already filled with images of her. Damn it! Why do my thoughts always return to her. She's weak and could only bring me down. As much as he wanted to he couldn't really believe that. He seen her grow too much. From her courage during the Chuunin exams to he never ending desire to help her friends.

No it wasn't that she was weak, but he was weak for wanting her. It doesn't matter. He told himself. Nothing will get in the way of my revenge. The only way to do that is to get stronger.... and Orochimaru can give me the power I need. Still his mind drifted to her. Her pink locks flowing in the breeze. The smile she wore just for him. The way the vein in her forehead bulged when she was angry. And with Naruto on their team he had seen her angry plenty of times. Stop it! He commanded himself. I will not be weak! I will get stronger! And if that means leaving her and the village behind then that's what I'll do.

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Sasuke walked through the quiet village. His footsteps echoed loudly through the still night. Hands stuffed deep into his pockets he traveled down the road that lead out of the village. His mind trying to to think of her.

A bright patch of color caught his eye. Pink. It couldn't be. His mind must be playing trick on him, making him see things that aren't there. But it wasn't an illusion. Sakura stepped out from around a tree. She had been waiting for him. What is she doing here? His heart beat a little faster just seeing her. He thought he would be able to make a clean break. Leave without having to see her again. He was wrong.

He wanted to take her in his arms and hug her goodbye. Instead he kept his face blank and said " It's the middle of the night. What are you hanging around here for?" He was careful to let no emotion slip in his voice.

Sakura's voice was low as she answered. "This is the only road out of the village."

Sasuke gathered up his strength and walked around her "You should go to bed." It was hard to be so close and not touch her., but he managed.

Tears spilled down Sakura's face as she asked him "Why Sasuke?" Hearing her speak his name nearly made hi heart stop. "Why won't you ever tell me anything."

He kept his back to her. If only she knew how badly he wanted to tell her everything. Share with her all the pain he went through. But he wouldn't allow himself to be that weak. He put as much anger into his voice as he could manage "Why should I have to tell you anything?" Tears fell harder down her cheeks, but he continued. "Keep your nose out of my business!"

She turned her head and tears continued to fall. "I know you hate me." It wasn't a question but a statement. Sasuke froze in his tracks. How could she think that. He didn't hate her, he loved her. If she only knew the truth. But she never would.

Tears dripped from her chin to the stone path below. "I know about your clan Sasuke. But seeking revenge .... that won't bring anyone happiness." Sakura hoped that she still might be able to persuade him to stay.

Sasuke didn't turn around. "I'm not the same as you. I'm going down a path the rest of you cant follow." the anger faded from his voice leaving only sadness. "I've decided on revenge. Thats always been my reason for living."

Sasuke had to force himself to say the words. He knew it was the only way to get her to leave. "I'll never be like you and Naruto."

Sakura reached for him. Her hand just inched from his shoulder. She spoke through her tears. "Don't do this Sasuke! You don't have to be alone."

Not alone? What is she talking about? I've always been alone. "This is a new beginning Sakura. We each have a new path laying before us." Sasuke still refused to turn and meet her weeping eyes. Worried his resolve wouldn't hold.

Gasping the pink haired beauty took another step forward. "Sasuke! I'm so in love with you I can't even stand it." She clutched her chest trying to hold her breaking heart together. "If you would only be with me I promise, I'd never let you regret it." Tears ran from her eyes like a constant water fall. "I could give you happiness. I'll do anything."

Sasuke stood there in shocked silence. It's not that he didn't already know how she felt about him. The entire village knew. But there was something about having her profess her love to him in th dark that struck his cold heart. "So stay here with me." A dark cloud uncovered the moon spilling soft, pale light across her face. "And if you cant.....then take me with you Sasuke!"

Sasuke was so caught off guard that he spun to face her. Though her face was wet with tears she had never looked more beautiful. He stood there speechless. Never had he expected he to make such an offer. Could he really leave the village and be with Sakura? His better judgment was screaming at him to leave her behind. That her presence would only mean trouble, but part of him couldn't help what he said. "Ok."

It hadn't been what Sakura was expecting either. She stopped crying so suddenly she almost choked. "What did you say?" She was afraid she hadn't heard right.

Sasuke smirked. "I said come with me." His smirk widened with Sakura's shock.

"Sasuke, do you really mean it?" Sakura's voice shook softly. He gave an emotionless nod. Squealing Sakura flung her arms around him holding herself tightly against his chest. The last remnants of her tears soaked into his dark blue shirt. "Oh thank you Sasuke! You won't be sorry."

Sasuke's skin tingled with her touch. With her head pressed against him he could smell her shampoo. He took a deep breath inhaling rose petals, lavender and jasmine. He almost ran his fingers through he soft pink tendrils but caught him self just in time. He made his voice harsh "Sakura calm down." Gently he pushed her away. "We need to leave before someone hears us."

Sakura nodded her head and her short rosy strands swayed with the movement. "Right." She ran back to the tree and retrieved the pack she had hidden. "I'm ready."

The raven haired Uchiha cocked his eyebrow but kept silent. He moved to stand beside Sakura, and together they made their way to the edge of the village. As they reached the top of the hill Sasuke heard a familiar voice. "We've been waiting for you Sasuke."

Sakura's eyes widened at the sight of the four Sound ninja. "Sasuke who are these people."

"What is she doing here?" Tayuya pointed at Sakura. "You weren't supposed to bring your little girlfriend along."

Kidomaru laughed "Can't say that I blame. She's a little cutie" He reached one of his arms towards her. "Whats your name honey?" Sakura cringed. Kidomaru laughed again, the sound harsh in the quiet.

"Quite Tayuya. Thats enough Kidomaru." Sakon turned his attention back to the waiting couple. "Why did you bring her Sasuke?"

"Hn." Sasuke shrugged. "I'll bring whoever I want." He cast a sideways glance at Sakura. "Besides, she wanted to come."

Sakon turned his attention to the girl in question. "Is that true girlie?"

Sakura nodded meakly. "Uh-huh. I want to go with Sasuke."

Tayuya scowled, "Look at her. She's as timid as a mouse. Orochimaru wont be pleased."

"Shut up Tayuya. We already made an agreement." He turned to Sasuke to explain."Once you abandoned the village it was decided that you would lead us on our trip back to Orochimaru."

Sasuke walked through the assembled group. "Whatever, I don't really care." He called to Sakura over his shoulder. "You coming?"

She was startled from her paralysis. "I'm coming." She moved forward and someone hit her over the head hard enough to knock her out. Jiroubou reached out and caught her before she hit the ground. HE slung her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing at all.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sasuke's voice was quiet but fierce.

"Easy lover boy." Kidomaru teased. "She's just unconscious."

"Trust us Sasuke. It will be easier this way." Sakon and the other three Sound ninja joined Sasuke. "We can't trust her not to run back to the village and reveal our location."

Sasuke stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Lets just go."

Together the group walked over the hill and away from the village hidden in the leaves. Sasuke didn't even look back. For the first time in his life he was on his way to getting everything he desired.

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The Next Day

Naruto paced unhappily around Team 7s practice grounds. "Where are they." He kicked a rock that was sitting by his foot. "It's not like Sakura to be late." He sat on the ground pulling his knees up to his chest. I hope Sakura is alright. She was pretty upset last night. Maybe I should go check on her. With his mind made up he stood, dusting him self off, and went in search of his teammates.

Twenty minutes later he stood outside Sakura's door. 'Bang-Bang-Bang' "Sakura are you in there?" Silence. 'Bang-Bang-Bang' "Open up, it's me Naruto." Still all he got was silence.

Hmmmm maybe she's sick. I should go get Grandma Tsunade. He turned to leave, and stopped mid step. Or I could just go in and check on her. She'll be so grateful she'll throw her arms around me. He became caught up in a fantasy "oh Naruto..... your my hero. I love you Naruto...." A grin spread across his face. Opening her door he creped into Sakura's apartment. "Sakura? Where are you?"

Naruto took in the empty room. "She's not here." He was about to leave when he caught sight of a piece of paper. The edge lifting with the wind. "Whats that?" Crossing the room he picked up the paper and read Sakura's neat handwriting:

Naruto,

If you're reading this that I have already gone.

Sasuke is leaving the village to join Orichimaru,

and I can't let him go alone. I will try to change his mind

but if I fail, I will attempt to go with him. Please know that

this is what had to be done. I will miss you. You have helped

me more than you will ever know. I hope that one day you

will find it in your heart to forgive me.

--Sakura

Naruto stood in the lonely apartment, holding the piece of paper that broke his heart. No matter where you go I will find you both. And bring you back home. I swear it.

Naruto ran from her building as fast as he could. He raced down the street ignoring cries from the people the bumped into. He didn't stop till he was standing before the steps of Hokage Tower. Panting he climbed the stairs as fast as his legs would go. When he reached Tsunade's office he didn't bother knocking. He burst through the door slamming it into the wall as it opened.

Tsunade jumped up from he desk. "Naruto! What is the meaning of this! You can't just barge into my office--"

Naruto cut her off "They're gone!"

Tsunade stopped her rant. "Who's gone?"

"Sasuke and Sakura" Naruto tried catching his breath. "They left last night. Sasuke went to join Orochimaru and Sakura went with him! We have to get them back."

The blond Hokage just looked at him. "Are you sure about this?"

He shoved the note into her hand. "Look at this." Tsunade read Sakura's note. Her eyes widening.

When she finished her cheeks were flushed with anger "Go get Shikamaru. I'm assembling a team."

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It was almost dark when the team returned through the village gates. Naruto's head was down and tears trailed down his cheeks. In his hand he held two discarded headbands.

Shikamaru put rested his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We need to report to lady Hokage." He turned the the rest of the waiting group. "The rest of you can go home."

They nodded their heads, patted Naruto's back and went their separate ways. It was a sad day for the Hidden Leaf Village, two promising ninjas gone. Left to join the enemy.

When the pair finally reached Hokage Tower Naruto was a wreck. Shikamaru had to help him climb the stairs, and lead him to a chair in Tsunade's office.

Tsunade sat behind her desk, head propped on her hands as Shikamaru finished his report. "So there was no sign of them?"

Shikamaru shook his head. "Akamaru lost their scent at the river. Whoever is with them is good. We couldn't pick up their trail again."

The honey eyed woman leaned back in her chair, grief plain on her face. "Then they are both lost."

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Ok so let me know what you think. I know I did a lot of quoting from the show, but it couldn't be helped. I was going for the same emotional build that was there when Sasuke left Sakura, but this time she goes with him. And since Sakura wasn't there to let them know what happened their group got an even longer head start, so they got away. Next chapter will be at the compound. Lets see how Orochimaru likes having an extra visitor. I'm very excited about this. I hope you will be too.