This is a short blurb I did during a study break using the prompt "domestic violence". It cuts off abruptly because it was timed.
I don't own Naruto.
Her footsteps faltered as she ran, nearly imperceptibly. Ducking beneath a low-hanging branch, she increased the flow of chakra into her feet to give her better traction to prevent another stumble.
The bruises on her ribs complained loudly as she crouched low, allowing herself a brief rest. The branch she was sat upon was mossy and strong and a vibrant symbol of her home country. It gave her hope that maybe she wouldn't have to stay away forever.
The woman launched herself forward again, this time sailing through the air only briefly before landing on the leaf-carpeted forest floor, ducking and leaping backwards out of the way of a sudden flurry of shuriken. The weapons only served as a warning. Had he wanted to hurt her, she knew he had more creative ways.
Sakura hadn't bothered lying to herself; she had known he would catch up soon. Only the silence of the forest around her had alerted her to his presence. Had she not paused, he may have caught her unawares. The thought sent a heavy chill deep into the pit of her stomach.
"You seem to be in a hurry," the man - her attacker - said, his voice dull. He sounded as bored as ever. "Where are you off to?"
She regarded him, her husband, with a guarded expression. While it seemed like a rhetorical question, as the answer was a loud and clear "anywhere that you are not", it was possible that he had not known what her actual destination was going to be, and that gave her hope. After all, she was headed in an ambiguous direction - there were several small states just outside of Fire country this way. Maybe she had a chance yet, if she could just end this swiftly.
"I was just going to the market," she bit out, jade eyes cold and hard.
"And what were you going to pick up?" He didn't bother pointing out that they were only miles away from the border of Fire country and very, very far from any market.
"Shochu. I thought maybe you could use a drink."
"That's very unlike you."
"You're right. I don't know why I'd antagonise you."
There was a pause in their dialogue. He regarded her with dark eyes, contemplating. She had no doubt he was deciding on his next move. Sasuke had never been the type to act out of impulse - unless,