Hi! Ok folks, this is my first SakuraxAkatsuki fanfic! But seeing as how this is only my second story, that's not surprising! xD

Anyway, this is like my personal ode to SweetBitterCrimson and her story Scrumdidileeumptious. It is my ALL TIME FAVORITE SakuraxAkatsuki fanfic, especially since its PeinSaku centric! Though her fic is not yet finished, and she has been going at it for two years, I hope to bring you some delight as we all agonize over the time it takes her to update again! Writing, I found, really helps me pass the time, so I encourage all of you do write as well! Who knows? A best-seller may come out of it one day!

At any rate, this story will be PeinSaku centric, with some ItaKon, and AkatsukixOC. I've rated it M because Hidan's in it, and we all know he loves to curse, haven't decided if there will be any citrus in it yet, but I'll be sure to let you know! Sakura, Akatsuki, and rest of Konoha 12 are all seniors in this story, and all sensei are sensei (Dumbledore Useless Hufflepuff) and Naruto has his parents! Though I'm not sure if they'll actually be in the story yet!

Now I'm off to go read the latest installment of Scrumdidileeumptious!

Anyone who can tell me what chapter Dumbledore useless Hufflepuff is from, I will write them a one-shot! Choices include:

KakaSaku

PeinSaku

NejiSaku

ShikaSaku

GenShi

JirTsu

ItaKon

NaruSasu (if I'm feeling generous!)

and KakaShi

Please allow up to a week before I complete and publish the winners one-shot! Oh and this means you people need to REVIEW!

Love Kayla-chan!


Running

I've always loved to go running.

The wind in my hair, the feeling of freedom, the adrenaline, the pull of my muscles, but most importantly…the SPEED.

Then there were the bad things about running, the sweating, the ache, the exhaustion, and the dire need for food and water!

But the worst part of running is when someone just happens to be running in the opposite direction as you. And then of course that person has to be a boy twice your size that you end up smacking into. I don't know if it was the fact that we both had in headphones, or if it was just fate but our first meeting was destined to be memorable.

Now I've gone through this a couple times, and all ended in relatively the same fashion.

Me and boy crash, said boy is bigger than me and just as the universe wills it, he falls on me. Then they yell at me, tell me it's my fault, and don't even help me up!

To say I was pleasantly surprised this time is an understatement.

Ok so it starts out the same, me and boy collide, and the force of his weight sends him forward, on top of me. Then the incredible happens, he grabs me around my waist, in true ninja fashion, flips us so he lands on his back on the ground, me in his arms, face pressed into his chest. His very well defined, muscular chest!

I felt his chest rumble, and looked up. Oh he was talking. "I'm sorry, I had my headphones in. What did you say?" he smiled and turned my ipod around to face me.

"We're listening to the same song." He smirked, and showed me his ipod, and sure enough Hotel California was playing on his as well.

"Wow, well that's weird." Silence, crickets chirping in the background. "Oh! I'm so sorry! Are you ok? Sorry for running into you." I sweat-dropped and chuckled nervously; rolling off of him.

In true ninja hot guy fashion (I was beginning to think he really was a ninja!) he hopped up and stuck out a hand to help me stand. Grasping Kyo (my ipod is a boy!) in my left hand, I placed my right hand in his much larger left one.

"Thanks, normally I get yelled at when I collide with people." I blushed when he smiled, his snakebites pulled tight. That was when I noticed all of his piercings! Seven in each ear, snakebites, six along the bridge of his nose, and his tongue! He had the prettiest grey eyes I've ever seen. Spiky flame kissed hair that hung slightly into his eyes where there was sweat weighing it down.

"Well that's rude of them. Especially since I'm guessing they always land on top of you! I mean no offense, but you are kind of small." he raised his hand level with his head, and then brought it down to rest on mine. The height distance was anything but flattering.

"Yeah, it's the Haruno curse. The tallest anyone has ever gotten in my family is 5'9"! And he died a long time ago." I looked away glumly.

"Haruno eh? My name's Ame Pein. Let me guess, does your first name happen to be a flower? Himawari maybe, or Hana?" he quirked an eyebrow.

Haaaaaa…..swoon.

PULL IT TOGETHER! A HOT GUY JUST TRIED TO GUESS YOUR NAME! CHA! YOU CAN BE SO DUMB SOMETIMES!

Jeez ok. I was just reveling in his hotness….

"It's Sakura. I know, I know, my parents had a cruel sense of humor." He smirked.

"Well I must say it does suit you. Short pink hair, gorgeous sage colored eyes, and porcelain skin. Are you sure your mom wasn't having an affair with a wood nymph?" he teased.

"And what is your father, an orange?" I jabbed him in the chest.

"No, he was a redhead, mom was blonde. The Universe thought it would be funny and made our family look like skittles. Though I can't for the life of me figure out how Zetsu's hair is green."

"Is Zetsu your brother? Do you have any other siblings?"

"Yes. Me, Zetsu, and Konan are triplets. Fraternal in every single way. I have orange hair, Konan she's got blue, and Zetsu green. Our little sister Ai has purple. Okka-san and Outo-san would have loved to meet you." He smiled sadly.

Awh, he's like us.

Ok so console him! You have a common tragedy! And he thinks we're pretty!

He thinks I'M pretty.

We're the same person you dolt! Now stop arguing and pay attention to the 6'2" hottie in front of us!

Kami now I remember why I don't talk to her so much anymore!

"I know how it feels. Sasori and I have been alone for awhile now. But I don't complain, they did everything they could to make sure we had a secure life, and succeeded."

"I still feel bad for Ai, she barely even knew our parents. I feel like she got left out. Konan took it the worst; she wouldn't talk or eat for months! Though Zetsu ate enough for the both of them!" he chuckled.

During our conversation we had subconsciously started leaving the park.

"Do you go to Konoha Academy? I don't think I've seen you there. Of course, how could anyone miss you."

"Yeah, we just moved into our dorms yesterday. Never thought I'd be moving to an academy my senior year!" I blanched.

Our parent's lawyer had been over to the house back in Tokyo, he said he needed to discuss something important with us. He'd presented Sasori and I the will, and told us that once we turned 17 we were to go to a private school of our choosing. Immediately after the true trust fund would kick in. There was enough money for both of us for senior year, and to put us through college! They had put away enough for both us to get doctorates from Ivy League schools! I always knew they were crazy. But there was a catch, we had to move. That meant leaving Obaa-san in Tokyo with her 8 cats wile we moved to the U.S.

New York to be specific, it's a good thing me and Onii-sama took English in Japan! So anyway, we lived on our own now, the Academy was the kind with dorms and every room held two people. I had yet to meet my dorm-mate, as there was still a whole week until school started. I just hoped whoever they were, that they were nice. Another thing about Konoha Academy? All the dorms are co-ed.

"Why couldn't I just get a dorm with my brother? No, now I have to go meet some random person and live with them! What if they turn out to be a creep?" I threw my hands up in the air in exasperation.

"Oh? You haven't met your roommate yet? What wing are you in? Wait, scratch that, you're in the Namikaze wing; all seniors are." Pein scratched the back of his head. "Our housing system is kind of strange here, but it works none the less." At my nonplused expression he continued a little hurriedly. "We have the four housing wings. Well I'd guess they're more like halls. Yeah, halls. Anyway, the first hall, Senju Hall is reserved for the freshmen. It only has one floor, but is by far the biggest one for it was built first, by the first Dean, Senju Hashirama. The second hall, Tobirama Hall, for his last name was also Senju. So it didn't really make sense to name this one the same thing. It has two floors, and is inhabited by the sophomores. The first two Deans of the school were brothers. The third hall, Sarutobi Hall, was named after Hiruzen Sarutobi. At first he worked at the academy as a professor. That one has three floors, and houses the juniors. The fourth and final hall is Namikaze Hall. That's the wing we-the seniors- stay in. As you already know it has four floors, indicating that Namikaze Minato was the fourth dean. Our current Dean, Lady Tsunade is the granddaughter of the first dean. After Namikaze-sama had his son he retired so he could stay home with his wife. Other than the housing wings we have the main building, including the offices, counselor, library, nurse, janitor's quarters, and the teachers lounge. The two story building directly behind it contains the auditorium, cafeteria, theater and gym. In between the two buildings is the courtyard where we spend break and lunch." He finished breathe ragged.

"Wow all that on one breathe, impressive." I smirked.

"Just one of my many talents." He returned the smirk.

"Well, I live on the fourth floor, how about you?"

"I live on the fourth floor as well, maybe we'll be neighbors. So would you like a tour of the school before Monday? The office aid is a real pain in the ass; you don't want to spend large quantities of time with him." He chuckled and pushed the button for the 4 floor in the elevator. The lift groaned with the stress of taking 2 people to the top floor.

We walked down the hallway quietly, and I wondered how far down his room was. I started slowing down when I saw the gold number 13 and turned to Pein who was stopped too.

"Well, this is my room." We both gestured to the door we stood in front of.

"WAIT, WHAT?" we both exclaimed

"YOU'RE MY NEW ROOM MATE?"

"Ok stop, that was weird." I held my hand up.

"I agree. But at least you have a roommate you already know." He smirked.

"True, I guess it could be worse. I could be stuck with a prep!" I beamed.

"Oh? And how do you know I'm not a prep?" Pein countered.

"No prep would have that many piercings on his face. Plus they're all snooty." I sniffed.

"Hey I'm not the only one with a lot of metal." He smirked (seems he likes doing that. Must be a superiority complex….)

"Ah yes. But I've only got thirteen. You have more than that on your ears alone!" I accused as we walked into our dorm.

"Hmm. Well I only count 12. Where's the last one?" he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

I sighed as I grabbed the hem of my black tank top and lifted it to show my mid-drift. My sliver heart shaped barble hanging from my belly button glinted in the artificial lighting.

He stared at my abdomen appreciatively, seemingly transfixed on my body jewelry.

"Is that a tattoo? What is it?" he pointed to my left side, where a good portion of my tattoo could be seen.

"Oh, this?" I asked turning to my right and tugging down my shorts a bit. "It's my namesake, with two doves sitting on one of the branches, it's for my family. He only started the outline while I was in Japan, so he didn't finish the branches or put in the scorpion for Sasori yet. It's supposed to end at my left shoulder blade and under my left breast across my ribs. I don't know if I'll ever finish it now, Ibiki never gave me a copy of what the finished copy should look like." I sighed, righting my clothes.

"Oh, that's cool. I have a friend who does tattoos; you could ask him if he could finish it." Pein offered as he walked toward his bedroom door.

"Oh really? That'd be great! I'd have to meet him first though!" I called as I walked to my door on the other side of the living room.

"Sure. Hey! How 'bout I take you to meet all my friends while we're on your tour? They'd love you."

"That'd be awesome! Thanks! I'm happy I'm not getting a tour from the office guy." I grimaced pulling on a light grey blouse, and lilac cut-off jean shorts. The guy in there was a creep; I didn't want to be spending time with him!

Putting on my socks and combat boots, I went into my bathroom and straightened my short hair real quick, put on some more deodorant, brushed my teeth and rimed my waterline with kohl and a lot of mascara.

Pein P.O.V

~Fucking Hidan's gonna hit on her! I just now it! Damn she liked my piercings too! Not many girls are into that! ~

"Fuck!" I said out loud this time when I kicked my bed frame while hopping to put on a shoe. Bloody boots were going to be the death of me! I went into my bathroom to freshen up before taking Sakura to the Neanderthals.

"Are you almost ready to go?" I yelled walking back into the living room. The dorms were really nice this year. Living room with sectional and flat screen; bay window over looking central park on the wall behind the couch, with cushions and bookcases near by for reading. We even had our own bathrooms! Last year that stupid girl I lived with, who had annoyingly long blonde hair (with considerable resemblance to Deidara) was in there all the time! I usually had to go to Zetsu's room just to take a shower!

Sakura's door opened then, and I swear my heart stopped. Who was this girl? She runs, she has piercings and tattoos, and now she has combat boots on? Well she said she hated preppy people but her clothes resemble one. And what the f is going on with her hair? She looks scene. The top is pretty nice on her though, it was a grey colored top with little ruffly thingy on the front, and was flowy at the bottom. Y'know like if she were to spin it would flare out. Anyway going down I paused, those had to be the smallest pair of shorts in existence!

But Ooooh man did she have nice legs! Damn now Deidara and Kisame are going to hit on her too! Fuck my life, my chances have dwindled away. She's probably going to fall for Itachi anyway. Grrr I should just ban them from talking to her alone! Kukukukukukukukukukukukukukuk! Oh the wonders of being the leader of my gang!

She cleared her throat.

"You look lovely, but be warned. A few of the guys are going to hit on you." I smiled at her when she flushed.

"Oh and who would that be? Tell me now so I know to avoid them." She walked up to stand next to me so we could leave.

"Well there's Hidan, he curses a lot, he'll be easy to identify. Then there's Deidara, he has annoyingly long hair. And Kisame, he's blue. Tobi might tackle you because he thinks you're cute, but other than that everyone should be cool. Itachi, Kakuzu and Zetsu should just leave you alone. Though you'll probably find Itachi attractive, and like Kakuzu's tattoos. Oh and Konan will most likely be there. I think you and her could be great friends." I smiled, my sister was sure to like her, they seem like they would have common interests.

"Yeah and why would I like this Itachi? Does he have extensive piercings as well?" she grinned, looking at me out of the corner of her eyes as I led her down the hall back to the elevator.

"Well then I guess I was wrong, my chances aren't shot." I smirked when she blushed lightly. "But everyone finds Itachi good-looking, even a lot of boys. Not that I'm saying you're shallow, but I think you'll find it difficult to resist his charms. Though now I feel you'll be absolutely helpless against mine." I slung my arm around her shoulders as we exited onto the third floor.

"Hmph I'm sure I'll survive." She countered, poking me in the side.

I sucked in a gulp of air, and let out a strangled scream, I hate being ticklish. (1)

Shock was written all over her face at my display of weakness. Awh hell now she's going to use it against me! Well better her than one of the guys.

"What in Kami-sama's name was that? Hehe are you by chance, ticklish?" she grinned evilly, her eyes turned into that weird diamond shape, and lightning and thunder crashed in the background. I could see the evil little cogs turning in her demented head (I was guessing she had an evil streak, but I couldn't be too sure….) and I just knew I was in for it.

"Ahem…..no I'm just painfully challenged." (2) I smiled at my bad joke, and she giggled. Well I guess if getting her to laugh means putting my ego on the line, by all means I'll do it!

"Oh that was a good one!" another giggle, and she whipped away a tear. "How far are we going?" she looked back, noticing we had turned twice.

"We're going to rooms 23, 22, 21, and 20. They're at the end of this hall. Deidara has 20, Kakuzu and Hidan got 21 together somehow, Itachi has 22 with this girl named Kiku, finally there's Kisame with a girl named Leah in 23. Zetsu and Konan share a room on our floor, but I don't know if they'll be there. Oh and Tobi shares with Deidara; I forget about him sometimes, but in my defense he is fairly new. But I think I'm the luckiest of all. Who else gets one of the most beautiful, intelligent, incredible girls in the whole school as their roommate?" she turned crimson at that last comment.

"You jest. I'm not that great; I think I'm more of the lucky one. Who else gets an extremely handsome, witty, enigmatic boy with the most piercings I've ever seen as a roommate?" she returned, making me blush this time.

"I would never, but I will thank you for the compliment, and coming from you it's twice as sweet." I smiled as I wrapped on the door to Deidara and Tobi's room.

There was a scuffle behind the door, a curse from Hidan, yelling from Deidara and Kisame, and a yelp from Tobi before Itachi finally opened the door. "Leader-sama," he bowed politely "Leader-sama's girlfriend." He bowed to Sakura next and we both flushed twelve shades of red again before laughing nervously.

"Actually, I'm just his new roommate." She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear as we walked in, and Itachi closed the door behind us.

"Well that's too bad; you two would make the perfect couple. I bet you didn't notice this, but her attire matches your eye colors." Itachi waved grandly to Sakura where she stood next to me by the couch.

"Huh. I didn't realize it before, but you're right. That's kinda weird, in a non-creepy almost flattering way." I smirked.

"Whoa, who's the hot bitch?" Hidan remarked as he came walking up behind us, slapping Sakura in the rear as he passed her.

That probably wasn't the best decision, seeing as she got mad.

Now I don't just mean mad, I mean furious-beyond-words-taking-off-someone's-head-with-bare-hands-enraged. What happened next none of us were expecting.

Though I'm sure Hidan appreciated it very much.

"Excuse me, but did you just FUCKING SLAP MY ASS?" Sakura growled and then punched Hidan so hard in the face when he turned to face her, which sent him flying into the front door which cracked under his weight.

"By Jashin's name, I think I'm in fucking love." Hidan yelled having regained consciousness, and leered at Sakura.

And then Tobi glomped her.


(1) is a reference to Scrumdidileeumptious, if you haven't already guessed.

(2) Was my attempt at humor, ya' know like when someone say they are sarcastically challenged when they're really being sarcastic? Anyway I asked Onii-sama what the opposite of ticklish was, and he said pain. I just about died laughing and just HAD to put that in there, so I hope you found it funny! xD

Thanks for reading, and remember REVIEW! OR NO ONE-SHOT TO THE WINNER!