Because I know all of you loved that small little teaser of a prologue I gave you, here's a nice long chapter! I was going to make it shorter and put some of this in the next chapter but...I just couldn't do it. I had to fit it all in here. Enjoy!
Chapter 1
Sleepless Nights
Two weeks later
Sakura Haruno, former ANBU captain of squad three, apprentice of the legendary Sannin Tsunade, and top medical shinobi in Konoha save for her sensei, sat down on the smooth wooden floor, brooding.
They had just arrived at the abandoned Buddhist temple in Cloud, which was the Akatsuki headquarters there. Zetsu had greeted them and sent Itachi and Kisame on a mission the moment they had arrived, saying that two of the other Akatsuki members would be coming to the temple within a few days.
Sakura hadn't really paid attention.
She didn't even know if those few days had already passed. She wouldn't be surprised if the two Akatsuki members had come and gone. She had barely moved from her spot to eat and drink.
She hadn't slept.
She couldn't.
Sakura shifted, pulling the large fur blanket around her shoulders. After seeing Sakura's present mood, Deidara had gotten it for her in hopes of cheering her. It had not worked. Sakura merely let herself be encompassed by its warmth, which took off the chilly sting that shot through the high mountain air.
The floor was oddly comfortable to her. She supposed it was because she was so used to sleeping on the ground now. There was a bed in the room that had been set aside for her, but she had yet to go into it.
The first night after arriving, she had sat down in the small back room of the main temple building, secluding herself from everyone. She needed time to think. Her entire life, the existence she had been making for herself, now ceased to exist. She felt as if she were a different person.
She wondered if perhaps she had been half mad when she had decided to stay with the Akatsuki.
If she had been in her right mind, would she have gone with them?
But I have no regrets, remember? She muttered to herself, almost sarcastically, throwing it in her own face.
What am I doing here?
Her eyes stung, but no tears fell. Sakura had ceased to cry since that night. The fur tickled her nose as she buried her face in its softness. She couldn't find it, her reason. She felt as if her shinobi way was disappearing rapidly around her.
She had sworn to protect her new friends, but they hardly needed her help. She was the one who had needed Itachi to save her. And she still had yet to find the reason for his doing so.
The only thing she could do was heal. And she had done that already.
They stopped for a moment after Kisame had seen Sakura's strength waning. She had still yet to regain her strength, and her leg was hurting her slightly.
They fell into an uncomfortable silence, unusual with Sakura around. But she was the one who usually spoke, and she was as silent as the grave.
Deidara gave a worried frown, unsure as to what to do. His heart ached as he saw Sakura in pain, and he wanted to go and comfort her. But he didn't think she would want that, not now. He felt a small twinge of pain as he stretched his arm.
"Let me see."
Everyone turned to look at Sakura. Her voice had barely been above a whisper, but they had all heard it, they'd all stopped to listen.
Deidara didn't have time answer as Sakura walked over to him.
"It's fine, yeah." Deidara began, but when she pressed her finger onto his shoulder he winced. She withdrew it and her thumb was covered in what looked to be almost dried blood.
"You don't have the energy to heal me, Sakura-chan." Deidara tried to begin again, but Sakura merely grabbed his arm, gently but firmly as she pulled the sleeve back.
"I'm a healer, Deidara. Let me at least do this." Her voice was biting and disjointed, as if she didn't know how to speak to him anymore. Deidara's gaze softened as he gave a small, comforting smile to her.
"Heal me up quick then doc, yeah."
Sakura sealed the wound efficiently, her fingers rubbing over the spot, still glowing with a few, remaining vestiges of chakra to soothe the pain. When she finished, Deidara mumbled a thanks with a small smile.
Sakura turned to Kisame and he threw up his hands.
"Nah, nah, kitten. It'll heal on its own. I want a scar to help impress the ladies." He winked. "It'll make me look dangerous."
Deidara muttered under his breath, "You look like a giant fish. You don't need any help in that category."
Sakura merely gripped his chin in her hand, making him bend over so she could reach his cheek. "You'll look very dangerous with your face rotting off, now won't you?" There was no usual smile after her small tease. No, it was all said in her sad, deadened voice.
Kisame frowned, giving a small pout.
Sakura ignored it as she finished. She turned to Sasori but he shook his head. He wasn't injured anywhere she could heal him. She supposed that was true. She then peered out of the corner of her eye at the last person in their group.
Itachi.
He was standing away from the others. Away from her. He seemed to be distancing himself even more and she couldn't understand why. He had saved her, and now he didn't want anything to do with her?
"Itachi—" She began.
"I'm not wounded."
Like hell you're not. Sakura thought angrily. She knew he had burnt his hand when he had stopped Sasuke's Chidori—twice. She tried not to let him see how much his retort had hurt.
"Very well."Sakura blinked wearily. She and Itachi hadn't spoken after that. He seemed to be avoiding her. She wondered, however, if he merely needed time to think. He had done something so completely out of character when he had saved her life.
Maybe he didn't know the reason why he had done it.
Sakura shifted her blanket on her shoulders as a large gust of wind blew the shutters on the window open. A chilling wind swirled around her, making her hair fly into her eyes. The only candle in the room blew out, plunging her into darkness. The only light came from the glowing moon outside of her window.
She stood, slowly and carefully, like an old woman. She hadn't moved from her position since the morning, and her legs were cramping terribly. Her stomach grumbled. She gave a small sigh. She supposed she couldn't ignore it any longer. She hadn't eaten in two days.
She was sure Deidara was soon going to come and force feed her if she didn't eat something soon. She'd grab a bowl of rice, as well as a few matches. She didn't have enough chakra to do a fire jutsu, and it would have merely been a waste with a matchbox in the large temple room, where the incense was lit. How long it had been since someone had prayed here, Sakura didn't wish to guess.
She slid open the door to the small room, which lead out into a hallway. She pulled her blanket tighter around herself as she began walking. As she did so, she continued thinking as well.
I wonder what Sasuke is doing right now. She cold just imagine him, sitting in front of the Uchiha compound, staring into it, his eyes burning with hatred. Not only for Itachi now, but also for her.
"You're just like him now Sakura. You…I vow to kill. You betrayed me. You won't do so again."
Sakura closed her eyes wearily. Sasuke…when did you become so full of hate? Or did I just not see it before? Were you always like this? She blinked, trying to make her eyes adjust to the dim half-light of the hallway. It was an eerie glow that shone through the sliding door that led into the main temple room.
If I had stayed with them…If I had been allowed to go back to Konoha with all of you…the pain of being so near Sasuke with him hating me would have been unbearable. Sakura had thought that the pain Tomokazu had inflicted had been the most unimaginable, horrible thing someone could experience. But she doubted that now.
This hurt worse.
Because it will never go away.
Sakura slowly slid the door open, feeling herself engulfed in a warm glow as she walked inside of the room. She immediately noticed that it was a good seven or so degrees warmer in this room than in the one she had been sleeping in.
She looked around with a small sigh, wondering where the matches would be. Candles flickered around the room, sending up small amounts of curling smoke that disappeared through some hole in the ceiling that Sakura did not see, though in truth she did not truly search for it. The flames' shadows twisted across the walls, dancing.
Once, she would have found it beautiful. She would have watched it with a small, wondering smile on her face.
But now, it only reminded her of the warmth she no longer felt.
"Good evening, Sakura-chan, yeah."
Sakura turned to where the sound had come from. Sure enough, Deidara was sitting atop the large stone Buddha statue sitting against the wall. He was fiddling with something in his hands, but she couldn't see it from where she stood.
"Hi."
Deidara smiled at her. "You're talking now."
Sakura nodded, slowly making her way over to him. She tried to smile back, but it did not work. She felt as if those muscles were no longer functional. She once again shifted in her blanket as she sat down at the foot of the statue.
Deidara slid down it, landing on his feet in front of her. He lowered himself into a sitting position as well, still smiling. "You're lucky, Sakura-chan. Sasori is cooking tonight."
"Oh."
Deidara gave a small sigh. "Hidan and Kakuzu will be arriving tomorrow evening or the next morning. Apparently Leader wanted them to come here for something. I wonder what it is, yeah."
Sakura watched him, just listening to his voice. It was soothing and soft, a balm for her shattered soul. She closed her eyes for a moment, just listening to him talk. She had shut herself off from him and the others for what seemed like an eternity.
She needed this badly.
"Sasori seems to know, but he won't talk about it, yeah." Deidara shrugged, though he noticed that Sakura wasn't watching. Her eyes were closed, as if she were merely drinking in his words. He watched her face. It seemed to have grown even more beautiful. Unlike most people, who seemed to age greatly after a hard loss or a great shock, Sakura merely matured somewhat. Yet she still held her graceful, youthful beauty.
Deidara trailed off as he continued to watch her.
Sakura noticed the silence and she opened her eyes, seeing him look at her, his soul shining in his. A moment of indecision flooded through her. What does he think of all of this? Does he believe…does he believe he is more to me than a dear friend? She felt a moment of sadness as tears once again stung her eyes. I cannot tell him. Not yet.
Suddenly she felt herself enveloped in a warm hug, and she felt his arms go around her. She closed her eyes once more, leaning against his chest. Her ear was pressed against it, and she could hear his heart beating. The sound was soothing.
"It's nice to hold you in my arms again, yeah." Deidara whispered.
It is nice. Sakura silently agreed. You make me feel wanted, Deidara. That's what I needed most of all right now. Thank you. You're a true friend.
"I hear that Kisame has a new nickname for you. Kitten." Deidara tested it. "It's cute. I'll have to steal it from him, yeah."
Sakura gave a small smile, the first one she had since that night. It went unnoticed though, for her face was buried in his shirt. She merely nodded slightly, breathing in his scent. "You and Kisame are the only ones who will call me that, though. I can't see Sasori or Itachi doing it."
"I guess you're right." Deidara nodded, grinning down at her. He caught a small glimpse of her smile, and his heart soared. She was slowly returning to her old self. His Sakura-chan.
"Are you hungry?"
"Hai." Sakura whispered.
"I told Sasori to make you a plate, just in case." Deidara chuckled.
Sakura heard the laugh rumbled through his chest before it burst into the air. It was a strange sensation. She couldn't help but give a small laugh of her own. "You know me so well, Deidara-kun."
"Ah, I was waiting for you to call me that, yeah."
Sakura punched him slightly in the shoulder, her smile a bit more prominent. I need to stop moping. Deidara showed me that. I have to be strong.
Deidara grinned down at her once more. "Maybe I can have Sasori bring us our food, yeah."
Sakura's brows furrowed. "Why can't we just go down to the kitchen?"
"Because I'd have to let go of you, yeah."
Sakura gave a small, wondering sigh. "Let's go, Deidara."
Deidara gave her a small squeeze before they both stood. I'd forgotten how wonderful it was to just touch you, Sakura. He slung an arm around her shoulders, leading her down the hallway. Sakura leaned her head against him, liking the protected feeling she got around him. It reminded her of the hugs she had often shared with Naruto and Neji. Simple things, but so important to her. Things she cherished.
She had thought she'd never get one of those hugs again.
Thank you for proving me wrong, Deidara.
The room was dimly lit, and the smell of smoke and alcohol from the surrounding bars and brothels filled the air. The sound of wild parties, shouts, yells, as well as groans of pleasure, drifted on the night breeze.
A woman in a crimson kimono shifted on the large bed, her back against the wall. She propped her arms against a few pillows, giving a small, annoyed sigh. She would have been breathtakingly beautiful, save for the fact that it was almost too perfect. It had a sense of being too good to be true. Fake.
Heavily rouged lips pursed as the woman watched the man in front of her.
"What's wrong?" She asked in a sweet, thick voice. Like honey.
The man in question merely gave her a small glance, though nothing more. This annoyed the woman even more, but she said nothing. She shifted, feeling something crawling up her shoulder; she gave a small smile as she lifted her hand, feeling the small creature walk across her finger.
The brightly colored spider traveled across her hand, skimming her pale skin. She watched it with a smile, before turning back to the man.
"Tomokazu, you're moping."
"I am not."
She stiffened at his harsh tone, but she did nothing else to show she was affected. She was used to this from Tomokazu. However, she did not like his inattentiveness. It was annoying her greatly. He should have been showering her with compliments at the moment, telling her what a clever shinobi she was.
She had found out where They were staying after all.
What is holding him so enraptured? He's almost pacing. She gave a small pout, crooking a finger and telling him to come to her silently, though once again it had no effect. "Tomokazu…" She purred. "Come to bed."
Tomokazu raised one perfect eyebrow. "I can't. Not yet."
"Why not?'
"I'm thinking." Tomokazu snapped. The anger wasn't really directed at her. He supposed he couldn't really hurt her with his words anyway. No matter how fragile she looked, she had a hide of steel. Not much could faze her.
After all, she had been Tomokazu's shinobi partner for years now. She wasn't easily surprised. Especially not by his moods.
The woman continued to watch the spider, making it walk back and forth on her hand. "You're making him nervous." She crooned to Tomokazu. "Look at him. He's going to bite."
Tomokazu gave a harsh laugh. "He won't bite you. He never does." He had come up to the side of the bed. The woman snaked her leg around his waist, pulling him towards the edge of the bed as she did so. She looked up at him, stretching her neck as she let her kimono slide off of one shoulder, giving him a good idea what lay beneath the red silk.
"If it did bite, would you suck the poison out for me, Tomokazu?" She asked sweetly, shooting him a seductive glance.
"What do you want, Naoyo?"
Naoyo sighed, unlatching her leg, though she took her time in placing it back beneath the folds of her kimono. "Nothing, Tomokazu." Apparently he wasn't in the mood for sex. A pity.
"I haven't properly thanked you for finding out where the other Akatsuki base was. It's rather amusing, but apparently Leader didn't entirely trust me. I have found there are several bases I do not know about."
"The informant was ready enough for a tumble. He spoke quite clearly, once I gave him the incentive." Naoyo gave a small laugh. "Too bad he wasn't an actual Akatsuki member. I could have murdered him as he slept."
Tomokazu gave his own laugh.
"If it had been a true Akatsuki member, Naoyo, they would not have gone to sleep."
Naoyo shrugged. "I suppose."
"I have another mission for you, Naoyo."
"Anything, dearie." She answered back sarcastically, waving a hand lazily as she motioned for him to continue. The spider gripped her fingers in panic, but she ignored it.
"I need more information about that Cloud Temple. I need to know any special hidden traps or seals placed on it. That's the only way I'll be able to get inside to get the scroll."
Naoyo sighed. "Oh very well. And just after you came back. My loss, I suppose. I've been so lonely without you." She gave another small pout.
Tomokazu snorted. "Of that, I doubt."
Naoyo smiled saucily. "You're no fun." She looked down at the spider, "He's growing restless. I'll have to let him and the other one out soon."
"This will be the perfect time to do so."
"And why is that?" Naoyo questioned, brows furrowed as she frowned. The look did not mar her pretty face.
"The only ones who will know the way inside of the temple are Akatsuki themselves."
The woman smiled, as the spider fell into the palm of her hand. She closed her hand, clenching it shut. She opened it, and all that remained on her open palm was a strangely familiar tattoo of a brightly colored spider.
Sasori looked up when Deidara and Sakura entered. He raised one eyebrow, looking at Deidara. Deidara winked over Sakura's head with a small smile. Everything was all right now.
"Good evening, Haruno-san."
Sakura gave a small smile. "Good evening Sasori-san." She sat down on the opposite side of the table with a sigh. "Well, I'm certainly hungry."
"You haven't eaten in years, yeah." Deidara joked, poking her in the ribs. "You're all skin and bones."
Sakura let out a small laugh as she swatted his hand away. Sasori could tell she was putting on a brave front. She was trying to pretend everything was all right, but he could see the sadness that lingered in her eyes.
You've gotten stronger, Haruno-san.
Good.
"Well, that's alright then." Sakura teased, ruffling Deidara's hair in response to the jab. "I was fat, maybe I've lost some pounds."
"Sakura-chan!" Deidara gave a small gasp, looking at her through his ruffled hair, which made him look like he'd just gotten out of bed, a cute look that suited him. "You weren't fat, yeah. You've always been just right."
Sakura grinned. "Are you sure I shouldn't have been healing your eyes, Deidara?"
Sasori gave a small sigh. It was good to see Sakura getting back to normal. Sasori placed a cup of hot tea in front of her, as well as a bowl of rice and some fish. She gave a murmur of thanks as she began eating.
"Now that you are here, Haruno-san, I wanted to ask you about that poison gas jutsu." Sasori broached the subject that he had wanted to discuss for a very long time.
Sakura swallowed the small bit of fish that she had been chewing and nodded. "Hai." She took a small sip of tea to wash it down. "Well, I don't know…you see…" If I start teaching the Akatsuki special jutsus of Konoha…then I really will be a traitor.
You are one, Sakura. You're just lucky ANBU haven't come for you yet.
Besides…its only one jutsu. And it's not that powerful or important. It's just a poison jutsu.
Sakura gave a small sigh before she smiled at the inquiring look on Sasori's face. "I would be happy to teach you the justu, Sasori-san. But…" She grinned at him. "You have to teach me a jutsu in return." That's a fair trade, right?
Sasori raised one eyebrow, hiding a smile. "Very well. What jutsu would you wish to learn?"
Sakura pursed her lips in thought, "Hm…"
"Ask him to teach you a puppet jutsu, yeah." Deidara cut in. "He won't teach me."
"You have never offered to teach me one of your jutsus in return." Sasori defended.
"If you had asked, I might have, yeah." Deidara answered back.
Sasori gave a small sniff. "None of your jutsus interest me, Deidara."
"Hey!"
Sakura let out a laugh. "Maa, maa." She held up her hands. "No fighting."
"We weren't fighting, yeah." Deidara pouted. He crossed his arms with a sigh, before giving another small smile as Sakura continued to laugh at him. He didn't mind, as long as he could hear her laugh.
"Well…" Sakura smiled. "I suppose a puppet jutsu would be fun to learn."
"Very well Haruno-san." Sasori nodded solemnly. "But you do understand that this must mean you believe in my definition of art."
"That's not fair, yeah!" Deidara whined.
Sakura laughed as she saw the small smirk hidden behind Sasori's cool mask. "I suppose so." That got another groan out of Deidara. She shook her head in wonder, winking at him. "I'm only joking, Deidara-kun."
"Then you agree with me, yeah?"
Sakura shrugged. "I'm undecided. It's safer to be neutral."
"We will have to begin by making you a puppet." Sasori sighed. "I wouldn't trust you or Deidara to do it, so it will have to be myself who does so."
"Thanks." Deidara answered dryly.
"Something simple, Sasori-san." Sakura smiled. "If I had known you'd have to go through so much trouble, I wouldn't have asked."
"It's nothing."
"Well, alright." Sakura nodded slowly.
"The puppet will be finished by tomorrow morning." Sasori answered back, standing as if to leave. It will be a good jutsu for your days as an Akatsuki. Hidan and Kakuzu come tomorrow. Then…then we shall see.
"Are you going to sleep, Sasori-san?" Sakura asked.
"I am going to begin your puppet, Haruno-san." Sasori amended with a small bow. "And I shall retire for the night, you are correct in that assumption."
"Good night, Sasori-san." Sakura nodded a farewell as he slipped out the door, sliding it shut behind him.
Deidara and Sakura were alone.
Sakura leaned her elbows on the table as she gave a small sigh. "It seems quiet here, don't you think?"
"It was a lot quieter when you weren't talking and laughing, yeah. This is fine with me." Deidara grinned.
"It's cold in here." Sakura shot him a glance, wondering if he would say what she thought he would say.
"It's a lot warmer now that you're in here, yeah."
Sakura laugh. "I knew you would say that, you baka." She shook her head as she resisted the urge to ruffle his hair once more. It was soft; she wanted to just sit there and play with it. She didn't suppose Deidara would mind, but she didn't want him to believe it was anything other than what it was, and she had a feeling he would indeed do so.
"Where are Kisame and Itachi?"
"Still not back, yeah." Deidara answered flatly.
Is he jealous? Sakura couldn't help but giggle at that. How cute! She decided to humor him. She leaned forward slightly, giving him a small view of her cleavage, which seemed to brighten his mood considerably. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Men!
"Well, Sakura-san, do you want me to show you your room, yeah? You haven't gone into it yet, yeah." Deidara grinned as he stood, pulling her up before she could protest.
"Deidara…" Sakura sighed. "What's wrong with the room I was sleeping in before?"
"It doesn't have a bed, or heat, or anything at all, yeah." Deidara grabbed her hand in his, leading her down another hallway. "Don't be a spoilsport, kitten."
Great, another Kisame. Sakura thought wryly. Kitten is going to stick now, isn't it?
"Oh alright." Sakura let him lead her down the hallway, to the second to last door on the left.
Deidara stopped her in front of it, not letting her inside as he grinned sheepishly.
"What is it, Deidara?" Sakura asked with a small, playful frown. "Don't leave me in suspense!"
Deidara put his hands over her eyes. "You can't look, yeah."
Sakura gave a sigh. "Ok."
She heard the door open as Deidara led her inside. The warm was comfortably heated, and she heard what sounded like little feet scampering on the ground. Feet? It stopped as something jumped onto the bed, making it creak.
"Ok, you can look now, kitten, yeah."
Deidara's hands were lifted from her eyes and Sakura looked around the room with a gasp.
It looked beautiful. There was a small, oak desk with a pile of empty scrolls placed upon it, as well as a brush and ink. A hanger in one corner held an Akatsuki cloak and hat for her. A kimono was folded neatly on a small table in one corner, still in it's wrapping, as if it had just been bought. There were also a few pairs of yukatas and slacks.
There was a small window by the desk, where she could look outside and see down the mountain, though nothing was visible at the moment. The bed was made, with a deep emerald coverlet, turning back to show crisp white sheets underneath.
But none of this truly held her attention. It was the small little thing sitting on her bed, wagging its tail and looking up at her as if asking, 'will you play with me'?
It was a clay puppy.
Sakura immediately walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge as she held out her hand. The little puppy jumped into her lap, licking her face with a cold tongue. She laughed. It was strange, how lifelike he felt, although he was smooth instead of furry. How had Deidara done it?
And why?
Deidara was grinning at her, watching the dog continue to bombard her with 'puppy kisses'. "Do you like him, yeah?"
"He's adorable." Sakura laughed as she patted his head. "How did you do it? I thought your specialty was birds."
"I tried something different for you, Sakura-chan." Deidara smiled, pleased with himself. This was the real Sakura laugh and smile. "He's a bit playful, yeah. And hyper."
"Playful and hyper, eh?" Sakura looked down at the little puppy. "Sounds like Naruto—that's what I'll name him!" Sakura looked down at the little puppy, which looked like it would have barked if it could have. "Naruto…" Sakura crooned, scratching behind his clay ear. She ignored the small flash of pain and guilt that assailed her, pushing it away. She let out a laugh as he snuggled into her lap.
"It fits, yeah." Deidara nodded.
"Can I keep him?" Sakura asked, watching him close his eyes, falling asleep. Apparently he had worn himself out before Sakura had come into the room. She had wondered what her sandals were doing strewn across the floor.
"Of course, yeah." Deidara answered, surprised. "I made him for you."
"Will he stay like this?" Sakura asked. "I mean…alive?" Technically…
"Yeah. He has chakra in him, so he should remain like this." Deidara grinned foolishly. "I hope you like it."
"I love him." Sakura whispered, feeling tears come to her eyes. He's been so nice to me…all of them have. Maybe this was where I was supposed to be all along.
Deidara gave her a peck on the cheek, drawing back slightly. Sakura blinked. She had forgotten how wonderful it felt for him to kiss her. He continued to watch her, his face inches from hers.
Then he brought his lips down to hers.
It was a small kiss that stopped too quickly for his liking, but he didn't want to push her. Besides, it was all he needed.
Sakura was feeling and thinking much the same, except for the part of it being to short. It had been just what she had needed. To feel loved again. Thank you once more, Deidara-kun.
"I guess you'll be wanting to go to sleep, yeah…" Deidara trailed off, his face slightly red as he took a few steps backwards after a moment of silence.
Sakura smiled and nodded. "Hai, Deidara-kun. I'm kind of tired. I suppose me and Naruto will head in for the night." She continued petting the little puppy in her lap. "Goodnight, Deidara, and thank you…for everything."
"Sweet dreams, kitten." Deidara murmured before he shut the door behind him.
The sound of the door awoke Naruto, who shifted in her lap. She sat him on the bed, slipping off her yukata and heading to the foot of the bed, where a trunk sat. She opened the lid and looked inside.
It was her old things. Her pack of jewelry (minus the chopsticks from Temari), as well as her ninja pack full of kunai, shuriken, and scrolls. Her old ANBU outfit was folded neatly inside.
And lying atop that was Sasuke's shirt.
Her eyes narrowed as a sudden anger filled her and she picked it up, wanting to rip it in half. He deserved it. After all she had done for him, after loving him forever! She didn't want anything that reminded her of him. But a picture fell out at that moment, stopping her from doing so.
The picture of Sasuke and his family.
Sakura slowly picked it up. She wanted to tear it into pieces as well, but she stopped from doing so. She merely folded the creased side of the photo back up like she had before.
Except this time, the only face she could now see was Itachi's.
She didn't smile as she folded the shirt neatly, the Uchiha Clan sign glaring at her, mocking her. But neither did she rip it. She just continued to stare at the photo, as well as the shirt.
Maybe this was how it was supposed to be. She had always dreamed of being with Sasuke…but now, she wondered if perhaps it was another Uchiha she was destined to help and care for. To heal his eyes…
It brought a small amount of closure, which she had desperately needed.
She placed the shirt at the bottom of her trunk where she wouldn't see it again.
She took off her yukata and slacks and slipped into the bed in her underwear and bra. She placed the picture on the side table as she grabbed Naruto to her, huddling with him under the blankets.
It's almost like you're the real Naruto…She thought wryly. So fun and full of laughter and so hyper! She gave a small laugh at the last part. I wonder what he would think if he saw you.
He snuggled against her as he slept.
She gave a small sigh. I need to stop acting childish. I won't stoop to Sasuke's level. I may be angry with him…but I can't hate him. It's impossible… She gave another sigh as she turned off the bedside lamp, sending her and Naruto into darkness.
Her last thought before she drifted to sleep was a simple one.
I don't want to hate him.
The memorial service for Sakura was beautiful.
The Hokage-sama herself was there, dressed in black as she stood in front of the memorial stone, in which Sakura's name had been carved. She thought Sakura deserved it. But a part of her didn't think so.
She had been briefed on Sakura's betrayal of the village and how she had left for the Akatsuki. Her eyes hardened. How could you do this to me, Sakura-chan? You're making all of this so difficult.
As the Hokage, it was her duty to keep any of her village's secrets out of enemy hands. That meant sending ANBU after Sakura. As Sakura's mentor, she could only hope and pray that Sakura was all right.
The others had begged Tsunade not to do anything drastic. They had sworn that if she sent ANBU after Sakura, they'd stop them. Or at least, almost everyone did. Tsunade had been heartened by everyone's continued loyalty to Sakura, though she wondered if it was misplaced. She had left all of them, hadn't she? Yet they all still loved her.
One person had thought a bit differently.
And that one person was the only one who hadn't shown up for the service.
Tsunade supposed she was glad that Sasuke Uchiha hadn't come. She would have yelled at him, probably punched him. He had endangered Sakura's life. He had tried to kill her! And that was before she had gone with the Akatsuki. He was a danger to everyone around him. It was his fault Sakura was gone in the first place.
Now that the mission to save Sakura was over, Tsunade was trying to decide what to do with him. She didn't want him as a shinobi. He was a mental case at the moment, ready to attack anyone. He had become even more reclusive, barely coming out of the Uchiha compound. He wouldn't talk to anyone.
But he wasn't the one she was worried about. She was worried about Naruto.
He seemed dead to her. Like Sakura had been when he had left. It was as if he walked around in a daze or a dream. She hadn't sent him on a mission because she believed he needed some time to think. Time to cope.
He missed Sakura terribly. He had become cranky, snapping at people like the real Naruto never would have. He had to be watched so he wouldn't go near the Uchiha compound. When they had returned, he had tried to attack Sasuke, yelling at him about attacking Sakura before having an emotional breakdown in the middle of the street.
Everyone had seen it.
When they had heard Sasuke had attacked their favorite, pink-haired kunoichi…well, it was a good thing Sasuke was so reclusive.
Sakura's parents hated him. They had cursed him when they had heard from Naruto about his attacking Sakura. Naruto had believed they needed to know the truth about that much, at least.
Naruto had felt as if it was all Sasuke's fault, and he had wanted him to pay for it.
Tsunade didn't believe there would ever be team seven again.
It was a surprisingly cheerful, sunny day. There was no cloud coverage, no rain, and no fog in the morning.
Cool, soothing, and happy. The type of day Sakura had always lived for.
It hurt Tsunade to lie to everyone else about Sakura's death, but she knew it could not be helped. Everyone in the village had loved Sakura. She never wanted that to change. She missed her. She wondered sometimes if she could just send out ANBU to track her down and find her, so that Tsunade could go and bring her back herself.
The thought had crossed her mind more than once.
The birds chirped happily, thought it was drowned out by Sakura's mother's sobs, as well as collective sniffles from the other village people present.
They were all dressed in black, like they normally would have been for a death. Tsunade stood at the front, with Kakashi, Shizune, and a few other Jônin who had known Sakura. Kakashi's face was masked, physically as well as emotionally. His eye was darker now, sadder and wiser. It was as if he had aged ten years.
Gai had laughingly brought up the subject of teaching another group of students, to brighten the mood. Kakashi had given a small laugh, saying, "I think my teaching days are over."
Tsunade had seen through it. Kakashi blamed himself for his students and the way they had turned out. Tsunade gave a small smile. To think, out of all three of them, it was Naruto who was making the most progress, the only one to stay true to his path.
The little demon-boy that everyone thought would be the downfall and destruction of their village, was the only one left. The only one who hadn't given into temptation and left the village to become a missing-nin.
Hinata was standing beside Naruto. She held his hand comfortingly, her gaze sad as she willed herself not to cry. Why did you go, Sakura? Naruto misses you so much!
Shino, Choji, Tenten, and Lee all still looked dazed and confused, as if they couldn't quite believe what they had been told. Sakura was gone. She was dead. That couldn't be possible. That sort of thing should never happen. The good guy always won!
Shikamaru stood with Temari, his arm around her waist. When they had gone to Sand to tell the others, Temari had wanted to come to the service. He had told her the truth about what had really happened.
Temari, strangely enough, had said that she was happy that Sakura had found her place. Shikamaru supposed he agreed, though he was angry with Sakura for putting them all through this. He couldn't stay angry for long, however.
Kiba and Akamaru stood beside Ino, who was holding the hand of a little boy, who was adamantly sucking his thumb.
It was a habit Atsuko had come across after he had first heard Sakura had died. Now anytime someone mentioned her name, he would suck on his thumb.
He had been adopted by Ino who had petitioned with Tsunade to let him become a Konoha civilian. Tsunade had been too shocked and weary to say no.
Ino gripped his hand for comfort. She didn't agree with what Sakura had done. She hated her for it but…she supposed she understood. Sakura had loved Sasuke desperately. Perhaps she had just wanted to get away from him, to get away from it all.
If Sakura ever came back, Ino would be the first to welcome her.
Neji stared at the memorial stone, his gaze hard. How could you have left me, Sakura? How could you have done that to me? He was also being watched by other shinobi, to make sure he didn't go after Sasuke. Everyone had learned of his feelings towards Sakura, and knew that he would go after Sasuke the first moment he got.
Shikamaru decided that the only reason Neji hadn't attacked Sasuke the moment Sakura had left was because he had been in too much of a shock. Shikamaru believed that was the reason why none of them had done anything to stop her.
They'd all just stood there, completely stumped and stupefied.
Sato and Aarriko were in their full ANBU attire, faces masked. They were being sent on a mission right after the ceremony. Both of them had requested it.
They needed to get their minds off of Sakura's death.
Sai was merely standing there, completely emotionless. He had never been one to show how he felt, although it did indeed look like he was sad, as unusual as that was for him. He was also in his shinobi attire. He was, after all, Sato, Aarriko, Kiba, and Hinata's new ANBU captain. Sakura's replacement.
Tsunade turned to see Jiraiya walk up to her. The ceremony had ended, and everyone was slowly dispersing, except for the rookie nine and Gai's team, who continued to stand around, watching each other though no one wanted to speak.
"Well?" Jiraiya asked.
"You didn't come to the ceremony." Tsunade bit out, her voice clogged. It really did feel like Sakura was dead. Maybe not really, but emotionally and mentally, Tsunade was distancing herself from her once apprentice. She needed to realize that she was dead to their village now. A traitor.
Jiraiya shrugged as he continued, "Tsunade…what is your decision?"
"I can't do it…" Tsunade whispered. "I can't send them to do that."
"If we don't kill her, she will be a threat to Konoha." Jiraiya sighed.
"I can't do that to him." Tsunade choked out as she turned to where Naruto was still staring into space, his gaze pained and dark.
"Tsunade…"
Tsunade blinked, forcing her tears away as she clenched her fists. She grimaced, before her lips tightened and she nodded.
"Very well. I must act like the Hokage now. I want a team of ANBU to be sent to find Sakura Haruno." She whispered it to him, so no one else would hear.
"But not to kill her. Just to find her and try and take her back."
Jiraiya sighed, but he seemed satisfied with the answer. "Very well. Who are we sending?"
"Not them." Tsunade pointed at the shinobi crowded around the stone. "I won't do that to them."
"Then who?'
"I'll think of someone." I need to think of something, at the very least.
(A/N: Yay! The first chapter of Crimson Reflections, how did everyone like it? Yeah, Tomokazu has a wonderful little girlfriend (she's a hoe, though I think we've all gotten that already). Creepy spider thing going on…hehehehe.
Don't worry, Itachi is going to be in the next chapter. I love the little puppy, he's so cute! Maybe some more ACTUAL Naruto in the next chapter, not the puppy.
More Itachi though. Because lets face it, he's the reason everyone reads this.
Not that I blame anyone. He's hot.
OK, so anyways…I don't know how long it will be until the next chapter. My new semester classes are horrible. Yay AP. Still not finished…grrrrr…and now its even HARDER. But I am still finding time to write. Like the weekends.
I hope everyone liked the first chapter. (and the crazy prologue. Whoops, sorry Orochimaru!) Yeah, the seven, four, three thing is about as complicated as my math should ever have to be. But unfortunately, no math is that simple.
Until next time!
Lady Hanaka
I hope you all liked it. It's hard to live up to the expectations of A Ripple in the Pond.
Quote: A smart man covers his ass; a wise man leaves his pants on.)