Author's Note: Sorry for any delays, some events occurred that threw my usual motivation to get these chapters in on time off. Also, for any shortening of chapters, the length is sometimes dictated by the length of the songs that inspire me, and although they are not fully in control of my plotline, a muse is still influential.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, any of its characters or Emery's songs. I do, however, own a free will and may manipulate these things, but perhaps that's beyond the point.

Chapter 4: By All Accounts (Today Was A Disaster)

Whispers. With each resounding step taken on the paved road, whispers echoed through the crowds who had stopped all dealings to watch the two-person parade. Eyes were wide and jaws agape at the foreign sight of the male who had been among them for well over a month. His chin held aloft, he walked unrestrained down the main road, a pink-haired shinobi in his wake, her face as stoic as the male's.

Any ninja who did occupy the area could only observe in stunned silence, not knowing what course of action to take seeing that the infamous missing-nin was already making a bee-line towards the Hokage's headquarters. So they mingled with the rest of the throng, following the man's movement on the sidelines in case he were to bolt.

But the Uchiha had no intention of escaping. The Hokage wanted to see him, then she would, but that didn't mean that she could keep him. Of course, no one knew that just yet.

Sakura debated what to do about her predicament for almost the full two weeks. On the eleventh day, she had made up her mind for a solution, heading to the one place she had a chance to find Sasuke. But by the time she made her way to the back of the barren compound, it was as deserted as it had been not so long ago.

A bubble of dread had welled up in the kunoichi's chest as she rummaged through the old house, searching for signs that the scenario she had the foreboding of hadn't come to pass. But it was as if Sasuke had never resided there. The only way one could tell otherwise was by the displacement of dust in certain rooms.

When had he left? By the settling of grime on the furniture and floors, it spoke of only a day or two's absence. This started a desperate hunt for the male on Sakura's part, her clones and original self scattered over every available region and beyond in order to find him. The female didn't need special permission to go beyond Konoha's gaits, and in every direction she scoured the forests.

The form of the woman who walked by the dark male's side now was able to hold her head high with pride, but the exhaustion etched into her features was deathly apparent. Her skin took on a grayish tinge, magnified by the shadows surrounding sunken jade eyes. But the mission was complete; a top-ranking criminal was being taken to the leader of their village, a smirk of egotistical arrogance ever present on his face.

As the two approached the main entrance of the red tower, Sakura grasped her captive's elbow and lead him forward, more for show than anything else. Walking up to a shinobi guarding the threshold, she stood at attention, her gaze meeting square with his. Although she was significantly shorter than the jounin at post, her stance and confidence was intimidating.

"Haruno reporting in to the Lady Tsunade," her voice was cold and clipped, just as it was trained to be.

"And this must be-"

"Uchiha Sasuke," the male cut the guard off, speaking for himself instead of allowing the woman to do so for him. He had a reputation to uphold, and even by her firm grip on his arm, as if to show that she was detaining him, could be considered insulting. As if she could keep him were he unwilling to be there.

The shinobi Sakura had addressed muttered something into his headset and in a matter of moments the two were surrounded in a tight ring of ninja who were slowly closing in. Neither of the two in the center seemed surprised, especially when the group made move to bind the traitor with chakra ropes on his wrists and ankles.

The male growled in response, dodging their efforts, dealing blows to those who advanced nevertheless.

"I refuse to be hogtied like an animal just to be presented to a woman behind a desk. If you want me here, back off or you'll deeply regret it."

Some of the bloodied warriors narrowed their eyes at the proud man, taking steps to bombard him again, but their superior held up a hand, speaking slowly to her captive.

"It is regulation for you to be restrained when entering this place, Sasuke," Sakura's voice almost sounded gentle. "Please cooperate."

The male shot slatted onyx eyes at the woman, his mouth hardening, but he didn't protest against her. Cautiously she moved behind him and bound his wrists to the small of his back with glowing blue threads, leaving his ankles untouched. Nodding once to the shinobi who took a pace back, she ignored their disdainful glares towards the Uchiha and entered into the massive building.

The mumbling behind hands and file folders was almost identical inside as it was out. Most all recognized one of the most elite and prestigious ninja that Konoha had to offer, but no one really the gall to relate their snide comments to his face. Whether this was out of self preservation or reverence was yet to be seen.

The pair were silent to one another as they scaled the levels of the tower, each tense in their own way. Sakura prayed that her Godaime would…well, she didn't really know what she hoped for. There was no way that he could get off with just a slap to the wrists, but with the case that he was playing against, the stacking charges could lead to the ultimate punishment of execution. Glancing over at her companion, Sakura held back a deep sigh, knowing what he was about to confront.

Just in and out, the male thought to himself, long enough to be seen and then I'll be home free. If only things were that simple. But nothing could possibly be so uncomplicated. As the woman brought him up to the two oversized doors of the Hokage's office, Sasuke calculated down to the second of his precise engagement. If he were to miss half a beat in any step, it would be all over.

With one last glimpse of the man beside her, Sakura knocked twice on the door, opening it when the voice inside bid them enter.

There was no astonishment written on Tsunade's face, but rather a suspecting satisfaction. She had no doubts at this point that if Sakura was indeed telling the truth, there would be no hesitation in carrying out the mission presented to her. Standing from a cushioned seat, the chief inclined her chin in recognition of her apprentice and her charge.

"My Lady," the rose-locked soldier tipped her head in respect of her commander, shoving a sharp elbow into Sasuke's ribs for him to do the same.

The man's face remained icy as he gave a nod, but little else.

Tsunade hid the mild amusement she held, saying with a nonchalant air, "Hn, your manner hadn't changed at all, Uchiha. I wouldn't expect any less from you."

"Aa."

The elder came around the furniture that separated them. walking straight up to the vacant male and stared him straight in the eye. She had to tilt her head up to do so now, but felt no threat by his substantial difference in size. She smirked when his frigid, black eyes bore back into hers. The Hokage circled him slowly, carefully estimating the amount of power he kept coiled under that entirely cold exterior. His aura was so chilling that it almost filled the room, which was ironic seeing that he was a fire elemental by birth.

Her inspection complete, Tsunade came to the front of him again, leaning a hip against her desk, arms crossed casually over her chest.

"Even though I have extensive faith in Sakura's abilities, I didn't expect her to bring you in without so much as a scratch. So let's be honest, shall we? Why are you here?"

There was shuffling heard from behind the door, most likely from the mass of people listening in from the cracks, but otherwise silence was held firm by the man in question.

Tsunade's brow gave a small tick, but she remained collected, "Come now, I'm aware of your extensive reputation as being a man of little words, but pleading the fifth is not an option at this point."

Sasuke didn't know how to respond, really. He couldn't just say that it was to protect Sakura's reputation, how would that come off? He would be deemed soft, and he hadn't spent the past nine years in intensive training to be considered a pansy. So he took the easy way out, a lopsided sneer baring pointed teeth.

"I caught wind that you wanted to see me. It was an intriguing challenge, so why not take advantage of it?"

The relaxed expression the woman had adapted start to slip as her molded blonde brows came together, "A challenge? You think this is some kind of sport?"

"It's looking that way, now isn't it?" he was taunting her.

"Uchiha, I'm of the right mind that I should beat some sense into you!" she had returned her weight back to her feet, fist curling in a sinister way at her side.

All through the exchange, Sakura had stood by, watching in stiff silence as Tsunade was ready to knock the asinine man's block off. In her peripheral vision, she watched his hands fiddle with the bindings on his wrists, loosening them a hair at a time. It was only a matter of seconds until he would regain freedom, and there was nothing she would do about it. Not yet, anyway.

A slow, easy smile crept over Sasuke's mouth as the last of the ropes were able to be shrugged off. He replied in a faux light-hearted tone, "Only if you can catch me," and was gone.

Sakura donned a shocked expression, gasping as she plowed open the door that remained blockaded by eavesdroppers and scrambled to search the hallways. She heard the Hokage roaring behind her, every shinobi within earshot –outside included- coming to attention with a communal poof in her office.

"Uchiha Sasuke is loose in our village. Find him at all costs and bring him back here! I don't care what state you drag his sorry ass back to me in, just make sure he does not leave!"

There was a collective "Hai" before all scattered again.

By this time, Sakura had slipped off around a dark corner, watching as the crowds dissolved. Making sure she went unseen, the clone made a hand signal and dissipated.

"Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?" the bartender asked politely after setting down the man's designated drink. It was a little early yet for hard liquor, but who was he to dictate that information to customers.

"No, thank you," said the elderly man at his table, reaching a worn hand towards the frosted glass.

Taking a long swing, the man hummed softly to himself in satisfaction, a distinct warmth spreading through his shallow torso. Letting sagging eyelids drift shut, he listened quietly to those around him, appearing to be lost in thoughts of his own from the perspective of others.

Suddenly through the calm interior of the bar came shouting from outside. As it grew louder and more widespread, the man rose to his feet with some effort, knees wobbling some as he made his way towards the entrance, looking past low overhangs of the shop. Pushing the fabric aside, cool black eyes watched as a young man in his early twenties leapt across rooftops, almost too fast to comprehend, many others following a few seconds later.

What am I doing out there? Sasuke thought to himself, seeing his duplicate under hot pursuit. Walking back to the table, the elderly man finished his drink in one lengthy gulp before exiting, his eyes shifting back and forth before he too jumped to the tops of the buildings and chased after the one who had taken on his identity.

Damn, damn, damn! Sakura's mind cursed as she fought to lose her trackers. She would have transformed herself back by now had someone not spotted her in this persona and created a mob. If she were to turn back now, they would all know that this was a scam, that she had never been able to bring the real Sasuke back. In fact, she had never even found him during that fruitless expedition.

Disguising herself seemed to be the only way to save face for both her and the object of her affection. She couldn't have just used a clone for the male seeing that they could easily be destroyed if attacked and the amount of specific chakra emitted was difficult for a shadow to duplicate, so using herself as the bait seemed to be the best logical course of action. This way she couldn't be sent back to the psyche ward and Sasuke would be left unbothered without even having to show up. That is, if she was successfully able to flee from the multitudes of Konoha shinobi.

Forming her hands into quick symbols, the impressionist created several shadow clones, scattering them and herself in all directions. But even with that strategy, there were at least four sticking to the original. Not know much else to do, she turned in mid-flight and shot a spray of kunai at them before initiating a paralysis genjutsu for the remaining ninja to fall into.

This was effective temporarily, slowing all but one who was gaining ground much faster than comfort would allow. The false Sasuke turned to pick up the pace, but with momentum, couldn't prevent bowling over the man who had survived her attacks. He was there in front of her before Sakura could even grasp what had happened. And then in another blink of an eye, they were pressed to the darkness of a narrow ally, the ground firmly beneath sandaled feet.

Familiar onyx eyes burned into faux, and Sakura knew that perhaps she hadn't been left to fend for herself after all. Glancing out of the mouth between buildings, the kunoichi watched as others raced by the opening but gave the space no interest as they pursued her clones. With a whisper, the woman released her impersonation jutsu, shrinking back into her own petite body.

Looking up at the wrinkled face of the man who had in short rescued her, she gave a sheepish smile. He glared in return.

"I know I must have some explaining to do," she started, her voice low as to avoid drawing attention to their hide away.

The male grunted, sweeping one of the slightly ragged articles of clothing from his stooped shoulders and draping it over her. He put up the hood in order to shroud her loud hair.

"You should have told me that you were leaving," her attitude changed in a second, going from embarrassed to scolding, but inwardly realized how foolish she sounded, seeing that he was still there. Perhaps she said it to prolong the details of the day's events.

"It's none of your business one way or another," the man's voice was more gravelly, perfect for his adopted age.

This comment brought about the constant frustration administered to the woman. He had no idea of the mental anguish she put into making her decision on how she could protect all that she cared about, this jackass included. Instead he was back to the old antics, bad social habits that never seemed to go away.

"What if I make it my business?" the anger was apparent in her tone and the burning of hot embers in her green eyes. "You always act like nothing and nobody ever matters to you, that you're so fucking independent, but it's a lie and I know it!" His scoff and eye roll fueled the warrior's rant, her finger jabbing into a bony chest. Sakura's voice became a harsh hiss as she grappled for control over her volume, "Don't pretend that you don't give a damn because we wouldn't be here right now if you didn't. You would never have given me that chance to escape, just let the others catch and reveal me."

"Doesn't the fact that you stole my characteristics have anything to do with it, you think? I have a status to uphold, and by those lousy fighting skills you were so sloppily demonstrating, what would happen to all that I've worked for? My 'rescuing of you', in short, really had nothing to do with your well being at all. Lose that habit of over-analyzing everything; it makes you come off as an imbecile.

She narrowed seething eyes on the man, "You're so full of shit that it's not even funny. You tell me these things but I hardly think that you believe them yourself. This is just a little plastic facade you put up, but I know better. I see through that freakishly hard shell into your squishy, vulnerable insides. I discern the real you, Uchiha, and you'll be the one who's the imbecile if you keep trying to convince yourself otherwise."

The male took two steps closer to the cocky kunoichi, barely-contained fury written in his stinging-cold eyes. For a moment, his disguise slipped, face changing into that of his true form as bottled emotions threatened to spill over. Hovering over the woman who stared him down with a screaming –yet silent- defiance, the dark male's upper lip curled almost in disgust.

"Don't think for one second," he hissed between his teeth, "that you can even comprehend remotely close to anything about me or what I supposedly keep hidden. If you had any inclination at all as to what I've done or experienced, you would have most likely killed yourself within a day. So don't tell me that you understand."

"Do you really think that I've had it so easy myself? That I've been sitting on a plush cushion all my life? Listen, aside from being abandoned by you, I lost my parents to an accident shortly after you left the first time. I had to give up all I knew and cherished in order to move on to become who and what I am today. No, my clan was never abolished, I never had one to begin with, but I still rebuilt myself from rock bottom, so you tell me what I don't understand."

"This is all very touching," came an almost bored voice from the entrance of the ally, "but I'm afraid you're going to have to take your bonding moment elsewhere."

Sakura's wide-eyed gaze shot over to the lanky man who spoke. Had her voice risen so much as to give them away? Most likely not, Kakashi was one of the most skilled trackers Konoha had to offer.

As he stepped closer to the pair, he gave a nod to his former students, addressing them as if in casual conversation.

"It's been a long time, Sasuke. Sakura, I do believe we have to reenact our last meeting seeing that the stunt you just pulled caused quite the uproar. I think the Hokage deserves to hear this interesting little drama you've woven for yourself."

"How do you know anything about that?"

"I do have ears, ya know. I've come to understand that every time this guy turns up," he gestured to the younger male, "you have a bad habit of letting your guard down. I'm almost positive that the vendors across the way heard your personal spat due to your lack in subtlety.

"As for you, Uchiha, like it or not, you're the talk of the town thanks to your little girlfriend here," this wasn't stated in an unfriendly way, more or less with humor.

Naturally, the man being addressed muttered under his breath, "She's not my girlfriend."

"So," Kakashi went on, "looks like I'm going to have to bring you both in."

"Like hell you will," Sasuke sneered, taking on a defensive stance, "I hardly want anything to do with this mess. I don't care what happens to the twerp who started it, just leave me out."

The dark nin ignored the brief impression of hurt on Sakura's face, though it was soon replaced by a brooding hatred that was reminiscent of their first few meetings.

"Screw you, buddy," she spat, "you wanted to make yourself known, well here's your chance. I'm not letting you off the hook after all you've put me and this village through."

Kakashi was once again left neglected, which was fine by his book. He would allow these two to take each other down then swoop in and finish the job. Funny how partners in crime always seemed to wipe one another out in the end.

Sakura had made a flying leap towards the man she once tried to protect, now unconcerned how bad she had to break him in order to straighten things out. She was sick of being a pushover, sick of being selfless for this man. If Konoha wanted Sasuke, they would have him seeing that he sure as hell wasn't work defending.

The traitor dodged the reckless and almost clumsy attempt at knocking him over with ease, noting the slight dent the soldier had created in the asphalt. She wasn't holding back, about to use all force necessary to bring him to his knees, but luckily for this strategic fighter, emotions were clouding her judgment and timing. He could simply keep avoiding the hits and ware the kunoichi down, making a quick escape then. On the other end of this, were any blow to hit their mark, like the one currently aimed for his face, he'd be out like a light.

From the perspective of outsiders, the two shinobi almost looked as if they were in the midst of a dance, their actions in sync, maneuvering to and from each other. It wasn't long before they were no longer confined to the insignificant space between brick shops, launching themselves and a work of destruction into the open air of the village. Only the chips and depression made throughout nearby property could be seen in their wake, the ninja moving too fast for the naked eye.

The white-haired nin followed with a near laziness, being able to track them with their cracked trail outward, away from people. Deduction spoke that Sasuke was purposely heading towards the training grounds and ultimately to the woods that lead out of Konoha. The female soldier was following blindly, no real sense getting past the fog of her immediate reactions to the male. Poor girl and her useless feelings.

By the time the former teammates had brought their skirmish away from the town and prying eyes, there was no longer a path created by remnants of roof tiles, but rather tiny smears of crimson dying what remained of the past snowfall.

Knowing that she would ware herself too thin were she to only use chakra-infused hits, the kunoichi started to utilize the weapons she kept on her person at all times. The male managed to evade most, but the scant few tears in his pale skin spoke that he wasn't quick enough for all.

When she finally drew blood on the proud ninja, his hasty temper flared. Not one to turn the other cheek when provoked, Sasuke too drew blades from the shroud of his clothing and took flesh for flesh. Side stepping another wave of her favorite needles, the man lunged forward, taking advantage of the follow-through position she was in, sliding a kunai between Sakura's ribs. She let off a howl of pain, but her back-swinging elbow, glowing blue, was enough to knock the man into a crater, dislocating his left shoulder in the process.

Both stared each other down, out of breath and drawing upon energy reserves. Sakura knew that she wouldn't last much longer. Even if she did, there was doubt that she could drag him all the way back to the city. This in mind, she set her jaw firmly, giving no indication to the man of her weakness. If the resolute woman let that slip and he saw through to the fact that she was still moving only on pure determination, the battle would be finished, Sasuke coming out the victor yet again.

The female shinobi's face as cold as the ground she walked on, Sakura stepped forward, pulling the dagger from her side, holding the soiled weapon in her clenched fist. Slowly she stalked her prey, but before he could register the attack, the pink-haired warrior was pinning him to the displaced dirt. She held him down by the shoulders with her knees, making him cringe as the pressure started to rip away muscle tissue connected to his arm.

The glitter of steel distracted Sasuke away from the onslaught to his shoulder, the woman above him sliding the bloodied kunai near his left eye.

"Wouldn't it just be a shame if you lost your most precious commodity?" Remaining perfectly still, the male felt the sting of his own blade pass through his skin, warmth trickling down his cheek. "Maybe it will teach you not to screw with people's lives."

The bitterness in her tone rang true as she made a swipe for the man's eye but he was gone before it could make contact.

"Don't deal threats that you cannot carry out," his rough voice grumbled from behind his kneeling adversary

She glared up at him, noting the crescent-shaped gash that curved along the outside of his eye socket. It was deep enough to scar if he neglected to seek proper medical treatment, and that little fact brought sadistic satisfaction to the woman.

"I'm patient, Sasuke, just because I don't execute my threats immediately doesn't mean that they are hollow."

"Hn," he smirked, taking a slight step back, "I doubt that."

Teeth bared, Sakura took those three little insulting words to heart. Springing to her feet, she launched herself at the man again, only to find herself eating snow. She had hit the ground hard enough to send the crystallized moisture flying into the atmosphere, a heavy weight on her back. The tiny wisps of white melted on her flaming cheeks as she bucked up for release. The male holding her in place chuckled low against her ear.

"It's been fun," Sakura could feel his warm lips on her cheek before only air was above her.

Rolling over and sitting up sharply, Sakura scanned the area almost in desperation. But Sasuke or anything betraying his tracks was nonexistent.

"Uchiha!" the warrior roared, her head thrown back, voice echoing through the trees.

The woman screamed and cursed his name, picking up discarded weapons and lugging them at the nearest objects, destroying all that was in her path. Finally, on the brink of passing out from expelling all her energy, the defeated girl sank to her knees, a hand covering her blood-encrusted face. It was over and Sasuke was gone just as fast as he appeared.

"Quite the scuffle you had going there," came the familiar nonchalant voice from behind her.

"Shut up, Hatake," Sakura snapped, but her accent didn't carry the strength she wished it had. She actually sounded as if… she wanted to cry.

No. I'm never shedding another tear for that bastard. Rubbing at her sore eyes, the pink-headed woman raised her chin again, face expressionless. It was how that man had found her and how she would be when he left. Sakura was strong and relied on no one. She had some consequences to face for her past proceedings, but she would take responsibility and move on. At least, that was the plan.

Kakashi helped the kunoichi to her feet and headed back to the heart of the village. Sakura followed her former teacher in silence without being told, but walked at a slower pace. Now that her muscles were allowed to relax, they screamed at her for the stupidity that went into battle. She held no mind for self preservation and now she paid for it. One thing on a long list of regrets.

When the duo reached the outskirts of buildings, Kakashi instructed the female at his side to take on the Uchiha's persona. Sakura protested venomously, never wanting to think of the man again, let alone pretend to be him. That and the soldier knew she could barely muster up the chakra just to walk. With a sigh, the white-haired nin put a hand on her shoulder, using his own energy to transform her himself.

Before she could unleash wrath on his spiky head, he cut her off, "It's to calm the riot that you started. Ninja are still in search of Sasuke, but if they see me bring him –you- in, they will call off the dogs, so to speak."

That hadn't occurred to the now male kunoichi. With a small nod, she watched in silence as Kakashi bound her wrists and led her through the streets.

It was almost a replay of the morning's events, the villagers pausing all action to gape at the disguised Uchiha. Shinobi, who had been on the look out, bound to their sides, now following from behind in a parade bound for the Hokage. The townspeople broke the trend as well, hurling insults and stones at the dark male who's head was cast down partly. Sakura flinched as a rock struck home above her brow, but she took the ridicule without a fight. At least they were pummeling who they thought was Sasuke, but she didn't know how they might react were they to know the truth.

When the troupe reached their destination, Kakashi escorted Haruno up to their superior. At first when the Lady Tsunade laid eyes on the captive, a haughty smirk appeared on her mouth. But with a releasing mutter coming from the man behind Sasuke, the Hokage's face went deathly white. Sakura's head hung all through the ambush of screaming and verbal abuse that her Godaime lashed onto her, but then quietly explained the entirety of what happened, starting from their last encounter.

Tsunade shot a look of skepticism towards the man who stood by still, and he confirmed Sakura's statements.

"Sasuke was here for real at one point, but is now gone."

"So he's still out there?" the blonde almost sounded indignant. "Why didn't you bring him back as well?"

"He never really had a part in all of this, and despite the extensive efforts of Miss Haruno to follow your instructions, he escaped. But I don't think that it's likely we'll hear from him again after this. He hadn't even made himself purposely known in the first place."

"He said he was gathering information on his brother and the Akatsuki, my Lady," Sakura put in softly, her voice timid.

The elder woman's mouth pursed but she nodded, "Very well then. Sakura," the kunoichi lifted her head slightly, "you have proven that Uchiha Sasuke was here, but by your deceitful actions, you are officially demoted from both AMBU and the medical team. You will have to earn my trust again in order to reestablish your status."

The girl barely withheld a gasp of horror, but then nodded solemnly. This was inevitable, right? Lesson well learned about following her heart instead of her head. She should never have held hope in anyone beyond herself and wouldn't question orders again. She was a Konoha shinobi, and that was all Haruno Sakura was meant to be.

Emery – By All Accounts (Today Was A Disaster)

Wasted, paralyzed
beneath ten thousand layers of disguise
built to save
what's left that has already worn away.

Inside this vacant made-up plastic life
only your heart survived
for one last cry.

One last cry
one last cry
how long (must I always remember all that I want to forget)
until it's my day (my day)
to die.

These broken animals
useless as they are
these broken animals
as useless as they are
these broken animals
as useless as they are.

Gravity gets to me
holds me here
without release.


Now's the time
to cut the line
cross my heart
I realize
nights are long
and hope is gone
God help me
make it home
make it home.

(Make it home, this time, yeah.)