Sincerest Apology
"Are you going to kill me Sasuke?" her voice was eerily calm.
Sasuke was silent for a long period of time before speaking, his scarlet eyes never leaving hers.
"I didn't take you for someone who accepts death so easily, Sakura."
The pink haired captive held his gaze for a few moments longer before looking up at her shackled hands.
"I learned to accept it. I don't know what day it is, I don't know what month it is and I don't know what year it is. I don't know how long I've been here and I don't even remember my own age. The only thing I know is that I'm alive. It must count for something somewhere."
Sasuke's jaw clenched tightly as he hissed out a reply,
"You are twenty years old; your birthday was three months ago."
Sakura gave him the briefest of smiles,
"I didn't take you for someone who remembers birthdays, especially mine."
He didn't answer.
Sakura had always been the kid who remembered everything, and she had never let him forget when her birthday was, when they had been kids. The fact that she couldn't remember that, let alone her own birthday left Sasuke feeling somewhat helpless. A feeling he didn't want to continue.
Removing his hand from her neck, Sasuke drew his katana. In two swift slashes, Sasuke had Sakura undone from the chain bindings and in his arms. Re-sheathing his blade, Sasuke proceeded to carry her out.
Sasuke was unfamiliar with the sudden emotions he was experiencing. He remembered being livid with rage and then in mild shock from the expression she had given him. Now all he wanted to do was protect her. Seeing her again had screwed up his emotions, and it was annoying the hell out of him, but at the moment, all he really cared about was getting her away from the compound.
The inn Sasuke had taken them too was in the middle of the desert and several miles from the nearest village. Although it was fairly small, it was well looked after and had the basic amenities needed for a travelers stay. The room they were in had red clay walls that arched several feet above them. There was a small bed in the corner with a bedside table and a battery powered fan. Above them was a single window letting in the only source of light. A decently sized bathroom was off to the side and closed off by a bamboo door. The only other piece of furniture in the room was a wood chair pushed up against the wall by the main door, where Sasuke sat.
He hadn't taken his eyes off her at all since they had left the Akatsuki compound, and like his brother, was to proud to admit how tired he actually was. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she watched him watching her.
"You should sleep."
Her suggestion was met with a scoff.
"I'm fine." His voice was gruff.
Sakura's bound hands fell in her lap. There were a few more moments of silence before Sakura slowly stood up. She walked to him casually, and seated herself in his lap.
"What are you doing." He demanded making no move to push her off.
"I can't thank you for saving me?" she inquired running her hands up his front, stopping them bellow his collar bone.
" I advise you to get off."
Although he was giving her the command, his body language was telling her otherwise. The sudden spark in his charcoal eyes made her body burn.
I don't know what's wrong with me…why is he making me feel this way now? He's dangerous, he's merciless, uncaring, stoic, and an avenger. An enemy to our village and a disciple of Orochimaru. But he. . .he's Sasuke. It has to count for something right?
He was watching her every movement with the upmost precision; waiting for her answer.
" Don't stop me from doing something I've been wanting to do for years." She whispered with low lidded eyes.
Then she kissed him.
What I'm doing, would put my village to shame, I'm betraying everyone. Yet, I haven't felt such a strong need like this before. I want to forget, everything I've been through-but not this moment; not him.
His response to her kiss had been immediate. His lips moved roughly against hers, as his hands gripped her hips and pushed her slim body tighter against his own. Hooking her bound hands around his neck, Sakura knotted her fingers in his hair, locking herself to him.
Sasuke removed his lips from hers to leave a trail of painful hickeys along her collar bone. When his lips met hers once again, she could taste some of her blood on his lips, making her head spin. He scooped her up and dropped her on the bed, before pinning his body against hers. Sliding his hands up her sides, and curving them around her back he found the hooks to her bra. In one swift move, it was gone.
The fan did little to cool her perspiring body, it didn't help that the man asleep beside her was latched onto her. Tears stung her eyes as she thought about what she was about to do. It was rather heartless to leave him after the few passionate hours they had shared together. But, her desire to go home was more important. After cautiously prying herself from his grasp, Sakura moved around the room silently, gathering the limited belongings she had. Before she left the room, she turned back once more and whispered:
"Leaving you now, is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But I have to return home-our home, because I've been held captive and locked up for far too long. You told me once that people change because of the situations they experience. You changed because of your brother, and consequently so have I. I'm not the same weak, needy girl I once was. I've grown up. You will always be important to me, I hope you know that. Good bye Sasuke."
