*Author's Note: Hello! Sorry it took so long. My school semester finally ended for winter break. I will try to post another chapter before the spring semester begins. OH! I need some input from you all. I have this as a SasuXGaa, but my mind loves to explore other possibilities, so would anyone be opposed to some GaaXSasu in this storyline? It isn't something I had planned so if the majority is no then I won't publish that part. Reply via review or message either Yes or No.
Also, if you want any updates on me updating chapters look at my profile I try to post as often as I can.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter, stay tuned for the next chapter there will definitely be some crazy times and sexy times ;D. I'm excited! Please review or message! I appreciate all the reviews I've gotten!
Gaara's POV
We arrived at the council building having not spoken another word to each other. Itachi motioned for the guards to open the door before we had even gotten to the door. They did quickly and stood straight as we approached them.
I lowered my head as we walked past them. "Good evening Itachi and Sasori." One of them spoke. I didn't raise my head, but picked up my pace. Sasori and I shared the same color of hair, but not much else.
Itachi grabbed my wrist. I snatched it from him and crossed my arms as the doors shut. I looked around at the hall of the council building, devoid of any decorations as usual. I had not been here since that day when he took advantage of me.
The hall had windows on one side and on the other, a bare wall made of huge blocks of stone. Itachi walked past me and towards the opening at the end of the hall. "Follow me, we need to be in a more private area." He spoke and I complied.
He led me through several hallways. I kept my guard up as we went further into the council building, where the number of windows lessened significantly. We passed several meeting rooms, some of which I had been years before.
He stopped and turned to a door. I stopped with him and looked at the door. He opened it and motioned for me to go in ahead of him. I looked into the room, and then stepped in. There was a small table with three seats. Only two glasses were on the table. I slowly approached the table. The walls were adorned with several pictures of Pein and some of the other council members.
"Please have a seat and have drink. I'm sure you're parched from your journey here." He spoke walking past me and pulling out a seat for me. I shook my head and sat in the other seat. His eyes followed him, but he stayed still for a few seconds. Itachi sighed, "Do you really have to object to every act of etiquette I express towards you?"
"I am only here to know about Orochimaru not entertain your trivial gestures." I told him sternly and took the glass. "Of course," He muttered and walked over to a corner table with his back to me. He turned and held up a bottle of clear liquid, "I know you enjoy our drink." He said and walked over to me.
My eyes widened and a smile came to my lips. Enjoy does not even begin to explain my desire for their drink, it is the only thing I missed about this place. Itachi sat down and poured some in my cup. I put the glass at my lips, my eyes looked at him, "Tell me about Orochimaru." I muttered then lifted the cup and drank the whole cup. The cool, sweet liquid nearly caused me to moan in pleasure at the taste.
"Orochimaru has been secretly meeting with Pein and Jiraiya, in order to discuss an ambush on Suna." He explained. I put the glass down and stared at him shocked. "What?"
Sasuke's POV
Aoba flew over the ship and cawed once letting me know he had not seen Gaara. I sighed, "Set sail." I shouted to Kiba. He immediately ran below deck. At this rate, it may take months, even years to find him.
I turned and walked into the galley feeling defeated in my feeble attempt, yet I knew far better than to mention a word to anyone. I saw Ino and Kakashi eating their meal, prepared by Shikamaru, who was probably sleeping in the crow's nest. Unlike my ship, this one had an abundance of good food and good silverware to cook and eat on. That was something to be expected of Kiriga's navy
I sat down beside Kakashi with Ino in front of me, both were eerily silent, but I didn't pay it much mind. I put my elbows on the table and rested my head in my hands. The next city to look for Gaara is where Sakura lives. I doubt he is there, yet I need to see Sakura again for some sort of moral support.
Sakura, unlike Ino, stuck close to me during times that I truly felt at my lowest. She had confessed her feelings to me boldly and after I rejected her harshly, she rightly beat the shit out of me. I smirked at the memories of her violent outbursts despite her small stature and peaceful appearance.
"Sasuke…are you pursuing Gaara just to take him back to Suna?" Ino spoke bringing my attention from those thoughts. I lifted my head from my hands and rested my arms on the table
"I am going to take him back to Suna." I told her and. My eyes met hers and I could tell she was about to start arguing about something irrelevant.
"But is that the only reason?" She asked raising her voice slightly. I rolled my eyes, "What difference does that make to you?" I asked staring at her blankly. She narrowed her eyes and her nostrils flared. Here it comes.
"Sasuke, I am risking my life and…and so is Kakashi, and so are Shikamaru and Kiba. If you're doing this just to fuck the boy, then I deserve to know." She said putting her arms at her sides.
I tilted my head, "Why should I have to answer to you about what I do? We have to take him back to Suna, what I choose to do with him afterwards is my own fucking choice!" I shouted.
Kakashi slurped some of his soup after silence had filled the room. However, Ino and I did not break eye contact. Ino had clenched her hands into tight fists.
Then as if something had happened Ino's shoulders slumped and she frowned, "Sasuke, I am with child." She muttered her eyes beginning to fill with tears. I stared at her surprised.
She hung her head, "You are the father." She muttered and looked back up at me with a small smile. I swallowed hard and broke my stare from her. My gaze settled on the floor as I tried to find the words to say.
"Say something Sasuke…you have a child." She exclaimed with both excitement and fear. I closed my eyes as her words struck my heart as they had done before. I raised my gaze and met her eyes.
"Ino, what you're saying is…it is not possible." I told her. A scowl slowly formed on her face, "Sasuke how could you accuse me of lying?" She hissed. "Ino, it is not possible-"
"Sasuke we have been fucking since the beginning of time, I was worried that there was something wrong with me." She paused and hugged herself. Her eyes reflecting hurt stared down at her arms.
"Ino, there is nothing wrong with you…me on the other hand…" I started to explain, but she shook her head and stood up from the table. "Do not even begin to try to say some shit like you cannot have children, you even got Sakura pregnant, how do you explain that?" She asked angrily.
"I did not give Sakura a child…" I muttered and lowered my gaze. The further this conversation went the more pain I seemed to have with my own words.
"She never fucked anyone else, but you. This child is yours! This child is an Uchiha!" She exclaimed slamming her fists on the table.
"No it fucking is not!" I shouted angrily. I glared at her, "I…I am impotent. I cannot make a child, not now, not fucking ever!" I shouted.
"You're lying!" She shouted and put her hands on her belly. "This is your child!" She shouted and went from around the table and began to approach me. I got up from my seat and stepped back as she came closer to me. "Stop Ino." I spoke deeply.
She stopped and tears fell from her eyes, "Sasuke…why would you reject your own child?" She asked, like Sakura had asked.
"Ino, I cannot have fucking children! Orochimaru took that from me!" I exclaimed. She rolled her eyes, "Why would he do that? Tell me what else is Orochimaru's fault. You fucking everything that moves? Did Orochimaru do that to you as well?" She shouted.
I clenched my fists tightly. I took a deep breath in through my nose as I gritted my teeth. "Is this just another excuse for you? To get away from having to stay on land? Sasuke, you need to take responsibility and take care of your child." She shouted.
I swung my fist into one of the beams of the ship. Pain shot through my entire arm at the moment of impact. I held my fist there as if it were stuck in the wood.
"Sasuke! Oh…good." Kakashi spoke and he got up from the table. I pulled my fist from the small crack in the beam. I glared at Ino, "Orochimaru made me impotent, to prevent the Uchiha bloodline from flourishing again. Itachi is the only one who can carry on the bloodline." I growled feeling the anger I had hid rising.
"It is true Ino. Orochimaru made sure when I first brought Sasuke to his castle that Sasuke be unable to carry on the Uchiha bloodline. He did it to all of the Uchiha clan, except Itachi." Kakashi spoke and grabbed my shoulder. He gripped it tightly as if to tell me to calm down.
Ino stared at me, then glanced at Kakashi. Her face is in a state of shock and disbelief. She fell to her knees on the floor and began crying. I relaxed slightly.
She began sobbing, "Why would…why would anyone do such a thing?" She cried and covered her face with her hands. Kakashi sighed and walked away from us. I sighed and got down on my knees in front of her.
She raised her head and gazed into my eyes. Her eyes were beginning to get red. She shook her head slowly, "Sasuke…I was so happy…I wanted to be able to give you a child. I wanted to give you something no one had been able to…I love you Sasuke and I wanted to sail the seas with you and our child." She sobbed and lowered her head as more tears fell from her eyes.
I placed my bloodied hand on her shoulder and put my head against hers. "Ino, I am sorry." I whispered. I felt her fist hit my side. I groaned slightly, despite the lack of any pain greater than what I was feeling in my hand.
"You idiot…it is not your fucking fault." She muttered and sniffled. She began to raise her head. I took my head from hers.
She stared into my eyes and bit her lip, "Would you have chosen me?" She questioned. I held her gaze and slowly shook my head. "I would have chosen my child. Even if Sakura had my child, I would have taken my child to raise them as a true Uchiha as I had been raised before I was taken from them." I told her calmly.
She scoffed and smiled, "I would kill you and so would Sakura." I smiled and pressed my lips to hers for the last kiss we would share. I pulled from the brief kiss before she had chance to realize what I had done. "You would have had to find me." I smirked.
Gaara's POV
"Orochimaru is serious about taking over Suna." He replied solemnly. "I do not know where Jiraiya and Ino's loyalty lies, but you must know I would not seek to cause you any harm." He told me. I looked away from him.
If Orochimaru is planning on taking over Suna, would Kankuro and Temari be able to handle such a problem? They would…though they may not have been there for the past several years, but surely they would be able to handle this situation.
"Gaara…I think you should stay here and away from the battle front." Itachi suggested. I looked at him and shook my head. Even if they could handle this problem I should return.
"No…I need to go back to Suna. Kankuro and Temari will need my help." I replied and went to stand, but Itachi stopped me. "Gaara, you would only give them cause to worry about your safety on the sea. I will send them a notice that you are here and in no present danger." He said with his hands on my shoulders.
I stared up at him blankly. What are we talking about? I looked down feeling my head spin slightly. My mind went blank. Suna. You were talking about returning to Suna. I closed my eyes and sighed, "I need to go back." I muttered my mouth suddenly becoming dry. I waved my arm and Itachi took his hands from my shoulders
I stood up quickly and went to take a step towards the door, but everything stopped. I felt the room spin and I fell to the floor. I winced feeling my body ache slightly from the impact. I slowly tried to sit up, but slipped back down to the floor. My muscles were becoming weak.
Itachi moved me onto my back and leaned over me. "Gaara…" I heard him say. I squinted my eyes as his figure became blurry.
"I did not think you would have let your guard down so easily, how careless." I heard him say. I tried to sit up but my arms felt numb. "I will not let you leave. I will send notice to Temari and Kankuro that I will keep you safe." He said and I felt his hand on my cheek as my sight went dark.
Sasuke's POV
I came down from the ship. The port was in a buzz of people carrying bags and rushing towards some of the larger ships. Ino stopped beside me and like me, stared at the hordes of people going to the ships. I heard Aoba caw and saw him fly over me. I looked in the direction he came and saw a pink-haired woman pushing through the crowd.
Sakura came up to us and I noticed her once long radiant hair had been cut short in an erratic manner. She stopped in front of us and let out a long breath denoting her frustration. "Do you have any idea what the fuck is happening?" She asked irritated.
"No, what is happening?" I asked her. "What happened to your hair?" Ino asked stepping closer to Sakura. She reached out to hair and took a few strands in her hand.
Sakura groaned, "Well a month after you left Orochimaru sent his pathetic lackey and some of their muscle to "roughen" up me and my girls." She rolled her eyes and put her hand on her hip. "They were in for a fuckin' surprise, especially when we shanked and castrated some of those bastards." She spat. I smirked at the raw words that came from her mouth. Words only the past Sakura uttered.
Sakura had long since put her past self in a box, yet whatever is happening is bringing it back out…relief in my opinion. I had long since missed the hardened gal who I had fought many times.
"Why would they do that?" Kakashi asked. I glanced behind me to see him standing there with a serious expression. I looked back at Sakura.
"Lackey said something about getting rid of everywhere Sasuke had been." She spoke and looked at me. "He wanted them to kill us I'm sure." She said gravely.
"They should know better than to do that." Ino stated and giggled. Sakura looked at her and small smile formed on her lips. "Hell yeah, I may have retired from the sea, doesn't mean I don't love a little bit of fucking excitement." She replied and grinned. Yet, I felt my chest tighten.
I know Sakura and Ino can handle themselves…still I felt anxious that she had come so close to being harmed. Not only that, but it was because of me that she even had to fight. Sakura wanted her ruthless lifestyle behind her.
Sakura met my eyes and stepped closer to me. She took my face in her hands, "Don't you worry 'bout me I can handle an ambush by a bunch of cunts." She giggled and looked at Ino, who also began giggling.
I put my hands on her shoulders, "Be that as it may. I do not find it humorous that Orochimaru would target a dear friend." I told her. She scoffed, "Are you Sasuke? Ino do not tell me that you have the Raven whipped?" She asked in jest. She looked at Ino with a large grin.
Ino shook her head, "Fuck no! It is that prince that has him with his tail between his legs, like a whipped dog." She remarked and snickered. I rolled my eyes, "Can I not be concerned for a friend?" I asked annoyed at their humor.
Sakura slowly looked at me her smile fading. She bit her lip as her eyes stayed on mine. "If you must know…I was scared. Not for me…but for you. Sasuke, I do not know what Orochimaru is planning, but I do not think it will be good for you to stay here." She muttered.
"He is planning on going to war with Suna." A boisterous voice boomed. Neji came up to Sakura, placing his arm on her shoulder and pulled her back possessively. She groaned and rolled her eyes, "Neji." She whispered.
I turned my attention to the taller male. His clear eyes shot daggers at me. Neji is one of Orochimaru's officials and a very frequent visitor to Sakura's brothel. Yet his interest was always directed to my friend as opposed to the numerous women who bowed at his feet in hopes for a hefty payment.
Sakura elbowed him and he groaned taking his arm from her shoulders. He put his arm over where she had elbowed him. He looked away from us, "Orochimaru is planning on a full assault of Suna's territory." He muttered.
I raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Why should I believe one of Orochimaru's officials?" I asked. He straightened and met my suspicious gaze. His eyes slowly moved to Sakura standing next to him. Her is back to him, so she took no notice of his lingering gaze on her. However, I did not think it was meant for her to see.
His gaze met mine again. "I am no longer an official for Orochimaru…as I had informed Miss Sakura of his intentions…which led to him suffering several casualties." He paused and looked away. He crossed his arms tightly against his chest.
"Now there is a bounty for my head." He spoke, his gaze coming back to mine. I glanced at Sakura, who seemed to be more concerned with our surroundings. Everyone seemed far too concerned with getting to the ships, but occasionally someone would pause and take notice of us.
"If Orochimaru is planning some sort of a rushed attack of Suna then we need to warn Gaara's brother and sister." I told them turning my attention back to my group. "Ha, as if Temari and Kankuro would listen to a pirate and his crew of miscreants!" Neji exclaimed and looked away irritated.
"Maybe not, but we need to try something. Sakura get your crew together and set sail immediately to Suna with Ino." I told her. Neji raised his hand and placed the other on his hip, "Wait that is too dangerous! They are both wanted in Suna for minor crimes, even so they will be arrested as soon as they arrive." He complained.
"That will be perfect. Then they will be taken to Temari and Kankuro for a punishment trial. Yet I feel that you underestimate their capabilities." I explained. He sighed, "I should accompany them to ensure they have a safe passage into Suna and that they are seen immediately." He said.
"No, you are going to come with me." I told him. He rolled his eyes, "You think I would listen to you?" He asked.
"If there is a bounty on your head, then you would be more of a liability to them. Orochimaru has probably kept in close contact with Temari and Kankuro and has informed them of any 'rogues' acting against him." I explained.
"Orochimaru apparently has two missions. Capturing me and taking over Suna. I will try to cause a diversion in order that Sakura and Ino have time to make it to Suna." I explained. He didn't seem happy, but he didn't fight me.
"What should I tell them?" Sakura asked. I turned my attention to her and sighed. Perhaps I will be digging my own grave with this, yet I cannot let Orochimaru win against Suna.
I took her arm and pulled her away from the rest of the group. I pulled her close to me, "Sakura…you must swear you will tell them every word I tell you." I whispered and stared into her eyes. She nodded her gaze on mine. "What shall I tell them?"
Gaara's POV
I felt myself regaining consciousness. I kept my eyes closed, because I could tell it was extremely bright and the light would only cause me more pain. I started to sit up, but felt hands push me back down. "You need to rest. The effects of the drug will wear off, but you need to get some sleep. You cannot fool me Gaara, I can see the dark circles under your eyes." I heard Itachi's voice.
"Gaara…I am truly sorry that I had to do such a thing, yet I only wish that you would understand my position." He spoke. I groaned and shook my head as the drug's effects were slowly wearing off.
"Itachi, keeping me here would only give Temari and Kankuro cause to retrieve me." I told him. He stayed silent. "Did you tell them?" He muttered. I opened my eyes to look at him, but the light did as I thought. I closed them quickly and covered my face with my hands.
"As if I would tell them such a disgraceful thing!" I exclaimed with my face covered. My head began aching because of the brightness.
"Gaara, what harm can come from you staying here and resting?" He asked. I slowly moved my hands from my eyes. His figure is a blur as is everything else in the room. "Must you ask that?" I replied.
"For fuck's sake Gaara, as if I would do that again. I have felt so…disgusting since I had done that. Can't this be my way of seeking your forgiveness...and pursuing a more…meaningful relationship with you?" He said and I felt his hand gently caress my shoulder
He could be telling me the truth…what if he is truly feeling remorseful? I know I wouldn't consider pursuing anything more with him, but I certainly do not feel he would do anything to end my life.
"Did you send them notice of my arrival here?" I muttered meekly. I turned my head down and blocked the light from my eyes with my hand.
"Yes, I have informed them of your arrival and I have also told them that you arrived without Sasuke." He replied his voice sounding a bit cheerful. I sighed, "Is that all?" I asked irritated at the mention of Sasuke's name. I am absolutely tired of him invading my thoughts.
"Yes…I will come back at a later time. Please get some rest your highness." He spoke. I could feel his hand slowly leave my shoulder. He got up from my bedside. I heard him walking and suddenly the bright room became dark. I waited until I heard the door shut.
I moved my hand and my eyesight had not improved any, but they did not hurt. I heard Shukaku whimper and felt him climb onto my lap. I placed my hands on his body. I stared out at the blurry, dark room.
It is a familiar setting, a dark room with just Shu and me there. It gives me some comfort. It felt pleasant not to worry about whether or not a storm would topple this building. I sighed. In the past, I would have given up all of these securities to be able to sail the sea with Sasuke. Now…I am not so sure I could go through such a task.
I let my childish fantasies cloud my judgement and now Suna is in danger of being taken over by Orochimaru. I lowered my head. I have risked the safety of all of my people. What do I have to show for it? Nothing. I did not even make it to Ningyo or capture the heart of a frivolous pirate.
Sasuke's face appeared in my mind. I lifted my head and remembered when he had saved me from the ship. Then I remembered his lips on mine. I have been kissed before, but not like that. I slowly leaned forward lost in my daydream, only remembering that moment.
I froze and groaned. I laid back on the bed and put my hand on my forehead. "Once again I am stuck only dreaming of what could have been."
