DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters. All rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I also do not own the song 'Clear Hearts, Grey Flowers'. All rights belong to Jack Off Jill. I only own my OC's (Original Characters), if any appear at all, along with this fanfic. Thank you.

NOTE: Another semi-lemon alert. That's all. If you're squeamish, look away. ^^;

Clear Hearts, Grey Flowers

'CLINK' 'TNK'

'SHF' "Pass the cake noodles, un?"

'PLNK' "Thanks."

Dinner was a relatively quiet affair, with only a few brief sentences uttered every few minutes; a polite request for another at the table to push along a plate or bowl. Even Hidan's usual language was nowhere to be heard. The meal was Chinese take-out, so the forks and knives were eschewed in favor of the more typical chopsticks.

Sakura tried to focus on the food upon her plate, but her eyes would continuously dart about, to take in the various mannerisms of all who were seated around her. From Konan, who ate with tiny, refined bites, eyelids half lowered and casting a shadow over her blue orbs, to Kisame, who seemed to be doing his best to be civilized, even with a gaping maw and sharp fangs. The rest were uneventful, being rather stereotypical humans-aside from Zetsu, who at times, had trouble deciding which piece of food would go to which half of his head. It had taken the pinkette a couple of moments to become used to his startling appearance, but now his plant growth was nothing more than a mild quirk in her green eyes.

A-and then, there's…finally, her eyes drifted to the figure seated at the head of the table. He wasn't actually that far from her; he sat to Konan's right. The three of them commanded the attention at the very top-whether they wanted to or not. At least he did. She couldn't speak for the blue-hued female, but she knew that as far as she herself was concerned, she would have much preferred to fade away into the background.

Even with the rest of this ragtag crew, Sakura still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as she studied every inch of this imposing male. She just hoped that he didn't notice this fact. His orange locks stood out at all angles, like a frightening demonic crown. His eyes, a smooth shade of grey, were trained on the meal as he ate quickly but cleanly. Her gaze lingered over the multitude of piercings that graced his skin-the labrets, earrings, cartilage hooks, nose rings, studs and what have you, from his eyebrows to his chin. He was a walking poster for body modification, although she had the distinct impression that quite a few of these ideas were his and his alone.

Without warning, he suddenly cleared his throat. Instantly the rest of the group were alert and focused, while Sakura's eyes were trained on the wad of green broccoli to the left of her cashew chicken. But a sharp nudge from Konan against her lower ribs ultimately brought her nervous stare upwards as well. The power that this man commanded-it was surreal.

"Well, it's good to see all of you gathered here tonight." A simple starter to the conversation that was to follow. A soft murmur of agreements rippled through the small crowd, as he continued on. "We've made good progress in these last few weeks." His grey eyes flickered to the plant man. "Zetsu, much thanks to you for your successful information gathering." The two halves nodded, and he now looked to the male with the long black ponytail.

"Itachi, I am pleased with how you handled the collection mission. We received all of our required back payments, and extra." Itachi did not respond, or even acknowledge that Leader had applauded him. But apparently, this was old hat by now. The redhead turned his attention to the tanned man covered in stitches-at least Sakura thought they were-and the face mask, which also wrapped up and over his head. Only the flap over his mouth was removed, hanging limply to the side as he consumed his meal. "Kakuzu, you have done a splendid job of keeping our finances in check. We haven't gone a cent over budget; in fact, we have plenty to spend for outside matters." The miser chose the gesture of a simple nod to express his thanks. Leader went on, to congratulate a few of the other names.

Jeez…hurry up already. Konan was getting tired of staring politely as Pein continued his speech of gratitude. As important as it was to keep track of how things were flowing, the necessity didn't automatically make the chore any more engaging. She just wanted him to finish and move on to the other subjects of interest. Namely, the pinkette to her left.

"Now that that's out of the way, it's time to address a handful of changes that I'm sure a decent few of you have been questioning." As warm as he attempted to be, Konan could read every tone and every subtle hint to his actions. He took pleasure in springing these surprises upon his crew. Their uncertainty fueled his ego. Just like a God, they never knew what he would choose to undertake next.

"As you've no doubt seen tonight, we have a new guest at our gathering…" This was Konan's cue. With a hefty but hidden thrust to her companion's side, the pinkette squeaked, and scrambled to her feet. Across the way, Konan could hear Hidan chuckling under his breath, and she saw Deidara giving that same flirty grin from before. If Pein noticed any of these things though, he made no mention of them. He merely completed the task of introducing the stranger to the entire group.

"Her name is Haruno Sakura." At this, Konan blinked-how had he gotten a hold of her last name? "She's currently in training for our higher club divisions, thanks to our very own Konan." She did not respond to the kudos, choosing to keep her stern gaze upon the trembling girl above her. "She's staying in our newly converted storage area. I do hope you'll make her feel…welcome, and familiarize her with the Akatsuki routine." The woman wanted to scream-it was practically an invitation for rape! She silently hoped that her previous beat-down to the loud-mouthed Jashin worshiper had been enough to deflate his hopes of any hanky panky with the virginal street urchin. Tugging at Sakura's wrist, the pinkette fell back into her chair with a notable thud.

"Now, the second item on our agenda for tonight…" It was over. At long last, it was over. Konan slumped forwards, waiting for the meal to adjourn. Her appetite diminished, she allowed her eyes to close as Pein's tone hummed in her ears; a light buzzing drone. Sakura watched her, unsure of where else to look from that point on. And the woman, head down upon tabletop, had no clue otherwise.

'TING' "Alright, then." Leader stood from his place up front. As drained as she was, Konan still managed to rise to her feet, followed swiftly by the rest of the members. They bowed in accordance, as he headed down the hall to his chambers. The main boudoir door closed with a faint click, and slowly the group broke apart, regular conversation and flow returning in favor of the heated formalities.

Wrapping her hand around Sakura's arm once more, Konan pulled her away from the crowd and back to her room. Shutting the door a bit more forcefully than she'd wanted, she turned around to face the pinkette. Seated at the edge of her bed, her legs dangled above the ground, and she fixed the woman with a curious expression. Again, just like a child or baby animal. The customers would go crazy trying to claim her. It was both reassuring and nauseating.

"Um…" Sakura had no clue as to what would happen now. Would she have to take another shower? Was there going to be another session of lessons? Was Konan simply going to leave her, to her own devices for the rest of the night? These thoughts wafted through her mind, as the female finally spoke. "Stay here. I'll be back with some nightclothes for you." And just like that, she was gone, granting Sakura the freedom to explore her new surroundings a bit more thoroughly than she had that morning.

Aside from the various assortment of breakables and valuables, the room was quite cheery. It wasn't too hot, but had a nice cool flow of air that didn't freeze the skin. Which was good, since her flesh was still rather tender; she had a couple of open wounds, as well as some scars that occasionally throbbed. And of course, her body was still adjusting to the sensations of bathing, which hadn't been experienced in many years. Eventually, the pain would subside, but for now…

'CLICK' "Here." Konan stood before her, another pale and frilly confection in her hands. She threw it at the pinkette, who managed to catch it securely. Unraveling it in her hands, she discovered it to be some sort of nightgown or negligee. She couldn't be sure; it seemed big enough to be a gown, but the material was sheer and lacy. Where was Konan acquiring these items from, anyway? It couldn't possibly be her own closet. Right?

Standing up, Sakura began to strip, removing the borrowed dress from her gawky frame. Once more, Konan turned her back, but stole a brief glance from the corner of her eye, a silent observer to the strange art of dressing. To her, clothing was easy; cloth that was made to fit you, and that took none but a few seconds, maybe minutes, to throw on. But in Sakura's case it was like a journey, as she found her way through the crinkling fabric, slipping her thin arms into the sleeves, and pulling the low neckline over her own head. It was unusually entertaining to see. Quickly averting her gaze as the girl shifted forwards revealing those bud-like breasts, untouched and perky, Sakura finally got the outfit in place, and marveled at the feel of silk against her battered flesh.

"Are you done?" Receiving a grunt in response, Konan faced forwards-and had to keep her blood flow in check. The gown was so baggy on her! The design was cute, but the size was much too large. The neckline nearly hung between her valley, and Konan could make out the faint impression of nipples through the faded fuchsia shade. Coughing as if it were the most normal thing in the world, she waved a hand at the bed. "Go to sleep. We'll resume our studies tomorrow." Without question, Sakura crawled atop the bed, and snuggled beneath the pea-green sheets. Shutting out the light, Konan locked the door without so much as a good night to the girl behind the barrier.

That's it. As soon as I get a chance, we're heading to the nearest set of stores. Sakura needed more clothes-and ones that actually fit her, too. Konan had more than enough outfits to lend the girl, but her body wasn't the greatest model to follow. She was taller, fuller, and older. Things that clung to her curves would hang from the pinkette. And she needed to look like a living doll, not a paper doll. Besides, it wasn't like she didn't have the money. Even Pein had said it himself; they were above and beyond, as far as funds were concerned.

"'Sigh' I need a long soak in the tub…" The room was dark, as Konan headed for the dresser to assemble some articles for the night. Even in the black, she knew every detail like the back of her hand. During those long nights when she just couldn't sleep she'd allowed her eyes to wander, and drink in all of the subtly lightening shadows, as her eyes grew accustomed to the inky pitch.

But as her hands gripped the drawer knobs, she suddenly felt a pair of hands wrap around her waist from behind. Before she could utter a single sound, she'd been flung onto the bed, pinned beneath the male with the glowering red eyes. "P-Pein-sama…"

His grin flashed in the shadows, as he leaned down closer. "That can wait, darling…mmm, meetings always take so much out of me. They make me…hungry, for a bit of freedom. You know?" He brushed his lips along her collar, tugging her turtleneck down with his teeth. She bit back a moan, as one of his hands slid up under her top, then back down, to fiddle with the buttons on her pants.

"Really, Konan-why do you insist on wearing such cumbersome things?" Successfully undoing the zipper and slipping the pants down with a press of his palms, she now felt his erection digging into her underwear. Her thighs seemed cold and tender, as he removed the belt around her upper waist.

She had no control of the situation. She could only go with the flow, and allow her body to handle the rest. She arched upwards, as one hand cupped her breast, and the other forced its way into her panties. "Aah…to another successful series of gains…not just for the group, but for us, as well…" His warm lips crashed into hers, and Konan let out a low groan as she felt his nimble fingers slide inside her, ministrations deliberate to provoke the desired reaction. And she couldn't deny him; he knew every inch of her body; had known them forever, it seemed. Her heart began to pound, as he pumped the digits in and out of her core with relish.

All previous worries and concerns gave way, as Konan allowed herself to become lost and tangled in the delicious, if short lived release of sweat and sex.

……

"…I wonder how late it is…"

Scrunched up at the head of the bed beneath the mass of sheets and comforter, Sakura found herself staring into the shadows of her underground abode. She was supposed to have dozed off at least an hour ago, but instead had sat up, to play games with the series of darting shapes around her. Her eyes would linger upon the outlines of the precious pottery and antiques behind glass cabinets, and she allowed her imagination to wander and speculate on just how these items had been acquired. She figured that a good percentage had been stolen.

As her ears perked up at every faint sound and murky creak that made its way down the long hallway, some seeming to be right outside her sealed door, her mind replayed the events at the dinner. So many characters, each with their own face and a story to tell. Some were withdrawn, others were scary, and some were almost sympathetic. She remembered the redhead named Sasori, and how he'd seemed to stare right through her; as if he could see every last crack and nick in her mind and body. The reserved fish man, Kisame, who'd been uncomfortable in his own skin. It was too bad, really; he was one of the nicest ones, as soon as you got past the appearance. She shivered…and that pale guy, Hidan-the one who'd tried to cop a feel, before Konan stepped in.

That's right…Konan…of all the members of the Akatsuki though, none so frightened and amazed her as much as her teacher. The woman with the long blue hair, swept back tight in a bun, with that white flower to the right and the stud beneath her lips. She was truly the best example of a wild rose: beautiful from afar, but up close your fingers would bleed and sting, as the vast array of thorns punctured your skin. Like an animal in the jungle, untamable and entrancing.

B-but she's still nothing more than a criminal. And I can't ever forget that. No matter if she thought Konan was pretty; it didn't change the standings between the two of them. She was a prisoner, and Konan was the warden, painted with blood and pastels, and cleaned up with soap and femininity. But she still carried that same stain, that same loss of heart.

Sighing, Sakura shuffled down a bit, head now propped up against the pillows instead of above. She soaked in the touch of cottony fabric and sheer silk, as her green eyes began to droop. Sleep was returning stealthily, like a ninja in the forest. She remembered the stories she'd heard as a child then-how the land of Konoha had been a massive kingdom of honorable warriors, fighting for freedom and peace back in the day.

And just look at it now. It's a hotbed for the underworld. What a cruel twist of fate. She slumped lower, and the pillows moved with her, flipping crookedly from the pressure of her heavy head. Bit by bit, her thoughts were becoming more distorted as colors swirled like the wind, dancing before her weary eyes. And voices continued to choke and magnify, their words no longer holding any true meaning; it was just a symphony of muted torment.

Sakura drifted into an uneasy sleep then, her dreams filled with macabre faces and high laughter; fangs and glares lunged out, longing to touch her, to take, to tear and toss aside. Like nothing more than a scrap of garbage. She could feel her heartbeat, pounding in vile procession with the scenery and activities, as she struggled to find safety and solace.

Then, she saw it. That flash of gleaming gold and deep purple. She rushed forwards in delight and relief, ready to throw her arms around the familiar being. Her friend. Her lover. Her everything that had been wrenched away from her, in the blink of an eye.

But her hands were clutching at nothing, and she was soon swallowed up by a sticky and bitter wave of black and blue. She felt the taunting chill of steel graze her skin, preparing to slice through her like she were naught but a sheet of the thinnest rice paper.

Sakura awoke in a panic, drenched in sweat and gasping. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than some company-any company at all. Even that calculating and icy woman Konan, would have been better than nothing at all.

Down the hall, there was a hollow 'THUNK', as hands pressed against the walls in disorganized passion.

A/N: And...finished! How'd you like it?

Bit by bit, the scenery is being fleshed out, and the relationship between Konan and Sakura is beginning to take a more prominent tone. All will be revealed in time, but for now...it's just a stroll through the park, with the occasional downpour or jutting root. The real animals aren't coming out quite yet. But they're getting pretty damn close. (If this analogy made any sense at all to any of you, please let me know. XD)

Anyways, yeah. Another piece of 'action' between Konan and Pein. How did that turn out? Believable, more polished and understandable than the first? I'm still getting used to this; the only lemons I've got saved on my comp are Yuri oneshots (for a whole 'nother account and fandom.) So hetero is kind of unfamiliar territory for me.

What about Sakura's mannerisms and reactions? Does she seem to be moving at a pace that is reasonable for someone in her situation, or is she adjusting too fast? Let me know-it's supposed to be awkward for both females, not just one. Even having been involved in this business for as long as she's been, Konan is still in for a slew of shocks from her new pink-haired protege.

Next time: Morning at the base, and Sakura experiences a hint of the semi-charmed life-as well as Konan's temper and determination to turn her from a weed to a blossom. See you then.

Ja-ne. =^.^=