Chapter Ten: Target Unknown

"We are afraid to care to much, for fear that the other person does not care at all." –Unknown

.x.

Sasuke had never felt this kind of emotion before. Was it worry? Anxiousness? He couldn't tell. This thing at the pit of his stomach was weighing him down, distracting his thoughts. Every time he tried to imagine her face it was covered with tears. Was this all his fault?

No, definitely not. He didn't lead her on intentionally, actually he was oblivious to everything until the other night. Or so he kept telling himself. Letting another layer of guilt set in, he fidgeted in his seat. Cracking one eye open to distract him from his thoughts.

Naruto sat across from him, or more like lounged uncomfortably. He had somehow managed to fall asleep upside down, snoring as loud as ever. If there is a person who can sleep in any situation, it's this guy!

Now normally he would have woken him up, but for some reason he decided to leave him be, scanning the room for any changes. The two of them where in the Hokage's office, waiting for news on where Sakura and those two akatsuki jerks had gone off to.

He glanced around for Kakashi, but it seemed he had disappeared somewhere with that Sai. There was something off about him, something Sasuke didn't like. Ever since he had gotten back Sai had made an immense effort to avoid him, not that he minded at all. The way he always had a fake smile, man it pissed him off.

The wait was killing him. The clock seemed to be significantly more irritating than normal. Tick, tick, tick. Hell it was driving him mad. The urge to chidori it through the wall was rising, thank god Tsunade came in at that time.

"Boys." She sighed calmly, staring at Naruto. The tone of her voice irritated him to no end, but he decided to suppress his anger for now. Might as well take it out on the akatsuki later.

"Unfortunately, there has been no news of Sakura's or the two akatsuki's whereabouts." Sasuke slammed his fists on the table, startling Naruto into sitting position.

"Crap. Teme." He mumbled quietly as Sasuke's eyes focused onto Tsunade.

"Look. I know you two might not be happy with the outcome so far, but we're doing everything we can!" Tsunade's fingers drummed the desk in an irritated fashion, creating small cracks.

Sasuke did have the urge to answer; well you're obviously not working hard enough. Or maybe even; it's obvious that you can't do your job correctly. But seeing the way Tsunade's fingers slowly broke down the desk, he decided he wanted to keep his body in one piece. Naruto looked as if he had the same thoughts, though he idiotically stated them aloud. So much for him being able to help in the search.

Sasuke closed his eyes once more, trying to drown out Naruto girly cries. What a wimp! He thought. And at a time like this. He reopened them to find Shizune, eagerly tapping her foot in anticipation.

"News my lady." She yelled over Naruto. That definitely shut him up.

"What is it Shizune?"

"I think we may have a lead."

.x.

A hand wacked her across the face again, making the already bleeding cuts on there sting. The man in front of her bent down slowly, as if to see if she was okay. Hope filled her slightly, but was quickly kicked out of her by the same man. His foot slamming against her ribs, breaking the remaining few that had been in fine condition.

She tried to heal them, but another whack to the head made her slightly unconscious. The blood loss was getting to her, her limbs where starting to go numb. It made her sick to think that there was no way to get out of this situation. Inner Sakura had completely given up, which left Sakura herself with no will power. She felt weak, powerless, and sadly in this situation, she was.

Another kick to a different part of her body moved her legs across the hard ground, her arms still tied above her head. She had no idea where she could be, but even if she did find out who would she tell? Everything seemed hopeless.

What would Tsunade-sama think of her in such a downgrading position? Shizune? Ino? Naruto… even Sasuke? They would all probably be able to get out of this situation. But she couldn't. She was weak. Afraid. It made her heart clench.

Would she die here? Was this it? Had she already done everything, in her mind these questions took over he will to think.

Her arms thrashed widely in their bindings, trying to reach for her hair. She just wanted to hold her head, suppress all the questions.

Her eyes peeked open to see the man in front of her kick again. She couldn't feel anymore. Or maybe she didn't want to feel. Something lodged in her throat, causing her too cough up blood. The metallic taste lingered, the only liquid in her dry mouth. It dripped down her chin and then onto her knees.

He laughed, but she couldn't hear it. Had she chosen to cut that as well? The man stared down at her with hateful eyes, still laughing. The eyes she though she knew so well, his sharingan activated. And that was the thing that messed her up the most. Uchiha Sasuke stood before her, he was the one who was hurting her. But why?

She was afraid. Though she would never admit out loud, she was terrified of him. His strength, his stance, hatred oozed out of him. It made her back press hard against the wall, cool brick stinging her bare skin.

She wanted to get away, but she also wanted to bring him to his senses. Now she kind of understood what Naruto must have been feeling all those times. It made her sad, but also very proud of Naruto for persevering.

He leaned forward again, but she stood her ground. Although the wall was behind her, making it difficult for her to move backwards anyway. His face was so close to hers she didn't even noticed the kunai in his hand.

There was no doubt in her mind. She was terrified.

A/N: And there we go, Chapter 10. This is the highest amount of chapters I've EVER posted in a fanfiction so i'm pretty proud. I would like to thank everyone who's reviewed and who is following this story. It means so much so thank you. i hope you enjoyed this chapter. xx BelievingUzumaki