A/N: Next chapter. I'm also working on my new fic Something That We're Not, it is a KibaxIno and SakuraxSai. If anyone wants to check it out. Things are kind of slow at work (Xmas Break, all the kiddies are out of school and home for the holidays) So for the next few weeks, I should be updating both a bit.
Warnings: Langauge
Disclaimer: I don't own it.
Chapter Ten
Was it really safe to stop for an entire night? This was for her benefit. Ino knew they were going to stop in the village to give her a chance at a decent night's sleep. They had been making distance all day. Sakura was wanting to get in a hot bath and a decent meal. Her 'husband' had been unusually silent for the last few hours, it was kind of unnerving. None of them had bothered speaking while heading in this direction. She could only imagine what was on their minds.
There was a light mist in the air indicating rain. If the storm managed to break, it would help covering up their scent. With enough distance between them and the team, they would be able to get away clean. The road going towards the small village had little traffic. A wagon carting supplies with two passengers went by. "Should have asked them for a lift."
"Are you tired?" Sakura turned to look back at the couple. Hidan was trying to come off as casual, she wasn't fooled. Casual would be the space between her and Sasuke. The Jashinist was walking so close to Ino, a fly wouldn't have been able to squeeze through.
"I'll make it to the village. The Inn better have some good food, I'm tired of noodles. I think someone should give me a massage later." A foot massage would be awesome. The blonde reached out to latch her hands onto the muscular upper arm. "You can just say it you know, whatever has you brewing."
He wasn't brewing, he was plotting. Hidan snorted at the bright smile. Leave it to a woman to be so forgiving and thoughtless. Did she really think he'd be okay with walking away from those sand shinobi? The one with the toys may have been allowed to walk away this time but Hidan had a good memory. The next time he saw the pussy, he was going to collect. He'd do more than crush his little bitch. If he saw either of them, he'd enjoy ripping the ugly bitch in half. Just because she was feeling better didn't erase what had been done. She was his wife and he didn't have the ability to forgive. "We are getting separate rooms. The pussy will just have to man up and share a bed with a woman."
What?! She wasn't going to share a room with Sasuke. Sakura could understand that he'd want to spend some time alone with Ino but she'd pay for the extra room. What was she supposed to do the entire night that they were alone? Talk? Pretend the other wasn't there?
"That is acceptable." Sasuke let the insult go. Giving in and verbally attacking the crude man would be pointless. By now he had accepted it was just part of his personality. It was in his genetic makeup to have to swear in every sentence. Besides having a nasty mouth, the man was harmless. He wouldn't waste his time and energy on constantly bickering, the insults didn't bother him. The man also had a point. They would need two rooms and he saw no reason he couldn't share one with Sakura.
"I just know that I'm taking a bath as soon as we get checked in. I don't think you want a smelly woman in your bed." Ino hoped he'd take care of everything so she could hit the wash. Sakura said the place had a public bathing area. Soaking in some hot water would do wonders for her muscles. It would also give them time to have girl talk. Now that they had Sasuke free, what would be the plan? Was Sasuke going to tag along with them? She wanted to give the two time to have a serious talk before making plans on where they should head and proceed. If Sasuke did decide to go off on his own, that would be his choice.
She smelt just fine to him. A bath wouldn't be a bad idea, before they got sweaty again later. Hidan released the breath he'd been holding. For a minute he had been afraid she'd insist on sharing a room with her friend. After the stress of the last few days, he was looking forward to relaxing for a few hours. Just a few hours to enjoy his new wife. It wouldn't hurt the Uchiha if the pink-haired twat were to give him some too. The bastard was too uptight. There was no reason to be so tense, the Konoha team was at least three days behind them and probably cooling their heels in Suna.
"Is that the Inn, Sakura?" Sasuke remembered going by the place several times but had never stayed in the area long enough to take advantage of the services. It was a good size place and if they had a hot bath, he was all for stopping. The quick wash the previous night hadn't been enough to completely remove a week's worth of grime from his skin. His hair probably smelt of sweat and dirt. He wasn't sure how Sakura was managing to walk beside him without gagging. Was it because the wind was blowing the smell South? It would explain the irritated look on the insane man's face.
"Hai! The baths are huge and the food is excellent. Are we going to have dinner together or in our rooms?" Anything to hold off being alone with him. A part of her was afraid that once they got alone, he was going to politely thank her, then inform her that he was going to leave by himself in the morning. If that was what he decided, she couldn't stop him from going. As much as she still cared, she wouldn't ask him to stay out of a sense of debt.
"You and Ino may head straight to the baths if you wish. Hidan and I can get us checked in and see about having dinner sent up to each room." As soon as he ordered dinner, he'd see about his own bath. Sasuke turned to the man, to see if he had a problem with that plan? He got no disagreement from the trailing couple. No one had brought up the plan for tomorrow, if there was one. All day he had thought about it, mulled over his options. He could gather up his belongings and leave the three. There was a chance that any one following would come after him. There was the greater chance that the others would try to retrieve Sakura and Ino first. He did not want to abandon them when they could be caught and put on trial for assisting him. The only way he could know that they were safe, was to remain behind. No, it was the only way for him to make sure Sakura stayed safe. Ino had someone that would die before allowing her to be taken. Seeing as the man couldn't die, enough said. However, the majority of his anxiety was for Sakura.
He had always found her boasts of devotion and love to be childish. Just as shallow as those of Karin or Ino. Like all those other girls that had fawned over him when he was younger. None of them had given up so much just to save him. Yeah, Ino did but he was sure that hadn't been out of love for him. She'd done it for the love of a best friend. It was the same as Itachi, what his brother had done. Itachi had given up everything, his home, their clan and his own life; all to make sure he was safe. To ignore Sakura's sacrifice would be the same as spitting on his brother's existence. The fact that her love was still strong enough to do so after all this time, what kind of love could she have given him, if he had not walked such a destructive path?
"Fine, I'll do it. What kind of food do you want, Wifey?" He was famished and not all that picky. Hidan looked down to where she was latched onto his arm. To the crowd they probably appeared to be a normal couple, minus the obvious weapons they were carrying. Looking down into the smudged yet beautiful face, he realized he kind of like having her hanging onto him.
"Hmm, some chicken, beef, rice, and see if they have any fresh fruit. Order tea, nothing alcoholic." Ino thought of ordering seafood but thought better of it. Someone had once told her that it could cause a woman's private area to carry a fishy scent. That was the last thing she needed.
The four stepped inside the propped open door of the Inn. The first thing Sakura noticed was that it was busy. There were several families standing about talking. A maid was trying to sweep up what appeared to be broken glass next to the waiting area table. There was also a large group of approximately eight men standing in the far corner. All were wearing casual clothing but they didn't stand like normal civilians. Two were already gazing in their direction.
"Two rooms, both with a queen bed." Sasuke spoke to the haggard old man standing behind the register. A log book was thrust towards him, "Are we checking in for one night or two?"
"Two, don't argue. You need some rest and you aren't allowed an opinion." Hidan placed both hands on the trembling shoulders. She could get angry and bitch at him later. He could sense how tired she still was and he'd handle any problems that came their way. He wouldn't have her collapsing from over-exerting herself. If it had been the Uchiha or the Forehead, they'd be dead already. They didn't have a say in it either, his wife needed to recover.
"Am I allowed anything?" Her brow jerked and she had to refrain from hitting him. It didn't matter that he was right and she would really like to relax for a bit. Still, that didn't mean she had to act the passive female. Unable to start swinging, she reached up to grasp the back of his nape and yanked him down. The grip she had was not only hard but she was pulling on his hair. "Or do I have to beg for permission first?"
Hidan hated having his hair pulled, unless it was because his face was buried between smooth thighs. The question came out as a purr, he couldn't help but get aroused at the implication. He was the damn man of this relationship, she'd do what he said. "If you keep pulling my damn hair, I'll be giving you a reason to fucking beg later. Now, take your friend and have a bath, after I get a kiss."
Did they really have to? Sakura gave her attention to Sasuke, watching him fill out the form. She didn't say anything seeing him write down a false name. What surprised her was that both names were that of a husband with his Mrs.. It made sense to pose as a married couple, less questions. He paid the clerk and got both keys. The man told them were to find the kitchen if they wanted to order something.
Was that necessary? Sasuke rolled his eyes seeing the two breathing through each other's nose. Ino was keeping it somewhat appropriate by her hands remaining on her man's neck but Hidan wasn't caring for proper behavior. The man had his hands latched onto the blonde's backside. He had both keys in his palm and turned to Sakura. He reached out to grab her hand and closed the distance between them. He was thankful that she didn't flip out from him moving in so close. His mouth came within whispering distance of her ear. "He's relaying a message, if it is a bit crude. The group in the corner, they've been watching you two since we entered. Stay close, stay together."
Right, she had noticed that. They weren't average civilians from the look of them. How harmful could they be if they were staring at her and Ino, not the other two? She was positive that both still had their names and faces on a few wanted lists. They were probably ogling Ino, she was used to the way the blonde drew the attention of male eyes. It was better to be safe than sorry. "Okay."
Good, he didn't like the way the men were watching them. Those men were shinobi of some sort. What reason would they have to inspect the females and not the two that were obviously the bigger threats? Sasuke drew back from her ear, letting his breath ghost across her cheek. The only sign of shock that registered was the widening of her eyes as he placed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. It was meant to dictate to their observers that they were a couple. He didn't need to go as far as the Jashinist to lay claim. The warmth of her lips was nice, he could tell just from the corner that they'd be soft and smooth.
What the hell?! Sakura couldn't move feeling the gentle caress. It was just the corner for less than a second. She was almost disappointed, thinking he was going to pull away after teasing her with the hopes of something she had always wanted. Her eyes closed at the touch of his mouth coming back down to place another chaste kiss dead center. He had extremely soft lips for a male. A second kiss was given, except this time she couldn't help but return it. It was stupid and probably a mistake but if this was going to be the only time she got, she saw no reason to deny herself.
It was a mistake. He knew it as soon as she complied and returned the kiss. The timid pressure urged him to open his mouth and lick her lower lip. The small gasp gave him the entry needed to dip his tongue inside. The feel of her tongue lifting and hesitantly brushing into his, and he was pulling an Ino. He had to use his wrist instead of his fingers to keep her from pulling away. All so he could explore deeper and get a better taste.
"EH HEM, SIRS!" The desk clerk cleared his throat a second time until both males were giving him their attention. "The baths are down that hallway and through the double doors. Women to the right and Men to the left. Fresh linen will be brought some time in the morning, but always before noon. If you are not inside your room to accept the fresh linens, you may come down to request them. We have an open breakfast which is served promptly between six and nine. Please, enjoy your stay."
"We will," Ino beamed a smile at the old man and reached out to grab Sakura's arm. It was definitely time for girl time. A long soak in the hot springs was exactly what they needed to unwind and make plans. "Can you take my bags, Sweetheart?"
"Thanks," Sakura slid out of her bag in order for Sasuke to take hers as well. Their belongings would be safer locked in a room. The two men were left standing in the lobby. With a tight grip, she was directed down the mentioned hallway and into the door marked Women. There were plenty of robes lying around and a cubby to place their clothes into. Ino was already getting undressed. "Should we pay to get our clothes cleaned while we are here? My shirt has a strong scent to it. I wonder if it will come out."
"You mean it smells like Sasuke. Sorry, I know you got a thing for him but he definitely needs to hit the bath. I can't believe he was forced to go that long without a shower. Talk about cruel. Nothing smells worse than sweaty balls." Ino made sure not to say anything specific since they couldn't be sure no one was listening. They were alone in the room but you could never be too careful.
"I wouldn't know but thanks for the warning." Sakura folded her shirt and placed it inside the little basket. The bra was the next thing to come off. There was now a brown stain forming on the underside of each cup. Gross, sweat and dirt from wearing it so long.
"Yeah, hopefully Sasuke will hit the bath before joining you in bed tonight." Or the poor girl would get sick. Ino worked on the binding around her breast. It would be nice to be able to just wear a bra. Maybe once they found a place to settle down. Would she be able to convince the Jashinist to settle down? The idea of living on the run forever wasn't very appealing. One day she did want a family.
"Nothing is going to happen." That kiss had only been for show. To let the group know that they were there with husbands. Nothing more than a ploy to ward off any unwanted trouble. "What kind of soaps do they have? I need to wash my hair as well."
"You look, I can't get this damn binding undone." Finally, her boobs could breath.
There was an assortment of scents on the shelf. "They have peach, mango, lilac, something that has no name and strawberry scented. Which do you want, Ino-pig?"
"The lilac ones. I don't think I need to smell like food tonight. Though the thought of being eaten sounds interesting. Wonder what it'd feel like." Ino tossed the rest of her clothes in the growing pile. She grabbed two towels since Sakura was bringing the soaps. There were only two other females enjoying the water, both older than Tsundade.
The supplies were placed on the edge, the girls choosing a spot near the back and away from prying ears. Sakura dove straight underneath the surface, immersing her entire head. She'd have to soak her hair in conditioner for half an hour. "Being clean is going to feel so good. Uh, Ino?"
"Shush," Ino had turned her back before dropping the towel. Hiding the dried blood along her abdomen would be kind of impossible since the two older females were looking their way. It was better for them to see her ass then notice the blood. Her clothes had been black so the blood on them hadn't been noticeable. She had almost forgotten about it and hadn't thought about it. The length of her hair would hide the slight blood on her back. She slipped into the water easily and without turning around.
The first fifteen minutes went by in a comfortable silence as they both washed their hair and then their bodies. While applying conditioner the unwanted company decided to depart. Sakura waited until the door closed before asking. "So, what is it like? I mean, what is sex like?"
"Sex for normal people or for me?" Ino massaged the conditioner into her roots and thought about it. "We only did it twice and I'm not sure how to explain it. I think it's a bit different for us than it will be for you. Whenever, you do get around to doing it."
"Different? How so?"
"Eh, Jashin. It's hard to explain but I can assure you that there is a reason he lets me be bossy. Remember how he reacted when I got hurt? Not only does the curse bond us through pain but it seems to work with the pleasure to, at least for him. I guess I'll never have to worry about him really hurting me during sex and the more I enjoy it, the more he enjoys it." Ino was thankful for that little quirk.
"I see, so what is it like otherwise. Having a man in there?" She was curious. Not that she thought anything would ever happen between her and Sasuke. There was almost a certainty that he would want to leave soon. It saddened her to think about, but she wouldn't try to stop him.
Ino wasn't sure if she could compare her own sexual encounter with a normal one. "Hmm, good if he knows what he does. And I can assure you, mine knows what he is doing. Oh Gods, does he know how to use it. Makes me wet just thinking about it. Sakura, I warn you now. You may end up hearing things you don't want to hear tonight."
"Thanks, Pig. Is he that good or is he that big?" What would someone like the Jashinist be packing? She had made sure not to accidently see his privates when she had assisted in his recovery. What did Sasuke have? No, she shouldn't let her mind wander into stupid fantasies.
"Both, but more so he's huge. I'm telling you, Forehead, his cock clearly compensates for his crude attitude. I've seen many naked men while working in the hospital but DAMN. I'd have to guess about thirteen and it isn't skinny. If I were to wrap my thumb and middle finger around it, they wouldn't meet." She held up her fingers to give a correct measuring.
"Damn, Ino. You seriously took something like that? You slut." Who wanted a horse cock? She'd be satisfied with just finding someone to be with. He didn't have to be hung or that experienced.
"Screw you, Forehead. Not like I can ask him to trim some of it off. Besides, I won't apologize for enjoying being with my foul-mouth husband. He's very unorthodox but he is mine. I'm sure after Sasuke pops your cherry, you'll understand."
"Whatever," her cherry wasn't going to get popped. Sakura didn't think it would happen. Not any time soon. She still wasn't completely over Sasuke and it would probably be a long time before she found someone else. If he did try something tonight, she wasn't sure if she'd be okay with that. Not when she had no idea how he felt, if he wanted to stay with her or if he wanted to follow his own path again.
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The door opened announcing that she was back. Sasuke kept his eyes on arranging the small table that was set up in the room. Out of the corner, he could see the white robe moving around. After ordering their dinner, he had quickly visited the bath. He had almost missed the food tray being delivered. If not for Hidan bitching at the frightened maid that had accidently brought coffee instead of tea, he would have missed the delivery. He told Hidan to take their pot and they'd take the coffee. Anything to keep the poor girl from accidently wetting the carpet.
"Is that Hidan?" Sakura stopped searching for clean panties hearing the swearing in the hall. Something about not smelling and the bitch owing him. "He didn't go down with you earlier?"
"No, he said one of us should remain in case dinner was delivered. Ino is probably sending him down now from the sound of it." He had dressed in a pair of blue pajama pants. His hair was still damp from his bath. "How is Ino feeling?"
"Better, she thinks we should have brunch in their room in the morning. So we can decide what to do next." Sakura walked behind the curtain to change. It was too hot to put on anything besides a tank top and pajama shorts. What she was doing was holding her breath, waiting for a reply. Was this where he'd inform her that he would be going his own way?
"I don't suppose she has any suggestions. The further we get from Konoha, the less trouble we'll have in the future." After so many weeks the search teams would become less active. Before a year was out, they would be put on a wanted list. If they were found, they were found. Konoha wouldn't be able to afford to constantly keep searching for them.
The future? As in a group or as individuals? She stepped out from behind the curtain to find him sitting at the table waiting on her. "It smells wonderful."
"Come eat." He pulled the chair out for her, managing to move it a few inches closer to his own chair. He had an idea he wanted to run by her before tossing it to the others. There were still a few of his dreams that he didn't want to give up. Reinstating the Clan Uchiha was one of them. If he couldn't do it in Konoha, he'd find somewhere else that could benefit from his clan. After coming so close to being executed, he wanted to reevaluate his life. Even as strong as he was, as talented, he should already be dead. The only reason he was still breathing was because the kunoichi sitting next to him had been willing to risk everything for him. "I think I may have an idea but I'd rather hear your opinion on it before suggesting it to the others."
"Okay, but does that mean you're going to stay with us?" Or was this plan just a temporary solution to evade their pursuers? She had to know, the unknown was unsettling. She wanted to prepare herself if he was just going to leave again.
"I assume us means the group." They weren't really a team. "Yes, Sakura. I don't care for Hidan, at all. Seeing as he and Ino are in some strange kind of marriage, I don't expect she is going to leave him just because I think he's an ass. I would never ask you to part from your best friend, not now. So in order to stay with you, I am remaining with them."
"You don't have to stay because of what I did. I didn't do it to make you feel obligated." She wanted him to stay because he wanted to. The loss would hurt. Better to hurt from separation instead of hate. If he didn't stay of his own free will, he'd only come to hate her.
"As thankful as I am for what you did, it does not influence my decision on remaining." Not entirely, not in the way she feared. He didn't want to stay because he thought he owed her. He wanted to stay because he wanted to know if he could obtain his dreams, with her by his side. As far as what he actually felt for her, he didn't know. Before now he had never allowed himself to dwell on it. Until the end of the war, he had let his anger and hatred consume him. It wasn't until after his brother was gone and he returned that he discovered what was most important. It was just his luck that the council and most of the village believed that he didn't deserve another chance. "I'm staying because I want to."
That worked for her. She knew it was hard for him to admit it, he had his pride. It was also a start. If they remained only friends, she'd be happy knowing that he was still part of her life. "What was your idea?"
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