Hey Everyone!
Sorry for the late update. I'm adding song lyrics that inspired the chapter to the beginning of each chapter. So, if you're curious you can take a look back! I love you guys, I really do. My readers make my day. Love you all! I hope you enjoy!
"Imma make you beg, Imma make you beg for it
If you don't do this right, you're going home alone
I guess you'll have to beg
Imma make you beg, Imma make you beg for it."
-Beg For It, Iggy Azalea
"Won't you beg me and then tell me how to love you
Like anybody else would
I know you're risking failure (risking failure)
Go run for cover (for how long)
You better start to love her so much you're moving on and on."
-Beg, Evans Blue
Chapter Ten
It really hadn't hit Sakura how normal her life seemed to be. She had been with the Akatsuki for three months now, and each day that passed seemed to be more bearable than the last. In Konoha, Sakura felt the pain of her past every moment that she lived and breathed. But now…
It was fading. Which was the last thing she should could have ever wanted. Sakura lived with the pain of her past. That was just what she did, and doing anything different… Well, that wasn't normal. She didn't want to forget the past, but she didn't want to live in it either.
Live with it, maybe, but not in it.
And here, she was learning to do that. She wasn't exposed to the memories every moment of everyday; she found herself making new ones.
Which was the last thought that ran through her head before Amaya's joyful shout intruded her thoughts.
Smiling, Sakura brought the coffee to her lips and sipped.
The playground didn't have any other children on it, but Itachi followed the small girl around. Catching her, watching her. Currently, Itachi was pushing Amaya—very high—on the swing.
Sakura knew she should hate Itachi Uchiha, but he didn't seem to be the savage, S-Class criminal everyone made him out to be. None of them appeared that way to Sakura, or Amaya. And it was strange, but, as she thought before, she was getting used to it. These men and women were nothing more than people who had gotten on the wrong side of the law. Maybe murdered and maimed a few people. But…
Well, Sakura didn't think about that aspect too much.
"What's going on with you and Pain?"
The question threw Sakura for a loop, and she prolonged the sip of her coffee as she thought. Konan sat next to her on the park bench, sipping her own tea, while her eyes remained strongly fixed on Sakura.
Clearing her throat, Sakura swallowed. Thinking. Contemplating.
"We're fine," she replied, finally.
She should have known someone would ask sooner or later, but… Konan was different. From what Sakura knew, Konan had spent most of her life with Pain. Maybe all of it. And now that Sakura was… Whatever she was to Pain, it left Konan in the dust. But, had Konan been that to Pain at one point? In a way, it hurt Sakura to think about the idea. But, at the same time, Sakura had to understand that both Pain and she weren't teenagers and had been intimate before each other.
Konan snorted. "Oh, we all know you both are 'fine,' Sakura. Trust me."
Sakura's skin bloomed a bright red that rivaled Itachi's sharingan up from her neck, and then over her cheeks.
Konan's eyes widened, and, lowering her tea, she gave Sakura a shit eating grin. "So it is true."
"What?" Sakura asked, avoiding the sparkle in Konan's eyes. Sakura still couldn't gage Konan's reaction, but, taking in the woman's mischievous smile, Sakura knew that she wasn't about to be killed.
"You and Pain are way more than 'fine,' Sakura. You're never in your room, and, whenever anyone needs you, you're coming from Pain's wing of the base. Trust me, you've tried to hide it, but everyone has pretty much figured out that something is going on."
Sakura inwardly groaned, but, outwardly, she shrugged. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
She avoided Konan's eyes for as long as she could, but, eventually, she gave in. Glancing at the woman, she was suddenly caught in her amber gaze, and her façade crumbled.
"That obvious?" Sakura murmured, and Konan's smile widened even further if that was possible.
"Good God," Konan sighed, closing her eyes. "Finally."
It was Sakura's turn to snort. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Konan rolled her eyes. "From the moment he brought you to me, I could tell there was more than just interest in Amaya. Even if it was a slight interest. Besides, Pain needs someone to keep him in line. Make him happy."
Sakura's eyes fell slightly, and she glanced back to Amaya. "I don't do that. Not for him."
Which was a lie. She knew how relaxed he became around her, even if the others were around. He would relax ever so slightly, and fall a little bit into her eyes. Become slightly distracted, and even more so when they were alone. She hadn't slept in her own bed since he had come to her a little while ago, and Sakura wasn't complaining about it.
"Liar," Konan said, calling her on her words, and she lightly shoved at the pinkette's shoulder. "I know even you can tell there is a difference in him."
Sipping her tea, Konan looked away from Sakura and sighed. It was a contented sigh, and Sakura's nerves calmed ever so slightly. "He's been alone for so long, that you're good for him. Whether either of you know it, you're good for each other. I've watched you, too, Sakura, and you're not as distant as you used to be."
Sakura was a bit taken aback by the observation, even though it was true. To be honest, Sakura didn't think that Konan paid that much attention to how she behaved.
Smiling, Sakura downed the rest of her coffee and threw away the cup in the trash can a few feet away. "I know," she finally acknowledged, and gave Konan a little shove in return. "I might not acknowledge it, but I know."
"Don't say anything to anyone, please," Sakura suddenly said, and looked down at her empty hands. "Not even Amaya. I'm not even sure that Pain feels anything towards me."
Which Sakura knew was another lie, but she didn't want to begin hoping for something that didn't exist.
"Lies. All of it, Sakura," Konan groaned, humorously, and crossed her legs. "Just like you won't acknowledge it, neither will he. Unless it came down to life or death for you, he would never acknowledge the way he feel's towards you. He's lost too much, and cared too much. He grew up in Pain, and never knew anything else, Sakura. Nothing. So… I know you might not think you mean much, but, right now, I'm pretty sure you're everything to him."
Sakura soaked up Konan's words, and gave the woman a once over.
"Konan," Sakura started, hesitantly, and met the woman's eyes. "Have you and Pain—"
"Don't even go there," Konan interrupted, holding up a manicured hand, and raised an eyebrow. "I know where you're taking this, and the answer is no. I have never been intimate with Pain, nor have I ever felt anything more than kinship with him. We grew up, and survived, together through the civil war. We helped keep each other stay alive, and he has been the brother I never had. So please, believe me when I say we are the brother and sister of the group."
Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, and Konan gave a soft laugh.
"Were you worried about something?" Konan asked, curiosity dripping from her voice.
"I was terrified that I was stepping on something that would get me killed by a million paper cuts."
Konan laughed louder, joyfully, humored, and Itachi glanced over from where he was lifting Amaya up.
It was subtle, the blush that spread over Konan's cheeks, but Sakura noticed. Looking between the two, it was Sakura's turn to grin.
"Well then," Sakura said, and waggled her eyebrows at Konan. "I guess I should have been paying more attention to you. You have the hots for someone else entirely."
Konan coughed, her tea sliding down the wrong way, and her eyes widened. "I do not!"
But the smile spreading over her lips said otherwise, and Sakura giggled in return. "Oh, god. Purple haired, sharingan wielding children performing origami in the heat of battle. That's terrifying and cute at the same time."
Konan rolled her eyes. "Oh, well, pink and orange haired children with inhuman strength and god complexes sound so much better."
Both women laughed, and shook their heads. "Way too far," Sakura observed.
"Yes," Konan agreed, and closed her eyes as the sun shone down on them. It's so nice out today."
Sakura opened her mouth to agree, but the clouds in the distance begged to differ. "We better get moving. Looks like Pain will be wanting us back soon."
Sakura motioned to the clouds in the distance, and Konan looked on.
Sighing, Konan finished her tea and stood to throw the cup away. Itachi was already gathering Amaya away from the jungle gym, and heading towards them.
"Let's go get some things in town for you and Amaya, and then we'll head back," Konan said, and Itachi nodded in consent. Not that Konan needed it, but Itachi didn't have to tag along if he didn't want to.
"Shopping it is," Amaya exclaimed, leading the charge towards the downtown shops. Sakura rolled her eyes at her over exuberant daughter, and sighed.
Yes. This was becoming normal.
xxxXxxx
Back at the base, Sakura had gotten Amaya settled in with her new books and had gone to the gym to train. She had been slacking lately, and she needed a serious workout regimen to catch back up.
Not that she was out of shape—that would take a lot of chocolate cake and sweets. But, back home, Sakura would work out every day. She and Amaya would go to dance workout classes, which were surprisingly tough, and stay in shape. It was important to Sakura that Amaya stay in shape, or at least know how to get in shape. As a young girl, Sakura had been weak. She would ensure that her daughter would know how to take care of herself, just in case Sakura wasn't around to protect her.
Pain was doing a good job of teaching her daughter, so now it was up to Sakura to ensure that she stay up to par.
Pain worked with Amaya almost every day. Of course, there were days where he would be gone, but those were few and far between now. Amaya seemed happy; much happier than she had been in Konoha. Then again, she had never exhibited signs of her gift in Konoha, so this was all new to her. Sakura was afraid that this, living with the Akatsuki, was becoming normal for Amaya too. And when they went to leave, Amaya wouldn't be ready to leave. But, would Sakura?
Could Sakura?
The question threw Sakura off, so much so that the handstand she had been holding kinked slightly, and she went toppling over.
Shaking her head, Sakura rubbed her arm, which had hit the mat pretty hard, and thought.
Could she leave?
She could, if it meant a better life for her daughter. She could leave.
But did she want to?
That was a different question altogether. Not that it made a difference what she wanted. What was good for Amaya was the number one priority, just as it had always been.
One sacrificed for their children; their children didn't need to make sacrifices for their parents. Not one.
Pushing up into another handstand, Sakura braced, balanced, and then began her push-ups. Working with those for a little bit, she rested, then hopped up onto one of the bars on the far side of the room to work on pull ups. She did this, switching, going back, and pushing herself through different exercises until her body shook with exertion.
But it wasn't enough. Tension began to spread throughout her body, and Sakura needed to exert it. Exert the energy before it was expelled in a manner which she couldn't control. Like it always did.
Leaving. She would have to leave, eventually, but would they even want her back? It was a stupid question. Of course. But were they even looking for her?
She hadn't heard anything; hadn't come across any shinobi in town. Not in any of the towns they had all visited. She hadn't even heard a whisper of leaf shinobi searching for someone.
Maybe she was a lost cause. But Sakura knew better. She knew that she was missed, she had to be. And Amaya… Well, Amaya needed to return to have a normal life. To grow up with friends her age, and to be stationary for most of her childhood. Sakura was afraid that all this moving around was hurting her child, even though Amaya hid almost everything underneath her tough, ivory skin.
Sakura didn't want to leave. There was nothing more she wanted to do than to stay here, avoid her issues, and make a new life for herself. But she knew she should want to go home, to be with her friends, to continue her life. She knew she should feel those things, so she forced herself to feel them. But the more she did, the more the tension grew, and the more her throat closed in on itself.
Suddenly, as Sakura threw a fist at the punching bag particularly hard, and cracks of blood spread throughout her knuckles, she couldn't move.
Her throat had closed, her chest was tight, her eyes were watery, and her heart clenched. God, how she wanted to make the decisions in her life. She hadn't made the decision for Amaya to be kidnapped, she hadn't even made the decision to save her. She hadn't wanted to be picked up by the Akatsuki, and she hadn't wanted Amaya to inherit her father's Kekkei Genkai. Sakura never wanted to befriend ten, S-class criminals, and she most definitely didn't want to fall in love with their leader.
She hadn't wanted, or decided to go after, any of that. She hadn't dreamt of any of those situations happening any day of her life. But they did, and they were out of her control.
Just like her breathing, which was sawing in and out of her throat. Scratching, clawing, and sputtering its way in and out of her lungs. Sakura placed both hands on her chest, and tried to slow her breathing. But, just like everything else was out of her control, so was this.
She hadn't had a panic attack in months, yet this one had reared its ugly head with a passion. All those months of bottling everything up were coming back with a vengeance, and Sakura dropped to her knees, doubling over.
She had tried to work the tension off, she really did, but it hadn't worked. Nothing ever worked to keep the panic at bay. Nothing. Blackness began to overtake her vision, and Sakura laid her forehead against the mat.
Should she try and breathe? Yes.
But would she? The blackness was so tempting…
"Sakura."
Suddenly, hands were on her back. Two, strong arms wrapped around her waist and torso, and she was being lifted from her curled up position. Eyes clenched shut, she tried to suck in a surprised breath, but she began hyperventilating. The small, miniscule breaths increased the black silence, but she gripped onto his shirt. Gripped, and wouldn't let go.
His familiar scent had washed over her immediately. Cinnamon spice, a subtle, but strong, musk, wet, freshly cut wood, and summer rain. His warm, calloused hand curled around the side of her neck, cupping her face, and he met, holding, her gaze.
"Sakura, breathe. It's alright. Breathe," Pain said, slowly, and took a long, deep breath into his own lungs.
Suddenly, everything began to wash away. The thoughts, the feelings, the heat flushing her skin, the tightness in her chest. Fading. His eyes, those ringed, emotionless orbs, captivated her. For all their emotionless nature, Sakura could feel the tension in his arms. See the tightness in his expression, the worry. The determination.
Trying to mimic him, Sakura failed miserably. But she didn't pass out, because, with every breath he took, she attempted to mimic him. He wiped the tears from her cheeks, which she hadn't known were falling, and held her gaze.
"Breathe," he whispered, supporting her with one arm, the other running through her long, soft locks. It took a few minutes, but Sakura eventually calmed enough to breathe without his guidance. But the tears came back, quickly and suddenly, and she pulled herself to him.
Konan's revelation of where their relationship was heading had given Sakura her own revelation. That she could pretend that Pain was hers, but he never would be. He never could be. Not as long as Amaya needed protecting, and that protection was back in Konoha. Away from the attacks, the danger, and the uncertainty.
Her tears slowed, and his grip tightened around her when she tried to pull away.
"What's wrong?"
The two simple words were so loaded, that Sakura almost began to cry all over again.
Her mouth opened, ready to speak the words that she didn't dare to. Didn't want to. Her lips finally closed, and she dove into Pain's chest. His arms engulfed her small form, and she focused on his warmth. She focused on being enveloped by his scent, his strength, and the security that she always felt when she was near him.
She could never feel anything but secure with him. She was so sure that he was the enemy on the outside, but on the inside… He was as hurt, betrayed, and angry as she was at the hands that life head dealt them both.
It was comforting.
It was…
Sakura couldn't place her feelings, exactly. She was so torn in this moment, because he felt like home. Tasted like safety. Security. But he should have been everything but those things.
Finally, Pain cradled her face between his palms and caught her eyes. Holding her gaze to his. He always had the ability to do that. Always.
"What's wrong, sunshine?"
The pet name rang in her ears, heated her core, and made her stomach do flips alongside the butterflies skittering about. His voice never failed to make her go weak, in one way or another.
Sakura, mesmerized by his gaze, simply shook her head, and closed her eyes. She couldn't—wouldn't—ruin this feeling by letting her better judgement sink in. Her better judgement—or what she thought was her better judgment—always seemed to lead her down paths that were safe, which was not the course she was taking right now.
She wanted anything but safe for herself. For Amaya on the other hand, though… She was safe. She hadn't been harmed in all of their time here, and everyone loved her. Sakura could allow herself to indulge.
Just this once.
"Nothing," she whispered, eyes remaining closed as Pain's thumb smoothed across her cheek bones. Soothing. "Nothing at all."
When she reopened her eyes, his were skeptical. But he didn't ask. He didn't push. He never did.
He couldn't know.
Lifting her hands and placing them over his, Sakura turned her head to each side and kissed each palm. Gently. Lovingly. His hands slid back, through the tresses of her long, pink hair, and came to grip at the back of her scalp. The pinch of pain from his grip did a lot of things, and none of it bad.
"Are you sure?"
His words came as a shock, because Pain never delved. He never pushed her. The three words evoked something inside of Sakura, something that compelled her to share everything with him. To forge something deeper than they already had.
To shut those feelings up, she crashed her lips into his and kissed him silly. He didn't protest, so she knew that he would leave it at that.
He couldn't do that. He couldn't delve deeper, because, if he did, then he would discover how broken she was. How silly she was. How lost she was. He wouldn't want her, not like he did in this moment. Even if it was mostly physical between them right now, Sakura had to dream. She had to hope that this would last.
Even if it wouldn't.
Sakura's legs came to straddle his, pushing her torso against his, pressing her breasts against his muscular chest. The thin material of her sports bra did nothing to hide how pebbled her nipples were, and the thin material of her spandex capris did nothing to hide the warmth radiating from her core.
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer. Running his hands up her back, over her heated, flushed skin, he lightly ran his hand over the back of her bra. He paused, and Sakura smiled in amusement. Removing her arms from around his neck, her hands came to the zipper at the front of her chest.
"Front zipper, Pain," she whispered, hushed, aroused, amused. "Well, aren't you observant today."
Growling, Pain gripped her back and lifted, laying her down on the mat roughly. Gently.
"Hush," he growled, his voice deep and intoxicating, as was his scent. His scent surrounded Sakura with spice and cinnamon, mint and heat.
The movement jostled Sakura, and she gripped his shoulders in surprise. Her bra still intact, Pain immediately dipped his head and, his hand's busy with their own musings, gripped the zipper with his teeth. Pulling the zipper down slowly, her breasts were exposed slowly. As the zipper came loose, the mounds of flesh were revealed and his mouth went to work.
God, the man knew how to use his teeth—and tongue. The later he also knew how to use elsewhere, and very effectively at that.
A moan escaped her throat and lips, and she could have sworn that Pain grinned. Grinned. But it was most likely her imagination, and she pushed at his shoulders.
"Look, I know you like to play, but I'm suffering here," Sakura breathed, her voice barely a whisper. "Don't make me beg. Don't you dare."
Licking his lips, Pain's eyebrows lifted at the command, and she knew that she shouldn't have given him the idea.
"No," she growled, but he had frozen. He remained in place, his eyes locked on her face as she threw her head back and groaned. "No."
He moved to lean up, to leave, but she immediately reacted. Lifting up off the mat, she ground her core into his, and Pain fell right back atop her. His arms caught himself before he landed on her, but his head immediately buried itself into her neck.
"I thought you liked when I did that," Sakura whispered in his ear, arms wrapping around his neck. Holding him to her. His body quivered as she did it again, and he forcefully held his hips back from hers. From indulging in her.
Her teeth lightly grazed the outer shell of his ear, and Sakura was rewarded when Pain's head snapped up to stand directly in front of hers.
"Beg," Pain commanded, eyes hard and needy. His body was the same, planes of hard, ready muscle, and needy quivering. As Sakura ground herself into his core, she could also feel that something else was hard and needy, as well.
"Why?" Sakura asked as Pain's eyes roamed over her body.
His eyes, appraising her, didn't meet hers when she spoke. "You've never begged before. I'd like to hear it."
Huffing, Sakura rolled her eyes, but when one of his large, strong hands sank to her core, underneath the thin material of her pants, she immediately became gelatin in his palm. She would do anything to feel him against her again, to have him inside of her. Anything it took, but begging drew the—
A finger sank deep into her core, and she groaned as her hips lifted up off of the mat to meet his palm.
"God, fine. Fine. Please, stop teasing. Please. I need you. Now. And if you don't get inside of me right now—"
Her pleading threat was cut off as his lips met hers in a needy kiss.
"Was that so hard?" he asked, lips against her ear as she kicked her thin, spandex pants aside.
"No, but I know something else that is," Sakura whispered right back at him, defiantly, and she was rewarded when the head of his member came to rest between her folds. Groaning, Sakura's hips bucked upward towards him.
Staying true to his word and ceasing his teasing, Pain allowed himself to inch inside of her, inch by torturous inch.
Pain was not small, he was not thin, and he was not short. Pain was thick, long, and everything that Sakura's adventurous, naughty thoughts had ever imagined. More. The first time she had taken him deep inside her core, he had been so big. He was still overly big now, but, as she adjusted to his size, it became easier to take him faster and harder.
And wasn't that a relief, because, as he sank deep inside of Sakura, it became very apparent that Sakura would never have a lover like Pain again in her lifetime. He was gentle, he was rough, he was careful, and he was wild. Everything that sent Sakura over the edge, because he knew exactly what buttons to push and where.
He was everything in that moment, and as his long, thick shaft began to move deep inside of her, Sakura knew she couldn't leave. Not yet. She would make the choice to stay, because this seemed…
Right, in every way that it shouldn't.
xxxXxxx
Amaya was sleeping on her bed when Sakura had left her.
Sakura looked around Amaya's room as she packed their things. As Sakura folded the small amount of clothes on the floor, and put them away, she couldn't help but think of how sweet it had been for Tobi, Kisame, Konan, and Deidara to decorate the room just for Amaya. It had been decorated when they arrived. The far wall had a large mural, with butterflies, trees framing the far walls, and the leaves hanging overhead. There were vines hanging from the trees, where butterflies sat. The field was full of flowers, and the waterfall in the distance was just as detailed as the rest of the picture. The mural looked as if she could step right into it.
Origami birds and butterflies hung from the ceiling all over the room, in different colors and variations. Across from the door stood an elaborate fish tank that Kisame had put together, and had filled with beautiful, live, coral with fish to match. Tobi had shopped until he dropped for art supplies, decorations, and stuffed animals, and the reenactment of the events by Tobi had been comical.
The room was beautiful, and the best part?
Everything was alive.
All anyone had to do was infuse chakra into the room, and the mural, the origami, it all came to life. Moving, making sound, and reacting to Amaya's moods.
It was amazing.
It was beautiful.
Sakura's own room was plain, mainly due to the fact that she spent most of her time in Pain's room. Which was beautiful in itself. Emerald green walls, a large, four poster bed, draped with deep red fabric, with sheets to match. The room was full of books, with a fireplace across the room from the bed akin to all of the fireplaces she had seen where he worked. Grand and extravagant.
Yes, Sakura adored Pain's room much more than her own. It was a fact, and Pain knew it. And he didn't protest one bit, the manipulative bas—
Amaya's door cracked open ever so slightly, and Hanta poked her head in. Her tongue lolled out of the side of her muzzle, and her white, silky eyes penetrated Sakura as if she could see.
"Hanta," Sakura whispered, surprised, shocked, and caressing all in the same tone.
She had neglected her wolves, it was true. But they didn't seem to mind, only because they were free to run and be free in the forests and mountains around the base. As they had at any of the bases. They would be miffed if Sakura didn't come to see them every few days, but, other than that, the wolves were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
As was Sakura.
Hanta pushed the rest of the way into the room, and trotted over to Sakura. Her muzzle was met with Sakura's gentle hand, smoothing over the scarred skin of Hanta's face and neck. The wolves had been through a lot, and were scarred every inch of their body. Whether it was physical, emotional, or mental, Sakura had had to figure that out on her own as they grew up in her care.
A lot was mental, but a majority of the scars could be felt through their thick, silky fur. Battle scars. Victories.
"What are you doing in here, silly girl?" Sakura asked, smiling, and hugging her arms around the large wolf's neck.
Suddenly, a large form stood in the light of the hallway and Sakura couldn't help but look up. Pain stood there, piercings and all, and his eyes took in the room. He had been here many times, though he would never admit it, not even to Sakura, because he felt the constant need to check on Amaya. Make sure she was okay, and where she was supposed to be.
Sakura turned her soft smile on Pain, and shook her head. Looking back at Hanta, she whispered, "He's such a sucker," and allowed the wolf to jump up with Amaya on the bed. Walking over, and throwing a small blanket over Hanta, Sakura kissed Amaya's forehead, placed the clothes in the dresser, and joined Pain in the hallway.
"You are such a sucker," Sakura repeated to Pain, and lightly placed her hand on his chest.
Pain ignored her, and, with one last glance at Amaya and the wolf that now slept at her feet, he was content to leave the girl alone.
"The other wolves are in the compound, as well," Pain informed her, and Sakura nodded.
'Sucker,' she thought, rolling her eyes internally, knowing full well that Pain hadn't wanted the wolves to be outside when the storm rolled in. Pain could control and stop the rain, yes, but he wouldn't do it every time a storm rolled in. That would kill the environment, and, as evil as Pain could be, he wouldn't intentionally kill the forest in which he lived.
"What's up?" Sakura asked, turning to head towards the kitchen. "I don't normally see you around here this time of night. Too early."
Sakura was stopped when Pain, gently, grabbed her wrist. "Come with me," he said, and began heading in the opposite direction.
Most of the other members were on missions, and, therefore, the compound was quiet. Save for Konan, they were alone in the large building. Which was also probably why Pain let the wolves in, because no one was around to protest.
Leading them to his room, Sakura followed Pain inside and stopped when he released her hand.
"Pain, what…?" Sakura asked, trailing off as she looked at the coffee table in front of the fireplace.
A few presents sat there, only a few, atop the books that were normally placed there. Opening her mouth in confusion, and then closing it when she had nothing to say, she gave Pain a wild look.
"What is this for?"
Pain leaned against the back of the couch, his ankles crossed, while he shed his coat and threw it over the cushions. He ran his hands, comfortably, though his hair, and his mouth twitched like he wanted to smile. He didn't, though, and Sakura's heart jumped at the idea of seeing such a beautiful sight.
"No one would be here for your birthday, so a few of them left their presents with me. I ensured them that you would get them," Pain said, crossing his arms, and motioning, with a thrust of his chin, to sit on the couch.
Jaw dropping, Sakura blinked, and stuttered, "How—I didn't—they didn't—"
Pain held up his hand for her to stop, and waved her over. "Amaya told us. Now, come on. I know they might be early, but, for a change, I am following the directions of my members. Please, open them so that when we speak to them tomorrow, you can tell them how much you loved or hated their gifts."
Sakura closed her gaping mouth, and walked over to the couch. Sitting, with Pain overlooking her, she picked up the first on, a small, tiny box that fit in the palm of her hand that was wrapped in black paper with red ribbon.
"Open that one last," Pain said, suddenly, before she had ripped the paper.
Blinking, Sakura looked up at him, and placed the box back on the table. Picking up another, larger box, Sakura admired the blue, shining paper with a white, ruffle bow.
"Kisame," Pain informed, and motioned for her to open it.
Tearing the paper carefully, she held the box, long and made of hard wood, in her hands. Unlatching the box, Sakura gasped when her eyes were met with a deep blue and white pendant on a silver chain, with swirling earrings to match.
"Oh, my God," Sakura whispered, holding the necklace in her palm, and smiling. "Where did he get this? I've never seen anything like it!"
"He made it, out of sea glass. He may look like a brute, but he has some quirky hobbies that could impress any woman," Pain said, motioning to the other presents.
In the next, larger box, clothing box, lay a beautiful, white sun dress, which went with the next box she opened, that held a pair of black, strappy sandals, and large, stylish sunglasses.
"Konan," Sakura murmured, and Pain nodded. "She knows me so well."
"She wants to take you to the beach to have a girl's day," Pain said, eyes shining with something she couldn't identify. "Her words, not mine."
Sakura laughed, and set the boxes aside. The next held a beautiful, deep brown, leather journal that had a large, sprawling tree embossed on the front. The journal was hand bound, with traditional, rough paper.
"Itachi made that for you. He, too, has his quirks. He and Kisame get along well."
Sakura was amazed as she flipped through the pages and overlooked the cover, the spine, and the back cover. So delicately intricate, and detailed. Sakura sat the journal, gently, back in the box, and set it back on the table.
Next was a clay bird, delicately carved into, unlike his other works of art. The bird looked life like, and Sakura held it delicately in her hands.
"Deidara wanted me to tell you that if you are ever in trouble, to infuse a small amount of chakra into the clay, and he will instantly know where you are. So he can find you, and assist you."
"Dei," Sakura murmured affectionately, and Sakura, like the other items, gently placed it on the table in its box.
"One more," Pain murmured, and came around the couch as Sakura reached for it. His present.
Sakura hesitated, and looked at Pain. He sat next to her on the couch, and was so much bigger than she was. What could he possibly have given her that could mean more than what he already gave her every day?
Sakura took in a deep breath, and let it out carefully as she slowly unwrapped her present. The wrapping was so perfect, Sakura wondered if Pain had wrapped it, or if Konan had.
The small, velvet box in her hand made Sakura nervous. Not that she had any reason to be. There was no way it would be a—
When she flipped open the box, the ring that sat there was a work of art. The silver band was delicately carved leaves upon the vine, and nestled at the top was the most beautiful cut aquamarine stone Sakura had ever seen. The stone looked like it had been placed on the ring without any alterations, in its natural state. The ring wasn't big, it wasn't gaudy, and it was perfect.
Sakura looked up at Pain, who stared at her intently, and when she smiled, Sakura was so sure Pain would smile back.
"Do you like it?" Pain whispered, jaw tight.
Pulling the ring from its velvet case, Sakura held the ring up to the light of the fire and watched the stone glint and glimmer in the light. The silver shone, too, and added to the magical effect the ring had.
"I love it," Sakura breathed, and Pain's hands were suddenly there. Taking the ring, and sliding it onto her right middle finger, Pain's strong, much bigger fingers lingered, and enveloped her small hands in his.
"This is only for you, Sakura, and no one else. It has my chakra infused with it, and once you infuse a small amount of yours then I will always be there. I can connect with you. This will link me to you, and allow me to help you when you are in trouble. To be there when you are no longer here by my side. To protect you. You won't always be here, by my side, Sakura. I know this. I promised to keep you safe, and a promise that I make lasts a lifetime. I will protect you when you need it, and I will be there when you need me. I swear to it."
Pain's words had her heart stuttering, stopping, and dropping. It was heart breaking to hear the emotion in his voice, even if he tried to hide it.
But this ring… Sakura tangled her fingers with his, and gripped tightly.
"What if…" Sakura whispered, and glanced away. "What if I don't want to leave your side?"
Pain swallowed, his eyes closed, and his hands ever so still.
He met her gaze, suddenly, with a loving intensity that shook Sakura to the core.
"Then don't. Stay here. With me. By my side. Forever."
xxxXxxx
They came out of nowhere. The base was supposed to be impenetrable, but they came. They always did. They always found what they were looking for.
The yellow spiky hair was all Sakura could see through the storm, as she was transferred from his arms to a man with a ponytail that was spiked.
She wished that she could have spoken, could have tried to fight off the intruders.
But they weren't intruders. They were her family, come to get her back. Finally. She sensed Amaya nearby, with her wolves in hot pursuit. It was strange, being in familiar arms and now seeing them as strangers. As the enemy.
Sakura could hear the sounds of a battle raging in the distance, and the storm overhead increased in its ferocity. Thunder cracked, and lightening shattered the sky with its bright violence.
Sakura was being taken away from the place she had called home for months. The place that Amaya had grown to love. And, contrary to what she would have thought all those months ago, she was sad to see it go. She could feel something breaking inside of her, and she knew that nothing would be the same.
Through the sounds of clashing elements, Sakura could have sworn she had heard his voice. She could have sworn that he had called to her, and she longed to answer him back.
But the darkness took her.
Away from what she had come to know.
Away from her beloved Pain.
"Sakura!"
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~Adoration