It had all happened so fast, that she couldn't wrap her mind around it. And yet, she didn't regret it. Sakura had learned a few years ago to think about her actions so she would not regret them later. Either that, or know in her heart that the action she was taking was the right one, so she could avoid the same consequence. She had since gone by her new standard, and had avoided any regrettable actions. The moment she had begun kissing Itachi the previous night, she had known it was the right decision because it felt right to her in her heart. Her mind had been screaming at her to stop and run away, but her heart told her it was alright. Not only that, but her body wouldn't have moved anyway.

Now the sunlight was barely streaming in through the windows, and Sakura was surprised to find Itachi still next to her. His breathing was slow and steady; he was actually in a deep sleep. She had fallen asleep first, after yet another round of totally kick-your-ass sex, and had woken up to find his arm around her waist, and eyes closed. As she looked on him now, she noticed how completely peaceful he looked, all lines faded from his brow in relaxation. It made her absurdly happy to know that he could relax completely around her. Not only that, but he managed to stay asleep even as she woke up. In a gesture that felt a little bit too normal, she reached up a hand and brushed a strand of hair from his face. He stirred slightly, moving his face toward her hand, then opened his eyes slowly.

Ever since he had killed his clan, he had not been able to go one night in a deep sleep because of all of the nightmares. But last night, he had unconsciously fallen into a deep sleep, and now woke up, completely at peace. He looked at Sakura, her hair tousled from sleep, and felt, for the first time he could remember, at home. It was ridiculously human, and he knew that he would not be able to live his life the same way again. She had shattered his very way of life. Instead of feeling mad or annoyed at this fact, it only made him more protective of her. When she removed her hand from his cheek, he pulled her closer, and covered her mouth with his. Not quite satisfied with that, he then rolled on top of her, and slipped himself into her.

The sudden intrusion caused Sakura to gasp and arch up. His pace was quick and sharp, and her breathing soon became labored. He buried his face in her neck, and closed his eyes as they came to a quick, but satisfying, climax. They lay panting, tangled together for a moment, then Sakura laughed.

"Wow. Good morning," she said. His lips curved upward slightly against her neck, and a sharp breath came out as he tried not to laugh. She paused, noticing the change. "Are you laughing?" she asked, voice disbelieving.

"No," his voice was perfectly calm and controlled when he answered. He lifted his head and looked down at her, face composed. She smiled, knowing perfectly well that he was laughing.

"You don't have to hide that from me anymore," her voice was slightly scolding as she looked up at him.

"Old habits," he said, and rolled off to the side and got out of the bed, picking up his clothes as he went. After he had picked them all up, he walked into the bathroom. Thinking he was going to take a shower, Sakura stretched her arms out, and continued to lounge in the bed. Her eyes widened, and she squeaked as she was suddenly picked up and taken from the bed.

"What are you going?" she clung to Itachi's neck as he carried her over to the bathroom.

"Taking a shower," he replied matter-of-factly.

"Why do you need me to…oh! B-but…we don't have to…um…"she stuttered the whole way into the bathroom. Itachi tried not to smile as he set her down and started the water. He looked back at her, eyes dark and blazing, and all stuttering stopped. Feeling incredibly vulnerable as he walked towards her, Sakura put her hands up in front of her in a very Hinata-like way. Very gently, Itachi pried them away from her, and began kissing her softly, then more thoroughly as she began to relax. Without her even realizing it, he pulled her into the shower, and closed the door behind them.

Itachi decided to go back to his room the way he came, and that Sakura would go out first and get breakfast from Tobi. When she got out into the living room, she noticed nearly everyone out there, and remembered that she had never thought to check the time. Everyone looked up at her with raised eyebrows as she walked past them toward the kitchen. The scents of Tobi's cooking wafted in toward Sakura, bringing back to her the fact that she hadn't eaten for quite a while.

"Sakura-chan! It's almost one o'clock in the afternoon! You haven't eaten at all since last night!" Tobi came out of nowhere, holding a large tray of leftover breakfast items. "We're getting ready for lunch!" he held the tray out to Sakura, and she picked up some different fruits and pastries from the mix, then turned to go out, slightly in shock at how late it was, walking straight into Itachi's chest. His arms automatically wrapped around her, steadying her, and then he let her go.

"Late start?" he asked, his voice completely back to normal, betraying none of what had happened the night before.

"Y-yeah. I was just…surprised at how late it was," she too managed to keep her voice and mannerisms normal as she walked past him.

Even with their perfect acting, Madara saw right through it. He knew what had happened, and had made plans to get rid of Sakura the next day. He wanted to keep her around for another day because he wanted to monitor the situation and see how bad it really was. It was obviously bad enough to where Itachi would sleep with her. However, Itachi might have been telling the truth, but Madara truly doubted that. Having pretty much raised Itachi, he knew him well enough to know that Itachi did not sleep with women unless he was ordered to. That was just the way Itachi was. Even when he was younger he didn't take any interest in girls, or women for that matter. Frowning slightly, he watched Itachi grab food and Sakura go out into the living room, both completely normal.

"So why the hell are you out of bed so late?" Hidan asked once Sakura sat down. She didn't even look up as she took a bite out of an apple and chewed it slowly.

"I was up late last night reading," she answered, then took another bite. Hidan, Deidara, and Kisame, who had all been looking at her in interest, now looked away, figuring that a completely normal and non-suspicious answer. Very proud of herself, Sakura then turned and started a conversation with Konan.

Once Tobi had gotten out of the kitchen, Pein came in, stopping Itachi before he went out.

"I have a mission for you," he said, handing Itachi a file. Itachi flipped through the pages, then looked up at Pein.

"I take it you and Konan are going to make sure Sakura doesn't go anywhere considering this tells me that I must go unaccompanied,"

"Yes. We are perfectly capable of keeping her out of trouble," Pein said, though he knew that she would be in serious trouble once Itachi left, but kept that out of both voice and appearance. Itachi nodded, then left the kitchen to go and pack for the next morning.

Back in the living room, Sakura noticed Hidan seemed very anxious about something. She wanted to ask, but knew that he wouldn't answer her. After a while, Kisame and Deidara left, having missions to do, leaving Konan, Hidan and Sakura. Pretty soon, Konan excused her self, following Pein into their bedroom, leaving Hidan and Sakura alone. Right as Sakura was about to ask Hidan if he was alright, he grabbed her hand and dragged her off.

"What are you doing?" she asked, slightly frightened at how serious he seemed.

"I need to talk to you, but can't do that in a place where any damn person can walk right on in," even his voice seemed serious as he dragged her up to the third story. Once they got into his bedroom, he led her to the bed, then began to pace. This continued for a couple minutes, until Sakura got tired of the nervous silence.

"What's wrong Hidan?"

"Do you have any siblings?" his question was so quick, that Sakura had to wait to gain her voice back.

"Uh…no. At least…not anymore. They told me that I used to have a brother, but that he died," she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why are you asking me this?"

"Because there's a suspicion that I have, but need your help to confirm it," he stopped pacing, and kneeled in front of her. "Can you do blood tests?"

"Uh…I'm not sure…"

"Can you fucking try?" he sprang up again, agitated.

"Hidan, why are you so nervous?"

"Because you're in trouble," he said quickly, turning his back to her.

"What?" Sakura remained seated, not sure what to do.

Hidan sighed, but kept his back to her. "I heard leader talking to someone yesterday, they're planning on having Itachi leave on a mission, then letting you get captured by Kabuto and Orochimaru," Silence followed his statement as Sakura tried to digest what he had just said.

"B-but…why? I don't understand. And why are you telling me this now?" Her questions became panicky as she tried to think.

"I don't know why they want you gone, probably because you got to Itachi. And…I'm telling you now because I think you're my sister,"

Sakura gave a nervous laugh as she took in what he said. "How is that possible? You're immortal right? And my parents said my brother died. How-"

"Our parents lied. I'm only 30. I look like I did when I was 17, but I'm 30. Ten years older than you. When I was 10, a kunai that another kid had thrown pierced my throat, going nearly all the way through. I was knocked out, and when I woke up, my parents were kneeling over me, crying. I tried to ask what was wrong but couldn't speak. However, hey heard the noise I was making, and looked down at me. Biggest fucking shock of their lives. Once the kunai was taken out of my neck, it almost instantly began to heal," he laughed a little, but still remained faced away from Sakura. "They kicked me out, not sure what to do with me. After a few years, I found Akatsuki, and this is where I've been ever since. You wouldn't remember because you were only five. We were close though," now he turned to her. "You were the only thing I cared about." Sakura remained silent for a moment longer, then looked up at Hidan, perfectly calm.

"How did you know it was me?"

"Who else has pink hair and green eyes?" Hidan answered with a bark of laughter. Sakura laughed too, then stood up.

"God my life has taken a complete 180 since I got here. So, do you still want that blood test?" she looked almost mischievous as she looked up into his eyes.

"Ah, no thanks. I think I'm fairly sure now." Sakura laughed and shrugged.

"So what are we going to do about the fact that Pein wants me out of here?" she asked, completely serious again. Hidan frowned.

"It actually wasn't Pein that wanted you gone. It was the other person he was talking to. And I don't know. We'll have to figure that out tomorrow," Sakura nodded, then sighed. "So…" Hidan looked at her, a smirk on his face, "did you fuck him?"

"Hidan!"

Well, the plan was going to have to be moved up. Madara moved away from Hidan's door, amused by this new turn of events. It made things interesting, but also potentially problematic. Itachi wouldn't be the only one looking for her when she disappeared. Hidan would be too. However, he could deal with both of them if it came to that. With a smile on his face, he walked down the hall towards the stairs. He needed to talk to Pein some more.

Itachi stood in his room, looking down at his packed bag, and cursing Sakura. Even now, though he was supposed to be focusing on the mission, he wanted her. He had thought that maybe by finally having sex with her, the need would dampen some, but it hadn't. It had only gotten stronger. Like when you've taken a bite of a new fruit, and find that one bite is not enough. She was like an addiction. Shaking his head, he decided not to think on it too much. He had known that she had gotten to him, and he was just going to have to find a way to get around it and continue on with his mission. A knock on the door brought his thinking to a close.

"Itachi. I need you to leave earlier. You should be gone in about two hours," the voice of Pein came through the door before his footsteps announced his leaving. Itachi frowned. Something was up. Another pair of footsteps came near his door, and, knowing who it was, Itachi flung the door open, and pulled Sakura into his room, then shut the door closed.

"What is it?" she asked breathless, eyes wide with surprise.

"Something's wrong," he said, keeping a hold of her. Her eyes returned to normal, and knowledge filled them. His eyes narrowed. "You know what it is don't you?" She nodded.

"Hidan just told me that he heard Pein and someone else talking about having you go on a mission, then making it easy for Kabuto and Orochimaru to take me,"

"Orochimaru's alive?"

"He's attached to Kabuto," Sakura's eyes narrowed in confusion, then went wide again as she understood the meaning of the words. "Oh no,"

"Kabuto found a way to bring his master back. My brother is not going to be thrilled," He squeezed his fingers, then let go instantly when Sakura gave a gasp of pain. Turning his back on her, he walked toward the window. "I can't leave. If that's what they are planning, I have to find a way to stay here,"

"No. You need to go so there won't be any suspicion. Hidan can take care of me, and I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself," her voice was firm and final, telling Itachi that there was no room for argument. He turned back to her, and slowly walked toward her.

"You still don't understand the fact that you're a captive," he said softly, taking a strand of her hair in his fingers. She grinned up at him, then wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her body up close to his.

"No. And you can expect that I never will," at the same time, they both brought the other as close as possible, and closed the gap between their faces.

There was a passion in this kiss that almost scared Sakura. It was like a goodbye. He was holding her so tight that it was almost as if he knew he would never hold her again. What she didn't know was that that was exactly how he was feeling. There was a dreadful darkness clouding his mind, telling him that if he left her, he wouldn't see her again. Right as he had found something worth living for, something completely normal and human, it was being taken away from him. Then again, he supposed this was what happened when you had sinned as much as he had. Still, he had this; these last few moments with her, and he wasn't going to waste them. Knowing exactly what he was going to do, he picked her up, her legs wrapped around his waist, and brought her over to the bed. If he was going to leave, he was going to leave her with this last memory.

An hour later, Itachi walked out of his room, performing the normal jutsus to keep everyone else out, leaving a sleeping Sakura protected. He had made sure to be incredibly gentle with her this time. Her cries had been soft and sobbing, and he knew that he would never get that, nor the look of her dazed eyes as he entered her, out of his mind. With a new determination, he walked toward Hidan's room. Not even bothering to knock, he walked straight in.

"Hey! What the fuck are you-" Hidan's protest was cut off as he saw the look on Itachi's face as he shut the door behind him.

"I want you to take care of her. She told me what you heard, and I want you to make sure nothing happens to her. If anything does, I will tear you apart, and make sure that you can't fit yourself together again. Do you understand me?" Itachi's voice held ice and death as he glared at Hidan, who glare right back.

"She's my sister," he said, satisfied to see the surprise temporarily light Itachi's eyes. Then Itachi nodded, and opened the door, turning his back on Hidan. "You love her, don't you?" Hidan asked softly. Itachi paused, then sighed lightly, closing the door after him. Hidan smiled. "Well fuck. If he can do it, I guess the rest of us are really screwed up."

Sakura opened her eyes slightly, stretching as she tried to wake up. A smile stretched across her face as she remembered the events of the hour before. She had never felt so loved or needed, and he hadn't even said anything. But she had. Her eyes opened all the way this time. She had told him that she loved him. Right before she had fallen asleep, she had whispered the words into his chest, and heard his sharp intake of breath. He was gone now. She couldn't ask him what he thought of it. Still, he had caressed her hair gently, and she would take that as a good sign. Sighing happily, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, holding the sheets to her chest, and stood up. When her eyes lifted from the floor, she very nearly let go of the sheets.

"You look absolutely radiant. Then again, good sex will do that for a woman," Kabuto sat across the room from her, a smile on his face, and a kunai in his hand.

Itachi had left Hidan a piece of paper telling him how to get into his room before he left, and Hidan was looking down at it now as he stood in front of the door, cursing the damn genius. He had gotten a bad feeling a couple minutes previous, and had decided to check up on Sakura, knowing she was in Itachi's room. Sighing, he put the paper away, and prepared to perform the complicated hand signs.

"What's Hidan-san doing? Did you finally figure out how to get into Itachi-san's room?" Tobi came up behind Hidan, staring up at him. Hidan repressed the urge to growl at him.

"No. I was just going to experiment. What do you want Tobi? I thought you had a mission with Deidara,"

"Oh! We just got back! Although, Senpai's not very happy with me. Tobi accidentally destroyed his last batch of explosive clay. That's why Senpai's up in his room, and the explosions are happening. He's making some more."

"Ok. Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to continue with my experiment," Hidan said, turning back to the door. Tobi didn't move. "Alone,"

"Oh! Sorry Hidan-san! I'll just go and make some more lunch, and maybe start on dinner early," with that, Tobi took off down the stairs. Waiting until Tobi was completely gone, Hidan turned back toward the door, and performed the hand signs. Tentatively, he reached his hand toward the door, and was relieved when he was able to touch, and turn the knob without getting thrown backward. Upon opening the door, he saw the room completely empty. Dread growing even stronger in his stomach and heart, he dashed to Sakura's room, finding that also empty.

"Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck," he ran down the stairs, catching Pein as he was walking toward his room. "Sakura's gone!" he said. Pein looked up at him and sighed.

"Great. That's all we need. Ok, get Deidara and Kisame, we'll go now and look for her," he then turned and continued toward his bedroom, calling Konan as he went.

"Bastard," Hidan muttered as he went up the stairs. "You know exactly where she is,"

Kabuto smirked as he laid the unconscious and naked kunoichi in front of Orochimaru.

"Well done Kabuto. We'll punish both Uchiha brothers for not obeying me. This girl will know the true meaning of pain and torture by the time we're done with her," Orochimaru's laughter rang through the hall as he picked Sakura up and carried her off.

A.N. lets out breath that has been held for nearly an hour Wow. This is my longest chapter, and took me forever to get started on. I'm so sorry! I've been so busy with choir (we're going on tour in a week-and-a-half), and my family's been sick, so I never got to this story. Not only that, but I had to find a way to give myself some inspiration. Which I did, so I'm all ready to continue. So…about the last chapter. I was really nervous about doing a sex scene, and was even more nervous when I didn't get many reviews. I'm so sorry if I offended some of you, but I rated this story as "mature" for a reason. Anyway, hopefully this chapter will be received better, but I still thank all of you for the reviews I've been getting, and the alerts, and favorite story things…sorry…I don't know exactly what to call those. XD I hope to have the next chapter out sooner, but I will have some homework to do, so it might be difficult, but I will try!! Slant agat! --Kat