Schon Chapter 10: Uber alles, a naruto fanfic

DISCLAIMER: ALL CREDIT GOES TO ANGEL_PUPPETEER

www. u/600925/angel_puppeteer

I have not written any of this. I forgot I had saved her work before she had to take it down. After years, many fans are still wanting to read it. Enjoy.

It was raining. Mud splattered as heavy footsteps, fast yet graceful in its silk-wrapped deadly air walked deeper into the forest. The trees were thick; it was dark like a tunnel that normal eyesight would feel blind. Temperature dropped as the person walked further.

Then, he stopped.

Silence wrapped around him like straitjacket. Soaked hood covered his face, masking him in the darkness. But when he lifted his chin, eyes glowed in the darkness. It was like a neon light. Glowing creepily, his gaze looked hot however, at the same time, it was cold. Like a corpse. Silence. Fat raindrops fell and broke.

"Where is she?"

The rain muffled his question.

"Somewhere." An answer with a shrug in a cold voice. Another creepy silence. Only the fast angry droplets that hit the leaves like pellets were heard.

Fat drops broke as they hit leaves and ground.

"You must be angry." The cold voice continued. Pause. "You should be…" There was a change in air pressure. The air crackled. A shift in position- a hand rose in the air, under the shade of tree to catch the fast droplets. "…she lost something you liked very much."

Three blades whirled slowly. Unruly black bangs framed his eyes.

"You are angry." He studied the cloaked figure with hood under his lashes. Crimson gaze shifted to his hand catching the raindrops. "…aren't you… going to scream out and charge straight at me like a child…?" He lowered his lashes, dropping his hand back to his side. "I missed those days…"

"Where… is she?"

The rain began to fade, slowly.

The robe with red clouds shone in the after-rain glow. The figure in that robe sat idly in a protruding giant root. He wore no hood; his hair was soaked as well as his robe.

… that man. Uchiha Itachi.

Is this the end, little brother?

"What do you see… with your Sharingan?"

The wheels turned as the pupils dilated. "…I see you…" to his shock which he hid very well, the eyes staring back at him was… a—

Mangekyou!

He looked down. Snakes— as large as his arms, winding up to his torso, arms and leg— then lifted his gaze.

"Dead." A blinding Chidori current lit up his younger brother's face. He saw Mangekyou— he cannot see what shape he acquired, what type he gained then a katana ran through his chest followed by Chidori which blew up some parts of his torso. The Kusanagi penetrated even the wood behind him.

"Now tell me," the Kusanagi sunk deeper. "Where is she?"

"Sasuke…"

"Where is SHE?"

"FUCKING ANSWER ME!"

"…you have grown stronger."

Clenched teeth.

The body below him erupted into hundreds of ravens. Genjutsu… He felt him standing behind him, the ends of his cloak rippling behind his ears.

"You saw me dead?"

"…little brother."

A one-sided small grin tugged at his little brother's lips— which Itachi surprisingly remembered as the grin Sasuke wore when he was a little boy— embodied on it: malice, evil intent, obsession. Hatred. Beautiful lies. Desire. Rage.

"More than dead, you shit."

Sasuke's body dissolved into a thick green python which let out a shrill hiss, shooting up to sink its fangs on Itachi's neck. The Akatsuki became rigid; the snake wrapped its thick slimy body around his body, locking him in place. Blood trickling his chin, the older Uchiha moved his eyes to the side, to his right. Blue crackling light erupted, lighting up the dark forest. What he saw next was his younger brother's red eyes— not Mangekyou, after all— a thought passed— gleaming under the thick hood. Those eyes were the attributes he saw, his face was masked in darkness. But he knew that the face, under that hood, was smiling—

a smile he wore when he was a kid—

((nii-chan!))

Itachi's eyes widened slightly— why do I recall such things?

A whiny voice— ((nii-chan, you broke your promise!))

((gomen.))

Another whining reply—

"Where is she?" a voice— not whiny, not high-pitched… not like of a child, certainly— cut through his recollection like a blade. The older Uchiha blinked.

She.

The snake around his body constricted. More blood poured down to the front of his robe.

"Where is she?"

((nii-chan!))

"…do you need her… the same way you needed me when you were a child?"

There was a shift as Sasuke transferred his weight on left foot. "I asked you a question, Itachi." The younger Uchiha's voice dropped lower.

"…where is Sakura?"

"You don't need her."

A mocking low chuckle. The sound stroked at Itachi's skin, a shivery laugh.

"And I need you?"

Itachi was silent.

He felt Sasuke leaned closer. "I don't need you anymore…" he whispered in a low, husky voice behind Itachi's ear. A small one-sided smile pulled at his lips.

"…nii-chan."

Itachi's eyes widened.

You said you'd train with me today!

Nii-chan!

Hey, don't forget your promise!

Nii-chan!

You said you'd teach me how to throw shuriken!

"Stop daydreaming, nii-chan." Sasuke drawled. The last word was not a word of reverence. "And drop your genjutsu. It bores me." The body inside the heavy, fat coils of snakeskin reduced into raven wing feathers. Grunting, Sasuke spun around at where the real Itachi was. Sitting by a tree root under the shade of a tree, the older Uchiha watched with blank expression.

"Sasuke."

The boy lowered his lashes. Wet dark hair was on his forehead and eyes. Cursed marks started to spread at the half of his face. "Sakura… where is she?"

"You're not looking for me anymore, Sasuke…"

The corner of his thin lips curved into a lazy smirk, his eyes were heavy-lidded and clouded. "You don't have a pussy, do you?"

Itachi didn't move.

The smirk progressed into a crooked one-sided grin. It would have been charming, as described by their deceased relatives— Sasuke-kun, that child… such a charming grin… cute, adorable, adorable grin—however, the grin lost its charm. It was… "…you don't have what I need."

…really, really beautiful. That twisted grin. He looked better with that grin. Suitable for an adorable, undeniably cute boy.

Itachi stood up, patted his cloak and wore his straw hat. "I should have taken out her vagina."

One talon-like wing burst free. Gone were the lazy gleam on Sasuke's eyes and hazy, smart-ass mouthing. A sudden wind shook Sasuke's hood. "Tell me where she is."

"You will find her." Itachi kept a hand over his hat. "…I must say," he dropped his hand. "You made a good choice. As for her brain… just like you," ravens started to gather around him. "She is foolish."

"Don't let her out of your sight. Because one of these days, I will kill her in front of your eyes."

Flap, flap, flap—

"I will chop off her head while she sucks your cock. I will cut off her tongue while she kisses your mouth, her hands as she play with you, and her legs around you."

Sasuke's face darkened, the tomoes swirled slowly like a cogwheel against another cogwheel. Veins popped around his pupils and the talon wing lengthened behind him.

"In front of you…"

"You are…"

Soft red lips curved into a beautiful, seductive smile.

"…pathetic."

Rage, unstoppable— how could a tiny woman bring out such monster out of him?— burning like an inferno on his soul, made his Mangekyou to show up, to burn. His anger rose, higher, higher… higher as darkness crept from the corner of his eyes—

Pathetic… you are pathetic you are pathetic you are pathetic pathetic pathetic PATHETIC—

-the words echoed in his ears, mocking him, a laughing voice. Musical, light, drifting like a dream…

"You are…

pathetic."

He ground his molars as he growled with such painful difficulty,

"…she will die."

Flap, flap, flap—

Twirl, twirl, twirl—

She guessed it was Sunday.

It was a russet sunset, redder than any other sunset she had witnessed. Leaves fluttered against the wind. It was prettier today, maybe because it was Sunday. Sunday in Oto was peaceful. Because it was the day when Sasuke and his Four Battalions galloped off somewhere to decimate villages, massacre people and extend his empire. Without him, without his Hebi and his army, life in Oto was beautiful.

She inhaled, smiled simply at the unpolluted air. The veranda on the third floor was the best location to watch sunsets.

So peaceful.

She leaned back her head, inhaling—

Thus, when strong, leaned arms wrapped around her body, she was… well, shocked. Frightened, even.

It was Sunday… She thought frantically, her body tightening. Today is Sunday… Sunday, Sunday—

"Sakura."

Her body, in response, stiffened. That voice…

"What… are you doing here?"

She felt him smile against her neck.

"…S-S… Sasuke-kun?" She hated it when she stuttered. "You're not supposed… to be… h-here—"

Her voice was shaking as Sasuke's large hand traveled down to her right hip. His long fingers rubbed and kneaded the muscles there before dropping to the front of her thigh. The warmth of his palm penetrated the cloth of her plaid skirt, scorching her skin. The pleats moved with his fingertips as they searched and probed. Flushed, Sakura chewed on her bottom lip, closing her eyes tightly as her body tightened under his touch. "Ah… nnn- Sa- S… s-stop…" she whimpered shakily. Sakura tried to lift her arms but Sasuke wrapped an arm around her waist, trapping her arms at her sides. She was at his mercy as he played with her skirt, rubbing the heel of his palm against her crotch. "Ah… st-stop… it—"

"What are you so embarrassed about?" whispered Sasuke behind her ear. A small crooked smirk pulled at his seductive lips. With the tip of his tongue, he traced the contour of her earlobe, chuckling darkly as Sakura took shuddering gasps. Dark eyes glinting maliciously, Sasuke put her earlobe between his canines, biting the flesh tenderly but firm enough to elicit a gasp from the girl. Sakura turned her head away from his teeth, gritting her teeth as hot flushes gathered in her cheeks. Sasuke chuckled, the sound was dark, low and sensual, scratching at her skin, leaving shivers.

My body— is strange… first, there is fear, anticipation… then disgust. Her lids lifted slowly, her gaze dazed. And pleasure… afterwards, there is peace.

Her chest rise up and down as she breathed hard, huffing as he continue to nip at her ear, licking up the back of the flesh, coating it with thick hot saliva. His palm on her crotch was rubbing slowly but deeply. Eventually, it stopped— she sighed, relieved but cried out softly when he stuck his index finger out and pressed it directly to her folds. "S-Sasuke… ahh… nnn- s-s-stop… stop!" she moaned, bending her neck back. But Sasuke pressed the tip of his pointer deeper into her crotch, probing to her folds… now wetter and hotter. He moved the tip of his finger back and forth, slowly, deeply.

"…still acting coy?" he murmured, chewing on her earlobe. She gasped shakily, groaning. "Ah." He smiled— smiled?- oddly, shuddering at the sound of her groan; his eyes were dark, deeper. "Already wet… Sakura-chan?"

"N-no… s-stop-"

"Hn." His other hand slid underneath her blouse. Sakura's eyes widened.

"Ah-"

He pushed the cup of her bra up and grabbed her breast, pressing the pad of his finger over her taut nipple.

"Ah… ah… ah! S-stop… stop…"

He smirked lopsidedly, devilishly. "No." Sasuke bent down his head and pressed an open-mouthed kiss on the junction between her neck and shoulder. Sakura jerked, groaning between her clenched teeth. She moved about her body, attempting to flee but her squirming caused her ass to rub harshly on his erection, further pumping him with desire. Uchiha groaned and began to suck, tongue and bite at her neck greedily, marking the flesh with large tongue mark. His tongue dragged upwards at the side of her neck and bottom of ear. He squeezed her breast tightly, the flesh was overflowing in his large hand. Roughly, Sasuke yanked her skirt up, slid his finger under the crotch and inserted a long digit into her soaking core.

"Ahh! Don't! Stop-"

"Hmm." With his thumb and index, he pinched her clit that brought out a small scream from her plump lips. Thick stream of white cream gushed out in his hand. "Don't lie." He drawled. "You like this."

"Ahhh… ha, ha, ha…"

"Today's special, Sakura."

"Uhh…" Sakura's hand were clenched so hard, her face sweaty and flushed.

"Today, I chose to do things with you instead of playing head-hockey with my soldiers." With a sharp turn, they were facing now the room. He released her suddenly, pushing her down to the floor. Sakura gasped, hitting the tatami floor. Her arms and knees cushioned her fall. She looked at Sasuke over her shoulder, panting crazily. The red sunset behind him made him looked ethereal; he was smirking at her crookedly, dark eyes glinting in the dark red sunshine. Oh god… he was really…

Sakura winced.

-beautiful.

A beautiful beast. A beautiful devil. He lifted a hand, the hand which he used to work her cunt. Cringing, Sakura watched Sasuke licked the essence of her off his finger, deliberately slow, thrusting out his tongue then licking her taste as though it was icing. Smirking— a twisted, half-crazed, drunken with lust smirk- Sasuke sucked in his finger greedily, groaning and closing his eyes, looking very satisfied with the taste.

"…S-S-Sasuke…-"

He lowered his lids. With the finger still lodged between his teeth, he smiled.

At that smile, Sakura shivered, wide-eyed. That smile…- she thought, frightened, shaking, bemused.

"Stop looking at me like that." He said, lowering his hand, taking slow steps towards her. Sakura squeaked, attempting to get up but Sasuke was already on his knees, pressing her against the floor. The girl gasped in pain- her chest was crushed under their combined weight and there was something hard, huge and…hot pushing between her buttocks.

"What—"

Sasuke yanked her blouse up to her shoulder blades and ripped off the strap of her bra; Sakura cried out, pushing her elbows up to support her upper body. Then, Sasuke's hand slid under her and cupped her breast roughly. The pink-haired girl bit her lip to suppress a moan. Small hands balled into fists, shaking, pressing against the floor. Sasuke retracted his hand and pressed on her back. His palms were warm, massaging her tensed muscles at the either side of her spine. With his long strong legs, he locked her thighs into place to prevent her from sliding off under him.

"…uhhh… nnn—" Sakura groaned between her teeth; Sasuke gave her back a tender lingering kiss, then a long slow lick over her spine, dragged his tongue up between her shoulder blades all the while gliding his hands down at her either side to cup her breasts. "Ah…hhh—"the girl moaned, cocking back her head, long silky hair draped at Sasuke's shoulders and face, across the floor and small shoulders. Sakura felt him smirk against her skin.

"I really like it when you make that sound," rasped Sasuke against her skin, dragging his hands back to their previous places, moving them down to the belt of her skirt. "Hmm… I wonder what sounds you'll make this time if I do this," he forced the waistline of her skirt down making a 'rip' sound, eliciting a gasp from Sakura— "stop!"— yanked it down to her ass with her underwear. With both hands on either butt cheek, Sasuke flexed his fingers over the plump muscle of her ass, squeezing them leisurely, eventually switching to forceful, hungry kneads. The action made Sakura squirmed; in the process wiggling her ass against Sasuke's squeezing hands.

A rough scratchy chuckle.

"How about this?"

His right hand fondled the curve of her right hip, slid his fingers under her hip, moved in front of her groin area, crawled under her underwear and inserted two long fingers into her core. His fingers filled her, pushing in and out slowly then switched to rough, unsteady pace.

"Ahhhh… S-Sa… Sasuke-k-k-kun…"

He kept pumping her until her body jerked and spasm. Thick rivulet of cream touched his hand, streaming to the floor. Sakura was crying out, sobbing as she came fiercely. The outburst of desire left her weak; she was still shaking from its intensity when Sasuke turned her to her back. Thick sheet of sweat covered her body; tips of breasts were wet and hot. With a squishy sound, Sasuke retracted his fingers, licked them fast and proceeded on undressing her completely. He pulled her skirt off first, together with her gooey panties. Next were her blouse and bra. Under her thick lashes, Sakura watched Sasuke pulled off his shirt before bending down to suck at her breast. He licked the sweat off her nipples, kissed his way down to her flat stomach and tongued his way to her wetness. For a moment, he stopped there, lifted his chin to look at her panting, flushed face.

"Sa…suke…"

He smirked darkly, raised her thigh and draped it over his broad shoulder. Keeping his lashes lowered and eye contact with her, he kissed her inner thigh, bit the flesh tenderly, even licked up the expanse of her inner thigh. "Mmm…"

Sakura shivered, crossing her arms over her chest. He's… She tried to deny it but… really… beautiful. Keeping her leg propped, Sasuke groaned against his teeth, with some flesh clinging to his incisors. There would be a huge tongue mark there.

"…you think I'm crazy, don't you, Sakura…?" asked Sasuke, his mouth still on her inner thigh.

Sakura gulped, biting her bottom lip.

"…you hate me. Yet…" he smirked arrogantly. "You let me do whatever I want to do with you."

"…my feelings-"she stuttered. "…doesn't matter."

He chuckled deeply. "Yes." He murmured, bending back to her soaked sex. "I don't care if you hate me. But," he ran his tongue over her clit. Above him, Sakura moaned loudly.

"You are mine."

Sasuke pushed her thighs wider, licking her up harder, roughly. Soft, lapping sounds were heard, punctuated with Sakura's mewls. Gritting her teeth, eyes clenched tight, the girl pushed her hands against the top of Sasuke's head. Long pale fingers fisted harshly over the thick black hair. The dark shinobi did not seem to mind her rough action; he thrust his tongue deeper inside her, sucking greedily, his groans causing a ripple inside of her body. Sakura groaned between clenched teeth as Sasuke gave her soaked entrance a long hard lick, "S-Sa…suke— ughh… uhh…nnn-"

As she groaned, her fingers pulled at his hair, some strands parting from his scalp. Sasuke did not mind the hair-pulling. As a matter of fact, it excited him even more. He lifted his gaze; Sakura was bending her head back, gasping and groaning. His tongue rolled back, "…Sakura." He said, raspy, the tone scraping against her skin making her shudder. "Look at me."

"N-no…" she replied throatily, her fingers tightening over his hair.

"Look at me."

There was something in his voice because— something went wrong with her body. As though a large hand placed itself atop her head. An invisible hand pushed at her head, forcing her to flex her neck and looked down to her splayed legs.

"S…S…Sa…su…- ke-"gasped Sakura, shuddering. He smiled at her.

"Watch me."

Sakura gasped, shivering.

Keeping his eyes locked with hers, Sasuke went back to his work, showing her deliberately how his tongue worked on her entrance. Sakura winced, flushing- heart pounding painfully against her chest- the visual down there was… her breath hitched- agonizingly erotic. Even the sensation of his tongue and mouth on her was beyond… description. When she came- fiercely, body stiffening in a rigid arc, she pulled so hard at his hair - her head bent back painfully, a scream leaving her lips. Panting, flushed, she watched Sasuke withdrew his tongue; his lips were coated with her cream, a thin string of saliva bridging between his mouth and her core.

"Sa…suke-kun…-"

He licked his upper lip while sucking on his bottom lip. His dark eyes were glinting with odd gleam, staring down at her intensely. With one hand, he pushed her thigh off his shoulder and reached down to her cheek. With an unreadable expression, the dark shinobi stroked her cheek tenderly— startling her, green eyes snapping wide in shock and confusion.

The hand on her face lowered to her neck, to the round of her shoulder before settling on her pectoral. Still licking his lips, he bent down his head, his hand dragging down to her breast, the pad of index finger rubbed her taut nipple.

"All of you," Sasuke dragged out in a low, rough voice. "Everything. Your heart," he licked up at her nipple, the bud tightened. Sakura's skin crawled deliciously in response. Sasuke's other hand touched her hip, moving up to her flank, rubbing her flesh in deep circles.

"…your body. Your soul."

Sakura was breathing so hard, watching his expression. Slowly, Sasuke lifted his gaze to her. "Everything… you are mine."

"Sasuke-kun…" she whispered softly. The way he said those words… so soft, smooth, slow… deadly.

It scared her.

"If you leave me," he squeezed her breast lightly between his thumb and fingers and then kissed the nipple wetly, playing with the bud with the tip of his tongue. "…I'll go after you. I will pull you back to me."

He opened his mouth wider and covered her breast with his mouth, taking in as much flesh as he can. Above him, Sakura moaned softly, biting her bottom lip.

"You are mine." Sasuke growled against her nipple. He looked up to her, his tongue between his teeth, licking her nipple. As he spoke, his tongue rolled back with a thin string of saliva between his tongue and her taut nipple. "If you leave me,"

Sakura's toes curled in pleasure. "Ahh…"

"…I'll find you. I will cut down all those who will come in my way of finding you."

A small hand lifted up in the air.

"…I will-"

Tenderly, Sakura rubbed her palm against Sasuke's cheek.

"…find you."

Sasuke raised his face and moved up to stare down at her, her hand on his cheek. He bunched thick hair with his other hand, making a large fist as he rested a forearm above her shoulder on the other side.

"Sasu—"

"Sakura."

He leaned closer, their lips a centimeter apart.

"Sakura."

(silence...)

(...silence-)

"SAKURA!"

Green eyes snapped open.

Itachi slammed her against a tree. Sakura winced, biting her lip, whimpering against her teeth as the back of her head collided with hard wood. Tangled strands of pink fell around her face, some cut hairs, wet with blood. She suppressed a moan of pain as Itachi pushed her harder into the tree, cutting her skin, bruising her skull. The hand around her neck tightened and she began to feel the effects— blurred vision. He was holding her throat tightly… tighter—

Her eyes began to water. The wound on her cheek did not stop bleeding. It began to sting uncomfortably and her face felt so heavy with thick layers of blood that also covered her neck. As Itachi's cold crimson eyes settled on her dull green orbs, Sakura stared back unflinchingly. This seemed to infuriate the Uchiha. Did she want to die so badly?

"Your eyes are brave."

Yet, her body was shaking.

"…fool. You talk as if you know everything."

Her mouth was dry so when she spoke, it was thick and hoarse. "I don't have to know everything there is about you. The fact that you killed your own family… it is enough for me to pity you."

A bubble of anger resurfaced but Itachi grew up to have perfect control of his temper. Her taunt was direct, simple yet piercing. As a result, with wounded pride, Itachi tightened his hold, relishing the feel of her soft muscles under his grip. "Don't act as if you know everything."

"I- I wish… Sasuke-kun was born from a different clan. I wish… I wish… everything… was different… I wish… he- he… grew up differently…" She winced, her chest expanding and compressing tightly as she fought to breathe. "…I want him… away… from y-you… away… from your shadow… to be born… as a person… not as—" a long shuddering breathe- "a spare for YOU."

A small twitch on Itachi's jaw then— in a blur, produced a kunai in his free hand and stabbed the girl in the stomach. Sakura screamed in pain, eyes turning almost white with agony. The older Uchiha watched her writhed in pain, gasping and sobbing in pain. "Without a spare," he began coldly, "the Uchiha Clan would not flourish with power."

"…you're…b-blinded—"

Itachi stiffened.

"—with your power. That—"dull green eyes flickered with disdain, "led your… family in their own grave… and …"

Sakura ignored the hand on surrounding her neck, constricting slowly, surely— "you," she stressed out, her voice constricting at the pressure pressing on her throat, "to your… own—…" she smirked- how dare this shit— Itachi thought angrily, veins popping out around his Sharingan.

"Darkness."

Terror gripped his heart.

Darkness.

Darkness…

"Don't you think… hell is better than… the darkness?"

Itachi slammed a hand over her eyes. And expertly, dislocated the head of her shoulder joint from its socket with a loud pop with the other hand.

"Arrgggghhhh!" screamed Sakura.

After which, he returned his grip on her throat, listening to her cries of pain.

"The more you talk, the quicker you die."

"Huff… huff… huff… huff…-"

"You looked even more beautiful when in pain…" His eyes darted downward. "Hm. I think," he placed a hand over the collar of her shirt dress. Sakura's eyes widened, "you looked better with nothing on."

Rip!

The top was in shreds; he left the skirt intact— later, it would be fun. After all, her splendid legs were in perfect view. The underwear will be saved for more fun later on. With cold calculating eyes, he examined the exposed flesh: thin-strapped white bra supported full, round breasts. The girl was thin but deliciously endowed.

Interesting…

The famous missing-nin looked up to her eyes which were slowly filling up with hot tears.

"Are you scared?" he leaned closer. Sakura flinched, moving back. "Ashamed? Foolish little brother chose well…" she bit the inside flesh of her bottom lip, fighting back tears and the mad tremble of her body. No! I will not give him the pleasure of seeing me… cry- she saw his eyes roamed her semi-nakedness.

This body— he imagined his little brother thrusting in and out of this body. He knew Sasuke— the charming boy looked cold and unfeeling but deep inside, the fool was an insatiable fuck. Crimson eyes dropped to Sakura's legs— the legs wrapping around his little brother's hips as he pushed in and out like a wild animal. Ah. It was reasonable for his brother to obsess with his pretty toy. This body… those legs were made for sex. Raw, dirty sex.

"My brother chose a pretty fuck toy."

Green eyes sharpened, meeting his crimson stare. Sakura jerked then shivered when she felt his cold hand on her left breast. She winced in disgust as Itachi experimentally flexed his fingers over the fleshy mound. Slyly, his fingertips crept under the bra.

Sakura jerked uncontrollably. "What… are you—"Itachi's hand grabbed the front of the cup and pushed the bra up roughly, freeing her breasts from their confines. She let out a scream. "STOP!"

But his next words were like ice-cold water doused onto her.

"Your mouth must be good."

Her body went numb. And Sakura shrieked when Itachi gave her nipple a hard pinch. "S-stop!"

His expression was unbelievably blank while he watched her. "What would he say if foolish little brother finds out I got to play with his toy?"

Sakura struggled but to no avail. His hand trapped her throat, hindering her breathing. A deep fatal wound was pouring out globs and globs of blood from her stomach and her face was covered in blood and mud. Pathetic.

"…he would not mind to share, don't you think?"

Her fear caused a tear rolling down to her cheek, followed by another and another tear. Also, the truth underneath his words… stung. Really, the axiom "the truth really hurts" was a stupid understatement.

I'm… she recalled how he used her for his pleasure, just a precious toy. She knew it from the beginning, even with his sweet, blood-curdling words, his claims on her… how he'll do everything for her— her heart, trapped inside a room- a room buried deep within her— never believe. However, hearing them rolling out of Itachi's mouth… why does it hurt? It's… just sex.

"You're just a toy." He paused. "One of his toys."

She closed her eyes. Breathing in, breathing out.

"Do what you want."

Something in Itachi's expression flickered.

"I won't stop you. My body is just an object. That's how Sasuke-kun treats me. I don't have his heart. Hurting me would not violate his pride." She shrugged, opening her eyes. Her expression was serene, matching Itachi's blank face. "You're right, Itachi-san. I'm just a toy. He could replace me any time he wants."

Thick long lashes lowered over green, now smoldering, eyes. "Just like how he replaced you with Naruto."

She smiled calmly, seeing how her words threw off Itachi's composure.

"A replacement. You are…"

A lazy quirk on the corner of her lips,

"…pathetic."

Silence.

Wide red eyes.

"Make it both of us, Itachi-san. We are pathetic. See? We are on the same level… Itachi-san," The puddle of blood below her was thickening.

Drip

"Replaceable."

Clenched teeth.

Tightening hand.

Gasp.

A kunai twirled. Kunai against skin. Then… silence.

(POUR)

Blood surged like a wild faucet along with a scream.

Then… silence.

"…she will die."

Flap, flap, flap—

It began to rain again.

(tip-tap-tip-tap-tip-tap-)

The marks receded as well as his talon wing.

(tip-tap-tip-tap-tip-tap-)

His jaw moved.

"…Sakura."

"Sakura."

"SAKURA!"

Green eyes snapped open.

Then, shaky, shuddering gasps as though she woke up from death. "Sa-… Sa-" sharp, short gasp. Sharp long screech of air. (hiiiiii…-)

"Sasuke-kun!"

Wet large hands touched her cheeks; her wet hair was brushed off from her forehead, few long strands curled around his long fingers as he combed her hair. Her gaze was blurry; there was almost nothing to see but grays, spots, dots… nothing. She tried to search for his face. She saw a silhouette; she can make up the dark hair and the curves of his face but… his eyes… his lips, where are… you? There was nothing but an endless sky of weeping clouds and calm drops of rain.

"Sakura." Something blocked her sight.

She blinked a lot before replying. "Sa… Sa… Sasu— …ke-kun…" She tried to smile, it hurt. But she smiled anyway. Because—

"You came."

The fist on her hair tightened.

The ground under her was soft with rain water, mud and blood. Coincidentally, her head was laying on the puddle of blood- her own blood. Surrounding her was cut off pink hairs, bright in the mud and blood: some short, some long, some thick. They were pretty pink curls on blood splattered mud with torn strips of her top.

"Sakura."

She searched for his face. Nothing—

"Look at me." She felt his fingers on her chin, a fist still on her hair.

"…where…?" she whispered. Desperately, she wanted to lift her arms and touch his face— nothing. All I see… are the weeping clouds and the fat rain drops.

"I told you." He was disturbingly calm. It was eerie at the same time, soothing. His fingertip traced the deep gash on her cheek. "Do not leave the mansion. Stay inside. But you—"the fist on her hair dragged down at the side of her face, cupping her bloodied cheek. "Didn't listen."

It stopped raining… where are the weeping clouds? The fat raindrops? Where… Something was blocking the rain for her. With all the strength she could muster, she reached up slowly, weakly. "Oh." She did not expect that Sasuke's wing would feel like this: soft and warm. Even though she cannot see it, it never looked beautiful until now.

Sakura fought to keep her eyes open. "I'm… sorry."

"No." he grabbed her hand, squeezing it against his pectoral. "Look at me."

"I… I… can't-"

"Sakura."

"—see you."

Because it was…

"… so dark… Sasuke-kun."

So… Sasuke's eyes widened. Dark?

"What do you mean?" he growled. "Sakura. Sakura!"

Her eyes were drooping. Some of her hair was on her eyes. Roughly, he pushed them off, cupped her face and leaned closer. "Sakura. Don't close your eyes."

"I… don't want to… I-"

Her dull green eyes moved, searching, staring through him but searching… for him. "-want to see you."

His jaw clenched. The look in his eyes was changing…

"Sakura—"

He slid his hand deeper into her cheek, his fingertips disappearing into the bundles of pink hair as he leaned his face closer to kiss her— green eyes widened—

"NO!" with all her remaining strength, Sakura pushed him. "N-no!... s-stop—"she gasped. His grip on her face tightened at her rejection.

"Why did you look for him?"

"Sasuke…"

"WHY!" Sharingan flashed above her.

Sakura jerked. Red… eyes. It was wonderful to finally see a distinct color but… Angry red eyes were staring down at her.

"…he would not mind to share, don't you think?"

"…Itachi…-" she murmured blankly. She started to draw long shallow, shivery breaths. Her body responded in her fear, jerking, shivering.

"Sakura—"

"Sa— " short gasps. Then soft, shallow panting— "S-S-S…Sasuke!"

She gulped for air, bending back her head.

"Sakura! Sakura!"

She kept gasping his name—

"Sakura—"

More panting, dazed eyes.

"Damn it. No, no, no—"

Silence.

"Don't close your eyes—"

Her eyelids were heavy. The weeping clouds… and Sasuke-kun… Sasuke-kun… where… a-are y-you…?

"Sakura…"

I want… to see… But darkness started to invade her vision. The rain dropped heavier, faster.

"S-Sasuke…k-kun… I—"

…want to see you—

(tip-tap-tip-tap)

His breath hitched. Gripping her arms tighter, he shook her harder. "Wake up… wake up. Wake up—"

(tip-tap-tip-tap)

"SAKURA!"

Dark room. Bloody sheets. Sticky silence, punctuated with slow, shallow breaths. The door was opened but the light coming form the hallway was not enough to light the room, only reaching the doorway. The sliding doors leading to the balcony were closed, curtains parted aside, allowing a view of rain and gales outside.

"She needs help."

Juugo braved to break the silence. A sharp sideway glance to the bed stiffened his resolve. "She's very pale." He went back to stare at the dark corner. His statement was met with cold silence. The breathing sounds were diminishing— panicking, Juugo thought, if she dies, he glanced again at the bed, Sasuke will go mad. He clenched his fists, looking back to the shadows. "Sakura is—"the shallow breaths were getting shallower, "going to DIE!"

Red eyes snapped open, making an eerie glow in the darkness. Juugo recoiled but continued, "she's losing too much blood… Let me help her."

"No."

"But—"

"Don't touch her." it was a simple command but the way it was said was unnerving.

Silence. Red sheets, a pale neck. Rising chest, slightly parted red lips. A pale thin forearm.

"Sasuke—"Juugo gulped, sweating.

Silence.

A fat drop of blood hitting the floor broke the silence.

"I—…"he glanced at Suigetsu leaning against the doorway. The ninja snorted.

"There is someone," the Uchiha spoke suddenly that it gave Juugo a start. It was so soft, however, under that softness… Juugo refused to finish his line of thought. Better stop thinking about death when you're in the presence of death himself. "I want you to visit for me, Juugo."

"H-hai."

"Bring this person immediately to me."

Soft footsteps approached the bed. Juugo kept his eyes focused at the corner where the steps originated. Where red eyes floated. The footfalls stopped next to the bed. A pale hand brushed at Sakura's forehead, stroking the bloodstained hair covering her eyes. The bed moved as it received pressure, the area beside the slumbering girl sagged as Sasuke sat, leaning his body towards Sakura. Another hand cupped Sakura's cheek, the thumb caressing her lips. An arm surrounded the top of her head protectively. Slowly, carefully, Sasuke pressed his cheek against Sakura's forehead, stroking her cheek slowly and for the first time, Juugo saw his face.

What he saw made Juugo's skin crawl, his large body stiffening. Uh… that face— those eyes… that look—

Sasuke smiled, carefully stroking the almost-dead girl's cheek.

That…s-s-smile—

"It's time for her reunion."

Thud. Juugo carefully pulled off the gag. The room was instantly filled with screams of an angry woman.

"Who are you! What do you want from me!"

Footsteps.

"Damn it! Where am I? Release me!"

Closer footsteps.

"Who are you!" the footsteps stopped. This… chakra! The owner of the footsteps reached down and pulled off the blindfold. The prisoner blinked a couple of times, waiting for her eyesight to adjust in the dim light. She lifted her face, focusing her gaze.

"Who—"the words rolled at the back of her throat, her expression contorting into mix of fear and shock.

"S…SASUKE!" the red blindfold fell to the floor beside her.

The person standing before her pushed his fists inside his pockets, regarding her under his thick lashes unfeelingly. "Hn." In the dim light provided by a single candle, the Uchiha's face was shadowed by his hair and the darkness. Only his eyes were visible, those pitiless red eyes.

"Yamanaka."

Ino gritted her teeth. "You remembered, huh?"

"Don't flatter yourself." He replied blankly. Approaching her further, retracting one hand from his pockets, he reached out and grabbed her chin. Ino blushed. "You're a medic-nin… aren't you?" His voice was low… smooth and underneath, a rough, scratchy quality that scraped at her skin hotly.

"I… I—"

Sharingan filled Ino's vision and mind.

"I… am."

The dark ninja released her chin as though she was piece of dirt rag. At once, her vision cleared. "Good." He rasped, turning away. "Heal her."

Ino blinked, breathing hard. "…her?" she murmured between breaths. But Sasuke did not reply. She lifted her gaze, found him staring at the bed with bloodstained sheets, small puddles of blood surrounded the bed and someone—

Ino blinked.

Pink.

Lots of pink… hair.

Ino shivered. No… no way—

"Sa… SAKURA!" she screamed, struggling to her feet and rushing to the bed. Blue eyes widened in horror. "Oh god… what… happened—" rage contorted her pretty face. "YOU!" She screamed in Sasuke's direction. Her rage increased, seeing how relaxed Sasuke's posture was. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER, YOU MONSTER?"

"Aren't you listening?" replied Sasuke calmly. "I said, heal her."

"You bastard…! Trying to kill her and telling me to heal her so that you'll hurt her once more? I'm not stupid!" shouted Ino.

Juugo frowned anxiously.

"Keep your opinion to yourself." Sasuke answered in a low voice. He walked towards the corner and sat on the stool, his forearms resting on top of his thighs, his crimson eyes watching her. "Heal her."

"I won't—"

Juugo was immediately at Ino's side. "Please, Sasuke, don't hurt her."

Sasuke's red eyes swiveled at him. Juugo fidgeted, "we need her help."

"But," the boy hissed between clenched teeth, "she doesn't want to."

"I will not heal her so that you'll just hurt her again! She'd rather…" Ino's voice cracked. "No!" she turned away, facing Sakura's pale and serene face. Sakura… she can tell, in strictly medical perspective that her friend was dying. The amount of blood she lost was enormous. The fatal wound on her stomach increased the likelihood of death. All by herself in that king-sized bed, Sakura looked so tiny and helpless, buried in thick white sheets, fluffy duvet and pillows. Her hair… Ino thought miserably, even your hair… They were gone. Cut into sharp, uneven angles, the once silky long locks of hair were rough and blood-splattered, not pink but red. And her face, Ino ground her teeth in rage, a ruined beautiful face. The sight was sickening and it disgusted Ino to the core.

"You… monster." She whispered angrily, cerulean eyes flashing. "YOU'RE A MONSTER, UCHIHA! Just like your brother—"

Ino's eyes widened, filled with paralyzing fear. It took a few minutes for her to register that she was bleeding and that the wall behind her cracked as Sasuke's slammed her on it with steel-like long fingers around her throat.

"Listen carefully," he said softly, calmly. "Go on. And damage my ego. But in exchange," Ino was lifted to her feet.

"Arghhh… uhhhg—"

"Make sure she lives."

"...uhh—"

"My men would love to have a blonde girl as a treat…"

Sasuke smirked, his eyes hooded.

Ino shivered, her body trembling.

"…it's been a long time since they got to savor what a Konoha woman taste like."

Effortlessly, Sasuke threw her aside. "Now do yourself a favor." He tilted his head. "Make use of your hands. Juugo," he continued, "the ropes… please." Juugo pulled her up to her shaking feet, untying the ropes behind her. Juugo nudged her towards the bed.

"Go on." He said.

Rubbing her wrists, Ino assessed Sakura's body. Still shaking with fear, she climbed over the huge bed, wincing as her knees came in contact with blood. There is too much blood! How can a small body bleed so much!

Behind her, Sasuke walked back to his place, sitting on a stool, Sharingan swirling suspiciously but when the blonde girl started to work, the crimson eyes settled and eventually turned to onyx. The green glow of healing chakra lightened up the room, its warmth was spreading.

I must concentrate! The wound on her stomach… judging at its depth, this is critical! Ino thought, panicking. She furrowed her brows and concentrated larger amounts of chakra in her hands. "Pshhh…"this is harder than I thought! Theses types of wounds are Sakura's specialty. Me? I like abrasions and contusions much better! She bit her lip, come on Sakura! Her heart and respiratory rate were lost too much blood! Ino gathered more chakra.

Come on! Come—

"Are you done?"

Ino gritted her teeth. "Not yet." She hissed. "Her wounds are deep and whoever did these to her," she glared at Sasuke's direction, "he knew what vital organs to rupture."

"Hurry up, then."

"Then don't bother me! She's in between life and death so shut up!"

The Uchiha moved so fast that the only indication that he indeed moved was the blade pressing on her neck, against her pulsing artery. Ino had stopped breathing, her body stiff. The green chakra flickered. Cautiously, the blonde kunoichi looked up from the corner of her eye. White and black blade protruding from the shadow; she knew it was held by Sasuke who was completely in the dark.

"Don't talk about death." He said flatly.

Her body, to her disgust, was shaking again. How many times did I almost die?

"Sakura… she's not going to die."

"Because if she does, and so are you." Pause. "And so are the rest. No one will ever remain breathing." He sheathed the Kusanagi. "So do your job."

As he turned away, Ino let out a shaky sigh. "I'm not going to let her die. She's my friend."

"Do it."

I'm shaking.

Her hands kept trembling.

I'm… scared. Ino bit her bottom lip so hard that it bled. I'm so… scared. She looked back to Sakura. He's… a bead of sweat rolled down to her jaw, terrifying. Her blue gaze went up to Sakura's pale face. The girl's expression was serene. He's a monster! Her expression hardened. He's a horrible, heartless… criminal! Animals are better than him… even his chakra… it's disgusting! This strength… his aura, his eyes… all of him… all OF HIM— Ino furrowed her brows so deeply. HE'S DESPICABLE!

As she studied Sakura's calm face, Ino's eyes softened. Oh, Sakura-chan…for you to be able to tolerate this type of environment… what are you thinking? Life was way so much better in Konoha! This life…this is horrible! How could you… you—

"Why…"

Hot tears filled Ino's eyes. One by one, bead by bead, they fell on Sakura's cheeks. "Why—"

… did you choose him?

The green glow of her chakra flickered.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

Everyone was missing you. Everyone… Naruto… you broke his heart. Kakashi-sensei's… My heart—

Sasuke knew nothing about medical ninjutsu but he can tell… the pattern had changed.

You need help, Sakura-chan. Do you… she smiled tearfully, want to be free? She moved her hands higher, to where Sakura's heart was. You don't deserve this life. You deserve so much more. So much happiness…

"What are you doing?" growled Sasuke.

…something beautiful—

The chakra crackled. Tears clouded Ino's vision.

Something extraordinarily simple yet… it was the greatest gift I could give you.

A hand grasped at no's wrist.

You deserve… freedom.

She was crying freely now. She can feel it… Sakura's heart, Sakura's internal organs, her heart rate, pulse, respiratory— An odd, savage triumph erupted within Ino's core.

YOU MUST—

"I-Ino…"

DIE!

"…pig."

Ino blinked.

"…what are you…-"

The voice was small and hoarse from long slumber. The grip on Ino's wrist tightened.

"…doing…?"

Ino's blue eyes widened. What—

Deep, shaky breathing. It was very slow but at least it was there. Laborious yet, it was present. Long, deep… until it regularized. Normal.

"Are you…"

Dull, green eyes stared up to wide startled blue orbs. They were heavy-lidded, partially hidden with long spiky lashes. The grip loosened and eventually let go.

"…trying to kill me, too?"