Author Note: I'm so sorry that this story has taken such a long time to get back up and running. The past year has been hectic and wonderful at the same time. My excuses: I was a sophomore in college and playing football-yes I know I'm female (though that doesn't mean a damn thing) and it was flag football-I ended up destroying my ACL in my right leg and had to have a graph done. Also I came under the employment of a professor which took up a lot of my time…..and the really good news is that I got engaged! I found someone last year who has blessed me with love I didn't think existed. So those are my excuses-no I have not abandoned any of my stories-and yes I do plan to update more often.

Summar/Rating: Chapter One

Disclaimer: Chapter One

Sano

"Tonight at seven," Sakura grumbled as she moved another compound box for Kabuto. Orachimaru had decided that he'd had enough of this hideout and was preparing to move to another one, but unfortunately the Snake-Sanin simply did not just move. Orachimaru had nearly everything that he considered of value at the moment move with him. Invaluable specimens and even people would be left behind if they didn't meet up to the par that the Sanin had created.

These simple facts did not bother Sakura because as a fellow ninja on the run she could understand where Orachimaru was coming from. The old man wanted to keep things that he needed and or liked with him at all times and to be honest so did she. The unfortunate part that Sakura realized was that he never did the heavy lifting himself, but left it up to his lackeys.

The pink haired girl glanced at a clock on the wall as she made her way towards the back entrance and was happy to see that it was a quarter to three. She was almost done with removing the necessary items from room 12 B and that would be the end of her day. Sano had come and gone from her mind since early this morning and she was determined to sneak out of the hide out while Orachimaru and Sasuke were sparing and training. Her work would be done so she wouldn't be missed and there would be no one to tell her yes or no.

When it came to working with Orachimaru and Kabuto, Sakura had come to find that it was best to simply do then ask permission. If you asked then Orachimaru would see it as a chance to simply say no and prove his power over you , but if you were instead found out then he would shrug it off because it was of no consequence to him what you did in your free time.

"Sakura," Kabuto voiced from behind the ninja. She had already sensed his presence, but had hoped that he wouldn't stop to talk to her or anything. She had a job to get done and taking time away from her job to give to Kabuto was taking a stronger risk as the clock continued to tick.

"Yes Kabuto?" Sakura asked her 'mentor' if you wanted to call him that as she faced him with an obedient smile that she'd picked up over her young years with them.

"Are you done?"

"Yes."

"Good, I need you to finish rooms 12C and 34A tonight. There has been a slight change in schedule, we leave tomorrow morning."

Sakura's eyes widened looking at the white haired male, "Tomorrow morning?" They weren't scheduled to leave this hideout for another week which would have given her plenty of time to clean out the other rooms. "Why has Orachimaru decided to speed up his plans?" It was hard sometimes for Sakura to judge when Kabuto was in a talking mood and when the other man just simply was not. This appeared to be one of those times because instead of being a rather laid back, but always in control Kabuto, the man's face looked annoyed. Sakura swore she heard him grind his teeth.

"Are you questioning Lord Orachimaru?" Kabuto stepped forward, "Its Lord Orachimaru is responsible for keeping us safe. He's the one making sure that the other villages, especially the Leaf doesn't find you or me. You should be more greatful Sakura, don't you think?"

Sakura backed off and nodded her head yes giving Kabuto the dominate stance like he wanted. Men had a general rule Sakura realized, as long as they got some sort of dominate stance over you faked or not-they seemed to be rather happy. Living with them after her rape had given her this valuable knowledge and it was keeping her alive.

"I'm sure Orachimaru has his reasons Kabuto," Sakura informed the man taking back just a small bit of her power by using his name, "Its simply a surprise."

"What's the surprise Sakura?" Kabuto laughed, "Its not like you have plans. I on the other hand have several experiments to finish and catalog before we can head out. Both of us will be up late tonight so I suggest you get started."

Sakura watched as Kabuto left and when he was out of sight the female finally let herself relax. "I did have plans you idiot," Sakura muttered to herself leaning against a box. "Damn it-why can't I for once get a chance to actually live?"

A voice out of the shadows shocked and scared Sakura for a moment before she recognized who it was. "What kind of plans?"

"Sasuke!" Sakura breathed a sigh of relief as her friend came from the shadows. "I didn't see you."

The male snorted and Sakura realized how stupid she sounded. There was no way that she would have been able to see or hear him. Since joining Orachimaru she had gotten stronger and unlocked as much of the Slug's technique that she could alone, but Sasuke was far ahead of her. Even on his worst of days she doubted that she would ever be able to sense him again. It was a part of his awe that had entrapped her for years.

"What plans Sakura?" Sasuke asked a little more informally.

Sakura sighed and sat on a box, "I came across this guy yesterday while I was out in the village…"

"A civilian?" Sasuke cut her off and Sakura nodded, "We made plans to see each other today."

This of course made Sasuke frown because the man as Sakura well knew, just didn't understand. To him there was nothing in this world but basic biological necessities and training. During their nights together, though only when Sasuke wanted a warm body and when she could finally get over it without feeling guilty about Ino, the Uchiha had mentioned that he was out to kill Itachi.

Thinking back on it Sakura was actually the one to bring it up in conversation late one night. Sasuke had hotly demanded of her where and when she had seen him leaving his imprints on her arms in the form of bruises the next day. When she'd answered him the Uchiha sighed and settled back down apologizing for what he'd done. Sakura had never heard Sasuke apologize before in her life and that was enough for her to know that the proud man meant every word. Sasuke then proceeded to tell her what Itachi had done and his reasoning from the very beginning. Wisely enough Sakura didn't ask about Naruto or why Sasuke had such a grudge against the blonde anyway. Even now talking to him about her encounter with Sano she knew she wasn't talking to the Sasuke that was her teammate, but a different man.

A man that scared her to be honest.

A part of her knew and recognized one very clear fact. The Sasuke she knew somehow died after she'd left and the man in front of her was very much after his own goals and gains. The only reason she was tolerated so was the fact that she served the same side. If that side ever changed then she would be the enemy.

Sasuke shook his head, "You shouldn't go anyway. We are leaving and you should not have relationships outside of this compound. You know that Sakura."

"I know, but all I have is you and Kabuto." Sakura fought back slightly trying to make Sasuke-this Sasuke-understand even just a little. "I sleep with one of you and then the next. I'm constantly in your presence and you don't love me. Sasuke you use and me and I use you both."

"Saukra we are ninja-its what we do. We shouldn't be off looking for-"

"For what Sasuke? Love?" Sakura cut him off. "You use me because you have needs Sasuke, but I have needs to. My options are limited to a man who reminds me of Kakashi-sensei and another whom I used to love and who is loved by my best friend."

"Ino and I are nothing Sakura," Sasuke pointed out blankly.

Sakura sat there in silence before speaking up, "Neither are we." The pink haired girl moved and started to walk past Sasuke holding her arms, "I wasn't looking for a relationship, but a chance to breath. One night with a man who has no ties to my past and absolutely does not have any ties to me. I'm suffocating , but that doesn't matter because Orachimaru has given me my orders. Sano will just have to find another date tonight."

Sasuke sighed and reached out stopping her with his hand on her shoulder. "Do Kabuto and I remind you of that night?"

Sakura nodded without turning around, "You don't mean to." She could feel tears spring to her eyes, "But you're a constant reminder Sasuke of what I had back in Konoha. Of the home that I was forced to leave behind because of Kakashi and the village." After Sasuke had come to Orachimaru Sakura had found herself crying in his arms one night and told him the whole truth. That it wasn't just Kakashi's decision, but the village as well.

"I was just hoping that tonight might have been my chance to move on."

"And get away from Orachimaru?" Sasuke suggested. Sakura turned around and looked at him with an odd expression and Sasuke elaborated. "I have a reason to be here Sakura, but you don't. Kabuto has nothing more to offer you and Orachimaru will do nothing but toss you aside once he has my body. There will be no one here to protect you from them."

Sakura hugged herself nearly shivering at the idea of Orachimaru getting Sasuke's body. "He would hunt me down," Sakura pointed out.

"Not for a night." Sasuke took back his hand and changed into Sakura in the blink of an eye, "Go-I'll cover." Sakura couldn't believe she was staring at herself and she smiled slightly at Sasuke. It wasn't that he wanted her to, but more so that he could see if Orachimaru could see through his jutsu.

Sakura knew this. She knew all of this and for some reason it didn't bother her as much as it should have. "Alright," Sakura nodded and walked away feeling relieved and happy, but she didn't bother to thank Sasuke.

In her room the girl grinned as she closed the door and ran a hand through her hair. She would actually be able to go and still had plenty of time to get ready. Hell, even if Orachimaru found out that she'd left the compound without his knowledge there was nothing the snake could do to her so long as Sasuke had her back.

A realization suddenly hit Sakura causing the girl to frown because she had absolutely nothing at all to wear. She cursed and started running through her clothes careful not to make a mess just in case someone poked their nose in. She didn't want to make it look like she'd been in a rush or gone anywhere. It took her longer then she cared to admit, but she'd finally found generic clothing that was cute enough to pass. A simple black dress that went to her mid-thigh. She couldn't remember when or where she had come across the item, but it was never worn for the simple fact that there was nowhere at all to put any weapons whatsoever. Sakura sighed as she threw the last kunai from around her calf onto the bed and slid on her shoes. If there had ever been a day she had been weaponless since she left Konoha, Sakura couldn't remember.

Using a simple jutsu she got passed everyone and made it outside into town. Taking her time, Sakura's stomach turned over and over again with anxiety and a feeling of nervousness. The same feeling she used to get thinking about Sasuke-and the girl couldn't keep the smile from her face when she caught Sano leaning against a building. He was dressed in a button down blue shirt and slacks, but what completed his outfit was the smile he wore when he caught sight of her. To Sakura it was breath taking.

"So, looks like your trustworthy after all," Sano voiced holding out a hand. Sakura smiled back and gave him her hand which he took with a slight shake before switching it so he was holding her hand. His hands were rough and worn like a man who'd spend his life working hard to make his living. Sano was obviously older than her and amazing in Sakura's mind. She didn't mind that his larger hands were also rougher.

"Of course I am. But you would know that if you knew me."

Sano chuckled, "True. Let's see if I can change that though. I hope you brought your appetite. I'm a man of tradition."

"What does that mean?" Sakura asked half-heartedly walking beside him while he guided her feet. It was a nice feeling to have someone take control for a moment. She realized she was curious about him and watching-waiting for anything to feed her curiosity.

"It means that I'm going to show you that I'm a provider and take you out to eat."

"And why would you need to do that?" Sakura had a feeling she would be amused by the answer, but didn't realize she was even more amused by the upturn of his mouth as he smiled.

"Because if you intend to spend your time with me shouldn't you know that I'll take care of you."

Sakura was amused and picking up on their 'game' easily enough. This back and forth conversation was really like nothing she'd ever experienced before if she stopped to think about it. "I can take care of myself just fine Sano."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean that you should have to do it all the time. Trust me it's a give and get kind of thing." Sano countered and Sakura shook her head further amused. If Naruto had said something like that suggesting that she couldn't handle herself alone she would have probably hit him hard, but Sano had said it and it felt natural.

The rest of the walk led them to a nice sushi restaurant where Sakura felt right at home. It was as if he could read her mind and it was obvious he had been there several times before. It was delicious and so was the conversation.

Sano had been a carpenter when he was younger and spent his days moving from one spot to another. An orphan he'd lost his dad during the war and his mother later in life. Since he was an only child he had seen no reason to stay in one place for to long. Eventually he'd gotten enough to try and start his own business and he'd decided on this town.

As the man talked about the places he'd been and the different cultures he'd come in contact with Sakura found herself lost in conversation. They arguably went back and forth about the differences between the stern sand people and the wind fanatics. She enjoyed the deep tone to his sweet voice and the way he viewed people was so bright.

"I've talked all night," Sano commented as they left the restaurant. Sakura giggled, "You do seem to run your mouth."

"How manly of me to do so ," Sano joked back putting his arm around her. "What about yourself Sakura? How did you end up here so alone?"

"Alone?" Sakura looked at him, "What gave you the impression I was alone."

Sano smiled back at her showing of a wrinkle in his brow. "You looked alone. The day we met you looked a little lost, if I'm not overstepping myself."

Sakura stopped and looked up at him, "How do I look now?"

"Are you avoiding my questions Sakura?" Sano countered looking down at her. "I think you don't want to tell me who you are."

"As if you could understand."

"I think I understand more than you know." Sano pulled away from her and Sakura frowned catching how old he looked under the light moonlight that had just begun to shine down on them. All of a sudden he looked ancient and tired. He wasn't the lively and happy man she'd been talking to all throughout dinner.

"I don't have much planned for the after dinner part," This time it was Sano changing the subject of the conversation. Sakura knew that he had, but didn't push it. She wanted to know what he meant, however, she knew that it was something that she had to let go for the moment.

"It's fine," Sakura walked back up beside him. "We could just go for a walk."

"Are you going to give me any answers mystery blossom?" Sano looked at her with that smile plastered on his face again. He was really a handsome man and Sakura forgot about the haggard look she'd just seen in the light of dark eyes.

"What about you?" She thought to herself. He was mystery to her, yet he'd talked all night. They'd spent over four hours in that restaurant simply eating and talking. Instead Sakura said, "Maybe. I'm a single child. I left my parents a couple years ago to try and make it in the world on my own."

"Ah," Sano looked down at her, "and are you happy?"

Sakura stopped again, this time in front of a closed store. No had ever asked her that before and the ninja had to turn aside and swallow tears. She wrapped her arms around herself in a hug for a moment feeling vulnerable and wishing she had her kunai. The cold steel would have been a comfort.

"I… don't know. I don't think I am." She looked at Sano and for some reason all her pretenses about men faded and she was honest for the first time in a long while. "I'm not happy. At least I haven't been."

Sano looked at her with concern and moved in front of her. His eyes constantly studying her face and his smell diving into her nostrils, it wasn't suffocating like Sasuke or even Kabuto. There was nothing reminding her of the past or who she was now.

"What about tonight Sakura?" He closed the gap between them and lifted her chin so she would have to look up in his eyes. "Are you happy tonight Sakura?"

"Yes," she breathed a whisper and Sano leaned forward captivating her with his warm body. She felt hot and like lead. Grounded by something invisible stopping her every movement.

Sano leaned closer, his mouth hovering above hers and his hand moving to her arms which fell to her side at the heat. "When we met Sakura I felt as if I'd known you forever." His lips were so red as he talked, "I knew you'd come tonight. You don't have to be alone."

She trembled then and he captured her lips with ease. His arm wrapped around her waist and Sakura reached out clutching his shirt. He was warm, gentle, and caressed her in such a light manner that the weight fell off. It was butterfly light and searching as his tongue laced out in search of her own.

Tears of relief and joy had already sprung to her eyes. Emotions that she hadn't felt in a long while, not like this, that he'd brought out once again. He sounded so assure that they would have this night and so assured that she didn't have to be alone.

And she believed him.

He tasted warm against her tongue and she could taste the light sake on his breath. She could feel his large, calloused hand on her back, and she could the earth on him.

She shoved him away harshly with wide eyes full of complete disbelief. "You son of a bitch." Sakura's voice was so light she'd barely heard herself. Kakashi Hatake had gotten away from the Akatasuki and found her.

And on that note please read and review. I hope this chapter satisfied some of your curiosity. I wanted to get up something quick-sorry about the cliff hanger.