Summary: Sasuke made Sakura a deal she simply couldn't refuse. In exchange he could promise her the safety of the Hidden Leaf but what would she have to give up in return? Is she willing to go as far as to help him complete the last of his goals?

~Fade Away~

Chapter 24 - Cry

How did I get here with you'll

I'll never know.

Never meant to let it get so personal,

After all I tried to do

to stay away from loving you,

I'm broken hearted and I can't let you know,

and I won't let it show...

You won't see me cry.

*-Rihanna-*

Sakura and Naruto leapt through the trees. She didn't break down. She didn't say anything to Naruto, she just closed her eyes and walked away. Away from the place where he'd left her.

And Naruto...Naruto had just...let it happen. Like, somehow, they'd planned it. Sakura heard Naruto step down on the branch behind her and kick off. Keeping a pace slightly slower than hers. Like he was expecting her to turn around and go after Sasuke. She wouldn't. No.

Instead, she needed to focus on the future. A future that she needed Sasuke to be apart of.

Sakura came to a stop and turned around, grabbing Naruto's arm and swinging him forward. Naruto flew out in front of her, his back hitting a tree hard before he slid down, landing on a branch, but Sakura was already there. She grabbed handfuls of his orange jacket and pulled him closer.

''What have you done?'' she demanded.

''S-Sakura-chan?''

''I don't really believe you would let Sasuke-kun go at it alone, and let himself get killed. So I'm only gonna ask you once, what are you planning? If you don't answer me I swear to Kami-sama, I'll beat it out of you.''

Naruto stared at her before he nodded. ''I met Sasuke on the way to finding you. He...told me what happened. And then he told me what he was planning. I didn't agree with him, but he was dead set on his plan. So I agreed.''

''You agreed?'' Sakura growled.

''S-Sakura-chan, relax! Its not like I meant it! Of course we're gonna save him!''

''And how do you plan to do that? Do you know when he's gonna strike?''

''Actually, I know he needs to win Madara's trust again.''

Sakura closed her eyes. ''How do you know we can save him...?''

''Because Sasuke...loves you, right?''

Sakura's eyes widened. She didn't see how that would matter...

''Plus, Yamato-taicho gave me this!'' Naruto held out a small wooden ball.

''And this is?''

''If Yamato-taicho has this then he'll be able to track Sasuke - who has the other one!''

Sakura blinked and then took it in her hand. She sat heavily on the branch, letting him go.

''We'll protect him, Sakura-chan.''

Sakura gave a nod.

x-x-x-x-

The moment they arrived in Konoha, both Sakura and Naruto were dragged to the Hokage's office.

Tsunade didn't even look at Sakura once they made it to the tower. She focussed her attention on Naruto.

''I have a special mission for you. Very important.''

Sakura could see Naruto's eyes brighten with excitement as Tsunade went over the details. Sakura found it strange that Tsunade had mentioned nothing of what happened at the summit, and now she was sending Naruto...

Suddenly, it made sense. Madara was after Naruto. Sending him away, was probably not the Hokage's first choice, but because she was doing it, Sakura assumed that the situation was pretty bad.

''Yamato and Gai will be joining you as well as some chuunin.''

''And Sakura-chan?''

''No.'' Tsunade's tone was cold as she finally looked over at her apprentice.

Sakura's eyes dropped to the floor immediately. ''Naruto, its ok. This is an important mission. I'll come say goodbye later.''

Naruto wanted to object but he stayed silent and left.

''Everyone else out.'' Tsunade commanded. Everyone filed out of the room in a matter of seconds and the door was shut with a loud bang in the silence.

''Tsunade-sama-''

''Don't.''

Sakura's jaw snapped shut.

''Im not even going to ask 'how could you have been so stupid', because, frankly Sakura, I don't care to know what ridiculous answer you've come up with. I always believed you were smarter than all...this. Clearly I was mistaken. These last few months have brought a young, stupid and immature girl out of you. Starting with your involvement with Uchiha Sasuke. Time and time again I've let your actions slide - even if they held implications for Konoha. No more. Enough.'' Tsunade took a deep breath and stood up, walking around the table so she was in front of Sakura.

''Naruto is leaving in the morning. You must realize why?''

''War...''

''Both he and the 8-tails will be moved to an undisclosed location for as long as possible. You, like Naruto, will not be participating in this war. You will stay in the village and work at the hospital, and you will damn well start being a mother for that child! You've put this off long enough! Its time to wake up! Kakashi filled me in on what happened with the Uchiha. Its time for you to realize! He's not here! He's never coming back!''

Sakura closed her eyes. She didn't dare open her mouth to speak against the Hokage, even if what Tsunade was saying was the reality...no matter what Sakura believed.

''If you should be as foolish again...I will not be able to turn a blind eye again. You will receive the full consequences of your actions, am I making myself clear?''

''Yes, shisou.'' Sakura bowed respectfully.

''Good. Now get out of my sight. Check in tomorrow before your shift at the hospital begins.''

''Yes, shisou...and I'm -''

''I don't have time for useless apologies. Words don't work.''

''Actions will, I know. Thank you, shisou.''

Tsunade watched Sakura leave, unsure of why the girl thanked her...but very certain that she got through to her.

Sakura entered her apartment in a zombie-state. In the back of her mind she knew she needed to go say goodbye to Naruto, but she just couldn't focus.

She entered her bedroom, and when the door clicked shut, she was suddenly back there, where he...Sasuke-kun, had left her. She saw him, as clear as day, and she heard him speak - the same words he'd spoken before he'd left. She felt his lips on hers. And then he was gone. Just like that.

Sakura's knees hit the soft carpet of her bedroom floor.

Her eyes, heavy and resistant, fell closed, letting a waterfall of tears slip down her cheeks.

''Why...why did you have to say it?'' she whispered into the darkness.

''If you just hadn't said it...this wouldve been easier...so much easier...''

Her tears fell faster but she didn't even think to stop them.

''I wish I still thought you hated me!'' a sob escaped her lips.

''Why...do you do this to me...?'' her arms circled her frame, that now shook so hard with her sobs that she just couldn't speak anymore.

She cried, and cried, and cried and it seemed to have no end as she sat there in the darkness, hunched over, holding herself tightly.

''Sakura...?''

She didn't even hear the voice. Ino set Miki down in the small crib that sat in Sakura's bedroom, one she'd only used after the birth, briefly, and never got a chance to remove.

The blonde crouched in front of Sakura. ''Oi! What is it?''

When Sakura didn't reply, a loud slap echoed through the room and then all was silent.

Sakura's eyes were wide and Ino's hand was still firmly against her cheek.

''That's enough.'' Ino said, letting her hand fall away.

''Look, I don't see Sasuke around anywhere, so I figure he must have up and left again. But Sakura, you need to grow the fuck up!''

Sakura blinked, her hand going to her throbbing cheek as she stared at Ino in disbelief.

''This...weak little girl - isn't you. Its never been you. We need the strong you back, Miki needs that you back, now more than ever.''

Sakura swallowed and looked over at the crib.

''You're right...'' she whispered hoarsely, nodding slowly.

''Get yourself together, this is pathetic.'' there was no joke in Ino's voice and Sakura knew it was the truth.

Ino put a hand over Sakura's. ''Everything is gonna be ok, you need to believe that.''

Sakura was silent, wondering to herself if she did. Would everything be ok if Sasuke never came back? Would she be able to make it without him?

It was at that moment that she decided. It was ok if he didn't wanna come home, she'd be able to make it - as long as he was alive...somewhere.

Sakura give one, notable nod. ''I do believe it.''

The next few weeks passed with everyone making preparations for the war. Sakura had been working steady shifts at the hospital. For two days a week she would work at the emergency port, treating accidents and such, three days would be spent at the maternity ward and the other two would just be treating patients.

Today, wednesday, was her first day of the week at the maternity ward. Her first patient was scheduled to arrive at 8am, so Sakura was patiently waiting in her office for a miss Sato Yuako. According to her records she's had two children at this hospital, both were delivered normally, other than that, the woman had never been in the hospital for other reasons.

There was a knock at the door.

''Sakura-sama, Sato Yuako-san is here for her appointment.''

''Thanks Misato-chan, please send her in.''

Sasuke entered the Akatsuki base quite calmly, walking past Zetsu without a word and heading to his room.

''Sasuke-san?''

Sasuke turned around, but instead he found Juugo.

''So you came.'' was all Sasuke said.

Juugo nodded. ''Of course.''

''Find Suigetsu.'' Sasuke said, starting to walk again, Juugo's heavy footfalls followed.

''What of Karin?''

''I don't need her anymore, if she gives you any trouble...kill her.''

Juugo hesitated for a second, and Sasuke turned to look at him, Juugo nodded in understanding.

''I'll go now.''

''Good, I wanted to speak to Sasuke - alone.''

Sasuke's jaw clenched. He'd been hoping to avoid Madara for as long as possible, but it would seem he wasn't that lucky.

Juugo hesitated, taking the few steps to Sasuke, but the younger Uchiha waved him off.

''Its fine. Go.''

Juugo gave Madara a wary glance before walking off.

The silence stretched out between the two Uchiha. Sasuke's stare didn't falter, he continued standing his ground, until Madara spoke up.

''I was beginning to think you'd been tamed by that pink-haired princess.''

''No.'' Sasuke snapped with his usual apathetic attitude.

More quiet - as if Madara was thinking the answer over, reading into everything about the answer until he was satisfied.

''I see you've lost your robe...would you like a new one?''

''Whatever. Suigetsu and Juugo will be returning here soon. Make some preparations. Rooms and stuff.'' Sasuke turned away and headed to his room.

''Sasuke.''

Said Shinobi stopped.

''Have you cut your ties with Konoha?''

With his back still to Madara, Sasuke closed his eyes. ''Yes.''

''Wonderful.''

Sasuke said nothing more as he headed to his room.

It was as he left it - locked. The trap hadn't been set off, meaning it had stayed locked in his absence.

He unlocked the door and removed the trap before he locked it behind him.

His desk lay as Sakura had broken it, her shredded clothes still on the floor. Sasuke picked up the pieces of his desk and piled them up in the corner with no real interest.

He stared at her clothes on the floor, fully intending to burn them away with his Amaterasu, but he hesitated. He wasn't sure why, and that pissed him off. Why was...what he felt for her such a hassle. He crouched down and piled the pieces onto each other. He lifted her breast bindings in his hand, clenching the cloth in his fist. Leaving her was harder than he'd imagined it would be. He'd thought he could just walk away and forget her - go back to the way things were before. But of course that wasn't possible at all. No matter how hard he pretended. Naruto was reluctantly understanding. Sasuke hadn't expected that, but the dobe had actually matured...a little. He smirked and shook his head, removing the bandages around his left wrist and then tied Sakura's bindings in it's place. He took her clothes and hid the small pieces in his pillow casing before he headed to the bathroom for a shower.

''So, Sato Yuako-san, what can I do for you today?'' Sakura asked folding her arms on the desk.

''Well, Sakura-sama-''

''Please, just Sakura is fine.''

''Sakura-san?'' she asked cautiously, with a smile.

Sakura rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders with a short laugh.

''Im...well, I think I'm pregnant.'' Yuako said.

''You think? Have you taken a home test?''

''I have, and it came out negative.'' Yuako told her sadly, clenching her hands together on her lap. ''But, I just have a feeling, you know?''

Sakura smiled and nodded. ''Any symptoms?''

''The usual, morning sickness, dizziness, tenderness in my breasts, going to the bathroom more often.''

Sakura nodded. ''Have you taken another test? Sometimes the result can change.''

Yuako shook her head. ''I figured it would be easier to just come in.''

''Well why don't you lie down and we'll see what's going on?'' Sakura mentioned to the bed and Yuako put her purse down on her seat and hopped onto the bed.

Sakura closed her eyes, using all her effort to focus her chakra, which had been a bit 'out of whack' lately. She figured it was a result of her stress and sleepless nights, every morning she'd been taking energy pills and the problem has gotten a bit better though.

Slowly, her hand was enveloped in a green glow.

Yuako lifted her floral blouse up to her ribs and Sakura's hand hovered over her abdomen.

''When was your last period, Yuako-san?''

''At the beginning of last month, I'm 2 weeks late.''

Sakura felt herself frown, now that Yuako mentioned being late, Sakura hadn't had her period this month either, that explain her chakra thing too. It was definitely stress.

''What is it? I'm not...''

Sakura blinked. ''No, you are.''

''Then why are you frowning?''

Sakura shook her head and removed her hand, already feeling a bit of strain from pushing her control.

''Oh, its nothing.''

''No, you can tell me.'' Yuako was about 10 years Sakura's senior, and when she looked into Sakura's eyes with such a caring gaze, Sakura couldn't resist a small, embarrassed laugh.

''Oh, I was just thinking how I'm late too.''

Yuako's eyes widened with excitement. ''Could you be expecting?''

Sakura laughed again. ''Oh no no! Its just stress.''

Yuako lifted an eyebrow. ''Have you and your boyfriend been intimate recently?''

Sakura felt her face heat up. ''Not..um, not very recently. Not for a few weeks.''

Yuako smiled slowly.

''No, Yuako-san, really! There's no way! Plus its too soon after Miki was born.''

''You're a mother?'' Yuako asked with a tender smile.

Sakura nodded. ''Shes about 3 months old now. So its not possible for me, not so soon.''

''Youre the doc here, is it physically possible for you, now?''

Sakura frowned a little. ''Yes, its physically possible. But...he pulled out, I'm sure of it, he's smart - the kind of guy who always thinks ahead.''

Yuako smiled. ''If you're sure,'' then she put a hand on her stomach. ''Its a girl...'' she said after a moment.

''How do you know?''

''The other two were both boys, this one feels more...delicate, that's the only way to explain it.''

''I'll be able to tell you for sure in about 2 months, from what you've told me, you're about a month along now.''

Yuako sat up and Sakura led her back to the desk.

''Do you mind giving me a home test, so I can show my husband?''

''Of course, not a problem.'' Sakura got up and grabbed a box out of the supplies cabinet.

''Here you go, I'm got to set up an appointment for you two weeks from now, and after that, once every month - depending on the growth.''

''Thank you,'' Yuako said, as she put the test into her purse.

''Misato-chan, at the desk will handle the appointment.''

Sakura and Yuako shook hands and the pinkette showed the woman out all the while reminding herself that it was impossible to be pregnant, and even so, she headed back to the supply cabinet, and took out a small box, quickly shoving it into her purse.

Sakura picked Miki up from the day nurse who luckily lived in the same apartment complex, except the day nurse lived on the ground floor. As Sakura entered her own apartment, Miki in arm, the box in her bag felt like it weighed a ton. She fed the baby and gave her a bath before she sat down in the rocking chair and began telling Miki about her day, while those dark familiar eyes looked up at her mild interest.

The more she told Miki of her encounter with Yuako, the more Sakura doubted her resolve.

Miki mumbled incoherently responses and gripped Sakura's finger throughout the conversation.

Soon, her eyes began to droop and Sakura hummed a tune until little Miki fell asleep and then some after that, simply rocking back and forth in the chair and humming until she couldn't put it off any longer.

She kissed Miki's cheek and then her forehead before she set her in the crib and tucked her in before she turned off the light and left the room.

Sakura wasted no time, she grabbed the box and headed to her bathroom.

She knew the basics. She just had to...go on the stick, simple.

''Remove the cap and hold the absorbent tip directly in your urine stream for 5 - 10 seconds. 2 lines - pregnant, 1 line - not pregnant.'' she read to herself even if she'd explained it to her patients a million times.

She followed the instructions and then found a timer clock in the cabinet under the sink. She set it for two minutes. The entire room was silent except for the ticking and her breathing. Sakura turned to the mirror.

''This is...everything will be...oh fuck, you-are-not-pregnant.'' she said to herself. ''I command myself not to be pregnant!''

Sasuke's smart. He wouldve pulled out, for sure. Right? Right.

Yeah...

A shrill ring filled the bathroom, Sakura's face drained of color. She took a deep breath. And then another before a shaky hand reached for the stick.

Here's the next chapter! Sorry for the cliffie!

I've never used a pregnancy test before, I hope two minutes is enough, I kinda just figured lol O.o

Next chapter will be up sometime next week!

Please review!

Stand By Me will be updated tomorrow probably.

Zana-Lee

xoxo