Chapter 24

The choice

Madara was agitated. He knew Sakura came back, but she hadn't tried to speak with him. He guessed she needed a little time alone to reflect on what she should do. Her choice wasn't an easy one. It didn't sit well with him. Madara wanted it to be simple. He wanted her to choose him without any further ado. They belonged together, they belonged to one another. He felt it!

All the nerves in his body demanded that he went upstairs and showed Sakura why she should've picked him up. He wanted to mark her, to claim her, to worship her body.

At the same time, he hoped she'd figure it out by herself. Forcing his way into her life would be meaningless. His impeccable sense of self-control was helping the shinobi to get his actions straight.

There was this fear inside of him that Sakura would abandon him, just like the other important persons in his life had done. It weakened him; he was afraid of living alone, once more.

Why wouldn't she? He asked himself rhetorically. All I've done was to cause her trouble and to hurt her.

He looked guiltily at his hands and shook them in disgust. He threatened her, mocked her, and took advantage of her inexperience. In truth, he didn't deserve her. She was bright, loving and caring while he was dark, bad and cruel. But he had powerful feelings for Sakura, that he didn't have the courage to name just yet.

He had to continuously remind himself that the pink-haired young woman came back to rescue him, that she'd been there to nurse him - forced in the beginning, but she finally chose to stay and not to hand him over -, and that she had brought love in his life. She anchored him to another reality, which appeared surreal.

For this, Madara Uchiha would be obliged all his life.

I'm not the right man for her.

A roar raised in his throat. He said well, but it didn't mean he could simply accept the situation. Letting her free wouldn't have been a problem ultimately, however, throwing her in someone else's arms was unacceptable. The thought that anyone aside from him would caress her, would kiss her, would have her squirming under him, made the shinobi sick. He didn't want to lend her body or mind or heart. He wanted her whole.

Madara took his time to reflect on all his wrongs - he didn't regret anything; not a single death stained his consciousness. It was only hurting her that he now wished to take back. Not the threatening, not making his point clear, but actually the way he'd tried to bend her till she snapped.

The Uchiha leader considered her innocence and naivety - how she had any was a mystery to him, as she'd passed through war too, and knew how hard the times had been. If Sakura was to stand by him, he'd steal it from her. Not because he wanted to, but because that's how he was.

We must have a conversation.

She had the right to know what she was getting herself into. Once she was in, there would be no way out; he wouldn't let her run away.

It is only fair that she knows that I would never…

The course of his thought was cut off by a knock at the door. It surprised him because he hadn't paid attention to his surroundings. His brows furrowed, it was late in the night. Sakura's chakra came in waves to him, and he hurriedly opened the door for her. A short check assured him that she was fine. It only confused him further. She kept her gaze below his eyes, and Madara stood still for a second because of her aloof behaviour - that how he perceived it.

As a matter of fact, Sakura was only unsure of her next move and didn't want to alarm the shinobi.

"I was wondering if…" she took a deep breath and her look fell on the ground.

Follow your heart. She kept repeating her shishou's words like a praying. She knew what her soul ached for. It was tall, dark, handsome and had amazing hair - all she could've asked for and more. While lying alone in bed, her body cold, she realised something. This was not how she wanted to live. She'd suffered enough and sorrow had been her companion for a too long time.

Konoha was the safer choice, but she couldn't care less about it. She didn't agree to become a kunoichi because she wanted to be safe or because she was afraid of the unknown. Perhaps her life with Madara wouldn't be always good, but they would have each other.

Half of her life she had let others choose for her - parents, friends, senseis, Konoha. No more; she was going to take life into her own hands and live like she wanted, not as she was supposed to. She could recall the saddened faces of dying victims while giving their last breath, knowing there were many things they had wanted to do but had never dared. She wouldn't be that way.

Fuck rationality and security.

Her lover was just like the sea. In spite of looking peaceful on the surface, its depths could kill you. She had to dive in, though.

She'd made her choice. She was determined to not go back. It was what she needed. Madara had to know that she'd made up her mind. So she told him, in the best way she could.

"If I could spend the night here, with you."

Vibrant green eyes met shocked onyx ones. Sakura's face flushed, but she didn't break the contact. Madara thought he hadn't comprehended what she was saying, what she was implying.

He gaped. For a split of a second there, he thought it was a sick joke before she left to Konoha. She was loyal. She was attached to the past. Sakura proved it several times to him. Now, it seemed he'd become the object of her faithfulness. He became painfully aware of Sakura's presence. He wasn't numb anymore. She stood proud in front of him, her cheeks were pink, her eyes filled with passion and curiosity, her lips trembling expectedly.

Still speechless, he let her in the room. Her first step was hesitant, matter which didn't go unnoticed by Madara. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind. The fact that Sakura made this invitation made him drown into ecstasy. But…

He closed the door and started turning in order to face her.

"We should dis-"

His words were curbed by her fierce kiss. Sakura cupped Madara's face and brought him closer. She had to action before she lost her courage. The kunoichi glued her body to his, and the brunet involuntarily encircled her waist. They broke apart only to get a mouthful of air. Madara's vision was blurred, his mind a dizzy place.

"Sakura, we have to ta-"

She knew what he was about to say; so she dug her nails in his skull and met his lips once again. She didn't want to hear his reasoning. The woman bit his lip, making him growl. Sakura pushed him in the door, and pressed him with her form. He could distinguish her nipples through her thin blouse. He was growing more and more aroused. His manhood was pressed on her stomach. He sucked her tongue and she moaned in his mouth. He couldn't control himself, could he? What sane man could've? And not even a saint would have refused her.

And Madara was far away from being a saint.

Her pants and eagerness convinced the shinobi that the talk might wait for a little while. After all, if she'd decided to leave the following day, he would still have the memories - she didn't specifically say she chose him, so he couldn't use it against her. It would have been an enormous error not to take what she was willing to offer him.

He bent his knees and caressed the flesh of her legs. She leaned into him even more and he caught a grip at her buttocks. Being lifted, Sakura's legs naturally wrapped around his torso. Her breasts rubbed against Madara's chest and his hand trembled. A smirk crossed her features. She honestly had no idea what she was doing. Her head felt light.

His fingers sent electricity into her body. She was so sensitive! Madara's palm got under her shirt, raising it ever so softly. Every spot he touched burned and turned on the fire inside of her. Minutes later, her shirt was somewhere on the floor. He knew they were rushing, but he couldn't hold back his excitement, his desire. He had waited it for so long.

She grated her hips and he jerked up. His nails dug into the material of her shorts.

"Ah."

Her head fell on his shoulder. Madara could feel the hot air she blew into his ear. He was so hard. Sakura's fingers were tangled in his long hair. She pulled him softly and he groaned. Her lover made her feel powerful and confident in her capacities. Never had she imagined she'd be able to make a man lose his head - not one like him, however.

Madara was graceful everything he did; but with her riding him, he felt an animalistic urge to take the control. His hands travelled along her ribs, right under her breasts.

"Madara," she admonished him.

He smirked and cupped her teats. The pink buds pushed into his skin. She tightened her legs around his waist. Did she have any idea what she was doing to him? He was losing his sanity, and they didn't even get started. It was merely foreplaying.

She moaned his name, and he turned them both, sticking her to the wall. This position allowed him to move more freely. Sakura explored him with her small palms, caressing the flesh on his chest and sides, and drawing an imaginary line along his abs. Nipping his jawline, the pink-haired girl thought she was in heaven. Otherwise the strange pleasure she felt couldn't be felt. Her insides were warm.

She felt something building inside of her. The brunet attempted to lift her face to kiss her. Then, she suddenly stiffened.

Madara observed Sakura's arms falling beside her body. He noted she was still. His lover's pupils were dilated and her lips slightly parted. He couldn't understand what happened. She looked… frightened.

He wondered if it was because they were moving too fast. But she had been the one to prompt him! Then, he realised what problem arose. He cursed under his breath.

In his heat to kiss her, Madara fingers reached her neck and encircled it loosely while using the thumb to lift her chin. The flicker of fear he saw in her eyes, even though just for a moment, was enough to make him want to punch himself to death.

He didn't try to calm or to push her further. Instead, he whispered an apology and took his hand. She stopped him by catching his wrist.

"Don't," she said huskily.

Sakura let him feel her accelerated pulse. He looked hurt and unwilling, but she wouldn't accept a "no" for an answer. Her eyelids fluttered closed. The silence in the room was disturbing. Madara didn't dare to breathe. When she eyed him several moments later, there was a determination in her gaze he'd only seen on the battlefield.

"Turn on your Sharingan."

The brunet looked dumbfounded by her request.

"No."

"Do it, Madara."

He tried again to snatch his hand free. He knew exactly what moment she was recreating. She put even more force in her grip. It was awkward - being in such an intimate position, but playing the scenario of their worst encounter. Sakura didn't care. She had her reasons. She couldn't spend the rest of her life with a man of whom she was afraid. She refused to be trapped in that type of reality. Sakura didn't forgive him, but was adamant to give him another chance at trust.

She didn't want to have Madara looking guiltily at her every morning, she didn't want him to cautiously touch her, fearful not to scare her away. Despite everything, he saved her. She'd put her life in his hands.

Finally, he complied with her demand. She was now looking at a three-tomoe crimson eye. Her heart skipped a beat, for a split of a second. He was… breathtakingly handsome. His bloodline limit was lethal, she knew too well. But when he regarded her so concerned, so gentle… It was too much. Sakura caught one black lock and brought his face closer. Their noses were touching. Madara could feel her fresh breath dancing on his lips. He wanted to close his eyes. He hated that she made him live again that experience - of losing control and giving into madness. She seemed content, nevertheless, so his pupils never left her face.

"Don't turn it off, tonight."

With that, she leaned closer and gave him another kiss. Not only did she want to prove him she'd allow him to see her in a very vulnerable position when he could've killed her in seconds, but she also had a selfish reason. She knew that Sharingan had the capacity to capture each tiny detail and impregnate it into the mind of the user. She wanted Madara to remember their first time. She wanted him to have the vivid image of these moments in his head. That way, whether he'd decide someday to just leave, he wouldn't be able to forget her.

Reticently, he responded. She put her hands on his shoulders and rubbed along his length.

"Ok," he said in a rough voice. "But we got to go slower."

She laughed playfully and kissed his neck. Her palm was over his heart - just a spurt of chakra would've been enough. The medic knew that, in truth, she was just as dangerous as him in this game, but their aim wasn't to hurt each other.

She nuzzled the place under his left ear. She felt bold and daring, although it was her first experience. She wanted to do this and she had for a while. The shyness she felt in the beginning was no longer there.

"Lead the way," she teased.

And so he did. Madara took her to the bed, lying her down carefully. Then, he started kissing her from the place between her breasts to the navel. Her skin was so silky. He licked it and she shivered. When he reached her pants, he looked up at her, asking for permission. She nodded, not really knowing what she agreed with, not really caring.

He undressed her too slowly. She was a bud of nerves. Madara bent her knees and kneeled in front of her. Sakura had no idea what was happening, but the image of Madara's head between her thighs was making funny things to her insides. Not breaking the eye contact, he lowered his face until his mouth touched her there. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Sakura screamed in stupor when she felt his tongue. She fretted under his ministration, wrinkling the mattress with her hands.

Madara was enjoying this very much. Seeing Sakura in ecstasy was his aphrodisiac - not that he needed any at the moment. She tasted sweet and surprisingly good. To speak the truth, the Uchiha leader had never done it before, but he had heard in his young days that it turned all the women on. He had been anxious, but was happy to find out Sakura wasn't bothered by his doings. He sucked the bud he found there, and she lifted on her elbows for a second, moaning loud. He smirked, still having her in his mouth. She felt something coming, although she had no idea what it was. It felt as if a volcano was about to erupt inside of her.

With a high-pitched scream, she caught Madara's head and kept him there. He boldly bit her lightly and her eyes rolled. She'd never experienced something similar. Nothing could be compared to this godly feeling. Her lover kept her legs still, so she didn't smash his skull while trying to close them. Madara chuckled softly. Her body went numb. She wondered if all sex was this good.

This is no sex, you baka! Inner Sakura yelled, making her whimper It's lovemaking.

This brought a smile on her lips. Madara got up, and she analysed him.

"Don't you have too many clothes on?"

He shrugged and took the margins of his blouse.

"Come here," Sakura demanded while moving at the edge of the bed.

His brow rose at her deliciously sexual voice. He was so hard it hurt, but he was determined to do everything right and to not scare her away. He complied once again and found it wasn't so bad to listen to her requests - though they sounded more like orders.

Teasing him, the kunoichi let her palms wonder under his attire. She came across a nipple, and curiously, she pinched it.

"Fuck, Sakura."

"Did I hurt you?" She asked worriedly.

He snorted something between a laugh and a cry.

"Damn no. Do it again."

She smiled childishly and got rid of his blouse. Soon enough his pants were gone, too. She touched him everywhere, pouring lava into his system, frying him more than a Katon could've. It felt so good he hardly could believe it was true. He was tempted to believe it was the Tsukuyomi playing tricks on him. But then she wrapped two finger around his manhood.

Flesh to flesh.

Warm to warm.

Soft and hard.

Shy and bold.

He hissed and she gave him a squeeze, biting her lip. Madara growled and it was the sexiest thing she'd ever heard.

"I… Sakura… can't…"

His words were incoherent. He could only think about being buried inside of her, letting her hot cave warm him, trap him. He threw the underwear and jumped with her on the bed. He made sure to be the first one to touch it, to not have Sakura hurt.

"It's ok. It's ok," she repeated.

Madara climbed on top of her. Sakura's legs were around his neck. He knew it might hurt, but she hushed him before he managed to speak.

"I won't break, Madara," she asserted, noting his tense muscles.

Inhaling, he went in, slowly, until there wasn't any more spare space. Sakura didn't felt discomfort or pain, only an odd sensation of being full. She was satisfied. It was as if she had connected with Madara through this act. He breathed hazardously. He wanted to move. Every inch of him was yelling at him to start moving. But he had to make sure her lover was alright, that she could handle it.

She knew what he was doing. She was feeling like crying. He'd never imagine she could be so linked to a person. A tear escaped her eyes, and Madara caught it with his lips.

"I'm sor-"

"Don't. All I can think about is how I'd love to have you here forever."

The brunet gritted his teeth. It was the sweetest phrase he'd heard. She moved slowly, and he lost his breath. It was so deliciously good. He fell into her rhythm, eventually coaxing her into his.

As they simultaneously reached their edge, Madara and Sakura screamed the name of each other.

Madara woke up. He looked at the woman next to him. She was curled up, searching his warmth. He caressed her skin. Did he really deserve her?

Quietly, he went upstairs. What he didn't consider was that Sakura might not expect waking up alone.

Sakura immediately put her palm on the mattress. It was still warm, which meant Madara hadn't had left long ago. She sighed softly and rolled on the small bed. She could feel his scent everywhere - on the bed, in the air, on her. It gave her an uncanny feeling, but not necessarily displeasing.

Why did he go? She couldn't help but wonder.

The woman had expected to see him right next to her in the morning, to feel his warm flesh under her fingertips. She wasn't experienced at all, but as far as she was aware, it wasn't a good sign to not wake up next to your lover after you had an intimate encounter. The medic bit her lips in a painful way. Had she been doing something wrong? She had felt as if she had had touched the stars, but perhaps her lack of experience bothered him…

Sakura shook her head vigorously. Madara trembled under her touch and repeated her name as in a praying. It couldn't have been all an act to deceive her!

She got up in a swift motion. Her legs felt weak and the place between her thighs hurt a little. The memories of the past night came into her mind and that made her blush. She had been so brave!

"What was I thinking?" she asked aloud and was shocked to find out that her voice was hoarse.

The pink on her cheeks deepened. It was irrational to be ashamed; she wanted all that had happened and she'd been more than eager. But now, in the light of the day, she didn't feel as courageous as the night before.

Sakura inhaled and let out a shaky breath. The air was still filled with the smell of their perspiration and the atmosphere was abnormally tense. There was no way she could wait for Madara to come back. She wanted to find him!

She took noticed of her state of nudity and decided against running around the house like this. One of Madara's shirts was nicely packed on a chair. He wouldn't be mad if she borrowed it for a little while, would he?

Going upstairs, she first checked the kitchen. She'd been surprised not to see him there. But what amazed her further was the appealing perfume of freshly made green tea. She smiled a little smile and her heart clenched. He did not want to let people know it, but Madara was a good guy, in his own way. It was the tiny details that made him different.

Sakura took the cup and sipped on it. The tea was prepared exactly how she liked it, strong, without any added sugar. The Uchiha leader was truly an attentive man - he had seen her making green tea only twice.

She finished the beverage quick, only because she was ever so excited to meet her lover. Sakura had made her decision. She'd choose Madara over the Leaf Hidden Village and she wouldn't regret a second.

He felt her approaching before she had gotten on the rooftop. Madara was anxious. Last night, Sakura hadn't been willing to let him speak and he hadn't been strong enough to tell what he had to firstly. His palms were sweaty and he couldn't remember ever feeling this giant ball in his stomach.

Madara eyed the horizon. Whatever her decision would be, he'd accept it. He had hope, but he would respect her wish because he loved her enough for this. She deserved to be treated the right way.

"Couldn't sleep?" she asked as soon as she reached the place next to him.

She didn't touch him and Madara was grateful. Her silky hand would have disturbed his thoughts and her passionate kisses would have made him lose his mind.

"I needed some air," he answered but wanted to take back his words when she saw the uneasiness in her eyes. "And I usually wake up very early in the morning."

It seemed to somehow calm Sakura.

"Madara, I cho-"

"We need to talk," he mercilessly disturbed her. It was now or never. He couldn't let her say she had chosen him just yet. He couldn't risk ruining her. "I need to talk. Last night you wouldn't want to listen to me, but I must speak my mind to you."

She swallowed. There was this unnerving sensation in her gut. Truth was, she was afraid. Madara took her silence as an affirmative response.

"I won't change. I can't change," he stated simply and his words cut her open. "I'll try, though, for you; but this is who I am. Don't expect me to become compassionate, to stop killing, to stop doing what I consider being right. It won't happen."

His words cut her open. She knew. Sakura's desire wasn't to do it, as she had fallen in love with who he was, not some sort of an ideal. But when she tried to voice her opinion, he started speaking once again.

"I will be possessive and I'll do things you won't like. I know I've hurt you, and I cannot take that back, even though I want. My only regret is hurting you," he noticed how his lover's hand flew to her neck. "I can't promise you I won't hurt you in the future. I'm an impulsive man, Sakura."

"I wouldn't ask you to," she replied in a low tone.

"I will be selfish and at times irrational. And there's nothing more that I want than to hear you saying you chose me over the Leaf Village, but think well; once you say it, there's no turning back. Uchiha's love is for eternity and although there are many variables with me, you can be certain I'll be there for you anytime."

She was… speechless, astonished. She'd never thought him capable of speaking with so much emotion. He had heard him well, but the only thing resounding in her head was the word love.

"So, do you love me?"

He regarded her as he'd regard a crazy person. His eyes were widened in disbelief. His Sharingan wasn't yet activated and she took the moment to admire his beautiful sparkly dark eyes. His confession touched her to the core, and all she could think of was to hug him tightly.

"Of course, I do. I love you with all my damned heart! That's why you have to think wisely. Once you chose me, you'll be mine. I won't let you run away from me, or anybody to take you away."

His words had a deadly threaten in them, but they covered her heart in a warm shield. Tears were starting to gather in her eyes, blurring her vision. She had craved for this kind of love. She had wanted someone for her own for so long.

"I suppose you'll be mine, too?" she asked playfully, but he took her seriously.

"I shall be yours even if you refuse to return my love."

Now she was really crying. She blindly reached for him and he encircled her waist, pulling her closer.

"I chose you, Madara. I'll always choose you because I also love you. Despite your blemishes, your past, and your wrongs. I want you just as you are right now. And I know it won't be easy living with you, but don't expect me to make it less challenging for you."

He squeezed her. The Sharingan user couldn't get enough of his lover. She was so kind, caring, loving - he had no idea he could've catch a grip on her. He wasn't a good man for her. But she chose him, in spite of knowing this, and for that he was thankful. He'd try his best to please her and to make her life a living heaven, as she was his salvation.

As for Sakura, she was glad to find someone for herself, in the end - somebody who understood her, who was willing to make her happy and who'd stand by her side.

She buried her face in his chest and planted a soft kiss there. She was selfish just like him if not more. She murmured with her nose still in his blouse, taking in his essence. Two words, that had been all she'd said, but Madara heard them perfectly. Two words that made all his doubts run, that made his heart flutter and that urged him to thank Kami for bringing Sakura into his life.

Two words with which he totally agreed.

"Mine entirely."

The End