I really want to thank you all for the support you have given me. I'm doing well, and typing is helping as a distraction. I'm used to death in this time of my life (weird for a 15 year old to say) but yeah. So thank you all and I hope you enjoy this….although…I do have a fair warning.
The worst to happen maybe in a few chapters, 2-3 I think and it has nothing to do with the mission they are going on. Um, you will all hate me. I plan on having a big tragedy, then another, then things will clear up, then another slightly bad happening, then everything should run smoothly and you will all get the wonderful and mainly happy ending you all want. There will be a huge twist at the end that will lead into the sequel!
Ok, I'm giving a lot away. So onward.
You already know my disclaimer.
A big thanks to Lil Sasuke for being my 1000th reviewer! Thank you all for my reveiws and here are cookies for you all! Your favorite kind of course! And...a free trip to a hot spring? with your choice of one of the Naruto characters!
"Hinata, why did you run away?" Neji asked as he studied the girl. He noticed her own protective boundary was being put up as she placed her hands in front of her and lightly bit down on her thumb.
"Um…I-I just…I couldn't-take staying there." She answered truthfully. Her confidence levels dropped as she wondered what Neji would do. Would he turn her in to her father, or let her be? Neji was an unpredictable person so you could never tell. She watched him with careful eyes and his face remained as stoic as ever.
Tenten listened carefully, also curious as to what Neji was planning. He had only had expectations to stay and hide in Tenten's home, not find the refugee here. Would he hate her from keeping his from him? Oh she hoped not. She never wanted Neji to be mad at her. Oh dear! What about the kiss? What if he hated her for that? She began to inwardly panic and missed out on what the other two were saying.
"I'm tired of Hiashi-sama as well. His rules for us all are ridiculous and I for one do not wish to abide by them. Though I don't have much choice." Neji stated distastefully. The boy didn't hold respect for many people besides his elders. "That was a bold move you pulled, running away."
Hinata blushed and lowered her head. She didn't know how to answer to that but she had a question for him. "What do you plan on doing with me? Are…are you going to tell father?" she asked quietly.
Neji sighed and leaned back slightly on the bed. Tenten beside him was started by the sudden movement and jumped lightly. Neji gave her a strange look out of the corner of his eye as he crossed his arms. "I'll leave that to you. If you want to talk to Hiashi-sama then you do that. If you wish to remain here with Tenten, then that is your choice. Though," he started. His eyes turned a slightly darker shade. "I heard that Naruto is on the brutal receiving end of Hiashi-sama's wrath."
Hinata gasped and looked terrified at that moment. What could her father be doing to Naruto? "What do you mean?" She gasped out.
"Naruto was interrogated by Hiashi-sama. None to nicely I should add. They're accusing him of smuggling you out of the house and out of the village. Truly outrageous really." He looked thoroughly displeased as he thought of the family's unpleasant means of taking care of the situation at hand. "I'm shocked really. He was smiling like his normal self just yesterday as if nothing happened."
'He's strong' Hinata thought. 'Just like I have to be.' She knew she had to go back and face her father. She had to do something, say something. There had to be a way to get out of the whole mess so she could be with Naruto. If only she didn't have to be the next heiress.
The thought seemed to smack her in the face. Her face went blank as she stared off into space, formulating the plan in her head. It just may work. It could, she just had to convince her father that….oh it had to…
"Neji!" she suddenly burst out. The unnatural tone of her voice shocked the other two. "I know it's a big thing to ask but…do you think that…if I convinced father…that you would take over as head of the family?"
The question was more of a surprise than anything. Neji was rendered speechless and Tenten gawked at her friend. "Wait…you want Neji…to take over as head of the family in your place?" she asked to make sure she heard correctly. The heiress nodded.
"Please. I know it may be selfish of me, but it may be good for both of us. I'll be able to be with Naruto and you will get the respect you deserve and want. You may not say it Neji, but I know you crave the higher level of respect from the family that your truly deserve." She was pleading now. Her face held a look of desperation.
Neji knew she was right too. He did want respect even if it was hard for him to admit. And for her to be with Naruto. He could see her brighter, happier face now. He had grown slightly protective of the girl. It was part of his duty, but also part of their ties that bonded them as cousins. He felt the need to do what he could to make her happy. But will Hiashi do it? Will he induct someone of the branch family, to take over as head? It would take a lot to convince him. It wouldn't be easy and Hinata would be in for one hard battle. But if she was able to do it, could he handle the responsibility of being in charge?
He could figure it out. He was a strong shinobi and a strong team leader when he was appointed to be. Surely he could do this.
"If you find a way to convince Hiashi-sama, then I will take your place as the head of the family Hinata." He finally agreed. The girls face lit up and she nodded her head.
"Thank you so much Neji. I'll try my hardest." She had to go. She had to see her father and talk to him. "I have to go and see him. I'll return for my things later if you don't mind Tenten?"
The brunette shook her head. "Of course not." She responded and smiled. "I really hope everything works out for you." She said encouragingly. Hinata smiled.
"Thank you. Both of you. I really should go now." The girl walked briskly from the room. That left Neji and Tenten together. Alone in Tenten's room.
Tenten suddenly realized how quiet it was. Not that it mattered. It was actually nice just being with Neji on any circumstances. They didn't have to be doing anything in particular and she could be content. But should she say something? But what to say? Or maybe he would talk. Oh no, that wouldn't happen. It was Neji with her not Lee.
"If you don't mind my asking, what was with that kiss?" Neji surprisingly asked. Tenten jumped back into the middle of her bed.
"Oh that…that was to stop you from, you know going in my room! It obviously didn't stop you. I'm really sorry. I didn't intend to do it, really I didn't." she stopped her rambling in an attempt to stop more embarrassment from washing over her.
The pale eyed boy seemed satisfied with the answer since he didn't reply. The silence wasn't necessarily uncomfortable. Between the two, they had grown used to each other and accustomed to what each person was like. The silences between them were almost a natural thing that was supposed to be there. They were never out of place or awkward.
"So," Tenten started as she played with her pant leg. She noticed that she still hadn't changed out of her pajamas. "Do you think you could handle being head of the family? You know, if Hiashi-sama ever let you take over?" she questioned.
Neji sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not so sure." He said. The boy fell back on the bed just in front of his teammate and stared at the ceiling. It really was a big responsibility.
The girl let out a small chuckle and brushed the small amount of bangs that covered Neji's face out of the way. She smiled down at him. He glanced up at her and the moment their eyes made contact they both looked away. That was strange. The way they just were, it was almost like…and intimate moment between a couple or something. Now that was awkward and out of place. Though not unpleasant on Tenten's side.
Neji sat up and shook his head slightly. That was strange. He had a felt this warm feeling flow through him when Tenten smiled down at him. It wasn't unpleasant or anything of the sort. It was a nice feeling that was new to him. He had felt it very few other times before. And it all happened when he was around his female teammate. The whole feeling was a mystery to him. He wasn't an expert on emotions and he had never experienced anything like this before.
"I think I'm going to train." He managed to speak out. He didn't see the disappointed look on the girl's face when he said those words. She really wanted him to stay so she could spend more time with him.
Neji suddenly turned around to her. "Would you like to join me?"
Sometimes she felt really lucky. She didn't have a family, and she didn't have a huge amount of friends. Her life as a ninja was tough as can be but…still she did have a lot. She had enough friends, plenty enough for her that loved her all the same. And her life wasn't terrible. She choose the ninja life and vowed to get stronger and stronger. But she did have a family. Her team was her family. They loved her, they supported her, and they took care of her. They gave her what she needed. Even if they drove her mad sometimes, she couldn't help but love them as much as they loved her.
And Tenten knew that Neji loved her too. Maybe not in the way she wanted, but there was always time for that to change. Everything changes over time. And at times, she thought she could see the caring look she had always wanted from Neji. It would be for a brief moment, but it was there. The loving, caring look. She would just have to wait till he realized his feelings for her.
"Yeah I'll come. Just give me time to change." She said smiling. Once again, one of those reserved, rare smiles was shown. It was a ghost of a smile maybe, but it was for her and only her.
And she loved it.
(0 0)
( u u )
"I think this will be enough. It's only a two day travel from here to Mist country so we'll have to eat on the way." Sakura proclaimed as she finished off the last bento. She packed them together and smiled at her handy work. "We don't need too much to eat right? And we'll improvise on the rest of the way."
Her talk was out loud, but mainly to herself since Sasuke really wasn't listening from his place on the couch. He had his bag packed all ready and he just wanted to go. He didn't show it at all but he was extremely anxious to get going on this mission. Though he wasn't thrilled with Sakura's roll at all. Some other guy hitting on his girlfriend did not suit Uchiha Sasuke well at all and if that man did anything to her, oh he would be dead before he even knew what hit him.
"Let's get going now. I have to stop by Ino's if you don't mind." She said. They weren't due to the village gates for just over half an hour and she had to get some supplies from her friend.
"Hn."
It didn't take them long until they reached the small apartment that belonged to Ino and Shikamaru. Sakura knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. She could faintly hear some yelled from behind the door. Sakura paled and Sasuke raised an eyebrow to the sound. This didn't sound great.
The door opened to reveal a disheveled Shikamaru who suddenly looked solaced. He stepped right out of the way while saying, "Please help."
Sakura immediately stepped inside and figured the problem was Ino. "What's wrong?" she inquired. There was a muffled cry down the hallway. Sasuke stared down the hall with a dumbfounded look.
"Her. She…she's unmanageable!" he said in expiration. If it was someone who was weaker than Shikamaru, they probably would be crying right now. "I want her un-pregnant. I can't take it!"
Sakura patted his shoulder and led him over to the couch. Sasuke sat on the other side while Sakura took the spot in the middle. "What is it Shikamaru?" Sakura asked again.
"Ino. She had said something about wanting to get new clothes. So I suggested that we look for clothes that will fit her better. And she took it the wrong way and now she's freaking out and I can't stop her!" the poor boy looked completely lost. He didn't know what to do.
And Sasuke on the other hand observed the situation and wondered why he was in such a hurry to have the next heir. If being with a pregnant woman broke Shikamaru down like this, it would surly be hell for him.
"Don't worry. Let me talk to her. I have to get a dress from her anyways." Sakura suggested and stood up. She walked from the room and entered Ino's bedroom.
"Ino? It's me. Are you alright?" she asked cautiously. She peered into the room to find clothes strewn about. Her friend was viciously rummaging through her dresser and pulling out different sets of clothes, then shaking her head at them and mindlessly tossing them behind her. "Do you enjoy making your room a pigsty Ino-pig?" Sakura questioned with a raised eyebrow. She picked up a kimono style light green blouse that was lined with black. She had to remember to ask to borrow that some time.
Tossing the shirt on the bed Sakura walked over to Ino's side and looked down as the blonde muttered things to herself and held a crazed look on her face.
"Ino?" Sakura spoke a bit louder. The semi-insane girl turned around while holding a pair of faded tight jeans in her hands.
"These fit me three weeks ago! Three weeks! Now they don't even go over my fat butt and my thighs are huge and I can't take this! I'm fat Sakura! Just say it! Shika basically said it to me! I want the truth!" The sane kunoichi could have sworn she saw a dribble of drool roll from the other one's mouth but said nothing. She leaned down and put a hand on her shoulder and led the girl to her bed, much like what she had just done for Shikamaru.
"Ino, you're not fat. It's all from the baby. It's a cute baby pouch." Sakura said in a baby tone and poked at the small bulge through her friend's black t-shirt. Ino slapped her hand away and frown threateningly. Her blue eyes flashed darkly as a warning to never do that again. "Besides, you can't avoid…growing." Sakura said, hoping her word wouldn't offend Ino. She couldn't say, "Besides you can't avoid getting fat." That was one of the girl's worst nightmares (Apart from going a whole day forgetting that she wasn't wearing pants. Sakura had heard that nightmare many many times.)
"Hmph. Right. Did you need something?" Ino said moodfully.
"First, understand that Shikamaru wasn't calling you fat." Sakura explained and left the bed. She crossed over to the closet and opened the door. The small room had been separated from Ino's things to Shikamaru's. Sakura started rummaging through Ino's clothes. The girl sure did have a lot of jackets considering they lived in fire country. It may not get as hot as Suna, but with their country's higher humidity average, it sure felt hotter.
"Well, what he said wasn't nice. Said that we could look for clothes that will fit me better." She said dejectfully. "It's as if he doesn't like how I look."
Sakura picked up a small black halter top dress and looked it over. "But couldn't he have meant that he just wanted you to be happy and comfortable?" she retorted in Shikamaru's defense. Ino didn't reply at all. Sakura held the dress up to her frame. The bottom frilled out and came down just above her knees. It seemed perfect.
Stepping out of the closet, the medic nin noticed her friend looking guilty. She smiled unknowingly. The pair would work things out. Really, she thought they just needed some time away from each other. That's all they needed at the moment.
"What did you need anyway?" Ino asked quietly.
Sakura held up the dress. "Something to wear. I have an alluring mission." she said, using the kunoichi nickname for these types of missions. She sighed and bit her lip. "If I can handle it." she concluded. Ino looked up in sympathy.
"I always hated those missions. Some of the guys could be real creeps. I hope this guy for you is a least semi cute. Is it an assassination?"
Sakura nodded and walked towards the door. "Yeah it is. And the whole thing basically rides on me. I have to seduce him, I have to kill him, and I have to steal the scroll we need from him." In her head, Sakura debated over telling Ino about her pregnancy or not.
Definitely not. She didn't need the other girl to worry about her and stress out. Ino already had enough stress on herself as it is so even adding this small tidbit of strain wouldn't help her.
"Yeah, well Sasuke and I have to get to the village gates in like…ten minutes so I'll talk to you when I get back. I have to give you another checkup. You need to get an ultrasound done." Sakura said smiling. Ino's face remained unreadable as she watched her friend exit the room. She listened to the small goodbyes being exchanged and the front door closed as the two teammates left her home.
"Shikamaru!" she shouted loudly.
An audible sigh filled her ears as she heard his footsteps approach their room. He walked in and looked at the jumble of clothes on the floor. He rubbed the back of his head and looked over at Ino who stared at the floor with a sorry expression.
"You rang?" he asked, sounding almost annoyed. But he wasn't annoyed with her. He was just tired. And lazy. And wanted to rest.
There was a drawn out pause before Ino parted her lips to speak. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you." She spoke softly. His eyes widened at her words. He was expecting to be told to do something, not be apologized to. "I know I'm bossy, demanding, spoiled, and a plain old brat. And I take advantage of you, and I cry until I get what I want. I've always been like that and I'm sorry for doing it to you. I know you only want what's best for me, and I'll try to be better. Better for you." She avoided looking at him.
Shikamaru walked over to her. "Mendoksu." He said as he sat beside her. Ino looked up with a confused look, her mouth agape. "Would I be with you if I didn't like you just how you were? Sure you can be bossy but, that's Ino. That's who you are. You take charge and don't let anyone get in your way. I love that about you. You're a strong woman Ino."
The kunoichi's eyes softened as she smiled at her koibito. "Ai Shiteru Shika-kun." She said and hugged him tightly around the waist.
"Oi. You're going to kill me." He said as he noted just how tight the embrace was. She pulled back and pouted cutely, causing him to grin easily. He could never resist her pout. Ino rested her head on his shoulder.
"I think we should take that shopping trip. I don't have anything that will fit me." She said, pointing to the inanimate clothing. Shikamaru nodded.
"You're in luck. I get paid tomorrow."
Ino's eyes sparkled dangerously and her grin widened. Shikamaru gulped. Tomorrow would be his own personal nightmare.
Surprisingly they were the first to arrive at the gates of the village. Sasuke and Sakura waited for the other members to arrive. It wasn't long until the lustrous colors of Naruto appeared. Though his colors stood out against his hidden, gloomily looking face. He bore no smile, which would have been expected seeing that he was finally going on a higher ranked mission. Instead he looked, for lack of a better term, depressed.
The boy walked up to the pair and would have kept going had Sakura not grabbed his arm. He looked up and noticed he had made it to his destination and was gaining an odd look from one person and being ignored by the other.
"Naruto?" Sakura said, having to bend over to see his face. He gave her a sideways glance and straightened up. "Something the matter?"
The change was almost immediate and Naruto suddenly went bipolar. He grinned sheepishly; his eyes closed and rubbed the back of his head. "Of course Sakura-chan. I was just…admiring the ground." He covered lamely. He knew it was the stupidest thing ever to say, but he didn't want the girl to worry over him too much.
There was a snort of disbelief on Sasuke's end. Kakashi could come up with a better excuse than that. Sakura took his hint and dropped the subject for the moment. She would ask him later. She knew how he felt. Something happened, and at the moment he didn't want to talk, but he would talk eventually. And she would always be there to listen to him.
Not too long after Naruto, Sai arrived with his practiced, fake smile. The others gave him a mediocre greeting, causing the emotionless boy to wonder if he did something wrong.
Twenty minutes later…
"I spy with my amazingly awesome eye something…green." Naruto said as he looked out into the forest. Sakura sweatdropped, Sai looked around curiously, trying to locate said "green" item and Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"The whole damn forest is green moron." The brooding man said as he rolled his eyes. The game was pointless since there wasn't much to "spy."
"Yeah well that means there are a lot of options!" Naruto retorted. He seethed at his teammate, shaking a fist at him.
Suddenly a puff of smoke erupted from behind Sasuke, who stayed collected and didn't even flinch at the sudden intrusion. "Yo."
"You're late damnit!" Came two cries as two sets of fingers pointed at him accusingly. The silver haired jounin held his hands in front of him in defense, smiling innocently.
"What was it now?" Sakura asked seething.
"Helping a cat out of a tree?" Naruto went on.
"Helping an old lady?" Sakura asked.
"Covering up a murder?" Naruto said.
"Fell in the toilet?" Sakura spoke.
"Was attacked by evil alien clowns" Naruto indicted.
"Couldn't find your lucky boxers?" Sakura denounced.
"My, my Sakura. How did you know? You wouldn't happen to have taken them from me could you? You little pervert." Kakashi said amusingly and watched as the girl's face grew bright red.
"I didn't say that! You jerk! I did not! Why would I?" The girl let out a howl of frustration and turned around, stomping away from the man. "And I'm not a perv!" she cried.
--------
"The village is just up here." Kakashi noted. He knew the area well having been to the Village hidden in the Mist many times. He had taken the route they were on now many times and could basically time how long it would be until they reached their destination. "Headbands off." He said as he began to untie his hitai ate. He pulled an eye patch out from his pocket and placed it over his sharingan.
"Why? Aren't we allies with the mist country?" Sakura questioned as she untied her headband. Sasuke, Naruto, and Sai all did the same.
"This guys going to be cautious of any ninja." Sasuke said and tucked his hitai ate away in his pocket. He ran his fingers through his hair to straighten it out.
"Correct Sasuke." Kakashi spoke. "We have to keep a low profile while we're here. I mean, we can't be seen to close to Sakura if we wander out. I would prefer that we stay inside until we locate Akito. Aside from myself. I have to gather information." The older man came to a halt. He took out a kunai from his weapons pouch and made a small slit in his thumb. Quickly, he made the necessary hand seals and slammed his hands down to the ground. "Summoning jutsu!"
A large cloud of smoke surrounded the area Kakashi had set his hands down. As it began to dissipate, a small figure was left sitting on the ground, looking up at its master. "You need me for something?"
"Pakuun!" Naruto cried out. The dog was no longer a puppy as it once was when the group was twelve, but Pakuun hadn't grown too much since then. He was still the small pug that the group had come to know. The hound licked his paw as he awaited instructions.
"You're going to be traveling with Sakura. I need you to sniff someone out." Kakashi said. He set his pack down on the dirt path and began to shuffle through it. "The associates who assigned us this mission had one clue on Akito. Tsunade gave it to me and said it should help in locating him." It was then that Kakashi pulled out a small white sock form his bag.
"Uh…a sock?" Sakura asked as she looked at it curiously. Kakashi smiled.
"Exactly." He kneeled down and held the garment in front of the small dog who sniffed at it.
"But where did they get it?" Naruto asked.
"They were following his trail and it led to a hotel he stayed at. He forgot this little piece in his room." Kakashi placed the stock back in his bag. "Now, Sakura you don't happen to have street clothes on you do you? It won't matter too much for the rest of us, but you have to look as normal as possible. And your attire now," He scanned over her normal ninja clothing, "just screams ninja."
Sakura nodded her head. "Yeah I do." There was a long pause and no moved, nor said anything. There were five sets of eyes on Sakura, who seemed to be oblivious to them all.
"Uh, that means that you can change into them. Now." Kakashi said, sighing at his teammate's massive air head. She really could space out at times.
"Here? In the woods? Damnit that's the highlight of my day." She growled and looked around for a secure spot. There was a jumble of bushes a good distance behind the group and she dashed off. "You all stay there. Don't even think of coming over here." She growled.
Luckily, her teammates held enough respect to not intrude on her as she changed. She almost felt unsure of herself as she walked back out to meet them. She felt like one of those school girls she saw up on the bleachers earlier in the stadium. She had on a black skirt that just above her knee and a deep blue tank-top. She walked up to them nervously and wandered why she chose to bring this as her street clothing choice. She should have brought her jeans and a normal shirt.
"You do have…interesting taste." The silver haired man stated. He wouldn't have pictured her in this type of clothing. Although after seeing her in just a sports bra and shorts this morning, he should stop assuming things about the girl.
Sakura blushed at the comment. "Sorry, I kind of randomly grabbed some things out of my dresser. I didn't think I would actually need to wear my street clothes." She argued back. "Anyways, what am I going to do though? Am I staying with you guys or not?"
Kakashi shook his head and pointed down at the hound who had his nose stuck up in the air, trying to pick up Akito's scent. "You'll be going in with Pakuun. The two of you will enter the village first, and we'll follow along afterwards." He explained. "Tsunade-sama already explained everything to me. Since we're staying at a motel tonight, Sakura you'll get your own room separate from ours."
The look of delight crossed the girls face. A whole room just to herself. Utter bliss. "The building we're staying at is not far from the village entrance. Take the first street on the right side and it's the third building on the left side." Kakashi said. "Pakuun, do you remember going there with me before?"
Ears perked up at the sound of his name, Pakuun nodded. "Course I do."
"Then you make sure Sakura get's there. They're one of the only places that actually allows pets." He said. "Once we're all settled in I'll explain the rest. I shouldn't go on out here in the open."
The group nodded and continued down the pathway. It wasn't long before the mist village came into view. "Sakura you go on ahead. We'll catch up later." Kakashi said. "And keep your chakra levels masked." He reminded her. She nodded and looked down at the pup at her side.
"Let's go Pakuun." She said and walked forward.
. - .
"Your room is number 23 on the second floor. It's the second to last door at the end of the hall." The deep, green haired girl said with a cheery smile. Sakura nodded and took the key off of the countertop.
"Arigato-gozaimasu." She responded and motioned for the pup at her heels to follow her. The two went up a flight of stairs to the second landing of the hotel. The blinding white walls stretched down a ways and the deep oak doors lined either side of the hall. Bronze numbers hung on each door. She found hers, second from the last with a chipped 23.
Inserting the key, she opened the door and studied her new place. It was simple, like almost every room she's been in. Fairly large bed, small bedside table, and a table up against the wall. There was a door that led into a small bathroom.
It was nothing extravagant, not that she was expecting it to be, but to have the place to herself would be nice. Though she might feel slightly lonely being that she been sharing her bed with Sasuke for the past month.
Shrugging, she decided not to dwell on the matter and set her bags down. Pakuun jumped up onto the bed and scratched the back of his ear. "Now we wait." Sakura said. She hoped that the others would take too long.
The medic had been mindlessly looking around the room for what seemed like twenty minutes when she heard familiar voices. One person was laughing. "Haha, brothers, that's funny."
She could definitely tell that that was her hyperactive teammate. She could see the goofy grin plastered on his face at this very moment. She smiled to herself.
"Shut it moron. Kakashi, you couldn't think of something better?"
That was her brooding boyfriend. What were they talking about anyways?
"Sorry, it just came out like that. Ah, here we are. Number 24."
Well that was convenient. They were located right next to her. Sakura sprung up off the bed and made her way to the door. She popped her pink head out and watched as the younger three waited impatiently for their team leader to open the door.
"Ahem." She made her presence known.
"Sakura-chan! Your room is next you ours? Sweet! That's awesome!" Naruto went on. Sakura and Pakuun stepped out of the room and joined the group. Kakashi was finally successful in opening the door
They had a room for two, with two large beds and the same things Sakura's room had. "Why would they have a one person room next to a two person room?" Sakura questioned as she walked in behind her team.
"Let's not question the coincidental." Kakashi said with a hidden smile. He set his bag down on one of the beds and took a seat, hunched over slightly as his elbows rested on his knees. "Now, I want to explain things quickly before I head out." His voice went low as he transitioned into his serious side.
The other four settled down, all of them on other, spacey bed. "If we're able to locate Akito and get a confirmation on his location for tonight, then we'll follow the plans tonight. If not, we'll trail after him and do it tomorrow. I'm going to go out with Pakuun and see what we can find."
The assembly before him nodded. He stood and motioned for the hound to go with him. "Do you still have any sign oh his scent Pakuun?" Kakashi asked his small friend.
"Affirmative. He's somewhere in the village." The dog responded as it stuck it's small nose in the air once more. He sniffed a few times.
"Alright. You four stay inside for now. I'll return later." He said and walked towards the door. "Just try not to get in trouble, or get us kicked out."
The door shut behind the jounin which almost seemed like a sigh of relief for the others. Sakura fell back onto the bed and Sasuke immediately moved his things over to the other bed, not wanting to share with Naruto or Sai.
"What were you guys going on about when you were coming up here anyways?" the female asked as she inattentively played with a strand of hair. Naruto chuckled as he approached her and laid down on the other side of her, hugging the pillow to him.
"The secretary lady asked if Teme and the Idiot were related because they looked so much alike." He burst out again, not able to control his laughter. Sakura giggled beside him, glancing between Sai's blank face and Sasuke's evil scowl. Neither of them were amused, one because he just simply wasn't, and the other because he didn't know how or why he should be.
"And Kakashi told her they were brothers." Naruto finished between bouts of air. He wiped the tears from his eyes as he buried his face in the pillow, willing himself to calm down.
"Oh that's priceless." Sakura commented with a smirk. Sasuke sent her a weak glare which didn't phase her one bit. Her giggles declined as she sank back into the soft pillow behind her. The bed shifted as Sai took a seat on the edge. "What do we do now?" the girl asked her male teammates. They gave her their attention as she continued on, "We don't know how long Kakashi's going to take."
The others shrugged, not knowing how to answer.
0.o (.) o.0
"How have you been dealing Naruto?" Sakura asked out of both boredom and inquisitiveness. The four hadn't moved around much for the past half-hour since Kakashi had left besides Sakura who had joined Sasuke on his own bed. She rolled over onto her side and looked at the blonde through soft jade orbs full of concern for his welfare. She just wanted him to be alright after having his girlfriend taken away from him.
"I'm getting by." He said in a light, almost empty tone. He obviously wasn't expecting this subject to spring up, but he wasn't unwilling to talk. It was bad if he kept these things to himself.
She wasn't fully satisfied, but Sakura let it go. She didn't want to push him too much. He would talk to her more fully when he was ready to.
"What about you?" Naruto asked. She looked up fleetly.
"We already went over this." She argued back.
Naruto's bi-polar mode shifted on as he sat up and shook the bed, much to a disgruntled Sai, who had just messed up his picture by the action. Naruto seemed to not notice. "Oh come on, spill. It's been awhile since your relationship with Kiba. You can't tell me that you don't like someone." He said exaggeratingly. Sakura sat up with a flushed face, her eyes dazzling.
"None of your business if I like someone. Why does it matter?" She caught herself after she asked the horrid question. It would only provoke more interrogation from the blue eyed boy.
"Well," he started, "being it's you, I would expect you to have a boyfriend." He pronounced.
"What exactly do you mean by that?" she demanded hotly. On her other side, Sasuke appeared as though he didn't care, but in reality he was listening closely. "Are you calling me some kind of slut? That I should be sleeping around with a lot of guys?"
"No, no, no!" he replied swiftly. "Not at all! No, I mean that you're so beautiful, and intelligent, and you're a kick ass medic and everything. Not to mention the best kunoichi I know." He covered truthfully. What he said was the honest truth, and Naruto couldn't understand why his friend was loveless. It didn't make sense at all. She was everything any guy could want (in his opinion) and he knew she would like to have someone by her side.
"Naruto, not all girls are lucky alright. I'm just one of them." Sakura said, her voice rising. Sai had even stopped his drawing to witness the conversation that was going on. Sasuke was getting terribly irritated by the Dobe's questions and was withstanding the urge to beat him.
"I'm just saying that you have everything, and I don't get why you don't have a man. Or do you not want one?" he asked, his gaze boring right into her. She felt suddenly uncomfortable under his intense look and shrunk down into the bed.
"Of course I do. Really why are you so concerned?" she asked.
Naruto shrugged and rolled over onto his stomach. "I just care about you I guess. I don't want to see you get down if you see so many other couples around you and you're alone." He paused for a brief moment. "I want the best for you. So if finding someone suitable for you will help, I'll do it. But they have to be approved of me first." He said. His thumb and index finger went to his chin as he began to think. "I know for a fact that Bushy Brows still likes you. And he may not the best looking guy; I know he wouldn't try anything suspicious with you or anything. And we wouldn't have to worry about him snapping and raping you one night."
Sakura let out a small yelp and a strangled noise came from Sasuke, who in turn fell of the bed in a non cool manor. He rapidly was back on his feet and smoothed his hair back acting all unruffled. "No." he said in a low voice. He looked thoroughly pissed off.
"I don't think it's in your best interest to decide for her. Sakura-chan is a grown woman and can decide for herself. Besides she's older than you." Naruto countered as he sneered at the dark haired man.
Behind them all the door opened and Kakashi entered with Pakuun at his side. The boys were oblivious to him as their attacks continued.
"She's older than you too dim-wit. And besides, she already with someone." Sasuke retorted smugly. His cold eyes glared down at Naruto. Lee for God sakes. That was the stupidest thing he had ever heard.
Naruto's eyes shifted for a moment to the cowering girl who looked as though she wanted to run from the room. Naruto looked hurt because she never told him.
Sakura really did want to run too. Her stomach was in knots as she listened to the words being exchanged. What was Sasuke doing that baka! He wasn't going to tell them was he? Did he not see Kakashi standing over there? The man would be pissed. Not to mention the blonde, who would most likely try to wring Sasuke's neck. He wouldn't tell them the truth would he? She wasn't ready to let her teammates know. And this mission was too important for a pity fact such as who she was dating ruin it all.
"Who then? Who is she dating? Who Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked in despondent confusion.
Sakura opened her mouth then shut it quickly. If Sasuke knew what was good for them all he would set his pride aside and let it all go.
"Me."
Fucking bastard. Couldn't let it go. Pride really was a tragic thing. Made people stupid, that's what it did. Damn pride always got in the way of common sense. And Sakura didn't know if Sasuke just wanted to tell them all that he got the girl of the team, or rub it in Naruto's face that he got Sakura before the blonde ever did. Naruto had feelings for her in the past, but she never returned them. And was Sasuke being that much of an asshole? She was too afraid to look up at anyone. She felt almost ashamed to have hidden something like this from what has become her family. Naruto and Sai, her protective older brothers looked completely astonished, (Naruto at least. Sai looked as surprised as an emotionless person could handle). And Kakashi. Kakashi looked blank. He already knew of her pregnancy. He hadn't known of this, nor had he had any hint of this affair. It was a shock to him as well since he hadn't known of any feelings the two had possessed for each other. No. He knew Sakura still had feelings for Sasuke. Bu he hadn't thought, and still didn't think that Sasuke possessed feeling for Sakura.
"Sakura, you have something…nice to wear tonight?" the girl nodded slowly, her eyes wide. "Good. We're going out tonight. The mission is on so make sure you have proper tools hidden with you." He said in a grim voice. Sakura was scared to death of that voice. "It seems our man is going to be at a local bar tonight. He's been there every night picking up woman, so there is a very good chance that he will be there tonight."
Without haste, Sakura stood up off the bed. "I'll get ready then." She said hurriedly and walked past Kakashi who didn't even give her a passing glance. She wrenched the door open and walked out. The second the door was closed the heard the loud shouts of Naruto directed at Sasuke who remained silent. So like him. Say something but refuse to explain.
There was a faint, "Stop it Naruto." From Kakashi. The tone made it audible that he wasn't happy. Why should he be? But then again why shouldn't he? It's not like they all had control of her and could tell her who and who not to date. Though she knew they just had her best interests at heart, she couldn't help but think they were treating her like a little girl. Instructing her on things and scolding her if she did something wrong. It really was tiring.
With a heavy heart, the girl walked back to her own room and grabbed her things so she could shower.
The door to Sakura's room opened and Sasuke peered in. The bathroom door was open to air out the steam and Sakura finishing with blow-drying her hair. The raven haired man stood in the door frame and Sakura saw him through the mirror on the wall. She shut the blow dryer off looked at him though the mirror.
"Can I help you?" She practically spat. He remained stoic as he wondered what he did wrong.
"Did I upset you?" he asked.
Sakura rolled her eyes and ran a brush through her hair. She straightened the dry locks of pink hair and flipped it back over her shoulder. A pair of arms encircled her waist and she looked down at the hands, then back up in the mirror to see Sasuke looking back over her shoulder.
"I like your hair longer."
Sakura felt an indescribable flash of anger rise through her veins. "What's with the sweet talk? Hoping I'm going to forgive you so easily and be all cheery with you again?"
"…"
"Hmph. That's what I thought." She pulled away from him as she looked down at her cosmetic supplies. She had always had make-up, but for reasons she couldn't explain. She never thought she needed it and most of the time she went without it. She couldn't wake up and apply it every day like Ino. It just didn't fit with her. Sometimes, if she wanted to feel extra special she would but on some eye shadow and lip gloss, but that's as far as it went. Luckily Ino had showed her how to apply everything.
So, reaching for some eye shadow, she already waited for the moment she returned to the motel and remove the offensive stuff. She didn't want to feel extra special tonight. She didn't want to attract another guy's attention. Apart from the one behind her that she was supposed to be mad at.
"Why are you putting that on?" Sasuke asked as he observed the girl putting the make-up on. She used delicate strokes as she rubbed it onto her eye lid.
"I'm trying to get Akito's attention aren't I?" she said.
Sasuke hopped up and sat on the free counter space. "Obviously. But why do you need it?"
Sakura sweat dropped. "You certainly haven't seduced a man before." She said sarcastically and reached for her mascara. There was a drawn out pause that was abruptly broken.
"Just take care of yourself." Sasuke said quietly. Sakura stopped what she was doing and looked up.
"What?"
It took a bit for Sasuke to answer. "Don't let him do anything to you. Take care of yourself."
The girl was astonished by his words and didn't know if she should believe them or not. "You really mean that? You really care for me huh?" she said with a small smile.
Sasuke hopped down from the counter. "I guess." He answered mindlessly. Leaning down, Sasuke gave her a quick kiss of assurance and exited the room.
The smile that had appeared on Sakura's face had been long gone as she fell back into the wall behind her. She looked miserably at herself in the mirror before her, and wanted nothing more than to destroy it. What kind of answer was that? 'I guess.' Utter bullcrap in her opinion. And that kiss. It was empty. There wasn't any spark, she didn't feel anything. It was nothing.
What was she doing with her life? What was she going to do? She was carrying his child. She didn't want to leave him. She didn't want to see him with someone else while his kid went on living with only one parent. Sakura wasn't even confident that she would be allowed to raise it. What if Sasuke just took it from her? What then?
The thought hurt her. She didn't want to think of the future. Her hand had subconsciously landed on her stomach. She wouldn't let that happen. And the easiest way? Avoid the pain of loosing who she loved, and enduring the empty affection Sasuke gave her. It was still early in the relationship, so maybe things would get better.
Maybe, hopefully. Things would get better soon. They always said things had to get worse before they could get better.
I would write more, but I want to get this chapter up and I'm tired of typing for the moment. The mission will be in the next chapter! Thank you all for supporting me this far! I hope you all continue to review and love my stories!