The building the ANBU had attempted to invade last night finally came into view. It looked odd against the forest backdrop. Plants crept up the side of the walls making it appear as if the earth wanted to swallow the building underneath.

"Good. It's not burned down." Sasuke said.

If he was happy, Sakura couldn't tell.

He led her past the fence, across the lawn, and to a side door of the building. A combination lock later, Sasuke opened a door to a narrow stairway. After four flights of stairs, he walked in the hallway, down the corridor, to a room on the right.

His room was more furnished than the cabin, but not by much. There was a small bed this time, a dresser, a mirror- it was cracked. Sasuke walked in casually and sat on the bed.

Sakura realized this was the room that the attack had taken place. She quickly scanned the dirtied white floor and walls. Sure enough, there were blood, burned surfaces, fallen weapons, and near the window, broken glass. She shuddered involuntarily.

Sasuke sensed her discomfort, and said, "The only bathroom is in my room."

"You'll feel better after a shower," he added, as he got off the bed, and reached into the drawer for some extra clothes.

"Here's an old shirt of mine, and some pants."

Sakura silently made her way across the room, trying not to step on any of the debris. She couldn't help but stare at the puddles of blood. Suddenly, she felt sorry for her ANBU teammates assigned to the task. She selfishly had not thought of them this whole time.

Wait...

She paused, "You weren't hurt yesterday...were you?"

Sasuke was silent for a moment.

"Not badly, no," was his casual response.

Sakura walked over to where he stood by the dresser, setting her belongings aside.

"Let me take a look," she extended her hands out to him.

"Sakura..."

"Come on, where is it?" she insisted.

"Nowhere, okay? I'm not hurt. Go take a shower."

"Sasuke, if—"

"Sakura! Will you please go!" he shoved the clothes in her direction.

Sakura swallowed and stiffened, and after a pause snatched the clothes and started heading for the bathroom.

Sasuke sat on his bed with his back supported by the headboard. He heard the water turn on and sighed. She sure was annoying, he said to himself.

His attention turned to his arm, just above his elbow. He rolled his sleeves up to examine a small dark spot of dried blood. It had been a flying needle. Still, it was nothing he couldn't handle. The location of the wound bothered him a bit, but no ANBU needles, even poisoned ones, have ever worked on him before. He'll just open the wound when Sakura left. Surely this time it wouldn't be any different.

The water stopped. A few minutes later, he saw her come out wearing his old clothes. They were big and fit her poorly, but her face was clean and her wet hair was relieved of the dirt and leaves that had tangled it before.

Sasuke walked toward her on his way to the bathroom. Her face was calm and serious. He felt he probably shouldn't have yelled at her for her concern awhile ago.

"Once I'm done, we'll leave," he said quietly.

Sakura didn't look at him.

Sasuke paused next to her, hesitating. He ran a hand down her arm, and stopped at her hand, supporting it gently for a moment before letting it go. It was a simple gesture, but Sakura knew it was his way of apologizing.

As he left to take a shower, she proceeded to sit on the edge of the bed.

When he finished, he walked over to where she placed herself, his towel over his wet hair. Sakura could feel the heat emanating from his clean body. He threw the towel to the side.

"Let's go."

Sakura got up reluctantly- the shower had relaxed her tensed muscles and made her sleepy again.

She took her things and they exited the building. Sasuke paused when they passed the fence that marked the end of the grassy lawn.

"Alright," he started. "The fastest way out of here is to move northwest through the forest." He raised his arm and pointed in the direction he spoke of, dark eyes squinting in the sun.

"You'll pass another grassy field in about two minutes. That will tell you you're going the right way."

"Keep going until you hit the river. Follow it for two full days. Then you'll be at the outskirts of Konoha."

He looked back at her for a sign that she understood. Sakura was still clutching her things, hair wet and soaking dark pools of water on her shirt. She had not listened to what he was saying and concentrated instead on the feeling of dismay regarding her imminent journey.

It's too soon...This can't be it...I'm not ready to leave.

"Sakura," he asked, "did you hear what I said?"

I need more time with him...

She looked at him suddenly and blurted out, "I might get lost."

"You won't."

"I might."

Pause.

"Come with me," she said.

Sasuke didn't respond.

Sakura forced herself to add, "Just until we reach the outskirts. You don't have to go in the village."

Sasuke thought for a moment. It was true, there may be dangers she'd encounter along the way. Plus he doubted she knew how to efficiently hunt for food.

After some time, he conceded, "Fine. Let me get some things."