Someone Screaming

Ayane Selznick

She never felt so contented in her life after the night's activity. Truthfully, that was what she's been meaning to experience ever since the man beside her had left for power. She never thought that such thing would happen between them. But what's done is done and it's clear to her that she meant something for him. She didn't hope yet that he finally felt the same feeling like hers even after their romantic intimacy.

Sakura glanced to the man beside her. He was still sleeping but she noticed the odd peaceful look in his face. She knew that look and she knows that she's break in through him, in simple yet meaningful way.

She extended her right arm to caress his soft, pale face. No matter how old he is, he's still the gorgeous and famed Uchiha Sasuke she once knew. But as years passed by, his behavior somewhat matured but the noticeable stubbornness of what his childhood attitude's left remained in him. Well at least he wasn't verbally telling her that she's annoying or even showed that he's avoiding her. Although from the past days after her interrogation, it was reasonable that he was avoiding her because he was keeping secrets from her and no matter how she needed him to answer those questions, he was adamant not to spill any personal information.

She stopped caressing his face when something dawned at her. Her face frowned directly to him when she remembered the encounter with the Akatsuki and the moment he stepped in her battle only to display his demonic prowess, eventually revealing that the Cursed Seal remained in his flesh.

Sakura was searching for ideas as to why he has to hide the source of his pain, the source of his ill-fated charm, and worst of all the source of his treachery. What does he want her to think about it? Why would he want to hide it? Was there something behind that power other than it came from Orochimaru?

The third question was already answered recalling how he fought the Akatsuki alone. He showed them the hidden power of the Cursed Seal when he transformed to something she considered as a monster. With those evil, eerie wings behind him, the unexplainable change of color in his skin and the abrupt growth of his hair… what could she possibly say?

That thing has reached its very limits… Sasuke might have awakened the final stage of the seal that's why he was able to use it anywhere in any fight. She resumed watching him in his sleep but her eyes covered with all sympathy. Sasuke… how long are you going to bind yourself with the Cursed Seal? Don't you ever want to be free?

Her eyes widened slightly when Sasuke stirred in his sleep. She hastily recovered from the sudden reaction and watched his eyes fluttered open as he wakes up from the long slumber. The first thing she did to greet him was to smile.

"Good morning, Sasuke-kun." She said while slowly retreats her hands off of its place, crawling towards her body who had been hungrily longing to the comforter's cover.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes for a while, trying to adjust his blurred vision. In a matter of seconds, he was face to face with the woman who saved him. He smiled at her while leaning to her, giving her the best morning greeting.

A kiss.

Sakura closed her eyes gently when she felt his lips touched hers once again. Now he proved her that yesterday's activity wasn't a dream at all. With her right hand, she extended to his face once again and caressed it with all of her gentle touches.

"Did you have a good night's sleep?" Sasuke barely nodded when he placed a hand over hers. "That's good."

"Sakura," He said after a moment of silence as well as recalling what she said last night, "you said that you need to go back to Konoha right?"

"Huh?" The confused expression showed clearly to her face though upon recalling what she said it simply vanished, "Oh yeah. I have to report to Tsunade-sama. But I don't feel like doing it right now." She stopped mid sentence, hesitant as to what she's going to say next.

"Why?" Sasuke asked almost in a whisper while looking towards her green eyes.

Sakura wasn't able to keep up with his loving stare when she gazed to the pillow underneath Sasuke's face. "I… I don't want to leave you. I want to stay with you." She honestly answered and yet wasn't able to look back to Sasuke.

Sasuke just smirked at her answer and held her side. He drew her slowly to him and breathed her scent. Sakura was surprised at the sudden collision. She glanced up to him only to see his eyes closed peacefully. Then she lowered and rested her head on his broad chest. She could easily hear the lull of his heart beat.

"Then don't go." Sasuke said when he started gently rubbing her back. "Just stay." He added.

Sakura chuckled at his childish response but to even his sweet caresses, she placed her right arm over his side and hugged him closer.

"Even if I want to, I just can't. I don't want Naruto and the others worried about me." She nostalgically smiled, remembering her friends back in Konoha.

Sasuke's mind however thought about his past rivals in Konoha. Surely, Naruto was the only person who annoys him, makes fun of him, becomes his good friend and besides Sakura, the other one who tried so hard to retrieve him. His eyes opened slowly as he recalled their last bout, the bout that he almost killed him yet he's the one who lost against him. He instinctively tightened his embrace to the woman in his arms. He never thought of compensating anything to Naruto but he deserved a really hard punch to his face when the time comes. Naruto loved Konoha, the people in the village, and Team 7. He would protect everything he loved at the same time strive his best to achieve his ultimate goal to become a Hokage. And when he's a Hokage, maybe he would be acknowledged and then he would strongly protect his home.

Old school dreams yet it seems like Uzumaki Naruto had been on that path ever since he was born.

He stopped thinking about his other teammate when he felt Sakura pushing away from him. Startled at her actions, he followed her suit when she sat up, holding the only material that covers her body.

"I have one thing in mind though." She said and he took notice of her hand when it clutches desperately to the cloth.

"Let me hear it then."

She turned to him and looked straight to his eyes when she said, "Let's go back to Konoha… together."

Cold sky tears showered the entire Earth Country. Outside the vicinity was a large abundant land full of trees with the ground coated with green grass. While the rain came pouring down on the surface, everything was damped with cold waters from the sky. The song of the rain sounded all over the silent field.

Standing solitary at the entrance to the forest that connects towards his destination was a man drenched in the rain.

Looking past the forest, he could almost see what's on the other side. Nevertheless, whatever he must do or why he was there, he was always extreme careful and silent.

He wasn't completely soaked in the rain for he was wearing the traditional Sakkat hat with some white cloth dangling from behind. In front of his face was an ornament that seems to dangle and makes noise if moved. His body won't be fully soak, too for he was entirely covered by a large clothing that seemed to cover his body. Its black color outstand the entire greenness of the forest.

Slowly looking straight to his destination, very visible keen eyes stared forward to the endless song of rain.

The beginning of the end…

The taste of blood…

The sound of cries…

They were all lingering in his head for the past few years yet he wasn't the person to simply visit the graves of his victims and seek forgiveness. All he ever did was do all sorts of evil deeds not because he wanted to, but he was ordered to do so.

His gaze lowered to the ground when he struggled deep inside him. Pushing away all his thoughts after some time of reminiscing, he stared back to his destination and dashed all the way leaving no tracks of him behind.

During lunch, Sakura had convinced Sasuke to come back to Konoha but she'd warned him about his status to the village. He knew very well that he's known as one of the missing Nins, the one who left the village for his desire of power. But Sakura promised him that no matter what happens he should shut up. He should and never attack the villagers especially when they talk behind him and when they are at the Hokage tower, when the Godaime asks him, he needs to answer or else they will simply sentence him to death since they, involving the elders, have the power to control over traitors like him.

She mentioned also that he's an exception since he has a clean record in Konoha, other than walking away. He has no records of mass destruction or killing somebody who's known or never assaulted any nearby villages.

"You're not a criminal." He remembered Sakura said which made him more relaxed than never.

But what she didn't know yet made him stutter inside. Innocent as always, she didn't know what fate has done to him. Till this moment, he never had the courage to tell her everything, especially about the incident in Hidden Sound that he knew she's familiar with but never found the culprit or the cause of destruction.

After the meal, Sasuke decided to take a shower while she packed all the things they needed for the short trip. She had taken a bath earlier and she said that she has something to finish so she gave him time to clean himself. While he was taking a bath, she sat on a table with a scroll spread silently on the surface and her right hand holding a pen.

She leaned forward only to place her left elbow on top of the table while her left palm stayed open for her head to rest. Something in her face showed that she's disturbed from something else. Her first idea was to write a written report to Tsunade. It includes everything what she wanted to report so that Sasuke wouldn't hear everything while they are in front of her. Though now, something unexpectedly emerged in her ideas which make her tremble.

What's wrong with me… why am I so nervous about this trip… She looked ahead and noticed the raindrops on the glass window. Surely, it rains outside and it's possible that we might got stuck somewhere… but I know that it's not what I'm concerned of… so what is it then?

Her left hand moved close to her lips while she nibbled her thumb, thinking deeply her own anxiety. She felt strange at something she didn't even know though she has a feeling that this feeling is a premonition.

Premonition from what? She asked to herself again.

For a moment she gazed at the closed door of the bathroom and think of Sasuke. Smiling a little, she knew that everything will be fine when they arrive in Konoha. Though there were things that weren't easily handled especially because of Sasuke's status. She shook her head while she thought about what's going to happen.

If the Hokage permitted him to stay in Konoha, it's obvious that he'll be placed under surveillance. It also depends on how he answers her interrogation. He might have been harsh to me, but I know that he'll do fine when they ask him. She twirled the pen in her right hand while thinking of anything to write on her report or what's really troubling her.

But… She looked down on the blank scroll. There is something that I wished to write but I cannot pinpoint what… Other than the report that is…

When she decided to relax so that her mind would work properly, a pair of bloody eyes alarmed her. With bloodshot eyes, she gasped more to herself when she finally realized what her premonition is.

When Sasuke emerged from the bathroom fully dressed minus the one that looks like a garment from Sound, Sakura was already finished writing her report. For the things they must carry, a small bag full of food supplies and water and the other were their individual packs of kunais, shurikens, etc. Sakura's written report was hidden to one of her small packs which were located to her side.

When Sasuke glanced to the window, he couldn't believe that it was truly raining outside. He looked back to Sakura who was busy arranging her weapons to her right mid thigh.

"Sakura." He called out and in response she looked back to him, "don't you want to wait till this rain stops?"

She smiled back at him and said, "Sasuke-kun, we really have to get back right now. It's just rain." She reasoned out then walked towards to him.

He sighed at her stubbornness when he said, "Listen, we'll be delayed if we run on with this weather. The rain will surely slow us down."

"When do you think this rain's going to stop? I don't want to wait. I want to go home." She immediately replied when stopped and was looking up on him since he's a little taller than her now.

"Aren't we a bit hasty?" He taunted when he placed his arm around her waist.

"Yes, I am." She encircled her arms around his neck and kissed him lovingly. When she pulled away she touched his nose with hers. "You smell nice."

"Aa…" Then he placed a chaste kiss on her lips and hugged her closer to him.

"What?" Surprised at his sudden need of contact yet she responded at his actions by gently tightening her arms around his neck.

"…Nothing… I just want to do this…" He honestly said while burying his head between her neck and shoulder.

Sakura chuckled mildly and kissed the side of his head. "See? If you accepted my offer years ago, you might as well experience this before long."

Sasuke jerked back at their embrace as he glared his woman. Why did she bring up that topic?

Sakura only gave an innocent look and grinned sheepishly at his reactions. She pulled his face to hers so that she would be able to kiss him again. The way they share this kind of intimacy looked like as if they were together for so many years though in truth they just met days before. When she slowly pulled away she looked at his dark orbs and sweetly said the words she'd been telling years ago.

"I love you, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke could only smile when she said those words. Truthfully, he didn't know what to respond to her words without really knowing if this feeling is love. During their intimacy however he could sense himself longing for someone like her. Just like what he thought last night, he had forgotten how to love but through her and her ways of showering her love for him, maybe it shouldn't be long enough to tell her that he loved her.

Truth be told, when they were just children when most of the time he came at some certain situations and rescue her, he believed that it was his job to protect her and his team. Though as times passed by his mind and heart had combined telling him that he wasn't protecting them because it's his job but they've become close to his heart thus he didn't want them to get hurt or worst die in front of his eyes.

Looking down at the woman in his arms, he thought of love. Can he really love someone like her? Certainly, the woman had loved him with all her heart but with his frozen heart, can he return her feelings?

Other than that… I have something to accomplish first before I get laid with her again…

He smirked at his thought, knowing that it turned out as a joke. Sakura watched his lips curved as he showed her his famous Uchiha smirk. She looked back at his eyes with an ominous look on her face.

"Why are you smirking?" She candidly asked, suddenly annoyed at his antics.

He looked down at her, smiled then carefully leaned down to taste her lips again.

"How far can we go with this weather?" A feminine voice uttered while jumping from one branch to the other.

"If any thunderstorm appears, we have to stop." The male voice replied who was seemingly doing the same thing like his female companion.

When they paid the bills for the rent and walked out of the inn, the rain didn't even fade a little but it poured down harder. Sakura wasn't the kind of person who would be stopped even with this kind of weather hence she told Sasuke to follow her for she knew exactly where they'll go. But Sakura didn't know yet if they'll arrive on time since the rain in Earth Country was continuous.

Inside the forest, they were careful not to skid when they hit the wet and slippery branches. It may add extra effort but if they weren't careful at all then their arrival will really be delayed. Their movements weren't slow or fast. It's moderate but it's a sure movement to avoid any mishaps in their little journey back home.

They were both quiet during the trip but there were times that they would glance at each other every minute to look after the other. It seems like there was already a spark of protection and affection between the two though it's seemingly obvious for the female's case since she was in love with him. Remembering what he said to himself last night, he would protect her and keep him safe in his arms.

Truthfully as of this moment she's entirely his...

On the other hand, Sakura was still thinking about her premonition. Although she found out something really tense about it, she couldn't tell it straight to her comrade. Knowing him, he might completely forget about her and start to panic after he heard his brother's name. She shook her head slightly and glanced at him briefly.

That was just a premonition… I don't believe in such things… but… She looked forward to their destination. I just hope nothing happens…

Sasuke was looking straight to their aimed location when something unexpectedly shot in to his senses. He narrowed his eyes further when he thought he saw something moved ahead. Alerted as well, Sakura glanced at him only to see his hands extended to the air telling her to halt.

The young Uchiha activated Sharingan to scan the area by its Chakra. Looking sideways as well as alerting all his senses to find out the location of the person ahead. Sakura stood still in her position but like Sasuke and even without any Advanced Bloodline techniques; she trusted her enhanced senses ever since her ANBU days. Snaking her hands to her kunai and shuriken holster, she kept her senses awake and soon noticed a familiar presence other within the range.

Sasuke felt the same thing, too to which he also launched his own weapon directly to the origin of which he felt the presence.

To their dismay, they only heard their weapons clanking to one another and therefore fell below. They didn't stop scanning the area since the presence was all too familiar and dangerous. As of late, Sakura could feel that her premonition has come true. She was practically trembling inside out when her premonition quickly appeared right in front of her.

Please don't let it be him… She begged with all of her soul, continuing to help Sasuke to scan the area.

If only the Gods could have threaded another fate, then both of them might have been traveling along the way despite the weather. But Gods aside, fate has decided to let themselves face to face… they can no longer escape what destined right in front of them.

Sakura felt something stirred inside her when she thought of looking back to Sasuke. However what she saw worried her greatly. Looking closely at the person she loved deeply, she noticed how his eyes darkened, shifting to bloodier shades of red. His fists didn't go unnoticed when he clutched it to his sides. She could feel his fury in his actions especially the way his breathing become more tensed than normal.

Sasuke-kun… As if her thoughts turned out correctly, he simply ignored her presence while he was looking directly to the person that they unexpectedly bumped to.

With trembling eyes and hands, she followed Sasuke's source of anger. Slowly looking below the large branches and trees of Earth Country, there stood Sasuke's fate-bringer as he casually tilted his hat to see the people who confronted him.

Blood eyes versus blood eyes were the highlight of the stage as two fated brothers meet once again right under the cold rain.

She gasped shockingly upon familiarizing herself to the person right in front of them.

U-Uchiha…Itachi…

Said person narrowed his eyes to the other who seemed to resemble his own image.

"We meet again."

To be continued

Author's Note: HAH! (points at everyone) I know you're shocked because I updated within the week! HAHA! That should also mean that I haven't had anything to do at home (quite frankly yes). All I ever did was sit down, type and think. Sometimes draw or play Ragnarok Online (but in some strange cases, I decided to semi-quit to focus on my skills both in writing and in drawing). Ahem, personal matters aside, I am so touched to every one of you! I love you all, I really do! You encourage me to continue writing this story and you never leave my side! It's because of you people that I write (and updated fast). I know it's kind of shallow but knowing that I have 11 reviews in this chapter made me jumped for joy. Although there are things that discourage me, but I won't tell. (grins)

Now about this chapter, it's reasonable to get Sasuke a little closer to Sakura right after their "activity" from the last chapter. Of course, who is he to push her off of the bed or worst force her to go home alone again? I know that our dear Sasuke-kun isn't completely a bastard because he has a heart (but remembering what he did during his fight with Naruto, I'm thinking that he's just plain stupid, an idiot, and… oh well enough of that. Sasuke's fans will surely burn me down in hell). And also in this chapter, I made my beloved Uchiha Itachi's appearance! (Yay! He's so cool! So handsome! WAHH!). Ahem. Don't get the wrong idea here, people. I just love that guy. Anyway, there's nothing much to talk about the chapter because if I talk and talk then you might be spoiled for the next chapters or worst for the rest of the story. But to tell the truth beloved reviewers/readers, we are already at the climax of the story! Cheers! SS part 1 is nearing its end! Though I don't really know when I'll be ending this one.

But hey, I'm telling to you this guys right now (because I have feeling that there are some nasty, mean, selfish, stubborn, whatever… kind of people that will surely bash me, flame me in other terms) that after Someone Screaming, I have another story which also entitles as Someone Screaming, difference is it has a subtitle and it's for you to find out what it is. It's not a sequel, because in that story, I simply change the setting from a certain chapter. Well, you will be able to read it soon because I'm already writing on it. But I have to finish this one first. Okay? (grins)

Author's Response:

Choking on my Scream – I'm rereading it again though honestly I have a "little" problem because I can't find it. Like I said, I really need someone to proofread my story. (smiles warmly) Thank you for reading! Hope to see you reviewing in this chapter.

SweGuy – I might have abandoned BtG and WsIg but not this. n-n Thanks for the comment I really love it when you do it! But with your concern about the next chapters, I will not stop myself telling you that I agree to what you've just said. I have a different plot in my head about ANBU and Sasuke's encounter. And don't be disappointed easily about Sasuke's return in Konoha because I have something for it, you know. Itachi's in Earth Country and we all know what's going to happen next. I don't want to talk about the ANBU and Sasuke part, you'll find out later n-n. (hugs sweguy)

TheSunshineGirls – Wow thank you so much Adan! I see you three are using one account eh? I'm so glad that you're still here with me! (grins)

Crystalgail – Yoh buddy thanks for supporting me! (glomps at Gail) Yeah Sakura's super sweet, especially in this chapter. Why would I remove her sweet personality where it's the only way to catch Sasuke? Heheh. And yes, I love cliffhangers that's why I keep on leaving a cliffie like that! Lolz! Just kidding. Dear, I am so sure that I need a proofreader but sometimes I feel confident with my grammar though at the back of my mind, something's telling that I really have to have one. Thanks for the encouragement!

Yuugi-chan – Hey I went in to your gallery! It's awesome! And thanks for the review, too! (hugs)

SoraKoi The Water Goddess – You scared me when you said that you're sometimes patient, so here's the chapter for you! n-n And what a nice person you are to obey the warning! I salute you (maybe if I was younger or as old as you, I would have continued reading that part… I'm such a curious person hehehe). OHH! Thanks for putting me on your favorite lists! I thank you so much! (I wanna give you a bear hug!)

RoCkeRShiK028 – I'm glad you liked this chapter! Thanks for the wait and for the link too! I created an account for the first time and maybe I will join in giving them my POV about SasuSaku. And yes, I'm a devoted fan of SasuSaku. n-n

aPpLecHeRrY – I may say, you REALLY are lucky for being updated within a week. Not just once dear, but twice! Hehehe. I'm also glad that you're also a Filipino! Glad to meet you dear! And yeah thanks for the review and encouragement. I hope to see you reviewing for this one. n-n

miki – My best friend told me that there are tragedy stories where the main characters survived even at some crucial moments. I can't talk about the ending yet. Thanks for the comment.

angel-puppeteer – I will text you about that Cosplay event. I don't know if I'm able to join on May 21st Cosplay event. But I'd like to join in LaSalle's event. Question is, is it in the Main LaSalle or in Dasma? If I'm able to join or come, then might as well meet you in person! I'd love to do that! n-n Oh and thanks for the review again!

latoya – Thank you for the comment! And here's the unexpected update for you!

(sighs) I never imagined that I talked so much… This author notes consumed more than a page… (sweats) But never mind, I want to thank you with all of my heart! (Oh before I forget, I intentionally rushed this one. Didn't check the grammar and the like.)