I don't own Naruto – VZ

The last thing Sakura expected to feel was something wet and small on her cheek. She opened her eyes groggily, revealing a stunning shade of jade. She scanned her surroundings, trying to get her bearings. What she found was a plain room with two doors. Her first assumption was that one was for the exit and the other was for the bathroom. Speaking of bathrooms, she couldn't wait to get clean. Just thinking about a shower with water running down her body, cleansing her of all the dirt, blood and pain she'd gone through recently was simply a marvelous idea. Yes, she remembered everything that happened with her former teammate with absolute clarity. The way his haunting red eyes pierced her very soul. The way his painful words had hurt her far more than any blade could have. As much as she would deny feeling bad and inferior standing next to him, as much as she would refuse to feel anything for him…it was pointless. For the pinkette's heart simple ached for the boy she had once loved. There was so much suffering evident in those crimson depths. It hurt just recalling it.

Suddenly, a cute little whine alerted her of another presence in the bed she was currently in.

"Kumiko!" She practically screamed, grabbing the white kitten from the bedside, a brilliant smile lighting up her face.

She chuckled at the purring feline; its head was nuzzling the spot under her neck with obvious happiness.

"Miss me huh?"

The white little kitten looked up and purred louder, bringing up a tiny paw to press against her nose in the most affectionate way.

"We all did."

Her eyes widened after hearing that familiar voice that sent tingles down her spine. Which was now rigid and straight.

"Deidara-kun?"

The blonde seemed like he appeared out of thin air. His usual boyish and charming smile was in place, his brilliant blue eyes practically gleamed.

"Sakura-chan."

Oh Kami.

That voice.

It was like fine chocolate, smooth, delicious and very bad for you. Nevertheless, it was tempting as hell.

The medic-nin gulped, her teeth nibbling her lower lip in anxiety.

He broke the silence with a sigh.

"Sorry for coming in without knocking. I heard your voice and just couldn't help myself." The blonde leaning on the wall smirked, tilting his head to the side in a playful manner.

Sakura cleared her throat before speaking, afraid that if she wouldn't, she was in danger of sounding as nervous as she felt.

"It's alright."

A bright smile lit up his face, reminding her of the sun breaking free from the clouds; absolutely breathtaking.

"Besides, I was wondering where we are." She gestured to their surroundings.

"We're in a village, on our way back to Akatsuki's underground base."

At this her smile faltered and the light in her eyes dimmed. Not even the cute kitten playing on her lap could cheer her up.

They were taking her back. As a prisoner, to be their personal medic and slave to their cruel wishes. True, they didn't treat her that way at all, quite the opposite actually. However, she wanted freedom. Isn't that why she escaped in the first place? But as luck would have it, she ran into Sasuke on the way back to her village. Of course staying with the Akatsuki was much more preferable than the company of her former teammate, but still…

Hey, didn't you miss them? Inner mocked.

Oh hello there.

Don't sass me. I don't appreciate your rude tone. Anyways, as I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted-

She mentally rolled her eyes at Inner's drama.

-You shouldn't complain about being stuck here with these fine ass men when you missed them.

Before she could give a hot retort, her inner self smirked wickedly.

I'm you dear, without the whole shy part. I'm not afraid to say that I want and miss them. And I know for a fact…. that you feel the same.

Sakura could only listen to the other voice in her head, the reality of what she had just said sent her reeling.

Don't bother denying it. Besides, what you feel for them goes deeper than mere infatuation of lust. I know.

Inner stopped then, disappearing and leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Did she want to be here? Was her denial and refusal a pretense so that she wouldn't look like a traitor to her village?

"You're purring. How cute."

The medic-nin looked up and saw Deidara, closer than he was before.

"W-what?" A blush coated her cheeks, making them a lovely shade of pink.

He found her stammering amusing for some reason and he chuckled at her embarrassment.

"I meant Kumiko, she's purring up a storm over there."

"Oh."

She glanced at the kitty and sure enough, she was on her back, her paws stretched up trying to touch her fingertips and her tail swishing wildly.

"But don't worry, you're cuter."

If it had been any other guy to say such a corny line to her, she would have rolled her eyes and given him the finger. However, when Deidara said it….

It was filled with confidence and conviction. And the look on his face was of adoration, it filled her stomach with butterflies.

"Thanks Deidara-kun. But you don't need to say such things."

Damn…she was acting like a timid schoolgirl. Which was the polar opposite of her real personality. Inner promptly face-palmed.

"You're right, I don't need to….I want to."

How could he act so sweet and boyish one moment then all suave and hot the next? It was a total mystery to her. One that she didn't mind in the slightest.

The space between them was charged with tension that begged to be broken.

The blonde was about to take a step forward, a hand outstretched in her direction, when the door slammed open.

"Angel?!"

And just like that, the moment was broken.

The tense atmosphere vanished the second Kisame yelled and stepped into the room.

"Hey, what are you doing here blondie? Aren't you supposed to be with Sasori, lookin' for food?" He questioned, a suspicious glint in his eyes.

The bomber rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

"Like my danna needs help getting a few meals."

"Uh-huh…." He almost rolled his eyes at his pathetic excuse.

The mist-nin wasn't blind, he could see right through his words. And he also saw him create a clone to go out with the red head while the real Deidara came in here to check on the blossom. And the sad thing was, Sasori was so excited that she was back and safe and sound, that he didn't even notice his partner's deceit. He was busy muttering stuff under his breath. He caught the words; immortality, my doll and beautiful. The mist-nin had no doubt that he was referring to his angel.

Oh hell, what was this pink haired woman doing to them?

He shook his head and directed his attention to Sakura, who was curled up in the blankets…with a cat?

His gaze snapped back to the blonde. Back to the white thing on her lap and back to him.

Deidara made something for her? That didn't blow up for the sake of his so-called art?

…..

It was official. They were all screwed.

And if he or anybody didn't do anything to stop her from worming her way into each of their dark and twisted hearts, they would no longer be in control.

She would.

And the scary thing was, Kisame couldn't find it in himself to care.

"What's all the commotion going on out there?" Sakura asked before munching on her food like a starved dog.

"There will be a festival tomorrow night. The villagers are merely preparing for it." Sasori answered, watching her like a hawk. There was no way that he'd allow her out of his sight again. As the pinkette ate her fill, and the majority of the Akatsuki members were seated in the room, eating as well, he pondered. He contemplated why he even cared if she lived or died.

Why should he? And did he even have the capacity to feel something for another living breathing person again? After the death of his parents? In all honesty, he had shut out those emotions from his system and never allowed himself to feel anything anymore. On the surface, he claimed that it was so that he could become stronger. To bring himself closer to immortality and perfection. But then she had come into his dull life. Was it even a life? If everything about you was wooden and unfeeling? All but his core?

So many questions and not enough answers.

Sasori knew, that he had severed his emotions like the countless puppet strings for his art, so that he would not get hurt again. The pain he felt on the day he discovered his family was gone was harsh. Yet the pain he felt when he couldn't find that same love in the embrace of his wooden creations was excruciating.

He glanced at the pink haired woman, the one who had defeated him with skill, grace and tenacity. The one who had sacrificed herself for a woman who he used to call his grandmother. He could even remember his utter shock when his blade had pierced her supple body. And even when she was drained of energy and leaking out blood, she still had the strength to look him in the eye and hold him there. With those fiery, endless green eyes.

She really was selfless.

Lovely.

Strong.

And his.

Or at least, she soon will be.

Sakura Haruno had so much emotion and compassion. He wondered if she could teach him how to feel again. Would she?

The red head licked his lips hungrily.

He certainly hoped so.

Sakura was so focused on filling her belly (Naruto would be proud) she failed to notice the glances and looks sent her way. Although, she did notice the majority of the Akatsuki members were crammed in the small and plain room.

Shouts and laughter filled the air.

Her green eyes immediately met with open window, where she saw lots of people with wide smiles on their faces. Even now, when the decorations were only half done, she could tell that tomorrow night would be an extravagant evening. Who would have thought a quiet little village would put so much effort into one celebration.

"Would you like to attend the festival Sakura-chan?"

Deidara had seen the way her eyes followed the people and the longing in them.

Suddenly, all eyes were on her.

She petted Kumiko, her hand sliding past its slick skin from the top of her head to the tip of her slim tail.

"Well, I wouldn't mind."

The yearning sound in her voice was unmistakable, and everybody could hear it.

It was silent before someone spoke.

"Very well. Then you may go. Provided you have an escort." Itachi said, his voice detached and his face stoic.

"R-really?"

"Hn…." That meant yes in Uchiha terms.

The smile that split on her face was breathtaking.

"I will happily take you out tomorrow night my doll." Sakura's green eyes instantly clashed with a warm hazel.

But before she could speak, Hidan had cut in.

"Hey! Who the hell assigned you to take my bitch out?"

….

Bitch?

….

The puppet master shrugged and ignored Hidan, who evidently, didn't like being disregarded.

"I'm talking to you, you piece of crap!"

…..

A pink eyebrow twitched.

He didn't even bother looking at the silver haired nin.

"I'm going to take her out tomorrow might. And no one is going to fucking stop me." He declared, putting one hand on his hip while the other was gripping his triple bladed scythe that shone red under the florescent lights.

Kisame whistled low as Deidara shook his head at Hidan's dramatics. Even Itachi raised a brow at the scene.

"Don't you dare go near or even think about going near my bi-"

She snapped.

"Don't you dare to finish that sentence !"

Sakura stood up and wiped the remaining rice on her lips, she faced the taller man and poked him on the chest.

"I am not your or anyone else' bitch, you got that?"

She hoped to see even a sliver of fear in those purple depths. Unfortunately, all she saw was excitement and delight.

"Oh, trust me, I got it."

Hidan purred, smirking devilishly. He used the arm that wasn't supporting his weapon to encircle her waist and press her body to his.

But she had a feeling he would try something so she had commanded a bit of chakra into her leg. She then kneed him, hitting him where all men where the most vulnerable.

"OH FUCK!" He cursed and fell to the ground, his hands clutching his family jewels like a lifeline.

Another thing Sakura didn't expect today was laughter, lots of it. Coming from the mouths of four Akatsuki members.

"Oh angel, you're just too good." He guffawed at Hidan groaning on the floor.

"Hn….good hit."

"Are ya kidding?! That was great yeah!"

Her green eyes drank in the sight of four S-ranked criminals laughing like children greedily. It was a sight not everyone got to see. And she was thankful that she did.

As much as she wanted to continue laughing with them, a groan called her attention.

The pinkette was about to smirk at Hidan's pained noises when she noticed something different.

The sounds were different somehow….lower….more guttural…and husky…..was he growling?

"More, gimme more. It feels so damn amazing."

The chuckles and snickers in the room abruptly stopped.

"No, better than amazing….it feels fucking divine."

"What's wrong with him?" She asked, her pink brows furrowed in confusion.

Kisame instantly intervened, a nervous smile on his face.

They all knew how innocent their blossom was and how sinful their fellow Akatsuki member truly is. And the last thing any of them wanted was to taint that innocence.

"If you want to got to the festival tomorrow, you have to- Hidan groaned once more- go shopping!"

He stepped up and blocked the view of the writhing Jashinist.

Sasori and Deidara nodded.

"I agree. Come Sakura, we shall leave while Sasori and Deidara and my partner sort of that fool over there." Itachi, smooth and slick as a snake jumped in and brought Sakura away from the other four. Shutting the door behind them with a resounding 'click'.

Just as they were leaving, she heard another groan, a loud thud and snoring.

"Kazuna-chan, don't forget to lock the door when you leave. We don't want anybody coming in and stealing these beautiful dresses!"

Kazuna rolled her big brown eyes at their boss, who was a kind old lady that had a passion for lovely things, especially kimonos. The old woman was busy prancing around and checking all the clothes for any wrinkles.

"Oh don't do that! You know that Hitomi-san is always like this, usually around this time of year." Ayame regarded her friend, helping her fold several dresses that some women tried out earlier but didn't buy in the end.

"I know Ayame-chan…It's just that this festival is silly!"

"Shh! Don't say that, do you want to lose your job?"

Once again, she rolled her eyes.

"Of course not. But think about it. A whole shindig just for looking up at the stars and being with your lover? How sappy."Kazuna finished folding the remaining kimonos and started putting away some reports that their boss had neglected to file.

"Oh Kazuna-chan, it's just so romantic! You just don't see it because you haven't been in love." Ayame twirled a black strand of hair around her finger, looking dreamily at the sky.

"Ew…add end up like you? With hearts floating around and acting like a lovesick puppy? No thanks!" She flipped her short brown hair with a huff.

"You'll see, one day, a man will make you feel and look like this."

"Oh please. There is not one man that can reach my standards."

"C'mon tell me what you want in a guy Kazuna-chan! Maybe my boyfriend can hook you up with someone." The black haired girl waggled her eyebrows while the brunette held up her hand.

"He must be tall, dark, drop-dead gorgeous, mysterious and sexy." With each description, a finger went down until her hand turned into a fist.

This time, Ayame rolled her eyes.

"Good luck finding a guy like that."

The moment she finished speaking, the door opened, revealing a pair who were looking around the store.

"Oh sweet Kami above…." Ayame sighed, fanning her blushing cheeks.

Kazuna raised an eyebrow at her red-faced friend in curiosity.

"Ayame-chan?"

"Look!"

The brunette followed her friend's gaze and her jaw literally dropped. Right there in their tiny little store of kimonos was the sexiest piece of ass she had ever seen in her entire life.

"Is…he real?"

"He's mine!"

"What about your boyfriend? The one you're just so in love with?" Kazuna smirked evilly.

"Oh…aw….you lucky bitch!"

"That's right!"

And after applying some bright red lipstick to her already red lips, she sashayed over to the dark haired man. But she was dismayed to see an incredibly beautiful woman with him. She had pink hair! Of all the colors in the rainbow! Insides she seethed. Instantly hating the girl who was blessed with bright green eyes and alabaster skin. It just wasn't fair. How she was cursed with ordinary brown eyes and equally ordinary brown hair and slightly tanned skin. Okay, so she had a few pimples and she wasn't as thin or slender as the girl on his arm, but still!

Kazuna had bigger chest at least. Oh, and lots of make-up. It's like the girl didn't even bother trying to enhance her beauty. What is she? A child? Make-up is the right of passage of women.

As she stopped right in front of the pair, she smirked; puckering her red lips in what she thought was a sexy pout.

The brunette decided that she would easily snatch this hot eye candy before the festival tomorrow night.

"What can I help you with?" She made sure to stick her hips and chest out, giving the man a flirty smile.

The raven haired man acted regal and very well mannered, even going as far as to bowing his head slightly when seeing her offer help.

Oh Kami, he was perfect!

His black eyes were positively endless, filled with mystery and darkness.

Exactly everything she wanted.

"I'm looking for a kimono actua-"

"How nice." The brunette cut the pink haired girl's sentence off, choosing to focus her attention on the male before her.

"Anyways, before we were so rudely interrupted…."

In the corner of her eye, she saw the girl's eyes widen.

That's right pinky, he's mine!

"I wish to purchase a kimono."

Oh heavens above! His voice was just as perfect as the rest of him!

"Really?" Kazuna gushed.

"Well, we are in a kimono shop." The pinkette said dryly, rolling her green eyes.

Before she could glare at her, he spoke.

"White and red. Those are the only two colors I will allow her to wear."

"Huh?..." She replied, not really listening since she was so lost in his dark eyes.

"Customers! And good looking ones too! Come in and look at our wonderful dresses!"

That…bitch.

Never before had Kazuna hated her boss so much until this very moment.

The man directed his gaze to Hitomi-san who actually blushed at the sight of him.

"Oh my….well, who is the dress for young man? Who's the lucky lady?"

A part of her desperately wanted to raise her hand.

She watched with interest as warmth flooded the man's dark orbs. He turned and brought his hand to encircle the pinkette's waist and bring her closer.

"She is the one."

The girl's cheeks didn't flood with red like she expected, instead she saw an equally warm smile on her face.

"How lovely, you my dear girl, will look stunning in my pieces. Any preferred colors?"

"Red and white. I will allow no other."

The old woman's eyes glimmered with mirth.

"Alright then, I have a few that you might like."

She then whisked the two of them away with a bright smile on her wrinkled old face.

Her heart felt like it was crushed in that very moment. She was hurt to why this godlike man had not really noticed her. Didn't he look at her for the briefest of moments when he entered the shop? Didn't he feel the magnetic pull that she did?

The harsh reality slapped her in the face, hard.

Kazuna sulked and walked back to her station next to Ayame.

"What happened?"

"He's in love."

The black haired girl gasped.

"How do you know?"

She sighed.

"The way he spoke and acted. Everything about him….was centered around her."

Ayame nodded with a look of understanding evident on her sweet face. She patted her friend's shoulder comfortingly.

"That girl is one lucky bitch."

"Yeah, she sure is."

And there we go! my 30th chapter. :) i made it longer than usual to make up for my lack of updates. Hope you liked it. And forgive me if there are any grammatical errors and whatnot. I really wanted to post it as soon as possible :) Anyways, lots of love and thanks for those who reviewed last time. I love you all! Till' next time, the festival! i promise lots of steaminess and fluff in that one. Maybe even a bit of angst. Here's a preview.

"It was spectacular Deidara-kun! You're absolutely right...Art is a bang." Sakura smiled at him, her green eyes were clear, beautiful and bright. Filling him with a warmth that he never wanted to leave.

He brought his hands up and cupped her face, making sure to be gentle in every possible way. His art can be brutal, loud and explosive. However, when it came to Sakura, who might as well be the very personification of his art, it was different. He was different when he was with her. He was better.

"Forgive me Sakura-chan...but I'm going to break a promise i made to you so long ago."

And with that, he leaned down and...

Wait for the next chapter to find out what happens next ;) till' next time! - VZ