Please don't forget to visit my website at www. freewebs. com/ animemangafanatic or just go to my profile and click my website link. Naruto does not belong to me, only original characters and themes. Thanks to AikouKurai for betaing.

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Pein knew he probably gave too much away. Also, it might have been a mistake to let Shiro live. He could not have anything happen to Sakura for a lot of reasons. Moving the hair out of her face, Pein kissed her cheek. There was only once before that Pein had this much trouble leaving her. Pulling his cloak tighter, Pein left the room, pausing at the door before leaving. A painful jolt ran through his body, remembering who it was that took her smile away. The image of that tearful girl, screaming his name as she was taken away, still broke his heart.

His movements stopped as his mind was pulled back. Sakura's mother had just died. He had rushed back to the village knowing she would be crying. Sliding the door open, Sakura was clutching to her dead mother's hand. Not a single tear dropped, but her face and soul looked so broken. Kneeling beside her, it finally got her attention. Letting go, Sakura wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. Patting her back softly, he let the silent sobs roll over her body as she cried into the nape of his neck.

"Why...? Why did it have to be Mama?"

The hold around her tightened. His younger self didn't know how to answer her sorrowful question.

"I... I really don't know."

He just didn't know how to respond to her. Sakura giggled and pulled back. Patting her head, she smiled. This girl really knew how to act years beyond her real age.

"It's okay cousin. It was just the grief talking. Thank you though."

Sakura gave him a tight hug, which he had been more than happy to return. He then remembered what a certain man had informed to him. Placing her down, he looked directly at her. She tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"Sakura."

"Yes?"

"You'll shortly be leaving for Kazaya Ouji-sama's."

"Okay, although, I would rather you would be with me."

He patted her head. Promising her they would go the next time was a promise he couldn't keep. So instead, he didn't make it. There were so many in his heart he knew were impossible now to make, let alone keep.

"Sakura, afterwards, you'll be going some place else."

"Where?"

"Konoha."

Sakura's eyes widened. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Konoha was only used to send her away. They were sending her away. Away to her birth father's village.

"...Why...?"

Just then, the doors slid open, and two guards came in. Two advisors stood behind them. Both men took an arm of Sakura's. She became alarmed. Sakura struggled and wildly, tried to pull away.

"Cousin, why?"

She began to shout, alarming nearby workers.

"Why?"

Sakura freed one arm, but then the guard just tossed her over his shoulder.

"Cousin!"

They began to leave the room.

"Did I do something wrong? I'll make it right! Cousin, why?"

They left the room, and he quickly made it to the door.

"Cousin!"

Sakura's eyes were wide with fright. She tried desperately to reach out for him. He balled his hands at his side, so not to go after her. Tears began to streak her cheeks. Clenching his jaw, he repeatedly told himself not to go.

"Cousin!"

Pein came out of it. He realized he was now at the compound's gate entrance and exit. His daze like state led him here. Sighing, Pein still remembered how he had been the one to crush Sakura's last pure smile. Information of a certain boy's death also had reached his ears. The death, of this Kei, must have broken her tainted smile even more. Because years later, Pein had visited Sakura, after she had received a silent invitation to join Akatsuki. Her smile had become broken beyond repair.

Shaking it off, Pein put back in place the neutral look he had gained from that day. Before he could open the large iron gate doors, they opened from the other side. He stepped back to avoid being hit. Pein realized who it was before the opening rvealed them. Itachi and Kisame both began to move in, but stopped upon realization that it was him.

"Leader-sama."

"Kisame, leave us."

Kisame did as he was told. Itachi raised an eyebrow at Pein.

"I see she fixed your eyes."

"Ah, she..."

Itachi stopped his words short. His eyes widened at Pein.

"I can explain for her prescence."

Pein raised a hand, as he put on his straw hat.

"There's no need. I assume you obtained the scroll."

"Yes, but it can't find the location of the red orb of Suzaku."

"I assumed as much."

"Then why retrieve this?"

"So Konoha can't use it."

"Hn."

Pein began to walk out, but said something as he passed Itachi.

"Don't you dare touch her."

Itachi whirled around, but Pein was gone. He didn't know how he was going to tell him that Sakura and himself had already passed that point, a long time ago.

"What the hell is his problem?"

Shinrai was at it again. Once again, Shinrai sat in an empty field. Yuu sat under the shade of a tree, mending some of Shinrai's torn clothes. He was always desperately trying to get better. She always came to give him silent company. The young boy always appreciated her for coming. Eyeing her clothes, he had noticed that living here, Yuu had woren only simple clothes. They were nothing like her royal garbs. Smirking, he had to admit, he liked the commoner clothes better on her. These clothes didn't hinder her bodily curves like her royal clothes. Sensing his stare, Yuu looked up at her husband. Just standing in the field, Yuu could see him staring at her.

"What?"

Shinrai blushed and looked away quickly. Yuu could basically tell what he was thinking about.

"Shin-kun! Get that off your mind right now!"

"I wasn't thinking anything but training."

Liar! Then what was that blush just then?"

Shinrai blushed again and avoided all eye contact with her.

"Can you blame me? We haven't even done it once, and we've been married almost four years now."

Silence ensued and both of them blushed. Yuu dropped her work, and fiddled with her fingers. She remembered clearly why they didn't do it on their wedding night. Shinrai had been prepared, and even had her clothes halfway off, but she had pushed him of. Telling him that she wanted to wait longer, Shinrai had just smiled and told her okay. He never attempted to touch her again. In a way, she wished that she hadn't cowarded out. The war had kept them separated for most of their marriage. It had been extrememly hard, and when they had been together, Yuu could see how much he was holding himself back. They never slept in the same bed. Even now, Shinrai slept on the couch.

"Shin-kun, you know I want to. It's just that..."

Yuu was having a hard time finding her lost voice. Shinrai sighed and stood.

"It's fine."

She looked up in shock.

"It doesn't matter."

"Shin-kun..."

Shinrai closed his eyes to concentrate. Yuu felt saddened. She couldn't really blame him, because even after four years, she was still putting him off. However, there was a distance now between them that Yuu did not like.

After putting the scroll away in its secure place, Itachi moved towards his room. Passing the kitchen, he saw Tsuki and Deidara snickering over something. He sighed knowing that those two were up to no good again. Well, he imagined they would get their punishment for watever theyw ere concocting later. Sliding the door open, he was not happy to find a missing pink hair girl not there.

"Shit."

Slamming the door shut, Itachi closed his eyes and searched the compound for her chakra signature. Where he found it, didn notmake him happier. Walking with angry purpose, he made his way to retrieve what was his.He opened his eyes as they bled red.

"What the hell is that girl thinking?"

Throwing the door open with a bang, he angrily searched her out. He didn't see her, but a lump in the bed made his blood run cold. It felt like his heart stopped. Itachi slowly walked over and pulled th blanket off. Sakura was still fully clothed, and he involuntarily let out a sigh. moving his hand under her pants, tachi felt her underwear. Stepping back, he sat on the edge holding his head.

"What is she doing to me?"

Feeling cold, Sakura opened her eyes. Seeing Itachi, she just laid there and watched him. He looked like he was deep in thought. Uchiha Itachi was definitely a handsome man. His features showed tiredness, but grace, dignity, and a mature handsomeness. After being with him for so long, Sakura now knew that there were a lot of differences between him and his brother. Especially something like what he looked like during those intimate moments. The way his hair stuck to his damp neck or the intensity in his eyes as he watched her. She couldn't believe that he was her lover, traitor or not.

Hearing a giggle, Itachi turned. Sakura was curled up and covering her mouth as she giggled. He could see the deep blush. Was she thinking of him or Pein? Just what happned between the two while he wasn't here? Should he question her or just let it go? Why should he care? Clenching his jaw in anger, he grabbed Sakrua roughly. She looked at him in shock. Itachi dragged her out of the leader's room, and back to their own.

"What the hell Itachi?"

That was the end of it, because Itachi put her to sleep. He held her body close to his own.

"Damn it."

Dinner was ate in silence. Yuu glanced up several times, but Shinrai just focused on his food. Before she knew it, Shinrai was done. He placed down his chopsticks. She noticed that she wasn't even halfway done. The young girl quickly tried to finish eating. Shinrai propped his head on his hand and chuckled.

"Yuu, slow down or you'll choke."

As if right on cue, Yuu choke don her rice. She pounded on her chest trying to dislodge the stuck food. Shinrai chuckled and handed her a cup of tea. Yuu finally coughed it down and swallowed some warm tea. Sighing in relief, she smiled at her husband.

"Thanks."

Shinrai chuckled again as he stroked her head.

"Silly."

He sat back down and smiled.

"Eat slowly please."

Yuu smiled and nodded in understanding. Shinrai sat with Yuu as she finished her meal. She bubbled with happiness, feeling the gap finally dissipate.

"I love you Shinrai!"

His widened in response before softening on his wife.

"I love you too."

Sakura groaned and slowly opened her eyes. She was going to kill Pein and Itachi. What on earth gave them the idea that they could just knock her out whenever they felt like it? Boiling with anger, Sakura threw off the covers and left the bedroom she shared with Itachi. Throwing the dining room door open, Sakura grabbed him by his collar.

"Bastard..."

"Hello, Cherry Blossom. I see you woke up on the wrong side of the bed again."

"Just die Uchiha."

"Sakura... sama?"

Sakura and Itachi turned to Tsuki. She finally realized that everyone was sitting and eating dinner. Nodding, Sakura dragged Itachi away. Itachi didn't object at all. He knew she was overly pissed off, but so was he. However, unlike her, he was keeping it under control. Once inside, she literally threw him. Her strength was coming back he saw.

"I hate you..."

Sakura ground her teeth. Itachi picked himself up and stared at her. He shrugged.

"Cherry Blossom..."

His shadow loomed over her. Looking up, Sakura peered into the angry eyes of Uchiha Itachi. He roughly pinned her up against the wall.

"What did you say to Pein-sama?"

"Hm?"

"You had a little chit chat with the leader. I found you in his room, asleep, in his bed."

A light bulb went off in her head.

"Are you jealous?"

"Did you sleep with him?"

Sakura was surprised he yelled at first, before laughing. Itachi raised an eyebrow at her reaction.

"You think... that I..."

Sakura couldn't form the words. The laughter took away her breath and caused pain in her abdomen. Finally calmed down, Sakura put all his worries to rest.

"Of course not."

She kissed Itachi.

"I have you for that."

Itachi smirked as he flipped the light switch off.

"Then let's get to it."

However, several miles away, Pein sneezed. It earned him a look from his partner.

"Catching an early cold, Pein-sama?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"If you say so."

"Let's just get back to the task at hand."

Yuu sat in bed determined. She had just taken a shower, and Shinrai was out in the living room sleeping already. Already dressed in a very suggestive nighty, thanks to her sister, Yuu went to the living room. He was sleeping and she felt a little bad about waking him up.

"Shin-kun?"

Shinrai was instantly alert. He had learned to become a light sleeper to protect Kazaya. Sitting up quickly, Shinrai looked around for the danger.

"Calm down, there's no danger."

Shinrai let his heart stop racing and he breathed a sigh of relief. His expression became perplexed.

"Then what's the matter?"

Yuu took Shinrai by the hand and led to the bedroom. He stood by the door jam, while Yuu sat on the edge of the bed. Now in th elight, Shinrai could see her shear excuse for clothing better. This was going to require a long cold shower. Instantly closing his eyes, Shinrai rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Yuu..."

"Shinrai."

He opened his eyes in surprise. Yuu usually didn't call him by his full name.

"I... I'm... I'm ready now."

Shinrai felt the blood rush to his face. Flipping the switch off, he approached his wife. They entered a kiss as he pushed her down on the bed. Lifting it off, he could feel her shaking beneath him. He went to remove her panties, but Yuu pushed him off.

"Shin-kun!"

Shinrai sat back against the side of the bed and laughed. Yuu looked at him puzzled as she covered herself with a blanket.

"Shin-kun?"

Slowly standing, Shinrai turned and patted her head. He sat on the edge of the bed.

"Don't rush yourself. I can still wait."

Shinrai stood to leave, but Yuu instantly grabbed onto him.

"Why don't you ever stay?"

Shinrai's eys widened.

"Please stay!"

He flicked her forehead.

"All you had to do was ask."

"Eh?"

"Yuu, I'm going to take a shower. In the meantime, change into something less tempting."

Yuu blushed as Shinrai left. She changed into a pair of less revealing cotton pajamas. Then, she tucked herself in, hearing the run of the shower. He leaned against the wall, letting the water wash over him.

"Damn."

Afterwards, he went to lay beside his wife.

Tsuki and Deidara didn't know what they should do. A moan came through the wooden door. It sent a shiver down their spines. If they interrupted Itachi's pleasure, he would kill them so they never did it again.

"Lower Sakura,"

Another moan,

"You're so easy to please."

"What are you two doing?"

Both of them turned to Kisame.

"I was wondering where you guys disappeared to."

"Well, Tsuki-chan asked me to help bring dinner to the lovebirds, yeah."

"So why haven't you given it yet?"

"Well that's when, yeah..."

Right on cue, Itachi let out a loud moan, and something cracked.

"They just broke the bed."

Both men turned white from Tsuki's comment.

"Is your partner's libido that good, yeah?"

"He never showed interest before."

Another moan made it through.

"Why is everyone camping out in front of Uchiha-san's doorway?"

They all turned to Sasori and Shiro coming their way. No one said anything as a louder moan escaped Itachi.

"You act like this is your first time."

"Cherry... Ah!"

"I hope you last until the end."

"Don't you dare... Ah!"

"Your body is so easy to deal with."

"I don't think... Ah!"

"That's it!"

Shiro threw open the door.

"Whore, what are you doing to Itachi-sama?"

Everyone peered in and was shocked. A fully clothed Sakura sat on top of a half-naked Itachi. Her one hand was on his shoulder blade, while the other had his arm bent back. Itachi was lying on his stomach. Both of them were looking at the group. The older of the two looked impassive as the younger looked annoyed, probably because someone called her a whore. Sakura pushed down and there was a familiar cracking sound. He let out an involuntary moan. She slid off.

"All done,"

Itachi sat up and noted his arms.

"You really did loosen them."

"I warned you that overworking would lock up your joints. Be grateful I studied massage therapy and after several chiropractors."

"So that was, yeah...?"

"Back realignment and other etcetera things,"

"Why are you here?"

Itachi glared at the small company.

"Back realignment,"

"Food,"

"Food, yeah,"

The two looked at them skeptically, but none the less Sakura rolled up her sleeves.

"Fine, let's do this now so I'm done in time to sleep."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Tsunade was at the office late. Shizune and Tonton were already asleep across the room on the couch. A single light burned, illuminating the desk. She wasn't working, but was sipping sake. The double doors leading to the balcony were open, and the curtains blew the night breeze. Konoha was quiet because it was late and barely any place would be open at this hour. Just then, Tsunade was alert to a presence, by the doors, stood a dark, cloaked, ominous presence.

"I've been waiting for you."

The figure took a seat in front of the desk. It felt like the temperature had dropped. She accepted the sake Tsunade offered.

"This is merely courtesy, Hokage-sama. Our kind do not like shinobi for good reason. However, you are the teacher of the one who saved my sister."

The dream walker showed her face. Her lifeless black eyes peered at Tsunade. It felt like she was peeing into her soul. Tsunade felt naked and caught off guard in a way. Information on dream walkers is scarce, and the information that Tsunade had on them came directly from Sakura. She never did ask her pupil where she got the knowledge from. Sakura had only explained after saving this one's sister not too long ago. However, they seemed just as knowledgeable about Sakura. Why she was in their sights she didn't' know, but their eyes were even more piercing than the Sharingan or Byakugan.

"I merely want to know what you know about Sakura-chan?"

"Why?"

They both took sips of the sake.

"I'm sure you heard that she was kidnapped. Of late, some startling information has reached me. It has led me to believe that Sakura-chan may betray the village."

"And you want me to put your mind at ease."

"That would be nice. Konoha is Sakura-chan's home."

"I don't know if she would see it that way."

"What do you mean?"

"Only you have seen Sakura-san's shinobi records, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then you very well know that Sakura-san is not from Konoha originally."

Tsunade banged her hands on the desk.

"Sakura-chan won't betray us!"

"Isn't that what I'm here to confirm?"

Tsunade quieted down.

"Where Sakura-san's loyalty lies is up to her."

"Can't you tell by reading her heart?"

She did not answer.

"Well?"

"As to her kidnapping, she hasn't been."

"She went freely?!"

"Once again, you are mistaken. Where Sakura-san goes is by fate. You may consider it 'kidnapping', but we call it where fate needs her currently. Sakra-san has always moved where fate needed her. It will always be that way."

"So she'll never return."

The dream walker studied her expression.

"Sakura-san was never meant to remain in Konoha. I also have seen her recently."

"What!"

"And to answer you previous question..."

"Tsunade-sama,"

Tsunade woke up with Shizune peering over her.

"It's late. Why don't we call it a day?"

"Her heart is the only one I can not peer into."

"What's that?'

"A horrible answer to my fully founded anxiety!"

Sakura sneezed and finished closing the windows. Drying her hair better, she looked over at Itachi, who was comfortably reading a scroll on the bed. She tossed the towel back into the bathroom and crawled into the warm bed. Winter was quickly approaching. They were already in the month of November. Once December hit, Sakura would have been with the Akatsuki for two full seasons. It was a little sad to be gone for half a year, but at the same time... Itachi looked down at his blossom staring at him.

"What?"

"Itachi... I..."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Never mind,"

Sakura sunk deeper into the blankets. Itachi got out of the bed and turned off the light. He crawled back in, but took with him his headband. The moonlight illuminated the room. Tying it around her eyes, Itachi entered a passionate kiss.

"What are you..."

He whispered in her ear.

"I just want you to feel me tonight."

Sakura didn't object as he ran his tongue over her. She let out a moan of pleasure. Opening her legs more, Itachi used his tongue to enter her. Letting out a cry of pleasure, Itachi continued. When she began to squirm away, he tied her arms to the headboard. His mouth was soon at her breast, and his fingers were inside of her.

"This must be a real turn on for you, Sakura. You're extremely wet."

Sakura would have said something, but Itachi was hitting every point that made her cry out.

"Itachi please... It's too much!"

"I think I like this begging Sakura."

He discarded his pants and reached inside his bedside table drawer. Then he entered her hot body. Itachi winced. Sakura was tighter. No, he was larger than usual. This was a real turn on for him too. She let out a scream as he widened her opening with each push in.

"No! It's too big Itachi!"

He smirked as he finally got used to her tightness.

"Out! Get out!"

Itachi pulled out, but went straight back in causing a beautiful scream to escape her. Sakura felt like she was going to burst with heat. A deep pressure was building and it came closer with each quickened pace. He felt her finally release. Her walls tightened down around him, and he was forced to let go. Finally coming down from the seventh level of heaven, Itachi released Sakura from her bondage. Taking away her blindfold, he was held mesmerized by her large, pure eyes. For someone who had seen and caused a lot of death, this was probably one of the only moments he got this pure of an expression. Pulling her towards him as he laid, Itachi was quickly pulled into sleep. However, sleep did not come easy for Sakura. For the words she wanted to say earlier, played over and over again in her mind.

'I want to tell him, I want to betray everything I have grown to know. Just so I may have a chance at spending a lifetime with you, however brief or long. A life time with you together.'