Chapter Four

Sakura cracked her eyes open ever so slightly, but then shut them again. She didn't want to face the whole world, which would inevitably crash down upon her when she got up.

'But,' She sighed. 'It's better to face it sooner rather than later.'

So somewhat hesitantly, she opened her eyes again. The room was dim, but not as much as the hallways were. A large candle was burning brightly on a table next to her, and it sat on a thick book - the spine reading Medical & Other Healing Jutsu.

Sakura had to laugh at that. Surely Sasori had told someone to place that there. He wanted to remind her what her purpose here was. But she didn't need a reminder - she knew well enough already.

Looking around, she realized just how small the room was. It seemed to have been carved out of the rock, to make a suitable living space. Very nifty.

Then Sakura looked down upon herself. She had been sleeping in her clothes from the day before - although her boots and weapon pouch were removed and had been placed neatly on the floor. She leaned over and picked up her pouch, but realized that it was empty. Of course they removed all her weapons. They would be idiots if they didn't.

She looked at the hand that held the pouch - and on it was a thick bangle.

'Ah,' Sakura thought, twisting her wrist to inspect the object. 'it's supposed to maintain my chakra control. I thought I felt a bit drained…this is why. They probably didn't want me out there blowing holes through all the walls.'

It was tight on her wrist, but it wasn't overly uncomfortable. She tried to pull it over her hand, but it was still too tight. It was there to stay.

Directing her attention once again to the table beside her, she picked up a small mirror that was set beside the book. Looking at her reflection, she was surprised with what she saw: she looked completely exhausted. Dark circles were beginning to form under her eyes, and her skin looked washed out and ghost pale. She combed out her hair with her fingers to try to rid it of tangles as she moved the mirror down to her neck.

She gasped. There were dark, splotchy bruises on either side of her neck - they took the shape of two hands. Fingering the bruises softly, she sighed. She would heal herself on any other normal basis, but since her chakra was maintained, she couldn't. So that meant the bruise would just have to heal the natural way, or at least until someone would let her heal herself.

'And who knows when that might happen…?' Sakura scoffed, setting the mirror back on the table. 'Forget what anybody said earlier…I'll be damned if I get out of here alive.'

"Haruno-san? May I come in? I have breakfast." The door was opened a tiny crack, revealing a tall, blue-haired woman.

"Oh, yeah…sure." Sakura sat up, pushing her covers back to her waist.

The woman gracefully opened the door, and walked over to Sakura all in one movement.

Sakura looked up at the cobalt-haired female in awe.

Her hair and eye color matched identically, both a deep shade of blue. She had quite a few studs on her nose, chin, and ears - but those did nothing to demote her beautiful appearance. A white flower was set neatly atop her head - only when Sakura looked closer did she realize it was made of paper.

She set a tray of food on the table beside Sakura - it contained a glass of juice, two oranges, and a roll of bread. Sakura grabbed the glass of juice and began drinking, as the woman sat on the edge of the bed.

"My name is Konan."

Sakura stopped in motion, the glass still lifted to her lips. "Ah! It's…nice to meet you. I'm-"

"-yes, I know. Haruno Sakura, am I correct?"

Sakura nodded. "That's right."

Sakura laid the empty glass of juice on the tray and started on the roll.

Both sat in silence for a few moments, Sakura eating, and Konan watching.

"You had a rough day yesterday. I must apologize on account of the others. Even you do not deserve to be treated with such…disrespect." Konan said the last part, eyeing Sakura's bruises. "We do not tolerate such things here. Our main concern is to ensure peace. I sincerely hope that you will forget that incident and continue anew."

Sakura shrugged. "I suppose I could try. But still, what Deidara did…" She clutched her sheets tightly, looking down at her lap. "I-I don't know. I guess I could try to forget it… But most of all, I'd just like a formal apology from him."

Konan nodded thoughtfully. "Yes… however, Deidara has locked himself in his room ever since yesterday evening. He refuses to come out, even for meals. But don't worry," She patted Sakura's shoulder lightly. "He'll have to come out eventually. Just give him time - he does everything on his own accord."

"Yeah…" Sakura munched on her last piece of roll, finishing it up. Then she looked at the book that set on the table beside her. "Hey Konan, about this book…did Sasori tell you to put that there?"

Konan smiled the slightest bit. "Unfortunately. He wanted to make sure that you were familiar with all the basic medical jutsu. He's just taking extra precautions. When it comes to himself, he can be a bit…protective."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well, he should know that I'm one of the most experienced med nin in my village. I trained under the Hokage, for God's sake! I think I can handle whatever puny injuries he can conjure up."

"Yes…I'm sure that you could." Konan said, standing up and walking over to the door.

"Oh, are you leaving so soon?" Sakura pouted. "You seem to be the only normal person in this place…"

Konan giggled lightly. "I must leave for now. I'll see you again though - and soon. We are to have a meeting tomorrow to discuss your arrival. Please be prepared for that."

"Alright, thanks Konan."

"You're welcome Haruno-san."

"Please, call me Sakura."

Konan nodded. "Okay then, Sakura. I hope that in time we can become…friends, perhaps. Do you think that's possible?"

Sakura threw her hands up. "Well, sure! Hell, lately it seems like just about everything is becoming possible!"

Konan grinned. "That'll be all. Goodbye for now, Sakura." Then she closed the door and left Sakura to her loneliness.

________________________________________________________________________

"No! I'm not coming out, yeah! Leave me to my work." Deidara yelled from behind his bedroom door.

"C'mon Deidara! You know what you need to do - so get out here and get it over with already." Kisame scolded. "You're acting like a child."

"I am not."

"Yes you are. How old are you anyway? Because if I had to guess I would say you're about three."

"Three?"

Kisame leaned on the wall across from the door, and sighed heavily. "Deidara, we're getting nowhere."

"…I don't care, yeah."

"Yeah you do. I know you do. C'mon, open up."

It was a few moments before Deidara's footsteps could be heard from the other side of the door. Slowly but surely, Deidara opened the door a crack, just so his face was visible. He scowled at Kisame, saying nothing.

"Now are you going to apologize or what?" Kisame crossed his arms.

Deidara glared at Kisame for a moment more, before sighing and opening the door completely.

"Well? Are you?"

"Shut up!" Deidara snapped. "Why would I even need to apologize anyway? She's alive, isn't she? She should be thankful that I didn't kill her right then and there."

Kisame threw his hands up at Deidara. "Hey, calm it down, kid."

"No, you calm it down. And stop telling me what to do, yeah!" Deidara slammed the door and locked it shut. "Just leave me alone. I don't need you."

Kisame shrugged. "Whatever Deidara. See ya later."

As soon as Kisame's footsteps had receded and his chakra signature was gone, did Deidara breathe a sigh of relief.

He walked over to his worktable and began fiddling with some clay - something he always did when frustrated.

'I wonder if she really is okay…? I hope I didn't hurt her too much…' Deidara thought, whistling quietly as he worked. 'Oh what am I worried about, yeah? She's a medical ninja after all. She could just heal any injuries that she received lickety-split. See? So it's no big deal.' He laughed.

But even as Deidara thought these words, he couldn't entirely believe them to be true. He knew what he had to do. But this stubborn personality wasn't going to allow him to do it just yet.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kisame returned to the kitchen, in which Pein and Konan were waiting.

"So? Any luck?" Konan asked quietly, sipping a small cup of iced tea.

Kisame shook his head, moving over to the refrigerator. "Nope. He wouldn't even take the rations I offered to him." He took Deidara's tray of food and set it on the bottom shelf.

Pein shifted in his seat next to Konan, fingering one of the studs on his nose. "He can't stay in there forever. Surely he realizes that."

Kisame shrugged. "I don't know...he's pretty stubborn."

"No matter. Let Deidara do as he pleases. He's just going to stay in there longer if you press him. He will come out soon. Very soon." Konan said thoughtfully, looking down at the beverage in her hand.

Kisame cocked his head. "What makes you so sure?"

Konan's gaze shifted between Kisame and Pein - her mouth tugging up in a small smile. "I know his type. He's feeling guilty right now. It's only a matter of time before he surrenders himself."

"Konan's right. We ought to leave him alone for a little while." Pein nodded in agreement.

"So what does that mean?" Kisame asked.

"It means no more talking to him. No more giving him food. No more forcing." Pein stated simply. "Deidara hasn't eaten in well over twelve-hours. This works just as well. He will have to come out, and I believe it will be sooner rather than later."

"Wait…so you think he'll come here on his own accord and get something to eat?" Kisame asked, leaning against the counter.

"Yes. But like I said, we cannot force him. And when he does choose to come out, we must not make a spectacle of it. Act normal, like it's no big deal. Otherwise, he'll just go back to his room and not open up about anything."

Konan nodded at Pein's words. "I agree. It's better if we allow Deidara to sort through his own problems. He would prefer it that way."

"Ah, I see…so when do you think he's going to come out?" Kisame mused, playing with the hem of his oversized shirt.

Konan and Pein exchanged glances.

"Well, like Pein said, sooner rather than later. I expect no later than this evening." Konan lightly got up and placed her cup in the sink, and began to wash it.

"So what am I supposed to do until then?" Kisame groaned.

Konan laughed. "Whatever you usually do. Actually, I'm beginning to think that Deidara's recent downfall has become your new hobby. Are you really that bored?"

Kisame said nothing but instead glared at the blue-haired female. Pein's normally emotionless face held traces of humor - his lips curved up in a smile.

"Okay, you know what? I'm leaving."

"Oh really? Where are you going?" Konan asked, smiling. "Hopefully not near Deidara, are you now?"

"No, to my room for future reference. Good day Konan, Pein." and so Kisame trudged out of the kitchen.

Pein and Konan looked at each other on the verge of laugher.

"Oh how I love you, my dearest Konan." Pein said, covering his mouth to stiffle his chuckle.

Konan nodded. "Likewise, Pein."

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Deidara lay in a fetal position on his bed, gently rocking himself back and forth. His stomach was now growling fiercely, and Deidara was afraid he would go absolutely insane if he didn't get something to eat. However, his pride wasn't currently allowing him to do such things - a part of him would rather die than be caught by someone outside.

'I can make it…' Deidara thought. 'I've been without food for five days before! I was on the verge of collapsing, but I still survived! A mere nineteen hours is nothing!'

But what Deidara didn't understand is that when he went those five days without food, there was absolutely nothing. He couldn't walk conveniently to a kitchen and just pull out whatever he wanted. But here, food was so close. That is why I believe it was so hard for him to endure. Poor guy…

It was merely a half hour before -

"ALRIGHT" Deidara shrieked. "I don't care! Screw the Akatsuki! I'm getting some food right now!"

And so he did.

Deidara snuck his way quietly to the kitchen, but not before hiding his chakra. He was half mad with hunger as he went into the kitchen, and shoving whatever he could into his arms. He decided he would go back to his room and eat. But what should he take?

'Hell - I'm just going to take all of it.'

And as he had an armful of cheese, a half dozen rolls, and was reaching for the gallon of juice, he was stopped by a voice.

"…Deidara?"

And he froze.

Deidara slowly turned around, and gave a sigh of relief.

"Oh…Konan. It's you. I thought you were -"

"Pein? Yes, I can see why you might be a bit worried. He doesn't take too kindly when others take more than they need. And clearly -" She looked at Deidara's stash of food. " - you are."

Deidara picked up the gallon of juice and set it on the counter. "Please Konan? I would've gone through this much food in a day anyway. Besides, I'm starving."

Konan smiled kindly. "I don't mind."

"…You don't?"

Konan shook her head. "Not really, to tell you the truth. Have as much as you desire. Only," She pointed to one of the cupboards nearest Deidara. "can you open that and hand me that box of tea?"

Deidara did as told and gave the tea to Konan.

"Thank you." Then she took a warm cup of water and dropped the teabag into it. Within moments, the water turned a dark green color. The smell was soothing.

Konan took a seat on top of the counter, stirring her tea lightly as she watched Deidara.

"You know…" Deidara mused, still roaming around the refrigerator. "I didn't mean to hurt that girl. It was just an impulse, yeah. Sort of…I-I mean, I just feel kinda…" He swallowed. "…kinda guilty, I guess."

He brushed a few stray hairs away from his face. "I visited her shortly after Itachi dropped her off in her room. I just wanted to see what the damage was - if she even had any, yeah. I went in when she was sleeping, and I couldn't believe myself…she had these big bruises on her neck…and then it really hit me. I did that to her. Not Hidan. Not Zetsu. Me."

He breathed. "On any other normal basis it probably wouldn't bother me. I'm a ninja - I kill people. I hurt people. It's what we do. Simple as that, yeah. What just absolutely kills me, is the fact that I feel this way. Sure, she's technically Akatsuki now. But even so, I shouldn't feel guilt. Why do I feel badly about this? She's nothing to me. She's not my Mother. She's not my sister. But all the same…there's just something there. I'm not really sure of what it is…"

Deidara looked up at Konan, and couldn't help but feel embarrassed. "…That's all."

Konan smiled to herself, picking up her tea. "So what are you going to do now, Deidara?"

He shrugged. "Well, I wanted to tell her some of that. Maybe…you know, apologize. But every time I look at her - it hits me. The guilt, yeah."

"All the more reason why you should tell her. Talking to her firsthand would clear your conscience." Konan said, her tone soft and sympathetic. "And it's the right thing to do."

"Maybe. I don't know."

"It's completely up to you, Deidara. I'm just saying…it would please her."

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sakura rubbed her eyes sleepily - she felt so tired. She had been reading Sasori's medical book all day, and had just gotten finished with it. Of course there was nothing that was unfamiliar within it's pages, but at least she had something to distract her. She was somewhat thankful for that.

As she sat the book back on the table, someone had begun knocking on her door.

"Come in." She said quietly, her voice a bit raspy from the absence of using her voice.

Sakura gasped when Deidara came through the door and closed it behind him.

"…Deidara?" Sakura asked incredulously. "What are you doing here?

Deidara walked slowly over to Sakura, his eyes at the floor, his brow creased worryingly. He didn't dare look up at her - because he knew he would melt if he did.

"I've come here to offer my apologies." He murmured under his breath.

"…apologies?" Sakura whispered.

Deidara nodded, kneeling down by the side of Sakura's bed. "You didn't deserve what I did to you. And for that, I'm sorry. Are you…" He swallowed, rubbing his temples with his hands, eyes pasted on the floor. "…are you okay?"

"…Yes." A lie.

Sakura was surprised with how direct he was being. He actually seemed to care. But then again, somebody probably made him apologize, or else he would be killed.

"I'm sorry." Deidara repeated.

"Do you really mean that?" Sakura asked.

Deidara sighed deeply, then looked up into Sakura's face - into her eyes. "Yes. I really mean that. I'm sorry that I mistook you for someone else. I'm sorry I said such mean things. And most of all…" He reached out to touch Sakura's neck. She winced in pain. "…I'm sorry for this."

"I accept your apology." Sakura whispered. "And to tell you the truth, this bruise on my neck is nothing. What I really wanted was an apology, and look - I got one."

"Your injury isn't just nothing, yeah. Don't brush it off so easily." Deidara looked at her bruise once more. "Can you heal it?"

Sakura held up her wrist solemnly, showing him her bracelet. Deidara understood at once.

"I would love to heal it. But I can't."

"Well what if I told you I was going to get that off you?"

Sakura looked away as she bit her lip. "You can't do that."

"Sure I can! I am a member of Akatsuki, aren't I, yeah? I'll talk to Pein, Konan, somebody…anybody that can get that off you."

"But how do you know that I won't escape? If this thing is removed, I could break through all the walls. That won't go too well with Pein, or even Konan." Sakura stated matter-of-factly.

Deidara shrugged. "Maybe that's true, but I'll convince them, one way or another. I owe you that. And if nothing else - I will swear to protect you."

Sakura couldn't help but giggle at that. "You must realize that I'm stronger than you are. I don't really need protecting…"

"Yeah, but you're still a woman."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Sakura yelled. "Women can do just as much as men can! And more."

Deidara chuckled. "I didn't really want to get into a fight over gender…"

"Well you brought it upon yourself, buddy boy!"

And as the two of them argued, not one noticed Sasori's presence outside the door.

'How dare you Deidara…' He thought ominously. 'trying to take a pass at my precious jewel - unforgivable. I'm the only one allowed to protect Sakura. Only me. For this, you shall die.'

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*squeak* Sasori doesn't sound too happy, does he? I really wouldn't want to be Deidara right now... But yeah. That was a little taste of Deisaku. Bits of Itasaku are coming soon as well - but remember, this IS a Sasosaku story. And there will be tons of scenes to come with Sasori and Sakura, i promise. I don't know about you guys, but i just love Konan. She's really cool, calm, and collected. Sort of a big sister type of figure in this story. There will be more of her, Pein, Kisame...[etc] later. Eventually all of the members are going to show up, so be prepared! *bwahahaa*

i hope you enjoyed this. Review please!

love, Getsuei-Hime