Thanks for all your reviews, especially the one which told me to get my 'tushie' moving. Haha!

A big thank you to CrimsonDrakus, who beta'ed this chapter for me!

The second-last chapter, guys…

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of its characters. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto

-I Found You-

-29-

Those blue eyes the maid shone her way stuck with Sakura as she was led into the room by an all-too-eager hand. His hands were strong, which should have worried her. But a vision of her determined best friend popped into mind and all worries eased away. All of her doubt was removed.

She'd experienced pain on every level; physical, mental, emotional. Honestly, she was a little tired of it. Same old same old, which wasn't how you described these kinds of life events.

One strong tug made her tumble into his arms and he mockingly danced her around the room as though doing the waltz. He snickered into her hair and her feet strongly stood firm as she pushed him away.

"Oh how I love a challenge," he taunted, straightening up and looming over her.

Sakura snapped to look up at him with a sneer. But she had no smart words. She simply raised her fist and struck him in the face with some of her gathered strength, sending the startled man backwards into a wall, where his head had broken through the flimsy structure.

She ran up to him and took him by the hair, bringing the white spikes back and then towards the wall hard. The door burst open behind her and she cursed how loud she'd been when dealing with the man; she'd blown her cover.

Her fingers released the man's head, or rather threw it, to the floor and she turned, raising her fist in preparation to fight what she assumed was a guard.

Her breath caught in her throat when her hand was caught and she stared up at the unruly red hair and warm jade eyes, which bore down on her longingly.

"G-Gaara?" She spluttered with a gasp. He smirked down at her and tugged her close, burying a hand in her hair while the other pressed her against him. Inhaling deeply, he traced his nose along her soft, pink waves, smiling as he felt her own hands grip the fabric on his back.

She shuddered gently against him and he tugged her head up with both hands, worrying for her. Two glistening tears streaked down her cheeks and her lip trembled, like a child's would, when she set the full force of her emerald eyes upon him.

"I didn't think I'd see you again," she told him honestly. So she hadn't thought she'd survive this under the bravado, Gaara thought.

"Nina led us here when you left-," he said lowly, stopping himself when that familiar anger burst out of him. "What were you thinking? Going off by yourself? You didn't think we could handle those guys?"

"I didn't want to risk you getting hurt, too!" She said looking up defiantly. He traced his thumbs in a large circle, gathering the tears accumulated on her cheeks.

"I wouldn't have,"

"But you can't be sure that-," his lips silenced her arguments and she mewed against him, pushing him back so she could take a breath and look up at him. "Okay, I'm stupid." She gave in pathetically.

He sighed and allowed himself to smile softly down at her, remembering something he had wanted to bring up for those months spent apart. He raised a hand and placed it flat against the top of her chest, being careful not to break any personal boundaries. Her smile was lost for bittersweet confusion and a pink blush.

"Must be; giving your heart to a demon," he spoke resting his forehead against hers and looked down lazily at her. She gasped when she remembered the note and the blush intensified.

But she smiled, nonetheless; ignoring her embarrassment. "That was the only none-stupid thing I've done so far." She laughed freely, wiping her cheeks. "Let's go."

She moved to pull away but it was too soon; Gaara dug his fingers in her hair, keeping her close to him for a moment longer, before letting go almost hesitantly.

He nodded and she took his hand, running past him and leading him along the corridor, taking in the sight of opened doors and dead guards. "The girls are safe." Gaara offered, changing her decision to rescue them first.

She ignored the destruction around her, assuming it was Gaara's handy work, and sprinted down the stairs, taking two at a time. When they were at the bottom, she tugged him along and made her way to the entrance, where she opened the door to the meeting room. The tables were empty.

She bit her lip and remembered back to where Katashi had gone. It was definitely this room. Her eyes blinked to a close and she tried her best to remember anything. Kensho had pulled aside the curtain; that meant there was a room back there.

She left Gaara's hand and hurried over towards the thick, heavy curtain, pulling it aside to reveal an extension of the previous room.

And all eight council members, including Yoko, sitting at all ends of a large, round tables, placing down playing cards and laughing about what only they knew. A few looked miserable, like Osamu and 'the gentle giant' Sayuri had spoke of.

When the curtain was pulled aside, heads turned and the members stopped playing, throwing their cards to the table and looking at Sakura, deciding what had happened to let her escape.

Some stayed seated, yet the more agitated members of the council stood. Joe pushed back and took a few steps forward, but Osamu's hand stopped him and he stood up, not breaking eye contact with Sakura. At the opposite end of the table, Katashi stood, fixing her with a cold stare and in the centre sat Yusuke, who made her shiver.

"What are you-," Osamu cut himself off when Gaara tore down the curtain, throwing it aside and not caring where it landed. Osamu's eyes narrowed and he turned a questioning look on Sakura, forcing her to explain.

Like hell would she do that anymore. The look he sent could be compared to the look of an anxious boyfriend meeting his partner's male friend for the first time. She didn't budge.

For the first time, he left his eyes trail and noticed the faint, red dots sprinkled on the lower part of Sakura's dress. He took a deep ragged breath, but didn't seem too upset over the obvious truth. "What did you do?"

Gaara smirked from beside her and crossed his arms over his chest. They waited out, not wanting to make the first move, and Osamu's chest rumbled a growl out as he waved a hand over his shoulder.

His two body guards stepped around the table and in front of him, slowly withdrawing their swords. Sakura widened her stance and looked at Gaara, who slowly began to simper at one of the guards. She turned back when their swords were drawn and as the first moved his arm to bring it down on Sakura, the second swung his across and parried around to defend Sakura.

Startled, she staggered away from the force and the second guard removed his shades, throwing them to the side. Osamu examined him and barked out in fury, "You're not my guard!"

"Took you long enough," the familiar voice said from in front of Sakura. She gasped and moved closer to Gaara, and stepped forward to see silvery eyes trained on the guard who withdrew and took a step back.

"Neji!"

"What can the three of you do?" Yoko asked looking meaningfully around the table. Sakura glared at her and she looked away as Osamu approached her with intimidating strides.

The rest of the council slowly began to rise from their seat, minus two. The gentle giant remained frozen in place with a worried expression and Kensho sat calmly, as though watching a show play out.

Gaara took her arm when Osamu came near but she shrugged him off and took her own steps forward. Doubt flashed in his eyes when he saw how afraid she was of him, and he flung his fist out with a crazed wail, but she stepped to the side and grabbed his wrist, twisting it around and circling him until he was planted into the floor.

Four things happened at once; of what she was certainly aware of. Osamu threw her off and pulled up to strike with his elbow. As he did, Gaara's hand flung out and a shield of sand prevented the blow from reaching her. The council didn't seem to believe their eyes, but they stumbled forward either way, leaving one at the table; Yosaku, who didn't seem to know what to do. Even Kensho had risen and sprinted forward to the fight.

And then lastly, from behind Gaara the door burst open and Sakura's dumbfounded expression barely caught Gaara's lips whispering into a concealed microphone she wasn't aware of. Her eyes gleamed with hope when everyone she knew ran forward to meet the men heading towards us.

She didn't catch who had collided with who, but wails and yells tore through the room and she looked up, regaining her focus, to where Yusuke had withdrawn his own two swords and had lay them down towards Sakura. Gaara's sand withdrew and Yusuke stepped backwards, piercing Sakura's mind with his frightening eyes.

His attention was soon on Gaara and Sakura found the two of them to be worthy opponents when it came to eye-threats. He jolted forwards and the sand stopped his amazing speed once more before simmering, allowing Gaara to send his foot out and kick him back from Sakura, who felt another grab her wrist.

Neji stared down the man as the council ran forward and louder, more rushed steps, approached him from behind. He couldn't help but allow himself a smug grin when the men panicked and the guard he face tensed up.

"I accept your challenge," he spoke holding his sword out in an unfamiliar stance.

Neji's silver eyes almost rolled but instead he chuckled, insulting the man; nothing like being psyched up. His hands raised the sword above his head and as the constant chime of metal upon metal rung through his ears; he shoved back, blocking the man who relentlessly attacked him.

"I expected more from you; you fight like a child! Who taught you how to wield a sword?" the man sneered lifting his sword higher and bringing it down.

Neji glared at the insult and lifted his sword up to meet the man's with an intense blow, which shattered both blades. The man gasped and backed up from the force, quickly altering his stance and throwing the handle from his katana away. Neji mimicked his actions, but widened his stance and thrust his palms out; ready for the man.

"I never learned with a sword; hand-to-hand was always more thrilling," Neji shot back with a cold, detached voice.

"What is this? Did you invent this while watching Sunday morning cartoons?" The man laughed.

Neji's eyes narrowed and when the man approached, he shifted around him, blocking his accurate punches and thrusting his palms out to meet part of his body. He'd kill this one slowly.

"W-What did you do?" The man gasped out, taking a step back and clutching his chest. Neji smiled but didn't elaborate on the extent to the man's damage.

Naruto barged at the man approaching Gaara and then jumped backwards from his counterattack. When he looked up, red knowing eyes looked at him with a sneer. "Why if it isn't the fox boy!" He barked, throwing his fist out, which connected with Naruto's shoulder.

He stumbled back and snarled at the Uchiha. The one he'd met with Sasuke's father. His brother. "Madara, right?" Naruto asked, throwing his fist out and elongating demon-enhanced claws, which struck the man's face.

He snarled and moved backwards, cursing and clutching his bleeding face in shock. "What took you so long?" Gaara shouted ducking low and kicking his leg to meet with Yusuke's knee, which bent backwards at an awkward angle with a loud crack.

Naruto twisted his face and turned when Madara leashed out and punched blindly at Naruto, who ducked and lifted his knee to connect with the man's stomach.

"You know; had to arrive in style."

"You arrived like a pack of dogs!" Gaara growled out, pushing hard against the two swords with his hands crossed against his chest and Sand shielding his front. He pushed him back and threw a wide punch at Yusuke's face, making him stumble and drop one of his swords.

"We led the others out! But we need the guy back there!" Naruto nodded towards Yosaku, who was still frozen in his chair, looking to each brawl in shock. As he said it, Hinata danced past him and ran for the man.

He focused on Hinata and crossed his hands, thinking she would strike him, but Hinata stopped and gently touched his arm; "Miu is outside! The police will arrive soon, you should be out there!"

Gaara zoned out and focused on the man who was attacking him. He jumped back from the sword which slashed out at him. The man snarled but didn't answer him and Gaara rushed forward, elbowing him in the ribs. When he moved back, the sword came down and slashed across his arm, making him hiss and kick the man in the chest.

Flashing lights approached and glimmered through the windows, while the sounds of sirens caught up to the laser show. Gaara cursed, knowing their time was limited to deal with the men before the police barged in.

Yusuke stood and threw his sword to the floor, cracking his knuckles against his palm and throwing out a fist. Gaara caught it and raise his other fist to connect with the man's second, which shot out towards Gaara. Using Sand to shield the bones, he smashed into the man's hand and he wailed out withdrawing from Gaara, but he kept him close.

Sakura had been tugged up and then struck back down by Osamu, who looked around with a crazed, disbelieving gleam. She pushed herself upwards and sent her foot out to connect with Osamu's stomach, making him gush out the breath he had and wheeze.

"Stupid bitch! You're nothing without me! What will you have?" He yelled standing up and reaching down for Sakura's hair.

He tugged on the long tail, lifting her to stand on shaking legs and snarling in her face. "What is he that I'm not? He's nothing, you're nothing!"

He threw her down to the floor and she felt tears well in her eyes, and stupidly enough; she started listening to his words. Really listening.

He sat over on her back, straddling her waist, and pulled her up by her neck, whispering hot, raged breath into her ear. His tone sounded demented, and as he lifted her neck, her eyes looked up and focused on Gaara, who was slashed across his arm by the large, twisted blade that Yusuke held. He pushed backwards and then kicked the man in the chest, baring his teeth at the threat.

"He's nothing! But even he wouldn't want you! You've been tainted by all of us here! The things you've seen stole your innocence a long time ago, honey!" His nails began to scratch at her neck, like you would do to an animal when they wanted attention.

"You're so selfish! How long will he stand around, though? When it's all over, will he still want you?"

Sakura bubbled and tears fell from her eyes when Osamu tightly grabbed her stomach, digging the other hand's stubby nails into her skin. The fabric of the thick kimono stopped him from tearing into her skin, but the tension in his fingers pinched and bruised at her belly.

"Remember… remember when I first brought you home? You were so thankful. I saved you, Sakura! And this is how you repay me? I saved you from that place!"

"Stop it!" She screeched raising a hand over his and dragging her nails down the length of his fingers.

"Remember when I first touched you?" His hand slid down the length of her neck and down her chest.

Sakura's heart sped up and the memories of the times he spoke of flashed before he. She felt her tears fall and she squirmed her neck in his hold.

She closed her eyes tightly and rushed breaths of anger took over. She refused to remember them. She refused to listen to his bullshit any longer.

"Remember when-," her hand gripped the lowering fingers and gripped them with inhuman strength, bending them in different positions. He yelled in her ear and let her go, making her stumble and gasp for breath.

In front of her, Joe fell to the floor and Lee stood above him panting, waiting should he get up again. At the far end of the room. The guard Neji fought spluttered blood up and dribbled it down his chin, as he panted on the floor. Neji relaxed and looked around the room.

Shino led Yosaku out the door with Hinata, who avoided the fights, yet looked off for Naruto and different people when they were in trouble. The sirens outside dimmed, but the lights were still blinding through the windows and voices from outside barked orders she couldn't hear.

She pushed up and Osamu stumbled from her in response. Without looking, she knelt and kicked backwards, connecting with part of Osamu which snapped under the strength.

This time, she'd see his own pain. She stood and felt him grab her from behind, trying to keep her arms down from hurting him, but she growled out a cry and lowered her hand, grabbing between his legs and crushing what she could.

People fell around her and others watched should she need help, but the crunching, wailing sound Osamu stopped them from approaching. When he let her go and stepped back with hot tears running from his eyes, she turned to face him down.

He made a move for something cold in her back pocket, and she froze momentarily when he withdrew a long, powerful looking gun which had been concealed in his pocket. Before he got the chance to level it's aim, Sakura shot forward and kicked the gun away. He was slower and weaker from the fight, but Sakura was high on adrenaline, fuelling her rage and hate for the man in front of her.

Without needing to think on a next move, her hand reached up and grabbed his hair, like he had done so many times to her, and she forced him to the ground with a sharp kick to his knees. Her hand gripped the hair tightly, and the skin on his head moved with the hold on his hair as she brought his head down to the floor in a quick blow.

He cried out and moaned, so she did it once more, liking the feel of it; but once more wasn't enough. His head smashed again, and again until an echoing crunch stopped his flailing arms and snapped her trance. Her hand still gripped his hair, and when she turned and flipped him over, nausea swirled within her at the sight of his caved head and indented eyes, which were rolled into his own skull.

Gaara gripped the arm of the opponent he still held and sent his hand out. The length of his palm's edge connected with his neck and the man sank to the floor and into unconsciousness. His inner demon was screaming in blood lust and his head felt light with pleasure.

His jade eyes focused on Temari, who had been struggling, and when Katashi had landed on the floor heavily from her blow, he took no time in crossing the distance and throwing his foot into the man's face. His eyes closed instantaneous; out cold.

Temari glared up at him, ignoring her own unsteady breathing, but her gaze was lost for a frightened one when she looked beyond Gaara. He turned and followed her sight to see Sakura gripping Osamu's hair and ramming his head into the floor over and over. He'd seen much in his life and even acted upon the strongest, violent reactions, but seeing someone so pure kill another man had him nauseous. Especially her…

He stepped forward when she finally froze and lifted her from the body she'd just turned. Her voice seemed lost in her throat, and wild, scared eyes refused to look up at him. When she was gently tucked into his chest, he looked up to the faces of loyal, tired friends who were as lost for words as he. Bodies surrounded them, some dead, some unconscious. Some bleeding, some still and bruised.

Naruto wiped the blood trail from his own lips and nodded, checking over his friends much like Gaara. When he was satisfied, however, nobody made any move until the sound of clattering doors alerted them to the Police's arrival.

oOo

"Sakura! Is she alright?" Naruto asked, placing a hand to Sakura's forehead. She looked over and swatted it away, regaining the composure she'd lost inside. The image flooded back before she could help herself, and she shuddered. Cleverly disguising her disgust in herself with a chill from the cold night, she rubbed her arms and scowled playfully.

She rested in the back of an ambulance, dangling her legs over the edge of the opened vehicle. The police had harassed her to no end, but Tsunade eventually split up the commotion after she'd filled in the officers with an update.

The girls were seated in many different cars, and hadn't spoken to one another since they'd left. They were lost, Sakura assumed. They'd been cared for by monsters in the most cruel ways, but cared for and housed nonetheless. They were worried; what would happen to them? Would they be put into another care? Would they be forced to relive everything that had ever happened? Would they be forced onto the next road in life? Sakura felt somewhat lucky to have as many friends and a new carer.

She turned her attention back on Naruto, and narrowed her eyes at the sparkly lips she recognised. Her emerald eyes widened in disbelief, and she looked him up and down, as if to confirm her thoughts. There had been something odd about that ever-so-familiar maid. But she never would have imagined…

"I knew it was you," she accused, wrinkling her nose as she imagined Naruto's womanly form.

"Yeah, I make a pretty hot girl, huh?" He grinned, fully understanding what she meant, and thudded his chest triumphantly.

"Ugh," she moaned shaking her head in disgust, then fixed Naruto with a strike to the noggin.

He pouted and flinched away, rubbing his head soothingly and looking at her. "Jeez, what was that for?"

"That jutsu is weird, Naruto," Sakura argued, looking past him to where the rest of the gang waited in a huge, intimidating group. It worked to an extent, and only few officers approached them briefly. They were quite sneaky.

She sighed, and looked up to Gaara, who approached and waited on her to make a move, where he would undoubtedly follow her. She'd starved him of attention for a month, after all.

Taking the hint, she stood and let Naruto lead the way to where her friends stood waiting. The paramedic had been satisfied there was nothing physically wrong with her, and made quick work of the once over. She felt they'd been delayed long enough.

When she stopped, she let the night wind play with her loose hair for a moment before sighing out and looking to each. "I'm sorry, guys." It was the only thing she could think of to say to them and she owed them that much for leaving so suddenly without letting them in on the plan.

Temari blubbered and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Sakura. Tenten joined the group hug and gently eased Hinata into the mix. Sakura looked to each as they joined the huddle, surprised by the emotions the girls were showing. They were usually so strong and kick-ass.

"Since when do you cry?" Sakura joked, feeling Temari squeeze her in warning. It was all she could do to keep from crying herself. Play strong and joke; something she'd learned from Naruto.

"God don't be so stupid again; ever! You got that?" Temari barked, moving away and swiping her eyes to erase any signs of weakness. Sakura saluted her and let Naruto jump on her.

"Don't worry, I looked after them," he boasted, while she heard mutters of protest from the small group. Some of the grunts sounded strangely like 'bullshit' and she laughed, giving him a patronising pat on the back.

"Oh now I feel reassured."

Ino stepped forward and they wrapped their arms around one another. "I mind swapped, so you didn't recognize me," she explained, making Sakura curious.

"With who?" She blurted pulling away as she gestured towards the furthest car, where two of the girls sat quietly in thought.

"The green-haired one."

"Ah, I knew there was something odd about her," Sakura exclaimed, receiving a playful punch to the shoulder.

"Okay, everybody. File out, before the police begin their excessive banter once more," Tsunade ordered, approaching them from behind where she'd left three officers mumbling and scribbling frantically in their little notepads.

Sakura turned and smiled up at Tsunade who returned the expression and pulled her into a motherly embrace. "I'm not happy with you, young lady; when we get home, there'll be hell to pay."

Sakura winced and stepped away with a frown. "Ouch."

The group began to leave in small groups, talking animatedly despite their fatigue. Some tiered off to the right, some to the left. Naruto's booming laughter could be heard when he pulled Hinata close to him with a feral grin and away from the group she'd been a part of. She blushed heavily as he led her away, yapping about how she should go with him instead. Neji almost turned and had words with the blonde, but Tenten grabbed his arm and tugged him along, warning him to leave the two alone.

"I have a feeling I won't be able to keep you for a few days; so you'll have to start begging when you move in." Tsunade explained, distracting her attention from the group, who disappeared in the night.

"Why's that?"

"You put that boy through hell when you left; I doubt he'll let you see sunlight for a few days, so I won't get my hopes up."

Sakura snorted and scrunched her nose up, "You're over exaggerating!" It was more a hope; a quick prayer, but Gaara had made sure to stay close until the paramedic and until he left just a second ago, without a word. He had stalked off quicker than the rest off in the direction Naruto had later taken.

The roar of a bike pulled up behind Sakura and she cringed at Tsunade's blank expression, which spoke more than words could say. She didn't need to fix her with an honest nod, which meant she was deadly serious. Her throat bobbed as she gulped, but she was soon tugged backwards with a yelp.

Gaara handed her a helmet and she sent one last look to Tsunade before she pulled it over her flailing hair. When the soft padding enveloped her ears, Tsunade leaned forward and Gaara flicked his visor up. She whispered to him with a level voice, but Gaara looked away with a smirk as she hooked her arms around his waist, pulling herself on.

When Tsunade stepped back, a fleeting smiled was all that she managed to see before the image left her in under a second, when he pulled away and sped past the law-enforcement vehicles and onto the dirt track surrounded by gloomy trees, which Sakura had witnessed when she first arrived.

Taking note of how his body seemed tense to touch, she tightened her arms, keeping her close. Behind the helmet she smiled and rested against his taut back, feeling exhaustion, hunger, relief, stress and grief overwhelm her.

She clung onto his back, letting the wind snap at her.

To Be Continued…

I don't think this one was a cliff hanger, but I usually don't so… hm…

Check out my Sasuke-Sakura one-shot! It's called Human.

Anonymous Reviews Accepted.

The final Chapter: Outcome