Yay! I was put in 2 different Communities :) Thank you to my readers, you're the best.

Chapter 30-Get over it

You drag it around like a ball and chain. You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain. You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown. Got your mind in the gutter, bringin' everybody down.. Complain about the present and blame it on the past. I'd like to find your inner child, and kick its little ass

--

They were speechless for whatever reason. She however was far from being without words. With bright accusing eyes she caught each of their gaze one by one, surprising them with her fierceness. "What didn't you stop him?" She bit through clenched teeth.

Suigetsu scoffed, "Orders are orders."

"Bullshit!" She screamed back, rushing at him, making him take unsure steps back. "You cocky bastard! You've never had a problem with disobeying him, so why didn't you stop him?"

"Stop him how?" Karin spoke up insulted by her blame.

She whipped around to the female, "Oh, I don't know, maybe saying 'Oi, yamette'?"

Karin growled violently at that, "You don't know anything."

"I don't know? I don't know?"

Suigetsu grabbed her arm, forcing her attention back on to him "This is who we are."

"Iie! That's a fucking lie. A weak excuse!" Suigetsu went to grab her other arm but she punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. His anger was violent but he stayed down , glaring up at her as she stood over him, "Did you have fun? Killing innocent people, destroying their home? Was it fun?" He said nothing, but she gripped his shirt, pulling him up harshly to be even with her face, "Was it fun?"

He spit, "Hai."

"You're a lair." She shoved him down. "You're all too fucking afraid. You follow whoever stronger and you do as a soldier does. Fighting blindly." Sakura calmed slightly, wiping the leftover water from her face and looking at each of them. "But I'm not blind. None of you are heartless. Sasuke isn't heartless."

Suigetsu jumped to his feet, "Maybe it was time for you to see exactly what we're like. You're the blind one, can't even realize we're killers."

Sakura was a bit saddened by that statement. "Killers are Akatsuki. Killers are Orochimaru and Itachi. Born to destroy. Born with hatred in their blood. You three aren't killers. You're products of your surroundings. Which means you can change. So damn it, change already." She threatened, turning her back with disgust. "You can start by fixing the damage you've done to these people."

"Screw that--" Suigetsu mumbled but a hand fell upon his shoulder. He flipped his eyes beside him only to falter slightly upon seeing Karin softly shake her head. She let Sakura out of hearing range before she spoke.

"Believe it or not, but her chakra just spiked."

His sight went back to the woman walking away from them. But it was only in annoyed disbelief. "You can't be serious."

"She's stronger than we first thought."

"Like I'd be afraid of that bitch." Suigetsu shrugged out of her hold but the three of them stood still without any direction. Sasuke had vanished without word. The city they were staying in was destroyed. Where were they to go? What else were they suppose to do but wait for an order?

As they stood there and those question ran through their heads, their thoughts couldn't help but stray to Sakura's speech. Was it possible, to change?

--

Kiba shut the door to the Hokage's office. He sighed forcibly. His shoulders slouched with stress and his mind teaming with millions of thoughts and questions. It was perhaps a stupid request he had just given Tsunade. But after so many days it was the only one he could think of that would bring purpose back into his life. He requested a high ranking mission. A mission to 'rescue' Sakura.

The truth was, he just needed to get out. He needed to leave this village, leave behind Hinata. Leave behind what could have been and what should have been and find a new journey in his life. And leaving was the only way he knew would help.

Kiba pushed himself to walk away. Tsunade had handled it quite well and had understood what he was trying to accomplish. He just hoped she'd allow him to go. It may be a fruitless plight but it was the best one for him.

"Kiba?" A female's voice faltered him and he lifted his gaze finding Ino standing before him.

"What are you doing here?"

She put a hand on her hip, throwing her long blonde hair behind her. "Looking for a mission. Want to get out of here."

"You two, huh?" He dropped his gaze.

Ino tilted her head with confusion, "You okay?"

He nodded softly. "As you said. Just needed to get out." He waved as he walked passed her but was surprised when his arm was grabbed by her delicate hand. He looked over to her.

"I miss Sakura too."

He bowed his head. If it was just so easy. If that was all that burdened him life wouldn't be so painful. He nodded softly and felt her arm slip away. He took another step before her voice stopped him again "Oi." He glanced back, "You hungry?"

---

TenTen dodged a kunai aimed for her head and swung back with the giant axe in her hands. She panted and puffed with exhaustion but she refused to give up now. She was going to prove that carrying this damned thing around would show it's worth. Sixty pounds and nearly four feet in length with a blade approximately 3 feet wide and it was quickly becoming a favorite amongst her collection. Gai had bought it for her. Probably out of pity. She scoffed though. If pity was the reason then she was going to throw this freaking axe at his head.

It was a month or so since they returned. And she could still feel eyes of strangers take pot shots at her when they thought she wasn't looking. She wondered who of her friends had spread the details of her hospitalization. But perhaps it had been a nurse. TenTen flinched as she remembered the one 'special' nurse she had cursed out during her lockdown in the medical ward. Now that she thought about, it was the freaking nurse.

Her back hit the ground suddenly and she let out a slightly girlish squeak of surprise. Her axe pounded the ground beside her when it fell from her hands. TenTen stared up at the sky panting from the wind that was knocked from her lungs. She was disheartened the moment Gai and Lee leaned over her with worried gazes. "Fine. The axe is too big." She finally admitted. Lee reached a hand out to help her up but as always she discarded it. Her eyes caught Neji's in a flash but he snapped away the moment he noticed her glance. She dropped her gaze softly.

TenTen had decided she was going to face him today. She didn't know how, or what she was going to say but she could no longer go without speaking to him. It was a weakness she always possessed. She needed him to know that she was not effected by the events, (even though she was) and that she was completely over what happened (even though she wasn't). She could no longer afford to be pathetic, it was taking a toll on her pride.

Lee offered to buy dinner but she turned him down. He had admitted a week or so ago that he knew Neji had been her consort. And that Neji himself had told him. She didn't know what Lee expected to her to say. She certainly wasn't going to talk about it. She was going to forget it ever happened. Any day now, she was going to forget.

Gai and Lee left the field, racing, challenging each other as they always did, which gave her the perfect opportunity to speak to him. But approaching him had never been an easy thing.

He more than likely felt her eyes on him for he paused in his training and turned his gaze to her, catching her sight. Yet since that fateful day, she hadn't been able to keep eye contact with him. She dropped her eyes.

He turned his back at this, she noticed. It would have been painful if she allowed it to be. But today she was going to be strong and show that the woman he knew still existed despite what other characteristics implied.

"I told you I'd get it back." She had worked intensely over the weeks and had gained back the strength she lost physically. Just like she said she would. She had idealized, thinking perhaps if she got back her physical strength, her internal strength would return as well. It had been a stupid thought.

"Hardly." He replied coldly continuing his soft slow and steady exercises with his strong arms and hands. She missed what they felt like.

"I want to forget. Can we do that?" His attention was taken back to her. The fact that she was talking to him probably surprised him more than her words. This is the closest she has ever been to talking about the event. "Forget it ever happened." She took a few steps toward him and he took the rest closer but still the gap between him, no more than ten feet, felt an eternity.

It was probably a weak choice to forget, but it was the only one that could help her. If they could forget then Neji wouldn't hate her for killing their child. If they could forget, then perhaps she wouldn't hate herself either. It was the best option with the circumstances they were given.

Anger was not an emotion she saw often but it reflected off his brow though his large eyes were an empty void of lavender. "I will not." He replied sharply.

She was taken back and with just as much hostility but with definitely more tone to her voice, she replied, "Why not?"

"It happened."

"That doesn't matter." She fought. Normally she knew better than to talk back. Not that she was afraid or for any negative reason other than the fact that she knew the answer. He thought it disgraceful, disrespectful. Perhaps it was but he couldn't' possibly understand how hard it was to remember. "Then maybe. For awhile. We should just be friends."

A flinch was noticed. Nothing else changed. Just that one single flinch and TenTen knew she probably just hurt him far more than she ever wanted to.

"Iie." He stated simply.

He was fighting for her. It was something she never thought he would ever do. TenTen really didn't think he felt deep for her. Sure, he was attracted to her and yes, he wanted to be with her. But it wasn't anything close to love. Not for him anyway. He didn't love her. It would always be one sided. Always. Right?

"I'm trying to make this easy, Neji."

"Impossible."

"Don't you dare--" She cut herself off. She wasn't a talker. They weren't people who spoke about things. She couldn't let it be known how she felt about anything. She wouldn't be weak or any less worthy of a woman than she already was.

"TenTen." Neji's voice made her eyes snap open. She had realized she spaced for a moment. He had taken steps closer to her, almost too close. She took a step back unsure, worried, scared that her emotions might betray her with him so near. "I'm not going anywhere." He past by her, unable to stay by her any longer. He was trying to 'comfort' and it was out of his own 'comfort' zone to do so.

TenTen clenched her fists when she felt tears burn her gaze. She dropped her head to try and keep whatever sadness that wanted to escape with in her. She wanted to say something. To explain how she was tired of fighting. How she needed help in dealing with what happened. That she needed him to fix it.

How to explain that? Without being pitiable? Without him thinking any less of her?

---

Neji was quick to get back to his clan. He never remembered wanting to be within his clan's walls so badly. But here he could hide from the woman that was trying to destroy his prided control. She was being so damned annoying he didn't think he could stay quiet much longer. She wanted to throw him away so easily. He made a mistake, damn it. He had hesitated in battle and it cost him his unborn child, doesn't she realize he's already hurting to this fact? Why must she punish him further by wanting him out of her life?

To forget. Gah, he wanted to rip apart anyone willing to step his way. Forgetting it, wouldn't mean he was forgiven. How could they build a relationship on hate?

He fastened through the small market area of his people. They waved to him happy to see him out in public. Despite his curse he hid behind his insignia, they certainly loved him for his power. What would they think if they knew how he was chasing a halfbreed like a lonely teenage mutt? How had the great Hyuuga become chained by a simple halfbreed woman?

He got to his Uncle's house, twisting his way through the halls, going in the back way so no one would bother him. He was more than not surprised when Hinata was rushing toward him.

She stalled with bright wide eyes, frightened by him but shortly relaxed, "Oh." Hinata bowed, "Neji-nee-sama."

"Where are you going?" Dinner was shortly, the same time it was every freaking day. He did not want to eat alone with Hiashi if he didn't have too.

"Umm.." Her eyes strayed.

"Do not lie." He quickly cut off a string of stuttering that was bound to follow.

"Out?" She whispered hopefully. He stared at her un-amused. Hinata bit her lip, her cheeks brightening as she thought about her plans. Even a smile crept upon her lips though small and shy. "I'm cooking for someone." A brow rose indicating to explain. Her smile fell instantly and she dropped her head with shame. "Naru-"

"Iie."

Hinata snapped her head up.

"Iie." Neji grabbed her arm and hauled her through the many hallways till they got to his room. He pushed her in and slammed shut the door behind him. He turned to her but she stood with depressed shoulders and didn't lift her eyes from the floor. "The rules."

"I know the rules." She whispered softly, barely enough for him to hear.

"Then why?"

It wasn't something he was used to seeing. Confidence began to fill her stance and her shoulders pulled back and her head lifted slowly. Her eyes strayed but she tried hard to keep her gaze on him under his harsh scrutiny. "I'm not a child." She responded. "I can make my decision."

"You'll be kicked out. Does that matter?"

"It does." She whimpered. "I don't want to be."

"Then stop."

Hinata could feel the smile touch her lips again. "I don't want to."

"I'll tell Hiashi."

Her body went frigid in fear and she stared at him with her twin gaze. He could see each and every emotion with his own eyes. One reason he rarely spoke to Hinata. She would have probably figured out his relationship with TenTen by now since her powers were the same as his. But thankfully he kept his gaze far from hers most of the time.

Her terror however was short-lived. Confidence once again returned. "I'm not scared." She softly stated. "I'm happy when I'm with him. The way you are with TenTen-san." He flinched. His gaze fell to the floor when his over active thoughts provoked a bit of emotion he didn't want her to see. The silence was deafening. He wondered how long she's known. Who she told. "I wanted to tell you. Gomen." She whispered sadly. He nodded incoherently. "She's sad, Neji-nee-sama." He popped his eyes up to find her. She looked on with a soft caring she was so good at giving. "Help her. I found out the best way to help is to be there. Already Naruto seems a bit better than before. And I like to think I've had some part in that."

Neji's back fell against the door. To hear from someone else what he was denying himself. He knew she had suffered. The tears in her eyes were not possible to deny. Now however he thought she was just angry. Angry at him for not being the fighter she deserved. For not protecting his girlfriend and his unborn baby.

But to know she was still in pain. It was too much of a shock not to be knocked down. He swallowed any emotion. "She won't let me help."

She was denying him in every way she possibly could. Closing him off to all access. Letting him believe it was rage that kept her distant. Lying to him about her pain.

He thought back to their conversation just minutes ealier. She wanted to forget it happened. Not because of her anger, but because of her sadness. It made so much more sense now.

"Fight." She giggled. "That's Naruto's best advice."

Fight. Fight what? Fight against years of suppression? Fight against his family and their long-lived beliefs? Fight against TenTen herself?

Yet as he thought about it, the word 'Yes' just kept answering each question he formed.

She stepped up to him hesitantly but bit her lip not completely out of her nervous qualities. "I will fight to make myself happy. I will not allow sadness in my life forever. If the clan does not agree then I will fight till they agree. Maybe through us. We can break it."

Neji stared at the floor, her words sticking him, piercing a old childhood lesson. Outsiders weren't allowed. Outsiders were tainted. Outsiders were nothing compared to them. He could still hear those words constantly but now as Hinata's passionate speech filtered, those old ways were being beaten and destroyed. She was right. They could destroy this.

Neji lifted his eyes. He was going to fight for TenTen. Fight against his clan and fight against her. Neji stiffly nodded. "He's rubbed off on you."

She giggled softly, her cheeks reddening. "I had hoped so."

---

Sakura watched the sun rise in the reddened sky. Her heart mourned one last time for those killed by her teammates and Sasuke. She had done all she could. She had healed half, pronounced some dead, and cut off legs and arms that weren't healing. She had tried to repair the damage they had done and hoped at some point she was forgiven. She felt guilty for her teammate's folly. Who could blame her?

Three days and finally there was nothing more. They thanked her repeatedly and offered money they didn't have to give away. She didn't take it of course, she had no need for it.

Sakura took off in Sasuke's direction. His chakra was pulsing so she was able to find him despite his distance. It took an hour to reach him. She didn't know where the others were, nor did she care at the moment. She would not talk to them till they thought about their mistakes. Kami, she felt like a mother. Perhaps it's exactly what they need.

It was Sasuke's turn. She was still very much filled with rage for his outburst. Though she didn't know what caused it, it didn't matter. It was unacceptable and she had to let him know it.

She jumped down from a tree and pushed aside the brush in front of her finding the large field he resided in. He sat in the center, meditating it seemed like. His chakra was swirling around him in black and purple waves, whipping his clothes and the long snake grass that surrounded him.

Sakura cared not for those ominous colors. She stalked right out to him. "Sasuke." The power struck her but she heightened her own chakra and barreled through it. She was no longer waiting. He was not in charge.

She saw him get to his feet. The final waves of power was expanding rolling outward like a hurried tornado. She stalled unsure what his mood was like, what he would say or do. It certainly wasn't fear that stalled her. Sakura straightened hard when she saw him turn to face her. His large black eyes caught her gaze a bit daringly.

She did the first thing she could think of. She flung herself at him and punched him square in the face. No chakra pushed into her fist so his head only jerked to the side. Sakura glared, hating the fact that he took the hit. She briefly remembered the first time she hit him. Inside the cell back when he was still a prisoner. She had only managed to hit him then because he was drained of power. He had allowed it this time but for what reason?

"That all?" He straightened his head to look back at her.

Her temper flared and her hands fisted now with chakra pumping through her fingers. If he was looking for a fight then she had no problem with bringing it to him. She attacked with fists and chakra powered kicks, chasing after him as he dodged and flipped away from her. She smirked through her attacks knowing the only reason he dodged was because even he knew her strength was not to be taken lightly. Getting hit by her fists would render him unconscious. She used that as her guide. All she had to do was hit him once. And yet, that in itself seemed to be the problem. Sasuke was a fast little bugger, she growled hitting the ground instead. It cracked and groaned beneath her, leaving a small ten foot enclave in the floor.

Her anger only increased though when she also realized his sharigan was not active. But that was fine for the moment. She hadn't pulled her power out yet either. As a shield Sasuke took out his sword but it was still wrapped up in his case. He could stop her hands with his powered metal. She was sure though that he still felt her strength in his palms.

Sakura could feel sweat build up on her forehead and she momentarily tried to recall the time. Her eyes flickered for a second to catch a sight of her surroundings. The long and beautiful green grass that had covered the region of the valley had been blown away by their power's clashing and her strengthened fists busting apart the ground.

Sakura took a hit in the shoulder, her body flipped. She was able to catch herself, turning up right with a one handed cartwheel, and sliding against the ground. The bruise was forming quickly but she rightly ignored it, dodging another attack. This was the third time Sasuke attacked back. She was amazed by the slick movements he was able to maneuver. She was sure paired up against him, her punches and kicks were similar to a giant pounded its way stupidly through a crowd. His movements were more soft and less subtle, making it hard to tell just where he was going to go next. She envied such movements. She was no where near that graceful.

It had to have been an hour, perhaps two by the time they pushed apart and panted heavily in the hot sun. It had rose high and even though it was still technically winter, the weather in this part of the world was much different from home.

It was needless to say that by the time they finished they're sparring, her anger had faded. All that was left inside of her was disappointment. She stared out at him, wishing she knew how to reach him. "I know you're in pain." Sasuke's heavy breathing halted and he snapped his mouth shut straightening instantly. "I know you want your revenge. I won't stop you. But when you finally face him, what kind of man will you be? Where is the line, Sasuke? And what happens when you cross it? What right would have then to kill Itachi? I'm here for a reason. To make sure you don't lose yourself. Let me fight for you. Protect you, from yourself." Sakura turned her back on him then and walked away, left with nothing else to say.

Next chapter should be up soon because i already have most of it written.

By the time the next chapter is posted, three months have past in their world, keep that in mind.