Wow it's been awhile. I want to apologize for the really long and unannounced hiatus, but life happens. As a college grad now I don't have as much time to write as I did before, and my Muse has not been as active. However, She does inspire me every once in awhile, hence the chapter. Although I'm not giving up on this story, updates are probably going to be infrequent, and I apologize. It's weird how when I started this I would write for hours almost everyday just because the ideas were just flowing and now I'm agonizing at my laptop for ungodly hours just to come up with a sentence :( However, I know that inspiration comes in waves so I'm sure I'll be on a creative high again soon.
Anyways, as always I'd like to thank everyone who has favorited/alerted this story, and I'd like to thank everyone who has ever written a review for me. Those little emails helped to keep me hopeful that I'd be able to write something again, so I really do appreciate all the love shown to me :) I hope you like the chapter!
Temporary Sanity
Am I supposed to feel sorry for you? Inner Sakura sniped, pouring more wine into her empty glass. Itachi had declined her offer of more wine. It sounds to me as if you got everything you wanted. You protected Konoha from the Uchiha threat by exterminating your clan, and through your lies, you urged your brother to become the avenger.
"Sasuke has taken things too far," Itachi explained. "He was just supposed to punish me and then return to the village a hero, but Madara has corrupted him."
Hard to call it corruption when all he did was tell your brother the truth, Inner Sakura countered. It sounds to me you're just upset that Sasuke has made a decision for himself, something you should have done. Think about it, your whole life was spent following orders from the clan, the village, and your father. When did you ever stop and think for yourself? When did you ever decide to question authority or question whether what you were doing was right for-.
"I made a decision for myself when I decided to disobey the clan and inform the Hokage what the Uchiha were planning," cut in Itachi, his passive emotionless mask beginning to crack. "I decided that destroying the clan would prevent Konoha from breaking out into civil war. It was the right thing to do."
Are you sure you decided it was right? Inner Sakura began quietly. Or is that how the Konoha authority made you feel?
"They wanted me to kill everyone, but I left Sasuke alive, didn't I?" Itachi countered.
So you did, Inner Sakura assented, But in light of everything that is happening now, we both know that the rightness of that decision is questionable.
Itachi stood up infuriated and turned his back to what he had earlier deduced was the personification of the kunoichi's madness. The angry scowl distorting his face and the blood dripping from his vacant eye sockets made him appear like a demonic angel. He refused to let her see that she had visibly upset him, and he was tired of playing her game. When he had first been brought here, he had been surprised to learn that she had manipulated Sasuke's Tsukiyomi. To be able to manipulate another person's chakra was unheard of, and the fact that his younger brother's ex-team mate was able to do it through madness was disturbing. Her power may be rare, but it was also uncontrollable. If the kunoichi didn't end up destroying herself, she would eventually be put down by her peers. It was only a matter of how many of her comrades she took down with her. He had no intention of Sasuke being one of them.
"I have said all that I needed to say," Itachi said finally, his calm composure regained. "I only ask that you keep our bargain."
You've told me all I needed to know. You gave me the layout of this base and details of Madara and Kabuto's armies, and you entertained me with the story of your life to boot! The condescending smile on her lips was anything but friendly. Against my better judgment since I believe killing your ototo would be beneficial to Sakura in ending her obsession, I will spare his life. I will also aid Sakura in laying you and all the other resurrected shinobi to rest. However, know that if Sasuke tries to kill Sakura, our bargain is null and void.
"I will do what I can to keep him in check," said Itachi, heading towards the exit.
We should do this again sometime soon, she called after him. The false sweetness of her tone and suggestive smile sent shivers down Itachi's spine. He had no intention of returning.
Inner Sakura stared vacantly at the empty chair Itachi had occupied. A light shiver ran up her spine as she shook off the maddening boredom of loneliness. It was almost comical that during quiet moments like this, those memories of being locked away in her gilded prison still haunted her. How many years had she spent screaming out her righteous anger in a vain attempt to get Sakura to hear her? How many hours did she spend covering her ears against the deafening silence in her forgotten corner of Sakura's mind? Well she had already made the Old Bitch pay. She may not have killed her, but she let the sannin know that she would not be forced to lie dormant again. Now all she had to do was get Sakura back under control…
A thump from beneath the lotus flower carpet grabbed her attention. With a flick of her hand, the carpet lifted and the trap door was opened. Sasuke and Sakura soon emerged.
There you are! exclaimed Inner Sakura rushing towards Sakura and embracing her. What took you so long? she glared accusingly at Sasuke.
"I did what you asked for," Sasuke said, ignoring her glare. "Now let me out of this hell hole."
Don't insult my home! she retorted sticking her tongue out childishly. Turning to Sakura, she affectionately cupped her face and asked, Are you feeling any better?
Disturbed by her subconscious' uncharacteristic display of kindness, she nodded her head silently.
Good, Inner Sakura smiled before quietly adding, Now get the fuck out. This Tsukuyomi thing has grown tiring. She moved towards the large canopied bed in the corner of her prison and flung herself on it for dramatic effect. Go on, she muffled, her face buried in a pillow as she shooed them away, You know the way out.
Needing no further invitation, Sasuke grabbed Sakura by her wrist and led her out of the cage.
Sakura had not been ready for the pain as her and Sasuke came back to reality. Having hidden in her mind, she had numbed herself from her current painful position, and had even forgotten about the dire state her body was in. All of her fingers were twisted and distorted at odd angles from when Sasori had broken them, large bruises had formed on her arms and legs, and small patches of skin were missing from her back. Warm fluid ran down her thighs, and with horror, she realized that she was still bleeding from when Sasori had violated her with the trademark weapon of a shinobi. The realization almost compelled her to retreat back within her mind, but Sasuke's presence comforted her.
Sasuke watched as Sakura slowly became aware of her body's present condition and assessed the damage. Although he would never admit it, he was a little worried when her eyes widened in horror as she remembered what Sasori had done, but she seemed to be calming herself.
"How very interesting," Kabuto commented, gaining the attention of the two shinobi in front of him. "Very interesting indeed."
"What do you want?" Sasuke said, involuntarily stepping in front of Sakura.
"I just came to check up on our newest guest," Kabuto replied with feigned innocence. "Really Sasuke," he began in an admonishing tone, "When will you finally learn how to behave like a proper gentlemen? Can't you see that the lady is in desperate need of some hospitality?" From the folds of his cloak he produced a towel and a set of clothes. "I've come to offer her a bath and some medical attention." He moved to step around the younger Uchiha, but Sasuke stepped in his way.
"You've shown her enough of your hospitality," Sasuke sneered. "I won't let you lay a hand on her," he snapped, snatching the items from Kabuto's hands, much to the latter's amusement. Carefully, so as not to irritate the gaping wounds on her back, he picked her up bridal style and began to move towards the exit. As he reached the door to her cell he paused and without turning around quietly stated. "If you come near her again, I'll rip you in half."
Kabuto merely smiled at the threat and watched Sasuke exit. He had no intention of leaving her alone; rather, he was going to use this unexpected attachment to his advantage.
Sakura silently shivered from the cool air of the darkened hallway as Sasuke carried her out of her cell. Gooseflesh broke out among her naked skin, but she didn't complain. She was extremely grateful to be out of that damned room and away from Kabuto. She would have run naked in the snow if it had meant being away from the place of her torture and the man who orchestrated her torment. As Sasuke continued carrying her silently down the hall, she let her thoughts drift back to Kabuto's appearance. It was obvious he had integrated Orochimaru with himself, causing his appearance to gain a few snake-like features, but it surprised her to find that Kabuto was still in control of his own body. Although, she suspected he would display a few of Orochimaru's habits, Kabuto's personality and consciousness seemed intact. She silently wished she could learn his secret to conquer her own domineering subconscious, but she doubted Kabuto would be willing to share such a valuable piece of information without a price.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of running water, and she turned her gaze to find that Sasuke had taken her to a natural hot spring, the warm steam of the air immediately soothing her chilled skin. To her astonishment, there was an assortment of soaps, shampoos, and medical supplies next to the springs. It seemed Kabuto was telling the truth about cleaning her up and attending to her wounds.
A hiss of unexpected pain escaped her lips as Sasuke gently lowered her into the comfortably warm water. The contact caused her open wounds to sting with fresh pain, but the warm temperature instantly soothed her bruised muscles. The heady combination of pleasure and pain made her dizzy, and she almost fell over, but Sasuke's strong arms caught her. To her surprise, he had removed some of his own clothing and had joined her in the spring.
Silently Sasuke steadied her, and when he was sure she'd be able to stand on her own in the water, he let his hands travel down her body in a gentle caressing manner, further soothing away the dull ache in her muscles. Sakura marveled at his gentle touch, and moaned involuntarily as he proceeded to massage away the pain, mindful not to brush her open wounds and cause her any discomfort. Sasuke let his hands travel down her arms before pausing at her hands, his calloused fingers hovering cautiously over her distorted ones.
"This is going to hurt," he warned, his tone surprisingly gentle and coaxing.
"I'm ready," Sakura whispered as she closed her eyes and braced herself.
With ten audible snaps and ten audible muffled shrieks, Sasuke reset her broken fingers, positioning them back in their right places. As he snapped the last finger back into place, Sakura's knees gave out on her, and she collapsed against him. Sasuke held her close as she struggled to calm herself, one arm wrapped comfortably at her waist while the other gently massaged her neck and back. Confident that she could stand on her own again, she gently pushed away from him and moved to reach the wash cloth and soap at the edge of the spring, but Sasuke moved to stop her.
"Let me," he gently ordered. "I just reset your fingers. I don't want you to accidently pop them back out of place before they heal properly."
Sakura nodded her head, surprised by his sudden display of attentiveness, yet uncomfortable with the sudden intimacy. Although she had often fantasized about a kinder, gentler Sasuke, she had no idea he was actually capable of being that way, and the timing just seemed off. She was almost disturbed by his uncharacteristic show of concern, but she said nothing. She didn't want to risk the chance of disrupting the moment no matter how uncomfortable she felt. She simply closed her eyes and suppressed the urge to moan as he gently began to wash away the sweat, blood, and dirt on her body.
Sasuke smirked as he watched his former team mate suppress the urge to moan as he gently bathed her, unaware that she was inwardly flinching at his touch. He was grateful that she hadn't spoken much. He was already uncomfortable with what he was doing. He didn't quite understand why he felt the need to do what he was doing. She was after all, Kabuto's prisoner and thus the snake sannin's assistant's responsibility. However, the very thought of that man's hands on the pink haired medic before him filled him with an irrational feeling of anger. Although Kabuto had yet to lay a hand on her, he was ultimately to blame for her current state. He would be damned if he allowed that freak the opportunity to touch her. His thoughts were disrupted as Sakura let out a deep moan of pleasure and he began to wash her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp. He watched transfixed as she arched her neck and her eyes rolled to the back of her head, lost in the exhilarating feeling of his hands on her. His response was immediate, and before he could think better of it, he began to gently kiss her exposed throat.
"Sasuke, what are you—" she began breathlessly, before being cut off as Sasuke's lips suddenly moved from her neck to her mouth. Instinctively, Sakura's hands flung to the younger Uchiha's shoulders, half resisting half urging him on.
Turned on by her inner turmoil, Sasuke deepened the kiss, gripping a fistful of pink hair frothy with shampoo in one hand while his other hand drifted beneath the warm water to firmly grip her waist. Sakura moaned against his mouth in a panic as she felt his erection against her flat belly, giving him the opportunity to slip his tongue between her lips to coax hers gently.
Sakura felt every nerve in her body was on fire as she responded to Sasuke. She let her hands move slowly down from his shoulders to his chest, caressing every muscle. Her tongue entwined playfully with his as her hands continued down his abs, hesitating only a moment before fully boldly gripping his manhood through the cloth of his pants and giving it a gentle stroke.
Floored by the unexpected contact, Sasuke growled possessively against her mouth before tearing his lips from hers and moving his hands to her breasts. His excitement was furthered when he found that her nipples were already hard, his nimble fingers quick to illicit surprised cries of pleasure from her.
"Sasuke," she whimpered, as she felt his hot mouth latch on to her breast, his quick tongue flicking roughly against her nipple.
Spurred by the sound of his name escaping the pinkette's lips, he let one hand slip between her legs. Lost in the sexual rush, he failed to notice that Sakura had immediately tensed as his fingers brushed against the mutilated folds of her womanhood. Before he could think better of it, he slipped one finger deeply inside.
Sakura's reaction was immediate. With one well aimed chakra infused punch to the jaw and a ferocious shout of, "Stop!" Sasuke found himself on the other side of the spring, a bruise the size of Sakura's fist blooming on his cheek. Shocked, Sasuke stared at his former team mate as the fury began to fade from her emerald eyes. He wasn't surprised that she had caught him off guard and hit him, but was rather surprised that he felt ashamed for what he had done. His former team mate had just recovered from a catatonic state brought on from sexual trauma, and here he was trying to fuck her. He had always made bad decisions around her, and this time proved no different. His face twisted in a sneer as he was overwhelmed with the feeling of disgust with himself for his actions. He wasn't just disgusted with the timing of his actions, but rather that his unexpected trip into Sakura's psyche had altered his feelings towards the girl. He had been more than ready to tear the pink haired medic's throat out as he recovered from eye surgery, but the sounds of her tortured screams, the memories he had witnessed in her mind, and the sad state he had found her in her cell had infected him with emotions he had sworn to never feel again.
"Sasuke, I'm sorry," Sakura whispered, tears instantly spilling down her cheeks. "I wish I could…I want to, but I—"
"Sakura, don't," he cut off, turning his back to the tearful girl before him. He knew that he had to distance himself quickly. As he pulled himself out of the spring, he tried to convince himself that the uncomfortable pinch in his chest was from a muscle he pulled, and not from Sakura's unexpected rejection. As he grabbed his earlier discarded clothing, he tried to convince himself that the reason why he couldn't look at her was because she was the enemy, a repulsive being who laughed while his family was slaughtered, and didn't deserve to be acknowledged with a look. And as he walked away from her and entered the hallway, he tried to convince himself that he wasn't hearing her cry for him. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't very good at lying to himself.
As always, I would absolutely love to hear what you think so please please please review. Hopefully I'll be able to dig deep and give you all something to read again soon!
