A/N: Hello there I'm back again! Just a little under a month with this update, not too shabby if I do say so myself. And as always I appreciate the wonderful reviews and would like to welcome the newest followers/favoriters (that's not a word but who cares) Make-OutParadise321 and xXKawaiiNijiXx. Happy to have you along for the ride. Now that that's said and done, let's get this train moving with the next chapter!

Etude of the Wicked

Sasuke was the first to rise that morning; at least he figured it was morning. A windowless bunker was no good for his already abnormal circadian rhythm. He inhaled deeply as he fully roused himself from his comfortable slumber, being greeted by Sakura's sweet scent. She was still sound asleep, and with good reason too. He couldn't help but smirk as the events of the previous night replayed in his mind. She had really outdone herself, and not just in the bedroom.

"Good morning Sasuke-kun." stirred the pinkette, unconsciously aware of his staring as she snuggled closer when he sat up in bed.

"Hn." Sasuke kissed the crown of her head and ruffled her already wild hair in an effort to enjoy the peaceful moment if only for a little bit longer before the day truly began. It would be different now that they had some sort of direction. When she made no move to start said day, he gave her bottom a firm squeeze, "If we spend all day in bed you know what I'll be tempted to do."

Sakura huffed and whined at the ultimatum he presented, turning her back on him as she muttered about needing five more minutes.

"Up and at them, you annoying woman. We have work to do." As if his taunt wasn't enough, he added injury to insult with a curt slap on her rump. She yelped in surprise and blindly swung backwards in hopes of striking him in return, only to connect with his pillow. She spun around and found that he had fled her fist and was now making his way around the bed and to the bathroom.

"You're certainly chipper this morning. Can't imagine why~" she sang, sporting a smug look similar to her nude lovers. He disappeared into the bathroom without another word and left her to toss and turn for several more minutes before begrudgingly leaving the comfort of the sheets. If he was going to insist on making the day a productive one, she'd need a shower first at the very least. And that's what Sasuke had prepared for the both of them.

Sakura watched silently as he tried undoing his own bandages, failing quite miserably with his shoulders. "Stubborn man." she whispered, replacing his clumsy fingers with her more deft ones. She flushed at the sight of maroon colored crescents scattered across his back, reminding her of how…passionate she had been last night. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Iie, I was too focused on other things to notice. Can't say I didn't like your 'rough' side though." he answered coolly, knowing full well her blush must have grown considerably at his teasing tone, though he wouldn't press the issue. She soothed the wounds with a gentle hand, whispering a bashful apology before he none too gently pulled her into the heated shower with him. She howled at the scalding water and hid behind his frame to escape it.

"Don't be a baby." he chuckled, lowering the heat at the sight of her sour pout. Luckily for him, she was forgiving by nature and let him go with a light verbal scolding.

"You're mean." her emerald eyes stayed focused on his one visible eye as she began lathering his torso; one of their few morning rituals.

"Maybe, but I'm nice to you." responded the Uchiha, running his hands through her coral locks to undo her tangles. She couldn't help but smile at his candor, her hands working their way up his shoulders, careful not to hurt him. Shower time, as she had began calling it, was her favorite time to spend with Sasuke. Well, a close second. Not only could she freely touch him without it being taken as a sexual power play, but he was oddly talkative under the heat of the water.

"You'd better be. I was the only one to remember your birthday." she reminded, threading her hands into his unruly hair with a frown, "Which brings me to my next proposition."

"Sakura…"

"Any word from the lovebirds yet? It's almost noon." Suigetsu chimed in between bites of his usual breakfast. He hopped down from his perch on the counter and began pacing somewhat impatiently, "I'm getting tired of waiting for those two to finish fucking."

Hey! Can we not talk about that while I'm eating!? Besides, I'm sure they're just…sleeping" exclaimed the blonde struggling to keep his ramen down at that thought of what his friends might be doing just around the corner.

"Yeah, 'sleeping'. Don't tell me you all couldn't hear them last night?" jeered the shark toothed man, grinning perversely at the kitchens occupants, "Oh! Sasuke-kun! Fuck me! I need—!" he recited in falsetto, doing his best to sound like his pink haired comrade before being knocked to the floor by a livid Karin, who wasted no time pummeling him with fist and foot. Naruto wasn't far behind, though with only a fraction of Karin's fervor.

"Those walls are four inches thick, there's no way you heard anything of the sort!" contested the redhead, making sure to beat some sense into his head until he was unconscious. She huffed and heaved, smiling through her exertion in triumph, "If only your skull was as thick."

"Don't you think you went a bit overboard?" questioned Naruto, poking the beaten man's face for signs of life. But when he looked up there was no sign of the redhead, "Uh-oh…"

The blonde gave chase, barely keeping up with Karin as she bolted through the halls towards Sasuke's room. When he finally caught up she had her ear pressed against the thick wood of his door listening intently.

"What do you think you're you doing?" Naruto whispered harshly, only to be shushed by the woman. Being the curious creature that he was, he joined in as well, albeit hesitantly.

"Don't pull so hard…You're being too rough." grunted the man on the other side.

"Oh hush. You said that's how you liked it."

"I know what I said, Sakura."

"No…t-they couldn't be…" whispered the redhead, her mind running a mile a minute in search of all possible explanations.

"Stop squirming! Do I need to get Naruto in here to hold you down?" snapped Sakura, the sound of shuffling sheets and grunts following.

"M-m-me!? Sakura-chan…what's teme done to you!?" he stuttered, his nose beginning to bleed when all signs pointed to something…kinky.

"Hmph. Maybe I should get Karin to help you finish the job as well." he shot back sarcastically.

The two eavesdroppers had heard enough. As Naruto prepared to stalk away and forget he'd been mentioned in an awkward threesome or foursome rather, his fellow interloper had grabbed a hold of the doors handle with an odd look on her face, "W-what are you—!"

"Sasuke-kun I–!" the redhead didn't know exactly what she was going to come face to face with as she flung the door open, whether it be that of her worst nightmare, or some twisted version of her wildest fantasies. Though, truth always had a knack for being stranger than fiction.

"Is there something wrong Karin?" wondered Sakura, peeking out from behind Sasuke's head with clippers in hand. The bespectacled woman opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. Here she was expecting to catch them in the act of…whatever they did behind closed doors, only to find that it was a simple haircut. She was mortified to say the least, and somewhat shaken that part of her was willing to join if things had gone the other way.

"I-I-I was just—I mean Naruto and I…" she stammered pointing to her reluctant partner in crime for aid, who was just as flustered.

"Naruto, what's going on?" questioned Sasuke sternly; rising from his seat at the edge of the bed despite Sakura's irate sigh.

"It was Karin's idea! I just wanted to know when we'd get to work! I didn't wanna eavesdrop, I swear!" defended the blonde adamantly, pointing a finger at the redhead.

"You rat!" she spat.

Sasuke ran a hand through his freshly trimmed hair and shook his head. Every time he left them to their own devices it was one fiasco after another. Maybe he was to blame for giving them so much free time. "So its work you want? Fine. Gather the others in the armory."

"Eh? What for?" asked Naruto, blanching slightly when the dark haired mans lips curled in a smirk.

"A simple refresher course in close quarters combat."

"Akatsuki won't hesitate when the time comes to kill. The only way to be ready is to feel that danger." he defended, shoving a loaded pistol into the blonds hand. The explanation was bullshit by all counts; he just wanted a reason to keep them on their toes.

"Well yeah I get that, but…I don't wanna hurt anyone." he muttered clearly having some second thoughts about insisting they "get to work".

"Then don't. Center mass shots only, your vests will absorb a round or two. After that, you're dead. So kill your opponent or make them surrender. Same as your training." this time he addressed everyone, making quick notes of their varying looks of apprehension, excitement, and disinterest. "Pick your teams accordingly. I'll be waiting."

The exercise was straightforward, or it was supposed to be. Three teams of two were set up at different points in the bunker. A simple way to force each of them to think in the same way Akatsuki cells operated. They would all work against one another to ultimately reach the communications room where Sasuke waited. The catch other than the highly unorthodox method of using live ammunition was that Sasuke too was playing the game, but as far as the players knew, he was just a showpiece.

Despite the lack of interior surveillance systems in the communications room, Sasuke was still able to keep a somewhat accurate bead on the activities in the halls. Sporadic bursts of gunfire broke out almost immediately once he announced the beginning of the exercise over the loudspeakers. Karin and Suigetsu no doubt, settling yet another score with each other. Perhaps they shouldn't have waited to pick teams and end up stuck with one another. If his assumption was correct, there were only two teams left.

Sai and Jugo were a promising squad. While they both had a modicum of trepidation for what the exercise entailed, they still took it as seriously as they did all tasks. Sasuke had caught his pale faced doppelganger wandering the halls with a sketchpad in hand on numerous occasions, taking in every detail he could of the compound. By now he must have mapped every nook and cranny; partner that with Jugos combat effectiveness in close quarters and they'd be a dead ringer for the winning squad.

Though, the indistinct and muffled shouting he heard through the heavy steel of the communications room spoke volumes. Barely any shots rang out, three by his count, before everything went silent again. The Uchiha clicked his teeth and swore under his breath. If they hadn't been eliminated, they'd given up. And then there were two.

Granted, he had been rooting for his two former teammates if only a little, he figured they'd try to find a way to circumvent the parameters of the exercise. Band together with the other teams to take on the task or something of the like. It didn't matter now though, the silence assured their final approach and he had to get ready. Sasuke took up residence beside the hinges of the steel door, assuring that he wouldn't be seen when they—

"Hands in the air scumbag!" exclaimed the blonde as he breached the door with reckless abandon, weapon scanning the oddly still room. Before he could voice his confusion the heavy door slammed behind him. When he swung around, his weapon was knocked from his grasp by Sasuke's firm forearm and he doubled over when his assailant's fist collided with his abdomen.

"Still not taking this seriously I see." droned the dark haired man, giving his counterpart a moment to compose himself before returning to his attack. They were half hearted at best; he didn't need Sakura scolding him for injuring himself again.

"What's the deal Sasuke? I won your little game!" he protested, blocking and dodging what blows he could, before going on the offensive and sending Sasuke into retreat about the cramped room.

"It's not over until the areas been secured and all targets have been dealt with. But you already knew that." he returned stoically, ducking under a wild hook but having no such luck when he was struck square on the chin by a knee that sent him stumbling into the control panel. When he fired back with a jab his wrist was promptly caught by the steel embrace of handcuffs.

"Hehe looks like it's you who needed the refresher course teme." boasted the Naruto with his pig eating shit grin that Sasuke couldn't help but scowl at. He could continue the exercise, but it was more or less done and over with.

"Where is Sakura?" questioned the Uchiha, quickly changing the subject to hide his wounded pride.

"She stayed behind to help Jugo, he took one in the arm. We told you this was dangerous."

"Spare me. Everything we do is dangerous. Why should this be any different?" Sasuke retorted, harshly tugging on his restraint only to have it tighten in response. "Well? What do you want, a medal? Take this damn thing off, the exercise is over."

"Geez, don't be such a sore loser Sasuke." The taunt went in one ear and out the other for the vigilante; he had more important things on his mind.

Sakura's unexpected withdrawal afforded him some one on one time with his bumbling oaf of a best friend. With the end drawing nearer, there were certain things he needed to get off his chest. The sort of things he wasn't comfortable talking about with Sakura, as much as he hated to admit it. She had a kind heart and all too often it made breaking hard truths that much harder.

"There's something I wanted to talk about Naruto." his words were nonchalant and uncaring as usual, but the fact that they were being spoken meant more than he let on, "A private matter that stays between us, and only us."

"Eh? What's up Sasuke?" arching an eyebrow at his friends more than usual seriousness.

"Remember when you said you wanted something to do?" he began, rubbing his slightly chaffed wrist as he thought of his next words carefully. Although they were sincere in nature he still needed to appeal to the blonds more agreeable side if he was going to accept, "I have something that I can only trust you with."

"Sasuke…you make it sound like you're dying." Naruto's azure eyes widened and his voice became a whisper when his counterpart made no indication that the situation was anything but as grave as he was letting on.

"Whether you want to accept it or not, this only ends one of two ways Naruto." Sasuke could see already that his best friend wasn't going to like this conversation in the least bit. "Whatever the outcome, I…need you to take care of Sakura. Keep her from doing anything stupid, keep her safe."

"Come on Sasuke, you know she'd—"

"Just listen." he urged, firmly placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder, a token gesture if only to silence his doubts, "Tsunade and I made a deal long ago. When this is over I'll either be dead or imprisoned. I'm done running."

"Don't talk like that!" shouted the blonde, roughly shrugging from his grip. Though, he had no immediate follow up. What did you tell a man who had already resigned himself to fate? A man who seemed to welcome death as readily as the alternative. "We can do something—make a new deal or something! Tsunade-baachan will understand!"

"It's alright Naruto." assured Sasuke, his dark eyes meeting the striking cobalt of his comrades as he brushed past him. For a moment he remembered all of the time they spent together. Catching two bit crooks and international criminals, giving their superiors grief with each collar and the inevitable damage reports. It felt like two lifetimes ago, and even though he tried putting much of his past behind, he still pined for those days. They were less complicated. Sasuke gripped the doors handle and peered over his shoulder at the closest thing to family he had left, "Be sure to give my regards to the Hyuga when you see her next."

"You can give them to her yourself Sasuke. I'm not burying anymore friends." Naruto's words were unyielding and their sincerity gave the Uchiha pause enough to linger for a moment longer. "You're going to be the best man at our wedding after all. No buts."

It was just like him. Difficult to the very end; unwilling to even give a man his last wish. But Sasuke should have expected no less from the same man willing to wade through the muck of the underworld, and after all they've been through, still have hopes of pulling him out the other end. As annoying as his persistence was, it was just as comforting.

"Tch, Dobe."

The remainder of the day was quiet, and much of the night, save for more wounds being mended by Sakura after Suigetsu and Karin's scuffle went past a few "accidental discharges". But that was the norm, day in and day out at the bunker. Wake up, eat, discuss the current state of affairs, argue with Tsunade, compromise with Tsunade, train, avert internal crises, eat, and sleep. Rinse and repeat.

However, one night sleep eluded the Uchiha, not even his lover's quiet urgings for him to rest helped. He stroked the length of her coral tresses, staring blankly into the darkness, still processing the back and forth he had with Naruto days ago. Sometimes he questioned how the blond could be so sure of himself even when the odds of success were infinitesimal. If only he could be so optimistic…or naïve. His dark eyes shifted to the woman rested on his chest when she mumbled something nonsensical and turned in her sleep. It would do him no good to linger and let his mind wander like it was, so he left. Carefully he slid his legs over the side of the bed; doing his best not to disturb his bedmate as he padded towards the door in his boxers. The creak the hinges made would have surely woken most people, but not Sakura.

In his aimless wandering to clear his head he found himself outside the communications room. The door gave way with ease, the dull glow of the panel illuminating the room eerily as he approached. In the back of his mind Naruto's words were pushing themselves to the forefront making Sasuke wonder to himself, "Maybe there is a way."

He deftly worked the controls in the dark, almost unconsciously acting as he connected the satellite phone to the console and put the headset on. He didn't know it until the monotonous ringing lasted longer than expected, but his heart was practically jumping out of his chest.

"It's late." her gruff answer was for once a welcome sound to the Uchiha; it even calmed his racing heart somewhat.

"I know."

"No one calls me at this hour except one wanted man. So, what do we have to discuss?"

For a moment Sasuke hesitated. What could he say to her; that he wanted a way out of their deal? That he was willing to bend to her will if it meant living to see a day when he was not shackled? That he wanted to see a day where Sakura would not just be a fond memory keeping him sane during incarceration? No, those words were hard enough to even consider saying to her, let alone Tsunade. "I want this done and over with. I need access to that summit."

"I told you earlier. You'll need the proper credentials. Credentials I can't get you unless this is done in person." her frustration clear as day, "We can't keep doing this, someone is bound to catch on."

"Who is to say the same won't happen if we meet? This protects us both."

"Do you think the board has ceased their investigation? They may very well already be aware of these discussions."

She was right. Skating on thin ice like she already was; it wouldn't be so farfetched to believe that Interpol's governing body had bugged one of their own to make their case. If such was the case, all their scheming would amount to nothing. Though inaction would only assure the same. He'd have to try regardless.

"Tokyo is out of the question." he responded after a short pause, his ears picking up on the small sigh of relief she let loose.

"Give me your location and we'll meet there." she shuffled around in the background, probably seeking a pen and paper.

"No. We'll meet, but half way. On my terms."

"I see your negotiation skills haven't dulled in the least bit." her sarcastic drawl brought a small smirk to Sasuke's lips. Few people had that dry or dark sense of humor that he enjoyed on occasion; must be her legendary Senju charm.

Sasuke retrieved a map from the panel and eyeballed the vast expanse of the Pacific. His finger carefully traced the known routes of ferries from Japans numerous ports, and purposefully deviated out towards emptiness, "In a week's time you'll meet a woman who reeks of cat litter and motor oil at the Port of Nagoya. She'll take you to your destination."

"A week? That doesn't give us much time to plan for the summit."

"Us?" Sasuke questioned, narrowing his eyes in the darkness. What was she playing at? "I don't need you in the field babysitting, Tsunade."

"Like hell you don't. You'll be posing as my bodyguards. Your credentials won't be worth a damn without me."

"Bodyguards? This wasn't part of the plan."

"Suck it up Sasuke, plans change. How's that saying go? Adapt or perish?" Sasuke couldn't help but scowl at her remark. She knew damn well what she was saying, and he knew what she was alluding to. Slowly but surely she had been gaining ground during their little talks and was too close to running the show for Sasuke's liking. But what could he do, he was essentially at her mercy.

"Who's to say your plan doesn't include my death?" he was being blunt for a reason; just short of outright asking if she intended on shooting him when they met. He had the right to know that at least.

"I'm to say, that's who. You're worth more alive than dead to me Sasuke, but you already knew that." snapped the blonde, seemingly offended by his insinuation. "Now, if we're done I'm going back to sleep. That's what normal people do at this hour."

"One last thing Tsunade. About our deal—"

"The deal still stands Sasuke." Despite the weariness of her voice it still had a bite to it, assuring the Uchiha that she had no intention of brokering a deal in the dead of night, "We'll discuss this another time."

And just like that the line went dead. He expected no less, or at least he should have. But he had to try, and not just for his sake. There were people counting on him, always had been. One of them was still sound asleep in his bed when he returned to her. He was careful to keep it that way as he slipped between the sheets and spooned her small frame. She whispered his name and nestled into his warm embrace as he settled himself.

"Don't leave without saying anything next time, okay?" she mumbled groggily. The dark eyed man blinked several times at the realization that she might have been a lighter sleeper than he thought. He smiled softly into her silk locks and puller her closer, if even possible.

"Promise."

Breaking the news that plans had changed wasn't as easy as Sasuke had hoped it would be. Rather than working autonomously as he had planned, he'd be forced to give Tsunade the reins, and knowing her, that meant a more…hands on approach. The meeting was set in the middle of the Pacific, meaning they'd need to move regardless of whether they were still being actively pursued by law enforcement or not. Being exposed was not something Taka was too keen on, even after days of deliberation. And when the day came to move, they were no closer to accepting what Sasuke deemed "necessary".

"If this is a trap they're not only gonna take us, they're gonna take my baby! No deal, tell the hag we don't need her help!" argued Suigetsu ardently.

"You're worried about that bucket of bolts at a time like this!? What if they just shoot us on sight!?" added Karin, panic etched in her features.

"Tsunade-sama would never!" exclaimed the bubblegum haired agent entering the verbal debacle. "A-and even if she tried we wouldn't let her!"

"She's given you her word, Sasuke. She doesn't give a damn about any of us. Just you and them." protested the shark toothed man, his eyes glinting angrily in the dim light of the hanger. Suigetsu rarely spoke so insubordinately or at least he was rarely as serious as he was now. This was the last thing Sasuke needed.

"You're right Suigetsu. She wants me and that's what she'll get." The response was not without a physical affirmation that he still ran the show. He approached the man with a menacing glare, one that prompted the rest of Taka to slowly back away from their comrade. "In exchange you all walk away from this with your lives. All I need is for you to drive the damn boat and keep your mouth shut."

The tension was so thick it had a taste to it. All of the onlookers held their breath as the two testosterone fueled men stared each other down, neither so much as blinking. Sasuke watched his pilots fists tighten and he stiffened accordingly, waiting for a reason. Sakura released an audible gasp when the violet eyed mans hands rose, thankfully only knotting in his own hair.

"Tch, why do I bother? Just get me the damn coordinates." he sighed in defeat, shaking his head at the collective relieved breaths the spectators released. He ignored the permanent frown that his leader still wore as he brushed past him, stopping just behind him before peering over his shoulder. "You know, some of us aren't cut out for all this hero crap."

"Don't remind me." thought the Uchiha, offering a small "hn" in acknowledgement. With the crisis averted it was business as usual, or as usual as it could be. Everyone scrambled to and fro gathering their things. That's when it became painfully obvious that Sasuke hadn't many belongings anymore. He could count his remaining articles of clothing on two hands and even then they were not without a bloodstain or tear somewhere. His weapons were lost, but the armory's would suffice. A bullet was a bullet and not even his brother was immune to those. The thought brought a scowl to his face as he roughly shoved what little clothes he had in a black dufflebag and exited his room for what would surely be the last time.

The concept of "the last" anything wasn't new by any means to the Uchiha. He had lived the last few years day by day, half expecting, half waiting for someone to try and kill him. And on most days just that had occurred. Yet here he was, actively making a note of all the little things he'd most likely never do again. But he couldn't be distracted, not now.

Though he still was, so much so that he avoided everyone and chose to brood alone atop the stern of the speeding vessel for hours. The fresh air helped, but not really, "I need a smoke."

"It's bad for you." chimed a voice just loud enough to reach him over the crashing waves. He didn't need to turn to know who it was; she had been running through his mind all day after all. He had mainly been trying to avoid her, at least physically. When he barely acknowledged her arrival, she took a seat beside him. Sasuke didn't dare glance at her; he could practically feel the irritation flowing off of her in waves. "Are you going to ignore me until the summit?"

"I'm not—"

"Don't!" she snapped, her balled fist crashing against the steel hull to finally gain his attention. When his obsidian stare shifted from the vast ocean, Sakuras demeanor and voice softened at the sight. She'd only seen it a handful of times, but it was clear as day to her. He was sad. "Just…don't lie to me too, okay?"

Sasuke had forgotten how explosive she could be when she felt slighted or snubbed, especially from him. Here he was doing his best to avoid a confrontation, only to exacerbate the issue. He'd been called a fool before, though never by himself. "I won't—I wouldn't, Sakura."

"Then don't shut me out. Not now. Not when I need you the most." the rose haired agent scooted closer to him and pulled her knees to her chest. She hated looking so vulnerable and weak in front of him, but sometimes it was the only way to reach him. When he snaked his arm around her shoulders she instantly fell into his embrace, "This is hard for me too, you know? I just wish you talked to me about it."

Sasuke's lips parted in surprise. He stared down at the pink mass in his arm with disbelief. She already knew. A million and one explanations came to mind but all of them pointed to the blabbermouth, "How?"

"You've been distant ever since your birthday. Ever since you…" her voice had become a whisper and he figured he had just missed her words to their loud surroundings, gently urging her on with a nudge. "Ever since you said you could never give me the life I wanted."

Whether she knew it or not, she was killing him slowly. Her pain was becoming his and crushing his heart under the weight of it all. He was so choked up he couldn't even muster a token gesture or sweet words.

"I always knew…deep down that it would end one day." Sakura's eyes were glistening with held back tears and Sasuke couldn't tell which of them was shaking when they locked eyes. "And now that—that."

"Shh Sakura, I know I know." he whispered, pulling her forehead against his own as she sniffled and hiccupped to dam her tears. No matter how many times or how hard he tried to stop her sadness he always failed. What good was he to her, the woman he adored, if all he ever did was cause her heart to ache and her eyes to weep? "I wish I…could've said something—anything, but what would it change?"

"Say this isn't it. Tell me you won't throw your life away. Tell me I'll see you again when this is over. Just tell me anything!" Sakura plead fervently, her voice rising in desperation as she palmed the sides of her lovers face. She could see in his eyes that he didn't want this anymore than she he did, but he was a man who always accepted the consequences of his actions, resigning himself to fate. He dealt in finalities and nothing else. "I-I don't need a martyr, I need you. The only life I want—I ever wanted, was one with you in it."

It wasn't just her unabashed admission that broke him, or the tears that now flowed freely. It was her eyes. The evergreen orbs that had once seen something good in him, the eyes that believed in that spark, were now clouded with doubt. If he lost her now, he was destined to lose her forever.

His lips parted to finally respond after what seemed like an eternity of silence, but no sound escaped them. When her eyes shifted from his own and her hands began drifting from his face, he panicked. Acting on impulse, his lips crashed against her own. It was unlike any other they had shared in the past; it knocked the air from her lungs with its ferocity and kept her breathless with a heady desire that threatened to devour her. But it wasn't sexual desire that laced his lips; it was his unspoken desire for her to not quit on him. He was doomed to a fate worse than death if she abandoned him; surviving the coming storm would mean nothing. He would kill and bleed to be with her, beg and plead for her to stay, whatever it took. "Please Sakura, don't."

"Don't what?" she whispered once his lips gave her some breathing room.

"Don't give up on me." he pled, wiping her tears away with his thumb. The sounds of parting waves surrounded them, but at their close proximity they might have well been in space. In that seemingly cosmic moment he had his epiphany. Just the notion of not having her with him frightened him to death and he was willing to do anything to keep her. But he was powerless without that support; he'd be worse off than when he'd first fallen. He didn't need it back then, he never wanted it. But this bond they'd formed over the last few months had created something—some force that drew his mind and body to her at all times of day; a force that yearned for her presence. "Please…I-I need you with me, koishii."

This time it was her lips that found his, but she wasn't nearly as rough with him. In fact, it barely lasted more than a second. She smiled though her previous sadness and stroked his cheek tenderly, "If you don't give up, I won't give up."

He promised her a thousand times over as she showered his face in loving pecks. Sasuke's weighted heart grew lighter and lighter with each smooch and he found peace in those full pink lips. She planted one last kiss on his lips before pulling back and flashing her brightest smile. He would never understand how such a beautiful creature could ever accept him so wholeheartedly, body and soul. His focus shifted to her face, the bright sun giving her skin an otherworldly radiance and accenting her heated cheeks, "Say it again, Sasuke-kun."

When he cocked his eyebrow in confusion, she shifted in his arms and leaned into their embrace until the tips of their noses touched, "Call me it again." Her sweet request was enough to get the usually stoic Uchiha to grow a blush of his own and avoid her penetrating gaze.

"The more I say it the less meaning it has." he defended bashfully, mindful of her ever present smile and the giggle that escaped her lips.

"That's not true! I can say 'I love you' a thousand times and I wouldn't mean it any less." When his skeptical look persisted, she proceeded to rain kisses down on him, whispering 'I love you's' in between each. She continued for some time before he realized it was best to just give her what she wanted, lest she mark every inch of his face with blemishes.

"Alright alright, if that's what you want…" he cooed teasingly, watching her nervously gulp when he pressed his forehead against her own and gently pushed her backwards, practically on top of her at this point. Even in the shade his obsidian hair casted upon them, he could see her heavily flushed face, "Koishii."

Before he could "seal the deal" so to speak, the lovers were interrupted by a loud cough that made both of them jump apart before turning to address the interloper. Though, it was the last person they had expected to see. They'd been so immersed in each other and nothing else, that they hadn't noticed their vessel had come to a halt and had already been boarded, by none other than Senju Tsunade and her protégé Shizune. "Am I interrupting something?"

"T-t-t-Tsunade-sama!" stammered the pinkette, shooting to her feet and bowing as deeply as she could to hide her beet red face. Clearly she was mortified by what her superior had seen; forget about what more she might have witnessed had she not voiced her presence. Sasuke on the other hand merely scowled at the intrusive blondes tone and the haughty way she stared down at them.

"We'll discuss this later Sakura. We have more pressing matters to attend to." she all but spat, turning her back on them as she shook her head. "Uchiha, take me to whatever passes for a meeting room on this rust bucket."

Sasuke growled at her back, his fists clenching tightly at the bravado she sported. He relaxed somewhat however when Sakura gently covered his hand with her own; her words resounding in his head, "If you don't give up, I won't give up."

Kami, give him strength.

After very rocky beginnings, not only with Sasuke and Sakura, but with the rest of Taka being their usual less than cordial selves, the "meeting" was finally underway. Both parties sat in silence in the galley, seated across from one another, barely blinking. Why Tsunade insisted on a staring contest with him he'd never know.

"Are these the conditions you've subjected my team to?" she questioned glancing about the sparse walls of the dingy kitchen. Taking note of how cramped it was with all of the occupants.

"Luxuries are hard to come by, especially when you're enemies of the state." he retorted, doing his best to not let her disrespectful tone get to him, "But we've survived well enough."

"Until now." she crowed, clearly getting an immense amount of amusement from what little disdain for the current situation Sasuke showed. "So, where do we start?"

"Let's start with getting us inside the summit."

"Simple. Naruto, Sai, and yourself will pose as my bodyguards. You'll need disguises and proper identification of course." she explained, absently rifling through her blazer until she produced a golden shield embossed with Interpol's crest and slapped it down on the steel table. "Bet you never thought you'd see this again, eh Sasuke?"

Indeed he hadn't. There were thousands like it, but he knew instantly that it was his. His fingers unconsciously glided across the slightly worn metal before firmly grasping it. Though he wasn't too distracted to notice how she omitted Sakura from the operation. "And the I.D's?"

"We have some equipment on the cat lady's ship for 'picture day'."

Sakura watched the exchange in silence, feeling like an unwanted fixture. From what little had been said already, it was abundantly clear that Tsunade was intent on keeping her out of this. Be it for the earlier indiscretion or her protective subconscious looking out for her former apprentice's wellbeing. The pinkette wanted to speak out, but felt it would only dig herself a deeper hole.

"Has Akatsuki made any movements? Has a target been identified yet?"

"You should know best how they operate by now. There will be dignitaries and officials crawling all over the place. It could be anyone, even myself." Her sudden shift to a more serious tone didn't shake Sasuke in the slightest, but it did give him a glimpse of why she had become such a tyrant. Even the great Tsunade knew fear from time to time. "Which brings me to our next topic of discussion. It's a more sensitive subject; you may want to dismiss your…team."

"Anything you have to say to me can be said in front of them. A few harsh words won't bother them." Sasuke answered sternly, his eyes scanning her body language for the question before she asked it.

Tsunade's coffee eyes examined the rooms occupants' faces, some stone faced, other visibly nervous in the stuffy confines of the room. The blonde inhaled deeply before turning her attention back to the man across from her, "This attack you believe Akatsuki has planned has not been confirmed in any way. So, if this is just a clever ploy to escape justice, you'll be sorely disappointed. Whether Akatsuki reveals themselves or not, you, Uchiha Sasuke, will not walk away from this a free man."

The room erupted into chaos courteously of Suigetsu and Karin, both adamantly decrying the bravado of the lawwoman they'd been forced to cooperate with. Even Naruto and Sakura joined in the debacle, albeit in a more meditative capacity regardless of how conflicted they'd be when Tsunade made good on her threat. Before the situation came to a more-than-likely-bloody head, Sasuke silenced the rabble with a firm fist against the steel table.

"Whether you trust me or not isn't my concern. My only concern is bringing Akatsuki to an end." He was calm and collected on the outside, but on the inside he wanted to lash out at his former employer for her harsh judgment of his character. He would not waste his time trying to convince her that he wasn't the black creature she already saw him as. "So don't worry, Tsunade-sama. You'll have your prize when all is said and done."

The older woman pursed her lips and frowned at his closing statement, obviously not too keen on his tone. He always had a knack for making you feel remorseful even when he was in no position to judge. Maybe that's what made him a good negotiator; a man who could make you sympathize with the devil himself.

"Let's get this over with quickly. It's dangerous to be out in the open like this, for both of us." spoke Sasuke, finally breaking the silence as he rose to his feet and exited with Taka in tow. His eyes caught Sakura's own downcast stare as he passed, and unconsciously, she almost followed. Thankfully, she stopped herself and her small half step went largely unnoticed. Sakura was hesitant to focus on anything other than her incredibly interesting shoes.

"Shizune, why don't you help Sasuke and the others with their identification cards? I need a moment with Sakura."

Her blood ran cold at the sound of her former mentor's voice. Her eyes shot to Naruto, silently pleading for him to stay, but Shizune was already ushering her partners away. Now it was just the two of them.

"Tsunade-sama—"

"How long Sakura?"

"…A month, maybe longer." she answered meekly. This was more embarrassing than having the birds and the bees talk with her parents when she was a teen. All she wanted was to slink away and disappear from her superior's eyes. There was anger, confusion, sadness, but the worst she saw was disappointment. "I never intended to…"

"Did he seduce you? Did he—did that bastard force himself on you?" Tsunade rose to her feet as soon as the words passed her lips; teeth bared and anger etched in every subtle wrinkle not concealed by foundation.

"No! No, he never forced me to do anything I didn't want to." Sakura was steadfast in her defense of Sasuke, despite the color their affair painted her in her former mentor's eyes. She was supposed to be above such things, especially when it came to wanted criminals. She wanted to apologize, but what good would it be? She didn't regret the relationship she formed with Sasuke, maybe somewhat ashamed Tsunade had to find out in such a way, but no, she wouldn't apologize for her feelings. "I never…We never intended for it to happen. It just happened."

"Damnit Sakura. I knew you had thing for him in the past but this is—"

"It's not just a thing!" cut in the pinkette, forcefully enough to leave Tsunade wide eyed and stunned. She'd never spoken to her like that. Sakura squared her shoulders and did her best to steady her pounding heart as she crossed the distance between them. "I love him, Tsunade-sama. And I want to be by his side on this mission."

"This…this isn't some soap opera Sakura. You're clearly too close to this to handle it professionally." protested the blonde after a short pause, her voice softening at her star pupil's show of willpower. She had the same face the first time she'd been assigned an undercover case. A tough façade while on the inside she was terrified of what lied ahead. Tsunade couldn't deny that face, never could; it reminded her of when she was a bright eyed lass herself. She grabbed the smaller woman by the shoulders and pulled her into an embrace. "He's already put me in a tough spot you know; I didn't expect the same from you Sakura."

"I know, and I'm sorry. But he needs me, I know it." Sakura apologized, doing her best to not be suffocated by the blonde's enormous bosom. If she didn't know any better she'd say they'd grown from the last time she'd seen them. But it was comforting all the same.

"You were supposed to be the good one." Tsunade sighed, patting the crown of her head and ruffling her pink locks with a small smile. She couldn't deny that Sasuke had changed from the man she met months ago in Konoha that set the wheels for this whole ordeal in motion. He seemed more subdued in a way, as if someone had reined in his more off-putting desperado tendencies. If they were indeed as close as she claimed they were, his change in disposition must have been her doing. "If I let you in on this operation can you promise me you'll stay safe?"

Sakura pulled away from the embrace and stiffened her back as she saluted her superior, a gesture she knew the older woman always found comical even though she reciprocated. "You have my word, Tsunade-sama."

"Good." affirmed the blonde, adopting a thoughtful look as she examined Sakura critically from head to toe, "Now, what are we going to do about that hair…?"

Those that Shizune had ushered from Takas flagship were now crammed in the common room of Nekobaa's vessel, not so patiently waiting for the dark haired woman to finish fabricating Naruto's I.D. card. He fussed and fidgeted, he complained about being the only one forced to dye his hair black as a disguise when he disliked the wig selection.

"So this is really it huh?" Suigetsu wondered aloud, shooing one of Nekobaa's cats from the counter so he could sit while he watched the spectacle. "Where's that leave us, Sasuke?"

"On your own, that's where. Take the ship and live your lives." Sasuke's response was more of a final order rather than a suggestion. What more could he say? With him out of the picture they were virtually free to do as they pleased. He could see that the prospect of leading themselves was daunting just from the looks on their faces, but he could do no more for them. They'd gone much of their adult lives being led by wicked men; this was Sasuke's chance to be more than just another one.

Sasuke maneuvered around the small space so he could look his team full in all of their faces. In the beginning they had just been a means to an end. Same as Orochimaru, but somewhere along the way they became something more. They'd all grown together; surviving the harsh realities of wanted life did that. It was only natural that he developed feelings for those he'd bled alongside. And now with the world closing in around him, it seemed like if he didn't impart what little wisdom he had, they'd be doomed to the same vicious cycle of violence he was. "Take care of one another. Remember, you're only as good as the men and women willing to fight alongside you."

"You sure know how to pick 'em then huh?" quipped the cerulean haired man as he hopped down from his perch. He scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably as he approached Sasuke, "You give those bastards hell okay? I might feel guilty if you don't make it out alive because I'm not covering your ass."

"Best of luck Sasuke-san. I'm sure we will meet again, in this life or the next." Jugo was the next to approach, his large hand outstretched. Sasuke gladly accepted, gripping the giants forearm, an old gesture of respect between them. When the gentle giant retreated Sasuke spotted Karin in the corner all misty eyed and fiddling with her glasses unnecessarily. "Great."

"Sasuke-kun!" she exclaimed launching herself at him and capturing his torso in a vice-like hug. He frowned at the display, but he should have known she'd be the most emotional of the bunch. He patted her crimson mane before prying her from his midsection. She sniffled and wiped away her tears as she peered up to address him, "I—I know Sakura will take go-hiccup-good care of you…but please stay safe Sasuke-kun."

"I'll try. You keep these two out of trouble, alright?" Despite the flatness of his voice, she knew his words to be sincere, perhaps the most sincere words he ever shared with her. Karin nodded furiously as he backed away for a full look at his team. Sasuke opened his mouth to address all of them again, but paused when he felt a heavy weight on his back.

"Teme's such a softie! I always knew it!" teased the former blond, throwing much of his weight onto the Uchihas back while he ruffled his raven hair with his knuckles. Sasuke easily threw the man off his back as he spun around amidst the room's laughter.

"You look ridiculous." chided Sasuke, smirking at how easily he could still get a rise out of Naruto. Almost immediately he began arguing with Shizune about the look and even his new alias.

"How come Sasuke gets to keep his hair and pick his own name!? What the hell is a Menma anyway!?"

Sasuke slipped from the room mostly unnoticed in the ensuing commotion and out onto the deck. Though, just as he found some peace in the soothing sea breeze it was interrupted by the heavy sound of high heels behind him.

"Tsunade." he acknowledged plainly, keeping his eyes trained on the endless blue of the ocean as she approached his back. When she joined him by the railing, they stayed silent for some time, not that he had any issues with that, it just seemed unlike the outspoken woman he butted heads with on more than a dozen occasions.

"So you and Sakura?" she began absently, staring out into the vast expanse to avoid eye contact. Here she was asking Sasuke about his intimate relationship with her charge. It seemed as if she had been playing mother hen more in the last few hours than she had in the last few years. Not the sort of thing she figured she would need to do at her ripe old age, much less to grown adults.

"Yes." his simple response came with little hesitance.

"And you know I don't approve of course?"

"Yes."

"But you don't care do you?"

"No."

"Tch. That makes the two of you then." sighed the blonde, digging in her blazer briefly before retrieving a stainless steel flask and bringing it to her lips. She released a satisfied ah after several gulps before shoving the metal container in front of Sasuke. She turned to face him when he hesitated in taking of offering, "For your nerves."

"Nerves? I'm not afraid if that's what you're implying." he countered, snatching the flask and gulping down its sweet contents. He grimaced at the taste, he hated sweet things. Except Sakura.

"You will be." she replied, her voice lowering to a menacing baritone as the Uchiha faced her, "Because if you hurt my Sakura I'll personally make you wish I sent you to prison."

Sasuke blinked several times at the not so veiled threat before his lips curled into a smirk and he released a chuckle. And even though Tsunade found the situation to be anything but comical she joined in the laughter all the same. He took another swig of the sickeningly sweet sake before handing it back to the older woman, "I wouldn't dream of it."

That's that. Heavy on Sasuke's typical angst but hey, can you blame him? His story's coming to an end! I will say that I'm not too thrilled with how I ended this chapter, but it was the only way without selling the next chapter short. And if you haven't picked up on the reoccurring theme for this chapter, here it is. The end is nigh. But do not despair! Because, all of you guys are the reason this story has made it this far and I have a reason to believe you'll take it even further. So give yourselves a round of applause, pat on the back, whatever you need! And in return give me a few reviews, critiques, PMs, or what have you.

Next Chapter: Adagio for Absolution

Until next time! Sayonara!