A/N: This one is a doozy. A real rollercoaster ride. I can't give you guys any other warning other than its long, but it's worth it. I don't think I've ever written anything finer. To think I wrote a 10,000 word version of this but found it lacking so I kept cracking away to give you 16,000+ words of pure unadulterated literature. So without further adieu the stunning pseudo-conclusion of Adagio for Love!
Adagio for Absolution
The remnants of Taka stood atop their flagship, watching as the small fishing vessel made its way back to the mainland. Even though Sasuke had said this was a new beginning for them, it felt like the end. He united them in Orochimaru's wake and saved them, gave them a new purpose, and now he was leaving. It was ironic really; sitting in the middle of the ocean with no direction.
"So now what?" questioned Karin as the winds of uncertainty swept across the deck.
"Well…we are a little low on cash." mused Suigetsu, rubbing his chin in thought. Eventually his eyes shot open as if he struck mental gold, "I got it! We'll knock over The Station! Bet that rat Zangai ran off with some of that money after last time."
"Baka! That's way too dangerous, who knows what the bounty on our heads is like now—we'd be gunned down on sight!" protested the redhead in typical flamboyant fashion. "Besides, Sasuke-kun put me in charge and I promised to keep you both out of trouble."
"Tch, now who sounds stupid? Sasuke would never put an airhead like you in charge!"
"And he'd never leave a hothead like you in charge of his legacy!"
Jugo listened to the spirited debate for some time, even after Sasuke and the rest disappeared into the horizon. Amidst the tail end of the argument, the giant had disappeared below deck and began raising the anchor.
"Back me up here Jugo…Jugo?" Suigetsu looked from side to side, clearly surprised that the man had up and disappeared without so much as a peep. "Where the hell did he—!"
Before he could finished his inquiry the vessel lurched sending the mouthy male overboard and his redhead compatriot sprawling against one of the ships torpedo tubes. When she recovered, she burst out into laughter as the soaked man tried to get a grip on the slick hull.
"Jugo! You bastard, what happened to the bro code!?"
"Let's leave him to the sharks, Jugo!" taunted the redhead.
"I was trying to send the both of you over." droned the ginger haired man to himself before giving the throttle a little juice one more time, hearing a second splash in response.
The reformed Special Task Force and their newest conscript crowded around a small table and shooed away as many cats as they could before Shizune rolled a tapestry across it.
"So where do we start?" questioned Naruto, staring warily at the daunting blueprints.
"At the front obviously. Remember, you're agents again so start acting like it." scolded Tsunade, turning her attention back to the floor plans, "There will be two security checkpoints: one at the Ministry of Defenses gates, and another at the front door. The second will be more thorough; pat down, body scan, weapons check, the whole nine yards."
"Will they disarm us?" asked Sasuke his eyes practically glued to each and every corridor as he studied the oversized map. "If being unarmed is part of your plan let me start by saying this is a terrible plan, even for you Tsunade."
"As Tsunade-sama's personal guard your weapons won't be confiscated, but they will be inspected nonetheless." elaborated Shizune sternly, naturally none too keen of his disrespectful tone.
"And after that checkpoint you'll remain at my side until I take the stage." When looks of confusion flashed on her subordinates faces, Tsunade sighed in exasperation, "It's no secret that the whole agency's been under fire since this all started. So now, I've got to do my little song and dance for everyone to see, just to save face. So why don't you cut me some slack Uchiha, and focus on not getting killed in the meantime."
"My specialty." he droned uninterestedly as he produced his sidearm from his waistband and planting it on the map, "This will make it past the checkpoints, yes?"
"Sidearm's shouldn't be an issue." assured the blonde with a frown, "Wish I could say the same for your attitude."
Sasuke ignored the biting tone of her jeer; too focused on the sprawling maze that was the Ministry of Defense. It was far too large to canvas even with all four of them. And with Akatsuki's target being an unknown, time was of the essence, "How long will I have?"
"One hour, maybe more." responded Tsunade, her gaze shifting from the table to Sakura and her newly darkened mane. While she had given her former apprentice permission to participate in the operation, she was still hesitant to put her back into Sasuke's hands, "Sai you're familiar with the M.o.D., yes? You'll accompany Sasuke on his sweep of the building."
The raven haired man's ears perked up at the order, and when his eyes rose they were met by the steely coffee stare of the older woman. It was almost as if she was challenging him to make another off color comment that would paint him an even dark shade of black, "I need everyone for a search of this magnitude. Sai is not enough."
"No offense taken, Sasuke." piped the pale man monotonously.
"Don't worry, Sakura and Naruto will conduct a search of their own, under my supervision. I still need to have the appearance of a retinue, but maybe you'd rather take that job, Sasuke?" Even if her defense wasn't utter bullshit Sasuke had no choice but to grin and bear it, lest he do or say something to jeopardize their already shaky alliance.
Naruto glanced around the room, easily noticing the tension between not just Sasuke and Tsunade, but also Sakura. Even he was able to deduce by now that his friend's dirty little secret was out, and his superior was anything but thrilled. He could see that Sakura was hesitant to speak out against her given assignment, and knowing Sasuke he'd keep quiet and focused until the last moment. "I'll go with Sasuke."
"What? No, I want you close by for this." protested Tsunade, shooting him a questioning look along with the other occupants.
"Sasuke and I can canvas the building faster than anyone, you know that. Sakura and Sai will be able to do a more efficient sweep of the immediate area around the auditorium and allow for Sasuke and me to clear the outer perimeter. It's the best way to cover the most ground."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly at the former blonds explanation; needless to say he was impressed. It wasn't often that the dobe proved himself to be even less of one and flaunted his analytical skills. But why did he really want to come with him? He'd given the man one job; keep Sakura safe. Was this his way of doing so? Sasuke glanced at the apprehensive look his lover held and instantly knew that she had wanted to be the one by his side. When all eyes shifted to the Uchiha he waved off the suggestion dismissively and turned back to task of designating areas most likely targeted for whatever his brother and associates had planned, "Do whatever you want."
"Sai and I can handle it Tsunade-sama. You have my word." she put on her most convincing voice for her promise as she addressed the skeptical woman, who in turn returned a gesture similar to Sasuke's. Even though the words were directed at her superior, she silently assured Sasuke of the same with a split second glance. As the meeting dragged on, Sakura paid less attention to the battle plan and more to the glances she shared with him. The quiet attention was making her feel somewhat uncomfortable in the crowded room, so much so that she unconsciously fiddled with the length of her wig. Maybe it was just her new look; god she hated when she couldn't read him.
For hours they debated the logistics, it only ended when they finally reached Ise Bay. The Special Task Force gathered along the rails as they pulled into port, though Sasuke had excused himself to the bridge.
"Here, for your trouble." he held out a small stack of banknotes to the elderly pilot, but she paid him little mind; scoffed even.
"You've caused Tamaki and me a great deal of trouble over the years, Sasuke." scolded the woman, handing the reigns to her granddaughter before turning to address the young man, "But, you and your family were always there for us. The least I could do for Mikoto is take care of her son."
"Nekobaa…"
"So no, I won't take your money. Not when I've cared for you like my own son." her small wrinkled hand reached up and gripped his shoulder. Her usually dreary frown curled upwards slightly before she addressed the boy she'd watch grow into a man, "Even though they may not approve of all you've done…I know your parents would be proud of the man you're trying to be."
Numbly the Uchiha nodded, caught in a state of shock from the curmudgeons sincere words. Hearing her speak so adamantly about not only himself, but the deceased as well steeled his resolve. This is what he had fought tooth and nail for too many years. For justice, for revenge, for his parents.
Despite her refusal of his offering, he forced it into her bony hands before whispering a thank you and leaving the bridge to join the rest. From a distance it would seem his presence wasn't missed much judging by the casual back and forth they all shared. Oddly enough he actually felt somewhat left out. Absently he toyed with the sleek metal of his badge and shook off the feeling of being alienated. He wasn't one of them, he hadn't been for some time. And when everything was said and done he'd just be another wanted man captured by Interpol's illustrious Special Task Force, or another statistic of Akatsuki.
"Oi, Earth to Daisuke!"
"What did you just call me, Dobe?"
"Tsunade-sama believes it would be best if we got use to using our assumed names." elaborated Sai, stepping forward with a plastered smile and outstretched had, "So from now on you can call me Shin. I look forward to working with you, Naruhara-san."
Sasuke brushed past the pale man and his seemingly friendly gesture, only coming to a stop once he reach the guard rails and glimpsed Nagoya's skyline. Nekobaa's words still floated about his head as Tsunade lectured all of them on their next steps, decorum for the summit, and other nonissues. While not typically one to talk in excess she still was a control freak at times. She was so persistent that she kept on lecturing, even after they had disembarked from the ship, and continued on even after being driven a short distance to Nagoya Airfield where she had chartered a jet.
"Is any of this sinking in?" she shouted over the roar of the jet engine, the small group following close behind on the tarmac. Even when Naruto, the loudest of the bunch responded, he was a poor match for the aircraft. When she inquired again it was Sasuke who responded, but solely out of sheer annoyance at this point.
"The minute we step foot in Tokyo we might as well be mutes if I heard you correctly Tsunade." The Uchiha shouldered his way to the back of the jet and planting himself into a corner, "In the hotel, we aren't to leave our rooms for any reason unless you yourself orders us to." He couldn't help but bite out that certain word before he continued, "At the summit, we avoid all unnecessary contact with officers, agents, and delegates. Am I forgetting anything?"
The slam and lock of the jets door might have masked her snort of loathing, but the nasty look she shot wasn't lost on his inattentiveness. She promptly took her seat at the head as they began taxiing; and being the dutiful assistant that Shizune was, promptly poured her a drink. "Yes, the part where you keep your trap shut. Perhaps take a moment to work on your emotional blueprint, Daisuke."
To the untrained eye it would seem as if they had become the worst of enemies, but in actuality they'd always been like this. Though he had shown more respect back then. Still, Sakura wished she could quell the animosity between the two without choosing sides. She and the rest of the task force took their seats, quickly buckling in as the jet promptly picked up speed before ascending into the sky.
Once the initial turbulence had ceased and Tsunade was on her third glass of sake, Sakura made her move. She twisted in her seat slightly and carefully peered over the back. Naruto was asleep for sure, his head was rested against the window and she could hear the not-so-subtle rumble of his snore over the jet engine. Sai on the other hand seemed wide awake, and deeply engrossed in whatever he was doing. When she searched the deepest recess of the plane she had to squint to find her target hidden in the corner; head down and eyes shut.
Stealthily, Sakura unbuckled herself and stood up, gripping the side of her seat when the plane jostled her about. The moment she was on her feet she could feel eyes on her back, but she dare not turn and look. Best case scenario, it was only Shizune. But she had to press on; Haruno Sakura wasn't one to back down. Deeply breathing the recycled air, she began her march. Slowly at first, until Sai peered up from his sketchpad, after which she almost broke out into a sprint down the aisle just to avoid an awkward inquiry. Two steps away from her goal she froze when dark eyes caught her advance. She stood there like a deer caught in headlights, before being forced forward by the shaking jet. Luckily for her, he was quick enough to catch her waist mid tumble and pull her into the vacant seat beside him.
"Is this your new persona now; the shy, clumsy agent?" he asked quietly, neglecting to release her dainty waist as he pulled her closer and away from inquisitive eyes.
"My new…?" she breathed questionably, taking more than a few seconds to unearth the meaning of his words before her dark locks fell into her eyes and reminded her, "No, it's not…I'm not trying to be something else. It's just…this whole thing is strange. You, me…Tsunade."
He scoffed at her hushed concerns, turning his attention back to the thicket of clouds outside his window. "Let her bark all she wants, it makes no difference to me."
"You keep provoking her like it does." hissed Sakura lowly, her dangerous tone drawing his attention again to the seriousness of her anxiety. The same anxiety she could see in his subtle mannerisms; deeper frown than usual, the occasionally tense finger twitch, the way his eyes narrowed under her unyielding scrutiny. She moved his hand from her waist and took it in her hand, gently stroking the knuckles, "Tell me what's bothering you Sasuke-kun."
Where could he start? Maybe at the fact that he wasn't so keen on no longer being the leader, and was now subject to Tsunade's own brand of leadership once again. She was a bureaucrat, less so than most in her position, but a bureaucrat nonetheless. Though, Tsunade played a small part in his current disposition. Lashing out at her was just a childish attempt to mask the real issue the woman was causing. It was the woman at his side that vexed him so. It was the way she'd shied from his looks and kept her distance from him in the presence of her superior, when not too long ago they had been inseparable. "Tell me; are you ashamed of me Sakura?"
"Of course not!" she gasped, shocked not only by his insecurity, but by the unguarded look he sported. She could see how her attempts to stay on Tsunade's good side may be misconstrued by her lover as an attempt to distance herself from him. Her silence during the two combatants' exchanges being interpreted as capitulation to the will of her mentor. "I love you Sasuke-kun, and she knows that. She's just…overprotective. She'd never let me leave her sight to join you on the search—probably thinks I'd end up hurt."
"She's right."
"W-what?"
"As much as I…want you by my side Sakura, it's too dangerous." he smiled softly at her surprised doe eyes as he leaned in and brushed her flat bangs aside so he could kiss her forehead, "You're too precious to me."
"Such a sweet talker." she giggled softly, returning his gesture with a peck on the lips. "Is Daisuke a charmer too?"
"That depends, is…what am I supposed to call you?"
"Miyu. Tanaka Miyu, a pleasure to make your acquaintance Daisuke-kun." she greeted cheerfully, her eyes shining even brighter against her ebon tresses. Even though she might appear different, her eyes assured him that she was still his Sakura, and no one would change that.
"Acquaintance? Why do I get the feeling that Miyu and Daisuke are much more than acquaintances?" he teased with a smirk that set her cheeks aflame. Idly he played with a long tendril of her hair and leaned in for a kiss. His lips barely brushed against her own before they broke apart at the abrupt announcement on the PA system.
"This is your captain speaking; we'll be beginning our descent into Tokyo in a few minutes so please put your trays in the upright position and buckle yourselves in."
"You should go before you're missed." Sasuke's voice was soft and almost indistinguishable from the ambient noise, but Sakura still caught the sadness in it. This would probably be the last private moment they spent with one another before the summit, if Tsunade's rules of no contact were to be followed. Soon the plane began its shaky descent and the sense of urgency set in. Hastily she kissed him, hard and for as long as she dared to, committing each detail of his lips to memory before breaking apart. Her hands took in the rugged contour of his jaw and the rough texture of his budding stubble before leaving him and returning to her seat.
As she buckled herself in she was all too aware of the eyes burning into the top of her head. Swallowing what little fear the gaze gave her, Sakura's eyes rose to meet Tsunades stare. Neither budged from the stare down for some time, until Shizune drew her mistress's attention to another matter, and thankfully so, Sakura was close to cracking. Soon they landed and disembarked, the oppressive heat of late afternoon beating down on their heads, the smell of burnt rubber and spent fuel filling their nostrils. Unlike the airfield there were far more, civilians on the tarmac. Despite the few who witnessed their arrival and departure in the waiting vehicle, Sasuke was still wary of being recognized even with sunglasses obscuring his most notable features. It was times like these that he almost wished he was as forgettable Sai, almost.
"Do you believe this is wise, Tsunade?" questioned Sasuke as he examined the very crowded, very lavish hotel they were currently walking into. Not two minutes in and he could already identify several senior members of Japans most prestigious law enforcement agencies and military organizations, many of whom he'd ran into during his time in the underworld.
"Every major player at the summit is staying in this hotel. If I picked some roach infested motel like you're used to, suspicions would be raised." as always, her reasoning was not without biting insult. That aside, she was taking, "hiding in plain sight" to another level. How effective it would prove to be was yet to be seen; Sasuke could already feel eyes on them as they checked in.
"Tsunade-sama! How long has it been?" cried a shrill voice from across the lobby that drew everyone's' attention. Sasuke could recall the voice from memory even after so many years; after all, it had been in his ear on more than one occasion about his…"eligibility".
"Mei, how nice to see you again!" responded the older woman as she spun around and tried to match her approaching colleagues delight with a smile. Sasuke turned his back as they exchanged a brief hug and the usual pleasantries. If anyone was like to notice who he was, it going to be Terumi Mei, Admiral of Japans Maritime Self-Defense Force.
"I wasn't expecting to see you attending something as trivial as a conference with everything going on in Lyon."
"Japan is still my home. Its problems are my problems." answered the blonde somewhat sadly, the corner of her eye catching Sasuke's subtle movements. "Besides, I needed some time away from the office, not to mention Danzo and his watchful eye."
"Politics is always a messy business, no?" joked the auburn haired woman in an attempt to lighten the mood. She eyed the retinue of guards behind her colleague, quickly noting the lack of familiar faces, "I…heard about what happened in Chiyoda. I assure you, I have my best men and fastest ships searching for your agents day and night."
"Yes it's unfortunate, but it's an occupational hazard they've been trained for. I have faith in them."
"Forgive me if I'm less optimistic, Tsunade-sama. Uchiha Sasuke has proven himself to be as dangerous as he is handsome." The off color comment was not lost on Sasuke, and unconsciously he frowned at the notion of his chief pursuer hunting him for more than just his notoriety. "But enough doom and gloom. Why don't we catch up over dinner tonight?"
"I really should prepare for my speech—"
"Nonsense, we both know Shizune writes all of your speeches." jeered the admiral, flashing a coy smile at the embarrassment that colored her ally's cheeks, "I'll meet you in the lobby at eight."
Tsunade sighed in defeat as the woman sauntered away. When she turned her attention back to her team she could tell what was on their minds, mostly Naruto's, "No. Absolutely not. You cannot come to this dinner, it's too risky, and knowing Mei she'll invite almost every other branch head of the defense forces."
"But—"
"No buts. You'll stay in your rooms, watch TV, and order room service." As the words "room service" passed her lips she could see Narutos face light up, and she couldn't help but get a sense of dread as she handed out the keycards. "Don't make me regret this."
Those were her parting words as they each adjourned to their rooms for what would surely turn out to be both the quietest, and most nerve-racking evening any of them had had in a good while. For Sasuke, it was more of the former. He spent the free time washing the days grime off and cleaning his weapon. After that, nothing. He lay on his bed staring at the cream colored ceiling.
As for Sakura, she fared far worse. Neither pleasant shower nor modern amenities seemed to calm her nerves as she flipped through the news channels. Every puff piece news story she passed only soured her mood, despite the cuteness of the furry animals they featured. Huffing in defeat, she plopped onto the bed, hiding her face under the length of her wig, and curling up against the soft sheets. It had only been a few hours, but the sense of loneliness was already setting in. Sure it was somewhat childish of her to want to be with him every second, but with the uncertainty of how tomorrow would pan out practically drowning her, all she could think about was spending what little time they had left together.
Her eyes found the clock beside the phone on the nightstand; it was only 7:30 P.M. Tsunade was surely still in her room down the hall so skulking down said halls to see him was too much of a risk. Slowly she sat up and reached for the phone, still hesitant as she punched in the number of his room that she memorized. Sakura's heart thudded so loudly in her chest she could barely hear the ringing in her ear. Whatever spell he'd casted on her only seemed to get stronger the longer and further they were from one another.
Ring.
Ring..
Ring…
Ring….
"Pick up damnit." she whispered, hoping that the sound of her own voice would keep her sane while she waited. Suddenly the ringing ceased and she could hear him raising the receiver, but no other sounds followed. Her voice hitched at the silence, "H-hey…it's me."
"Sa—Miyu, is something the matter?"
While she was happy to hear his voice, his usage of her assumed name was not what she wanted. He always said her name with such a tender cadence that warmed her heart, even when he uttered it in annoyance or warning. "No, I just miss you is all." Judging by the small choke and cough she received on the line, her innocent call must've flustered him quite a bit. She smiled at the thought of her lover with pink tinting his nose and cheeks. But thinking about such a thing would only sate her for so long; she wanted to see him, wanted to touch those cheeks.
"D-don't be ridiculous. I'll see you in the morning—"
"What if I don't want to wait until morning?" she interrupted abruptly, knowing full well that if she didn't press the issue he'd find the right words to convince her otherwise. Sakura bit her lip nervously at his silence before finding her voice again, this time barely above a whisper, "What if I want to be with you now?"
"Sakura…" she melted under his breathy baritone, but the moment was short lived. Suddenly a knock was heard over the phone and she was left in silence, or close to it. She could hear the shuffling of sheets followed by the unmistakable click of a cocked gun. Her blood ran cold instantly, but she had to stop herself from calling out to him. Soon she heard the creak of the door, followed by a short exchange between Sasuke and his mystery visitor. Eventually he returned, and her heart returned to its rightful place in her chest.
"Who was it—what did they want?" she asked, unable to mask her residual worry.
"Shizune and Tsunade, they gave me a suit to wear tomorrow. They want me to look more 'presentable'." he answered, scoffing over the line at the idea. Sakura could hear him breathe deeply as if mustering the courage to say something, "But Sakura…we shouldn't. I won't put you in that position with Tsunade. I've threatened your career enough."
"I don't care damnit!" she exclaimed, not caring if he cringed at her voice or if others heard her. He always had some excuse, granted they were always sensible and looked out for her best interest; he never took into account how strong her feelings were for him. Or his own for that matter. "I—I don't know what'll happen tomorrow and neither do you. But I know that I want to be with you now. Can't you say the same?"
The silence that followed was so thick she felt as if it she was being smothered by a wet wool blanket. And when it persisted she could feel the all too familiar sting of tears burn from the bridge of her nose up to her eyes. When she opened her mouth to utter his name and make her heartache known, a curt knock came at her door. Quickly, she shot from the bed and hastily fumbled with the lock on her door. When she opened it she was greeted by the messily dressed man she had been trying to appeal to over the phone. Before the first syllable of his name left her lips he was upon her; slamming the door behind him as he pressed her backwards with his lips alone. They fell haphazardly onto the bed but neither cared; all they cared for was this moment. Finally they pulled away from one another, both gasping for air and staring lovingly into each other's eyes.
"There's no place I'd rather be, Sakura." his words were as fiery as she'd ever heard from him, only matched by his wandering hands. But soon those came to a halt and he moved from on top of her, sitting at the edge of the bed. When the confused and dissatisfied look crossed her face he felt compelled to clarify, knowing how his actions must have looked, "I didn't come here for this; not because I wanted sex. I'm here for you."
"I know…I'm glad, Sasuke-kun." she whispered, moving behind him and wrapping her arms around his torso. She rested her head against his back, enjoying the calming rhythm of his breathing and the familiar smell of his hair. He couldn't see her, but he knew she must've been blushing madly from his confession. "Are you worried about Tsunade?"
"Hardly. She and Shizune left for dinner after dropping off my suit. Besides, I left the 'do not disturb sign' up."
"But I didn't!" she gasped, practically leaping from the bed to the door in a single bound. When she returned, Sasuke shot her a questioning look; she had that twinkle in her eye. This time it was Sakura who went on the attack, tackling him flat and pinning him, "Now I've got you all to myself."
Though the truth of the matter was now that she was with him, she had no idea what she wanted from him other than his presence. Luckily for her, her stomach provided an answer to the predicament with a timely rumble.
"Food it is then." surmised the would-be captive man, pulling them both into a seated position and her into his lap as he blindly pawed for the drawer hiding the menu. "Anything you want, courtesy of Tsunade."
"She's going to dock my pay for sure, these prices are insane." she mused, perusing the outlandishly priced foodstuffs on the menu, "Aren't you hungry? You barely ate this morning."
"You've spoiled me with your cooking. Nothing else tastes as good." as usual, his response was so nonchalant it came off almost teasingly. He couldn't say he didn't appreciate her response however. The way her face flared from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears, and her eyes darted to anything and everything to escape his.
"Y-you big flatterer! Stop kidding around and pick something to eat before Naruto empties the kitchen." Sakura all but ordered, shoving the menu into his face to block his view of her own, well, also to force him into making a decision, but mostly the former. Begrudgingly, he scanned the less than appetizing menu before settling on something simple amongst the lavish, averting his eyes when the woman on his lap beamed at him, "I knew it."
When she left the comfort of his lap to place their order, he laid on his side watching her in silence. He was too focused on the smile she sported to recall anything she was saying; her beauty never ceased to astonish him. Not too long ago he was listening to the sadness in her voice as she practically begged to see him. Now she was all smiles; her body language exuding anything but gloom. And it was because of him. It had been a long time since he'd seen his actions bring about something other than sorrow and destruction. It warmed his heart to know somewhere along the way, his crazy journey had bred something good, something pure. And when she joined him again on the bed, snuggling close to his chest, he smiled.
"Can we stay like this forever, Sasuke-kun?" asked the wide eyed agent, awestruck by the tenderness of his gaze and the rare curvature of his perfect lips.
"If that's what you want." he cooed, gently stroking the length of her faux mane. He hated the thing, but now wasn't the time to voice his opinion about the disguise. He was here for her after all.
"You don't really mean that. You're just being sweet and selfless again." though the claim was damning, the amiable way she accused him softened the blow somewhat; he barely took it seriously.
"Would you rather I be bitter and selfish?" it was a rhetorical question really, not the sort of thing he expected her to answer, much less so readily.
"Sometimes, yeah. You're always giving me what I want—and I love that, I really do. But, what about what you want? What do you really want—not just tonight or tomorrow, but out of life?" Sasuke was taken aback by the question; his lips twisting as he mulled it over. For so long he'd only done what he saw as necessary; seldom did what he want and need end up being one and the same.
What could he say? That his life was as good as over and none of the mattered? That all he wanted now was for her to live the happiest life possible, regardless of whether he was in it or not? That he wanted her to have all of the things in life that she deserved; a career, a family—a happy family, a real future? All signs pointed to an idyllic world he could never play any part in, and it tore him to shreds. A rush of emotions flooded his being and broke through what fragile barrier he still clung to like a raging torrent, "If I…If I told you that all I wanted from life was to be with you…would you accept me?"
"Yes. Yes, of course Sasuke-kun." her voice was but a whisper, and when she touched his face, she could feel the raw emotion coursing beneath his skin; it was so powerful and electric it threatened to swallow her whole, and she was all too willing to let it.
"And if I asked you to—to wait for me…would you?" mustering the strength to ask her such a thing was the hardest thing he'd ever done. It went against everything wanted for her; because he knew he could never give it to her. It was selfish, and morally wrong, and yet he felt as if it was what she wanted to hear. To hear that he wanted something past the promise of handcuffs or a body bag when the sun set tomorrow. To hear that that something was her.
"I would. All I want is a life with you in it." his emotion had traveled through his body and into her, causing her eyes to well with tears and her hands to cling to his shirt in fear that he would disappear into the ether, "So I'll wait if I have to. I'll fight if I have to."
The seriousness of her declaration was not lost on the Uchiha. She hadn't always been committed to his vendetta, but she had always been there. Whether it be with moral support or a dissonant voice seeking to set him on the right path. She was there, and would continue being there for as long as circumstance allowed. For the first time in a long time, Sasuke saw past the next twenty-four hours and further even, and all he could see was her. He was the key to her happiness, and she was his.
Their lips found one another in that moment when their eyes locked in silent adoration. Working in tender tandem, despite the achy desire that lay just beneath the surface of their clawing fingertips. As his hand swept across the supple skin of her stomach he could feel it rumble. He couldn't help but smile when she continued kissing him even with her body's spontaneous protest.
"You must be starving." he released a low chuckle when she paid him little mind and instead, pulled him on top of her before turning her attention to his neck.
"For you." she breathed hotly, too drunk on her love for him to hear the knocking at her door as she fumbled with his shirt. Sasuke shh'd her whines with a finger as he leaned off of her and quietly listened to the door. When the knocks came again, this time louder, he pulled the pistol from the back of his waistband, gesturing with his head for her to answer; he wasn't supposed to be in here after all.
"Who is it?"
"Room service, ma'am."
"Leave it at the door please."
"But ma'am—"
"Just leave it at the door!" she growled, her frustration getting the better of her in the moment. When silence followed she turned back to the task at hand, pulling her lover hard by the collar.
"Sakura, your food is going to get cold if we…" he groaned, showing remarkable restraint under her relentless assault.
"The food can wait. C'mon Sasuke-kun." finally having succeeded in unbuttoning his shirt, she seemed fueled just by the sight of bare skin. But before she could properly partake, he caught her wrists and trapped them above her head.
"No, Sakura. Dinner first." his stern voice and firm hold was enough to deter her momentarily, but the doe eyes and pretty pout she sported made it feel like a losing battle, "You can have me for dessert, afterwards."
Her embarrassed flush rose again as he released her wrists and rolled off of her, smirking all the while. She quickly made for the door, if not for the promise of "dessert", then for how hungry she realized she was. Sasuke himself breathed a deep sigh of relief; he didn't know how much longer he could refuse her for.
She returned to the bed, touting two rather large trays one in each hand with covered dishes piled two high, he could only imagine she'd be forcing him to sample each and every thing she'd ordered. At least most of it smelled good. One by one she revealed each dish; a platter of assorted pickled fruits, sushi piled high and with elaborate trimmings, barbecued meats with heady smelling seasonings and steaming bowls of rice, the last dish she reveal with obligatory drumroll was his order of simple tomato soup. Though there still was one dish she kept covered, and when he reached for it she slapped his hand.
"Dinner first." she chastised playfully, handing him a napkin of utensils before she began to dig in herself. He watched her for a bit, just enjoying the way her face lit up as she tasted each dish, even his own. He snapped back to reality when she approached him with a spoonful of the soup, "Eat up Sasuke-kun, you'll need your strength."
"For 'dessert' or for tomorrow?" he quipped slyly, charcoal eyes flashing in surprise at the amazing taste as she fed him. Sakura couldn't help but giggle at the way he reacted, practically inhaling the soup as he began feasting.
"Both!" she laughed, resting her head on his shoulder as they enjoyed their meal; they even raided the mini bar for drinks. Not like Tsunade wasn't going to rack up a decent bill of her own already. It was a perfect evening, a rarity in their hectic lives, and thankfully it stayed perfect. With the dishes mostly cleared and their bellies full, they laid in each other's arms, sprawled out on soft sheets allowing their stomachs to settle. Mostly Sasuke.
"You didn't have to eat the cake you know? I know you don't like that kind of thing." she mused, idly drawing random patterns into his chest. When he responded with his typical indifferent grunt she snuggled closer. In the silence her mind wandered, and she came upon a touchy subject that had been in the back of her mind ever since they left Tokyo. It was the sort of thing she knew could ruin their perfect night together, but with time a dwindling commodity, she had to get it off her chest. Her heart was beating madly in that chest as she looked up at his handsome face and opened her mouth to speak, "Sasuke-kun can I um…ask you something?"
Sakura wasn't the type of woman who asked for permission to speak. She spoke her mind when she wanted and how she wanted, this…worried Sasuke a little. He gave her his full attention, even more so when she left the comfort of his arms to look him full in the face. And he could see that even that had become a struggle. She was redder than a tomato as she stared into her lap, wringing her hands nervously. Now he knew something was up, "Sakura, what's—"
"Do you want a family?" she blurted, her fake dark locks bouncing as she faced him suddenly. She could feel herself chewing her bottom lip to shreds when all he did in response was stare and blink, blink and stare. Sakura was mortified! She hid her face in her hands, unable to fathom how dense she could be, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It was a stupid question and I just had to ask it and ruin the night—because you said you wanted to be with me, and we've been having so much sex lately, and I ran out of my medication and haven't gotten my period yet, and I-I just wanted to be honest and upfront with you since I might already be—Mmph!"
If he didn't stop her he feared her head might have exploded, and truth be told, his ears stopped working after she said "sex". And despite the abruptness of his kiss, it was one of his gentlest to date. She held onto his shoulders tightly as they tumbled backwards, still attached at the lips. Other than keeping her quiet, he used the time created to collect his thoughts. The woman he loved just asked him if he wanted to have a family with her, of course he was scatterbrained for the moment. The fact that he loved her and wanted to spend his life with her should have been enough to make it an easy question to answer, but nothing good was ever easy with them.
Sasuke had never considered their relationship a fling, even though it had been founded on deep desires they both had. And now that it had grown into something greater than he'd ever expected, he was hesitant to wade even deeper into uncharted waters. She had given him hope for the future, and was committed to seeing it through with him. If he couldn't make the same commitment to her, then he didn't deserve her love. "Would you really want me to be the father of your child, Sakura?"
"Our child. And yes I would." her voice a wisp even at such close proximity. "I could never love another man the way I do you, Sasuke-kun."
"You know…he or she may never meet their father; hear his voice, know what kind of man was." the words almost choking him as they traveled up his throat and passed his lips, but her soft smile soothed his doubts.
"They will." Sakura promised, her emerald eyes glistening with unshed tears; taking in his fears as if they were her own as she took his face in her hands and kissed him, "They'll know all of it. Because you'll be there to tell them."
There had been a time early in their relationship when he found her naiveté to be just that. A misguided view of how the world really worked. But now he understood her better than ever. It wasn't some childish notion, it was hope. That hope that he once saw as a weakness was now becoming his strength and she was the source. Her eyes pled with him, silently shouting,
Hold onto hope. Take it. Take control of your life.
And he did.
Every kiss. Every touch. Every utterance of her name was a vow, a promise to do everything in his power to live and see the future they wanted with each other. For now, all he wanted was her.
"Yeah…a family sounds nice." he murmured against her neck, nipping at her pulse gently, a clear indicator that it was indeed time for "dessert". Even though he was the one who was supposed to be on the menu, Sakura gave him free rein of her body. Allowing him to perform his ritual of undressing and teasing her as he did, stopping only once they lay naked and curled amongst the sheets. She voiced her readiness, but still he ignored her need. Slowly, his hand traveled up her side and along her back, stopping at the nape of her neck. Before she could urge him onwards again, he roughly grabbed her mane, tearing off the hairpiece and sending it across the room, "I hate that thing."
Their laughter subsided as quickly as it came about, giving way to sighs of pleasure. Slowly they began their dance. Gentle and measured, each thrust drawing a specific response from each of them. But Sakura could feel the tenseness in his shoulders and the stiffness of his strokes. He was holding himself back.
"Hey, c'mere …relax Sasuke-kun." she whispers, reaching up and wrapping her arms around his neck as she kisses him deeply. Her tongue skillful in its coaxing of his own appendage. Almost instantly she can feel the tension subside and his strokes come swifter and more fluidly, "Make love to me…"
She murmurs her words of adoration into his neck and chest, punctuating each with a tender kiss against the heated flesh as he takes her. He returns the words; it is the first time he's ever done so and the affectionate display does not go unnoticed. He can feel her walls flutter and tighten around him in response. And her eyes. It's almost enough to send him over the brink. The radiance in her eyes is the sort of thing he never wanted to forget; the sort of thing he thought he'd never live to see.
Her legs fasten around him, drawing a groan from his lips, and pulling him deeper still. Her dull nails running their course through his jet black hair and clawing down his back, sending tiny jolts of pleasure through his body. Despite the simplicity of their coupling it is unlike anything either of them has experienced in the past. He wanted this feeling to last forever, but her sweet words of encouragement and moans were inching him closer to what her own body was quickly approaching.
It isn't long before her desire takes hold and her need for him becomes paramount; holding onto his shoulders firmly, she rolls her hips harder and faster against him, "I'm close—so close, Sasuke-kun."
His body mindlessly responds to her needy whisper, his pace reaching such a fever pitch he marvels at how she doesn't instantly break under the sudden assault like he is about to, "Sakura, I—"
"Almost, just a little—!" the whimper barely passes her lips before turning into a cracked cry, her taut coil suddenly snapping against his hard thrusts, slick walls capturing him in a vice grip. His moan is heavy and drawn in her ear when he succumbs to their dance; coming in hot, thick spurts as he shudders in her arms. She is relentless however; half conscious and softly grinding—her body riding out the last waves of euphoria as her walls greedily coaxed more from him.
They laid in the stillness of the room for some time, both savoring the glorious afterglow and catching their breaths. Sasuke shifted his weight to his forearms so he could catch a glimpse of her face. He couldn't suppress the smile that came to his lips at the sight of her flushed skin and lazy grin. Such a beauty, and she was all his. When she softly gestured with her hand he was all too willing to take hold of it, intertwining his fingers with her own as he leaned in and kissed her.
"Did I hurt you, koiishi?" those were his first words to her as they gazed at one another as if it was their first time, and in some ways it seemed like that. Being so honest with one another and expressing their desires had shed new light on their relationship.
"When have I ever complained about you being a little rough?" she joked, tenderly stroking his muscled arms as he soothed her slightly bruised hips. "I've never seen you like that. You were so gentle—so loving."
"I meant every word, Sakura." he confessed pulling her to his chest as they lay side by side, legs still tangled.
"I know, I could feel it Sasuke-kun." her eyes beamed up into his own, her delight on full display.
"Could you now?" the achy baritone of his question was not lost on Sakura, the rumble from his chest sending a shiver down her spine. When he led their entwined hands between their bodies and further down, she couldn't help but flush at what his actions alluded to as they stopped just below her bellybutton. "Do you think it'll be a boy?"
"I'd rather a little girl!" she giggled with a soft peck on his lips. She took his nonchalant candor as just another playful tease looking to get a rise out of her. Though, when he touched her still sensitive folds, she realized he was anything but joking, "Sasuke-kun—"
"We'll have to try again then. Whatever Mrs. Uchiha wants, she gets." his lips were on hers now, the shock of his words wearing quickly under his deft fingers manipulation of her wetness.
"'U-Uchiha….?" she moaned, his hardness awakening against her thigh.
"If I asked, would you say no?"
"…No." her whisper was all but forgotten once he slid her atop his heat and their dance began anew.
The sun had barely begun its rise when Sasuke left the comfort of Sakura's bed and arms. He stood at the bedside, silently memorizing every detail of her sleeping form. As sad as leaving after the night they shared was, he wasn't consumed by it. They had promised themselves to one another and would be there for each other when they faced the coming storm and its aftermath. That sense of companionship was more than enough to assure him he wouldn't be alone no matter what he faced.
He dressed himself and made for the door, giving his lover one last long look before leaving. Quietly, he shut the door behind him, almost immediately coming face to face with Tsunade. Their eyes locked fiercely, but the Uchiha didn't miss a step as he continued on his path. He passed, and she caught his wrist in a hard grip, making him turn his head to see the angered expression she held.
"She's going to be heartbroken when I arrest you, you know?"
"I know."
"If you really loved her you wouldn't put her through that."
"Love…hurts all parties involved. You know that as well as anyone, Tsunade." her grip loosened at the surprisingly soft baritone of his voice, giving him enough leeway to escape it and disappear into his room. Behind the closed door he touched his lips, they were tingling; the foreign word leaving a mark in its wake. He made for the bathroom, washing the passions of the previous night off and soothing the tiny aches his lover had left him with, making note of each one; who knew when he'd experience such joys again, if ever.
While Sakura's words had alleviated most of the dread, it still lingered. Like the first day of work, he just wanted it to be over and done with. He dressed and straightened his crimson tie, giving himself one last good look in the mirror. Sasuke smiled ruefully at the image; he looked like he was dressed for a funeral.
He went about sorting through his belongings, loading spare magazines, and discarding what little trinkets he had held onto. He came across a small hunk of metal, its silver hue tarnished with old blood. Upon further inspection it revealed itself to be the ring Sakura had stripped from Sasori so long ago. Retrieving his trusty knife, Sasuke pried the amethyst gem from its bed, it soundlessly flying off to some dark corner of the room.
His lips twisted and brows furrowed as he examined it further, more importantly, he examined the incredibly foolish thing he was about to use it for. When a knock came and drew him back to the task at hand, he lined his pockets and holsters with loaded magazines and primed pistols, and his chosen trinket.
"Naruto." he expected Tsunade to be the one greeting him with a scowl, maybe even Shizune, but not Naruto.
"It's Menma, and it's time." his tone as grim and dark as his dyed hair, but Sasuke followed him out the door nonetheless. Tsunade must have finally got him, made him see what the rest of the world saw.
"So you hate me as well." Sasuke's statement was more for himself than for Naruto. Maybe if he heard the words aloud it'd be easier to accept that his oldest friend also despised him.
"Tsunade figured I should adopt a different personality to match the look. So, I'm tapping into my inner teme." he shrugged, casually flashing a smug smirk when Sasuke's face soured at the idea of Naruto impersonating him. "But no, I don't hate you. Even if you and Sakura-chan kept me up last night."
"S-shut up!" he stammered, keeping his eyes focused on the carpeted floor as if it was the most interesting thing he'd ever seen. When Naruto slapped him on his back and let loose a chesty chuckle that lessened some of the embarrassment. "This doesn't mean I'm going to start acting like you. You're still the one and only dobe."
"And you're the one and only teme!" he shot back with a grin as they approached their waiting comrades at the elevator. Their smiles and laughter disappeared quickly at the sight of Tsunade's stern face. From there on it was silence, save for brief exchanges between her and Shizune. In the back of the cramped and quiet elevator Sasuke watched his lover from the corner of his eye, and she did the same. Unbeknownst to the other occupants, they gingerly locked fingers, likely the last time they'd ever do so.
The limo ride was much of the same; the only difference being that the torturous silence was replaced by Tsunade stumbling through her speech. Shizune had apparently written a real barn burner. It touched on all the good Interpol had done in spite of the cries of foul play from the other agencies, and naturally vilified those responsible for Japans crime spree. She nailed those parts, especially when Sasuke's name was uttered. It didn't take long for that to wear on the Uchiha, luckily for him; they had finally arrived at the gates of the Ministry of Defense building. The sentries were quick to wave them through and past the flashing lights of the media, just as easily as Tsunade had claimed it would be. Hopefully the next check would be much of the same.
"It's time." chimed the woman as the limo wheeled to where all the other attendees had parked. Sasuke covered his eyes with a pair of dark shades as they exited the vehicle, rightfully wary of everyone; he was entering the lion's den after all.
Nervous was an understatement. If he hadn't been well versed in masking his emotions, he'd be sweating bullets as they approached the checkpoint everyone was being ushered towards. Sasuke was last in line to be checked, and while he was calm on the outside, the wait threatened to do him as much harm as a bullet would. When it was finally his turn, he flashed the Interpol Special Task Force shield that he'd idly been fingering the whole time and handed over his identification to the guard. While he scanned and scrutinized the I.D., Sasuke examined him. Middle aged, medium build, fair skin, short dark hair, normal by most accounts; except for the extensive scarring on the left side of his face. Much of it was obscured by a medical facemask and eyepatch, but still, an odd choice for a guard at a security summit.
"Weapons, ammunition, and pocket change on the table Mister…Naruhara." ordered the scarred man, and Sasuke complied. He disarmed himself piece by piece; one 1911 pistol, three loaded fifteen round magazines, one fixed blade knife, and ring. While the guard took inventory of each, Sasuke could see Tsunade scowling not far off past the checkpoint. "Quite the loadout, expecting something to happen, agent?"
"Not at all." he responded evenly as he sauntered through the metal detector without incident, "I take my job very seriously. Tsunade-sama wouldn't have it any other way."
"Indeed." was the guard's only reply, his dark eye smiling as he handed Sasuke back his armaments, holding onto the steel ring for a moment longer than the rest before handing that back as well. The gesture reminded him of his old instructor Kakashi, but this lacked the sincerity his always had, it held something…more disturbing. Though he only dwelled on it briefly before joining the rest of the team in the hall.
"I can paint a target on your back if you'd like, Daisuke. Not that you aren't already making a spectacle of yourself." sneered the blonde woman, before continuing down the hall with her bodyguards in tow. Sasuke didn't respond, he was too preoccupied with putting his tools back in place and getting his head back in the game.
They were led further down through the drab corridors of the epicenter of Japan's military might until they arrived in the massive assembly hall. The seats were already packed with dignitaries from every branch of the government, both domestic and foreign. Though Shizune was quick to usher them away from the spectators and behind the stage with the rest of the presenters, all high ranking members of Japans cabinets.
Sasuke studied each face, familiar or not, his brother had used disguises before to gain access to places he should not have been. And if anyone was going to remember his face, or his voice, it would be him. But nothing clicked. Maybe his target wasn't here yet, or maybe they were sitting in the stands, maybe a person wasn't the target at all. It was all still a mystery and it irked him to no end.
He broke away from the group and peered past the backstage curtains into the auditorium. All of the seats had almost been filled and the crowd was growing restless. In that crowd he caught a small sprout of blue; not an odd color suit for such an occasion but it wasn't the suit he zoned in on, it was her hair. His eyes were better than most, and he never forgot the face of an enemy.
She was the key to finding his brother and his only lead. As he prepared to act he felt a hand grip his shoulder causing him to spin on his heels. Now he was face to face with the last person he wanted to be practically cornered by. Fearing his cover was about to be blown he defaulted to what any off guard agent would do in such a situation and bowed lowly, "Terumi-sama."
"So you remember me, huh?" she cooed, gesturing for him to rise with a pleased smile on her face, "The agent who's all business and comes to a summit armed to the teeth remembers me. I'm quite flattered, Mister…"
"Naruhara Daisuke. If you'll excuse me, I need to find Tsunade-sama—" he tried to bypass the woman but as he brushed past, she grabbed his arm none too gently. She never could take the hint, but the fact that she was trying once again even after some time and with his disguise was cause for concern.
"She'll survive a few moments without her strong, professional bodyguard." assured the auburn haired woman, suggestively stroking his arm. "She certainly does have good taste in men, I'll give her that. Perhaps I'll steal you away. How does that sound, Daisuke-kun? Life on the high seas with me?"
Sasuke's hidden eyes twitched in annoyance at the woman's unwanted advances. Masking his disinterest in her offer was becoming harder by the second, especially when she reached for his sunglasses, claiming to want to see something other than his "strong jaw". Thankfully she never reached them. His savior had finally arrived.
"Mei! Are you harassing my men again?" Tsunade's inhuman grip on the younger woman's wrist was enough to deter her and give Sasuke some breathing room.
"I was simply treating your man to some stories of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, nothing more." she defended adamantly, rubbing her wrists before beginning her retreat. As if her flirting wasn't enough, the wink she shot back at him almost made his stomach curdle, "Think about my offer, Daisuke-kun."
"Harpy." cursed Tsunade under her breath. When she turned back to Sasuke he was once again gazing into the crowd, "Focus and stick to the plan Naruhara we've—"
"They're here. One of their agents, a woman with blue hair. I saw her in the stands." The only issue now was that she had disappeared, her seat filled by someone else. A growl rumbled in his chest as he scanned the seats for his mystery woman.
"A woman? How can you be sure she's with Akatsuki?"
"She was there that night at The Station, I have to find—"
"If she's close, Shin and Miyu will handle it. Meet them in the corridor and begin the search." she ordered making sure to use their assumed names for inquisitive ears. She checked her watch and spotted Shizune signaling for her from across the room. "I'll be going on soon so get ready. One hour. Make it count."
"Make the speech longer. I'm sure you have more damning things to say about me." he shot back, brushing past her in a hurry. In the dark recesses of the backstage he found the team studying sketches from Sai's pad, all quickly taking notice of his arrival.
He wasted no time filling them in on his sighting, making sure that they understood what this meant. "This blue haired woman is an agent of Akatsuki, there must be another if not several of them. Find her, learn what they are planning and…"
"Kill them?" the question was meant to finish his statement, but coming from Sakura it felt like a question of how far he'd come since the last time he'd asked them to kill in cold blood.
"No." his speech was heavy and final, but it came immediately. He caught a glimpse of her emerald eyes, but only for a moment before moving towards the door to begin the search, "You all know how dangerous they can be, but this isn't my call. Besides, criminals are worth more alive than dead to the Special Task Force."
"Same goes for you. You're one of us too." assured Naruto, tactfully deciphering his friends words as he joined him by the door.
Sasuke accepted the words and peered back at Sakura, her worry as clear as day. Ever the worrier. He wished he could offer her the sort of words she so frequent did for him, but she knew he was more apt to letting his actions speak for himself. He would not die today, he had promised her as much and so much more. He would return to her.
Sakura and Sai patrolled the massive halls of the M.o.D; the only sounds that filled its silent corridors were their own feet and the faint rumble of intermediate claps coming from the auditorium. They had started their search on the extensive area surrounding the auditorium and oddly enough all of the halls were completely devoid of life. Typically sentries would be placed at numerous locations; yet only a sparse few were seen guarding the entrances to the theater and nowhere else. As the duo searched each likely location for their mystery woman it became increasingly discouraging for them; nothing seemed to make sense.
"We're halfway through the list of possible targets. Perhaps Naruhara-san mistook this woman for someone else." surmised Sai as he crossed off yet another structural support. While Deidara had been the Akatsuki member most likely to blow something up, it only made sense that if they had several targets in mind, they'd attack the building and make it look like an act of terror rather than a string of assassinations. Disregard for collateral damaged seemed to be a shared trait among the terrorists.
"Whether that's the case or not, something is definitely up. Sa—Daisuke had that look in his eye; he's sure it was one of them." she defended, giving the pillar one last good inspection before moving on. They climbed the stairs to the fourth floor and that was when she caught something, "Do you smell that?"
"Lilacs…vanilla sugar. Perfume most likely." the pale man gave the air a few more whiffs before nodding in confirmation as they reached the top of the stairs.
"I've smelled this before…at the hospital. C'mon." she urged making her way into the halls and essentially following her nose. While Sai insisted they follow the list she was too far ahead for much of his insisting to matter. The scent had reached its height as they approached a room at the end of the hall. They stacked up on opposite sides of the door and drew their weapons. Slowly, Sakura twisted the knob before suddenly breaching the door, following close behind her comrade.
"We'll have to finish this later, I have company." cooed the woman seated leisurely behind the desk in the center of the room, her feet kicked up as she smiled at the brazen intruders and closed her cellphone. "My my, to what do I owe this pleasure, agents?"
"This area is restricted, we'll need to see some identification." ordered Sakura, her instincts kicking in as the woman slowly rose from her seat and began digging into her blazer. She held her hands up in surrender, her sultry smile still plastered on her face as she approached. This was not the way any civilian responded to being held at gunpoint, military or otherwise.
"This is all quite unnecessary. Is it a crime to want to skip this dreadfully dull summit?" she questioned, extending an arm with her laminated identification card in hand.
"There are many concerns about security facing the summit. The fact that a government employee doesn't share those concerns is…unsettling." Sai's presumptuous comment seemed to be the barb that cracked the woman's façade, her smile thinning as she pursed her lips. The pale man swiped the card with his free hand and inspected it, his gaze shifting between the picture and the woman before him. Accurate to the T, but Akatsuki had unknown resources and there wasn't any way to be sure who this woman really was.
She was examining him now, her smoldering eyes narrowing at his impassive gaze. Sakura approached her warily, holstering her weapon as she came to a stop behind her, firmly holding the woman's hand atop her head as she began patting her down. "You agents must think highly of yourselves…accosting who you please when you see fit. Should I even bother asking if I'm going to survive this little 'search' or just expect a bullet in the back of my head?"
"I don't know who you believe we are but—"
"I believe you're members of Interpol's Special Task Force." she spat, feeling the slight hesitance of her detainers hands at the interruption. In Sakuras moment of inattentiveness, her charge slid one of her needle hairpins from her bun and hid it in her palm, "I know that you're just lapdogs, itching for the chance to please your masters. How long will it take for you to see you're nothing to them? Pawns in a game that you'll never live to see play out."
"Watch your mouth. Tsunade-sama has never used us, not once." defended Sakura, her disgust with the accusation coming forth in a more forceful search of her detainee's person. She confiscated the cellphone with little to no resistance, probably because of how focused her glare was.
"Another pawn. She barks just as well as this one when their master calls." her voice had risen now, its dulcet tenor taking on the demeanor of a viper poised to strike. "The Special Task Force agent known only as 'Sai', correct? We both know who the real puppeteer is, and so will the world soon enough. The dawn will bring you all from the shadows."
"Shut it." ordered Sakura, her hostility reaching a fever pitch as she grabbed the woman's wrist, roughly bending her arm behind her back, "We're taking you into custody."
"On what grounds?" asked the azure haired woman, her sultry voice returning.
"You know what groun—!" the gruff affirmation was cut short when the woman's body twisted suddenly and her free arm swung back wildly, her hard elbow striking Sakura square in her temple. The world around her went white in a flash, but only briefly. As she stumbled to the side her wrists were captured in an instant and now she was the one being detained. Arms locked firmly behind her back, a slender needle pointed hairpin at her throat.
"Now dog, bark. Where is Danzo?" the vitriol in her voice and the seriousness of her actions had been enough to get the impassive man to show emotion. But the sudden onset of dread paralyzed him, and only raised the woman's ire. The razor sharp tip of her weapon pricking her captive's neck for emphasis, "I will not ask again."
"He's not here, Tsunade-sama is—!"
"I didn't ask you."
"She's telling the truth. Tsunade-sama is here in Danzo-sama's stead." Sai's response came quickly when the woman once again threatened Sakuras life. He began circling her, searching for a shot if need be, and she in turn did the same, smartly keeping her hostage between her and a bullet. He could see Sakura doing her best to struggle against the woman's hold, but she had yet to regain one hundred percent of her faculties.
"Is that so? No matter…she'll do." Sakura could hear a hint of remorse in her voice, as if reluctant to use her for whatever sinister ploy Akatsuki had planned. Now they were backed against the door, she was planning to make her escape.
"Whatever you and your associates are planning…you won't get away with it." Sai's threat was not without backup. He met Sakura's eyes briefly, exchanging a silent signal. It was one of the many things they're been trained in, hostage situations, but also the most dreaded thing when a comrade was the one whose life was in peril.
"Do not mistake our subterfuge for cowardice. 'Getting away with it' is not something we're—Gah!" her exit speech was cut short when Sakura drove her head backwards into her captor's nose. The sudden impact sent the woman stumbling against the door, but before either of them could stop her, she was already bolting out the door and down the hall.
They gave chase, but they were always too far behind. When they caught her descending the stair, her heels giving her some difficulty, they finally had their shot. Sakura and Sai opened fire on her from above, missing my inches, the bullets embedding themselves in the floor. Descending down to the second floor, they scanned the hall, empty.
"We need to split up, warn the others—warn Tsunade-sama." urged Sakura fervently. She was quick to continue the search, but was waylaid when Sai caught her arm.
"Miyu—Sakura…be careful, please." those were Sai's parting words, worrisome and uncharacteristically emotional. Sakura only nodded in response, mentally steeling herself for whatever may come as she left him and descended down to the first floor.
"Did you hear that?" questioned Naruto glancing over his shoulder at the sudden eruption of noise beneath them. Though Sasuke paid him little attention, he was too busy kicking in doors to empty rooms. Their lack of progress was making him grow impatient, and angry.
"Tsunade's speech must be a real hit." drawled the Uchiha sarcastically. Another floor, and yet another dead end. At this rate they were sure to reach the final floor, but it wasn't speed he cared about, he needed to find that man and stop whatever he was planning. The pressure was beginning to weigh on him.
"Maybe we should head back, find the others and—"
"No. We press on" his voice was final and harsh, its bite doing more harm than good for the duos morale. "I'm sorry Naruto, but you know I can't…not until I set things right."
Naruto wouldn't exactly call it "right", but that never stopped him from following his friend into the fire, not when he needed him most. So he kept quiet and continued the search. The only encounter they had was a risqué one involving a mid level clerk and his young female assistant, needless to say that wasn't the kind of activity they were hunting for.
The top floor was where they found a clue, laying there on the pristine white tiles. Sasuke was the first to spot it; a cellphone, crushed, most likely underneath someone's foot. An accident made in its owners haste maybe, perhaps luck was finally on their side.
Sasuke flipped the phone open; the screen was cracked and largely unreadable. Another dead end. Just as he was about discard the useless device; it began vibrating weakly in his hand. Despite the damage, he could still make out the word "Unknown" on the caller id. He answers hesitantly, holding his breath as he puts it to his ear and listens.
The crackle of static from the damaged speaker filled his ear, but there is something else in the background, a booming voice from a distance, indistinct words but female for sure. There was a cacophony of noise that followed only exacerbating the static so much that he had to pull back momentarily. But then there was something else, something he had already committed to memory.
"Who—ksssh—this? We've—kssssssh—your associate. We'll stop you—kssssssh—."
"Sa-Sakura? Can you hear me? Where are you?" needless to say the sound of her voice was the last thing he expected to hear, the going for Naruto who voiced a similar inquiry.
"Sas—ksssh—Akatsuki. They're targeting—kssss—auditorium."
"Targeting who Sakura, who!?" the name of the criminal organization they were hunting was unmistakable and its utterance sent him into a frenzy. The previous eruption of noise emerged again, masking her response, if she even gave one. The clamor continued, but Sakura fought back against it, her voice rising in hopes of reaching him.
"Tsuna—kssh—it's Tsunade—!
Suddenly the world around them fell apart. The ground beneath their feet quaked, sending both of them sprawling against the hard tile in the wake of a deafening explosion. Windows shattered and showered them relentlessly as smoke quickly found its way to their floor. Sasuke and Naruto stumbled to their feet, bloodied heads, ears ringing; confusion and dread the only things filling their hazy minds. Sasuke propped himself up against a nearby wall as he tried to regain his senses, spotting the forgotten phone amidst the chaos.
"Sakura…" he whispered hoarsely, the smoke around him thickening by the second. It was Naruto who shook him from the daze, shouting inaudibly as the walls trembled around them. They did their best to stagger through the halls and down the stairs, the smoke and heat rising to meet them in their descent into Hell.
The heat activated sprinklers slowed their advance, soaking their clothing as they stopped on the second floor.. The duo couldn't see the flames but they could feel them radiating off the outer walls of the auditorium, hear the screams of fear and pain from every wall. The only thing pushing them on was the thought that their comrades were among the lost.
For a moment the two thought help had already arrived at the sight of armed men at the doors wearing gasmasks at the doors, they approached hoping to help, but such was not the case. Naruto grabbed one of the mens shoulders just outside of his obstructed view and shouted for him to help the people beating on the door, but he paid him little mind, in fact he turned his rifle on both of them. Naruto never saw the movement through the smoke, but Sasuke did. He was quick to draw his weapon and put a round through his mask and into his head.
"They're Akatsuki!" he roared unloading the remaining rounds of his pistol into the other guards who turned at the sound of gunfire. When the proverbial smoke cleared Naruto stood there stunned, hands scanning for wounds, thankfully he could find none. Sasuke was less worried about his own safety and rushed to the doors, roughly shoving the body obstructing them aside. It had been chained and padlocked; Akatsuki wanted everyone inside to die. "Get the other doors open!"
They worked tirelessly, searching corpses for keys, using whatever they could to try and break the locks. When all else failed they turned to their weapons, firing into the steel locks until they gave way and the chains slipped from the handles. In an instant the doors flew open, thick plumes of smoke billowing out and a rush of people. Naruto stayed behind and aided those he could; the ones who latched onto him, bloodied and pleading for help, gasping for air. But Sasuke was a man on the warpath, whether they knew it or not, Akatsuki had attacked the one thing he cared for.
He pushed his way through the throng of exiting people, briefly stopping inside the auditorium, stunned by the horror. Bodies both lifeless and limbless were strewn to and fro in the stands where now several craters lied; the smell alone was enough to turn his stomach. When he couldn't find Sakura among the living at a glance he panicked. Just as he was about to shout her name the speakers sprung to life and drew his attention to the stage. There, Tsunade sat on her knees just as bloodied as the rest caught in the explosion, but it wasn't her state that threw him into a fury, it was the man holding a gun to the back of her head.
"Itachi…" he seethed, releasing the magazine of his pistol and replacing it on instinct as he stepped through the rubble. He could hear Tsunade's ragged breathing from her body mic and the click of his brother's weapon as he pulled the hammer back.
"You—you're mad! This whole thing is madness!"
"It is madness your organization wrought." responded the dark eyed man flatly, not phased in the slightest by her outburst
"So you kill innocent people!? If it's retribution you want…I'm right here you son of a bitch!" Tsunade didn't back down, defiant until the very end.
"A martyr then…so be it. Know this Tsunade, your sacrifice is not the first of this war, and it will not be the last. Danzo saw to that long ago."
"Danzo…what—!" unconsciously she chose those to be her last words, lucky for her Sasuke had given her a chance to rectify that mistake.
He fired a round towards the stage, a glancing blow to his brother's shoulder, but it was enough to garner his attention and send the shot primed for the back of Tsunade's skull awry and off into the far corner of the auditorium. "Little brother. Your aim needs work."
"A warning shot. I won't miss again." he promised, slow in his approach. This was the first time he'd seen his brother in five years. Seen the face that he had cursed day and night. Hear the voice that haunted his subconscious.
"Show me." with that, Itachi turned his weapon on his sibling and opened fire. The shots were wide if only by a few inches, but still sent the younger Uchiha diving for cover between the rows of seats. When Sasuke emerged from cover to return fire however, Itachi was gone. Tsunade was scrambling her way off the stage and Naruto was entering the fray, the sound of gunfire drawing him away from aiding those still staggering their way out. Whatever it was the dobe was shouting in his ear was lost on him; he was too consumed with anger to be concerned with anything but the revenge he'd sought for so many years. He would not let it elude him now.
He shrugged from his friends hold and swiftly made for the stage stopping in his tracks when he spotted something struggling underneath a pile of rubble at the foot of the raised stage, something pink. "Sakura…"
He and Naruto struggled lifting the mixture of uprooted chairs and debris, panic-stricken at the sight of blood amongst the wreckage Sasuke worked harder and faster. Her name spilled from his lips hysterically as he cleared the last of the rubble from her back and took her in his arms. She was conscious and somewhat alert but clearly wounded; one of her arms was so bloody he couldn't find the wound, and her leg had been sliced open at the thigh.
"Sa-Sasuke-kun…you came…"
"It's gonna be alright now. I'm here." he assured, tearing his tie off and wrapping her wounded leg with it. When his eyes rose to meet her own she wasn't looking at him, instead she was looking up past him, fear etched in every feature of her face. When Sasuke looked up, he too felt that fear. Three men bore down on them from atop the stage, brandishing pistols. There was no time to pull his own steel, only protect the woman in his arms with his body. He shut his eyes tightly and held her close to him as the sound of bullets filled the theater, though the din was short lived.
"We're safe for now, but there are more coming." chimed an impassive voice. When Sasuke looked up, the three men were dead, a wounded Sai and Shizune standing above them. "Itachi is still close by. If we—"
"No. He's mine to deal with."
"I'm c-coming with you." protested Sakura, her voice as shaky as her body as she tried to rise, failed when the sharp pain in her leg floored her.
"No, Sakura. You're in no shape to—"
"Please don't—don't leave me. Don't make this goodbye…" her quiet plea only met his ears, shakily cupping his cheek with her bloodied hand. This was the moment she had tried preparing herself for, but no matter what she did the fear of what harm may come to Sasuke paralyzed her.
It's not goodbye…I promised, remember?" he choked out, fighting back tears of his own at the sight of hers. Shakily he rummaged through his pocket and retrieved the ring, watching her release a heartbreaking chuckle as he presented it to her, "It's not much, but you said you wouldn't say no."
"I should have asked to see the ring first." she joked weakly, brushing aside his hair to look him full in the face. It was just like him to wait until the last possible moment to propose, but what was a girl in love to do? The pinkette held her working arm out and allowed her lover to place the steel band around her slender finger. It fit loosely but she didn't care, she was all smiles and tears, pulling him into a lengthy liplock, "Aishiteru."
"I'll see you soon, koishii." he promised, placing her in Naruto arms. Whether he truly believed that he could keep such a pledge or not was a mystery to him, but he was determined to make it so. Sasuke could see Naruto was ready to voice his disapproval but he quickly silenced him, "I need you here, Naruto. Please, take care of her for me."
With that he rose to his feet and climbed atop the stage, following the droplets of blood his brother left behind without a second look back. It wasn't long after his departure that he heard the faint sound of gunfire behind him, but he couldn't return, not now. Sasuke released a grunt of pain and gripped his side, staring down at the exit wound that was blooding his shirt, he hadn't much time.
His brother didn't try to mask his whereabouts or mislead him; that fact alone informed him that this would be the end that they both sought. He came across a bloodstained doorknob and the thought of how he was just waiting on the other side unnerved him. His hands were shaking as he reached for the handle, his blood mixing with that of his brothers.
Sasuke opened the the door forcefully and stormed into the office hoping to take Itachi unaware, but it was he who was caught. In an instant his gun hand was captured in a crushing grip. He fired several shots in hopes that sound would deter the attack but it did nothing as he struggled against his brother's hand. Realizing that he was only using one hand to restrain him, Sasuke reached for the blade in his back pocket. As he pulled it out and struck back, barely missing the eldest Uchiha's neck by an inch, Itachi revealed what he had kept concealed beneath his trench coat. He struck him hard in his wounded side with a heavy lacquered sheath that sent him to one knee.
"I thought you had gotten stronger." the impassive jab did not go unanswered though, Sasuke fired wildly, sending his brother scrambling behind the desk and support beams for cover. "Orochimaru taught you less than I expected."
"I've made myself stronger. I never needed that mans help or anyone elses." he spat, circling around the room searching for a clear shot.
"And Haruno? Did you not need her to save your life while you lay half dead after facing Hidan?"
"Shut up!" he fired again, emptying his clip to send his brother into yet another retreat as he drew on him.
"She's a weakness you should have buried long ago, buried with mother and father." Itachi used the brief moment Sasuke took to reload to launch his assault. He threw the thick sheath, striking Sasuke in the hand and forcing him to drop his pistol and stave off the attack with just his knife. He narrowly dodged the lengthy blade, barely escaping it razor-sharp edge as it scraped against his own weapon.
With its limited range he was forced to stay as close to him as possible if he was to stand a chance. He landed glancing blows, enough that would make any assailant rethink their position in the heat of battle, but not Itachi. They parried and slashed neither gaining the upper hand; Sasuke stumbled for a split second, slipping on a number of bullets, and not his spent shell casings either. The scene perplexed him, but only for a moment; his brother was still on the attack and the slightest break in concentration would mean death.
For a brief moment he recalled his exchange with Hidan, and considered whether he was willing to do something as desperate as run himself through like the deranged bounty hunter had for victory. But he wouldn't. Because of what his brother called his "weakness". She would never forgive him if she knew he'd given up in such a way.
Sasuke repelled the attack at close quarters by controlling his brothers wrists in whatever way he could using all of his limbs to stay just a hair away from being eviscerated. Though Itachi did the same, delivering a kick to Sasuke's midsection, effectively distancing him before attacking once more. The horizontal slash screeched against the young Uchiha's steel, cleaving through shirt and flesh when the small blade failed to protect him fully. He doubled over in pain; before he could react again his head was engulfed by his brother's large hand and slammed against the hard tile.
"It's over, little brother."
It was over; every cell in his body was screaming it. Pumping as much adrenaline into his system as Itachi pressed the tip of his cold steel against his chest. He had failed. He failed himself, his mother, his father. He failed Tayuya and the rest; their sacrifices made in vain because he wasn't strong enough. And Sakura…
"No…" the thought of her grief stricken face mourning him…her sweet voice a shell of its true self as it cracked and cried, 'You promised…you promised.'
He couldn't—he wouldn't put her through that. He wouldn't create any more suffering in this world. It would end with Itachi. A roar of anguish and desperation tore through his throat, he would not die here. He grabbed the collar of his brothers trench coat and pulled him closer, the katana piercing his flesh as he placed his knee firmly in his brothers abdomen and used the strength adrenaline and Sakura gave him to send him flying over the top.
Sasuke rolled onto all fours, hacking up gobs of blood as he held his midsection. In his last ditch effort he'd only injured himself further, but it wasn't over yet, he could hear his brother scrambling on the tiles most likely looking for his katana that now lay just underneath Sasuke. "I won't lose…I won't let you hurt more people—I'll make this right…"
He'd never know if his words reached his brother; too fixated on his own erratic heartbeat and the sound of rushing feet met his ears as he acted on instinct, grabbing the sword with his blood soaked hands and rolling onto his back. For all the hate that had consumed Sasuke's very being he wasn't prepared for the sight before him. The sickening vibrations of the blade as it scrapped against bone. The cold steel barrel of the gun pressed firmly against his forehead as he faced certain death for what seemed like the umpteenth time in his life. Its hammer shooting forward, but no heat or blinding flash following the force that rattled his teeth. He would never forget the crushing emptiness he felt as his brother fell upon his own sword in his haste to kill him. Crimson met crimson as the siblings stared at each other, one shocked, the other smiling as blood fell from the corners of his mouth. "W-why…?"
The bullets, Sasuke remembered. The weapon on his head slipped from Itachi's hand as his whole body went limp and for some reason, Sasuke held him in his arms. He cradled his head in his lap and put pressure on the wound; he was going to die, but not before answering his questions. For years the actions of this man were indistinguishable from that of a monsters, and he believed that to be true. But some small part of him wanted to believe that he was still the man he looked up to as a boy; to believe that he was still his brother. "You could have— y-you should have…
"Foolish little brother." he rasped, coughing weakly as he smiled up at his sibling, "Mother and Father would never forgive me for such a thing."
"What's one more among the hundreds you've hurt?" Sasuke spat, he would not mince word with this man; despite the blood they shared, they were strangers to one another.
"One too many, and unnecessary as well.
"Was father just another statistic to you—was mother!?" the anger of half a decade's crusade was not so easily forgotten. Itachi may have spared his life for whatever reason, but Sasuke would not spare him his ire.
"Our father…was not the man we believed he was, Sasuke. His only fault was his love for us, his family. He would do anything to protect us." his voice became a whisper as he looked off into a dark corner of the office, his eyes distant as if in deep thought "So I did what I had to do, to protect us from him."
"Is that why you killed him in cold blood…to protect us?"
"It's more complicated—!" his body was wracked by a bloody coughing fit; time was running out. "Da-Danzo forced my hand—blackmailed father into undermining investigations dealing with his spies or risk the consequences. I had to stop him."
He knew his brother was not lying. What good was a petty practice to a dying man? He could recall his father acting more distant and cantankerous than usual in his last days, removing Naruto and him from several cases, citing misconduct as the reason. "Why didn't you tell me…we could've confronted father, made him see—"
"It would have only made you a fugitive like me, or worse. This was my burden." his eyes began to flutter and dim as he began losing consciousness, but somehow he still found a way to smile. "Lot of good that did, ne little brother?"
All these years of hating his brother, and for what? For protecting him? He wanted to yell and lash out, but he couldn't. He didn't have the strength anymore, mental or otherwise. This wasn't the revenge he wanted for the father he buried—for the mother he watched waste away from grief and join her husband. Sasuke hung his head low as the painful memories of it all washed over him, hot tears falling effortlessly and mixing with the sanguine pool that surrounded him. For years he channeled his hate into hard work and dedication to his craft, and when it all came together, it meant nothing. He only succeeded because the brother he and rest of the world vilified still loved him. His brother—he was still his brother, "Nii-san…"
"You may never forgive me for all I've done Sasuke, but know this." the youngest Uchiha could feel his brothers hand reach for him, his two bloody finger pushing on his forehead as he had in their adolescence, "I'm glad I could see you one last time. Mother and father would be proud of the man you've become."
Sasuke had no words, not even as Itachi's fingers slipped from his head, leaving a faint trail of blood before falling to his side. Sasuke caught that hand holding onto it as is brothers eyes closed finally. His breaths were shallow and almost undetectable, his wheezing becoming as quiet as a passing breeze as he slowly slipped away. "I would have liked to…to visit them one last time. W-will you do that for me, Sasuke?"
"I will. I promise." before the words fully passed Sasuke's lips, the hand in his went limp and his brother laid still. He stayed there with his brother rested in his lap for some time, long enough for his tears to dry and the numbness of the ordeal to be replaced by the pain of his injuries. He placed the deceased's arm across his chest, rested over his weapon as he struggled to rise to his own feet. He looked peaceful in death in a way, as if sparing his life had washed away his past transgressions. For his sake, Sasuke hoped such was the case.
He crossed the distance between where his brother laid and door before stumbling into the hallway wall. He was covered from head to toe in blood and his wounds had begun burning as if hot coals had been jammed into his abdomen. He didn't make it much further before he collapsed, and attempted clawing against the slick tiles. He had to keep going, for Sakura, for his brother who sacrificed so much. He promised…he promised.
And then it went black. The hard tiles and burning sensation faded away. No more pain, no more hate. Nothingness took him once again.
I can imagine right now that there's not a dry eye in the crowd right now. I know I teared up countless times writing this. Sasuke's journey has come to an end and subsequently so has this story's. But the end of one story is just the beginning for another. That is to say if you believe I didn't just kill Sasuke (Did I? Did I?). I can't make any promises if or when we'll see that story (I'm still backlogged on the Loyalty & Love sequel (Am I really still writing that?)) however; I am not such a cold hearted monster. There will be an epilogue, aptly named, Epilogue that will follow. I do so have a soft spot for writing those little post story summaries that check in on our heroes and heroines. I'd like to take this moment to thank each and everyone one of you who have read this far. You guys made this story happen; I am but a humble servant to my readers. One who just happens to type, edit, cry, and stress over every little thing before posting it. So show your appreciation by leaving a joyful, tearful, ambivalent, or whatever kind of review or PM that lets me know what you've though about this conclusion or the story as a whole. Once again thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart.
Next Chapter: Epilogue
Until next time! Sayonara!