Chapter 10: Imagine Pt. 1

"Close your eyes and dream of better times."

|Sasuke|

When I woke up, Karin was still in my arms, and for the first time since we'd been here, I'd gotten a sound sleep. I looked over Karin's shoulder and saw that the bedside clock read 11:52 a.m. I blinked a few times, still feeling groggy, but sat up when I finally processed what I had read.

'It's practically noon, hopefully they don't care about tardiness on the weekend.' I scratched the side of my head and quietly yawned.

I looked at Karin's sleeping face and smiled until my eyes noticed the dried tear trails going into her pillow. Already flaking, I figured I'd help her get rid of them and licked the tip of my thumb before swiping at them. Her eyebrows raised and I watched in, at first awe then concern, as her visage took on a look of fear.

"Not now…" She murmured in an unsettling child-like voice, unlike anything I could ever have imagined, "Please, not now…"

"Misaki." I called quietly, touching her face again.

She drew her head back from before continuing to murmur to herself, "Not now, not now…"

"Misaki."

Her eyebrows furrowed.

"Misaki." I shook her.

Karin's eyes flew open, and she regarded me with absolute terror.

"Daijōbu?" I questioned as I moved back, "You were talking in your sleep just now."

"I'm fine." She shook her head and sat up, "Just had a…useless nightmares."

Swinging her legs to the side, she got out of bed first and raised her arms in a wide stretch. As she bent over to touch her toes, I looked away and cleared my throat.

"Hm?" She peered at me.

"No panties." I answered in almost inaudible voice.

She immediately stood up straight before quickly laughing, "W-Well, I guess you got a good view to start off your morning, right?"

Before I could respond, she hurried into the bathroom, and was quick to shut the door behind her.

'What was going in her nightmare?' I wondered to myself as I stood up.

I grabbed my formal clothes off the floor and took my two rings from my pants before folding the clothes and setting them on the couch. As I did so, I noticed Karin's formal wear discarded by her side of the bed and picked up her dress before shaking it out. While cleaning up, I found myself humming like a contented housewife, but the grumbling of my stomach put a stop to my orchestral performance.

"Misaki," I knocked on the bathroom door, "I'm going downstairs to check out the scene, probably find something to eat. Would you like anything?"

"No thanks…" I strained my ear to hear her over the running water, "I'm gonna soak for a bit, take your time."

"Alright." I stepped back and moved for the dresser before snapping my fingers and coming back, "Gomen, my contacts are in the bathroom."

After a moment, she responded, "You can come in."

I would have spent a few more minutes exchange words to make sure she was comfortable with me coming in, but the feeling of my stomach gnawing on itself pushed all forms of etiquette out of my mind, and with another apology I entered the bathroom.

Grabbing my contact case out of the mirror cabinet, I took extra care to make sure my eyes didn't wander as I opened it, and didn't waste any time. I quickly wore one contact after the other and blinked them into place before turning to leave.

"Toshiaki-kun." Karin's voice stopped me as I placed my hand on the doorknob, "Arigato, for holding me last night. I…I really needed that."

I nodded without looking back, "Of course, anything you need, just ask."

I exited the bathroom on that note and immediately went to the dresser, grabbing a beige t-shirt out of the first drawer and pulling it over my head. As I put it on, I took a quick sniff of my armpits and figured I wouldn't be disturbing anyone.

Once I was out of our room, I turned down the hall towards the elevator, and was a bit surprised to see two men leaning against the wall. They had been chatting, but their discussion came to a close as I walked up, and I greeted them positively.

"Good morning, or is it afternoon?" I extended my hand.

The large bald man narrowed his eyes at me but once they lowered and landed on my red ring, he fixed his face and shook my hand lightly.

"We just woke up so even we can't tell you." His brown-haired friend on the right cut in before shaking my hand as well.

"Daibutsu and I were on cleanup duty." He continued, smiling politely, "After the dinner was over, we had to stay back and pack things up. Can you guess what time we got back?"

I pondered for a few seconds before answering, "Sometime around 4 a.m.?"

"So close! 5 a.m. on the dot." He shook his head, "It was terrible."

"I can imagine. I know his name's Daibutsu," I flicked my chin at the silent one, "But I don't think I got yours?"

"Kie." He nodded, "And don't mind Daibutsu, he's not really the talking type, as you can tell. But trust me, he means well."

I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm not one for many words either so I'm sure we'll get along fine."

Daibutsu nodded once more, and I smiled involuntarily. He seemed just like Jūgo, and I felt a bit of déjà vu in this situation.

"So," Kie continued, "You are?"

I waved my hand, "Gomennasai, how rude of me. I'm Fujikage Toshiaki."

"Don't worry about it, Toshiaki-kun," Kie laughed, "I'm just glad you were the one we ran into instead of Konan."

"Konan-sama?" I raised an eyebrow at his lack of honorifics for her, "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Well—"

Daibutsu nudged Kie in the side and Kie cut himself off, "Maybe I shouldn't say."

I shook my head, "No, please continue. Don't let this ring fool you, I don't know a thing about anyone here."

"Ora, Daibutsu," Kie looked back at him, "What kind of people would we be if we didn't warn him?"

Daibutsu grunted before crossing his arms, and Kie turned to me with an excited glint in his eye.

"Toshiaki-kun, if there's one thing you need to remember, it's to stay away from Konan." Kie raised one finger as he slung his arm around me, "She's the ultimate femme fatale, and any man foolish enough to act on her advances deserves the punishment Pain sets for them."

"That's impossible." I shook my head as I came to terms with what they were saying, "I've seen the two of them, they're clearly together."

"And when has that ever stopped anybody?" Kie clicked his tongue, "Tch, tch, tch. Hopefully she's not interested in you, because once you've caught her eye, you'll understand. And Pain will understand too."

The elevator churned open and as I recognized the owner of the lavender-haired bob, I looked to my side and found that Kie and Daibutsu had disappeared.

"Good morning, Konan-sama." I greeted her with a slight bow.

She raised an arm to keep the doors open and poked her head out to check my surroundings, "Good morning, Toshiaki-kun. Were you by yourself?"

She wore a cyan blue silk robe that cut short at her knees, and as I stepped in beside her, I noted the moccasins on her feet.

"Yes ma'am." I stepped in beside her, "I'm guessing everyone's still asleep."

"Please, drop the formalities and call me by my name," She pressed the first floor, "If everyone's still asleep, why are you up so early?"

My stomach grumbled and I cleared my throat, "Feeling hungry."

She laughed, raising a hand to her mouth, "I know that wasn't on purpose but that was funny."

I forced a smile, "I never try but things just end up happening."

"Yes, yes they certainly do." She nodded, tilting her head and regarding me with those eyes of hers.

Their grey-like-a-rainy-day color, paired with the new information I had learned from Kie, made me feel very unnerved by her gaze. In all honesty, being under her watch was worse than Kakashi's Death Stare. As I stared back, I couldn't help but feel that she was engaging in a silent discourse with me. But just as I began to wonder how long this ride would take, the elevator came to a stop and she broke off eye contact, facing forward.

"Allow me to make you some of my signature waffles." She said as she stepped out of the elevator.

The proposal caught me off guard, and I answered with surprise in my voice, "Do you make them by hand?"

Konan laughed once more, "Of course not, we have a waffle maker. I've just perfected the technique when it comes to using it."

"Oh." I rubbed my chin in embarrassment, "Well, I'd still like one if you don't mind."

"Hontōni Toshiaki-kun, it's like you've bene under a rock." Her smile widened as we walked into the mess hall, "I'll come find you when I'm settled so I can show you how to use it."

She clutched my shoulder before walking away and I sighed at the unnecessary contact, 'That can't be good.'

A hand clasped my shoulder and I turned to face its owner. Sure enough, Kie and Daibutsu had materialized.

"Oh, if it isn't Thing One and Thing Two." I greeted them with false animosity, "Thanks for disappearing on me up there, I really appreciate it."

"Gomen, gomen." Kie clasped his hands together in a stance of apology, "But we figured you'd be able to resist her just fine."

"And I would've done a better job had you two been with me." I shot a look at Daibutsu who turned to the ground sheepishly.

Kie laughed and took a seat at a nearby table, "We're low levels, Toshiaki-kun. Just being in the same space as you two would be an insult to the Gedō."

"What is this, the Tokugawa Era?" I muttered as Daibutsu sat beside him.

"Pretty much." Kie nodded in abject acceptance of the organization's way of doing things, "All you need to do is respect the hierarchy around here, and everything should roll just fine."

"Well said!" Deidara popped up behind them, "Toshiaki-san, I see you're up and active. Misaki-san still asleep?"

"No," I shook my head as I started to sit beside Kie, "She hopped into the bath and wanted to soak for a bit."

Deidara clasped a hand on my shoulder, holding me in a mid-level squat, "Is that so? Well, in any case, come sit with the Gedō by the front."

"Oh." I glanced at Kie who was hurriedly nodding his head for me to leave head, "Gomen, I didn't know we had a table."

"It's all good, it's all good!" He waved his hand as I got up alongside him, "There's a first time for everything, ne?"

He gave the two a good sidelong glance before escorting me, and once we were out of earshot, he spoke.

"Be careful around those two." Deidara warned me, "They've known the boss as long as Lady Konan's known him, but he's made it clear they're not trusted comrades."

'Daibutsu and Kie have him on edge?' I couldn't help but be surprised at the tidbit of information, 'How can they know Pain longer than the Gedō but not have his trust?'

"Alright you boxes of hair, make way for Toshiaki-san." Deidara's voice snapped me out of my mini-analysis, and I turned to the table.

Filled with all the members I had seen at the Gedō meeting, I greeted them all with a smile and a wave, and a red-headed newcomer stood up to shake my hand, "Sasori's the name, nice to meetcha."

"Likewise." I nodded, shaking his hand firmly before taking a seat next to Kakuzu who was counting some bills under the table, "I'm Fujikage Toshiaki."

"*Scorpion here was just telling us about this woman he met in the city." Hidan informed me with a grin.

"Don't forget that he's already fallen in love with her." Zetsu added, eyes still glued to his phone as he focused on some game.

Without his signature hoodie to obscure half his face, I found that he was quite young, and looked to be in his early 20s. The rest of us were quite obviously in our late 30s and beyond, so Zetsu's youthfulness struck me as odd and out of place, but before I could begin to wonder about him, the group's banter continued.

"I ain't in love with her!" Sasori refuted their claims with a playful bang on the table, "The woman was so nice, offerin' to show me around town whenever I was free, I was just sayin' I might take her up on the offer."

"You've just arrived, and you've already found yourself a pair of panties?" Orochimaru's raspy voice commented, "As fast as ever."

"Kami in Heaven!" Sasori groaned, and the table erupted in laughter.

With the air around the table being so friendly, I couldn't help but smile. Never mind the fact that they were all part of a criminal organization, it was moments like this that their humanity managed to seep through, and I could temporarily forget their negative background. Temporarily.

"The gang's all here." Deidara stated as their laughter quieted down, eyes looking far away, "Almost."

"Speaking of which, how is that shark soup bastard?" Hidan questioned, drumming his fingers on the table, "They still got him under maximum security?"

"Hmph, they'd be stupid not to." Kakuzu sneered, "If they give us a chance, by the time they find out he's gone, we'd have him back already."

"Actually—" Orochimaru began but was cut off by Konan who came over to the table.

"Toshiaki-kun, I promised you a waffle, didn't I?" She reminded me as she set down a plate with two waffles and some egg, "Here."

"Arigato." I immediately thanked her as I took the plate, trying not meet Deidara's eyes as he frowned, "You didn't have to serve me, I would've gotten it myself."

"Nonsense." She shook her head as she came around the table to squeeze my shoulders, "This is nothing."

"I hope so." Pain's sharp voice cut through the air, "Because I'll be needing Toshiaki."

I looked up and saw him approaching us in casual wear: a plain white shirt, black joggers, and matching sandals. Although he was dressed like a family man waking up on a Saturday, the look in his eyes reminded me that he was anything but.

"But he hasn't even…" Konan started to say, but the glance Pain gave her was enough to silence any dissent.

I had my hands frozen in air, my fork and knife poised to begin eating, but I still gave him the attention he required, "Sir?"

His face showed that he was brooding, but as his eyes flicked from me to my hands, he slightly softened, "Well, the least I can let you do is eat. Don't take too long, I'll be in the lobby waiting for you."

He didn't wait for a response, instead turning on his heels and leaving the mess hall. Once he was out of sight, I glanced up at the table and noted everyone's uncomfortable expressions. Deidara and Sasori in specific seemed to be exchanging words, and Kakuzu shook his head before returning his attention to his money. Konan also seemed to be avoiding my eyes.

Clearing my throat, I decided not to let the mood be upset but what had just occurred.

"Could someone pass me the syrup?"

Sasori slid the glass container over to me before standing up, "Well, I'll be seein' ya later."

"And where are you going?" Deidara questioned as the table restarted.

"Fixin' to explore the city some more." Sasori raised a hand as he walked away, "Text me if ya need anythin'."

Hidan tapped Kakuzu's shoulder and smirked, "Ten bucks he's going to see that lady in the city."

Kakuzu chuckled, "That's not a bet, that's a guarantee. If he doesn't come back with hickeys, I'll be shocked."

Sasori's extended his middle finger and the table laughed again. I smiled as I bit another waffle slice, but my mind was still focused on Pain specifically seeking me out. With a gulp of orange juice, I clapped my hands as I ate to my satisfaction, and I troubled Deidara with taking care of my plate before walking over to the lobby.

Pain was talking to one of the guards by the front, but when he saw me, he ended his conversation and approached.

"Toshiaki, did you get enough to eat?" Pain patted my shoulders and offered a slight smile.

I nodded, although I was a bit confused by his change in mood, "I did, arigato. You needed me?"

Pain's eyes narrowed as he nodded his head, releasing my shoulders and turning to the elevator, "Now that I'm sure I can trust you, there are some things you need to know. Follow me."

I got into the elevator beside him, and he pressed the doors shut before glancing at me, "What you're about to see can't be shared with anyone."

"Of course." I nodded again to assure him of my sealed lips.

"Including Misaki." He kept his violet eyes trained on me, "I mean that."

All I could do was nod, feeling that nothing I could say would convince him that I wouldn't share any details about what I saw. However, he took that as enough and pressed the door close button twice.

*Sasori means scorpion

|Sakura|

I stared up at the ceiling and traced its four corners with my eyes. After that, I began to bounce my vision from side to side, before finally sitting up and sighing. Another Saturday had arrived, and I had nothing to do. Sarada had come to my room earlier in the morning and informed me that she would be meeting up with Chōchō, and with a warning to be safe, I shut the door behind her. That had to have been around 8 a.m.

Switching on my phone, the time read 1:14. Standing up, I stretched my arms as far as they could manage, and as I did so my stomach grumbled.

I patted it while yawning, "Alright, alright, I'll feed you."

I wore my bathrobe before leaving the room, and I entered the kitchen in search of something quick and easy. Opening the pantry, I smiled at the sight of a box of Frosted Flakes, but quickly frowned when I felt nothing inside.

"Damn it, Sarada," I muttered to myself as I threw the box in the recycling bin, "How many times have I told you to throw out the box if it's empty?"

I groaned as I opened the fridge and brought out an egg carton. I really didn't want to stand and cook, no matter how hungry I was.

'If only Sarada hadn't gone out with Chōchō.' I thought to myself, 'We could've had lunch at Yakiniku Q.'

I racked my brain for someone to bother and decided to try Ino. To my surprise, she picked up on the first ring.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ino!" I greeted her, running a hand through my hair, "Do you have anything planned for today?"

"No, not really. Why? You wanna do something?" She questioned, and I couldn't help but smile at how we operated on the same wavelength.

I patted my stomach again, "I'm actually starving and I don't wanna cook. How does Yakiniku Q sound?"

"If you're driving and you're buying, I'm in." She joked, "I haven't been to Yakiniku in—huh?"

She interrupted herself as if somebody had called her attention, and I patiently waited for her to resume her conversation with me. After seconds passed and I had yet to hear from her, I called her name to make sure the line hadn't disconnected.

"Ino?" I brought the phone down from my ear and sure enough the timer for our call was still going.

"Y-Yeah, I'm here." Ino stuttered as she answered me, and I immediately furrowed my brows at her shaky tone, "Uh, gomen Sakura but I'm not gonna be able to go."

"Oh." I tried my best to keep my disappointment out of my voice, "Well, is everything okay or…?"

"Something just came up." Again, there was a quake in her voice, "Gomen. Make sure to eat though."

"I wi—" I cut myself off as she hung up.

I held my head and sighed, 'Isn't there anyone I can call on?'

Just as the thought left my mind, a light bulb flashed in my head, and I opened my contacts list. Tapping the name Akairo Sasori, I crossed my fingers in hopes that he would pick up. It rang once, twice, three times before going into voicemail, and I felt myself go soft as hope left me. However, just as the beep for me to leave a message came, the line suddenly connected, and his bright voice warmed my ears.

"Gomennasai, I didn't hear it ring. How ya feelin' this fine day?"

"I'm alright." I answered before jumping into my proposal, "I was wondering if you wanted to grab something to eat? This could be a chance for me to show you around town."

"Are you kiddin'? My mouth's waterin' already! Be at yer place in twenty!" He hung up.

"Twenty?!" I exclaimed as I raced up the stairs, momentarily forgetting my hunger pans, "I haven't even showered yet!"

I ripped off my clothes like a madman and leapt into the shower, not even waiting for the water to fully heat up. As I scrubbed, I wondered what I would wear, and the timeliness of the situation encouraged me to speed up my usual bathing process. After about fifteen minutes, I shut the water off, loosely draped myself in a towel and quickly brushed my teeth. When I caught myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but laugh. Something about Sasori being available made me feel giddy.

'Have you fallen for him too?' She snickered, 'Any man that gives you the time day, ne?'

I gritted my teeth as I wore my undergarments, 'If you're trying to upset me, it won't work. I can't be happy that Sasori's coming over? He's a friend.'

'So was Naruto. Speaking of which, have you made up your mind about him?'

'Not yet. And I don't have to make up my mind any time soon.' I squeezed the black sweatshirt over my head as I stepped out and into my bedroom, 'He knows how hard this is.'

'You're making it hard.' She scoffed, 'Just admit that you want him so we can figure out how to tell him.'

'No.' I shook my head.

'Come on! That night might've been a mistake, but you can't get it out of your head. He made you feel things you haven't felt in a long time. Things you still want to feel.'

'No.'

'And when he came here yesterday, you weren't angry that he had shown up. You were angry he wasn't by himself, and you were angry that Sarada was in the house.'

'Shut up!'

The doorbell rang and I blinked before running to the window and finding Sasori on the front steps. He raised his wrist and looked at his watch, obviously checking the time before craning his head to look around. I jumped into a pair of jeggings and grabbed my light pink purse before flying down the stairs. I kicked my feet into my trusty black flats and yanked my blush coat on before opening the door.

"Did you wait long?" I asked as I took my keys from the keyholder.

"Nope." He grinned, bringing out a bouquet of carnations from behind his back, "Here."

I received them pleasantly and couldn't help but smile as I set the flower down on the stoop, "How'd you know pink is my favorite color?"

Sasori rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Lucky guess?"

Shaking my head, I shut the door behind me as I stepped down, "Well, let's get going."

I looked past him and was surprised to see a black Toyota Camry parked in the driveway, rather than the green taxi he had picked me up in before.

"Surprised?" He read my mind as we entered the car.

"Yeah." I admitted, "I don't know, I just thought—"

"A taxi driver wouldn't have enough money for a good car." He finished my thoughts, buckling up, "I told ya I moved from Suna for opportunity, I ain't say I was broke."

I looked away in embarrassment, feeling my cheeks heat up, "You're right, I shouldn't have assumed."

He playfully nudged me with his elbow as he reversed out of the driveway, "No need to start fussin' over misconceptions. Right or left?"

"Left." I pointed, glad that the mood was no longer somewhat confrontational, "I'll put the address in your GPS so you can follow the rest."

He nodded before starting up a conversation, "So, how long ya been in the city?"

"All my life." I answered honestly, "I was born and raised here."

"No kiddin'." He whistled, glancing at me, "So ya never left?"

"Now it's your turn not to assume." I rolled my eyes, "Of course I have. I take vacations just like everyone else."

He tilted his head side to side, "Have any of those vacations led ya to Suna?"

I held my arms tightly and nodded at the mention of the sandy city, "Yeah, wasn't a good experience."

"Hell, that's because ya ain't have me as yer guide. If yer free sometime next week, how 'bout we drive down and I can—"

"No." I cut him off coldly, "I'm never going back there again."

The car fell silent, and I realized just how rude I had been.

"Gomennasai," I scrambled to apologize, "It's your hometown, I'm sure you love it but I just…can't."

"No need to explain." He held a hand up, "What happened when ya went?"

Sasuke's enraged face popped into my head, and I shut my eyes, "A lot of things. I…did something stupid, and it cost me my happiness."

"That ain't true."

I looked at him, "…What?"

"I told ya, didn't I? When yer with me, ya ain't got a chance at being unhappy." He smiled mischievously before placing placed his right hand on my knee and spreading his fingers out over it.

I immediately jerked my leg away from his as an electric, ticklish sensation ran through my leg, "Wha-What the hell did you do?"

He grinned, "Why don't I do it again so ya can figure it out?"

I pushed myself up against the side door, "Please don't."

"Come on Sakura-san, you know you want to." He reached for me again.

"Stop, Sasori!" I laugh, swatting his hand away, "Why don't you focus on the road?!"

His hand returned to the steering wheel, but I remained pressed up against the door, eyeing him with suspicion.

"I'm done." He assured me with a wink, "For now."

With a shake of my head, I relaxed and returned to my normal sitting position. Sasori chuckled to himself, and I felt my lips spread into a smile.

"So, it only took you twenty minutes to get to me." I brought up his timely arrival, "Were you in the area?"

He rubbed his chin, "Ya could say that. Been explorin' a bit on my own, figured it'd help with the job."

"Mm." I hummed in agreement, "Have you made any new friends?"

Sasori shook his head, "Ya know, surprisingly, most people ain't so eager to swap numbers with a cab driver. They don't even wanna talk, they just tell me the address and sit back for the ride."

I couldn't help but note the disappointment in his voice, and turned to him.

"Don't worry." I assured him, "When I get the chance, I'll introduce you to some of my friends. I'm sure they'll like you."

"If they're anything like ya, I'm sure I'll like them." He teased, and I faced the window again so he wouldn't see my cheeks turning red.

'I would say you have no shame, but after that night, nothing should bother you.'

I felt the blush fall off my face as I silently sighed and occupied myself with the cars and people we passed.

|Sarada|

"If you're that worried, I can take you home right now." Mitsuki offered as I glanced over my shoulder for the eighth time.

"No, no." I shook my head and immediately faced forward, "There's no way Mama would be here."

"And yet you're on the lookout for her." Mitsuki said as he raised an eyebrow.

I held my head with my hands and sighed, "Gomen. I'm sure you'd rather spend your day with someone who isn't so paranoid."

He laughed, "Not true. I just don't want you to be uncomfortable while with me. If that means ending things for today, that's fine."

Before I could respond, a waitress came to our table and set down two trays, "One large Habanero Burger meal with a Melon soda and one large Jolokia Burger meal with a Coca Cola."

I thanked her and turned back to Mitsuki, who had begun to munch on his fries. I decided to bite into my burger before resuming our conversation.

"I don't want to leave but I probably should." I admitted with a twinge of sadness, "My mom thinks I'm hanging out with my best friend, if she were to run into me here..."

Mitsuki nudged my arm with his own, "Hey, I understand. Let's finish our food and then I'll take you home."

"Oh, you don't have to." I took another bite of the burger and sipped my drink, "I'll head to the train station once we're done."

"By yourself?" He shook his head, "No way. At least let me walk you there."

"Hontōni, it's fine." I assured him, finishing the sandwich, "I take the train by myself all the—"

"Sarada, please." Mitsuki's hand on my shoulder called my attention, "Please. I want to spend more time with you."

I felt my cheeks flare up and immediately looked away, "O-Okay."

Apart from me asking for a napkin, the rest of our mealtime was spent in silence. Once both of our had been emptied and returned, I zipped up my coat and made sure I had all my belongings before turning to Mitsuki. With a nod, the two of us left Lightning Burger and made our way to the station up the street.

I froze up when I felt Mitsuki's hand touch mine, and he dropped his hand before turning to me gingerly.

"Can I…?" He didn't complete the question, but I nodded anyway.

We continued our walk hand in hand, and I tried to stay calm when I felt him interlace our fingers. His hands were nice and warm, a stark contrast to mine which were cold yet clammy. However, if my palms felt like fried sausages, he didn't let on, only giving me a singular squeeze when we had to cross the street. By the time we were at the station steps, I didn't want to let go.

"I'll wait for the train with you." Mitsuki cleared his throat as I began to drop his hand, "Just to make sure you get on safely."

I nodded and we proceeded up the steps with our hands still joined. When it came time to pay at the turnstile, Mitsuki waved his phone over the booth and paid for us without question. As we stepped onto the platform, I realized I had been holding my breath the entire time.

"Arigato." I thanked him, "You really didn't have to come this far."

"Of course I would." He immediately assured me, "I'd do anything for you."

It never failed to amaze me how he could deliver such statements without the slightest hint of nervousness or hesitation. I squeezed his fingers and forced myself to maintain eye contact.

"I know you would." I offered him a light smile as a 3-train slid into the station, "I'll text you when I'm home."

He nodded his head as the train came to a stop, and I stepped forward, waiting for the doors to open.

"Sarada, matte." Mitsuki called, grabbing my hand and drawing my attention, "Would you mind coming to my house? Just for a little bit?"

I froze at the implications of the request, and he quickly continued, trying to clear up any misunderstandings.

"Since you said you're worried you'll run into your mom on the street. I was thinking we could watch a movie and end the date on a calm note." He elaborated.

The train doors opened, and I glanced at them before turning back to him. I found traces of uneasiness in those golden yellows, and my heart immediately softened. Mama's warning from yesterday came to mind, but after today's events, my confidence in Mitsuki had been restored. And of course, Chōchō and Sumire would be informed of my change in location just as they were today.

"I'll come." I agreed, watching a smile grow on his face, "Are we taking the train?"

He nodded, gently pulling me back as the 3-train took off, "I use the 6 but it doesn't come through here so we'll have to take a 4 and then transfer."

"Lead the way." I encouraged him, following him away from the platform and back down the stairs.

We crossed the street to the other side before climbing back up, and again, Mitsuki paid for both of our turns. Once we reached the platform, I took a seat on the bench and brought out my phone, quickly tapping the group chat with Chōchō and Sumire.

Guess where we're going now?

Oh Kami. Sumire immediately responded. Do I even want to know?

Where? Chōchō asked.

I grinned as I sent the answer and watched as their responses came flooding in.

Wow, his home though? Chōchō questioned, Are you sure about this?

SARADA, ARE YOU CRAZY?! Sumire exploded, GO HOME RIGHT NOW BEFORE I CALL YOUR MOTHER!

We're just going to watch a movie. I assured her, trust me, I'm not planning on doing anything else.

It's not you I don't trust, it's him! Sumire immediately replied, For Kami's sake, what if he does something to you?! We can't do anything from here!

He won't. I texted back, trying to persuade her as well as myself. I trust him.

Chōchō placed exclamation marks on my message before replying, Sarada, be smart about this. I said you were a big girl, but that doesn't mean your invincible. Be careful.

I will. I'll text you guys when we get there and update you. I promise.

Oh Kami, be safe… Sumire relented with that final message, and I clicked my phone shut.

Just as I put my phone in my pocket, Mitsuki walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Train's here."

I looked up and found the 4-train coming to a stop in the station.

"This is an Eastbound 4-train." The automated voice announced as the doors slid open, "The next stop is: Kurama Road. Stand clear of the closing doors please."

The two of us got on and Mitsuki stepped aside to let me take a seat before grabbing the overhead bar and standing in front of me. I didn't comment on it, figuring that it was his preference to stand up instead of sit.

"So, what movie are we gonna watch?" I asked as the doors shut and the train began to move.

"I was thinking Train to Busan. Have you heard about it?"

I shook my head, "It sounds familiar, but I definitely haven't seen it. What's it about?"

"I haven't seen it either, that's why we're watching it." He chuckled, "But based on the little blurb, it's a zombie movie. People say it's really good."

"Then I can't wait to watch it." I smiled at him.

He smiled back before lifting his hand to look at his watch, "What time do you think you'll have to be home?"

I felt my smile wane as I remembered that this date would eventually have to come to an end, "Um, it's a Saturday so let's say 9 o'clock?"

Mitsuki nodded before returning his hand to his pocket, "Perfect."

Silence enveloped us but it didn't feel suffocating or awkward to me. If I had to describe it, I would call it a content silence, as we were happy to just be in each other's presence. When the trained reached Kurama Road, Mitsuki only broke the peace to tell me that we would transfer at the next stop.

Thankfully, once we reached Gama Road, we didn't have to wait too long for the 6-train. It pulled into the station almost right after the 4-train departed, and I decided to stand up once I realized the next stop would be the last.

"I hope you don't mind a short walk." He laughed as the train pulled into the last station.

I shoved my hands into my pockets before following him off the train, "As long as it's not more than twenty minutes, it's so cold."

"Here." Mitsuki brought my left hand out of my pocket and interlaced our fingers before pulling both our hands into his own pocket, "Does that help?"

"Yeah." I said quietly.

With the two of us side by side, we descended the station steps and began our trek up Namikaze Road.

|Sasuke|

"I…understand." I nodded.

Pain cast a suspicious look over me, "How so?"

"From what I've heard, he was like a brother to you. Who wouldn't want to bring their family back to life?"

"You don't find it irrational?" He crossed his arms, "To go against nature for one person, that doesn't strike you as odd?"

"I'll admit that it sounds crazy, but after your explanation and seeing how much research you've put into it…it seems possible."

As I said this, I looked back at the perfectly preserved corpse in front of me. A young man that looked just like Pain laid in the container with his hands folded on his chest. It was hard to believe that this man had died almost thirty years ago.

When I met Pain's eyes, a smile broke out on his face, and he turned to the capsule, pressing some buttons, "I'll take that as a sign of support. The only people who know are Konan, Kakuzu, Hidan, Orochimaru, Zetsu, and now you."

"Is there a reason why Deidara and Sasori don't know?" I questioned, leaning against the wall in relief.

"Due to their past, I know this goes against things they stand for." The capsule whirred shut before he turned around to face me, "You know trust is very important to me, I would hate to lose it in them if they were to somehow tell anyone else."

I nodded, getting the gist of what he was saying, "Of course, I won't tell a soul."

"Arigato." He nodded, "I know asking you to keep secrets from your wife might be odd, but based on my observations, women wouldn't support something like this."

"That is…well, Konan-sama is approving, right?"

At the name Konan, his smiled waned, "With her behavior, I sometimes think otherwise. Speaking of which, I apologize for how I called you out this morning but watching her sink her claws into you…it was truly aggravating."

"So those rumors—" I cut myself off quickly.

"Oh, so you've heard?" Pain laughed bitterly, "Yes, my Konan is quite the seductress."

"But why?" I couldn't help but press on, "Aren't you two…?"

He shook his head slowly, "She and Yahiko were…they were the lovebirds of our trio."

I paused for a moment, drawing a mental diagram of their relationship, 'He said he loved Yahiko like a brother so if Konan and Yahiko were together why would he turn his eyes on her after Yahiko's death?'

"After Yahiko died," He started, as if he had been reading my mind, "I immediately began my work to bring him back to life, but I also knew that things would have to be the same for him. If Konan managed to move on and find someone else, he'd be crushed."

"So, you got with her to prevent that." I said, trying to understand his methodology, "So the two of you, your relationship is in name only?"

He cleared his throat and his cheeks slightly reddened as if he was embarrassed. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believe it was possible.

"Not exactly. As you can see, I went to the utmost lengths to emulate his look. If I didn't keep Konan interested in him, who's to say she wouldn't forget about him?" He rubbed the back of his neck, "I became a…stand-in for Yahiko."

'The lengths people will go…' I thought to myself, but decided to brush past the insinuations, "In the end, it's all for him, right?"

"Yes." Pain quickly nodded, "Although lately she's been acting as if she no longer cares for him."

"How dare you." We turned to find Konan standing in the doorway.

She stepped inside angrily and I saw her eyes were filled with that same fury, and it was directed at Pain, "I will always love Yahiko."

"Oh really?" He contested her with a bitter voice, "The way you put your hands on any man you come across really doesn't agree with that."

"You know nothing about me." Her voice trembled.

"I know nothing?" Pain repeated, and maybe I was mistaken, but towards the end of his words I could've sworn his voice cracked.

"I know nothing?" He said this with more force as he grabbed her by the throat, clearly disgruntled by this one statement, "Let's see if Toshiaki agrees. Toshiaki, what would you like to know about Konan?"

"I…" I trailed off, not knowing how to disengage.

"Perhaps something about her body? In case she manages to seduce you and I'm not around, I think you should know how to please her."

"Stop." Konan glanced at me, "He doesn't have to be a part of this."

Pain laughed uncannily, "Oh come on, you find him attractive, right? And he's a good-looking man, you have all the reason to. Listen Toshiaki, her ears are one of her sweet spots."

He pressed his lips against her left ear, and she shut her eyes.

"After that, well she's got a thing for kisses around her neck." He proceeded to demonstrate, "And when she's really into it, you can even give her a nice nibble."

"Mmh!" Konan unwittingly whimpered before looking at me with shame, "Pain, please…"

"Shall I let you in on one more secret, Toshiaki?" Pain looked back at me, "I told you I had to do things to keep Konan interested, to prevent her from looking outside, although in the end it didn't work. Surely it crossed your mind that, if we've been having sex for so long, can there be no mix-up?"

He released her neck but quickly wrapped his arm around her so that she was stuck by his side. Our eyes met and hers quickly dropped to the ground, so terribly afraid of what was going to leave his mouth. Although this was a breach of privacy, I couldn't deny that I was interested in what had her so afraid.

"Ah, ah, ah." He raised her chin, forcing her to look at me, "Hm, Toshiaki? Can we be perfect all the time? No accidental pregnancies, not even one? Of course not, we're human! But why is there no child?"

Konan shut her eyes and braced for impending doom.

"Because after a while of being in our little relationship, she revealed to me that she had a thing for anal. So, if she ever happens to get you by yourself, just know she prefers the back over the front!"

I didn't want to remain motionless like I had throughout his rant, so I simply nodded. Konan caught that nod, and the look she had on her face made me sick to my stomach.

'I've seen that look before, on Sakura…' I raised my head and focused on the situation I was in.

Pain dropped his arm and gave her a big sloppy kiss before saying, "If I don't know you, then neither does Toshiaki."

He set his sights back on me, "You're free to go. It looks like you've gained my trust in more ways than one."

"Of course, Oyabun." I bowed and left them together, stealing a glance at Konan as I passed.

When our eyes met, the dangerous look I had seen on her face was gone, but there was a silent rage still present in her eyes. As I walked towards the elevator, I had a feeling I had made my first enemy.