"Okay, what am I thinking about right now?" Sakura rolled onto her stomach, one of her striped, decorative pillows stuffed underneath her.

"You're thinking about horses. Specifically, speckled ones. Can we stop this, please?" Sasori found her questions obnoxious and he could only stop himself from pushing her off the couch so many times.

She rubbed her face against the pillow, sighing loudly. "I'm sorry! I'm just so bored. We haven't done anything fun and my first day back at school is in less than a week!"

"Sakura, you didn't really think we'd just defeat Indra in a week's time, did you?"

"Maybe if we got our butts up and actually tried! But we're doing nothing now," she argued.

Deidara leaned over the back of the couch, tickling his fingers along Sakura's spine. "Calm down a bit, hm. Just a little time away from Hell won't hurt." He grinned as she fidgeted underneath his touch.

"I guess not." She laughed as Deidara toppled over the couch to sit at her feet. Pulling her by her wrists, he brought her to sit between his legs. With his arms now wrapped around her, he nuzzled his face into her neck.

"Deidara!"

"You smell good," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

Sakura squirmed, blushing heatedly as the others were spectators to Deidara's acts of affection. Ever since their trip away from the house and their... 'alone time', he had become increasingly handsy in front of the others. She didn't mind it, of course, but having it all come at once was a bit overwhelming. She'd never had a relationship before, so everything he did left her flustered.

The alarm on her phone buzzed at her to get ready for work. Deidara groaned, knowing full well what the little jingle meant.

"No, don't go to work today." He planted a barrage of kisses on her neck, sending goosebumps down her arms and legs.

"I can't... I've missed so much work already, so it's best not to miss anymore for the time being." Prying Deidara's arms off, she jumped off the couch towards the stairs. "I'll get my things ready."

As she climbed the stairs and shut the door behind her, the others quickly let loose their thoughts on the couple's rather odd relationship. Thinking of Deidara's rather delicate sensitivities, they made one-hundred percent sure to choose their words carefully for utmost respect.

"Deidara, this is weird," Kisame started.

Deidara, playing with Sakura's phone, barely acknowledged his statement. "Hm?"

"You're all gooey and it's fucking creeping us out!" Hidan exclaimed, trying to use his hands to gesticulate the abnormal feelings.

The blonde smiled as he swiped to a photo he took of Sakura while she was dressing. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Taking a glance at the photo, Sasori gave him a skeptical look. "You're a fool in love."

Deidara laughed like a schoolgirl. "Is it that obvious?"

"You have a pretty stupid grin on your face, so I'd think so," Sasori replied blandly.

Moving through the full album of photos on her phone, Deidara couldn't stop himself from getting excited. "Call it what you want, but it doesn't matter! I'm with Sakura now!" His voice was sing-songy, the man so terribly elated by the fact that he now spent the majority of his time with Sakura.

"Yeah, he's just happy he got laid," Kakuzu noted.

"But I thought she was a shitshow in bed," Hidan pondered. "Pein said so."

Pein, isolated on the other side of the room, hunched his shoulders. "Shut the hell up, Hidan." Being reminded of it only pissed him off about the following events of that day.

"What did I do?! Man, what's up your ass?" Hidan growled, glaring at their leader.

Deidara chuckled, "He's just mad because Sakura's not paying any attention to him. She knows whose better in every department."

"That's not possible. I haven't slept with her yet," Sasori acknowledged.

"Eh?! I was talking about me! And what do you mean 'yet'?!" Deidara yelled.

Coming downstairs, Sakura stuffed her wallet into her large bag. "What's with the freakout? Everything okay?"

Handing over her phone, Deidara put on a smile for her. "Yeah, everything's good! When do you come back from work?"

"Around eight. Do you want me to pick anything up for dinner?"

Hidan raised his hand, mouth already drooling. "Coffee cake!"

"You can't have coffee cake for dinner, Hidan. I'll pick up some soba, okay? Anyway, I got to go now. I'll see you later."

"Sakura." Pein walked to her as she waited for him to speak. "Have a good night."

Completely ignoring Pein's existence, Sakura gave Deidara a tight hug. "I'll see you later, Deidara."

He kissed her on the lips, picking her up from around the waist. "Have a good night, Sakura!"

"Thanks, you too! Bye bye!" Leaving the house, she locked the door and made her typical walk to work.

Deidara cackled like a madman as he turned to Pein, the others seemed to share a similar amused expression. "Sakura's so sweet."

"She totally turned down Pein. Again," Kisame said, paying no mind to the glare thrown his way. "That whole thing you said must've really pissed her off."

"I apologized, so there's no need for her to react this way," Pein answered, clearly miffed by Sakura's 'childish' games.

Deidara didn't mind it at all. He loved it. Ever since they met, it was always Pein, Pein, Pein. Now that Sakura was interested in him, he took great joy in his leader's purposeless pursuits to regain her attention - and he took even greater joy in watching said pursuits fail pathetically. They may have had their own bout of intimacy, but Deidara was trying his hardest to make it their last. Every hug, kiss, or word was given genuinely to show her how much he liked her. There was not a single doubt in his mind that made him believe she could go back after Pein's heartless remark to her. Now, she just automatically ignored Pein and went straight to Deidara.

"You can apologize all you want. She's not interested anymore," Deidara proclaimed, waltzing off. "You're a bit late to try anything now, hm."

Walking past him, Deidara felt the sharp point of Pein's partizan on the back of his neck. He stopped mid-step, turning ever so slightly against the weapon's head. "No need for violence..."

"It seems that you have forgotten who your leader is."

"I didn't forget. I just don't care." His hands tightened into fists at his sides. "It's always about you and what you get to decide! Why can't I have something great for once? Why are you so damn important?!"

"Eh, that's a leader for you, kid," Kisame said sympathetically, clicking his tongue.

Pushing away the partizan, Deidara lashed out again. "That's another thing! You guys are always referring to me as some kid. Do I look like a five-year-old to you?! I'm over three-hundred! Give me a fucking break. Hidan's younger than I am and you guys aren't ragging on him all the time."

"That's because we don't expect anything from Hidan," Kakuzu answered.

Hidan's ears perked up. "Huh?! What did you fucking say?"

Deidara gestured to the rest of them. "I'm sick of it! No matter what I do, it's wrong." Turning to Pein, he met eyes with him. "And just because you're the 'leader' of the group, doesn't mean you get what you want."

"Of course it does," Pein responded, tilting his chin up.

Flashing blue eyes stared Pein down, Deidara's arms shaking as he flexed his wrists. "Sakura has the right to choose. And she chose me, so deal with it." The edge in his voice cut through his teeth, stabbing at Pein. He just couldn't take it anymore.

Finished with his ranting, Deidara walked to the stairs, climbing every other step towards Sakura's bedroom. Pein, on the first floor, watched quietly until speaking up. "You're an incredible asset to this team, Deidara. Having your mind clouded this severely will only impair you. Keeping this little fling with Sakura will only end up getting you killed. Do you understand that?"

Deidara scowled down at him before opening Sakura's bedroom door. "Please. I've been through all kinds of shit. Do you really think that I'll get myself killed over a relationship? I don't need your advice - I didn't even ask for it - so get off my damn back, hm." Slamming the door shut, the walls of the house rattled for a moment afterward.

"This is quite the conundrum," Sasori sighed, sinking further into the couch. "Why do you all have to bicker so much?"

"Literally every word out of your mouth creates an argument, Sasori," Kisame pointed out, receiving a knowing smile from the redhead. "Anyway, when are we going to see Madara's brother? Don't you think we should be taking care of this, Leader?"

"Izuna will have to wait. Konan made it clear that Sakura needs a break from Hell."

"Isn't that up to Sakura?" Kakuzu asked.

"Konan was firm on it. And I'm not going to do anything for that ass until she starts behaving better. This cold shoulder treatment is ridiculous and I'm refusing to let her win this fight." Pein paced obsessively at the base of the stairs, just waiting to hear Deidara slide open the window or find some other way to sneak out. If he heard even a squeak from that room, he was heading in with his weapon drawn.

Hidan scrunched up his face, confused by the entire love affair. "Why bother? Deidara may be annoying as hell, but at least she's left you alone."

"What are you talking about?" Pein asked.

Rolling his shoulders, Hidan answered back, "Any other time, you're annoyed by her and fighting. What does this love shit have to do with you?"

Kisame snickered, the whole 'problem' flying over Hidan's head. He could see it all so clearly, though. Pein appeared closed off, but he couldn't conceal everything and let his emotions slip now and again. Hidan was just too stupid to see it.

Pein refused to answer Hidan's question, avoiding it by feigning interest in an old chip in his partizan's blade. Really, what was wrong with him? Even being surrounded by powerful enemies with a slim chance at victory didn't have him so stressed. Sakura was just an ordinary human girl.

But if he hadn't acted so harsh to her, none of this wouldn't have happened. He had called her a plank of wood and compared her to an ape - just because that fool Deidara wanted to have his way with her.

And he did.

The thought itself just pissed him off. Deidara was an idiot. How could she be attracted to him? Collecting toys meant for children and being obsessed with humans. She undressed for him, touched him. The only thing Pein could brag about was a drunken night of messy sex and telling her not to kiss him. He pushed her away every time. Although he'd probably stab one of them, Pein was surprised he hadn't heard anyone telling him it was his fault yet. None of them would, though. He was the leader of the group. He was supposed to be level-headed, but he couldn't even pretend to hide his irritation.

Since that day, Deidara and Sakura slept together numerous times. Thirteen, exactly. Pein hated himself for acting so out of character. It disturbed him. But every kiss and every hug and every moment they had just tallied onto his count of infinite irritations. Most importantly, she was just ignoring him. Him! He gave her an apology, but she was too full of herself to accept it. All he could do now was make Deidara miserable enough to cut ties with her.

Then she'd be his again.

OoOoOOoOoO

Sakura hurried through her tables, staying courteous whilst looking back at the clock constantly. After her shift, she'd hurry to the store for groceries then it was a movie with Deidara before bed. A nice evening in with someone she cared about made her happy. However, she wondered when the next visit to Hell would happen. They all seemed unsure of the details and she was growing a little bored at home doing normal things.

"Yabai-chan! I'd like some more tea, please!" A customer shook his cup at her, eagerly waiting for her return to the table. He gave her good tips, so Sakura waltzed over to snatch away his cup in the most 'Yabai-chan' way.

The door swung open, Naruto hustling in. Sweat dripped down his face as he knotted his tie and buttoned his vest. Jiraiya barely catching him, grabbed onto the young man's collar.

"Hey, hey! Why are you here so late? Ami's been covering the grill for you!"

"Sorry, Pervy-Boss! I took a nap and forgot to set my alarm. I'm not used to these shifts, y'know!" His eyes trailed to Sakura, his face brightening at the sight of her. "Sakura-chan!"

Naruto was on vacation for the past two weeks, visiting family. Some weirdo from the early morning shift was an okay substitute but made Sakura's shifts boring and awkward. Truthfully, her days at work were just unbearable without his loud, off-pitched singing, amusing stories, and typical Naruto antics. Now home, both were just as excited to see each other.

"Naruto! How was your trip?"

"It was great! See how tan I got?" He pulled up his sleeves, comparing their skin tones side-by-side with their forearms. "Hawaii is a lot of fun!"

Sakura laughed, "I only burn! You're so lucky, but man, you were gone so long! Don't do that to me again!"

He smiled, holding out his hand. "I promise! I won't be on any long vacations like that again!"

She smiled back, taking his hand to shake in agreement. When their hands met, Sakura winced, feeling a pulsing, hot jolt of electricity tunneling through her entire body. The pain emitted from his touch bled deep to her core, branching out and making her weak. Her vision darkened, blurring and phasing out Naruto's image. The restaurant faded from his background, collapsing into a grey, cloudy sky. She shut her eyes tightly, confused and out of breath. The heavy scent of blood drenched her senses. Her pores screamed with sweat as a body of heat overwhelmed her, intensifying every second. The tremendous pain was numbing her from the inside-out. Opening her eyes, she felt hands clasped with hers. Only now she was looking at herself - seeing through the eyes of someone else.

In her mirrored image, tears streaked her face, her entire front soaked in blood. She was panicking, trying so hard to hold tight to the hands she gripped to. Her voice shook as she begged for more time, promising that 'they' would bring help.

With her hearing muffled, the bloody Sakura called out, unraveling into a sobbing mess.

"Naruto! Naruto! You're not dying, dammit! Somebody! Help him! Please, just fucking help him! No, Naruto!"

The voice was trickling away. Her body felt cold, losing feeling. So tired. Very tired. Part of her wanted to lift a hand and just stroke her reflection's cheek, but in such an exhausted, weak state, all she could do was stare.

She felt her own mouth part slightly, a gurgle caught what words she tried to say in her throat. She coughed forcefully, feeling the warmth of blood dribbling off her lips. Words fumbled out before her mind could even sense them - almost as though they weren't hers to think.

"Sakura-chan... Did... you keep the sunflowers?"

She jerked awake, still shaking hands with Naruto at the cafe. She blinked, a headache growing square in the middle of her forehead.

"It's a promise! Okay, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura was unable to speak. Her legs shook and her bottom lip trembled. What had happened? Was she just seeing through Naruto's eyes?

That couldn't be. Naruto was right in front of her, perfectly healthy and alive. There wasn't a single explanation for the phenomenon she just witnessed.

She forced a hum of acceptance then quickly withdrew her hand, cradling it to her chest. The skin of her palm tingled like the ache of pins and needles after falling asleep in an uncomfortable position. Her once easygoing day was now filled with puzzling questions and a worry that gnawed at her heart. If anything were to come of the people she cared about - innocent people - she would need answers urgently.

She needed to tell Pein.

Snagging Jiraiya's sleeve, Sakura tried to skirt the rest of her shift. "Jiraiya, I'm not feeling too good. Could you have someone cover for me?"

Jiraiya arched a brow and shot her a displeasing frown. "Whuh? You're trying to leave early? Sorry, Yabai, but I can't allow it today. Yuu is out sick, so there won't be anyone to cover. You don't look bad, so you're obviously not dying. Stick it out, okay? I've got a business to run."

"You can live without one waitress for tonight! The place isn't even busy. Come on, Jiraiya."

"Hey, just because I gave you that nickname doesn't mean I'm okay with you mouthing off." With both hands on her shoulders, Jiraiya maneuvered her towards the tables filled with men. "Now, go look cute and act scrappy. You can go on a date or whatever after your shift is done."

Sakura cursed at him, receiving a few hoots and hollers at her busy tables. She fought back the urge to just dash out - it wasn't on her to-do list to start job hunting now. For the rest of her scheduled shift, she avoided any hand-to-hand contact with her patrons, garnering a few odd looks and scowls. She could sense that there was some strange link made up by her taking another's hand - or at least that's what she thought. Maybe it was a dream or freaky vision. Ami was smoking when she went in during her break. No, that was silly. Cigarette smoke wouldn't cause her to imagine something so terrible.

"Sakura-chan, you okay?" Naruto lingered near the edge of his station, catching eyes with Sakura as she glanced his way. "You're acting kind of out of it."

Smiling back at him, she playfully pushed him back to the grill. "I'm fine. Get back to work!" Still, her mind just couldn't shake such thoughts away.

The numbness. The cold. Was that really how death felt? Was that Naruto dying?

Gathering her tips from the last table of the evening, Sakura's watch beeped and she made her way to clock out for the night. Naruto gave her a tired grin then slid behind her in the queue to log out of the system.

"Lots of over-eaters tonight, right?" He popped a mint in his mouth from the little decorated box on the counter, cracking down on the hard candy with his teeth.

"Too many for what it's worth. That old geezer at the last table was so cheap," she said, printing out her work receipt and stuffing it in her apron's pocket.

He laughed, "Yeah, he was a creep." He hurried through his information on the computer then quickly caught up to her side. "Oh, um, hey."

"Yeah?" Her foot was tapping. She didn't notice it, but what little patience she had was waning alarmingly fast.

"Can I... come with you? I mean, your house. My mom and dad are having some get-together with the neighbors and... As long as you're not busy-"

"Sorry, Naruto, but I can't. I have some serious things to deal with."

He sighed, untied his stained cooking apron and balled it up in his hands. "We haven't hung out together since forever. Why are you always busy, Sakura?"

"It's not fair that you always have to make me feel bad. I have some important stuff that I need to do! We can hang out some other time, okay? I promise. Just let me text you and then we'll make some plans."

Using his apron to rub at some teriyaki sauce on his chin, Naruto rolled his eyes while grinning. "Yeah, I've heard that before. Keep that promise this time, 'kay? You kinda forget to follow through."

"I mean it this time. Talk to you soon, Naruto." She spun on her heels, heading towards the changing room.

Naruto waved, even as her back faced him. "I'll be waiting."

OoOoOOoOoO

Sakura jogged past people on the streets until she reached her home. Unlocking her door, she called out in her loudest voice, jostling the men inside.

"Pein!"

Sasori glared from his usual spot and tweaked at his ear. "You're sweaty and acting stupid. What's the problem now?"

Deidara went to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "What's wrong, Sakura? What's going on?" He'd never seen her so frightened and worried before.

She shrugged away from his hands and smiled at him apologetically. "I need to talk to Pein. Something happened at work today and it's really important."

Flashing a smile, Deidara pointed to himself and tried again to get a grip on her. "Tell me what happened! You don't need that bastard's help!"

Again, Sakura wrestled out of his hold. "Sorry, but I think Pein may know more about this. I'll let you know after I've talked to him."

"Sakura, that's ridiculous! I know just as much as him and-" Deidara's words were cut short as Sakura lept towards the stairs, calling out for their leader. "Nevermind."

Kisame stifled a laugh, "What was it that you said earlier? 'Sakura's with me now', or, 'She'll ignore Pein and we'll be together forever'. That didn't last too long, I guess. So sorry, kid."

Deidara crossed his arms and clicked his tongue, disgruntled at the rising situation. "Tch. It's just a talk. Doesn't mean anything."

"It's important to her. And she's telling Pein first. That means something," Sasori pointed out.

The blonde stomped his foot and lashed out at his teammate's response. "You're trying to get under my skin! It's not going to work. It's been a long time since anything's happened between them. And Pein pretty much severed it himself, so I've got nothing to worried about. Stop causing some damn trouble when there's no trouble to begin with, hm!"

"I apologize. It's just too amazing to just ignore this. Be serious, you've got to find everything that's been happening lately all a little funny. You're so focused on making sure that you're happy with Sakura that you've never even bothered to ask if she's happy." Sasori smirked at Deidara, his eyes flickering with amusement. "I can tell you if you really want to know."

"Hasn't Pein already told you to stop reading her thoughts? Mind your damn business, hm?"

"I don't have to read her mind to know. It's written all over her face."

Kakuzu leaned back in his chair at the kitchen table, looking into the living room from his seat. "That's enough. Keep quiet now."

Deidara relaxed his fists, flexing his fingers. He avoided the looming stares from the others as he made his retreat towards the back door. Sasori wasn't right. Sakura had more fun with Deidara. She laughed and smiled more around him. Why would she want to fight all the time with Pein anyway? They were just talking. That's all. And it was solely because Pein had more experience with the subject of their conversation. He trusted Sakura's word more than what that damned Sasori was going on about.

"Pein!" Sakura burst into the room, rushing to their group's leader.

"Talking to me now? What do you even want?"

She yanked hard on his sleeve, the concern growing on her face. "Forget about that! I saw Naruto die! I mean - not really die, he's still alive - but it's like I was seeing through his eyes or something. And there's was another me and there was so much blood and I swear it! I feel like something bad is going to happen to him!" She continued to ramble, her anxiety advancing to sheer panic.

Pein sighed, "You're not making any sense. How can you see through his eyes? And if he's still alive there's nothing wrong."

"That's not what I'm saying! It was like a... a vision! I was just saying, 'Hi' and then I shook his hand and it felt like I was dying all over again."

He shook his head, moving her back with a small push. "You're imagining things. Just-"

"Why aren't you listening to me?!" She swept her arm across her desk, her college textbooks flying off and sprawled open on the floor in a disheveled mess. Stomping forward, she got into his face and banged her fists on his chest. "I felt him die. I was looking through his eyes! It was like I was Death itself!"

Pein staggered back, catching both of her hands in his. Her shoulders slumped, head falling forward with her pink fringe acting as a curtain to hide her sullen look. In his grip, her fists laxed then her body sank into his.

"What's happening to me? What if I'm the one..." She shook her head against his chest, biting her lip to stop her from finishing. She wouldn't lay a hand on Naruto - not now, or anytime. She'd rather herself get killed than someone who has nothing to do with what she's done.

Arms surrounded her, quieting her thoughts and ceasing the shivering she had only just noticed. Pein hesitantly linked both hands behind her back and squeezed her reassuringly.

"Naruto will be fine," he stated confidently. "Nothing will happen to him."

A relieved breath left her lips as she settled into the cramped space inside his arms. "Good." It was all she could say. Seeing herself covered in blood, begging for Naruto to keep breathing. That feeling of loss and fear was far worse than what she felt during her first visit to Hell.

Arguing against his affirmations didn't come to mind. She didn't want to share the doubts she had. Sakura just wanted him to tell her everything was fine. Naruto was safe and there wasn't a single thing to worry about.

Nothing bad would happen. If anyone tried to, she'd stop them. She was a good guy and the good guys always won and saved the day.

"Get some rest tonight. We'll be dropping in to find Izuna."

"What? Why? Does it have anything to do with my vision?"

Pein nodded, "Since Izuna and Madara were close, he'll have some idea what could be causing this to happen."

She glimpsed down at her open hands then hid them behind her back. "What if it's permanent? I can't just let this keep happening. What if-"

Pein patted her head, silencing her resurge of worries. "Stop. We don't know anything yet. Just stay calm."

She sighed and closed her eyes. He was right. Jumping to conclusions and worrying herself sick wasn't going to help.

"Okay, I'm okay."

His hand slipped off of her head, brushing her hair over her face. "Be patient. We'll get our answers."

"We'll find Izuna," she declared.

Deidara burst through the doorway, startling Sakura and causing their leader to roll his eyes. "Sakura!"

"Deidara!" Sakura laughed, practically skipping to him. "We're going to see Izuna tomorrow."

"That's good, hm!" He eyed Pein. "And that's it, right? You're done talking?"

She smiled as his arms wrapped around her protectively. "Yeah, let's go cook dinner." She looked over her shoulder as Deidara guided her out of the room. "Would you like some too?"

Pein stepped back, clumsily bumping into the desk behind him causing any remaining books to fall to the floor. "No, I'm fine. I'll be in Hell explaining the situation to Konan."

"You sure?"

He hesitated, still uncertain if she was just going to ignore him again. Glancing at the blonde's cold, unwelcoming expression, Pein decided against it. "It's alright, Sakura. Maybe next time."

Sakura wanted him there but knew it was better to agree. As long as she got answers to why she saw Naruto's death first-hand then Pein could do anything he wanted to get results. She'd wade through Hell's dark waters, through the skin-melting temperatures, the icy cold. Naruto was important and, if the vision was true, she needed to find out how to protect him.

At all costs.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," she said confidently.

Pein agreed, "Have a good night, Sakura."

She smiled back at him before Deidara led her out of the room. "Good night, Pein."

A/N: Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait, but it's just that I'm kind of disappointed. I get the feeling that this story isn't as great as I hoped, so I took a long break to really think about it. I want to finish it, but I'm just not sure. Anyway, like always, tell me what you think and thanks for reading.