Midnight: *pulls down glasses dramatically* Haha! Guess who turned Eighteen!

Itachi: Guess who missed her deadline. Again...

Sakura: Ehhehe..well, consistency isn't quite what you are known for Midnight...so legal adult then?

Midnight: You better believe it! Chapter- Up and ready- oh and on the note of the last chapter, I want to clarify a couple things- just to keep us all on the same page.

Itachi: Great. Her explanations? Pull up a chair. It's going to be the entire chapter I'll bet..

Midnight: Oh pipe down you insomniac! For your information- it will NOT be the entire chapter. Just hang tight.

Itachi: *groans and sits across room glaring*

Midnight: Alright, last chapter may have been a bit confusing and slightly misleading- I am not a perfect author of course and I am getting that impression based off my responses that people believe this story is officially headed towards the ItaSaku direction. Last chapter, I want to clarify, is not me revealing the couple/couples quite yet. If you re-read the chapter, there is not a point where Sakura is fawning over Itachi.

'Now wait a minute Midnight- it's clear their relationship has changed on both ends. Itachi gave her an invitation to fight at the very end, and Sakura's mood shifted so much that Inner left her. She even admitted it herself in the letter- she is confused!'

Good good. Glad you caught that. You see, it will be important when -blocks out detail- and then tells her that -blocks out detail- meaning that the entire -block censor block block block- and it is intense!

You see?

However, one comment did catch my attention- which I was very glad for, because I want to address it, just calling a few things to memory. The person stated something to the lines that they thought this was all happening quickly- which is ok. You all have the right to your opinions, and I actually enjoy hearing them. And I do mean that by the way- comments are awesome and they make me laugh and smile.

However, I do want to draw attention to the fact that you have to remember who your character is. It's Sakura. She is narrating the story, meaning that by nature (not only because of her individual character, but also because she is a girl) the story will be more emotional, dramatic, and eventful. Then add in the fact of the situation she is in. She is living among enemies, knowing she may die, never see her friends again, and currently can't find the balance of loyalty to Konoha, and how much loyalty she is required to give the Akatsuki, plus add in the fact that all girls need and desire friendship and bonding. At this point, she's been without a steady 'friend' for a full 2 weekish when you add in all the drama from Konoha, in such a traumatic situation.

She is greatly confused, there isn't exactly a 'how to' in the ninja book of life.

As time moves on, she will let her guard down- and you think it's irony the first person she lets her guard down to is Itachi? Think about it- sub consciously, she knows the face, name, he is from Konoha, but on the outward relationships, he is the one that is always there. He is the leader. From day one, he was in Konoha, talking with her one on one before anyone else was there. There is trust there. She (by force sadly) has had to test that trust- sharing a hotel room with him, following his commands and leadership of the group- seeing the consequences when she didn't.

Itachi has been one of the few, and you could debate the only one to show her a shred of kindness (in his own twisted way) out of all the Akat's, so it shouldn't be to surprising she is noting that on some level or another..

'So if it's all that it is- why is it all dramatic and you make it seem like it's so much more'

Again- it's Sakura. Any girl in that situation would be a basket case, her thoughts would be all over the place about the event. I know it may be difficult, however any mishaps and I am here to straighten them out.

Sakura: Dang. Itachi was right. Where's a lawn chair.. And I am not dramatic you little liar. I'll have you know I'm very calm and level headed ok. Seesh Midnight.

Midnight: Fine fine I'm done. Just something I wanted to say, because I don't want any dilusions to cloud up future events that WILL blow you away. I guarantee it. Until then- chapter 12. XD

-VERY IMPORTANT TO READ A/N AT THE END OF CHAPTER PLEASE! I NEED YOUR HELP!-

iiiii

iiii

"Hello deary"

"Hi.." I mumbled quietly, hoping that for whatever reason the crazy electric lady wouldn't remember who I was. Perhaps I should have worn a mask or something. She was the same desk attendant for when I had set up the utilities account for the 'trench suite' as she had called it- and how I managed to come in when she was working was beyond me.

"What can I help you with today?" Well, at least she looked to be in a better mood.

"I just need to pay my utility bill please."

"Alright, name and address please"

"Sakura- and the address is sort of difficult- I use a PO box." I stated, grabbing out a stack of cash that Itachi had given me. I wasn't really sure where their funds came from, and really, I didn't ask too many questions about it. I decided that I didn't want to know- not if it meant that once every couple weeks I had a guaranteed afternoon of freedom to pay bills and go shopping free from the scrutinies eyes of the S ranked criminals. The Akatsuki's could perhaps pay the bills if they did a henge or something- however when it came to shopping, they were far too 'manly' to stain their hands with a girly chore.

Whatever.

Though the idea of shopping and bill paying hit a bit too close to home at first, I was just as excited when Itachi told me it was time to head to town as I was the first time. I had been in the hideout with them now for almost a full two weeks, and any shot at honest to goodness freedom was something I would more than jump at. I soon realized that I was actually privileged in an odd way. I thought that everyone (except me) would be going in and out, marooning me with Itachi who did nothing but just stare into the wall all day long- however that was far from the case. Because of the fact that everyone had a face that was known across the lands, they all stayed at the hideout, 'keeping low' was the term Sasori had given me one day.

So really, everyone was in that rock for 24 hours a day, the only outdoors being the 200 ft perimeter around the forestry area, plus the miniature training ground. This took the term cooped up to new levels. Fights had begun to break out. Nothing serious though, just a couple holes in the wall, broken bathroom door (that was a pain to fix). Usually over something stupid, like someone would trip over someone's leg.

Instant fight.

At first I found them to be entertaining. Akatsuki fighting- you would too- until there was a small fist fight everyone couple hours. It was now to the point where I would just sigh and move to a new room, telling them that I wasn't healing any injuries- though that was a lie. In the past week I had healed Kisame's broken jaw, Deidara's sawed off skin, sewed Kakuzu back together, and generally worked my fingers to the bone with their petty injuries.

I was given the chance to get fresh air and see other human beings once in a while. I saw it as a privilege most definitely. It kept me sane and not so...edgy I suppose. I needed that freedom, or I would get so tense that I too would be getting in those fist fights with everyone else until I was one giant scab.

"Alright- well here is your statement-" the lady's voice interrupted my trailing thoughts while I grabbed the piece of paper left. I suppose this would have to be a recipt then? I wasn't exactly sure if Itachi needed to file the money spending away or not, but I would hate to be caught without proof of my purchases should Itachi choose he wanted to see them.

As I looked over the paper, the lady paused, staring at me silently, "Ah yes, you. So how is that dream home of your's going? Real fixer upper I immagine?"

I grinned slightly, still stuck in the squiggles of numbers and lines across the page, "You could say that.."

Not that the place was the greatest by any means, but when we first arrived it was fairly nice. Everything worked properly, lights were bright and even, but now however, with all the rough treatment, the place really could use a renovation or two. It was looking more like a destruction derby course with each day that passed by. Sometimes it was comical to me to see the holes in the walls or broken light bulb shards everywhere, though other times it was just annoying. I would have to buy like...fifty different light bulbs just to keep up! And they fought over everything! The dumbest stuff I sware. Hidan put the dental floss in the wrong spot a few days ago, and this was apparently reason enough to beat him senseless.

Childish.

That was the word.

I counted out the proper change, handing the bills to the lady as I had that silly grin still across my face, "So...how is your day?" I asked, knowing that I would most likely regret my decision, but really, being out of my cage had put me in quite the good mood. I wanted to hear about someone else's life. Someone's life that was...normal. Someone with a family, someone with kids and a normal day to day 9-5 job. Everything that being a ninja had taken from me.

"The day? The day itself is fine." she responded, counting out change and handing it to me with a serious look, "It's this life that's the problem. I tell you Sugar, if I had your looks and age, I would be long gone. I'd redo so many things now- like boys, and kids. Man that was a mistake if I ever made one. Life is just a giant swirling torrent of pain and misery. It's not really about getting out, as much as it is making sure that you aren't as badly screwed over as everyone else. In short, I hate my life. I'm so old, and what do I have to show for it-"

"A beautiful famil-"

"Wrinkles. That's it. No happiness, no wisdom- nothing. In short, life is horrible. I suggest doing it all big- do what you want. Don't do stuff just because someone wants you to. Do it for you."

I let the moment stand as her placid answer hit straight to my stomach like a brick.

Wow.

Such...positive words...towards the life of a civilian.

She handed me my change, a sudden huge grin across her face, "And how's your day Sakura?"

I paused, not certain of how to answer her- especially after that huge speech.

"Um...not bad as it could be I guess..have a nice day...er...yeah. Bye." I stated awkwardly, slowly walking backwards before leaving the entire building all together.

Right.

Well, glad that was over. And also glad to see she was just as crazy as I remembered her to be. Perhaps some things would never change.

I made my way to the grocery store, mulling over meal plans in my head as I made my way through the store. The weather had been so miserable lately, it was hot and muggy, and Deidara and Kisame's last spar ended up braking the AC. Kisame said he would start working on it to fix it, but three days had come and gone now and still no cool air in this hellish desert.

In terms of how this affected me, I instantly decided as I was walking among the fresh produce that I didn't really want to slave over a hot stove. It was far too heated as it was. I would prepare something simple, fresh, and crisp for today. A nice salad. I would make a dressing, buy everything fresh here, and make it when I got back. That should be appreciated. With it being so hot out, who would want to gorge down some huge meal?

I continued moving down the isles, grabbing out different ingredients, various pastas, and other things I would need. One day I would write up a meal plan for myself to make the grocery shopping easier, however at this point, I simply didn't care enough to become that organized and methodical.

I internally groaned as I thought over how long I had been with the Akatsuki. Almost one full month now. A few days traveling, and now almost a full three weeks at the hideout. And through all of this, still no word from Pein or Tsunade. I wasn't sure who I wanted to hear more from. It would be great to hear from Tsunade- make me miss home a bit less and just have a great fuzzy moment, but if we heard from Pein, we would get to DO something. That was half the problem alone. We were all just so bored!

I was still apprehensive slightly about helping them out and becoming 'one' with the Akatsuki while I was here, but things were so much different from when I had first arrived. Life with them was just...normal now. Get up early, chakra seal the bathroom door shut so no one would wander in on me, dry off, make breakfast, do dishes, wander around aimlessly for a few hours, make lunch, wander around some more, make dinner, do the dishes, then go to bed.

It was rather...uneventful to be honest. A small part of me expected more danger...adventure...something more than just normal average life in the grips of S ranked criminals. Man was I wrong about that. Turns out that people are people no matter who, or where you are.

I grabbed a few frozen meals for the days I really didn't feel like cooking, then moved towards the checkout lane. I had grabbed enough for about 2 full weeks, meaning that I would have to tag a few things and 'summon' them home. It was either that or make like...fifty trips back and forth to town and trench. I was not doing that.

"How are we doing today ma'am?"

"Alright." I mumbled, putting up the first of the many items up on the conveyor belt, "How are you?"

"I'm at work..." the voice of a younger teen male responded with a gentle laugh.

I gave a laugh of my own, "I understand entirely."

I continued piling the objects for pricing, mind wandering back to what the lady had said back there. She was clearly unhappy- cynical even. Her bitterness had almost become a sarcasm. How could that be though? She didn't even know how lucky she was! She had the ability to live life, have a family, do what she wanted! I could never do any of that. Hell, I was living among people that wanted to kill me and me them! What freedoms did I have?

"Hey, I have a question..." I asked, telling myself that I really had no business asking these people these questions, but I was just so curious. Their life was my definition of happiness...why couldn't they see what they had going for them?

"Um..sure" the kid responded, still pulling the items across the scanner and placing them in the plastic bags.

"How are you liking life? Are you...happy?" I asked, intensely staring at the kid.

The kid looked back at me, confusion clearly displayed across his face, "Um...I guess so. It's life, I mean, not really good or bad. Just time passing by."

I frowned slightly, not pleased by his answer. Not much I could expect from a small child though. Still though, I was hoping for some form of positive answer about life that was solely dueled out by choice alone. It's all I could ever hope for and dream about, but my life was already set out for me. I was a medical ninja, assistant to the hokage. I did what I was told, even if I disagreed to it all.

"Alright, your total is $175.65"

"Here" I mumbled, handing him the required amount.

I moved to the bags, placing a tag on each of them with a sigh. I pulsed chakra into them and watched the bags disappear before my eyes as I moved them to the hideout.

"Dude! You're a ninja?" the kid shrieked, instantly intruiged by the small act that was apparently extraordinary.

"Yeah.." I responded, grabbing my change and receipt as the kid continued gaping.

"That's sweet! Are YOU happy? It must be the coolest thing in the world to be able to leap from tree to tree and...wow that's so amazing!"

I shrugged, throwing his answer back at him, "I guess so. Just time passing by."

And with that, I walked off towards the hideout, finding just as much on my mind as there was before.

Saying nothing more, I too walked out, heading off to the kitchen. I had finally gotten a time table down in my head, and each day and meal was beginning to get smoother transitions. I decided I would go with a simple food today. It was pretty hot out, and I for one didn't want to be forcing down some large t-bone steak that would leave me feeling like a bloated balloon. No stinkin way.

I would make up a nice summer salad. Maybe add a bit of meat chunks- something light. Bacon, or mabye chicken? Nah- why ruin fresh greens with unneccessary meat. I would get back to the hideout, start chopping up the greens, roast some garlic for that savory zing, and presto- a nice simple lunch.

My walk back was more simple, and quiet as one could imagine. My mind was running silent laps around itself trying to keep up with the many things on my mind. I was trying to figure out the ratios of vegetables to use, plus the entire meal plan for the next couple of weeks, and on a completely separate note, why it was that no one seemed to be happy.

And the more I realized how difficult it was for me to keep up with my own head, the more I realized how much I missed...me. Inner Sakura. I could pass so much down time with my odd personality in my head- and of course manage to multitask better than anyone else I knew. While I was doing one project, Inner was always doing another and I'd get done in half the time. I know that in an odd way it quite possibly made me insane, but I didn't care at this point. Inner was just a part of me, and a part of who I was. It felt so wrong to be without her.

God what I would do to get Ino's advice over it all. What I really needed was a girls night...or week at this point. Each day that passed made it that much easier for me to forget who I was and where I stood. Each day the Akatsuki became less dangerous and more of typical room mates and more like...friends. Even Deidara and I had somewhat gotten along better in the past week. Granted we still took great lengths to annoy the crap out of each other, but that's just how the relationship was.

I just missed Konoha so bad. I missed the fear of my door being broken to shards, I missed the many (many) dinner dates at Ichiraku's, sparring with Naruto, late nights with Ino, the buzz of the office, Tsunade and her 'tea' obsessions... Konoha was my home. I loved everything about it. Each season had breathtaking sights you wouldn't see anywhere else like the angelic winters. At the right place, all you could see was sparkling white snow at sunrise- pinks and orange for miles.

Or in the fall where the air smelled so fresh and warm at the same time, yet still a nip to your nose as you walk down the sidewalk. They'd start making apple cider soon, fall was quickly approaching for Konoha. In just a few short weeks, passerbyers would be carrying around cups of Apple Cider, always on demand come October when the temperatures start to fall. Soon the scarves would be coming out, fall jackets, pink noses...

Then the snow.

The laughing, the ice glittering trees, the snowball fights and sled rides down the hills..Christmas..

I sighed, finding that I had been giving myself a securing hug as I walked out of the small town.

It dawned on me all over again just how long I had been gone from my home now. A month. A full month of living with my sworn enemies. And as I thought of it all, I wanted to cry. A full month had passed and we hadn't made any progress at all, meaning I would still be here for some time longer. I didn't need Inner to help me find the outcome of that and why it made my stomach feel weak.

I'd be spending Christmas with the enemy.

With that in mind, I willfully had to force my legs to keep walking towards 'home'. I wouldn't run. I was tired of running. I would face up to my fears and push my doubts away. I was a ninja. That's just what I did. My happiness didn't matter as long as the mission is completed. Happiness had nothing to do with it.

...And I left in such a good mood today..

iiii

"Sakura, you're back.."

I nodded as I walked through the lounge where Kisame was sitting, holding Kakuzu and Hidan apart while they tried to throw punches at each other regardless Kisame being between the two.

"Yeah."

"Hey I think Itachi said he wanted to talk to you so-"

"Tell him I died. I am going to my room kay? I really don't want to be disturbed so if you guys could fend for yourselves for dinner? Try not to touch any thing too major though, I'm trying to make a meal plan remember."

With that, I continued moving down the hall, moving to the kitchen for a glass of water. I just wanted to go to my room and cry. All I wanted out of life- and I don't even get it. Of all the people to celebrate Christmas with- these people? Christmas was a celebration of joy, and hope...family. I had to celebrate HOPE with these guys? What did I do in my past life to deserve this?

As I poured water from the sink into the glass, I caught Itachi's reflection as he moved into the kitchen.

"Kounichi." he stated, seeming to know that I was aware of his presense. How he seemed to always know everything was beyond me.

"Itachi." I repeated, not quite sure what he wanted me to say back to him.

He leaned against the wall as I turned around, staring at him as I drank down my water.

"How did shopping go?"

Itachi, making small talk? Good grief what was the world coming to?

"What do you want Itachi?" I stated monotone, setting the cup down on the counter and crossing my arms defensively.

He smirked, "So trusting. I suppose that you don't want the mail I've received from Konoha then- in fear I may have tampered with it?" He was suddenly holding a small stack of papers, and I all but tackled him to the ground

"Gimmie!"

I grabbed the papers, childish excitement bubbling in my stomach as I lept out of the kitchen and ran to my room, "ThxThachiBye!"

I sealed the door shut, grabbing the first envelope. I had a whole stack of them- I was so excited! I needed this. Grabbing out the paper, I smiled at the instant recognizable handwriting.

Shizune.

"Dear Sakura,

Well, it's been hell here in the office without you. Word as you can imagine has finally gotten around about Orochimaru so the town is generally spooked, but not as bad as I thought it would have been. Luckily we've managed to keep things quiet about Pein for now, however I'm not sure how long we can keep that a secret either.

Tsuanade has been just awful lately. She says its stress from Pein and the constant threat of attack, but I am certain most of it is her concern for you. She was in awful shape when you left, but I think its getting better in time. It sure isn't the same without you though. I have to work twice as hard, and everything is too quiet now. I don't even have a lunch buddy for my lunch break any more- how sad is that?

Anyhow, I think it's really great that you are doing this for Konoha. I think you should feel honored that Pein choose you out of everyone. You really are something special though Sakura- even Pein could see that. We miss you so much over here, but understand that you are doing a great service for us all.

In hopes to see you again soon-

Shizune"

I smiled, folding up the letter and putting it back in the envelope. I instantly moved to the next one, still grinning warmly as my eyes swept over each word

"Heya Sakura-chan!

I am so happy to write to you! I didn't even get to say goodbye to you before that bastard and his henchmen dragged you away. You just wait though- I'll get revenge on them each tenfold. Believe it! That Itachi won't know what hit him!

That Pein...he is one annoying guy. He thinks he's all high and mighty with his spiky hair. Whatever. I think he looks like an orange hedgehog. He's always trying to tell Tsunade what to do, making her all stressed out and all.

Oh by the way I have taken the liberty to house sit your apartment for you. I know you wouldn't mind at all, so I thought I would just move in and watch over it all while you were away.

I've decided that if we all make it through this whole thing alive, I'm going to marry Hinata. I know we are both still young and all, but this has all made me realize that I love her. Why should I wait? I was actually considering marrying her right away and starting an engagement, however I can't get married while you are out living among the enemy. I will wait until you get back, then I'll propose and you can see the wedding with your own eyes.

On that note, how are all those bastards treating you? Like a princess right? Anything less and I'll rip their eyes out. I can't believe they are making you cook and all that stuff. You aren't a maid!

Oh! Something else? Pein has made it so I can't go on any missions until this whole thing is over! How convenient for him right? I'll always be right there in the city. He claims that if I go out then there is a chance Orochimaru might capture me but still, it all seems so convenient for him doesn't it.

...I really can't wait to see you again though Sakura. It's so scary to think of you out there by yourself, fending for yourself against all those guys. I know you can do it though. You are so stubborn and hard headed, you'll get out of there just fine, and return back as the hero you are.

We miss you Sakura, come back in one piece-

Naruto."

"Hey Forehead!

So what's with this whole letter crap?

You write to Tsunade and not me?

Priorities Sakura! I am your best friend! So when you write back to me, you've got to tell me all the drama and details about those guys. Are they annoying- have really nasty habits? I don't know why, but I always imagine you to be in a place where they leave their dirty underwear laying across the couches and the sinks have things growing in them. Is that over dramatic?

Sounds like you are missing Konoha huh? Well, can't blame you. Konoha is great- but honestly- this whole thing really sucks. Pein is working on plans to send out our team, I don't know many details or I'd give you them if I knew- but I am so afraid about it. I am the medical ninja on the team, and in an odd way I don't want to go. I am afraid of getting hurt, or loosing someone even if I try to heal them- but then I think about you. All the sacrifices you had to make all in one night for the sake of Konoha.

That's why I am doing it without complaint. If you can do all of that- live with those awful men without throwing a temper, then I can suck it up and go on this mission too. Konoha is worth it to me.

I think right now most of the ninja have a totally different way of thinking now. Konoha hasn't been in a position like this in such a long time- but now- death is just a reality. Everyone sees each day differently. So often you hear the sentence, "If I get out of this alive-" and even myself, I find that I have thought over what I want to do differently if the next ninja war/destruction of Konoha is avoided.

I know we talked about it before, but I am so serious. I want to find peace. I want to know what real peace is, and just soak that in. I don't want to have to worry about fighting and training each day- sure it's fun to know how to kill someone, reverse nerve impulses...but having to use it as a weapon against someone? Being a ninja really isn't all it's cracked up to be is it?

Sometimes I find myself staring up into the sky and just getting lost in my own thoughts. It's like it's all slipping away so fast isn't it? One day you are in the academy, the next you are quite literally saving the world. Yet even in all of that, I often find myself to be unhappy. It's so strange. I don't know what exactly I want out of life, but I know that this just isn't it.

Meh. I don't really know Sakura- I just wish this stupid thing would end already. Its so hard living in this down time where you wonder each day if you will wake up tomorrow. I can't imagine how hard it must be on you. I know it won't help all that much, but in the ninja world, you are like a goddess right now. Best of luck and stand your ground girl.

Love you!

Ino."

I stared at that letter for a long moment, getting up and taping it to my night stand with a sad smile.

I missed Ino so much.

I missed Konoha so much.

I continued reading through the letters, one from Tenten, one from Kakashi (that was a surprise) and a few others that had wanted to write encouragement to me so it seemed. Finally I came to the last letter, knowing before I even looked at it who it would be from.

This letter would be Tsunade's.

"My dearest Sakura,

I obviously received your letter, and am quite pleased that I have the opportunity to respond back to you. As you can clearly understand, things are quite busy and chaotic here in Konoha. Pein and I get together almost every day and work together off from information the Akatsuki has sent us and what we already know. I think we are going to be sending out a small informational retrieval unit, try to gain some perspective from that. I'm not quite sure though.

Pein drives me nuts though.

He is just as stubborn and controlling as I am. He wants to do it one way, I disagree, so we spend all afternoon fighting over who is right. It is all about being diplomatic and properly debating out points, though most of the times I just want to knock him out and toss him threw a window. Luckily it hasn't quite come to that level yet.

I am beginning to see just how much of a fine worker you really were here in the office. Not that I hadn't noticed before, but there is so much to be done now that you aren't here! It's crazy how much filing you do, mission's work, reports over money, meetings...I feel like most of my time is filling in for you!

However, before I get too off topic, I want to address what you said in your letter about how you feel towards the Akatsuki. To answer your question right off the bat, no, I can't switch you out. You are the only person Pein would ever accept, and technically with you knowing where the hideout is, you would be a liability here and the trust issues would throw our alliance off.

Though if there is one thing I want to say, it's that I personally think you are trying too hard. I don't understand why you are stressed about befriending your new comrades. I hate the mind set that just because you are enemies, you have to hate each other always. This isn't a black and white world Sakura. There are purples, oranges, blues, pinks...what I am trying to say is that...you are allowed to enjoy yourself there. I don't expect you to wake up each day and write down a list of ten things you hate about them each morning.

That will just make you a bitter old woman one day. Don't do that to yourself Sakura. You need to grow as a person and learn to be who you want to be, not who you are told to be. I know you are afraid of letting go of what you believe to be right for Konoha- but being realistic- you aren't in Konoha. Where you are, Konoha is far far away from. Stop pretending like you are where you aren't. Learn who you want to be, and base it off from simply what you want. You try so hard to be what everyone tells you to be and follow orders to a T.

Stop that Sakura.

There is no guide to where you are. I've never heard of any situation like this- so really- don't try to live by some cookie cutter by the book answer. You've got to make your own path here. Discover who you are there- don't just hate because someone told you to. Remember your background and your loyalty- but don't just hate people from some person telling you who to like and not to like.

I'll leave it at that. Trust your heart Sakura, and I'll see you again soon

Tsunade."

I sat still staring into the letter, finding tears at my eyes as if a giant burden had just been lifted off from me.

I needed this more than I even knew I did. With this- I was free.

I didn't have to feel guilty about laughing or having a good time with them. I could be who I chose to be. Tsuande had given me the key to my freedom, and it felt great.

I pinned the letter up on the night stand as well, moving towards my bed and laying down with a satisfied grin.

iiii

I grabbed out a large salad bowl, cleaning off the vegetables before grabbing a chef knife and chopping them up accordingly. This would be a very nice meal. A nice fresh salad on the hot summer day- it reminded me of days out with Ino. I felt like I should be planning a hat shopping date afterwards..

"Hey guys, lunch is up." I called into the hallways, still setting out plates around the table. I wasn't sure where everyone would want to eat today- sometimes everyone stayed around the kitchen (usually when Itachi had something to say) or sometimes would eat in their bedrooms (where the dishes NEVER returned from..) and other times we'd all head to the lounge.

They all began to gather in the kitchen, grabbing plates routinely before looking at todays meal. Upon sight, one of the men (Guess who?) gave a loud groan.

"Salad? I am a MAN. I want-"

"Really? Could've fooled me Deidara.." Hidan responded, poking at the greens, "But I will say- I put in a hard days work and you give Salad? Jashin would never allow such whimpy foods.."

I rolled my eyes, being the first to put a handful of greens onto the plate, "Seriously? It's a salad guys. Greens. They are healthy for you."

"I'd prefer steak. Meat. Man food." Kisame crossed his arms, also glaring at the bowl in suspicion.

I sighed, pouring some garlic vinaigrette over my plate, taking the first bite. "Man food..." I mumbled out load in distain, wanting to groan myself.

And they said I was being difficult? Ha! I serve up a healthy meal for a huge crowd of people, and they complain because its not a bleeding stack of beef. Disgusting! I for one, would continue to enjoy my salad on this hot summer day, and if they didn't like it, they could fix themselves something, because I had done my job and served lunch for the ungrateful people.

"I hate greens.." Deidara hissed, grabbing a bowl and putting like 2 strips of lettuce in the bowl. "I hate my life." he finalized, picking up the one of the two pieces of lettuce by hand, and slowly eating one bite, chewing it like a cow in misery, and forcing himself to swallow.

"GAH!" He stated with a dramatic frown, "It tastes horrible! How can you eat that?" he turned his attention to me, watching me eat a normal salad like a normal human being. I overall ignored him, giving him a rather perturbed look before continuing my meal. How stupid. Men and salad.

Finally, they all began gabbing small amounts of the salad, drizzling the vinaigrette sauce over it and slowly eating the vegetable meal. Most continued complaining about how horrible it tasted, swallowing loudly and gasping dramatically. Psh. What a bunch of babies. A real man should be able to hold down a salad. Seriously. The only one who had yet to say anything at all was Itachi, but I am quite certain you could chop off his arm and he wouldn't say anything. He was far too good for that I assume.

As lunch finished some time later, I found myself back at the lounge, doing the most common thing that I did when I got incredibly bored.

"Got any twos?"

"Go fish.."

I groaned, setting down my small stack of cards and grabbing a new one from the sea in the middle of the coffee table. Sigh. It was a seven.

"Alright, your turn." I looked up at the smurf colored giant (sharing no other qualities with the small gentle creatures) I can't believe I was reduced to playing Go Fish with S-Ranked criminals.

"Got any Aces?" he asked, not looking up from his fan like collection of cards. I'd like to say I was winning- however- it was go fish. In light of the situation, we were both losers.

"Nope- go fish."

This was so much...fun. (Not) Our Go Fish/card games had become a great way to pass time while we were waiting for Pein's letter. With the fact that I had received so many from Konoha the night before, I assumed we had our new orders from Pein, though Itachi had yet to say anyting to us.

As Kisame's eyes scanned over his cards, I rehashed over Tsunade's letter about me being here. I remember first coming, it was all so tense and strange, but now- I didn't care. Sure I'd go back to Konoha without even a blink of a thought, however, I had gotten used to the tragedy I came to know as life. Sure I lived with the Akatsuki. Sure it sucked. But right now...that was life. In an odd way, we came to an unspoken agreement.

What happened in the hideout, stayed in the hideout. Tsunade's letter had allowed me to see that. Right now, we all got along. We interacted with each other...we let go and just...were ourselves. It was amazing to see the personalities unfold. Examples? Deidara was a douchebag- though he was fun to be around now that we weren't at each other's throats so much, in fact, we were just as mean as when we had first met, but it was now more of a competition between the two of us than hatred.

Kisame only looked beastly and intimidating. In reality, he was possibly one of my favorie people to be around. In the past week, we had mastered various different card games, including (but not limiting to) Go Fish, Slap Jack, ERS, and 'Guess which card I am holding now' (That one got old pretty fast though).

Sasori reminded me of Itachi, but a bit less mysterious and secluded. He seemed to be as wise in his own manner, though was a bit more sociable and wasn't as...high strung as Itachi. While Sasori would laugh and have a grand time with everyone else- Itachi would stand in the corner as if he simply wouldn't lower himself to our ridiculous ways found to pass time- though if he didn't think anyone was watching him- I could catch a smirk or two from him.

It was..ok for me to have fun and laugh with them. Be friends with them, because I knew it was at the hideout. What happens in the hideout stays in the hideout.

At the hideout, we were safe.

At the hideout, we weren't Konoha and Akatsuki

We were people downing shots and playing cards all night

We were ninja that didn't have to kill just because someone told them to

At the hideout...we were just people again.

Just normal, average people.

Two years from now, or whenever we got out of here- if we saw each other again- neither party would hesitate to beat each other senseless/death. That was what Tsunade was talking about. I couldn't let laws of old affect me here- make my life have to stop because someone else told me it should. I didn't have to live like that. I could build strong alliances with each of them, and destroy them all later. But in the mean time...

"Do you have any Jacks?"

"Here."

"Sweet- thaannkk you. Now, how about nines?"

"Go fish."

"Darn."

I could hear a light laugh from behind me, and I turned with a smirk, "You know Deidara, if you want to play Go Fish, you just have to ask."

He laughed louder, leaning back into the couch and drinking...whatever was in the cup.

"I'll pass."

"Yeah, wise on your part I suppose. With your intellect, I'd say Go Fish is most likely over your head.."

"The only thing over my head is that giant Kisame, little girl."

"Can it small fry." Kisame responded, though his tone was light.

I shrugged, "Meh, to each his own. So what do you play then Deidara?"

I folded my cards, knowing somehow internally that the game was over now that we had something better to do than try to match up pairs of cards. Pein would most likely kill us if he knew what we had degraded to, but it was his fault for not writing back sooner.

Deidara looked up from his cup, setting it down on the coffee table, "Me? Um...poker."

"Poker.."

"Poker."

I paused, giving him a disbelieving look, "...Poker?"

"Poker."

"Pok-"

"For the love of all things- Poker! P-O-K-E-R. In that order! Sounds like you've never played poker before."

I rolled my eyes, "Psh. Tsuanade always had me doing her paper work while she went gambling. I think I've played that game once...maybe twice my entire life.."

Kisame laughed, standing up and towering over us, "That's rare- a ninja that basically has never played poker before. Though, it is a guy thing generally."

"Why poker? And to be honest...I don't see you as the card playing type any how.."

Deidara stood up, a dark smirk decorating his pretty boy face, "I have my reasons."

I nodded slowly, "Uhhuh..." pausing to shuffle the deck and watch him as he walked away. Perhaps I would have to initiate a poker night. Without Inner yelling at me, it was like having no parents almost. There was no one watching me, no Konoha infulence telling me what I could and couldn't do...

While I was here, at least in this moment, I was free.

Itachi moved in shortly after Deidara's depart, sitting down on the couch with a grace unknown to mankind, "Sakura, a word?"

I looked up at Kisame with concern as if secretly pleading for him to save me from the confusion of Itachi's presence, though Kisame just gave me a toothy (very toothy) grin, laughing with a shrug.

"And why are you looking at me?"

I gave a sad look of terror, flinging my head around back to Itachi, "Alright...I'm listening.." I groaned, wishing that anyone other than Itachi were the leader.

My arm had just now healed up completely, and I was afraid that one fasle move would render it broken again. For me, being submissive to anyone other than Tsunade was a challenge, let alone someone I was trained to hate. It was very frustrating to be forced to cook and such, but having to respond to Itachi like I did Tsunade? That was a stretch for me.

Itachi sat back in the chair with his usual bland face mask on, giving me such eye contact I was almost afraid to breathe. "I received a letter from Pein in response to the one I had sent him previously. Though I told him of many things, I told him about your immunity to the sharingan, as well as the spar we had. I would love to say he sent us out on a mission, however he clearly stated that we are still to remain low for the time being. However, he did come to a decision that I can't help but agree with."

I gave him a quizical looking, feeling an eyebrow raise in curiosity, "Really now? And what pray tell is this decision, Itachi?"

Pein giving orders in regards to me? This should be interesting.

"It's simple really," he crossed him arms as if in thought, furrowing his eyebrows as his thoughts exited his lips, "Though regardless it's simplicity, I am quite certain you will be very opposed, and almost childish about it all."

It was hard not to glare at him- automatically assuming I wouldn't listen to him. I had been trying hard the past couple days not to be as troublesome, and its as if he gave me little to no credit for it at all.

"Try me."

He nodded, closing his eyes like he usually did when saying something he had already thought and decided over, "Alright- Pein thinks, as do I, that your performance shows that you have a great need for training. He has given the task to train you in this period of downtime."

I shot up, instantly offended. "What? YOU are NOT training ME!"

Itachi sighed, crossing his arms as he stood up, "I do believe we are."

"Itachi, I'm the best medical ninja alive quite possibly, if it is true what Tsunade said. If not than I am the 2nd best, which is still incredible. I do not, nor will I accept this slap in the face of you thinking that I'm some weak little girl you have to train, just because I am 'that pathetic'. I don't care what you, or Deidara think, or Pein think, if I get one good hit on you then you are dead. Simple as that."

Itachi opened his eyes, no emotion tinting his face, though his eyes twinkled with disagreement, "Is that so? Be it true that your chakra enhanced strength is incredible, as you said yourself, it is only lethal if you hit your opponent. That there is your problem. You don't have the speed of an Akatsuki member, nor the grace of one either. You don't know how to correctly analyze you opponent and often do things that aren't necessary. While it may only take one hit- you'll never hit us. You are a great ninja by normal standards, but only a mediocre one by ours. If you want to work with us, you have to be like us and think like we do. Besides all that- Pein's orders. We are training you Kounichi."

"There's that we again!" I hissed, eyes now into thin lines as I mentally tried to defy all his words.

So it may be true that they were on a different level from me, but this whole conforming to just another Akatsuki drone was one thing I would not do. I had no interest in being like them, or thinking like them. Screw Pein! The only reason I was even working with them to begin with was because I had to!

"So what, you are going to train me, or are you tag teaming with Kisame to give me this 'proper' instruction?" I retorted with sarcasm, rolling my eyes as far as they would go.

Itachi gave a light shake of his head, a small smirk now twisting his features. "Pein was very specific on that. All of us Akatsuki are."

I shot my head back around, for the longest moment just staring at them as the words sunk in. Every single one of them? Training me? That would be like what- seven training sessions a day? Plus making three meals a day...?

Was he out of his mind?

"No. Way. I refuse!"

"Sakura you have little choice in this matter. By force or not, you will need to learn about how to fight like an Akatsuki member and not the way you have been taught from Konoha!"

I shot my head to the side in a defiant scowl, refusing to keep eye contact. Not having that, Itachi grabbed my chin, forcing me to look back at him again as he continued to demonstrate his dominance over me

"Do you think that it's just luck that makes it so we beat you? Is it just bad communication that makes it so your teams can never catch us?"

Itachi released my chin, "I don't want some 2nd rate Konoha ninja trying to fill the shoes of what WE do. Until you learn properly what being a ninja is about, you will never catch us. You will never beat us, however, you will learn what it means to be a true ninja."

I could feel my blood boiling, and I couldn't stop the harsh words from pouring out of my mouth, "Sorry Itachi, but not all of us have clans we can decimate!"

Itachi smirked, leaning down and whispering in my ear deadly, "Which is why you will begin training."

And with that, he walked away, speaking his final words over his shoulder as per usual, "I will see you out on the field by dawn. Either that or I can get water to wake you up. See you bright and early Sakura."

I watched him walk away, glaring daggers into his back, wishing I had inner just to see her kick his butt repeditaly. After he got out of my line of vision, I scoweled deeper, thinking to myself over how this would work out.

Maybe it wouldn't be all so bad, now that I had a moment to think it through. Itachi had a point. We didn't know their style, how they worked, but if they trained me, I could use all I learned and report it back to Tsuande. The more we knew about them, the better of a chance we would have to catching and shutting them down. Though it was true that I was seeing a new side to them I never would have believed existed, I would be fine with knowing they were all brought to justice and this evil place shut down.

I looked up at Kisame, shaking my head, "You knew about this evil plot...and I even let you play Go Fish with me.."

iiiii

A/N: Hey guys- glad to see you down at the bottom reading my special little Author's notes! Today we have a special Authors note, divided into two lovely parts.

(Part One)

I am so sorry! I know it's been so long guys! If you want to know major details, pop me a mail and I'll respond to you in between college papers, work schedule, church, studying, homework, and general day to day grind. I honestly do have real reasons as to why it's taken me so long. Advice? I post updates on my profile page every couple of days to say 'hey I'm writing up this chapter' or 'I have a test I am so screwed over' So that will keep us all on the same page. I am hoping that my next updates won't take this long though.

(Part Two)

Alright. Down to business. I will put this simply. I need a manager/beta reader. A dear reader gave me this idea (you know who you are :D) and I have decided to act on it. This person will be responsible for serious valuable information! They will know the plot of the story, know a couple chapters in advance, read over and give me feedback-generally a whole lot of trust going into this position. Benefits? Well, aside from knowing what happens in the story and seeing it faster than any other reader, you will get to see the story unfold and we can talk over details and just stuff like that.

If you are interested in the spot, pop me a message. I would prefer to see some work of yours (something you've written. doesn't have to be on FF however.) just to make sure our writing styles are 'compatible'.

If no one wants the job, I won't be offended, but it sure would be nice to have that extra boost.

Anyhow, that's all. Thanks for sticking around guys! See you in chapter 13!