A/N: Rah! I'm pretty sure I jinx myself whenever I try to set a schedule for updating .-. But I have legitimate excuses. My time has been completely filled up with preparations for graduation. High School here I come. Hoo-rah. Anyways, on top of that, I've been dealing with personal issues that are nagging at me. But then my time was taken up because my friend stayed for like a week at my house while her mother had to go out of state. So yea. I've had like, zero time. Except for now. I've got my music and chocolate milk. Typing time! Plus I have song for you to look up (If you want, that is)! I just realized I haven't put which song inspired last chapter...and I forget which one it was... oh whale._. I'll start doing it from now on. xD This chapter was inspired by the song "Crawl With Me" by Superchic(k). Good song, Good song.

Safe and Sound Chap. 3!

Rating: T…still not sure if I should switch it yet… what do you think?

Disclaimer: Nooooooo I don't own Naruto ( ._.)

~Author Pov~

DammitDammitDammit.

Itachi decided to come home.

After three semi-peaceful weeks (If you could call them that) of Itachi-free time by himself, the bastard decides to show up again. In the middle of the night.

DammitDammitDammit.

Sasuke was sleeping peacefully (As peaceful as anyone with phycological trauma and night terrors could sleep) in his own room when he showed up. Itachi had been drunk and was stumbling through the house like a hippo and had eventually found his way to Sasuke's room where said teen was currently stiff as a board in his bed not daring to move a muscle.

Sasuke had woken up immediately upon Itachi merely opening the gate to the front yard and had been thinking of a way to get out of the house as quickly and quietly as possible without his older brother noticing his presence.

"Outoto..." Itachi slurred, leaning against the door frame with his right arm bent and using his left hand to bang on Sasuke's door with his bottle of sake.

"Guess who's -hic- hoooome..."

Sasuke didn't dare move in his bed. He quietly sat there, grinding his teeth, hoping Itachi would forget about him and go on about his drunken activities elsewhere.

But of course, luck just wasn't shining down on him. It seemed like it never did.

"SASUKE." Itachi bellowed, this time using his fist to do the pounding. "I know you're in there outoto. Aniki just wants to see -hic- you." When Sasuke didn't answer, Itachi reached down and began fumbling with the door knob, but was struggling a bit seeing as how his motor skills were impaired by the alcohol in his system.

Sasuke knew that there was no good outcome of this. If he were to sneak out then, Itachi would be way angrier the next day. Itachi was drunk so his fighting skills weren't going to be as well as they'd normally be. Don't get me wrong here. Itachi was still a damn good fighter when he was inebriated, but his hits just wouldn't come as fast as they'd normally come. But they'd come just as hard.

"I'm -hic- I'm coming in!" Was all Itachi said before slamming the door open. All Sasuke could do was stay in the same position on his side with his back to his brother. Gritting his teeth, Sasuke prayed to a god he wasn't even sure existed that Itachi wouldn't even see him.

But like before, luck just didn't grace him with comfort that night.

"There you are, Sasuke..." The drunken Uchiha chuckled, striding over to said teen's bed.

DammitDammitDammit.

Those words repeated themselves over and over in Sasuke's head as he felt Itachi getting closer and closer to him. There was no point in running now. It wouldn't do anything.

There was a point where Itachi simply stood there, at the edge of the bed frame, watching Sasuke.

"I know you're awake, outoto. Say -hic- Say hello to you're aniki, Sasuke." Itachi swayed to the left but caught his balance by slamming his right palm onto the corner edge of the bed post.

When Sasuke still didn't respond to him, Sasuke watched from the corner of his eye as Itachi's smirk fell into a frown.

"Tch." Itachi strode over -still slightly swaying as he did so- to Sasuke and grasped the back of the raven-haired teen's neck and roughly hauled him up into an up-right position.

Sasuke glared his hardest at the older male. He did not like anyone overpowering him. "What." He spat, silently bracing himself for the incoming blows.

"You think you can just ignore me Sasuke?" Itachi leant down a few inches, as he was still a bit taller than his younger brother, much to Sasuke's chagrin.

"I always ignore you." The young Uchiha retorted, crossing his arms across his chest. It was true. Even though Sasuke walked on eggshells when Itachi stayed at the house, he barely acknowledged his older brother's existence.

BAM

Sasuke had no time to react before Itachi's fist connected with his cheekbone. Sasuke didn't stumble or grimace in pain. He stood his ground and turned his head back to his brother. It was one hell of a punch, but Sasuke refused to give his brother the satisfaction of seeing him in pain.

"Hn." Sasuke grunted. He new for a fact he'd get his ass kicked for talking back, but it was worth it. "Is that all you got?" He smirked, jutting his chin out in defiance. Itachi looked down, allowing his bangs to fall, causing a shadow to cover his eyes. Sasuke watched as Itachi's shoulder's began to shake. He was laughing.

"Oh, Sasuke." Itachi chuckled darkly, slowly lifting his gaze to meet his younger brother's. "You never fail to amuse me."

Sasuke's expression wavered slightly. What the hell...?

Suddenly, the older male's expression turned cruel. "Especially when I do this."

In the blink of an eye, Sasuke was slammed against the wall and held in place by a large and rough hand clamped around his neck. Leaning close, Itachi whispered in his ear: "Your reflexes aren't up to par, ne, outoto..?" Sasuke could smell the putrid odor of alcohol on Itachi's breath. "Tch." Sasuke snarled and struggled against that hand that held him down. "What the hell do you want, Itachi." Sasuke growled, still looking for a way to get out of Itachi's choke hold. "To see you squirm." Itachi whispered.

"Like hell you will!" Sasuke looked Itachi dead in the eye and glared his hardest. "Oh, but one day," Itachi jerked Sasuke towards him and in one fluid motion, sunk his fist into the teen's gut. "I will."

Sasuke silently gasped, trying desperately to regain his breath. Growling, Sasuke turned and growled out. "I'd like to see you try, asshole."

Itachi simply smirked. "Believe me, I will." With one last shove, Itachi left Sasuke panting against the wall of his bedroom. When the door was slammed shut, Sasuke only sat there in the darkness, trying to slow down his frantic heartbeat.

He got off easy this time, that much he knew. Especially with his retorts. On any normal occasion, he'd be bloody and more than one bone in his body would at least be dislocated. Glancing at the red digits shining on his bedside alarm clock, Sasuke saw that it was near 4:30 a.m..

There was no point in trying to go back to sleep now. Especially when Itachi was back for who knows how long this time. Sasuke would have to keep his guard up at all times for now.

Safe and Sound

Chapter 3

~Sakura Pov~

Footsteps. Floorboards creaking. Bottles being thrown.

Too...early...

"SAKURA." A voice.

Running water. Downstairs.

"WAKE UP."

I forced myself to open my eyes after these thoughts came to me. I could hear father still stumbling downstairs. But why the running water...?

Slowly- and bit unsteadily, I manage to stand up, but for some reason I felt exhausted. More so than usual. It's as if my energy has been drained...

Flashback-The pain continued for a few minutes, and I willed for it to stop. Just as I did, I felt the familiar tingling sensation spread and it soothed the angry throbbing. I flipped my lamp light back on and I peeled away the bandages.

They weren't bleeding anymore. They were still sore, but I could deal with it. All that was left were the scars that spelt those truthful words. The feeling reminded my of what happened in gym. Wait... could I have...? No. It was impossible. I'm not magical. I don't have long-dorment healing 'powers'. It was the pressure from the bandages that stopped the bleeding of my newly-aquired scars.

But still...I was kind of curious. Without a wince, I placed the print of my thumb in between my teeth and bit hard enough to puncture the skin, drawing blood in the process. Just like before, I concentrated on my thumb and visioned the wound closing up. For a short while, nothing happened. Just as I was about to stop however, something... freaky happened. My thumb... it glowed green. Again, the same tingly sensation returned and slowly, I saw the skin knitting together, and before I knew it, there was no trace of an open cut on my thumb.

I was befuddled. What just happened to me?

End Flashback-

What if...what if that was why I was feeling like this? Could it be the cause? For all I know, I merely imagined my pain ceasing. But then again, my thumb. I saw the skin closing up. It came back together as if someone zipped the broken skin back up. It was...surreal. Witnessing it...I couldn't find a logical explanation. All of my thoughts flew out the window.

Suddenly, my thoughts returned to what was going on downstairs. What was going on? As I made my way to my door however, it was thrown open, revealing my very angry-looking father who glared at me with identical sea foam eyes. "Are you deaf?" He asked in such a low and cold tone, it sent shivers down my spine.

Then, in the span of three seconds, all of my previous questions were answered.

~Sasuke Pov~

Two emotions described my state of mind at this moment. The first was annoyed. A usual emotion. But the second emotion was unfocused. Not a common occurrence. Im usually on guard, completely aware of all activities surrounding my position.

But not right now.

Right now, I was going through my guesses on why he decided to come back. Most likely needed somewhere to hide out because the authorities caught a trail on the Akatsuki.

Tch.

It's not like they're going to capture the members. I'm not speaking highly of them, either. It's just a mere fact. The gang is always two steps ahead of the police no matter what.

And it's irritating.

Which brings me back to the complete idiots that surround me. It's only 1st period and I can barely stand just being in this classroom. Trust me. When there's girls turning around to face you for a split-second only to blush and giggle and then turn right back around...you'll understand. And then there's the guys who glare at you and roll their eyes. Hmph. Let them. It's not like they could do anything to me, anyway.

'Speaking of irritating though'...I shift my eyes over to the left, only to see a familiar girl with pink hair staring absently into her lap with her right hand brought up, stroking something beneath her hair.

That scar.

I don't know why, but questions about it have been nagging at the back of my mind. I wouldn't say they preoccupy me, but they're there nonetheless. But it's definitely a sensitive subject for sure; And that's based merely on just the reaction she gave when I saw it. So no. I'm not going to demand answers.

I have to admit though. I'm curious. She's definitely not like other girls. There's no declarations of love, asking for dates, or attempts at catching my attention through pathetic means. Instead, she's quiet, shy, and likes to keep to herself. Definitely different from the rest of the female population at Konoha High.

'RRRRRIIIIIIIINNNGGG'

Finally. The idiots are leaving. While waiting for the room to clear out before I get up, I glance around the classroom and see Sakura in the same position as before. Standing up, I gathered by books and walk over.

"Hn." I grunt, standing in front of her desk. She gives no reaction.

Frowning, I lean towards the sitting girl. Nows my chance...

Kneeling down at her right side, I look up at the scar she's stroking. Her eyes are wide and unfocused...

Completely unaware of her surroundings.

I reach up to place my hand on her shoulder to shake her out of her trance. "Oi, Sakura."

Finally, she blinks twice and jerks away. "I'm so sorry, I must've been you know, daydreaming.." She knows I'm not buying her story. I can see it in her eyes. She frowns and looks around. "Where did everybody go...?"

"Hn. Class ended three minutes ago." I state, standing back up to head out. As I walk towards the door, there's gasp behind me. Smirking, I step aside just as Sakura practically flies past me into the hallway.

Ignoring the teachers' quizzical look, I continue on my way to my next class with only one thought on my mind.

"Sakura, what makes you so intriguing?"

~Sakura Pov~

How could you be so careless? How dare you?

Through the whole time during chemistry, I repeated this to myself. I know I should've been taking notes for the upcoming test, but I'd just do it for homework.

All through chemistry, the sensei threw me worried glances from time to time. EvenKurenai-sensei had already stopped me in the hall on my way to gym, asking if I was alright. She said I looked paler than usual, and a bit shaken up as well. Too bad she doesn't know that what she said was true.

Flashback-Suddenly, my thoughts returned to what was going on downstairs. What was going on? As I made my way to my door however, it was thrown open, revealing my very angry-looking father who glared at me with identical sea foam eyes. "Are you deaf?" He asked in such a low and cold tone, it sent shivers down my spine.

Then, in the span of three seconds, all of my previous questions were answered.

My eyes widened and my mouth quivered. "WELL?" He demanded, stepping into my room. "I-I...I..." I could only mutter. I kept my eyes trained to the floor, but from my point of view, I saw my fathers' right hand twitch.

He was going to hit me. And I was going to take it.

Or at least, that's what I thought.

He did move to hit me, but before I realized it, my body had already moved on its own. I dodged under the flying fist, and from the lack of contact, my father went stumbling forward from momentum.

Since when did I have these reflexes?

"You brat..." All I heard was a growl. I turned around slowly, but was met with another fist. No way to dodge that one. While feeling the numbness and aftershock of the punch I had just taken, I didn't realize I was being drug downstairs.

To the bathroom.

That's why there was running water. How could I be so stupid?

After what felt like an eternity, I was yanked upright by the hand that was tangled in my hair. Once I could see, my father pinned my body to the front of his-so that I was forced to see my reflection. I hated my reflection. I tried to avoid it as much as possible. "Look at yourself!"

With pained eyes, I slowly brought my gaze to to mirror.

And I wish I hadn't.

Because all that I could lay my eyes upon were those slashes that lied across my once-smooth abdomen. Even though the reflection made them backwards to my eyes, I could still read them perfectly.

'Unloved Slut'

Those cruel, yet believable words. I had no choice to believe them; My own father was the one who claims it.

I caught a smirk on his fadein the mirror before he spun me around and clamped my body to his, using his hands to...grope certain areas.

"Please," I whispered into his shoulder."Stop." The only response I received was a bark of laughter.

"You wish." Father spat. He continued to grunt and grope. One after the other.

And I've never had the strongest urge to throw up.

"Just like your mother." He sneered.

I couldn't take it any longer.

With as much force as I could muster, I placed my hands on fathers' chest and pushed away, resulting in cracking my head on the bathroom counter.

My father practically grinned as he watched as I slumped to the ground, completely mortified.

It was like a game to him, you see.

However, I couldn't ponder with this idea for long, since I had to crawl to the toilet bowl to empty the contents of my stomach.

It turned out to be more like dry-heaving, really.

When I was done, I found myself being picked up again.

"Oh look, Sakura-chan is all dirty." My father fake-pouted before throwing my body into the bathtub filled with freezing water. "Better wash up, dear. You have to be at school soon." He sneered and left the bathroom.

All I could do was sit there and shake. However, after a few minutes, I shed my clothes and hurried to clean myself before getting out and putting on my other soaked clothes to rush upstairs and change for the day.

End Flashback-

"...ra,...kura, Sakura?"

I jumped backwards, away from the voice that called my name. Once I remembered that I was in fact, at school, and not at home, relaxed my nerves somewhat.

I saw Anko standing directly in front of me hunched over slightly, trying to catch my eye. "Yo, Sakura. You alright?" She asked. All I could feel were hands on me. Her hands. I had to remember that. This wasn't my father, it was Anko.

"Ha-Hai, Anko-sensei." I tried to smile, but failed miserably. I could tell because of the look in her eyes. "No, you're not. I'm going to right you up a note. I want you to go to the nurses office and lay down. Understand?" I could only nod numbly as I blankly stared at the floor. "You know what, you're in no condition to walk yourself. Let's see...-" Before she could decide however, I had cut her off. "I'll be fine on my own." I murmured. Wordlessly, I plucked the note from her fingers and left through the doors. I've managed all this time on my own. Walking to the Nurses' Office would be a piece of cake.

~Sasuke Pov~

How hard was it trying to find the goddam Nurses' Office? Some idiot sliced his finger open in Chemistry and they send the new kid to find some old lady with bandages.

Smart idea.

By now, I was wondering around. You'd think there'd be signs.

You think wrong.

"Nurses' Office..." I mutter. Deciding to pick a random direction, I turn, but was hit by an unexpected form.

I feel what felt like a face knock against my chest before a squeak sounded in the empty hall.

Seriously, who in the hell squeaks?

"S-Sorry, I couldn't see a-and I..." That voice. Stuttering, yet soft. Of course. Sakura.

"Sakura." I say simply. She was okay, she didn't fall down.

"S-Sasuke." She shrank back.

"You know where the Nurses' Office is?"

"I'm going there." She breathed. "Follow me." Like a mouse, she was off and scurrying in the total opposite direction I had been going in.

"Hn." Wordlessly, I follow.

~xXx~

After long period of silence and continuously turning corners, we make it to the Nurses' Office.

"Here we are." Sakura sighed. Reaching forward, she slid the door to the side, but when we entered, nobody was in there.

"Was there something you uh, n-needed?" She turned and asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her left ear in the process.

"Bandage."

"Are you bleeding, o-or something?" Sakura's eyebrows drew together as I saw her eyes darting around.

"No. Some idiot was careless in class."

Her mouth formed a small 'o' as she nodded. "I can get you bandages-if you want, that is." She hastily added.

"That's what I'm here for." I sighed. Too much talking.

Not a second later, Sakura rushed over to a cabinet and pulled out a drawer that was stocked with random medical supplies. After pulling out what seemed to be a bandage, she reached up and opened a cupboard; With a wince, I might add.

"Just ah, sore from gym." She muttered, pulling out a box. When she found what she was looking for, Sakura put everything back in its place and walked back over. "Here. A-And some uh, alcohol pads to y-you know, disinfect the uh, the cut." She bit her lip and glanced at me.

Her hair on the right side of her neck was pushed back. Clear view.

"Sakura."

She looked up from the ground. "Yes?"

"You're neck scar. How'd it happen." I frown, walking towards the girl. I don't know why, I just felt drawn to her. "Car accident." She muttered.

With a slow hand, I reached up and traced it with my left index finger. Thick and rough. "Must've hurt." I whisper, getting a good look at it. "I don't remember much. I was eight when it happened." I noticed she grew quiet as she neared the end of her sentence.

"I got one too." I glanced down at the pink haired girl for a brief moment before heading over the bed to sit down. "Wanna see it?" I offered.

Sakura started fidgeting and began mumbling. I simply bent my neck forward and tilted it to the right. I felt her fingers trace along the path of skin I had memorized. "H-How..?" Sighing, I sat back up. "Homicidal brother." I felt her hand retreat, and I stand up.

"Shouldn't you be...?"

Knowing what she was asking, I glance at the clock ticking away on the wall. Chemistry would be over by the time I got back. "He'll live." I decide, sitting back down on the bed. As I sat there, I watched Sakura continuously rub her eyes and stroke the back of her head. "You alright?" I frown.

"Rough morning." Was all she said. However, there was something there, in the tone of her voice that made me believe there was something else to that, but I didn't ask.

If there was one thing that I hated besides my brother, it was when people asked too many questions.

'RRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNGGG'

"We should get going." Sakura sighed.

"Hn."

~xXx~

Once we had sat down at the same table as yesterday, it didn't take long for the Dobe to show up. "Yo Sasuke-teme! Sakura-chan!"

Too loud.

"Shut. Up."

He feigns being hurt. "You wound me, Teme." Right after, he dropped the act and looked to the pink haired girl at my side. "Hi-ya Sakura-chan! What's up?"

"Fine, thank you." I notice she avoids eye contact with Naruto. He seemed to have noticed too and sat down soon after.

One by one, our table is filled by the blondes' classmates each one louder than the other. Each one chattering on about their day. Tch.

From the corner of my eye, I watch Sakura stare at the table in front of her. She didn't start a conversation, nor did she take part in any. She only answered questions when asked, but other than that, she was silent.

"Sakura." I nudged her when I noticed she wasn't eating anything. "Hm?"

"Here." I tossed a bag of apple slices in front of her and she flashed me a small smile. "Thank you." She said before opening the bag and eating along with the others.

~xXx~

School dragged on from there. Not much to say about it. Copied notes, completed assignments. Normal stuff.

Time flew.

Before I knew it, the final bell rang, signaling the end of school for the day. Sighing, I gathered whatever I needed from my locker, and began walking towards the compound.

It was when I was halfway there I remembered something: Itachi was back. Dammit.

But there was nothing I could do about it. So I continued.

I stopped in front of the shoji door and slid off my shoes. As quietly as I could, I grasped the handle and slid the door open.

With as minimal noise as possible, I stepped inside and slid the door shut. So far so good.

"Welcome home, Outoto." I heard his voice right next to my ear.

How could I be stupid. This is Uchiha Itachi I'm dealing with.

The next thing all I felt was pain.

DammitDammitDammit.

A/N: I know I ended on a cliff there, but I NEED sleep. I have been working on this ALL day -with short breaks- and on top of that, FF decided NOT to save some of the work I had just typed! So yay. Retyping 1,000+ words. Lovely cheesecake and cookies to all of the wonderful reviewers and a big thank you to everyone who has read. I love you all. And all I ask for in return is a review. Please. I deserve it-seriously.

Review Responses:

Samira345: Aw I'm glad you find it interesting. Sorry I couldn't update sooner though, some personal things got in the way.

Phoenix Empire: Why thank you for the nice compliment :)

JuliaAbadeerSkellington: Thank you for sparing my life, kind mistress xD

.S: You guessed right! Er, part of it at least haha ^.^ Thank you for having faith in the upcoming chapters. I'm so sorry I made you cry! -hugs- I didn't know the last part of last chapter would be so emotional T-T Oh, don't worry ;) Sasukes' life will be featured in next chapter and later chaps :) Have faith in me!

Tika Kaika: You're review cracks me up xD You definitely get a cookie. You'll just have to wait and see if he does in fact, get these 'ninja-kickass powers' you speak of. Geeks and Ninjas totally rule. I'm with you on that haha.

Chierra: I'm glad you think this fic is interesting :). Yes Sasuke does get abused, but that will be covered in the upcoming chapter(s).

hama431: I have updated ^.^