The whole day I stayed in my room just reading getting occasional visits from Suigetsu and keeping to myself until I was rudely interrupted.

"Mariah, my room now." Madara said from outside the door.

I sighed and got up. I went to my door then walked to his room not looking forward to what's waiting for me in there. I entered the room I saw him sitting on his bed and motioned me to step closer. I dragged me feet across the floor over to him.

"Mariah, you need to get over yourself." He spoke up.

"What the hell do you mean?" I snapped.

"Itachi's death,"

"Oh....................that..."

"Yes, that."

"What of it? It's natural to be depressed when someone dies."

"Not to a ninja like yourself. Everyone dies eventually and you knew that it was coming so get over it."

"Yeah eventually everyone dies.....old man....so when do you die?"

He threw a kunai right at my stomach but I caught it.

"Dude chill," I said throwing the kunai across the room.

He then got really close to me.

"Don't talk back to me Mariah." He warned.

"And why should I care? I have nothing to live for so just let the beating begin." I said nonchalantly. "Why do you even keep me alive? You obviously don't need me to capture the Jinchuuriki so why?"

"Because Mariah, I have something in store for you."

"What would that be?"

"In time I'll tell you." He said punching my stomach.

"Ow man! I already had a wound there stupid!" I gasped.

"Oh I know," He chuckled putting more pressure on the wound.

"Dude seriously stop that."

While I was focusing on the pain in my stomach he punched my face making me hit the wall along with a freaking hook. The hook went into the side of my back missing important stuff. I groaned in pain but then I felt a familiar presence walking down the hallway. Madara advance towards me and grabbed my wrist.

"Aw come one man, why always the freaking wrist?!" I complained.

He then twisted my wrist breaking it making a sickening cracking sound. I screamed in pain hoping Sasuke will hear it. I dropped to my knees holding my hand to my chest. I then got up and tried to punch him with my good hand but it was caught with his hand. He squeezed my hand in his palm crushing it.

"What the fuck was that for! That fucking hurt!" I screamed at him.

"I thought that I broke your spirit a long time ago Mariah, I guess seeing Sasuke changed that. Now I have to start all over again." He sighed readying for a punch.

I closed my eyes waiting for impact but the pain never came. I opened my eyes seeing someone standing in front of my protectively. Madara was pushed into the opposite wall; he probably didn't expect someone to save me. I looked up and saw the Uchiha symbol and the raven headed guy that love so much. Wait did I really just say that?

"Don't touch her again." Sasuke growled.

Madara chuckled.

"Whatever I had my fun."

Sasuke turned around facing me and helped me up while glaring at Madara. He supported me as we walked to my room so that I could heal myself.

"Are you alright Mariah?" Sasuke asked.

"Just fine," I said looking at my messed up hand. "You know what's funny? It's always this hand that gets hurt badly."

I showed him my hand. Some bones were sticking out of the skin making the blood pour out of the wound down my skin to the ground. He stared at my blood covered hand leading me into my room. I sat down on my bed slowly healing my broken wrist.

 Sasuke watched my intently with concern in his eyes. When my wrist was healed I started to heal my hand but only to the extent to heal the bones but not the skin. I cleaned the blood off of my hand and saw that the scar that Sasuke left was still visible. I just stared at it for a very long time remembering that day.

*Flash Back*

 I climbed out of the window and got to the roof of the hospital to see Sasuke with Chidori and Naruto with Rasengan about to collide. Sakura was running towards them. I quickly ran right in the cross fire of them and held out my hands. The hand facing Naruto had my Rasengan in it and the hand facing Sasuke had Chidori in it. They're eyes widened realizing that they couldn't stop the attack in time and collided with my hands. My versions of their jutsu was weaker so they over powered me which resulted in Sasuke electrocuting me and also burning my hand completely, same with Naruto. I screamed.

Kakashi then grabbed their arms and swung them away before they could blow my hands off. I fell to my knees holding my hands to my stomach. My blood was soaking my shirt and bandages. Sakura was crying and everyone completely forgot about me. My hands were in excruciating pain and my blood was dripping onto the floor. Without anyone noticing I teleported home and screamed in pain.

*End*

"Mariah?" I heard Sasuke say.

"What?"

"You spaced out,"

"Sorry, I was just.....remembering something."

"Does it have to do with the scar on your hand?"

"Yeah,"

"Oh," He said looking down sadly. "How's your hand?"

"It's just fine but it left scars. Just more to add to the collection." I sighed.

"Don't you have a wound on your stomach?" Sasuke asked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. I don't even feel it but thanks for reminding me."

I started to heal my stomach but then I was out of chakra. Sasuke then got up to leave but I grabbed his sleeve.

"Um I just wanted to say.......thanks.....I'm grateful that you saved me."

"No problem....." He replied.

He then left me alone in my room. Then next day we started to head out towards the lightning country. I lead the way since I knew exactly who we were looking for. It was a three day trip from the hide out so we had to stop for camp; I was always keeping watch but mostly thinking. During our trip I mostly talked to Suigetsu which Sasuke didn't like much. The next day we set out and came across a little town and decided to rest up there.

"We should keep going." Sasuke said.

"No, we should rest as much as possible." I argued.

"Why should we? This is taking too long."

"We need a lot rest, this Jinchuuriki is powerful."

"All the more reason to get there faster." Sasuke said walking further.

"Dude we need rest, Jinchuuriki are very powerful. If you're not careful, then you'll die."

"And how do you know?" Karin spoke up.

"Because I captured mostly every one of them almost killing myself in the process. Let's just rest here and we'll be in the village in no time."

Sasuke remained quiet which meant....I won ^-^.  I led them to a nice hotel which I paid for.

"Mariah, how are you able to pay for all of this?" Juugo asked.

"My clan was very rich so when they died I got all of the money." I replied.

"Then how come your apartment was so small?" Sasuke asked out of boredom.
           

"Because I didn't need extra space. It was only me living there, plus Kurayami. I never spent any time there any way; I mostly trained my life away." I said while opening the door to our room.

The room was very nice with four beds, a TV, and even a mini pool in one room. Yeah I bought a very expensive room but it was worth it to see their faces light up.

"Um Mariah-chan, where's the other bed?"

"I usually stay on the roof and stare up at the sky." I answered.

"Why don't you sleep?"

"Because I have nightmares, jeez how many times do I have to say that? You guys rest up, if you need me I'll be on the roof."

I went up onto the roof just staring at the stars and the passing clouds. I was up there for a while until someone sat next to me. I looked over and saw Suigetsu staring up at the sky also.

"Sup?" I asked.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"Oh yeah, we haven't eaten all day. Sure where are we going?"

"To a restaurant not far from here."

"Sweet, is anyone else coming?"

"No, just you and me."

"Okay, I need a break from the others."

We jumped off the roof and headed towards the restaurant. It was very nice place and really quiet since it was about ten at night so no one would eat this late. The host greeted us and sat us down at a table and gave us our menus.

"How did you even know where this place was?" I asked.

"We passed it on our way to the hotel." He answered.

"That's cool,"

"So how powerful is the Jinchuuriki?"

"Well it depends on how many tails they have which ours is the eight tails so he's pretty strong."

"But as long as we have you we should be fine right?"

"Uh yeah, you don't need to worry. I have a lot of experience with Jinchuuriki so you'll survive."

"Heh I was never worried."

"And why's that?"

"Because we have you with us. I wouldn't trust Sasuke with my life but I would trust you."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah,"

"Then I guess I have to make sure that I save you or else you'll haunt me." I chuckled.

"Of course I would, and I'd be fun." He laughed.

"Psh then I'd kick your ghost ass."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Well we'll see when you haunt me."

Then our drinks came and we decided to order our food.

 "I'll have sushi with a side of pork," I ordered.

"I'll have some miso ramen." Suigetsu ordered.

"Alright they'll be right out." The waiter said.

"So why does the Akatsuki need the Jinchuuriki?" Suigetsu asked.

"They need the tailed beast inside them."

"For what?"

"Can't tell you, Madara doesn't trust you guys at all."

"Aw can't you disobey him just this once?"

"I've disobeyed him many times but I don't even trust Sasuke and I know that you'll spill."

"Psh no I won't."

"Yeah you would,"

"Whatever, oh and Mariah-chan."

"Yeah?"

"Your hair it's not silver at the top anymore." He pointed out.

"Oh, the hair dye is coming out. My hair is originally black."

"To tell you the truth, I think you look better with black hair."

"Really?"

"Yup, it suits you better than silver. It makes your eyes pop out."

"Someone's full of compliments."

"Yeah well they're true."

"I can tell,"

Then our food came out.

"Is there anything else you would like?" The waiter asked.

"No we're good."

"Wow she's hot," He thought walking away.

I then sighed while reaching for my chop sticks.

"What's wrong?" Suigetsu asked.

"Ah nothing. Just that whenever I guy sees me all they think is that I'm hot; it gets annoying after a while. No one really gets to know me first."

"Well you're very beautiful and an awesome person Mariah-chan."

"You're very flirtatious today,"

He nervously chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. I just laughed at his reaction.

"Aw you're blushing." I cooed.

"Hey shut up."

"Nah I'm good, you just look so funny." I laughed.

"Well I'm glad I'm entertaining you tonight."

I leaned over the table and gave him a peck on the lips.

"Well you're the only one who can cheer me up."

We then finished eating and of course I paid and we decided to walk around a bit. We mostly just talked and laughed.

"How do you think Sasuke is handling all of this?" He asked as he kissed my face.

"I-I don't know." I said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"So Mariah-chan, what was it like being in the Akatsuki?"

"Actually it was pretty nice. I mostly got along with everyone in the organization and I studied under them. I learned a lot from them and they all rubbed off on me."

"Like how?"

"Well from Sasori I became very impatient, from Deidara I didn't like it when people touched my stuff, from Hidan I got my colorful language and cockiness, from Kazuku I'm obsessed with money, from Kisame I guess my love of swords, I never really spent time with Konan or Pain, and from Itachi I get his calm attitude."

"I guess that explains a lot then. What where you like before the Akatsuki?"

"Before I was put on a team I was very cold, a lot like Sasuke but then when I was put on a team I became sweeter and actually cared about other people and had a lot of friends. Speaking of them two people owe me from a bet that we made during the Chuunin exams." I said.

We then jumped on top of a tall building sitting in a comfortable silence staring at nothing in particular. Suigetsu looked over at me and I returned his gaze staring into his eyes as he stared into mine. He then began to lean in and closed his eyes. His lips touched mine so I got closer to him putting one hand on his leg and the other around his neck. I was too distracted to notice someone approaching us.

"What are you two doing?!" Sasuke angrily questioned making us jump away from each other.

"Enjoying ourselves, something that you should do." I said frustrated.

"Suigetsu go back to the hotel, I wanna talk to Mariah alone."

Suigetsu gave me a worried look but I gave him a reassuring nod and he headed back to the hotel.

"What the hell were you doing?!"

"I was having a great time until you showed up."

"Yeah I could see that." He said crossing his arms.

"And what is that suppose to mean?"

"I just saw you two kissing!"

"So?" I said getting to my feet facing him.

"So?! Mariah why would you want Suigetsu?"

"Because he's nice to me, he makes me laugh, cheers me up, and compliments me."

"I know for a fact that you don't even like him like that Mariah."

"Oh? And how would you know?"

"Because I know you Mariah, I know that you still love me."

"Psh as if, now shouldn't you be resting? You might die tomorrow if you don't get any sleep." I said walking away.

"Mariah, this conversation isn't over yet."

"Well to me it is; now bye."

"Mariah Kira," He warned.

"Sasuke Uchiha," I replied.

"Don't walk away from me!"

"Too bad, I am." I said with a bored expression.

He let out a frustrated grunt.

"Aw what happened to the calm Sasuke?"

"He's gone because you've been making him frustrated."

"You don't have to be frustrated with me you know. Can't you just move on like I have?"

"You know I can't do that Mariah,"

"And why's that?"

"Because I still love you." He said with a hurt look.

My heart felt like it stopped.

"I doubt that." I said turning away from him.

"I know you feel the same way."

I didn't reply to his comment but he walked towards me making me lean on his chest. He rested his head on my shoulder but neither of us said a word to each other. Tears fell down my face and I began to shake. Sasuke held my shoulders trying to calm me down but it didn't really help.

"Suigetsu knows about our feelings for each other. Does he think he can still be with you?" Sasuke whispered in my ear.

"He knows what he's getting himself into." I replied.

I stepped away out of his grasp and started to walk away. Sasuke still stood there unmoving as he watched me leave.