Second Chances || SasuKarin || ON HIATUS

Bounty

This time, as we started traveling again, Sakura didn't bother to look in my direction or smile like she usually did. It was like the sweetened coffee you made in the morning that got bitter over time, or at least it's how it seemed. But honestly, I could careless, I didn't have to answer any of her questions that pried into my heart. My love for Sasuke, the pain that we both suffered is what keeps me connected to him. I'd rather choke than pour my feelings out to her.

"So, Sasuke. Where in the world are you taking us this early in the morning?" Suigetsu asked with a tinge of bitterness in his tone. I'm sure he was expecting to sleep in, that lazy asshole.

"We have another bounty to collect. Our money is running low, three more days and we won't be able to afford anything to support the five of us," Sasuke said as Suigetsu had his arm over Sasuke's shoulder. Sakura didn't seem comfortable around any of us. I could tell by the way she stepped away from Suigetsu the minute he got closer to Sasuke, but then again, I wouldn't want to stand next to him either. Guy smells like an uncleaned fish bowl.

"Who are we going after this time?" Juugo proceeded to asked.

"Actually, we don't know who it is just yet. There was just a poster up on a bulletin saying the village was willing to pay good money for anyone who catches the person that's been behind the recent kidnappings," Sasuke said handing the paper over to me. Huh? He's giving it to me? Well that's a first in a while, but I'll take it. "Karin, I'm sure you can track down the children. So, me, you, and Suigetsu will search the area. Sakura and Juugo will gather more information around the village."

"But Sasuke-kun, are you sure you won't need me there?" Sakura looked up towards him with pursed lips. God damn, just trust his judgement. I could feel my eyes rolling as I watched her. If there's anyone who knows how to lead a squad, it's him. "I mean, I run a clinic around the nations, so I often deal with children. Plus, if you need medical-."

"No, the villagers need to trust whoever they're talking to. You and Juugo are seemingly perfect for getting the answers we need. Plus, I have Karin. If anything happens, you can trust her to take care of me," Sasuke responded, interrupting Sakura's sentence. I smirked unknowingly-well, only slightly unknowingly. I wanted to bask in this moment and breathe it in like oxygen. "Karin is also a medic and just as capable as you are, so don't worry too much."

God, was I smiling, because I felt like I was. I mean I felt bad because sure, she wants to be close to him, but this was a mission. Plus, the way she was feeling now was exactly how I'd felt since she started traveling with us, so my empathy for her only ran so far. But I reassured her anyway. "He'll be safe with me. But, with someone like Sasuke you don't need worry much in the first place."

I didn't think much of what I said, but she hugged me. Awkwardly on my part. Should I hug her back? I'm not sure I want to. "Thank you, Karin."

"Well if we want that money by sun down, we better get going," I said trying to get her to get her to catch the hint that I didn't appreciate her hanging on me. I didn't like other people laying their hands on me without permission, it made me uncomfortable. But I guess I'll let it slide for the time being...

***

Even though I was cheered up by the fact that he asked me to go along with him instead of Sakura, the mere sight at her standing beside him hurt. I bit the inside of my cheek at the closeness of the two of them until I noticed that she glanced back at me. Our eyes met, making it obvious I was staring at the two of them. Instead of giving me the evil eye, she turns around and makes a foot of distance between her and Sasuke. What was she doing? My thoughts were stopped as soon as I heard Sasuke's voice. God, I could listen to him talk all day.

"Alright, the village is up ahead. Sakura and Juugo go ahead of us and let us know what you find out. We'll meet you back by sunset and let you know if we've got anything," Sasuke ordered us.

As soon as they darted off toward the village, Sasuke looked at me with those beautifully darkening eyes to explain our next move, but man was he-Keep it together damn it! "I'll let you see what you can sense, but we should survey the area while we're at it."

"Right," I agreed, straightening out the frame of my glasses. Within seconds I could tell something was already off about the area, or at least there was something all too perfect about it. Not only could I not sense any malicious or copious quantities of chakra, I couldn't sense any at all. It was like some sort of force was preventing me from detecting them. "That's odd."

"What?"

"I'm not sensing anyone, the villagers or even us for that matter," I explained. "Do you think it might be chakra suppression?"

"Maybe, but this seem slightly different. The village is only down the hill, so it's unusual for you not to detect anyone within this vicinity," Sasuke said narrowing his eyebrows in thought.

"What about a massive cloaking?" Suigetsu inquired.

"I guess it's a possibility, but we won't know until we find the source. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the missing children." Sasuke predicted. "We shouldn't waste any more time. I'll head to the west and search the perimeter, since the east of the village is at blocked by a cliff, Karin go with Suigetsu and see what you two can find in the northern part. Meet back at the village by sun down so we can meet up with Sakura and Juugo."

"Are you kidding me, you want to leave me with this psycho," Suigetsu complained, and trust me I wanted to too. Why are you punishing me Sasuke-kun?

"You can cover more grounds together. And let's just say I move a bit quicker..." He trailed off before vanishing, leaving the two of us on the main road. Damn it, now I really am stuck with this idiot.

***********************************

~Sasuke~

It's been hours and still nothing. Literally, there's not even so much as a hint of foot trails leading outside of the village. Whoever was behind this was careful not to make errors. I stayed out longer than sunset, the sherbet sky of reds and pinks disappeared to make a luminous night sky.

On my way back to the village, I could see my team and Sakura, or at least part of my team. Where was Karin? I walked faster than I had, my feet unconsciously carrying me quicker by the second. The closer I'd gotten, the more I could see the concern on all of their faces. "What's going on?" I asked looking around the village for her crimson hair, but it was useless, she wasn't here. "Where's Karin, where is she?"

"So, she's not with you either?" Juugo said as his features became more serious.

"We were waiting for you to get back from your search, we thought she might have left to meet up with you. I came back as soon as I could after I lost her. I swear I looked everywhere in the area. Sakura and Juugo haven't seen her either," Suigetsu said with low tone to his voice.

"You don't think..." Sakura trailed off. No...

A/N

So, I am changing the title of this story from Perfect Puzzle Pieces to Second Chances. The cover will be changing soon as well. I just didn't want you guys to wonder what the heck was going on lol. Comment or vote for the chapter if you're liking it so far and follow me for updates on the story or any news regarding it. I'll have another chapter out soon! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoy the story as much as I love writing it.