Sakura's friendship with a rogue nin is a lifeline for both, but it cannot last. Nothing ever lasts for him. But when a blond Akatsuki shows up with the bleeding kunoichi in his arms, will she be she strong enough to unravel the mystery of who he is? AU Naru/Saku

Bloodied but victorious, Naruto looked up to see his two teammates beaming at each other. It looked like they had found love. Then he knew it was finally the end. He smiled weakly as she tended his wounds. It was okay, he wanted it for them too. Yet Naruto also knew the ache that had settled in his chest would never be healed. But sometimes, the end is only just the beginning. NS.

Naruto never imagined he'd find the girl of his dreams dishing up ramen at the wrong end of an alley in the middle of the night. Now his comfortable life as a thief is upside down as he tries to get to know her while keeping his gang bosses happy. As the line between reality and disguise blurs, Naruto realizes that achieving her dream just might cost him his freedom. NS/Modern AU