Love is War
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Chapter One
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DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN NARUTO
A/N: This is an AU and characters are a bit OOC!
WARNING: Violence, language and sexual suggestiveness!
RATED M FOR GOOD REASON.
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It may have been true that I had a bit of an attitude, and I wouldn't deny my reputation. People knew just how strong I was, in more ways than one and I was feared more than anything, but I was also respected. I was hot headed and easy to piss off but usually when it came to my own men, I could contain my anger.
Today wasn't a usual day.
I was in my study, the place I did all my thinking and most of my work. It was also the place I met with my closest men. Today was supposed to be uneventful. We'd just taken out a huge target, one who was our main competition in the underground world and in doing so, we'd earned a few days of peace at least. Nothing could go right anymore though it seemed.
The business had been falling to hell, I'd lost too many members and worse than that, we'd lost valuable arms and goods. Things we needed to keep our income rolling. It was all enough to have me brooding, but when Sai, my best recruit, showed up bloodied and unrecognizable, I knew I was going to end up losing it.
"What the fuck happened?" I hissed, glaring at him as he collapsed on the floor of my study. He groaned loudly and Naruto, my right hand, knelt down next to him on the floor, before turning his blue eyes to me.
"It was the damned Akatsuki." Naruto spat, his fists clenching at his sides as he looked back down to Sai.
Our only medic had just been murdered a week before and there was little help for him here. Going to the hospital was out of the question, something strictly forbidden to all gang members following any gang-related injuries.
"The fucking Akatsuki?" I roared as I bolted around my desk and knelt down on the other side of Sai.
He'd been shot, in the side. I cursed aloud as I examined the wound. The bullet was clearly visible and didn't appear like it would be hard to remove. It wouldn't be the first time I'd removed a bullet, or even stitched up a wound, hell I'd even done it on myself.
"Let's get him in the infirmary."
Naruto and I carried Sai's limp body down to the infirmary, a room that was sometimes full of men. It wasn't unusual. Drops went bad. There were always enemies, and war broke out more often than it should have. I'd have to find another medic, someone who truly knew what they were doing, but when it came to our business, it wasn't easy to recruit anyone.
I wasn't an easy woman to win over. Trust was something earned, and it wasn't earned easily. In fact, there was less than a handful of people I truly trusted. Naruto and Sai were two of them. I'd lost a lot of men, most of the time without even batting an eye, but I didn't want to have to suffer the loss of either of them. They were the best men I could have ever had, they were loyal and they knew what the hell they were doing… most of the time.
When I finally removed the bullet from Sai's unconscious body, I cleaned the wound and stitched it up effortlessly. Even Naruto seemed impressed by how quickly I finished the job and I was confident that Sai would be just fine in a few days at most. He was banged up, more than likely from falling off his bike after the shot but I felt he'd look much better after getting cleaned up. He may need a little booze, or a couple pain killers, but he'd pull through.
He couldn't die on me yet.
When Naruto and I left the room, we ran into Ino. She was a pretty blonde with a cute body and she belonged to Sai. She'd tried to befriend me over the years, but I didn't have friends. I had my men, my gang. It was my life. I didn't like to smile and chat. It wasn't me.
Women weren't so carelessly joined with the men in my group, and once they were in, the only escape was death. I admired the girl for dedicating her life to Sai, but I felt she was a fool for loving anyone at all. Sai didn't love her. He respected her, as he should and he was faithful to her most of the time, but love wasn't something we believed in.
It was idiotic if I was being honest.
I believed in respect. Loyalty. But I didn't believe in love. It was never a feeling I had, not even for my best men. Not even my right hand, Naruto. I sighed as I looked her over, taking in the way her lip trembled and her eyes watered. Of course she would know by now that Sai was hurt and she wanted to see him. I wouldn't forbid her since I preferred someone to keep an eye on him anyway and she'd certainly clean him up and care for him.
"You can go in." I told her and she sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Sakura." She told me before hurrying into the infirmary.
"We need to discuss this." I said to Naruto as I went on my way back to my study. I didn't have to look to know he was hot on my heels.
"Agreed, should I gather the guys, or-"
"No." I gave him a dark glare as we continued down the halls. "Just me and you."
I wanted to know exactly what had happened. It didn't make any sense. Surely we could be targeted at any time and the Akatsuki have wanted us dead and gone for years, but Naruto and Sai were out alone, making a simple sell to a trusted client. It didn't make sense for them to be attacked. There was no way the Akatsuki could have known where they'd be.
I opened the door to my study, walked in and stepped aside for Naruto to walk in. Then I slammed the door shut. The more I thought about it, the more pissed I became and as I finally sat back at my desk, I almost didn't want to discuss the incident at all.
"Start from the top." I told him, gesturing for him to sit before I went about rummaging through my drawers. I needed my bottle. A drink would calm me.
Naruto sighed and waiting to take the drink I fixed him before he spoke. He drained half the glass before his eyes met mine from across my desk. "I don't think it was a premeditated attack. It was when we were on our way back from the drop. We just happened to cross them, and you know we can't cross them without confrontation."
I nodded, knowing that well enough. "How many of them?" I asked as I poured my second drink.
"Four. Only one got away unharmed and two are dead, but Sai still got hit."
"At least it wasn't for nothing. Even taking one of those bastards out is a major accomplishment. Fuckers think they're untouchable."
They really knew how to get under my skin.
"Yeah they might think, but I bet your ass they know after today." Naruto was just as angry as me, and this amused me. It wasn't often that he really got pissed about something, and when he did, he really was a handful. "Listen, Sakura…" He looked at me, all seriousness returned. "I really think we need to recruit new members. I know it's not something you want, I know. But it's something we need. It would help us a lot."
"It could also destroy us." I countered, my tone thick with annoyance. I finished my drink before giving him a sharp look. "Too many fucking snakes."
Naruto frowned and I looked away from him. Even he knew how touchy this subject was to me and it pissed me off to new lengths that he'd even mentioned it. The last thing we needed were newbies, even if they were loyal. The whole place could go to hell, in a hurry.
"If it's the numbers you're worried about, let's not overdo it. We don't have to bring in a dozen men. You know as well as I do how one man can be an army all his own."
This had my brow raising. "Are you trying to tell me you have someone in mind?"
"Maybe." He set his glass on my desk, silently asking for a refill. "If you're willing to listen."
I sighed as I finished pouring him another drink and kicked back in my desk with another of my own. I rested my feet on my desk as I leaned back in my chair. My black boots were pretty worn, but they were my favorites. I wore my jeans, like I always did, a plain white shirt and my leather vest was always on my back unless I was sleeping. It was one way everyone knew exactly who I was.
I didn't like the idea of new members but we could use the extra hands, especially if Sai would be out for a while. One man wouldn't be too bad. He'd be easy enough to deal with, should he be traitorous.
"I'm listening…" I wanted to hear what Naruto had to say. I respected his opinion, being my right hand and all, and if there was a man he recommended for the job, I more than likely wouldn't turn him down. I could at least check the guy out.
"I've known him for a while but he's a rebel. Never been affiliated with anyone but himself, but he's known to take jobs, runs guns too. He'd be a perfect addition to the group."
"You've known him for a while… But what makes you so certain he'd be trustworthy enough to join us?"
"He saved my life once and we became friends after that. I've seen him work and I've given him jobs myself. I'd trust him. Even with you."
"Pft." I snorted. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Naruto shrugged, looked away with a smug look on his face that he tried to hide behind his glass. "You know, I don't think he'll try to fuck you or anything… like every other bastard."
This I laughed at. Naruto knew as well as anyone that I had only one interest in men and that was putting them to work, not taking them to bed. I wouldn't admit it to anyone but sex was the furthest thing from my mind, in fact it was something I'd never done. I'd come close, a few times but then it just didn't work out and once, I ended up killing the guy. It was best if I just kept to myself for good.
"You know I'm not letting anyone fuck me." Period.
Naruto laughed then. "I know, but wouldn't it be nice to have someone around who wasn't trying? Other than those of us who already know…"
"I suppose. But how do you know he won't try? Is he gay?" I was genuinely curious.
Naruto choked on the drink he'd been taking and then laughed hysterically. "God no, but he's told me more than once that women were the last of his worries. Actually, I don't think he fucks either. Ever."
I glared at Naruto when he didn't stop laughing. Sometimes he could be so annoying. "Well I don't care if he fucks or not, he won't be fucking me or my business. If you're confident in his abilities and believe he's truly trustworthy, bring him in to talk to me."
"You got it." Naruto got up then, leaving his empty glass on my desk. He seemed rather excited all of a sudden.
"You're leaving?" I called after him as he made it to the door. He looked back at me, smiling proudly.
"Damn right, I'm going to get the bastard."
"Now?"
"Now." Naruto nodded. "I'll be back, maybe a couple hours at most."
I groaned and ran my free hand through my hair in frustration, but before I could argue Naruto was gone. It's late and even though I was trying to be agreeable, I sure as hell didn't mean I wanted to interview the guy tonight. I killed my drink as I realized I wouldn't be going home once again. But really, this place was my home.
The club was made out in four parts, the underground was where I spent the majority of my time. It was where the best rooms were, my study and the meeting room which was used for when I had to speak to the group all at once. The floor level held the bar, where most of the guys stayed when they weren't doing business. There was also the garage, a place I was rather fond of. I enjoyed working on the bikes in my spare time, but these days that wasn't something I had much of.
The other place was the dining hall, where there was a full kitchen and a table that would hold us all. We ate there most nights together, and the women who've earned their ways into the group, like Ino, were the ones who did the cooking for everyone. They always stayed at the club and this was where their men were when they weren't on the road.
My home was nearby, the place I'd grown up in and owned myself for my entire adult life, but it was a place I hadn't seen in months now. I used to enjoy escaping for a bit, being in my own home all alone and forgetting about all the weight on my shoulders but then the load got heavier, and I became even more invested in the business… and in the lifestyle.
A part of me believed I may never walk into that house again.
I took the time while Naruto was gone, to shower. Sai's blood had stained my clothes, even my vest but I took the time to clean it before my shower. It wasn't the first time. I felt much better after I was clean and had a slight buzz from the alcohol. I dressed in a fresh pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. I slipped my boots on and then my vest last. My boots came up to my calves and I zipped them both up one at a time before I left my room. I'd return to my study and wait on them there.
"Yo, Sakura." I turned back to look at one of my men who'd called to me. It was Gaara. Neji and Lee were with him.
"What's up?" I asked.
"We heard about Sai, we were on our way to check in on him. You missed meal time."
I frowned, only realizing then that I hadn't even thought about dinner. "Oh well." I shrugged. It wasn't like it was the first time.
"You should eat." Neji said.
"You've been missing meals a lot lately." Lee added.
"I'm not hungry, if I was, I'd eat, okay? Damn!" I stormed off, hurrying to my study and away from them. I couldn't stand it when they nagged me.
Maybe I hadn't been eating like I should and I had even lost a few pounds. Right now, it just couldn't be helped. I had too much else to worry about. If food was forgotten, it was forgotten. I could always eat tomorrow. Besides, drinking was so much better.
I'd only had a chance to have two more drinks before Naruto returned. He had a way of knocking on my door that was always the same, and I always knew it was him. I called for him to come in as I sipped on my drink and then watched as the door opened. I was curious to meet this man, this potential recruit. He had to be pretty interesting if he wasn't worried about fucking women. Even most of my men still had to partake in such activities.
"It's me." Naruto explained as he stepped through the door, as if I didn't already know.
I wasn't looking at him though, my eyes went past him and to the man who was walking in behind him. His eyes were on mine before he was even in the room, and I was surprised at how appealing I found those obsidian orbs to be. He was one hell of a looker; his raven hair was long and messy and his face was like something out of a painting. I'd never seen a man who took my breath away, until now.
I didn't make it past his face for a couple minutes and from the quick once-over I gave his body, I would assume the rest of him was just as perfect as his face. I couldn't imagine a man as sexy as him not fucking. Hell, women had to be throwing themselves at him. Even I felt an attraction, and that was something that had never happened to me.
And I knew many good looking men.
"Sakura, this is the guy I was telling you about. Sasuke Uchiha. Sasuke, this is our leader, Sakura."
Though he had an admirably stoic face, I didn't miss the look of surprise that crossed his features, and then the look of recognition. It wasn't often you found a woman in the ranks, much less a leader. But around here, I was known.
"Sit down." Naruto urged Sasuke, just before I suggested it myself. I didn't like people standing in my study. "You want me to stay?" He asked me then and I shook my head no. I liked to have my interviews in private.
"No leave us. You should go and clear out the infirmary. Except Ino."
Naruto nodded as he walked to the door. "Just call if you need me."
I heard Naruto close the door behind him, but my eyes were on the man before me. It annoyed me to no end to find that I was so attracted to him, because it was something that had never happened to me before and I found that his looks alone were distracting.
"Before we begin, tell me why you would agree to join." I had to know.
Once he was in, there was no backing out. It was hard to believe a loner would join us so easily, and with no ill intentions. He would by tying his life to us and that wasn't something to take lightly.
"You need the help, I need the work." He shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes never leaving mine.
"You understand that once you wear our vest, you will be one of us. Until you die."
"Yes." He seemed unbothered. "I'm well aware."
"It's more than just work."
"I know that."
I glared at him as I thought over our conversation so far. I had to have another drink before continuing. "I assume Naruto has spoken to you about the business, along with all our rules and regulations."
"He has." The man nodded. I took another drink.
"How's your record?"
"Clean, as far as the system goes."
Which meant he was smart, and sexy. It had to be a deadly combination.
"Look, Naruto drilled me good. I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I wouldn't be wasting my time or yours if this wasn't something I wanted to do. The offer was more than welcome. Especially when he told me about the Akatsuki. I have a few bones to pick with them myself, so I'd like to help take them out. Making a little money on other jobs will only be a bonus. I won't betray you, just like I would never betray Naruto. He's one bastard I wouldn't kill, so I can't have him trying to kill me."
He seemed believable enough. He'd have to be a fool to join us without intending to become a part of the family. He wouldn't live long, but with us, he would have power and money and loyalty. He'd no longer be a loner. He'd be a part of our family for the rest of his life. It all seemed too easy to me.
"Naruto told me how you are about new members and I can respect that, in fact I agree with you completely. It's not easy to trust anyone and I don't expect to earn your trust immediately. But, I will earn it."
He was mighty confident. "Well we will see about that." I would find out for myself just how trustworthy he was. As I thought over it all, I picked my feet up to rest on my desk.
"I'm down for anything." He grumbled, his eyes trailing over my body, mainly my jean-clad legs. I absolutely despised the way my skin crawled when he looked me over like that. "Almost anything." He added after a moment, smirking at me when he noticed the way I was glaring at him.
"Tomorrow there's a drop going down not far from the shipping docks, at noon. I had a few guys making the run because it's a big client and obviously, I don't trust them. Anything could happen, including running into the Akatsuki. Me and you will make the drop instead. So I can see how you work. Then I'll make my decision."
"Alright." He nodded and didn't seem as if he was going to question me at all. He was strange and not like any of my other men. They all had their own reasons for wanting to join us and they'd all come to me.
I'd never had to bring someone in, but when it came down to it, I just wouldn't have expected anyone to join to willingly. He was clean on record and seemed like a smart enough guy. His looks would surely prove to help with any lady targets, even though there usually weren't many of them. But something about him just seemed… too good to be true.
For our sake as well as his, I hoped he wasn't.
I poured myself another drink, and poured one for my guest as well. When I sat the glass at the end of the desk closest to him, he took it immediately. I watched him as he drank the liquor, just as easily as I did. He watched me too and for a while, we said nothing else.
"You know I was surprised to find you were a woman. I've heard about you. I've even seen the price on your head, but I hadn't expected you to be running this place." This Uchiha seemed amused and I chuckled as I went about refilling my glass once more.
"I like surprising people." I admitted, a sinister smirk on my lips. He watched me warily.
"I'm sure you do." He grinned back at me, and the sudden change in his features was enough to make my heart skip a beat.
What the fuck.
I bit my lip in a feeble attempt to stop my body from reacting to every little thing he did. Just as we both took another drink, a knock sounded on the door. I rolled my eyes and slammed my glass down on the counter. I really hated being interrupted.
"Come in," I called, my annoyance had to be noticeable as I glared at the door, and then at Neji and Gaara who came inside before closing the door behind them. "What?" I hissed.
"Fucking Uzumaki, he kicked us out." Neji spat, he had an attitude that could rival my own. Gaara looked just as pissed as he did, and they only gave the Uchiha a brief glance before returning their attention to me.
"Who the fuck is he?" Gaara asked pointedly, he and Neji both now towering over me behind my desk.
"At this moment, it's none of your business." I muttered, annoyed. "And you both know I don't like being interrupted." They both had been with me for years, they knew me well, but they still tried my patience time and time again.
"We're taking you out, for food." Neji announced, his eyes cold as they went to the newcomer in the room.
"Yeah, so get your shit and let's go." Gaara added.
Before I could stop myself, I grabbed my favorite personal handgun and shot the ceiling. It wasn't the first time. "If I don't want to eat, I'm not gonna fucking eat."
It didn't surprise me when Neji and Gaara didn't flinch. They'd been dealing with me for years, but I did raise a brow when the Uchiha seemed unmoved as well.
"Either we're going or we're going to bring you something. One way or another, you will eat."
I glared at Neji, and Gaara too. Damn them for not being intimidated by me anymore. They were too comfortable. They were family. They were loyal. They knew I wouldn't kill them, but sometimes I really wanted to. Like now. They wouldn't give up, so I relented. Mostly because I was getting pretty hungry and I'd had a rather large amount of alcohol throughout the night.
"Shit." I cursed as I threw my feet down from my desk to the floor and took a stand, coming up much shorter than the two men next to me. I holstered my gun and put it back on my side before looking to the Uchiha. "You can come along." I wasn't done with him just yet.
The man got to his feet and it didn't seem like he was going to argue about it. I admired his faded blue jeans, his black T-shirt and the leather vest he wore that looked so good on him. I'd like to see him out in public. I wanted to see how he would act, and react to people, especially women.
I just couldn't believe Naruto. There was no way this bastard wasn't fucking.
"Get Naruto." I ordered Gaara. I'd need him to keep the bastards off my back. He left without another word, but Neji stayed behind and I wasn't sure why but I had the feeling he was trying to keep an eye on me, and the Uchiha since he kept giving him dark looks on our way out of my study.
"Yo, how'd it go?" Naruto must have been coming down the hall because he was already there with Gaara by the time we walked out. He smiled at me and then the man in question.
"I'm gonna see him in action before I make my decision." I told him flatly as I led the way through the club and into the garage where our bikes were.
I got on mine and looked over next to Naruto, and the Uchiha right beside him. He had a nice bike, but I would have expected nothing less. I zipped up my vest like I always did before a ride and then started my bike. There was nothing more refreshing than a night ride. I wasn't even thinking about the fact that we were going for food anymore.
I looked away from the bastard in annoyance when he looked back at me, a sly smirk on his lips. Fuck him. I took out of the garage, riding away into the wind and knowing everyone would be right behind me. I hadn't been acknowledging them but everyone who was home were joining us as well. I blocked everything out but the road. This was the only time I was truly at peace.
My moment of peace didn't last long, with the new guy riding up next to me. That devilish grin on his face was enough to have my skin crawling all over again and all I could think about was things not ending well with him around. He was distracting and already annoying as hell. All I could do was try and ignore him, but that would be impossible. Until I trusted him, he'd be at my side… and I just didn't have a good feeling about that.
Thanks for reading Love is War!