BOLD used for emphasis.
Italics thoughts
A D D I C T E D
Chapter 1: Encounters.
Konoha was plagued by the disease known as Akatsuki -a group of well practiced criminals that wreaked havoc wherever they went. Police were more than content to leave them alone, their terror far outweighed the law, and so by default the gang practically ruled the city. Well, almost. A silent war was raging between Konoha's famed leader Tsunade and her cast of 'white knights', and the ruthless outlaws. At the moment they were in a stalemate, each side was unable to gain the advantage. Therefore, Konoha was divided in two with a boundary that separated the 'good folk' and the 'bad'. There was neutral ground though, where both parties were forced to co-exist in 'peace'.
It was purely by chance that they had run into each other. He was with his gang, she with hers, when they collided. Obsidian eyes met Emerald as they attempted to assert their dominance, each assessing the other.
"Move, bitch."
He was used to having his commands carried out because the punishment for disobedience was severe.
"Fuck you."
She hated being told what to do, her independence knew no bounds well, if it did, there was always her fist.
"I won't repeat myself."
"Yeah 'cause if you do, you're not walking out of here with that same perfect face." She raised her hand threateningly. He laughed, and for some reason, that sent shivers down her spine.
"I doubt you could land a hit on me, girl." He stated her gender in a degrading way, once more raising himself to be the superior. "But since I find you amusing, I'll let that slide."
They parted ways, both simmering in their own anger.
They met again at a cafe, which she coincidentally worked at.
"Hello, Cherry Blossom."
Sakura froze, recognizing the voice. She looked up from preparing a latte to find the person she liked the least in front of her. Fate could be so cruel.
"What the hell do you want?"
"Is that how you act to all your customers? You could very easily get fired for that you know." He smirked and leaned tauntingly against the counter.
"...What can I get you, sir?" She spat the last word out as if it was coated in poison. How dare he show up and be so, so... She was livid with anger and would have taken a swing at him if it weren't for the fact that she would lose her job. So biting back her very tempting remarks, Sakura forced herself to take deep calming breathes and behave somewhat civilly.
"What would you recommend?"
Oh he was so enjoying this, annoying her to no end and making her life hell, it seemed all hot guys were destined to be jerks. (Not to mention, a criminal.)
"I prefer coffee myself. But there are people waiting in line so you have to make your choice quickly."
"In that case, I'll take a large coffee."
She glared as she finished up the previous order, placing the drink on a separate counter for the customer to 'pick up.'
"It'll be 4.50."
He fished out the money from his pocket, his dark hair falling in front of his eyes. Sakura had to force herself not to stare. The teen had to grudgingly admit that he was good looking, and it wasn't something she was proud of thinking.
"Alright fine, damn sexy...but he's still an ass and he's also part of them." She murmured her voice low enough that he couldn't hear. And with that said, it ended any thoughts that might have emerged had she let her mind continue its treacherous path. The pink haired girl quickly made his order, proceeding to unnecessarily slam it down on the opposite counter also refusing to say; have a good day. She hoped as hell he didn't.
Itachi smirked, a trade mark of the Uchiha it seemed, and wordlessly took the cup. It was just too easy to get under her skin, and he had to say that it was certainly entertaining.
The day was relatively normal after that, which Sakura was thankful for. The encounter hours earlier had left her in a bad mood, and she was WISHING that someone would say something to provoke her just so she had the opportunity to expel the pent up rage. But unfortunately for her, her friends knew to keep a safe distance and watch their mouths. She had a nasty right hook, and was very prone to becoming violent when angered. In the end though, the pink haired girl cooled off, it was hard not to with Naruto around.
"So Sakura-chan, want to go get some Ramen now that you're off work?" The blonde asked, taking the chance to get more of his favourite meal.
"Yeah sure Naruto, that sounds good. But, you're paying." She smiled, knowing full well he was going to protest.
"Awww, come on! You're the one with the job!" Yep. She was right.
Sakura rolled her eyes, and though she knew she shouldn't, ended up agreeing to pay. What are friends for though, right?
"Oi, forehead!" A voice squealed.
Great, it's Ino.
Even though they were best friends, at times the blonde could be almost annoyingly boisterous and well...blonde. Sakura just wasn't in the mood to put up with the latest gossip or other such talks with Ino, still rather irked with encounters of Itachi. (Although Naruto had managed to lift her spirits a bit.)
"Hey Ino."
Ino cast a questioning glance at the pink-haired girl, knowing something was up. They always referred to one another by their nicknames, unless it was a serious matter. She could tell something had gotten to Sakura, but knew well enough not to pry in public so Ino made a mental note to interrogate her friend later. Beside the blonde kunoichi, was Shikimaru, one of the smartest ninja's around but also the laziest. He was currently 'zoning' out, his mind in his own little world as he stared at the sky. Ino nudged the boy, and none too kindly at that.
"What?" Upon seeing Naruto and Sakura, he gave a smile; "Oh, hey Naruto, Sakura."
The two returned the greeting and seated themselves at the famous ramen bar, well, the only one that Naruto would ever go to; Ichiraku's. A comfortable silence descended over them, as each of the friends was immersed in their own thoughts.
"So what do you think has got the Akatsuki so suddenly...y'know, peaceful?" Naruto asked. It was a question that they had all been thinking, but none dared to voice. A lull in the violence between the two halves of the city was certainly peculiar.
"Pfft, you should just enjoy the fact that we've been able to rest up." Ino replied, in a care-free manner. Truth be told, she was just as worried as the others.
"No, it's in the eye of the storm one must be most wary."
"Leave it to you Shikimaru, to say something so philosophically smart." Ino commented, rolling her eyes at the lazy boy's intelligence.
"He has a point. Almost everything bad happens during the momentary time of peace because people drop their guard."
Shikimaru nodded in agreement with Sakura, as he finished eating his ramen. Not surprisingly, Naruto had ordered another bowl.
"I still say you should relax for a bit." Ino re-iterated, and shrugged.
"Ah, I thought I might find you two here." A familiar voice drawled.
"Kakashi-sensei?"
"Yo."
Sakura smiled warmly at her former teacher. Although he had asked them to refrain from calling him that, to her and Naruto, he would always remain so.
"Kakashi-sensei!!" Naruto nearly shouted, as if he hadn't seen the man in years. Well, that was almost true. Kakashi had been off on some unknown mission for quite some time, and it must have been important if it took him out of Konoha's walls.
"The Hokage would like to speak to you." He caught Sakura's eye, "Both of you."
And with that, he was gone, smoke being the only thing that had said he had been there. Sakura frowned, it was not like Kakashi to be so serious, something was up.
"Let's go Naruto." The kunoichi said her goodbyes to Ino and Shikimaru before grabbing the famous blonde boy's arm and dragging him away from his 'precious'.
A/N: So, how did you like it so far? Yes, Sakura is a ninja but she also works at a cafe. There will be more on that later. I'll add in more characters as the story progresses. I understand many will read this and not leave a review, but it would be nice if you could. Suggestions to help improve would be great as well.
Apologies if characters are OOC.
-K1llrKayh