Sakura stood at the outskirts of the clearing in the dense forest. Sasuke stood in the middle, a few yards away from her, trying to pick up on any kind of trail. Kakashi had dragged the whole team into this mission and since the moment the name was mentioned, Sasuke has been beyond focused to see it through. That's why Kakashi had assigned the two as partners while him and Naruto ran up ahead of them. He had said that she was like an anchor for Sasuke to keep him from going off the deep end. She didn't feel confident that she could control him once his big brother was in his sight. It was his main goal in life to kill Itachi. Why would some girl be able to stop him now? It was pointless. If Itachi didn't want to be found, then he wouldn't. Sakura sighed, letting her guard down for the moment. Her breath caught in her throat when she felt someone behind her. The figure was already at her back before she could turn. A hand covered her mouth while the other slid along her hip. A pair of lips grazed her ear gently and a painfully familiar voice spoke softly to her. "Hello, Sakura. I promise that you wont make much noise." He lowered his hand from her mouth and rested it across her stomach.
"Itachi..." she breathed quietly. His red ring glimmered against her clothing.
Sakura stood painfully still, watching Sasuke closely. Itachi chuckled. "Expecting someone else?" He continued when she didn't respond. "So, tell me, dear Sakura, what is it that your team is searching for"
Sakura swallowed dryly and tried to keep her voice steady. His fingers drummed lightly on her stomach and she blushed. "er.. y-you.. were looking f-for..you"
She felt his cheeks move into a smile. "How are you doing so far? Any luck"
"Just barely"
Itachi nuzzled her neck. "Good. Lets hope it stays that way, hmm"
Sakura's eyes fluttered slightly and she gave him a faint nod.
A moment ticked and Itachi chuckled lightly in her neck. "Looks like your 'boyfriend' is picking up. Took him long enough"
Sakura opened her eyes wide and looked at Sasuke. He stood stiff and poised. He heard something.
Itachi kissed her neck. "Until we meet again... Sakura.." His hands slid away and Sakura felt the cold bareness that his body heat had left behind her.
She turn reflexively though she knew he was gone.
Sasuke appeared at her side before Sakura could react. "You heard it too?" He whispered hurriedly. Sakura jumped. "Er. Wha? I--" He hadn't seen them. She relaxed slightly. "uh, er, yeah. Y-you think its him"
Sasuke didn't answer. "Lets get moving. Kakashi and Naruto aren't fa--" A rustle above them cut him off. Sasuke and Sakura froze instinctively and listened. Two more rustles. Pause. Then another. Sakura glanced around. "Is someone up there?" she asked Sasuke. He just let out an annoyed sigh and pulled out a throwing star. Sakura stared at him. "what ar-" He tossed the weapon up high and very hard. A yelp rang through the forest following by a loud thud of someone hitting the floor.
Sakura gasped. "Sasuke!" Sasuke rolled his eyes and started to walk ahead.
Naruto laid, face first in the ground. Dust surrounding him. "Ow"
Sakura sighed and walked to him and bandaged the cut the throwing star left in his leg. Naruto rubbed his neck nervously. "Th-thanks, Sakura-chan!" She gave a warm smile and nodded. "You re welcome, Naruto-kun. Now lets go before he leaves us behind."