Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 2

You Are on My Mind

Madara shook the amber liquor in his glass, watching as it left fine lines on its walls. Usually, he'd drink a glass of white wine, perhaps Purcari, as it was his favourite; tonight, however, he felt the need of something stronger. It wasn't to delight his taste buds but to tame the fire in his groin.

He had an idea about who was the cause of his misery, and it made him growl. It had been a long time since a woman inflicted such a desire in him.

Correction.

It had been a long time since a woman inflicted such a desire in him and he hadn't immediately had his way with her. His discussion with a certain exotic pink-haired beauty had been a potent aphrodisiac.

Madara hummed and shifted his weight. He could have a woman this night if he intended to, but he didn't want to have sex with anyone at the moment. The idea that he had to temper his fire with another woman would have come to a realisation that he couldn't have who he wanted. This, he would not accept. The head of the Uchiha organisation wasn't satisfied with anything he could get. He was a hunter - a man who was relentless until he caught his prey.

He watched the painting in front of him and gulped. Plum blossoms by Qi Baishi, the famous Chinese painter, reminded him of the exotic beauty of a certain pink-haired woman. It was delicate, but at the same time, it had something wild. He wondered if said women had an animal hidden inside of her, which would destroy everything if unleashed. Madara bit his lip. If the message she had sent was anything to go by, she wasn't exactly the innocent type.

He recalled his conversation with her. She was feisty - blunt, playful, and full of a unique eros he hadn't known women could possess. Strange as it might have sounded, he found her allure arousing. He was used to women being on their knees in front of him, taking whatever he was willing to get. To have someone who seemed determined not to fall for his charm was entertaining.

He strolled through the gallery, quietly talking to himself.

"Why did I let you go?"

He should have killed her. Madara didn't know who she was, but he was sure he had some connection with either the Underworld or the agencies who wanted his head on a silver plateau. He doubted he wouldn't have heard of her is she had been part of the Underworld, so he inclined for the latter option. It was a perfect reason to finish her off. The fairy-skinned man hadn't understood his choice then, and he didn't do it know. It had been as if something had stopped him.

He liked how people's flesh turned pink when he gripped them, before taking away their life. Pink was such a pretty colour. However, he wasn't so sure he wanted to see it on her. It was… strange to explain.

"Why am I under the sensation that you'll prove yourself a troublemaker?"

He passed by another painting and his heart clenched. It showed a couple engaged in some sensual activities, the woman having her head snapped back, the man pulling her from the waist, his lips sealed on her nipple. A flash of green eyes appeared in his mind, and Madara cursed under his breath. He recognised the pull of attraction when he saw it.

"Merde!"

Of all the people, he had to choose the one person who might stab him when getting it on. Although, he could make sure she'd have her hand occupied.

Madara grunted and shook his head. For some reason, he had let her live; this didn't mean that he'd let her live peacefully from now on.

I'll have to find out who she is and what she does, as well as her relatives and friends. I also have to find out her address and phone number. I can't let these details to chance. The damn woman turned me in!

He exhaled loudly.

What's wrong with me? I should be pissed. I am, in fact. But I find her boldness and courage attractive. How long has it been since someone dared to make a move on me?

He entered the living room; his mind still clouded with thoughts. Itachi and Sasuke, his nephews, were waiting for him on the sofa. He nodded towards them, acknowledging their presence, and afterwards he poured himself another drink.

"May I inquire if the night went well?" It was Itachi's baritone voice. Madara chuckled at his formal way of speaking. It was true that he demanded respect, but he was slightly more tolerant with his close relatives. His nephew sounded like a man from Medieval Age.

Perhaps that's why he doesn't get to lay on with someone. He must find some twisted women.

From Madara's point of view being part of the most frightening and dangerous organisation in France was an advantage. Why wouldn't someone want to fuck a guy who could kill dozens with his bare hands? They were dangerous, and women craved danger, after all. And he wasn't speaking of relationships - he felt the need to spit every time he heard the word. He was taking sex for what it was: a pleasurable activity between two people who had consented and wanted a good fuck.

Despite his sensitivity to art, he wasn't a frail man.

"I managed to buy the painting I wanted," he asserted. He bit around the bush, not being decided if he should put Itachi to work and tell him to do the research on the woman or do it himself. "I met a few interesting people there."

"You did?" Itachi attempted to conceit his curiosity.

"Someone who, my instinct says, might have been an agent."

"Have you gotten rid of him, I assume?"

"There was no need." Now, that was a lie. But he was the villain, so it was acceptable. "I must say, I hadn't expected there to be agents. But this woman with pink her she-"

"Pink hair?!" Sasuke blurted out. Itachi shook his head; his little brother had to learn how to control his emotions, especially in front of men as their leader.

"Does it tell you something?"

"I… aa… no-nothing."

Madara crooked his head and closed his eyes. The next second, the glass in his hands hit the wall behind Sasuke, next to his head.

"Do not ever lie to me." His tone was dipped in venom.

The youngest Uchiha in the room reddened in embarrassment and anger. He hated to be bossed around. "I doubt it's the same person, but I had a colleague in school. She had pink hair. I was just surprised you mentioned it."

Madara tried to think of where Sasuke had studied. If he was correct, it was a private school, fit only for the elite. They were taught some nasty things there -how to fight, prepare poisons and pass unnoticed.

"What was her name again?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, and his lips became a firm line. "Don't get her involved, Madara," he muttered.

Ah, so he thinks there's a chance she's the one I'm talking about.

"I ask you again Sasuke: what was her name?!"

Said man growled. He remembered the cheerful girl who had a crush on him in high school. It was impossible not to notice a warm ray of sun when you were lying in the darkness. She had been the one thanks to who he'd made it through. The one who was behind him, ready to catch him if he fell. He didn't want to drag her into this shit.

He hadn't spoken to her since then - and he secretly hoped she wasn't the one Madara was talking about, although he knew Sakura had been co-opted by a secret agency in her senior year. He doubted her life would be worse without his uncle's involvement.

When Madara snarled his name, his brother gave him a nudge his eyes pleading to answer their elder. Sasuke's fist clenched, and he felt strangled. In the end, he was a coward.

"Sakura Haruno."

"I see."

I can get her records and then make some investigation. It shouldn't be too hard to find her. After all, if she's an agent, how many can there be with pink hair? I guess agencies lowered their standard.

His nephew's protectiveness towards the woman irked his curiosity. He wondered if there had been une affaire amoureuse between the two of them. Not that it would have mattered for him, although the idea of Sasuke touching any of her bothered him, somehow. He just could say way.

"Did you fuck her?" Blunt as always.

"Wha-what. Kami, no!"

His pupils weren't dilated. Madara assumed he was honest.

"Did you have feelings for her?"

He hesitated a second. "No. We barely hang on."

Madara smirked, and it could be seen that he wanted to say more, but his phone rang. He answered fast when he saw the caller. As per usual, problems were waiting for him at the corner.

"What did you say? He did what? Izuna, calm down!"

Darkness adorned his features. The other two Uchiha in the room felt their blood freeze.

"Did you get out of there?" Pause. "Très bien. How many deaths?"

Itachi got up, and Sasuke followed suit. Madara signalled them to wait.

I guess Sakura can wait.

"Don't worry, brother. I'll see to it. Tobirama will pay."

Kakashi helped her out of the car, and she avoided his eyes. His warm hand encircled her waist when she almost slipped on the wet asphalt, and Sakura grew tense. He was too close for her liking.

"I can walk by myself."

"C'mon, Sak. You wouldn't judge me for being a gentleman, would you?"

"Gentleman, my ass," she murmured, and he tried to contain his chuckled.

Sakura wouldn't have been bothered by him helping her if she hadn't known the exact reason behind his carefulness. Nervous, she snatched from his arms. She was no porcelain doll. She had been a secret agent for seven years for God's sake!

"You wound me."

"Highly doubt anything can hurt you Agent K."Her tone was bitter.

"Sakura… Don't be like this."

She let out a shaky breath. His presence here was too much. She cursed her idiotic thought of calling Kakashi; she cursed Madara Uchiha for being at the exposition; she cursed her fucking luck.

Damned be this night! Won't it end already?

Kakashi didn't say anything, preferring to stay behind her and keep the silence. He knew her well enough to predict her reactions. If he were too pushy, he'd make the distance between them grow. He cringed every time her high heels hit the stairs but bit his tongue. He tried to shift his focus, but admiring her long and slender leg was giving him another sort of pain. He shut his eyes closed and almost tripped. She threw him a glance over her shoulder, and he could have sworn that there was an amused sparkle in them saying "I know what you're thinking."

When they got to the door of her flat, she spent a good amount of time looking for her keys, which was ridiculous considering her small clutch. But he knew she needed the time and didn't comment on it. His lack of reaction was starting to piss her off.

I have to invite him. He would enter Nevertheless, even without my permission, but it would make it feel less invasive. Her breath hitched. Shit. I shouldn't have to deal with these things. I'm out of the game. But no, I had to get involved. I just can't help myself. Sakura wanted to slap herself for the trouble she sank in.

"You've changed the lock?"

"I had to after someone refused to give me back the keys." Her eyes completed the rest of the sentence.

Kakashi scratched the nape of his neck. "Ah."

"Come in."

He followed her and put his jacket on the hanger. Sakura asked if he wanted something to eat and he said that some wine would be okay. In truth, he was more of a Sake guy, but he knew that the woman would finish the bottle herself and he thought she could use some help - she had already drunken earlier. When she entered the living room with two glasses of white wine he was sitting relaxed on the sofa as if he was at home. Sakura gritted her teeth while her heart clenched.

She sat far away from him. They used to be close, but tonight… he was a dagger in the wound caused by the past.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you," she said for the tenth time this night.

"Stop apologising. You can always call me, Sakura." His eyes softened imperceptibly. "Only because you're no longer in the agency, it doesn't mean I don't care about you." His tone gave her goose bumps.

She cleared her throat. He had the decency to look embarrassed.

"I'm free to come tomorrow morning for an examination."

"Huh?"

"I guess your superiors will want to hear what happened tonight. Though, believe me, there isn't more to say. But I will cooperate."

He was musing while looking at the wine in his glass. Its golden colour was stunning. It was the nuance Sakura's tattoo had… He shook his head.

"I don't think it's a good idea to pass this information."

Now she was confused. "What are you talking about? One of the most wanted criminals was at an exposition. I met with him, and you knew. Of course, you have to report!" She knew how strict the rules were and what happened to those who didn't obey them.

"No one knows it except you and me. There's no need to talk about it. Trust me on this one."

"I'd rather not do this again, thank you very much." He turned his face as if she had slapped him. She bit the inside of her cheek and refused to apologise. "Besides, Madara had seen I've sent a message to some K. He could trace you down."

"Wait. You've spoken to him?" His tone lowered an octave. She shrugged. "What the fuck, Sakura! He's dangerous!"

"Don't say! Stop treating me like an idiot!" The woman tried to temper her growing fury. "Now you see why you have to talk to your superiors?"

His eyes clouded, as it was done when he was making a plan. The wheels in his head started spinning. "Are you alright?" His dark eye snapped to her. She looked at the bandage on his other eye. After sipping on her drink, she nodded.

"You sure?" She rolled her eyes. "I was making sure." Silence. Their breaths were the only noises in the room. "Okay, I'll see what I can find out and, if it is necessary, I will communicate with my superiors."

Sakura knew what it meant for him to look for something. She didn't think his methods of "searching" were approved by the agency. Kakashi sat up when she opened her mouth, leaving her troubled.

Has he started doing drugs? What's wrong with him?! I don't get it.

When she heard the pans hitting the cooker stove, she went to the kitchen. The imagine of him cooking for her brought other memories to the surface. Tears welled her eyes. She refused to cry. Instead, she clung to the pieces of anger she had in her after the night.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm cooking dinner," he answered matter-of-factly. "We both need to calm down and eat something. Then, after we sleep, we can discuss tomorrow."

"Oh, no!" She snapped. "Don't you dare come to my house and make me play by your rules. I will do whatever I want, whenever I want. I'm not hungry, and I swear Kakashi if you don't put that pan down I'm going to punch you into tomorrow so that we can discuss."

The fury which would have made a lesser made cower in fear didn't faze the silver-haired man. He was old enough not to be impressed by this. Kakashi had learnt on his own that the ones who entered a battle enraged were bound to lose.

"Sakura, dear, you've got a- "

"Don't dear me or tell me how I feel. Damn it! We are equals, Kakashi."

He flinched and neared her. "Of course we are." His hand lifted on its accord to cup her cheek. He froze, and she stepped back in an instant. "Sorry."

"Go home, K."

"Can't do. You've had a terrible night, so I'm staying here until the morning."

"This isn't your fucking house, and I've had tougher nights. Would you stop treating me like a porcelain doll?"

His features were washed in sadness. "I know." He continued his cooking, and she growled while going to her bedroom to change.

He's driving me insane! Impossible man!

When she returned to him, albeit calmer, he had a hard time not staring at her legs. He could remember them being wrapped around…

"Kakashi!"

"Yes?"

"If you don't plan on listening to me, why did you even bother to come after me?"

"Because I care about you." The response had come out of his lips before he had realised.

"I asked you, what we will do." She had eventually acknowledged that they were in this together. Besides, she didn't want to cause him troubles at the agency. He was an idiot, but she cared about him too. She wouldn't ally with his superiors against him

"I've got a few connections. Let me see what I can find out. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and try to stay safe."

And not get killed - neither one of them said it aloud.

"We have to take him down." She sounded determined. The head of the Uchiha organisation had had a strange power over her tonight. It didn't waver her decision. But she could still feel his calloused fingers on the chin. She involuntarily touched it. She had liked it. It was warm and gentle and… She moaned as she realised her course of thought, partly because of the excitement rushing through her veins and partly because she couldn't believe it was happening.

Kakashi dropped his fork at the sound, and her cheeks reddened. They ate the omelette in silence. She tried to think at that the current situation made them partners once more. They had to rely on one another.

"You can stay." He would have anyways, but her acceptance counted for him.

As she laid in bed later that night, it was a dark-haired man who tormented her while she was drifting to sleep, and it was his low tone whispering erotic things in her ear, and not the hot body that she knew it was sprawled on her couch.

That alone should be alarming enough. But as the world faded around her, she could only focus on that husky voice.

"There's something predatory in his eyes… how he grips her hip… how he makes her dark promises with his eyes..."