How could it have happened this way?

How could it have been just my luck that this would happen?

It was only moments after she had seen Sasuke's back as he exited the tiny two bed apartment. Mere moments! That's when the shadows descended, rapping their knuckles softly on the dusty window before pushing the glass pane up and entering without a single invite. All she could see was a flash of those dark red eyes as the darkness consumed her.

Awake now, Sakura realized she wasn't in the place was originally was. A blindfold kept her from seeing the actual place but it was musty room. Possibly a basement? Sakura fidgeted to reach for the blindfold but her hands were weighed down by cuffs connected to thick large chains that she traced with her fingers to find them imbedded into the wall her back was pressed against.

'Of course,' she thought sarcastically and continued to get a feel for the room.

Cocking her head to the side, she picked up on the sound of water dripping slowly, with rhythm. Possibly a sink but that was it. The rest was silent besides her racing heart and the soft jingle of the chains that danced off the four walls. A small room, as well.

The silence assured her that she was alone so she stood carefully, using the wall to keep her balance. The chains were just enough length to let her stand up not raise her hands any higher than her stomach. Not much help for a fight but since her feet were free at least she could put up some kind of fight. While she tested her ground, a slight scrap cloaked through the room, making her stumble and freeze.

The chair groaned and creaked and Sakura suddenly felt someone's presence. A presence seemed to have chilled the room.

"Who's here?"

The voice was low but cutting as the body moved closer.

"Can you not tell?"

No response. None was needed. The voice reinforced what her heart screamed the answer was. Itachi. Sakura bit her lip and pushed her back against the wall while her mind raced.

"Are you scared?" He asked, the curiosity colored his tone. Was he serious?

"No. I'd never fear you. You're a coward."

Sakura spat at him, tilting her head to figure out where he stood but she heard the rustle of fabric and knew he moved again.

"Tough words for a girl in your position…" Sakura was too late to prepare herself that Itachi was now right in front of her face as he pulled the blindfold aside. "Wouldn't you say so?"

Even with the blindfold removed, she couldn't see anything more than before since the room was pitch black but now Itachi's eyes burned through the shadows and Sakura whipped her head away, not to get caught in his hypnotizing eyes.

"Thought you weren't scared."

"I'm not!"

She snapped and moved to stare back into his eyes when the iron door on behind him swung open and she was blinded, hanging her head to fight the spots.

Itachi looked annoyed now and stood up straight, turning to the door.

"Nice going."

Kisame look around confused.

"What? I didn't do anything."

"Just forget it," he replied, flicking on the switch now casting the room in a warm glow that dulled the outside light a bit more.

Sakura raised her head a fraction to look at the two. Same as she remembered last. Black robes, purple nails, Kisame's sword and Itachi's stone face.

She stood but right now as Kisame gave her a toothy grin.

"Hm. She grew. Interesting."

Itachi just stared at her while Kisame approached her carefully, eyeing her in way that made her skin crawl. When he reached his think hand out towards her, her body tensed and her cupped her face, tilting her up to the light.

"Pretty."

It was lucky for him that he had enough sense to keep some distance sine Sakura swung her leg back to give his tender spot a swift kick but missed, hitting his shin. He leapt back in surprise, rubbing his leg as he growled at her. In a one move, he had her on the ground, her cheek burning hotly. She bit her lip again, pressing the back of her hand to her mouth.

"Dammit, that hurt. Stupid, little… You need to manners beaten into you!"

Kisame snapped and stepped up, getting two kicks on her ribs when Itachi flashed before him and shoved him to the opposite wall. Sakura doubled over as the pain of her broken rib.

"That's enough." He snapped calmly. "She gets the point. No need to kill her yet. Relax."

"Why aren't her legs chained anyways? We were to keep her on complete lockdown, remember?"

"Why didn't you notice it before you approached her?" Itachi quipped.

"She isn't that big of a threat don't blame others when your idiocy is blame."

Kisame growled quietly and sat in Itachi's chair with resentment.

"No need to be so mean, Itachi."

He ignored him and approached Sakura's crumpled body, kneeling down beside her.

"Careful!!" Kisame squeaked and Itachi debated whether to flick him off or not, and decided not to.

"You broke a rib, Kisame. I'll have to take this up with Pain."

Kisame cursed under his breath as Itachi lifted Sakura gently in his arms, leaning her against the wall as he undid the chains.

"Are you mental? Why are you releasing her?"

Itachi broke the chain from the wall and chucked at the Shark like man who just barely dodged it.

"To take her to another room with a bed and medical equipment, you moron. I'm making up for your mistake, now move."

Itachi lifted her up and cradled her to his chest as Kisame scrambled to his feet and held the door open, letting him out then trailed behind him as they descended down the hall.

"You won't tell him, right?"

'That you got to strike her first? No, He'll know it anyways. I'm not that stupid."

"You're cruel, partner."

"That's life."

By the third door, Sakura snuck a look around and saw it was a basement. A cave based one. The stone walls were secure and thick around them lined up with lanterns and iron doors. Itachi used his foot to kick the door open and ducked inside. The room was brighter than her original prison. A window was high overhead in the corner and a soft looking bed was on the opposite side with a night stand beside it, decorated with a pill bottles, herbs and various other instruments.

Itachi strolled carefully to the bed and rested her on top of the light mattress.

"I can't believe you of all people are babying her though! Pain won't care if she's a little tender before he has her. You're just acting weird."

"Get lost, Kisame And get Tobi. He could help me."

"But--"

"Out. Now."

He snapped this time with a warning stare making him back off instantly and race to the door vanishing for a moment before peeking in once again.

"You said Tobi?"

"Yes! Go!"

"Yes, sir! I'm gone."

Sakura raised an eyebrow softly.

"What a basket case…"

She murmured softly as her eyes grew heavy. The pain had taken a toll on her already fragile state and she could still taste the blood in her mouth.

Itachi's rare laugh chimed quietly beside her.

"You have no idea. Now sleep."

"Why… Why are you being so nice? I… I don't understand…"

She was answered with silence and when she went to look into Itachi's face, it only stared back at her with an ancient look that puzzled her even more until his eyes shifted and she was caught in his trap.

"Dammit!"

"I'm sorry..."