Silhouettes in the Night

XoXoX

This chapter was quite difficult for me to get up not to mention to write.

So im sorry it took so long and please enjoy as much as you can.

Thank you to the reviewers

the-only-puppet-lover,Analelle,Miyabi doll,Sariko-chan723,nicola,CrAzYaNiMeFrEaKgUrL,nicolerogersXX,Alley774 4

Again Sorry.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of it's themes or characters.

A little almost humor to off set this chapter. Thanks to Miyabi doll.

I pushed myself into the air and back out of instinct, realizing a second to late what a mistake that was. I felt something sharp pierce my lower abdomen and as I looked down I could see the sharp end of a katana protruding from my waist, ironically the exact same place that his ex Akatsuki stabbed me, only on the opposite side. My back arched involuntarily as I bit my lip from the pain. I looked over my shoulder, staring straight into Itachi's eyes. I couldn't beat him with speed or strength, and he definitely bested me in Ninjutsu, so all that was left was Genjutsu. Being a natural helped but still his sharingan would cancel everything I could throw at him, but what if I could somehow-

My mind went blank as Itachi's lips crashed on mine.

...This wasn't part of the script...

"No! Sakura!" Sasuke's pained scream came from behind me, but the mans lips just felt to damn good.

They didn't call him a sex god for nothing.

BOOM! I spun behind me shocked at the exploding sounds, just what the heel was going on?

"Itachi... I think you finally did it." I shook my head walking over to Sasukes dismembered torso shocked that he was even still alive even if he was mumbling incoherent thoughts. "You've finally drove Sasuke crazy."

"Hn. Your point being? Whiny little brats are a dime a dozen. Besides his his hair was getting on my nerves. Why anyone would want they're head to look like a chickens ass is beyond me." Having the last word he turned and walked away.

Chapter 10

Selfish Curiousity

"Hey kid." She smiled at me from her place on the bed, and for a second I didn't recognize her.

"T-Temari?" I coughed out; this couldn't be the woman who taught me more about life than my own mother. Her smile turned bitter her eyes watchful. "What happened?" I couldn't register the words, my mouth speaking of its own accord. She was so frail, broken, her once spunky hair now hung down in matted clumps, pieces missing at random.

"I'm sick." She answered her voice hard, before glancing behind me to the Kazekage. "Could you get me a glass of water please, Gaara?" I knew it was a way to get him out of the room but I didn't say anything, only stared. I was moving closer to her my legs shifted awkwardly on their own, searching the wires and tubes connected to her body for some form of an answer.

"Not sure what exactly is wrong." She continued when Gaara had left the room. "They think it's a poison but they can't figure out how or where it is in my system." My hands were already on her, chakra searching. I had trained these medics myself, and they were beyond qualified which meant we had either an extremely rare or an extremely dangerous mixture at work here, which I found without much difficulty. I was second only to the Hokage not to mention I had worked with these same components and if they were the same poison, it shouldn't be possible… I would have to dwell on that later. It certainly worked the same, settled into the system subtly, quietly, making itself too imbedded before rearing its ugly head, making it almost impossible to remove – for me at least. It could sit for weeks, sometimes even a month before symptoms began to show but it would have to be a fresh batch for it to stay dormant that long. Something twisted in me; the information just didn't sit right, because this poison had been here for at least that, maybe even more.

That meant…

"You were already poisoned when you came to see me…" She sighed smiling at me again.

"So there isn't much hope? We figured as much." She ruffled my hair.

I could have fixed this… I'm sure there were signs, there had to be why didn't I see them? I stood shouting out to the nurses I'm sure had to be around.

"I need a bunch of herbs and several bowls of water!" I turned back to Temari ignoring the look on her face.

"That's not going to stop me from trying so don't even say it."

I rubbed the sweat from my face frowning as I exited the room.

"Gaara… I… I got all of the poison removed… but… Temari's organs… it's been at work for too long. They are completely destroyed, not to mention rejecting chakra…I…" He stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to him his lips were tight and his eyes sad but he nodded.

"Thank you for coming anyway." There was resignation in his eyes.

"You didn't have much hope, did you?" He shook his head.

"Temari has not left the village since her visit to Konoha." It was a simple answer revealing that he had figured out the obvious.

"I am so sorry." I bowed my head apologizing for everything.

"She was as much your sister as she was mine by any way but blood." His answer shocked me, but I suppose I was, to Temari at least. "Much like Naruto." He was right. Naruto was a brother to us both just like Temari, through them we had a special bond, protecting the one we love. It was a tragedy we were about to lose one so abruptly.

I knew one thing; I needed to get out of here. The guard at the gate didn't stop me, for fear of the aura coming from me in waves. The sand shifted under my feet, I didn't like it. It was nothing like the solid ground; here you can never be sure where you'll land. It was odd, it was easier to put chakra towards a task something that you have to concentrate on rather than pushing what chakra you had to fix whatever the problem was. Either way it didn't matter, she was still dying.

'Right.' I spun to the right ignoring the confetti that missed me.

"Hello Sakura." I knew this woman, an Akatsuki. Filth.

"Konan." Her name twisted from my throat; a cat like sneer for those foolish enough to tangle with me. I nodded stoically, this would be my fight. I attacked her head on, recklessly, and slashed at her with my katana uncaring when her origami butterflies broke through my pathetic defense cutting my face and digging into my chest. I stopped only long enough to pick the thing out, flicking it to the side before I began to approach her, eyeing the pray.

"Your toys do not amuse me Konan-san." Her eyes grew wide and I tilted my head at her, smiling coldly. I couldn't even imagine how I looked. Dead?

She stepped toward me trying to gain the advantage but I absorbed her words as simply as she could say them.

"Did your friend like my gift? The Suna bitch?" So she had been the one to poison Temari, as an act against me but why-

'Itachi.' Of course, that's the only thing that relates us and I have never done anything to her specifically. Was she- dear Kami- was she jealous?

"I know she will like mine." She laughed at that. Mocking.

"You will never know, Sakura. She's dead."

"You shouldn't confirm the unconfirmed Konan, your nothing but an idiot. I removed the poison; Temari of the sand is still living." I didn't mention that she wouldn't be for much longer.

"That's not possible…" She denied taking a step back. I shrugged, feeling numb. I knew where she had gotten it, only that shouldn't be possible; I was beginning to understand that lies were falling from all sides. She charged me but only hit a stump as I created a replacement technique followed up by a shadow clone to distract her. I pulled out my fan blades flying at her and slicing her skin.

"Like this isn't possible?" The clone asked before coming at her, successfully distracting her.

'Checkmate.'

I sliced her open, reaching in and pulling out her heart through her back, finishing it quickly. With Akatsuki you had to go for the heart to make sure it was really finished.

'Always the heart.'

"Sakura!" The close distance call shocked me and I turned to face them, recognizing none of them I approached slowly, my sword making a line of blood behind me. They stepped back in fear and confusion, did they know me? Perhaps I was more feral than I had thought.

I hissed at the arms that gripped mine knocking both objects out of my reach. I attacked the man with my fists not having enough chakra to enhance it. He pulled me close to him but I pushed him away, continuing my assault. He grabbed my wrist, stilling me with his voice.

"Sakura." I knew this voice only never like this. It was almost painful…

"Itachi?" For the first time I looked into the face of the ninja, but I recognized the long dark lashes and brilliant red eyes, I would know him anywhere. My adrenaline came off me in a rush as my knees hit the sand my red stained hands all I could see.

'Oh Kami…' What had I done?

I tried wiping the red off on my Anbu vest but it only stained the both. Water fell smearing the blood tauntingly, could it be raining in the land of Sand? I hoped so, because the alternative was so much worse.

When Itachi pulled me into his chest I knew it wasn't so, and tears ran down my face in grief and anger as well as sadness.

"Is she okay?" I heard Genma question, his voice muffled by Itachi.

"This is the work of Haruno-san?" Only Neji could be so formal. I guessed that they must have been a little ways behind me.

"Yes." Itachi's answer rumbled through my ear. My tears had quieted in the warmth of Itachi, but I couldn't help but wonder how much of the surprisingly short fight he witnessed.

"How much did you see?" Apparently Genma had had similar thoughts. It was quiet for a second.

"All of it." It was an odd answer for the Uchiha, very straight to the point, but there was something in his voice that I didn't understand. Chancing at him I flinched as our eyes connected but I looked deeper surprised at what I had found. They held pride.

"Itachi?" I questioned quietly.

"We will return to Suna." I frowned but nodded too tired to talk. He stood with me still in his arms, holding me marginally closer than what was necessary but I didn't complain.

"Itachi … man… when she came after us… she looked dead…"

"I am well aware." Was his stoic response.

"You don't understand, she didn't even recognize us, I've never seen her look like that-"Genma sounded worried but Itachi metaphorically shook it off.

"I do not like to repeat myself." Irritation spread in his tone and I was suddenly glad it wasn't me he was mad at me but surprised that he would speak to Genma in such away even if Itachi was in charge of this mission Genma was still team captain.

"Calm down, she's fine so there's no need to get testy." There was no response to that only movement but I couldn't help but wonder… Was Uchiha Itachi actually worried? Was that even possible?

"That was quite informal." Neji stated stuffily to which Genma readily replied.

"You have no idea." His strong laugh was the last thing I heard as I drifted off to sleep.

I awoke alone, the uncomfortable bed a contrast to Itachi's strong presence. One that I could feel barely flickering above me from the roof before it disappeared completely. Better than a calling card. I felt almost naked, missing the regulation white Anbu vest, but I blended in more with just the black sleeveless turtleneck and simple shorts as I propelled myself through the window and onto the roof.

Landing behind Itachi I bowed my head, wondering if it truly was my attention he was trying to acquire.

"May I join you?" My voice was shy but I took his glance to be a positive sign and I approached him. I took a seat next to him, surprisingly enjoying the silence, but more so appreciating his strength and stoniness.

"Thank you Itachi…" I started unsure. "For both coming after me and for letting me fight my own battles."

"Hn." It wasn't a 'you're welcome' more like a 'you shouldn't think of such things.'

"I honestly don't know how I did it… I can still feel…." I choked on the words, clenching my left hand in memory.

"You will never forget it." I started at his words but I understood. And he was right I never would. "You should relay your… gift… to Temari-san." There was humor in his eyes but his face remained sober and I could only offer him a small smile as I slipped from the roof making my way silently to the Kazekage's home.

She looked worse, the machinery barely keeping her alive.

"Well look what the cat finally dragged in. Revenge? Sakura? It was never your style, but hey I hear it looks good on you." I reeled from that. I should have known she would have detected me even in this state.

"Who told you?" She laughed.

"Itachi-san did. Right before going to check on you. That boy is mighty fine- refined S-Class criminal or not. He seems to hold you in high favor though, good work Sakura you got the Uchiha's attention." I blushed and frowned at the statement, shaking my head to discourage her thoughts. "You'll see."

I didn't think so… Itachi was just too impossible and emotionless. She laughed again as I told her this, her sickness not deterring her good mood.

"Well people can change, look at Gaara?" She had a point there… but…

"But Gaara changed because of Naruto." I countered.

"So couldn't Itachi change because of you?" She had me there but she added. "Assuming he was even bad in the first place." She didn't have long enough for me to finish this argument. I quickly approached her kneeling down by her side.

"Temari…" I tried to hold the tears back, but I couldn't, I would miss her dearly.

"It'll be okay Sakura." She whispered to me, pulling me into a hug. "You have someone to look out for you now." Her head raised above my shoulder to some point behind me, nodding her acceptance at whatever she found. "Not that you need it." I tried to quiet my sobs in the silent room.

"What kind of Kunoichi are you?" She chastised lightly ruffling my hair slightly. "We aren't supposed to show emotion."

"I blame Naruto." Was my only response, what else could I say?

"Don't we all." Her words were whispered and her hand grew limp in mine. Silently I unplugged the now useless machinery, tears burning in my eyes.

"She loved you." It was a statement and turning around my eyes came into contact with his flaming Sharingan.

"Yes, she did." The past tense hung in the air and unable to take it moved into the hallway, sighing as he followed me. Only to be distracted by two other presences.

"I couldn't help but overhear." I almost smiled at the teasing in his voice. Kankuro would forever be the same. "That you dragged another Akatsuki under your belt." I should have known the two brothers would be close by.

"I can't really take credit for the first time." I wouldn't have been able to stand against Sasori without Lady Chiyo. "Not to mention I only got her this time was because I had the element of surprise." My voice was void, even to my own ears. Kankuro pulled me to him hugging me. And even though both of the boys were prepared for this I could tell it was breaking them inside even if they wouldn't show it.

"Don't matter. Thank you." His voice was sincere but I remained numb.

"You have nothing to thank me for. I have done nothing."

"That's a lie, Sakura." The words came from Gaara, but the tone made me start. What reason did he have to be angry? "You avenged her, on your own." Oh. That's what they were talking about. I decided to change the subject.

"Why was I alone with her?" I tried to phrase the question without insulting anyone; his face remained emotionless so I assumed I hadn't.

"She knew you were coming. We made our peace before then." But how did she…? The answer came to me before I could even finish the question.

Itachi.

It looked like I owed him a lot more than I knew.

The funeral was large but silent; a sea of black in mourning, sun shining upon our weary heads cruelly, cynically. I clenched my teeth, forcing the tears back as I laid a plain white lily along with the rest over her memorial. People followed after but I was beyond noticing as I returned dutifully to Itachi's side. His energy was calm as it washed over me, wrapping me in a cocoon of warmth, I couldn't help but wonder if it was intentional. Either way I was thankful, certain that my composure would not have been kept without it.

I barely noticed the people dispersing as I followed the majority to the local bar finding a nook to hide in and drown myself in Sake. I wasn't the slug-princesses apprentice for nothing.

"Sakura." My heart clenched in pain for the voice that spoke, what could possibly, in this unfortunate time, push someone like him to visit me?

"Gaara?" But as I turned around my question was answered, the two large fans he carried effortlessly pushed towards me like an offering.

"She… Temari would have wanted you to have these." It was the first time and I'm sure the last as well that I had ever heard Gaara waver. I accepted the gift graciously.

"Thank you, so much." I smiled at him slightly, tears pooling in my eyes.

"You are the only person she taught her wind jutsu's too." However the information made me start.

"What? She didn't teach anyone else here those techniques?" Gaara only shook his head a certain look in his eyes. I took them feeling more gifted by the second. "Again, thank you Gaara, for calling me as well as this gift." He embraced me awkwardly for a second, too short to be called a real hug.

"Naruto needs to be careful." He whispered and I nodded, understanding his need for topic change.

"I'll tell him… But you know Naruto." I laughed slightly at that, but it sounded hollow. He left quickly after that but I didn't hold it against him. The Kazekage would have little time to mourn.

I let Itachi dictate our movements only following close behind, enjoying the calm that only came with being beside him. The moon didn't rise, instead the dark crept in night falling ominously before Itachi finally signaled for the stop. I stood motionlessly, unsure of what to do, the extra weight on my back a reminder. The others began setting up and only out of familiarity I helped, trying to keep as close to Itachi as possible. It was selfish and foolish but his presence alone made the world a little brighter. I was certain it wasn't him, I personally wasn't too keen on liking the man, but it was just whenever I was near him this calm would wash over me. Unexplainable? Possibly, I figured it might have been because of his cool demeanor but I could shake the feeling that he was doing it on purpose.

"I would never stoop so low as to have a girl following me around like some dog." The words shook me out of my thoughts. How could I have possibly missed the killing intent, only that (brought on by pride was my guess) would push Neji Hyuga to be so bold and… nasty for lack of a better word. Who in the world could two prodigies be arguing about?

"You think that little of your Hokage's apprentice?" Itachi was at his throat in a second, the other geniuses back against a tree.

"Hey, cut it out." I barked moving towards them seeing as how Genma decided he would rather not be around for this confrontation. I put myself between them pushing them apart. Arrogant, pompous, narcissistic-

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I questioned them both.

"I am unsurprised that you would protect the Uchiha, Haruno." My fist collided with the Hyuga face and surprisingly I didn't regret it.

"You are the one provoking him, Hyuga." I seethed in anger. "You should not bite off more than you can chew." Because Itachi could kick his ass any day. "I don't care what you two are arguing about. It stops here, got it?" There was a second of tense silence before Itachi took a step back, responding lightly.

"You should not speak of matters you know not of, Hyuga." His voice was polite but the undertone chilled me to the bone. "We might not have these… misunderstandings… if that were the case." He continued on smoothly turning to me, his tone lightening considerably. "Sakura may I have a word?"

There was a choking sound coming from behind us but I nodded following the stoic man into the forests smiling slightly as my muscles relax.

"What is it?" I asked cautiously, unsure of whether it was an approachable subject. He chuckled once but didn't answer. So he was doing it on purpose, at least that answered my question even if it just opened up more. "Where are we going?" Again he didn't answer and I stopped trying.

Cliffs came into view and I could feel the humidity in the air, there must have been a hot springs in the area, I wondered if I would have time to find it later. But the thought was cut off as Itachi led me into the cave, the steam thicker here as water pooled quietly in the natural spring. One of the most beautiful I had ever seen.

"Itachi… how did you find this place?" I questioned in awe, turning to him, waiting for his answer.

"… One of the many caves I have found." His voice was sullen and I flinched at the implications.

"I keep forgetting…" I whispered unseeingly. "Silly thing to forget. It just seems like you belong with us… With Konoha…" I felt his chakra swirl around me the strength of it comforting, almost as if he were expecting me to lash out.

"At one time I did." The past tense was too… wrong…

"And you do again. It's just the middle that keeps me confused." I laughed slightly as I took in the sights once again. "You know, Itachi? You're kind of a know-it-all not to mention a pain in the ass… But without you, and your incredibly impassive presence, I… I don't think I would have made it through the last few days. I didn't turn to look at him as I felt him hesitate before exiting the cave silently, giving me space.

However as soon as he was gone my rock and my calm went with him, I was surprised that I even managed to get my clothes off before I sank into the water, my body convulsing in sobs as tears fled from my eyes.

Temari was gone… Who was next?

It was a long while before I finally exited the cave only stopping as Itachi's still form came into sights. How long had he been there? And more importantly how much had he heard?

He turned to face me, his jaw tense.

Oh, just all of it.

Sighing I stumbled forward.

"You didn't have to stay."

"Hn." It was neither here nor there, simply an answer to placate me. It made me angry.

"I can take care of myself you know!" I yelled on reflex.

"I have no doubts." I looked into his face, closer than before, his arms slightly tensed towards me. Uchiha Itachi was… coddling me?

"Then stop belittling me!" He was worse than the rest of them. So powerful… Why should it matter what happens to me?

"Belittle you…" He repeated. I clenched my fists.

"I'm not a genin! I don't need to be coddled!" He was watching over me like a jonin sensei. Had I earned nothing?

"You think I'm coddling you." His voice was monotone as he grasped my right shoulder and my left wrist keeping me steady and facing him and I couldn't help but close my eyes.

"I am more selfish than you know. I do not underestimate your skills Sakura. I merely cannot leave."

"What does that mean? Why can't you just be straight with me?" His eyes shifted away in what I believed to be discomfort and I realized that maybe this was him being straight. I suddenly had the desire to ask how many women he had been with but I forced it down instead I asked.

"What makes me so special?" He didn't answer, or maybe he just didn't have one. "I've watched my teammates backs for so long. Why would you make me watch yours?" His eyes lit up as if I had answered some sort of question.

"I want nothing more than for you to stand beside me." I knew what he meant was not behind him and I felt my hackles recede. "I am simply… curious… as to your state in these unfortunate circumstances."

He was… what? Worried?

"I'm fine." I responded shocked.

"I can see that you are not." He was right of course, how could I be? Temari was dead.

I bit my lip; tears warming my eyes.

"Aren't you going to tell me that emotions are weaknesses?" He chuckled.

"With most. However in your case I am inclined to make an exception." He responded smirking.

"Why did you kiss me?" I blurted out unthinkingly.

"I am a selfish man; I believe we have already gone over this." His fingers brushed my cheek and I felt them flame. His chest rumbled and he leaned toward me, heat in his dark eyes. Was he going to kiss me again? I wasn't sure I was ready for that. I stared wide eyed as he clenched his fist, pulling away.

"Shall we?" He questioned instead, allowing me to lean against him as we exited the cave.

...

-engineFAILURE