A / N: Hello Everyone! I am back with a new chapter, one that I hope all of you enjoy. REALLY REALLY loved writing this chapter, oooo the drama is getting good neh? ;) Leave a review and let me know what you think. I worked really hard on this one, so I do hope the outcome is enjoyable.

There's a long silence between the two men.

Gaara purses his lips before stepping back and sighing.

He grabs the liquor bottle from the coffee table, before plopping down on the couch with the astounding view of Manhattan's twilight sky right behind him.

"I think I'm going to have to be drunk to listen to this story."

And with that being said, he takes a long swig of his drink.

Naruto still can't believe his eyes as he stares at the screen.

Was the Sasuke he had just spoken to, really the criminal?

It just didn't make sense.

"Gaara, are you sure that Shikamaru has given you the correct information?" Naruto asks, running a hand through his hair in distress.

The redhead nods, slamming the liquor down on the table.

"As sure as I'll ever be." He confirms.

Naruto's eyes widen in horror.

"Then that means Sakura's in danger!" Naruto shouts out immediately, his legs turning numb at the thought.

She was living with a criminal.

Rubbing his temples the blonde plops down on the couch.

"You mean that pink haired girl you fancy?" Gaara teases with a smirk, watching as the blonde's cheeks dust red.

"S-Shut up." The blonde retorts, scratching his cheek in attempt to hide the blush.

The redhead chuckles.

"If she's living with the Uchiha she must have some connection to him." Gaara suggests, tilting his head as he thinks about it.

Naruto only nods.

"Most likely." He responds, his mind running wildly.

What if Sasuke does something to her? Was that why she was crying? Did she know about the organization? Did she know about him? Did Sasuke do something to her?

Feeling the wild sense of fear pumping in his chest, he runs a hand through his tangled hair and exhales loudly.

"Okay, what do we do?" He blurts out, staring helplessly at his teammate.

Gaara takes a moment to think.

"Well we don't want the girl to get involved, but unfortunately she already is," Naruto internally winces, his worst fear coming true.

The redhead continues.

"So, we take that to our advantage."

Naruto tilts his head, clearly confused.

"Use her safety and innocent position as a way to spy on Sasuke Uchiha. He knows that the Alliance is here but he thinks we don't recognize him. Also, he doesn't know that I'm here, so everything is in our favor. No need to stress." He says calmly, sitting up and pouring Naruto some bourbon before sliding the glass across the table.

Naruto just stares at the glass as Gaara pours himself a glass.

"You really think this will work without getting her involved?" The blonde asks, watching as Gaara downs the drink in a second.

"It'll work if you don't get caught. Just try to find as much information about his motives as possible without your girlfriend getting suspicious."

Naruto's cheeks heat up and he stammers slightly for words.

"With the information you gather tomorrow we can proceed to formulate a plan to assassinate him tomorrow night. It'll be short, sweet, and simple. He won't see it coming."

Naruto gulps, always hating the night before the storm. Ever since he joined, the idea of taking someone's life always irked him.

He bites his tongue.

"Sounds…perfect." He agrees, although the violent churning his stomach says otherwise.

Gaara shuts the laptop, tucking it under his arm as he stands up.

"I expect you to go back to work tomorrow morning, and when you get home we'll proceed with the plan. Remember, meet with Sakura and use her to get information." He says, sitting up and beginning to unbutton his shirt.

He strips of his blazer, grabs a blanket from the corner of the couch, tosses it over himself, and snuggles into the pillow.

"Get some rest, we have a busy day ahead of us."

Gaara claps his hands together twice.

The lights flicker off.

xXx

Waking up to the delicious smell of bacon sizzling on a pan, Sakura pulls the blanket off of her body and sits up on her bed. The sun shines blissfully through the bedroom window, causing the rosette to smile happily remembering the night before.

She had successfully reconciled with Sasuke, had an amazing date with Naruto, and the two even seemed to like each other.

Today, she knew, was going to be a good day.

She kicked Sasuke out of her room the other night as well, telling him that she needed her room back due to the massive amount of knots in her back from the couch.

He agreed without arguing.

Slipping her feet into pink slippers, the rosette stalks over to the kitchen, her bedroom door already wide open. She walks right out of her room and reaches the kitchen/living room space.

Upon reaching the kitchen counter, the Uchiha still not noticing her as he cooks away, she sneaks a glance at the open laptop on the counter. Her emerald eyes scan the page.

The screen reveals his email account and immediately Sakura notices the large words in bold that read: Vertigo Import 1M-

"Morning." Sasuke says, a smile gracing his lips as the laptop screen slams shut and Sakura bounces back from shock.

A slightly anxious expression glazes his face as he spins around to resume cooking.

Sakura takes a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart.

She's more than a hundred percent sure she wasn't supposed to read that email.

Clearing her throat after a moment, she pulls a strand of stray hair behind her ear and takes a seat on a stool, not giving the email another thought.

"Sleep well?" Sakura teases, trying to let on a lighter atmosphere as a smirk plays on her lips as his shoulders stiffen.

"My back feels like it aged a few centuries but otherwise then that I slept very well." He says chuckling as Sakura rolls her eyes at his comment.

"Welcome to the club." She retorts, eyeing the plate as he slides it over to her across the island counter.

"What's with that face? Don't like bacon?" He asks light heartedly, pouring freshly squeezed orange juice into a glass before sliding it over to her as well.

Sakura shakes her head.

"N-No! It's just that, well," She says, raising her face from the plate as a smile forms on her lips," I'm glad everything is back to normal."

Sasuke, blinking a few times clearly caught off guard, returns her smile. He pops a piece of toast in his mouth, walking around the counter and grabbing a blazer, which is draped over the stool. Pulling his arms through the sleeves, he then takes the toast out of his mouth.

"I am too, and hey to make up for yesterday's events why don't I take you out to lunch today?" He inquires, chomping through his toast.

Sakura feels her heart skip a beat, his smooth voice ringing in her ears.

"I'd love to. But don't you have a meeting?"

Sasuke shakes his head, wiping his hands on his black pants.

"Nope, I get out early today. So how about it? A fresh new start?"

Sakura can't help but feel her lips curve up into a smile. The sun shining brightly outside through the windows illuminates the Uchiha's dark hair, almost making him look like some kind of prince.

She could see on his face that he was still sorry about his past actions the other day and just how much he hoped to change for her.

For her.

"A new start…I like the sound of that."

"Great, I'll pick you up at twelve."

And with that, he gives her a small wink before spinning around and heading out the door with a suitcase in hand.

The rosette watches as the door closes and just as it does she spins around to face her plate, all thoughts of the suspicious email pushed to the side.

Her pale cheeks dust a rosy red.

They were going on their first date!

xXx

"I'm taking a lunch break!" Sakura yells as the clock strikes 11:45 am.

"It's a little early for lunch Sakura." TenTen says as the pink haired pediatrician stalks past her.

Sakura stops in her tracks, walking over to the front desk where she leans on her elbows and laces her fingers together.

"It's never too early to get ready for a lunch date." She says smugly, as TenTen's eyes widen.

"Naruto again?" The brunette inquires winking as she twirls a pen against the desk.

Sakura shakes her head causing the brunette to cock her head in confusion.

"Then…who?" She asks, furrowing her brows as the rosette breaks out into a shining smile.

"His name is Sasuke Uchiha."

TenTen's brows furrow.

"Can you believe it? He's been my childhood crush for years now, and look at us going on a date." Sakura beams, giggling slightly at the thought of her handsome roommate.

"Sakura," TenTen says, her tone serious as her brown eyes bore into the rosette's.

Sakura gulps at her friend's slightly intimidating glare.

"Are you cheating on Naruto?" She whispers the words, as if they're taboo.

Sakura's emerald eyes widen, taken aback by her friend's comment.

How dare she accuse her of cheating! Just who did she think she was!

"TenTen of course not! Naruto and I aren't even dating!" She defends herself, slightly offended.

Of course she had technically taken Naruto out on a date but that didn't mean she had feelings for the blonde. Sure he was handsome and had his charm, but she had liked Sasuke all along and after making up with him she felt as if they had a perfect new tab to start over.

Feeling a violent churning in her stomach, the rosette frowns slightly.

Then why did she have this feeling of heavy guilt churning in her stomach?

Did she really have feelings…for both of them?

"That's not what it looks like Sakura." TenTen says, raising a brow of suspicion at her friend.

Ignoring the gut feeling, Sakura shakes her head.

"No way TenTen, Naruto and I are just friends. Both of them are just friends." The rosette emphasizes the last part, trying more to convince herself then her co-worker.

"You just said you had a huge crush on Sasuke not less than two seconds ago!" TenTen argues.

"TenTen, it's fine I know what I'm doing." Sakura fires back, folding her arms over her chest.

The brunette frowns.

"Sakura you can't have both! As much as you want them you can't have both! You don't what you're getting yourself into, you'll have to choose one of them sooner or later." TenTen snaps, shooting up from her chair as a vein pops on her forehead.

Sakura flails her arms wildly, clearly upset.

"You're just jealous 'cause Neji hasn't made a move on you!" The rosette fires back, her face reddening with anger.

TenTen rolls her eyes.

"I'm only saying this because I care." TenTen says, softening her voice as she slumps back down in her chair.

She sighs heavily, leaning back in her chair.

"Playing tug of war with two men it's just…it's not you. I'm worried that you'll go too far deep into this mess and you won't get out…afraid that you'll change. I just don't want to lose my best friend." TenTen says, her eyes soft and caring as she looks at her best friend.

Sakura's about to answer when the doors to the pediatrician office burst open, slamming the wall loudly.

Almost jumping out of her own skin, Sakura glances over at the door only to see a blonde, wearing athletic wear that popped in its neon colors, and fixing his hat that had flown off from the breeze the door opening had given off.

But, despite his loud and uncomfortable entrance, Sakura feels her heart thumping wildly her chest just from laying her eyes on him.

"N-Naruto what are you doing here?!" Sakura asks, astonished as he pulls on his cap and looks up.

Her breath catches in her throat as his striking blue eyes meet hers.

"Sakura wanna go grab some lunch, like right now? I really need to talk to you." He says cheerfully, his words sugar coated as he smiles.

His smile only enhances his handsome features causing the rosette's heart to pump faster but she forces herself to ignore the feeling.

"Lunch? Now?" She asks, snaking a glance at TenTen who crosses her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes.

Naruto scratches the back of his neck sheepishly as he lets out a small chuckle.

"Uhh yeah but if you have plans it's alright I know it's sudden."

Sakura can't help but giggle at his behavior finding it oddly cute.

"No I'm free I just wasn't… expecting you is all. Let me go grab my bag and I'll be right out." Sakura says happily, adding a skip to her step as she heads to the break room.

Grabbing her purse from the break room, the door swings open revealing an agitated TenTen.

"Sakura what the heck is all of this about?! Don't you have a date with Sasuke?" She practically hisses, her eyes glowering at the rosette.

Sakura's eyes widen.

She totally forgot about Sasuke's lunch!

"I'm sorry Sakura and believe me I really don't want to say this but you're acting like such a whore." She states, huffing angrily.

Taken aback, Sakura widens her eyes before a scowl sets on her features.

"TenTen! I am not a whore." She snaps, clenching her fists tightly and trying to bite back the many insults coursing through her head.

The brunette scoffs.

"Well you sure are good at playing the part. You know what? Naruto actually seems like a decent guy and you shouldn't just be keeping him wrapped around your fingers like some high school drama." She puts a hand on her hip, fuming with anger.

Sakura inhales sharply through her nose, trying to regain her calm before biting off TenTen's head in rage.

"Well I choose Naruto okay TenTen? Now back off, I choose him and I'm going to grab lunch with him. Now if you'll excuse me…" She says hastily, not really giving her words much thought as she moves past TenTen and hurries out the door.

Once the door is shut behind her she pulls out her phone and shoots a text to Sasuke, apologizing that she has to cancel plans because something came up at work.

To Sakura it's not entirely a lie, something did come up…well more like someone.

Sasuke replies almost immediately.

"It's fine, no big deal. I'll cook dinner when I get home, it'll be my treat."

Feeling her heart flutter at his words, she quickly tosses the phone back in her bag along with her feelings for Sasuke…for now.

Walking into the waiting room, she sees Naruto standing by the door, eyeing some paintings and tapping his foot.

"Ready to go?" He says, once he hears her heels clicking on the floor, his lips curve into an immediate smile upon seeing the rosette.

Sakura returns the smile, her lips practically moving on their own.

"Yeah, let's go."

xXx

He had chosen a simple diner to grab lunch at, a place that served the best chicken tenders he's ever had. Naruto was debating on taking Sakura out for some ramen, but decided against it not really sure if she liked the dish.

Taking a seat across from the rosette in a red booth, Naruto feels his palms growing sweaty.

He was basically committing suicide by taking her out.

The night before, when he and Gaara had decided on a plan, he knew that his only true purpose in this mission was to use Sakura to get information out of her but now seeing her, eyeing the menu with a cute quirked brow, he didn't know if he was going to be able to keep the information about their mission in.

"You said the chicken tenders were good right?" Sakura asks, snapping Naruto out of his thoughts.

He blinks a few times before nodding his head, a smile gracing his features.

"The best you'll ever have." He admits happily, but he feels his heart race rapidly.

Sakura was such a good person; she didn't deserve to lose someone…especially not someone she was so close with like…like Sasuke.

The thought of the Uchiha's name causes Naruto's stomach to churn violently.

He was going to have to kill him.

"Naruto? Earth to Naruto?" Sakura says, waving a hand in front of his face.

He blinks rapidly in surprise, silently cursing himself for getting lost in his thoughts for the second time.

Sakura leans back in her booth, quirking a brow at him.

"Something on your mind?" She inquires.

The blonde swallows hard, wiping his sweaty palms on his shorts.

"You don't even know." He admits, rubbing the back of his neck as he chuckles uneasily.

Sakura places her elbow on the table, leaning her cheek against her palm.

"I'm here to listen if you need someone." She says gently, smiling softly towards him.

Naruto's breath catches in his throat, his mind racing wildly.

There was no way he could just keep all of this information from her.

Sure, Sakura didn't deserve to be involved and he was completely against the idea, but he figures that she deserves to know that she is living with a highly dangerous criminal.

Gaara was right, she already was involved whether he liked it or not.

"Actually Sakura," He begins, inhaling sharply through his nose before continuing, "It's about you…and Sasuke."

He watches as Sakura's eyes blink in surprise, and she sits up.

"W-What do you mean?" She asks hastily, feeling her own palms become a little wet.

"This is going to sound crazy, but Sasuke Uchiha isn't who you think he is." Naruto says, watching as her features twist in confusion, although her shoulders sag in…relief?

"I don't understand Naruto. I think I know him better than you do." She states, playing with the straw of her water.

The blonde sighs.

Here goes nothing.

He thinks, rubbing his palms together before leaning back.

"Do you know what Sasuke does for a living?" He asks her, watching as she looks up in thought.

After a moment, the rosette shakes her head.

"Not really, he just tells me he goes to business meetings to interview people. Why do you ask?" She inquires, furrowing her brow at him.

"Sakura, I know this is going to sound crazy, but he's not really a business man. Sasuke Uchiha works for a business corporation called Uchiha Corps. but, that's not all. Inside of this corporation lies a team of highly trained individuals who smuggle drugs illegally into the country, hoping to gain a profit off of them. They're called The Akatsuki."

At these words Sakura's eyes widen, although she can't help but scoff.

"Smuggling drugs? Naruto, no offense, but this is ridiculous." Sakura says, although using a confident tone she can't help but feel her mind swirling.

The email she had sneaked a glance at this morning flashes through her mind.

Was vertigo some kind of a drug? She had never heard of it before, but it did seem sketchy.

"Sakura, this guy is dangerous, he's a criminal. Records show that he killed his own brother because he had betrayed the organization!" Naruto whispers harshly, hoping to get through to the rosette that he isn't joking around.

Killed…his own brother?

She feels her legs turn numb and her hands shake at the thought of taking a siblings life.

Sakura shakes her head violently.

No, there was no way that Sasuke Uchiha, the man that she had known since she was young, was a criminal working for some kind of secret organization. That email was probably nothing; she saw things wrong most likely.

And Sasuke...a murderer? No, it truly made no sense to the rosette.

"This…this can't be true…Sasuke isn't a bad person." She says shakily, her appetite gone as the waitress brings both of them large plates of chicken tenders.

Naruto thanks her politely as she walks off before turning his attention back on the rosette.

"I'm sorry Sakura." He apologizes, his voice sincere as he averts his eyes.

Sakura's vision blurs, not wanting to believe the words that Naruto was giving her. The tears in her eyes were growing thick. She couldn't hold back anymore.

Soon enough, two twin rivers were falling out of her eyes.

"Naruto this is absurd, he's not…he's not like this! He's not perfect but he's not some kind of criminal! Definitely not a murderer!" She says rather loudly, acting out in denial.

Some people look over in interest at her raised voice.

How could he possibly know who Sasuke was? He didn't know him like she did.

The thought strikes her, halting her tears as her mouth gapes open.

Now that she thinks about it, she didn't know who Sasuke was either.

She had only really talked to him since he arrived. Throughout high school he never gave her the time of day.

"Sakura, are you okay?" Naruto asks worriedly, watching as her angered face turns blank, her eyes turning dull.

Sakura doesn't respond, her own thoughts running wildly through her mind.

Her thoughts linger back to the night before and how wild Sasuke was acting, all because she announced she was going on a date with the blonde. Sasuke was acting very possessive of her, and every time she mentioned the blonde his eyes danced in fear and his mood changed tenfold.

How he slammed the laptop shut this morning, sealing off his email. How all this time he had been hiding something, but she was too blinded to care because of her childish crush on him.

"I'm living with a criminal." She mutters softly, her eyes widening even more as she stares dumbfounded at the plate of food. Realization hits the rosette like a truck, shattering her whole image of the beloved Uchiha she had grown so fond of over the years.

As much as she wishes it weren't true, the hard cold facts laid out perfectly. He wasn't the good-looking star of high school anymore, he had changed.

And drastically so.

Naruto only nods, biting his lip as he watches Sakura's world collapse.

He hated doing this to her, seeing her so vulnerable, but it was the only way of keeping her safe.

She was bound to find out the truth sooner or later.

"Naruto, how do you know all of this?" She asks after a long moment of silence.

The blonde takes a long and deep breath before answering.

"'Cause I'm the guy who's supposed to take him down."

Until next chapter, toodles~