Lady Luck Chapter 9: Ravishing, a naruto fanfic

Story: Lady Luck

Chapter: - 9 This is a new chapter recently added. I have gone back and revised previous chapters for content and (hopefully) grammar. I would recommend going back and rereading

Author: Ari

Beta: Proclaimed Penguin Princess

Pairing: Uchiha Itachi & Haruno Sakura

Warnings: Citrus ahead

Disclaimers: See first chapter for full disclaimer, but basically I do not own anything Naruto related

Fun Announcement!

I am very excited to announce that Gorrionfantasama is translating "Lady Luck" into Spanish! I have favorited her profile and the translation in my favorites in my profile. She is amazing go check out her work. Currently she has the prologue and first chapter translated!

Seriously, she is awesome- go check out her work.

Enjoy ^-^

-xXx-

Previously

He leaned in to her, her mouth eagerly awaited his own. He was pleased that she finally returned his physical displays of affections. But just as he went to deepen the kiss, she pulled away from the kiss but not from him as he braced the back of his head. He looked at her, sharply, questioning the action.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

He did not change the expression on his face. She realized her question was too broad. "Why do you kiss me like this? Leave me breathless."

He smirked. Her heart leaped. "I could do so many other things to leave you breathless hime."

Her breath caught.

Woah. She thought. He just raised the bar.

His voice sounded right next to her ear as his hands caressed the length of her spine. "What I would do for your consent to let me ravish you. To explore every inch of you. To make you roll in pleasure."

Ravish. Now there was a vocabulary word that made her heat build inside her as she recalled his hands racing over her body.

It was a dare. He was darring her, challenging her. Because he knew how she would rise to the challenge. Fuck he knew her too well even after just two months.

Even objectively speaking no man on earth should be as good looking as Uchiha Itachi. The slender form, sharp angles, steady alluring gaze. Even the stress lines on his face were beautiful. The dark and brooding side coupled with his cool indifference he was a walking chick magnet.

But he was here with her. He held her to his body. He was confiding and trusting in her. And he wanted to ravish her.

She knew she was not ready for that implication. With a smile she shook her head. No.

In understanding he nodded. He did not expect her to consent just yet. It mattered not, she would be worth the wait. Still he reaffirmed, "I will have no other woman but you Sakura." he said forcing raw emotion into every word, onyx eyes bleeding crimson.

His eyes conveyed the promise: I'll prove it to you.

Itachi returned to his detailed attentions, his mouth pressing to hers in a long passion kiss. He did not stop there. His mouth began trailing a line of kisses along her jaw, down her neck, across her shoulders down her arm, forearm and stopped, nipping at sensitive skin.

"Stop it," She pushed him away playfully. Whatever ministrations he was doing, just then felt different. It was like, he was gathering chakra in his mouth and transferred it to her wrist, maybe? The rosette was not sure but the medic nin in her was curious. She never engaged in sexual activities using her chakra. Tsunade would know, or maybe Shizune. Shizune might be better to ask. Either way, she would have to remember to heal it in the morning.

"Just making sure you have something to remember me by." He smirked again.

As if she could forget now.

He pulled her to him, laying down flat with the couch and her on top of him to continue where he left off. He did not know how long he would be away for and he wanted to make sure he remembered her and she would not forget him.

Long after the affection stopped. She layed, pink hair flared across a black shirt which smelled of smoke and salt. Long fingers once again ran the length of her spine as another hand entwined with her own.

"It's not fair." She whispered into his chest.

He stilled his caresses, waiting for her to continue.

"It's like you're too perfect."

Because that is what he felt like, here and now. When he was not an Uchiha. When he was just Itachi. Her Itachi. Someone who forced her to face her fears and challenges. Someone who supported her. Someone who wanted to spend the night before he left on a mission with her.

Uchiha Itachi would be hers. Would be her husband.

For the first time she let the thought excite her.

"I am only human." He reminded her.

She playfully slapped his chest. "Uchiha Itachi, you are the furthest thing from 'only human'."

After a pause she continued. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Later."

Before sleep claimed her she felt strong arms encircled her own frame and lips pressed to a singular spot on her wrist.

-xXx-

Six Months before their Wedding

The Uchiha Main House

"Hydrangeas would look lovely," Mikoto leaned over one of several lists spread out over the table. "We can harvest them fresh from the gardens that morning."

A younger woman, the opposite of the previous in every way looked up from a tentative event schedule. Her blonde hair covering one of her pale blue eyes. "Hydrangeas are beautiful but they have a negative connotation to some. Besides, if you are looking to add an accent flower try carnations. They come in wide variety of colors. Or we could stick with the primroses as they represent eternal love."

The elder woman contained the frustration held inside of her. Uchiha Mikoto had planned numerous events, including several weddings for herself and various cousins. While she respected her son's intended choice in asking the blonde, younger kunoichi, to help; Yamanaka Ino did not know the Uchiha clan. She seemed to just know flowers.

Of course Mikoto could not let her frustration show on her face. That would not be polite.

The third woman in the room could care less about their squabbles. The rosette could feel the rising tension between the two women but her mind was far away from this current moment. While she appreciated the efforts both her best friend, and future mother-in-law were making on behalf of her wedding, she could not help but shake this feeling. The feeling that settles at the bottom of the pit of your stomach that something is about to go horribly wrong.

With a cup of green tea in her hand, she removed herself from the piles of papers, charts, colors chips and sketches that were scattered on the tea room table. With little effort she made her way towards the bay windows overlooking the vast gardens in the rear of the house. She had walked the gardens with Itachi when she came over for dinner. It was part of their routine now- or it was when neither of them were away on missions. After dinner he would lead her out towards the shrine where she will, in six short months, vow to honor and love him.

A man who both infuriates her and encourages her at the same time. A man who made her heart flutter. A dark man with a deep soul, raven hair and midnight black eyes dancing in a crimson storm. A man who ignited something in her heart.

There was no use denying it anymore. She had forgiven Itachi for the stunt he had pulled. Over the last four months or so, they have been truly honest with their intentions with one another. She enjoyed getting to know him. There is a depth and gentleness beneath his stoic exterior.

He had weaseled his way into her life with little warning, changing her to the core, altering her perception and very way of life.

She missed him. Missed his warmth when he spent the night with her, just simply holding her in his arms.

Itachi had been gone almost a month now. A month. Was this normal for ANBU of his caliber? Yes, Sakura thought, she knew that some ANBU went on missions that lasted even longer. He could not say how long he would be gone, or send word that he was okay; not on this type of mission. So she was left to her own devices without him. The stares, the endless questions, the wedding planning; it was all prattle in her ear.

Is this what it will be like when we are married? Will he be gone and leave me here alone?

Her temple rested against the cool pane of glass. The day was cool with muted light due to the overcast clouds. It would rain shortly. Emerald eyes danced over the vegetation, tracing where she and Itachi had walked several times together.

The bride to be did not hear the two voices calling her name in the distance.

Ino and Mikoto had stopped their polite arguing when Sakura had removed herself from the table. Both women watched with concern pulling their lips downward briefly. Their eyes moving from Sakura's form, leaning against the window, then back to connect with one another. Despite their differences they both cared about the rosette and they could see she had been off lately. More off than normal.

Ino had stepped in when she did not think Sakura gave enough shits about her wedding to the Uchiha heir. She was right. Sakura could care less about what flowers she held while she vowed to love and honor Itachi.

He is the important part. He's the whole reason she is here.

She hated him.

No she really did not. She hated him being away. He navigates this family bull shit better than both her, Sasuke, and Ino combined. Although Sakura prided herself, she was learning. Still, it was not the same.

A cloud of warm breath fogged the window pane before disappearing in the next moment.

With all the grace of an dark haired angel of gentleness Mikoto rose from the table. "Ino you are a wealth of knowledge, but I believe we all need a short break. Will you be a darling and fetch the artistic young man on Sakura's team? He can help us envision the sketches of flowers."

Ino took a moment to consider what Mikoto was saying. She wanted to be sure that the woman had Sakura's best interests in mind. Mikoto's gentle eyes crinkled in the corners, briefly showing her wisdom before she smiled sweetly and nodded as if saying 'it's okay.'

"They'll be at the training grounds." Sakura responded not turning from the window. They were always at the training grounds now if they were not being sent out for missions.

They were training to reach ANBU level. Sasuke had told them, after he aired everything out, that he just wanted to see if he could do it. Reach a level that would prove to everyone that he was just as strong as his brother and elder cousin. With that rousing speech he basically recruited Naruto to the same cause. Sai was basically ANBU level already, having been in Root. The artist was not all entirely thrilled with his teammate's decision to, but understood wanting to improve oneself so agreed to keep himself up with the team.

They told Sakura she did not have to, with everything else going on. But she swore to herself long ago that she would not be left behind. Haruno Sakura did not sit on the sidelines, she broke down walls for others. Therefore, with little reluctance, Team 7 agreed to train for the trials. They knew they would have to split up when it came time but for now, they would work, train, travel as a team. As a unit, as Team 7.

Yet, she was here alone. Her team was off training because once again she had to attend to stupid wedding stuff. Since Itachi was away on missions Mikoto agreed to just meet at various times with Sakura to help plan the wedding instead of formal dinners.

"Sakura," Mikoto's musical voice and gentle hand landed on her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts of the man with raven hair and beautiful crimson eyes.

"I'm sorry Mikoto I-'

"Walk with me?" Mikoto stated, moving towards the back door of the house.

The edge in Mikoto's voice caught Sakura for a moment. Because while the elder woman definitely asked a question, the tone the matriarch used was not that of a question. The request was not one she could deny.

Oh shit, Sakura thought for a moment. What did I do? Or what did I not do, might be a better question.

With careful steps, holding her guard up, Mikoto glided into the gardens. "Grab a basket dear. I need to begin preparing dinner."

"I'm sorry Uchiha-sama," Sakura bowed quickly, causing some of the items in the basket to fall to the ground again. Immediately, out of shock and embarrassment she could not even apologize the woman without dropping something, Sakura dropped to the ground to pick up with items.

She continued ranting, "I know I have not been very decisive in the planning process-"

"Sakura-chan."

Sakura's emerald eyes lifted to connect with Mikoto's. She had the same eyes as Itachi. Kind eyes that hid a depth of emotion she would not share.

"Breathe," Mikoto commanded. "Sakura, breathe."

Sakura did so.

"There is nothing you could do that would make me think less of you."

Sakura stopped breathing again. This time only for a moment. It had been a long time since she had heard those words from anyone.

"It is not easy stepping into a clan." Mikoto pulled Sakura to her feet, taking the basket on her other hip as she linked her arm with Sakura to continue to walk further from the compound.

"I grew up in the clan, and throughout my young life I was trained to be a kunoichi. When it was clear that I did not possess the same talent as some of my cousins, my parents- rest their souls- trained me to be the perfect Uchiha wife. Because that was what we were taught. I would not rank above genin level. It was a difficult for my friends in the academy to comprehend why I did not care to become a stronger kunoichi for myself. The concept of being in a clan, meant that a lot of decisions they considered to be personal, were decided for me based on what is best for the clan, and well, that concept was confusing for them.

"As I am sure it is for you." Mikoto continued softly. "You are handling your frustration well."

But not well enough to fool you, Sakura could not help but think. In this moment Sakura questioned how not sure how perceptive Mikoto was compared to the rest of the clan. Or at least she hoped Mikoto simply looked deeper and was intune with the rosette. Else Itachi would be upset with her for not really putting on a good show for the other clan members.

"My sons are not the easiest men in the world to get along with," warm black eyes looked forward as they approached the edge of the land. The Uchiha lands were boarded by a forrest towards one end of the compound. Mikoto slowly continued to steer Sakura in that direction. "I am happy they have you. I am happy I will finally be able to call you my daughter."

With no second thought, Mikoto entered the woods, pulling Sakura along with her. Not too deep, just past the initial tree line. But it was enough to make Sakura begin to question the older woman's motives. Why bring her out this far? This was the point when Sakura began to suspect that (incomplete)

"Itachi is a good man," She continued, examining the plants around her for nothing in particular. "He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and will try to do the same for you. He wants to protect you like he protects Sasuke."

A dozen questions raced through her mind. Why are you telling me this? From what does Itachi want to protect me? Why does Itachi think that Sasuke and I need protecting? Sakura stilled her tongue as she knew this was not the point of the current conversation.

Uchiha Mikoto was a clever woman. Whatever game Itachi played with his clan, Itachi learned his tricks from watching his mother. She was always flawless in whatever role she needed to play, all the time. It was like a lifelong mission.

"He won't want to tell you how the clan can be very possessive. How they will demand everything from you. Even when you think you have nothing left to give, they will still demand every ounce of you. It is a daunting experience, especially to a woman coming in to the role of Lady Uchiha, and who grew up outside of this clan.

"Do you understand Sakura-chan?" For the first time since helping her up Mikoto looked into Sakura's eyes. Except the word 'look' could not describe how deep her midnight eyes seemed to want to burn something into Sakura.

Kakashi had always told them to read underneath the underneath. Mikoto was telling her that the clan will demand a lot from her as Lady Uchiha, but she already knew that. This not a reminder of what she was already expecting. If not a reminder, then why bring her outside the compound like this?

Could it be a warning? Sakura thought. Why would Mikoto warn her of this? Start from the beginning Sakura. Mikoto told you how she was raised as to be the perfect Uchiha wife. If she was raised to be a wife, and then a Lady Uchiha- then there must be others as well. Clan members who would not be happy that an outsider was taking away the man their mothers told them they were going to marry since they were little girls.

So she would have enemies within the clan. Okay. At least she had Sasuke and Itachi. Hopefully even Shisui, since he and Itachi are close.

Next, the stuff about Itachi. Mikoto had told her that Itachi preferred to keep things to himself. And if Mikoto told her this, then it was for a reason. Mikoto said she liked Sakura- which was good all things considering- so maybe Mikoto thought that Sakura needed to know what Itachi was hiding for her own protection. Could it be because of the enemies within the clan thing?

So, she had to find out what Itachi was keeping from her, and more importantly why.

Third, and final she was telling Sakura that the clan would push her to give up everything she was; her dreams, her goals, her life. Sakura had experienced a little of this already. The clan wanted her off active duty. No doubt there are whispers that she should retire from her shinobi career. What more could she give? Her body to Itachi, and future...

With the full realization dawning on her, Sakura stood up straight, schooling her expression to match the strength of the woman opposite her.

"I understand Mikoto-san." Sakura said, putting all of her strength and determination behind her words, while nodding once.

The raven haired woman nodded once in return. "Good, I am glad we had this talk dear."

Uchiha Mikoto had the best poker face Sakura had ever seen in her entire life. This must be who taught Itachi to be so perceptive.

The unspoken hung in the air between the two women.

Don't be like me.

-xXx-

At the Training Grounds

"Look Ino-chan, I know you and Sai are together and everything but, he needs to be here training with us. He is the long distance fighter and we need the practice!" Naruto shouted from the tree tops.

Ino was not shocked that her secret relationship with Team 7's newest member was out in their open air. In some weird way, she was happy that part of Team 7's bond was keeping each other's secrets. She even appreciated Sakura pretending that she did not know about her and Sai.

What the blonde kunoichi did not appreciate was the blonde shinobi across the field belting out her private life.

Is this the karma that Sakura kept telling her about?

"Sakura needs a little support." Ino said, picking her words carefully.

"Hello beautiful" Sai asked as he strolled over to her. Subtly, he took her hand, running his thumb along the soft skin on the back of her wrist. "How is she doing?"

Ino's face softened as he approached but also in empathy for her friend. Eyes cast aside she let her voice convey her worry. "She's distant. She doesn't seem to care about her wedding. Mikoto-sama took her for a walk."

Upon hearing his mother's name, Sasuke dodged Naruto's attack and pinned his teammate to the ground. Blood red eyes focused on the kunoichi who had so rudely interrupted their training.

"Oy Teme!" Naruto yelled from under the weight of Sasuke's body.

"Shut up dobe." Sasuke growled his voice low.

"Not fair! I'm going to-"

Sai's voice traveled across the distance easily. "Was she crying? Is there anything we can do?"

Her eyes slipped away from the man who made her heart flutter to the two rolling around together in the grass. "Between you and me, I think something happened between her and Itachi."

Naruto heard that. He heard that loud and clear. "Teme?" Naruto's voice was calm, and focused. The same tone he used when he was about to say or do something profound.

"Hn,"

"When does your asshole brother get back from his mission?"

"It was an ANBU mission. Could be days or months."

"I think we need to teach Itachi a lesson."

"Sakura does not want us to do that dobe."

"Sakura-chan does not want us to chase him away. I think there is a difference in teaching Itachi not to hurt her."

Sasuke thought for a moment, moving himself off of Naruto, and crouched, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet. After Sai and Ino had left the field together he stood and spoke

"What did you have in mind?"

Naruto jumped up with excitement brimming through his body. He had not had the opportunity to put his legendary pranking skills to use for a while. With a devilish smirk, Naruto rubbed his hands together as an absolutely genius plan to teach Itachi not to mess with their Sakura-chan was brewing in his mind.

-xXx-

Ame

Itachi ignored the searing pain in his chest as the pale green smoke, consumed the site of the explosion, entered his lungs. He pulled one of his squad members out of the rubble, Itachi's already tired muscles struggled to shoulder the weight of the barely conscious man.

Their mission was to monitor the shinobi activity on the border of Ame. According to Jiraiya-sama, there was an increase of unusual activity between missing nins. He believes an alliance of some sort had been formed. A dangerous one recruiting high ranked missing nin from various villages into their ranks.

"Captain!" Water pelted the cracked mask of a boar as one of his teammates landed in front of him. He was awaiting orders. He was scared. Still a newer recruit, they had never had to fight this hard for their lives since he had been on a team. Genma was leaning on his teammates side, supported by the younger ANBU.

It happened right under their noses. They had been ambushed. But the enemy had targeted the right person. They knew who they were dealing with. Whoever it was, eradicating Shisui was their first priority.

Uchiha Shisui, for all of his light hearted, gentle qualities, was one of the most talented shinobi Itachi had the privilege of working with. Shisui trained Itachi, who in turn, trained Sasuke. Shisui taught him about the ways of a shinobi and their duty to their village. Shisui, his best friend, the only person in the world who honestly knew him.

Uchiha Shisui, the master of the body flicker technique. Even if an enemy recognized their team, Shisui would nullify the opponent before the battle had even begun. He's an excellent tracker and rarely was caught.

This enemy knew who they were, the masks did not matter. They had set up a decoy going after Genma first, knowing Shisui would swoop in. The battle was quick, and bloody.

Ending in this deadly poison fog cloud and Shisui's body, which took the most damage, was slowly failing. To Itachi's horror, the poison had entered an open wound near his eye. Itachi was no medic but he knew Shisui's Sharingan was in danger of being compromised.

"Retreat." Itachi almost growled, clutching the limp body of his cousin in his arms. His body was bruised, beaten, sliced, and slowly being poisoned from the inside. Shisui was reeling in pain, clutching, clawing at his stomach and face.

Itachi would not let this happen. He could not let these monsters take his best friend. He was low on chakra himself but he focused everything he had left to get his team, his cousin, back to Konoha.

Itachi was no stranger to death on the battlefield, yet this had the most terrifying experience he had been through. As captain, he should objectively care about each teammate.

Shisui was not just a teammate, he was Itachi's best friend.

"Itachi." The deep bass of Shisui's fading voice.

"No." He did not want to hear Shisui's last wishes.

"If I die."

"No."

"Take," Shisui's voice strained, "my eyes."

It was then, he felt a shift of chakra behind his eyes as his vision suddenly focused clearer than it had ever been in his entire life.

-xXx-

Later in the week: The Bedroom of Uchiha Itachi

"This is ridiculous"

"You don't have the brain power to imagine my genius teme." Naruto countered going through the last of the hand signs.

Sasuke highly doubted that. While he was all for letting his elder brother know that while they wanted Sakura to be happy, they would not tolerate him being an asshole to her. He knew this was a bad idea.

Because this would leave too much of a trail.

Breaking into his older brother's bedroom had been difficult enough.

Over the last several days the two of them had been attempting to break into his older brother's room. Sasuke remembered just walking into his room as a child but that was when Itachi had been home. Apparently Itachi did not trust anyone in his room while he was away. The room was already sealed with a series of hand signs, it contained elaborate traps.

It was labours, strenuous, and great ANBU training after all. They could only work on breaking into Itachi's room when both Fugaku and Mikoto were not home to avoid suspicion. With Itachi's traps being so extensive- and Naruto's big mouth, it was hard to conceal their efforts and keep his parents from knowing. On the first day, Naruto was temporarily blinded when he used the wrong hand seals. The next day, Sasuke had to replace some rugs in the hallway because a fireball shot from the door. The third day left them both trapped in a genjutsu which left them staring at Itachi's door for hours.

All of their hard work was wearing down. Today would be the day.

Together they finished the series of seals to break the last enchantment leaving nothing but a plain door in front of them. Every bone in Sasuke's body told him this was a bad idea. The door was there, clear of traps, and his older brother would be none the wiser.

"Hehe," Naruto laughed under his breath. "Ready teme?"

Sasuke jerked his head towards the door, "After you dobe."

Fearlessly, or idiotically- Sasuke could hardly tell which anymore- Naruto took a tentative step forward, flaring out his chakra, sensing the interior of the room. An arm reached as fingers brushed the doorknob. Naruto flashed his foxy grin over his shoulder as his wrist flicked, turning the knob, releasing the latch, and opening the last barrier to the goal they worked so hard to achieve.

Cerulean blue and onyx black eyes surveyed the room in silence.

"Your brother's a load. This is the most boring room ever." Naruto deadpanned, disappointment laced in his voice.

Sasuke only huffed in agreement. He had not been in Itachi's room since he was a genin. But his perfect brother's room was indeed boring. The room was lightly furnished; a double bed, dresser, simple desk with matching chair and bookcase. Dust was not a common visitor here, only daring to appear when Itachi was not present.

"Don't leave a trace you were here." Sasuke warned as he too entered the room.

After a moment of surveying the surroundings Sasuke broke the silence, "So what do we look for?" Sasuke asked his pranking partner. Normally he thought this kind of stuff to be too childish. But the idea of making his elder brother as uncomfortable as Sasuke had felt when Itachi announced he would take Sakura for his wife.

This prank was on Itachi, not Sakura, he kept telling himself. He had forgiven Sakura, he was not sure if he could forgive his elder brother.

"Well, my original plan of pervy stuff seems to be out the door," Naruto scratched the back of his head while going through the dresser drawers. "What type of guy doesn't have dirty books, magazines or pics?"

Sasuke deliberately choose not to respond.

"Don't just stand there, check the bookcase while I look under the bed."

Paying close attention to Itachi's categorization system, Sasuke gently made his way through the series of books and scrolls. While not particularly interesting by itself, he found a notably worn copy of the updated bingo book. With dexterous fingers, he removed it soundlessly from the shelf.

Leafing through the pages Sasuke noted it was heavily annotated in a certain code. He found a page folded into itself. As he opened the page he saw Orochimaru's empty evil eyes staring back at him. Sasuke shuddered, remembering what he almost did. The photo was marked with a red X and some code written in the margins. There were several other folded pages of Sound shinobi with similar markings and variations of code. Additionally, there were several other pages that were annotated. Sasuke was surprised to see come code on the pages with Kakashi, Tsunade, Shisui and a few others.

"BINGO!" Naruto said pulling out a series of casual clothing.

"You're telling me." Sasuke commented under his breath before lifting his eyes to see what Naruto found.

Sasuke gave the blonde a look of confusion as his fox friend just grinned. "Congratulations, you found clean clothes."

"You know, you can be just as lame as the rest of your clan."

"Stop insulting my clan dobe."

"How many fangirls do you and your brother have teme?"

Sasuke grunted unhappily at the thought.

"Wouldn't those desperate women love a piece, or three of the handsome Uchiha Itachi?"

"He's engaged," Sasuke drawled out the word. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. "To Sakura."

"So?" Naruto asked nonchalantly.

"So what happens when Sakura hears that other girls have Itachi's clothes?"

"Then she will punt Itachi across Konoha with Baa-chan and we get to watch." Naruto grinned and began to make a pile of things he would take from the room.

Sasuke could not help but smirk at the thought.

Reaching into his pouch, he drew out his own copy of the bingo book and replaced Itachi's copy on the shelf. The few moments he had in the room were not going to be enough to crack the code.

"Hey Sasuke, come look at this." Naruto pulled a small box out from under the bed.

The small wooden box did not weight much. Once opened, Sasuke could easily see the collection of mementos. In honesty, it looked like a bunch of junk, but somehow these things were precious to Itachi. There was a cheap locket, a jade hair comb, a dull, worn down kunai knife, and- Sasuke's hand hesitated over a photo.

Itachi still had this? Sasuke thought, after all of these years? It was one of the last photos taken of the two brothers together. They were at the midsummer's festival, Sasuke was tired of walking and Itachi had suggested he improve his strength by hanging onto Itachi's back. In reality Itachi was just giving him the chance to rest. The photo was taken then. Sasuke's child self smiling while Itachi looked back at his younger brother, making sure he was okay.

Emotions began to well up in Sasuke's chest. He could feel his throat close as he carefully rearranged the items as they originally were and pushed the box of Itachi's things back under the bed "Nothing useful in there."

Naruto, who had been observing his friend, just nodded. "Okay, I think we have what we came for."

Both boys rose from the floor, picked up the pile they were taking with them, and exited the room without another word.

-xXx-

The same night: Konoha Hospital

The pattern was happening again.

Bad things always happened to Sakura in threes.

The cream walls of the hospital whispered the same fear she felt sending tingles up her spine into the back of her head as she made her rounds, checking on the recovering patients. No one had any excessive needs, nobody was regressing.

The hospital was quiet. But two bad things had happened to her already today and she knew a third equally bad thing was coming her way. She felt it in her bones.

Earlier that day she was practicing taijutsu with Sai when she rolled her ankle causing her to lose the match. It was an almost invisible rock that she had stepped on, once she pivoted her weight and prepared to kick her sparring partner, the rock throw off her balance. She stumbled as her foot rolled, giving Sai an opening to pin her. While she was able to heal herself right away, the embarrassment was enough. She would not make ANBU if she made mistakes like that.

In part she blamed Sasuke. He was the one who wanted to make ANBU. Now, the rest of Team 7 were training just as hard to join him. Sai wanted to work on his taijutsu defence some more, which was why they were sparring. Sakura had been on a few ANBU level missions before as a medic but had a very minimal role compared to the rest of her team. While she rolled her eyes at Naruto's excessive enthusiasm and Sasuke's persistent drive to train non-stop, she could not deny she too felt the thrill.

She had parted the training field in a less than motivated mood, while it was a small mistake, Sakura knew she was better than that.

Then her shift began with a rather, delicate situation at the hospital. A visiting dignitary had contracted an infection while engaging in specific aspects of night life in Konoha. Tsunade, Shizune and Sakura stood around staring at this man's wrinkly genitals in attempts to diagnose what infection he contracted.

She pulled herself from her memory as she heard a feminine voice calling her name. "What?" Sakura had to ask for clarification.

Sakura was sitting with Shizune in a break room, both women drinking tea and attempting to forget how they spent their morning.

"Sakura, are you okay?"

Her own personal relationship with the elder woman was severely understated. Shizune was more like a sister to Sakura than a mentor. An older sister who taught her how to insert a IV, reset a bone, and encouraged her to go home and recharge for the next shift. Shizune was the only other student Tsunade had taken, and the only one who knew the depths of Tsunade's temper. Shizune also had the compassion and patience of a goddess. Yet she could be stern, forceful, and assertive when she needed to be.

"How do you deal with Genma being away for so long?"

Shizune raised an eyebrow, "Genma and I are not engaged."

Sakura raised an eyebrow while tilting her head at the older woman.

Shizune shrugged. "I guess I just feel lucky to have him. Sure I miss him when he goes on missions but that is the reality of our lives Sakura." With a pause and a quick glance around the room, "I never wanted to be attached to someone, I thought it would be simpler that way. But he is worth it."

"You don't worry about him?"

"Of course I do, just as I worry about Tsunade-shishou liver, and that head of yours." Shizune raised her cup in Sakura's direction before taking another drink.

Sakura smiled sweetly. A silent thank you in her eyes. A few moments of silence passed before Shizune asked, "Is that all that you have on your mind?"

Sakura responded with a sigh and a shake of her head. "I just have a bad feeling."

"About what?" Shizune asked bringing the cup to her mouth for a drink.

The younger medic shifted in her chair, "I'm not sure, but I can't seem to shake it."

"Is it your threes thing again?" Shizune asked with a playful smirk on her lips. "This isn't about Itachi?"

"Shizune!" The playful jest did not go unnoticed.

"I see the way he looks at you Sakura-chan" Shizune switched gears. "It would be hard for any woman not to fall for him. Hell I fell for that cousin of his."

"Yes. I know. I hear about it often." Sakura shook her head trying to get those conversations with Shisui out of her head.

"All I am saying is that it is natural for you to worry about him."

"I'm not worried about him!" Sakura insisted. "He's one of Konoha's best."

Shizune gave her a deadpan 'yeah right' look she could have only learned from Tsunade.

Just as Sakura was about to say real, a code black alarm began to sound.

Code black was an emergency ANBU code.

Another medic skidded to a halt by the break room "Severely injured ANBU had just passed through the gates and were making their way to the hospital," he reported out of breath.

Shizune's eyes flicked in fear to Sakura's emerald eyes. An unspoken worry passed between them.

Bad things happen in threes.

Itachi, Sakura thought.

The two women abandoned their tea cups on the table in the breakroom. Shizune, a step ahead of Sakura led

"Shizune-sama!" One of the other medics met them in the hallway.

"Get whoever you need on a bed stat. Get recovery rooms 1 and 2 ready. Does anyone need cell regeneration?"

"To be determined Shizune-sama." the third medical shinobi responded keeping pace as they weaved in and out of the hospital.

"Who is it." Sakura snapped from behind.

"Sakura," Shizune hissed, "It doesn't matter. We do our job the same no matter who is under the mask."

With reluctance, she bit her tongue. She knew her mentor was right. But what was the harm in knowing who it was? She just wanted to know if it was him.

Pushing chakra into her legs she weaved passed the other two as they approached the stretch of hallway before the lobby area.

She saw two figures dressed in black masks discarded. Her heart sank.

He wasn't there.

Genma was lifting an unconscious teammate, with another medic onto the rolling bed. As Sakura came closer he held up his hand, "I'm not in need of immediate medical attention."

"Itachi?"

Genma's eyes went cold as he looked back out the open door. "My orders were to get here as fast as possible."

"What happened?"

"Haruno-san. What are you doing?" Shizune stepped in.

Sakura hung her head out of shame. "My apologize Shizune-san." She should have been checking on the unconscious patient.

"Control yourself."

Sakura nodded again, hanging her head.

Shizune turned to Genma. "Shiranui-san, is there anything we should be aware of?"

"Poison. They ambushed us. Capitan-san told me to go ahead.

"What state was Uchiha-san in?"

Genma went to answer and her eyes flashed

Shizune then turned to the third medic. "Take this one to recovery 1 and immediately begin extracting the poison. Then get it to the lab to begin an analysis on the compound."

The third medic nodded in understanding before moving and ordering the various other nurses and lower level medics.

"We will still need you to submit yourself to medical evaluation too Genma." Now that there were less people around her tone dropped more informal.

Sakura watched as Shizune kept her composure as Genma's eyes traveled over her, wanting to reach out to the woman he loved but knew better than to seek affection while she was on the clock. In the hospital they had to treat everyone the same. Objectivity was paramount.

Objectivity however could bite Sakura's ass as another tall dark ANBU shinobi, with long raven hair tied at the base of his neck, feel to his knees as he took one last laborious step through the door. The man carried the final member of ANBU Team 1 in his arms. As Itachi dropped to the his knees, his arms gave out, causing Shisui's limp body to roll to the floor.

His mask was half cracked and she saw his beautiful eyes fade from crimson to black. The muscles around the corner of his eye twitched in what she assumed was recognition as the last of his conscious energy left his body.

Uchiha Itachi fainted next to his nearly dead cousin.

Sakura's whole world stopped. This was her greatest fear come to life. The unbeatable Uchiha Itachi lay lifeless on the floor next to his elder cousin. Where had their mission taken them? How far and for how long was Itachi carrying Shisui back? No doubt he did not stop to eat or sleep or breath. All of the questions flooded Sakura's mind as she, bent down to begin her examination of him, activating her healing chakra

"No," Shizune said firmly stepping in front of the younger medic. Her hands on Sakura's chest pushing her back away from her raven haired fiance.

Sakura raised her voice in objection,"But he-"

"You cannot let your attachment cloud your judgement. You are not fit to provide medical attention to Itachi-san." Shizune interrupted the younger woman with a firm tone full of fire. Sakura was better than this. She had to step up.

Sakura was stunned. Shizune had never been this harsh with her before.

"Shisui is dying on that bed Sakura." Her firm tone returning as another team of nurses lifted the limp body of Uchiha Itachi to the gerny. "You have more chakra than me, you are not as attached to him as I am. Itachi did not risk his own life to run him back here for his cousin to die. Go, save Shisui's life, and I will take care of Itachi."

Sakura processed the words with a nod, stilling the shakes in her hands. Pushing chakra into her legs, she powered down the hallway after the shinobi in desperate need of attention. Shizune was right-again. She could attended to Itachi. She was too close to the patient and would not be able to be objective.

Although she was not sure if she could be objective with Shisui either. He was Itachi's best friend.

"Haruno-san," one of the voices greeted her as she caught up.

Grasping onto the bed railing she gracefully pulled herself up and on top of Shisui's body, her hands glowed with healing chakra as she began to pour her energy into Shisui's chest. "We are heading to Recovery 2." She ordered.

Sakura settled into her routine, extending her chakra out through his body, restoring what she could and clearing any damaged cells. She could feel the acidic poison everywhere in his body. Multiple system failures due to a infectious poison.

"Ladies and gentlemen, make sure we have soldier pills and a full rotation of medics." She commanded. One of the nurses peeled off, following her commands.

"No one is dying on our watch tonight." Her positive attitude filled the worried hearts of the medics around her.

Just to him she whispered, "He still needs you Shisui, hang in there."

-xXx-

36 Hours later- Sakura's House

Sakura could not sleep. Despite her exhaustion, she could not get the image of his body being rolled away from her and she being powerless to do anything.

While she knew Shizune was right, the image still rocked her to her core.

It wasn't like Sakura was naive. She knew the dangers of a shinobi's life. She felt true fear several times on the battlefield- especially with her reckless teammates. How many times had the Kyuubi nearly killed Naruto and those around him? How many times had Kakashi dove in front of some treacherous enemy? Sai had jumped from his painted birds, dive bombing an enemy with an aerial assault. And don't even get her started on Sasuke and his constant friends with benefits relationship with chakra exhaustion.

This time her fear felt different; because this time it was him. She was not the only one who admired Itachi as a constant source of strength. He was a legend within his own rights. The Uchiha ANBU captain who went on the most deadly missions.

He was not severely injured. Shizune said the poison in his blood and lungs was stubborn but not the worse she had seen. Itachi had been barely nicked compared to Shisui. Most of his injuries were sustained by the strain of racing his elder cousin back to the village.

Shisui, Sakura's mind drifted to the elder Uchiha cousin. The more time she spent around him, the more she began to realize how underappreciated the eldest Uchiha cousin was by others. Shisui was the one who taught Itachi- and by extension Sasuke. He did not just teach skills with kunai or Sharingan techniques either. Shisui has a deep appreciation for the village. He saw the cohesiveness, the center of life within the village and made sure to teach it to Itachi as well. His body flicker technique made him almost impossible to catch.

Almost.

Because someone did. It was a 6 hour extraction to remove the poison of his system and send it to the lab for testing. Sakura did not want any shinobi getting hit with this one again. Tomorrow she would analyze the poison to see if an antidote could be made. She just had to wait for toxicology to do their job.

His left eye however…Sakura shook her head with a pain of regret. Despite all her medical knowledge, the damage in his left eye was extensive.

At least he was alive, she had to tell herself. She had saved his life.

For the hundredth time Sakura got up from the couch and paced to the sliding glass door. Arms folded over her chest, she leaned against the widow doors staring into the night. Where was he? she wondered stretching her own chakra out to feel for him. She felt the living beat of birds, owls, small rodents, but not him. He wasn't out there. Or if he was out there, he was concealing his chakra.

Why would he do that? No, Sakura caught herself. Itachi would not do that. He does not hide from difficult situations.

With an exhale she then padded over to the kitchenette. She had boiled a pot of tea for two. Her cup current sat on the coffee table while sat empty, waiting for hot water.

Sakura had drank six cups since she got home. She did not want to go to bed without him another night.

She was furious at him. How could he be so damn careless?

Finally, just as sleep was about to claim her consciousness, she felt his chakra appear on the balcony. The next moment she was out of bed, feet pounding on the wooden floors as she was rushing towards the door.

He stood there, on the other side of the glass, a knight dressed in the black of the shadows. His face was hid behind the darkness of the night, and his hair as it dangled free and loose around his face and shoulders.

Shaking, her hands reached up to unlock her door with a series of- less than perfect- hand signs to unlock the door.

Itachi quickly memorized and stored the hand signs. She just gave him the key to her apartment.

Black eyes quickly scanned over the apartment as he passed by her, entering the small complex.

"You left?"

"I had healed enough to check myself out." His silken tenor voice was the sweetest music she had ever heard.

"How are you feeling?" She asked, then chidded herself for sounding too over eager to see him.

She wanted to run to him. To throw her arms around him and bury her face in his chest.

"Fine." He curtly replied.

Silence.

"Shisui?" She asked softly.

"Stable," he replied again curtly.

Silence.

"Do you want tea?"

There was a pause and Itachi's eyes trailed over her own sleep deprived form. She was exhausted, and his selfish desire to see her, caused her to rise from her slumber; as was evident by her tousled hair. She slept in an oversized blue t-shirt and grey shorts she had to roll at the waist to make them shorter. Extra clothes her teammates left and she conveniently never returned.

He should not have showed up. Shizune-san wanted him to remain in the hospital for extended care. But he could not stay away. He had to show her he was alright.

"No," he finally said.

She did not know what to say to him. She had never felt this shaken about losing someone before. Her voice trembled as her eyes met his, "Itachi-" she started pursing her lips.

"I'm here hime."

There it was again. That undeniable magnetic force between them that would always draw her to him. Nothing else mattered in that moment; only him. Itachi, her Itachi, her man, her future husband, her partner, her hunter.

Both parties were simply staring as the silence prickled the room around , they both broke into long, quick strides, lips meeting when they finally reached one another. His strong hand entangling in pink locks at the base of her neck while the other encircled her waist. Sakura threw her arms around his neck standing on tippy toes, putting most her weight into him. She pressed herself flush against his battle hardened body.

Their lips glided over one another, mouths opening and crashing like waves of emotion and desire crashing. Tongues rose in the motion to caress one another.

Her hands wandered the streets of muscles in his back. He was always warm, a soothing heat that reached into her every time they touched. Itachi had a fire within unlikes she had ever tasted before. And she wanted more of him.

She wanted all of him.

She wanted him.

"Ravish me," She breathed softer than a whisper yet full of desire against his ear.

He froze as the words left her lips. She silently protested at the halt of attention.

With painful slowness, Itachi traced his elegant nose along her jawline, using his larger form to pin her against the wall. The movement was slow and deliberate, drawn out and only stopped when one of his dark eyes came to stare into her own.

He communicated his next question non-verbally. His gaze piercing into her eyes, analyzing her for any sort of doubt. 'Are you sure?' they said silently.

Feeling bold Sakura leaned closer to her deadly lover. She shifted her arm so her hand trailed down along his cheek, neck, chest, abdomen and did not stop at his waist. Warm blood pumped through her veins as she dared to push her hand lower, past the waist of his pants as to stroke his hardening member through the fabric of his pants.

"I consent," Sakura whispered against his lips.

It was the phrase he had been waiting to hear. While he did not think he would hear it from her now, his heart dared to believe that she wanted him in the same way he wanted her.

Crimson bled into onyx as the hunter with flawless raven hair took over. Ravish her he would.

In one sweeping movement, Itachi's hands cradled her waist. Strong arms lifting her up and braced her as powerful legs wrapped around his hips. Her arms once again found themselves snaked around his neck as she braced herself, squeezing her thighs to hold her against him.

His kiss was firm and deep, passion overwhelming as he pressed into her in more than one way. Sakura pressed her own kiss back into his lips and she swore she felt him smile. Warm hands disregarded the barrier of her clothes for the feeling of his skin on hers. Tingles danced across her skin. Called her for more. There were too many layers.

She disconnected her own arms from his neck, pulling away from his kiss causing a low growl of disapproval from her new lover. His dissatisfaction quickly erased as the rosette gracefully lifted her shirt above her head.

Crimson eyes drank her in appraisingly. Her body was beautiful to him. She was blessed with soft and graceful curves, ones that she was able to manage easily and that were enhanced with her training. She was strong and powerful. Sakura was his. He would never let another touch her like this as long as he lived.

Desire ridden emeralds connected with his Sharingan bashfully as she reached for the hem of his shirt. Grinning with satisfaction he leaned back. He still supported her against the wall, pressing his groin into her core. Her fingers brushed over his skin as she began to lift his own shirt.

Sakura's breath hitched. Faintly she recalled a day when they were tangled up in a training field and she had touched him like this before. Itachi was what artists pictured when they went to sculpt masculine beauty. The planes of his abdomen rippled as she ran her hands up them, fingers sprayed over his broad pectorals, up the fine, toned muscles in his shoulders and arms, to finally free his body from the fabric.

Vaguely she registered the scenery changing, leaving their shirts lay in the hallway. What shirts? Who cared about shirts? Why was Itachi even allowed to wear a shirt? She certainly did not care about his shirt. He definitely did not care about hers either.

Out of affection for him, and her hot desire, she pressed her lips against his jawline. Itachi shifted his head slightly to allow her to continue moving her kisses down his neck, pausing to give the sensitive skin around his pulse more attention. She felt him growl in the back of his throat as her back met her own soft mattress.

Silky raven hair encased her in his scent of smoke and salt. Sakura was intoxicated by the inhuman beauty Itachi had. The combination of his sweeping nose, his angled jaw, his near flawless complection- and his eyes. Not just the dangerous beauty of his Sharingan, but how expressive they were in this moment. Itachi seemed to speak volumes through the minute expressions of his eyes alone. And right now those eyes were appreciating every inch of her own person. She ran her fingers through his beautiful hair, like she was sure nobody did before. Her hands continued down his muscular back as he once again dove in to capture her lips for his own.

Sakura moaned in protest as his mouth left hers. With a wicked smile Itachi continued pressing his own mouth to her body, moving down her neck, fingers dancing across her collarbone to sweep away the straps of her bra. Lips pressed into the soft mounds of her rising chest. Knowingly, Sakura arched her back, allowing her new lover to reach around to quickly undo the clasp.

Itachi's eyes returned to hers for a moment, placing a chaste kiss to her lips, a warm hand pressing into her cheek to steady her. The other hand trailed down her check, her neck, and inbetween her chest to remove the piece of fabric. A small chill overcame her body, but was chased away by the heat of her new lover.

A faint blush rose in her cheeks as Itachi leaned back to observe her new state of undress.

He was painting her body with small caresses and it was enough to drive her mad with desire. His hand did not stop with her bare breasts. He continued over her own abdomen, playing at the lining of her shorts. A hand slipped between her skin and the fabric, slowly forcing it from its claim to her modesty. Accommodating him she raised her hips, and was impressed how quickly both the shorts, and her underwear were discarded.

In a moment of coy playfulness, she twisted her hips, causing her legs to fold together, denying him a view and access; while also folding her arms across her chest. She pushed her foot into her his chest, pushing him away.

"No." His intense tone took her by surprise. "Do not hide yourself from me."

She took a moment to evaluate him. Uchiha Itachi was used to getting his way and she now knew how to get to him. But she knew his statement meant more than just shielding her naked body from him now. He was also referencing something much deeper. She was bare before him. Exactly how he wanted her.

Itachi was still a master of the game.

His eyes flicked dangerously back to her own once again, in attempts to read her. He was enticed by her actions, she fueled his desire for her, but two could play that game. Sakura watched as he pressed his mouth to her ankle and ran father light touches up the inside of her other leg.

Sakura's body betrayed her, shivering in the subtle pleasure and falling back on the bed. Itachi made careful to gently caress all of the skin around her core, the moved away as his mouth traveled north, returning to the soft skin between her breasts, placing a kiss there. Sakura absentmindedly wondered if he could feel the way he made her heart race.

By the time his mouth moved to her soft, luscious chest, Sakura's head was spinning with the dichotomy of the careful ministrations to every inch of his body, and the lack of attention to the places she wanted it most.

With careful yet deliberate touches Itachi circled around her areola before flicking her hardened bud. She did not make a sound, only exhaled in relief and bit down on her bottom lip. A warm mouth closed around the pebbled nipple, sucking it up into his mouth before using his teeth to apply enough pressure to continue her moans of pleasure.

At the same time a hand came to rest at the opening of her core, giving it long strokes.

The sensation of two stimuli earned a gasp from her mouth as she arced into his mouth further as he continued alternating between sucking and nipping on her breast. As he pushed his fingers into her warm hot center he switched the same sinful pattern of nipping and sucking to her other breast.

Her fingers gripped at his skin, feeling every part of him she could as she was slowly building her own pleasure underneath of him. She reached down playing with the hemline of his own pants. She could not reach down to touch him intimately as well. She wanted to give him as much pleasure as he did her.

"I'm not done." He purred against her skin.

"We are not equally undressed." Sakura stated playfully, reaching down to play with the hem of his pants to highlight her point.

After a moment of consideration, he withdrew his fingers to stand up before her. With a quick movement Itachi's pants fell to the floor, leaving him standing in all of his impressive glory. He stood watching Sakura watch him, appraising the man before her. She grew tired of waiting for him to return, she opened her arms and welcomed him back into her embrace.

They were under no preconceived notion they were each other's firsts. They were ninja in a world were children had to grow up quickly. The past did not matter. Whoever came before did not matter, because this would be their first time together. This could be their future. This was just as special.

She was floating on a cloud. Ravish her he wanted and ravish her he certainly did. She had barely even taken a turn to pleasure him. All he seemed to want was to make her moan in pleasure, give into her desire as he continued showering her with attention.

In a moment of boldness, Sakura used her weight and momentum of her legs to roll Itachi over on his back, dark raven hair falling around his head in a dark shadow accented by his blood red eyes.

It was unnerving and sexy at the same time.

His gaze lingered over her form, now bare before him as she settled herself, straddling his hips. Her own hot core resting on his hardened member. Everything about Itachi's affections was heat and passion. He made her feel like she was the only woman in the whole village, the only one who mattered. The only one he saw; it was truly empowering. She wanted to be the center of his attention now- and forever.

His hard erection bucked against against her core. Itachi rolled his hip knowing how sensitive she was to the smallest movement. His tip nudging her clit was nothing short of tantalizing as pleasure washed through her body. Itachi liked teasing and drawing out the moment.

Mentally Sakura tried to pump the brakes and collect herself. Slow down. Enjoy every moment, she told herself.

She made daring, desire filled eye contact with the Uchiha heir. Making sure he was watching her every movement. With painful slowness, Sakura lifted her hips. Itachi was obviously intrigued by her choice of position, but did not protest as he positioned himself for her. Both maintaining eye contact. He filled her easily, stretching her just enough for the pleasure to take over any pain.

She leaned forward, kissing him as her hips began to rock with an easy rhythm, almost of their own accord. She felt the low timber of his moan more than she heard it. As the kiss broke for air she straightened herself up, hands bracing on his muscled chest.

Her pace was painstakingly, slow for him. But he felt her pleasure him with every rock of her hips. He wanted to take her over, make her succumb to his own pace. He could not bring himself too in this moment, he was mesmerized by the rosette beauty working both of them. She could read the desire written on his face. She saw how he also enjoyed watching her body roll as it rocked back and forth, gaining its own pleasure from him. Warm hands came to trace their way up her thighs, hips, moved over her rib cage before palming her breasts as she moved those incredible hips giving them both pleasure. Sakura closed her eyes as his thumbs flicked over her nipples, sensation shooting all through her body.

He felt so good, filling her out completely, warm hands like fire to her passion. Sakura willed her hips to move faster, increasing the pace. Itachi matched every lift and fall of her pace as each continued to build upon their own, and the other's pleasure.

The moment Sakura's pace slowed a beat, the hesitation caused by his insistence on playing with her sensitive nipples, Itachi sat up, shifting slightly to accomodate for the new position. But his face was right in front of hers. A warm pressure on her lower back urged her to continue with her actions, and she did.

Sakura could not get the same range of motion, however this position was more intimate as he held her steady to his body. His crimson stare could be enough to finish her she swore. He captured her lips, pressed kissed to the side of her neck as one hand encouraged her pace and the other continued to knead her breast.

"Itachi," Sakura moaned, burying her face in his neck as she felt her own climax manifesting. The lovely pressure climbing a staircase to a high she wanted to reach with him.

"Say it again." Itachi buried his own head in her neck, lips brushing the shell of her ear.

Returning to her previous pace she dragged her fingers along his spine; causing him to shiver against her. Her hands continued up his shoulders, neck and into his silky raven locks. As Itachi bucked under her, delicate fingers grabbing the roots of his hair. She pulled his head back to reclaim his lips.

Or so she thought. Predatory eyes stared at her as he pulled back just out of her range.

Her head was spinning was the pressure began to build. Her paced slowed again.

Itachi took the moment to change their positions once again, back above her, his godly body bare and shimmering in the little light left in the room. His thrusts into her were slow, but deep and deliberate. His motions caused her body screamed for him. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, scraping at his back.

"Ah," the moan escaped her lips. "I'm so close."

"What do you want Sakura?"

She wanted him to bring her release. She wanted to thrive in the desire and pleasure they created together.

She felt his pace slow as he pushed his weight on her.

"Say it hime."

She wanted to deny him that little pleasure. To play the coy game. But she knew he would stop and deny her.

She wanted it. Sakura wanted him.

"I'm yours Itachi."

The thrust that followed, sending her to climax seemed to reach into her as Itachi suffered through her nearly inhuman grip on his body.

Not long after, he too found his own release that send waves of pleasure through their bodies.

Her body would not move even if she willed it. She gently shuddered in pleasure as this god of a man lay down next to her, gently caressing her back. The gentle fingertips lightly scratching her back was the best feeling to help relax her heightened senses. Sakura smiled at him, making a small noise of approval. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss onto her lips.

When his actions, both kiss and caress, halted Sakura sat up in protest. "Why'd you stop?" she demanded.

Raven hair cascaded over her form as he once again moved to hover above her. His answer was simple. "I'm not done ravishing you hime."

Again she was enveloped in his pleasure.

-xXx-

A/N: Thank you to all who have stuck with me so far. I really appreciate all your feedback.

Recently, I've tried to stay away from leaving really long or overly complex author's notes. The story is what it is.

But I wanted to say this is my first time writing a lemon- and I also wanted to say it was very important to me that Sakura was an active participant in the activities. It was important to me that she was open, honest, and active about her sexuality as a woman and not just the recipient, but an equal partner.

I hope I achieved that.