AN: I added a few sentences in chapter nine and finally finished this one. I'm glad we're beyond the first couple of chapters. I feel like I can really start having some fun now..hehe.
"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction"- Sir Isaac Newton
There was nothing Sakura could do but be led by the arrogant Uchiha prodigy. His hand was on hers, his touch firm and burning her as she held onto him. She could feel every muscle bunch and tense in Itachi's calloused hands. Hell she knew every muscle hands had and could name the ones that were tensing; his hand laced in hers. She could tell simply from their touch that he'd broken this particular hand more than once. Mystery surrounded Itachi, cloaked him in an aura that drew others to him. Then his personality, his attitude repelled them. Uchiha seemed to have a grand talent for being assholes to everyone they met. So why had he grabbed her hand? She had no answer, as with much that Itachi did. The lack of information was starting to irk her. Shannaro! Inner Sakura agreed with gusto.
Regardless, fighting about it and throwing a fit here wouldn't get her information. She wondered if there was a reason he was always so unnaturally warm. The stray thought caught Sakura off guard. She had been spending far too much time trying to understand the psychopath as it was. But the problem buried itself deep under her skin. Even as a child growing up she'd heard horror stories of the big bad Uchiha that had slain his entire clan. She wanted to understand him, wanted to know why he was the way he was, and why he did what he did. She wanted to get beyond the surface level and penetrate the shield of bitterness and cynicism he wore as a cover. She also was fascinated as a medic with the way his eyes worked. The medic in her wanted to find out why he was unnaturally warm. If she so much as summoned chakra to examine him, she knew he would turn on her. It would be too much of a gamble to assume he wouldn't attack her in front of their "guest".
Wishful thinking was simply that, wishful thinking. She peered at the shorter older man. He was an older, short man, covered in a nondescript khaki shift and short pants with straw sandals. He was tan, and his eyes were small and black. He had a scattering of gray hair across his balding head, and a black mustache with a graying gotee. Other than that there was nothing about this man that would have drawn anyone to his appearance. Sakura's guard doubled. Some people possessed the natural ability to blend with the crowd. This man was as such, and it made Sakura uneasy as she kept her eyes sharp on the details surrounding them and where this small man was leading them.
She sought a better look at their host other than his nondescript appearance. He himself was thin man. He had no weaponry on him that she could notice, and he carried nothing with him. His pants were held up by a simple rope. His face was calm, lined with age and drawn. His countenance was cool, poised, and calculated. He walked with definite steps, a man assured of who he was and where he was going. His eyes, beneath the spectacles he wore were dark and intelligent. Whoever he was, he blended with the crowd when he needed to, but possessed a presence of great importance. Sakura glanced at the crowds. No one bothered the man, or gave them odd looks, Akatsuki cloaks aside. He was certainly local, but familiarly local which stood out among the things she'd observed. A firm grip on her hand and Itachi was leading her through the throng and mesh of people and out of her observations. She kept her wits about her as they passed through the crowds, hoping no one was stupid enough to steal from them.
Sakura followed along, adjusting her hat so that the linens could cover her eyes better as she made her way through. She tried to focus not only on her basic surroundings, but the buildings as well. All of these things would be important to note for Konoha's use, though how she would explain how she came across the information, Sakura hadn't a clue. Guilty by association Inner Sakura chided. 'Shut it! We're in this together and I don't remember you complaining as you were slightly preoccupied with oogling the Uchiha's ass'
Worth it! Inner Sakura snickered.
Sakura scowled, irritated by her traitor subconscious. It did little to improve her mood as she looked out upon the country Orochimaru had gained for himself. There were so many guards and sentries posted everywhere, and the mocking little music note on everyone's hitai ate was starting to annoy her. She wanted to be out of here and done as soon as they possible could.
"I wasn't aware the Akatsuki ever switched partners" The old man stated thoughtfully as he led them.
"Only in extenuating circumstances, Okinawa san, or death." Itachi replied conversationally.
"Which ever comes first then eh? So where's old fish face? He gone to meet the death god yet?" Okinawa asked, as they crossed the street.
Sakura could have laughed as she envisioned Kisame putting up with the old man calling him fish face. She couldn't imagine very many could call him that and live to tell the tale. It made her wonder at the nature of this man, who he was and how he commanded the respect and attention of so many nin in sound, as well as the notice and specific attention of the Akatsuki. It made him triply dangerous and worth knowing more about.
"Kisame is alive and well." Itachi replied, as his eyes darted, scanning the faces of people passing by.
"Then she's your extenuating circumstance?" He asked, eying Sakura with a hint of a smile.
"Aren't all new recruits?" Itachi replied, a ghost of a smirk sliding across his features.
Had Sakura not been so surprised by the fact that first he was speaking more than monosyllabic sentences to someone, and second he was speaking politely and not sarcastically to that very same person, she might have been offended. She was also slightly startled by his near smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It made his entire face softer and more approachable. As it was though she was too caught up in remembering the details on individual instances of the conversation to remember to get worked up over minute details. And if she pummeled his ass here it would draw too much attention. Shannaro…Inner Sakura swooned, earning another mental wince.
"You say extenuating circumstance so calmly. Is all not well in the Akatsuki with Konoha and Suna now combining their efforts?" Okinawa asked.
Sakura smirked and the feeling helped her get a handle hold on her anger. She liked the old man already, which was a pity because he was probably an enemy that she would have to turn in later. Still, he was observant and knew how to get the Uchiha to start in and of itself was something short of a miracle. Part of it might have simply been the business relationship they maintained, but she suspected otherwise, because the Uchiha was relaxed around him…well, as relaxed as an Uchiha ever was.
"The circumstance has nothing to do the organization itself or it's enemies. I was referring to the time and energy it takes to train a new recruit and to assimilate them into Akatsuki"
"Ah. Does the new recruit have a name?" Okinawa asked, peering back at Sakura.
"Yes, it's Sa-
"Sayuri" Itachi finished for her.
"Does the girl not know her own name?" Okinawa replied, eyebrows lifting.
"Should she use her name here, it would not be wise. Surely you understand our precautions" Itachi replied, casting a disapproving glance at Sakura.
"And yet she walks the streets. What exactly have you brought me into, Uchiha san?" Okinawa asked, a slight frown appearing on his forehead. He looked older when he frowned, black eyes drooping a bit.
"Nothing that will endanger our relations with you, or your place here in sound." Itachi replied confidently.
Okinawa did not look like he agreed, but said nothing further as he led them south west, towards the outer skirts of sound territory.
Nothing further was said from either of them until they entered a larger building on the outskirts. Itachi's eyes met hers and the unspoken communication was clear. Be on your guard.
Her green eyes sparkled with acknowledgement as her grip on her kunai tightened and she reached inside of herself to feel the comforting buzz of chakra through out her system. His hand on hers became warm with his own chakra buzzing through his veins. Sakura could feel it pulse in their contact and it oddly gave her great comfort. She wondered if her chakra did the same for him.
They made their way inside, led through a few of the rooms to a larger assembly room decorated with elegant chairs and furnishings. Sakura was already calculating the amount of weapons in the room, as several shinobi with potent chakra lingered, leering at their guests. Sakura was surprised by the talent of his hired help. Whoever they were being taken to see, the man must be someone of great importance to afford them. Sakura was startled when Okinawa had a seat in the center of the room. Her eyes widened. Their boss had lead them through the streets? He had personally made an appearance?! She felt Itachi step forward, half a shoulder in front of her, as if he was shielding her. What did it profit him, by pretending to protect her? Her gloved hands itched in irritation as she clenched them. She could take care of herself when it came to a fight.
"Uchiha san, I'm greatly disappointed in the relationship of our businesses." Okinawa stated from his stone throne like seat.
Itachi's face was calm as it was said. Why was he still holding onto her hand? Sakura avoided frowning.
"You bring a stranger, straight into sound territory, stretching political relations with the clans and my own humble business. You lead her right to the doorsteps of my home, expecting me to welcome her with open arms?" He challenged.
"I wasn't aware that you were dealing with Akatsuki on an individual basis, Okinawa san." Itachi replied keeping his tone free of irritation or anger. Itachi was already troubleshooting why he thought the old man was throwing a fit now based on the rumors he'd heard and his own information from what he knew of.
"You Know why I am. You automatically assumed, Uchiha." Okinawa retorted.
Itachi's eyebrow rose, as the man breached his politeness and became frank.
Sakura did frown this time. From what he'd said she could only deduce that Akatsuki wasn't as neat and clean as Itachi wanted to paint it. What kind of division was there in Akatsuki? He had told her during her captivity that they were an organization of individuals but if Okinawa was being conservative in who he approached and how, then there had to be issues involved related to that. Had Okinawa had bad business with Akatsuki in the past? Sakura's ears were wide open as she carefully memorized each line spoken.
"As a business man, I choose the relationships with business partners in order to protect my own investments and take care of the obligations of those relying and depending on me. You overstepped your bounds and took away my choice!" Okinawa said.
"You choose Business relationships to protect yourself. Akatsuki is an organization of individuals. If you cannot trust me then how should our business relationship continue?" Itachi pressed.
"Your organization is very aware of the ramifications of destroying our partnership" Okinawa replied.
"That was not an ultimatum. I do not wish to destroy our business relationship Okinawa san. I sought you out because I knew that there was no other I could seek to relieve such a delicate and simple matter. I appeal to you now on the foundation of our partnership." Itachi said.
"I refuse respectively of course. I can no longer guarantee the safety of you or your members within sound territory" Okinawa replied.
"Let us not be hasty. Surely there must be some way to prove faith?" Itachi pressed.
Sakura watched the deadly dance of words with wide green eyes taking it all in. Perhaps the code breakers could make something more of their conversation. Sakura didn't have enough to work with to try and decipher all the hidden meanings in their complicated relationship. The only thing she could do was remember every line, every inflection.
"Let us talk further" Okinawa motioned.
"Indeed" Itachi said, releasing, Sakura's hand.
Her hand felt cold without the warmth of his in it. She glanced at her empty hand uncomprehendingly. She watched the crimson red clouds on his back as he simply walked off. Great, he's leaving us here?…Shannaro! Inner Sakura growled. Sakura's eyes darted at the lecherous looks from Okinawa's bodyguards. Sakura didn't pretend to know what Itachi was doing. Her mistrust of the situation tripled three fold. Irritated and worried at the same time, She waited, hand tensing around her kunai as she eyed the dirty nin around her. She didn't dare move or blink. Each of these men were trained ninja though disguised, rough and burly, they were formidable. They were deceptively relaxed, fingers curled around their hidden weaponry in their positions, eying her from their psuedo relaxed poses. She could take them, but it would do little good. It certainly wouldn't give her more information. What the hell was taking them so long? And why had he left her out of this? No longer needing pretense, Sakura scowled, knuckles clenching. Judging by the twitches of the burly nin around her it wasn't a reassuring gesture. Inner Sakura ranted and raved, as fickled about the Uchiha as ever.
Sakura was not the most patient of people. In a medical room when she had to be delicate with a scalpel was one thing. That required a completely different kind of patience. She was in control of what was happening, she knew what to do, and how to respond. This wait was one of irritation, lack of communication, and lack of planning which made it the most frustrating of all. Sakura waited, the tension in the room boiling over. Sakura was about to break it by breaking some ones face, consequences be damned, when Itachi reappeared. Sakura's eyes narrowed at the men around her. Each of them easily backed up ten paces with his presence and Okinawa's. Probably because they were concerned for their boss' welfare. Fools. She was just as dangerous. His hand found hers easily whilst she was distracted glaring at the other nin. The warmth shook her out of her barely concealed rage. Taking a deep cleansing breath she harnessed the rage into her act. She didn't dare question him now, as they were still in cover, but she'd be damned if she wouldn't make him explain after this. She forced a smile to her face. He pulled her along.
"I'm glad we could come to terms Itachi san." Okinawa said.
Itachi merely nodded in reply, continuing to walk to the exit. Sakura glanced at the other nin from the corner of her eye. They allowed it, exchanging glances with their boss. Itachi remembered every twist and turn they took in the building and easily found their way out. They wove through the groups of people into the streets, Itachi placing his hat back on his head, one handed, his other dragging her briskly through the throngs of people. He ignored the glares of the other nin around them and kept going, practically dragging her along and through the crowd.
"Itachi" Sakura hissed, between clenched teeth so as not to draw attraction to them but to make damn sure he had heard her and was aware of how irritated she was. Whether Itachi actually heard her or not, he never stopped, never acknowledged her. Sakura had, had just about enough, chakra flaring to life in her knuckles as she was about to break his hand again when he flung her into the alley, pinning her against the rough brick. Her head smacked dully against the brick, throbbing.
"Itachi!" She snarled, louder. She was a goddamned anbu captain. If he thought just because He was an S Class criminal, that it gave him the right to treat her like a chunin, then he was about to get a rude wake up call.
"Hush" Itachi ordered, placing a finger over her lips.
Jade eyes narrowed and she saw red.
"You are going to tell me what the-Ah!" She cried, mind fizzling as those thin lips touched her skin.
Sakura had never really known any other Uchiha, but Sasuke, so she freely admitted that she wasn't an expert or anything. From having known Sasuke and frequently stalked him, she'd never seen him interact with girls. 100% of the time it was to tell them to fuck off, and that he was busy training. Nasty rumors had then circulated about him being asexual as she recalled. After all, what sort of moron turned down Ino; the buxom blonde? After thoroughly beating the rumor starters senseless, the rumors died down. Of course Ino, like most of the Konoha women, were also known for their nasty tempers, but they were some of the most attractive females in the ninja world. Konoha women were chosen for concubine missions 3 to 1. Granted with clans like the Uchiha where you had absolutely gorgeous men and women, both highly capable ninja, every one, no matter what you looked like, was ordinary in comparison. Sakura therefore wondered if the reason they never pursued was because they were so goddamned capable in every aspect that they only preferred each other. If Sakura had known Uchiha possessed this sort of skill, she might have personally volunteered her virginity. The things that he was doing to her body were probably illegal, but she shivered in sinful pleasure. Sakura had fantasized about being kissed and touched like this. It was just the wrong Uchiha.
His mouth was against her neck, burning her to the core as his fingertips touched her skin harshly. He forced her chin up as he nibbled, and she could do little but let him as she was swept up in his heat. That electric heat coursed through her entire body, pooling uncomfortably in her stomach as she tensed, realizing what was happening to her. She was allowing Itachi to do this. And really Itachi never did anything without a motive or a reason. So What. The. . He. Doing?
Sakura was completely unprepared for his physical onslaught; hadn't even expected it of the man she had formerly assumed was a eunic before this moment blew that thought completely out of the water. Sakura arched, the feelings coursing through her alarming and concerning her as the heat intensified and her stomach did summersaults, while her heart tried to keep up. Hard calloused fingertips roamed her body, his left hand massaging her scalp with the expertise only a ninja could possess, sending pleasant tingles down her nervous system. Her body was betraying her, heart thudding erratically in her chest. He is Quite skilled Inner Sakura critiqued from the sidelines.
DAMN it…a little help here?
You seem to be doing quite fine on your own, albeit quietly Inner Sakura snickered.
Sakura's cheeks flamed, and her irritation of the situation rose tenfold.
"They're watching us" Itachi murmured, lips hidden against her neck buried beneath her hair that he was running those thin fingers through. He made his way skillfully up her ear nibbling, sucking and biting in between.
"And what do I …care?" Sakura managed to throw out. Hell, she was surprised she could still speak legitimate syllables and consonants with the things he was doing to her. Her brain was slowly turning to mush, having problems staying coherent under his touch. Red flags went off in her mind, giving her a burst of adrenaline to sober her thoughts.
"You have some explaining to do" She hissed, tensing at his unwanted affections. She was not some common whore, that he could have his way with… no matter how good that tongue felt scraping against her skin.
Itachi did not respond, he simply continued to administer his unsolicited touch to her. She would've groaned in frustration but she was terrified that it might encourage him. She had no idea whether she wanted him to stop or continue, and the conflict was messing with her ability to reason. Sakura bit her lip, trying to focus. S class criminals apparently are S classed for other reasons too! Inner Sakura snickered with glee.
You are soooo not helping this! She rebuked her inner self.
Sakura, desperate as she knew she was fighting a loosing battle with her body, managed to get her hands up his chiseled features, sliding across those taut muscles and worked her hands into his hair. It took every ounce of concentration she had left to grab that silky black hair, instead of pulling it in encouragement. She found purchase on his chin, forcing him up to look into her eyes. Big mistake. Those piercing red eyes, Mahogany red in their intensity and depth held her in place. She was surprised by his ragged breath, the touch of color that graced those high cheek bones and his tousled hair that was nearly out of his ponytail. She took a sharp breath at his appearance, alarmingly turned on by his disheveled look. Had he ever looked so uncomposed? So wild and unkempt? That only served to make him that much more sexy; the only word that fit the context of her dilemma.
Damn it! Remember when you thought he looked like a girl! Sakura was grasping at straws for anything she could come up with to keep her composure
If he's a girl, then why do you feel his-
SHUDDUP! Sakura scowled, cursing her inner self to the abyss.
His sharingan were alight, his eyes burning her with a smoldering gaze that stopped her non logical semi coherent thoughts where they stood. She was paralyzed by those eyes, lost in seas of crimson ruby as black tomoe whirled, lulling her and enchanting her. He took the ground he was freely given at her expense. His lips burned everywhere they touched, his tongue lapping over the sensitive areas where he would nip and lavish, sending a whole new wave of heat through her, shattering her resolve for the umpteenth time.
She gasped, trying to make the dizzy spell she was under dissipate. Sakura's eyes felt heavy and hazy and she blinked them, shaking her head, trying to fend the Uchiha off. She briefly wondered if he was using his genjutsu on her, and squirmed. It only served to have him tighten his grip on her. Those hard calloused palms grabbed her beneath her ribs, pulling her up. He pressed the entirety of his warmth against her, sliding between her suspended legs, holding her in place firmly against the wall. Her Akatsuki jacket had long ago been opened and he slid against the revealed clothing that was thin and skin tight. Sakura shivered, liquid heat traveling everywhere those surprisingly soft lips nipped and suckled her tender flesh, everywhere his warm body touched. She was burning, smoldering from the fire of his touch. He lapped at his most recent bite, blowing softly against the wet puckered skin of her lips.
"I-I-Itachi! Stop this!" She gasped, snapping her neck away from him. This was going way too far. Control! She forced the word over and over in her head.
"Cover" Itachi murmured, retreating into her neck below her ear, hands holding her in place, refusing to budge. White hot light flared as Sakura snarled.
His teeth returned to graze her ear and Sakura couldn't fight the choked gasp that came out. What the hell was Itachi doing? She was being forcefully molested. Sakura was tense and uncomfortable, cheeks flaming red, lips parted, pulsing from his more recent bite. He nipped her collar bone, and she arched not in lust but in desperation, trying to escape his hold. Her breath came in gasps with her effort, she tried to wriggle and writhe against him. Itachi, though lean and limber was like rock, unmovable, in spite of her chakra. She couldn't concentrate to summon the chakra to her hands to beat the holy hell out of him.
"I said Now!" Sakura ground out, needing to get away from him before things got really out of hand.
And suddenly his touch became loose and he released her. She slid down the brick wall, feeling every bump in the grout. She was cold all over from the lack of his warmth, jade eyes glaring daggers.
"We were followed, of course" Itachi replied, though to Inner Sakura's satisfaction he was as breathless as she was. Followed. As if that explained everything, he turned his head, about to move forward.
Why she did what she did, Sakura didn't know. There was the possibility that she was irritated by the lack of his presence or perhaps it was his piss poor excuse that really managed to dig its way beneath her skin. Regardless she had no control over her next action. She lashed out with anbu speed, grabbing his Akatsuki collar in her hands, pulling him towards her and back into her proximity.
"You owe me a hell of a lot more than that for an explanation" Sakura snarled. She could feel the warmth radiate off of him as her mood grew more hostile, if it was possible.
Itachi didn't flinch or waiver under her touch. He gravitated closer by default
"This was actually your fault in the first place, Sakura" He explained, mouth inches from hers.
"OH Really?" Sakura ground out, jade eyes flaming.
Itachi took in her appearance, satisfied with the results. Her cheeks were blotted with a lovely shade of red making her face glow, and her eyes gleamed brightly. She was breathing hard and ragged from his touch, still trembling as she stood her ground. Scattered about her lovely glistening skin were bruises and marks from his teeth.
"If you hadn't forced me to cause a scene in the first alley we went to, Okinawa would have never suspected anything about us. As it was, he needed a bit more convincing that our partnership was more than it seemed." Itachi replied.
"Partnership? You made it seem like we were intimate!?" Sakura replied, dead pan.
"Think about it Sakura. Your inappropriate display of exhibition in the alley, and Okinawa appears. What else was there to do? It made perfect sense and gave a legitimate reason for Kisame's absence." Itachi replied.
Sakura's hand flew out of her own accord, and Itachi caught it, arm shaking with the exertion. She had packed quite a bit of chakra into that move. Sakura's eyes narrowed, and her hand strained against his as she fought his hold. She grunted her wrath, applying more pressure. His hand shook further with the effort, but he held. Those burning eyes never left hers, challenging her as they mocked her. The scarlet color on the outside of his pupils grew deeper, a lovely shade of mahogany in the middle from the shadows his tomoe were casting.
"I will not tolerate your disrespect" Itachi said, his eyes narrowing a fraction in disapproval.
"Disrespect?" Sakura sputtered, breaking the hold with her adrenaline racing. "DISRESPECT?" She shrieked. "I was not the one doing the molesting!"
"You were also not complaining." Itachi mused. How he enjoyed her anger, her passion.
"I told you to stop! How dare you take advantage of me!" Sakura spat.
"I told you, we were followed." He said.
Sakura nearly shrieked her fury. She took a deep calming breath. In and out. Her lungs expanded thankfully with the gesture, her heart beginning to calm it's frequent thudding. Her body was pulsing all over, a low and steady throb that was slowly going away as she composed herself. When she opened her eyes, Emerald green met rose red Sharingan.
"Look, lets just talk about this after we are out of Sound, okay?" Sakura said, forcing a smile to her face.
"Agreed" Itachi said, taking the lead.