Chapter 11: The Party

Sasuke woke up to the sound of his cell phone ringing in his pocket. Rubbing his eyes, Sasuke looked around and realized he was still in Sakura's room. He groaned when he saw the digital numbers flashing from Sakura's alarm clock. It was 7 am and Itachi was going to kill him. Sure enough, when Sasuke looked down to see the caller id, Itachi's name was flashing.

"Hello?"

"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IS IT?! AND WHO THE HELL ALLOWED YOU TO SNEAK OUT?! GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE NOW!"

Sasuke held the phone away from his ear as he listened to Itachi yell.

"ALRIGHT! I'm on my way back."

"When you get back I swear I will..."

Sasuke hung up the phone before Itachi could continue with his rant. Running his fingers through his hair, Sasuke looked down to see Sakura laying next to him, fast asleep. All thoughts of returning back to the main house fled his mind. He didn't want to leave, everything felt...so...so right. Sasuke reached out and gently brushed away a few strands of her hair that had fallen onto her face. He needed to leave, but before he goes...he leaned towards Sakura, gently pressing butterfly kisses down her forehead, to the tip of her nose, and finally onto her lips.

"Until tonight."

Sakura woke up to the sound of a motorcycle engine speeding away. Sasuke? He couldn't have stayed here all night...unless... Sakura felt the vacant spot next to her. It was still warm. She rolled over onto her back and looked up to the ceiling. It had been a while since she was able to sleep through an entire night and it was all thanks to Sasuke. Just the thought of him being with her had enabled her to sleep peacefully.

"Damn."

She didn't like that thought at all. She had promised herself that she would never depend on anyone. She didn't want to be a burden to anyone. It's why she trained so hard and made sure she was capable in protecting herself. Now look at her. Sakura sighed before getting out of the bed. She needed to end things with Sasuke, but just the thought of never seeing him again made her chest hurt.

"Damn!"

Sasuke pulled up into the Akatsuki's driveway to see Itachi with a pissed off expression waiting at the door. Slowly taking his time to put away his motorcycle, Sasuke sighed before he went to face Itachi. This wasn't going to be good.

"Welcome back Sasuke."

"Thanks Itachi. You know I feel really sticky let me go shower..."

Itachi grabbed Sasuke's shirt collar just as Sasuke tried to slip by Itachi.

"I'm not done with you."

Crap.

"I'm sorry Itachi. I went out for a ride and ended up falling asleep."

"Oh...where did you fall asleep?"

Next to an amazing girl that he was in love with, but he wasn't going to tell Itachi that.

"Somewhere..."

Itachi already knew the answer as he watched his little brother avoid answering the question. He sighed, but secretly he was pleased. He has never seen this side to Sasuke before and it was refreshing from his normal "I don't care attitude." Itachi really needed to thank Sakura when he sees her.

"Seeing as how you are unwilling to answer the question, it must have been with a girl."

Sasuke glared and looked away from Itachi. How the hell did he know?

"Fine, you are lucky that no one else is awake yet. Go shower and get your ass back here so we can start setting up for the party."

"Alright."

"Why the hell do I have to wear this damn suit?!"

Naruto tugged at the collar of his shirt. It was so damn hot and a pain in the ass to move in. What if there is a fight? How was he suppose to move?

"Naruto stop fidgeting. Why can't you stand still like Sai?"

Naruto looked at Sai who was leaning against the wall, sketching another one of his pictures.

"He's busy sketching."

Asuma laughed at Naruto's response. These two reminded Asuma of himself and Kakashi when they were younger. Speaking of Kakashi, where is he? Asuma looked around the room and finally spotted a flash of silver hair. He was standing by the window reading another one of his books. Asuma walked over and grabbed Kakashi by the neck.

"Why are you hiding Kakashi?"

"Let go Asuma."

"Nope."

Kakashi sighed before putting his book down. He was too damn nervous about this situation. If he had his way, Sakura would be locked in her room with a majority of the ANBU members guarding her.

Asuma could feel the tension in Kakashi. He was feeling tense too. He wanted to get Kurenai back to the main house and check to make sure she wasn't harmed in any way.

"Don't worry Kakashi. Everything will be fine."

Kakashi looked up at Asuma.

"Same to you Asuma."

Releasing Kakashi, Asuma reached for the cigarettes in his pocket. He needed to smoke.

"ASUMA! I thought I told you not to smoke in the main house?!"

Asuma froze as he heard Tsunade approaching them. Quickly shoving the cigarettes back into his pockets, Asuma turned to greet her.

"Hello Tsunade. I have no idea what you are talking about."

Tsunade glared at Asuma before doing a quick once over to all of the ANBU members. They clean up well.

"Everyone ready to go?"

"Yeah, just waiting on Sakura."

"I'm here."

Everyone turned their attention to Sakura who was walking towards them. She was dressed in a strapless red dress that had a slit on one side. Her hair was loosely curled, cascading down her bare back. She was wearing black heels that matched with the thin black hair band. She looked gorgeous!

"Sakura you look great!"

Tsunade walked over to Sakura and smiled approvingly.

"Where are your sai?"

"Strapped to my thigh in case I need them."

Naruto slowly tilted his head, trying to see if he could find the outline of the sai. A flash of white pain spread throughout Naruto's body, making him fall to the ground.

"Ow, what the hell?"

"Oi. Naruto, where are you looking?"

Naruto looked up to see Tsunade standing in front of him.

"Not at you, you old hag."

"Old...HAG? You damn little brat!"

"Oh Shit."

Naruto covered his head as he waited for Tsunade to punch him. After a few seconds, nothing happened. He looked up to see Sakura standing in front of him.

"Tsunade, we need to head out. Plus you don't want to ruin your dress do you?

"Ah...well that is true. Ok, let's head out."

"No."

Everyone turned their attention to Kakashi who had been standing in the background observing silently from the sidelines.

"What's wrong Kakashi?"

"She's not allowed to go out, dressed like that."

Asuma tried to stop himself from laughing. Never thought Kakashi would be this protective.

"What's wrong with Sakura's dress?"

"It's too revealing. Might as well let her walk in with a sign that says 'I'm Sakura, please kidnap me now.'"

"Stop being dramatic and let's head out. NOW!"

"But..."

Sakura watched as Tsunade pushed Kakashi out the door. Asuma was laughing now as he followed Tsunade and Kakashi out the front door. Turning her attention back to Naruto, she held out her hand.

"Come on."

"Thanks Sakura, I owe you one. Plus you look really..."

"Sai, let's go."

Naruto watched as Sakura and Sai walked out the front door. He quickly followed suit.

"Who's driving?"

"I am."

"Then let's get going Asuma!"

Asuma waited for everyone to get into the black Mercedes-Benz.

"Kakashi your upfront with me. Tsunade's going in her own car."

"That's fine but will we have enough room? Sakura is going to be squashed in the back..."

A motorcycle zoomed past Kakashi just as he was finishing his statement.

"See you there Kakashi!"

Kakashi stood motionless as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. Sakura was wearing a dress, with a slit...and she is on her motorcycle, going God knows how fast.

"SAKURA!"

"They grow up so fast, don't they Kakashi?"

"Give me the damn keys."

"Fine. But Kakashi, I don't think it would be a great idea to..."

Before Asuma could finish, Kakashi stepped on the gas pedal and zoomed off in hot pursuit of Sakura. No use talking to him now.

"Where the hell are they? This is getting f**king annoying."

"They will be here soon Hidan, just go relax. The other guests are here."

"Whatever, I want this done. It's too damn hot."

"How the hell is it hot you idiot? You not even wearing a freaking a shirt under your dress coat."

Hidan grinned.

"Try not to be jealous Kakuzu."

"Both of you calm down. There will be no fighting tonight. We need to be alert and our backer will be making an appearance as well."

Hidan and Kakuzu looked at Yahiko who was standing at the top of the stairs with Nagato and Konan by his side.

"Alright, but can't that damn chick show up already? I wanna see what she looks like. If she is gorgeous, I'm going to have some fun with her before I hand her over to our backer."

Like hell you are was Sasuke's thought as he walked over to Yahiko with Itachi and Kisame following. It would be over Sasuke's dead body before Hidan could "have his way with her."

"She'll probably kick your ass before you could even lift a finger."

"Unlike you and Sasori, I actually know how to fight"

"Yeah, swinging a big stick around is definitely a great way to fight."

"Better than you throwing bombs, F**ker."

"I thought I told you to STOP FIGHTING!"

Yahiko's voice rang clear in the air, causing everyone in the room to look at the them. They cleaned up well, all of them dressed in black suits except for the lone female. It was easy to see why they were able to pique the interest of the other Yakuza groups.

The silence in the room was interrupted by the sound of a motorcycle engine pulling up. A smile broke out onto Sasuke's face. She's here.

Sakura got off her bike and waited for the rest of the ANBU to join her. The black Mercedes-Benz pulled up in the driveway, followed by a second one. Sakura waited to see who would get out of the car.

"SAKURA!"

Kakashi. Crap.

"Yes?"

"What the hell were you thinking riding your motorcycle to the party? In a dress for that matter?"

"I was thinking I would get here first to secure the surrounding."

"You..You!"

"I'm sorry Kakashi, I knew there wouldn't be any room in the car so I rode my bike instead."

"That doesn't excuse anything..."

Sakura hugged Kakashi, stopping him midway.

"Thanks for worrying about me."

Kakashi grumbled a response before returning the hug. Asuma and Tsunade both laughed. After so many years, Sakura knew how to prevent Kakashi from ranting at her. Naruto and Sai just stood in the back, smiles on their face. It was interesting to see a new side to the ANBU group. Everyone was usually cool and collected but now...

"Come one then. We need to get Kurenai back."

Sakura looped her arm through Kakashi's and walked towards the entrance to the party. Bracing herself, Sakura entered and was immediately blinded by all the light.

"Welcome."

Sakura looked up to see a man with orange hair and piercings covering his face smiling at them. He was surrounded by the Akastuki members, all dressed in black suits. Sakura recognized a few of the faces, as did Kakashi.

"Thank you. Now where is Kurenai?"

Yahiko laughed at the blonde haired woman who had just spoken. She must have been the one on the phone.

"Patience. The party has only begun. My name is Yahiko, the leader of the Akatsuki."

"Tsunade, head of the ANBU group."

Hmm, she seems strong, but...Yahiko looked at the pink haired girl that was standing next to the Silver-haired man. So this is the girl that everyone has been talking about.

"Please enjoy yourself. Kurenai will be returned to you at the end of the party."

Tsunade grimaced but nodded in agreement, she turned her attention to her group.

"Be on guard."

"SHIT is that the girl you've been talking about?"

Sasori and Deidara nodded as Hidan continued to stare at the girl.

"Damn, she is hot! Hehehe, looks like I can have some fun."

Sasuke glowered as he heard Hidan's words. What the hell was she thinking, dressing up like that? She looked gorgeous that was for sure, but it didn't mean she needed to reveal so much skin! Every man in the room had their eyes glued to her! Sasuke clenched his fist. He needed to talk to her...now.

Itachi watched his little brother's expression. The last time Itachi had seen Sakura, she was a scrawny girl who had marks all over her, but look at her now. She blossomed into a beauty. It was easy to see why his brother had become so enraptured with her. Well, it's time Itachi had a little fun as well.

"May I have this dance?"

Sakura looked up to see a man standing in front of her. She immediately felt Kakashi's hand tighten on her arm.

"Hello again. Was it Hidan?"

Hidan looked at the man who had said his name. He immediately recognized him as the one he fought at the 44th district.

"Yup, but I don't know your name, nor do I care for that matter."

Hidan turned his attention back to Sakura and waited for her response.

So this is the one that fought Kakashi. Hmm, it would be a good opportunity to observe his skills.

"Yes."

Hidan smiled before grabbing her hand. He lead her out to the dance floor and began to waltz with her.

"Your gorgeous."

"Hmm and you are a narcissist who loves tormenting people."

Hidan laughed as he twirled the girl. She had a mouth on her. He liked that.

"How did you know?"

"Just a lucky guess and watch your hand."

Sakura grabbed Hidan's hand that was slowly making its way down her back.

"Hehe, couldn't resist, but I'll behave."

Sakura released his hand and continued to dance with him. He didn't seem strong, just acts like a total asshole.

"How is your friend holding up?"

"What?"

"The man whose arm you were hanging on. I could've sworn my partner had injured it with his wires."

Wires?

"He's fine now. Seems your partner was inept at fighting."

Hidan smirked.

"Oh no, he is one of the best. No one can even see his wires, but somehow your friend was able to. I wonder how. Then again it doesn't matter, if he had been fighting me, well let's just say your friend wouldn't even be alive."

"Ah, well your abilities seem to be lacking as well. Otherwise, why is my other friend who fought with you, standing over there?"

Hidan looked in the direction she had pointed and glared at the man who had escaped Hidan's scythe.

"It was only a fluke and for that matter, if someone had let me continue the damn fight I would've..."

"May I step in?"

Sakura looked up to see Itachi standing in front of her. It seems it wasn't a question but rather a command, as Hidan stepped aside and allowed Itachi to take over.

"You look familiar."

"Hmm?"

Itachi looked into the girl's green eyes and immediately recalled the day when Kakashi and him had found her.

"You may know my little brother. He's the one that is sending death glares."

Sakura peered behind Itachi's shoulder and sure enough, Sasuke was glaring at them.

"Sasuke's your brother?"

"Yes."

Maybe that's why he seemed so familiar.

Itachi watched as the girl struggled with her thoughts. Kakashi and Tsunade made him swear to never reveal Sakura's past and he wasn't going to break that vow. Still, it doesn't mean he couldn't tease his little brother.

"What to have a little fun?"

Before Sakura could reply, Itachi kissed her on the cheek. From the area where Sasuke was standing, he wouldn't be able to tell it was only on the cheek. Out of the corner of his eye, Itachi saw Sasuke stalk towards them. Itachi drew back and smiled at Sakura before transferring her over to Sasuke.

"Enjoy the party."

Sasuke glared at his brother who walked off to talk to somebody. Sasuke looked down to see Sakura in his arms. Her skin was a little flushed...probably from the kiss. Damn Itachi.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"What do you mean nothing?! I saw you two from across the room!"

Sakura looked up to see anger in his eyes. So this is what Itachi meant when he said he wanted to have a little fun. She chuckled, making Sasuke glare at her.

"Nothing happened. Your brother said he wanted to have a little fun and he kissed me on the cheek. That's all."

Sasuke's anger began to diminish as he realized it was only a kiss on the cheek. He would deal with him later.

"Hmph."

"Why are you angry?"

"I don't know take a guess. You are here, dressed like that..."

Sakura arched an eyebrow at Sasuke.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"It's too revealing."

"Oh? Yet you didn't have a problem with what I was wearing earlier today."

"Of course not."

"Why is that?"

"Because I was the only one who was allowed to see."

Sakura felt Sasuke's breathe on her ear and blushed. Sasuke looked at her and a smirk appeared on his face.

"Hmph."

Sasuke chuckled as her placed his arm possessively on her waist and pressed her body against his. Slowly they swayed to the music.

"What? I don't need any man staring at you. Besides you are mine."

"No I'm not."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at her response. She was glaring at him now.

"Oh?"

"I'm not a damn toy that you can just claim as your..."

Sasuke stopped her by kissing her on her lips. It was a gentle kiss that lasted for a few seconds. Sasuke looked into her green eyes that were unfocused and smiled down at her.

" You're definitely not a toy, but you are my mine."