DISCLAIMER: I do not own Itachi Uchiha, Akatsuki, or anything else to do with Naruto. Having said that, this plot, this story and all other characters not associated with Naruto are my own. Thank you and enjoy.

~14 months later~

The word different doesn't even begin to cover how much I have changed, mentally and physically. We were still in my hometown, so I consistently saw EVERYONE who I knew from school, including my family; no one recognized me. In the beginning, I would cry myself to sleep every night. Later, I realized that crying would not do anything to change my situation. I focused on getting better at the multitude of skills that Itachi was in charge of teaching me.

First, I learned how to shoot a gun; many types of guns. Next, I would have to take it apart and put it back together in under a minute. Not only did I learn about guns, I learned to use many other weapons: swords, knives, chemistry. I memorized many types of vehicles; how to hotwire them, how to run them. Hacking was next on the list; the government, companies, private computers. Itachi taught me to blend in and change my appearance in the blink of an eye. Wigs and contacts work wonders. Don't even get me started on the foreign languages; spanish, mandarin, and french just to name a few that have been drilled into my brain. Hand-to-hand combat was something that Itachi made me practice every day; I improved greatly.

Basically, I was turned into a spy during the past fourteen months. But not only that, Itachi and I shared alot of time together. This was not good for me; I was trying to get rid of my feelings for him. Spending that much time with him was not helping one bit. Konan was the one person who I bonded with over time at Akatsuki. I confided in her my feelings for Itachi, as well as other things. She basically became my older sister; I could even call her my foster mom.

During these months, Itachi and I went on countless missions. I always stayed on the sidelines though; Itachi wouldn't let me do anything. Even though he told me I was helping out, I wanted to put my new skills to the test. I managed to keep my frustration bottled inside; I learned well. Although I'm pretty sure that Itachi saw right through me. If he did, he didn't say anything.

I went straight to my room right when we got back from our current mission; we had just spent a week in Arizona, in the middle of August. Our task was to retrieve an ancient artifact that had been found by some archeologists. The details were vague, but it was some kind of pot with a dangerous mold inside of it.

I was still covered in sweat and dust from the miles of hiking Itachi and I had to go through. Without even greeting anyone, I went straight into my room and into the shower. The water felt absolutely heavenly.

"Huhmmmm," I hummed to myself; I closed my eyes and let the water wash over me.

I thought about what happened during the mission, which was nothing. Itachi did most of the "heavy lifting."

'You really need to set your foot down,' Abaddon showed up and spoke to me internally.

'And you said you would help me,' I rolled my eyes.

'You've been so busy learning illegal activities, I didn't want to bother you,' Abaddon snickered.

To be honest, he was right. He hadn't been bothering me lately, so I decided to look up the name he had given me, and what I found out was pretty disturbing to say the least.

Abaddon was known as 'The Destroyer,' prophecied to come back and destroy mankind with his army of demons. This army would attack mankind but not the green of the earth and torture man until mankind repented for their sins. But after talking with Abaddon, I doubt he would let anyone go, even after repentance.

'So you looked me up,' Abaddon replied smugly to my thoughts.

'What of it?' I replied to him.

'So you know who I am now?' he asked.

"Yup, and I'm convinced I have a mental illness and I should start Haloperidol," I replied sullenly to myself as I turned off my shower.

"Zana, Pein wants to talk to us," Itachi barged into my room just as I had pulled away the shower curtain.

With lightning reflexes I pulled the shower curtain over myself.

"Oh my god, Itach, knock!" I shrieked. "How many times have I told you already?!"

Itachi just stood there staring with wide eyes.

"Helloooooo, earth to Itachi," I stuck my arm out and waved it around.

He snapped back to his senses.

"Sorry," he muttered and dashed out, his face red; I really hope he didn't see anything.

I pulled a towel over myself and stepped out.

'He loves you,' Abaddon responded suddenly.

'And you can tell from sitting inside of my head,' I rolled my eyes and dried myself off.

'You still don't believe that I'm a separate entity do you?' he sighed inside my head.

'Nope,' I said shortly.

'How dare you doubt me!' he nearly yelled.

'Jeez, and you wonder why I don't listen,' I shut his voice out.

I threw on some pajamas and went down to Pein's office.

"You wanted to see me?" I said, barging into his office.

The first time I had barged into Pein's office, he just gave me a stern look. I was told by the others that I had gotten off easy. I made it a habit to barge into his office only; his office chair was one of the comfiest I had ever felt.

Pein just sighed, "Yes I needed to speak with you, and Itachi as well. Where is he?"

"I don't know, probably still trying to get over the fact he may have seen me naked," I shrugged my shoulders and plopped down into the empty office chair that Pein had set up for himself.

"HE WHAT?!" Pein yelled. "Get your ass down here now Uchiha!"

"I was on my way, no need to yell," Itachi's icy voice came through the door.

"You barged in on Zana while she was in the shower?" Pein said in a low voice.

"I didn't see anything if that's what you're insinuating," Itachi replied in a deadly voice. "And since when did you care so much?"

"Guys," I called out. "Pein, you had a mission for us?"

"Yes; I know you guys just got back but this is a matter of urgency," Pein ushered me out of his chair.

I sighed and got up. Pein sat down and swiveled his computer around to face us.

"This is Balavi, Ahmad," Pein began. "He is a known member of a very discrete terrorist group that is located in the mountains of Kazakastan. They are going to conduct a trade for an electromagnetic bomb, that was stolen from the English goverment last week. You two have to go in, retrieve the bomb, and get out. Bring it back here and we'll destroy it; after the appropriate research of course."

"Won't this bomb be a little...big?" I asked uncertainly.

"Not really. It's the size of a normal briefcase," Pein explained. "The only issue you should have is the US government getting in the way."

"The government?!" I managed to squeak out.

"There will be three agents from the NSA trying to get the bomb as well," the screen on his laptop shifted to three pictures; one blond female, one brunette female, and one ruggedly handsome male. "Watch out for these three. They're some of the best agents the NSA has to offer. Don't get cocky."

"Where are we going?" Itachi asked shortly.

"Los Angeles," Pein replied. "He's having a huge party in two days where the trade is going to take place. Leave tomorrow morning and bring it back. Don't take too long and cover your tracks. You know the drill."

Itachi and I nodded in unison, turned and left his office in sync. I went straight back to my room and collapsed onto my bed. Even though I didn't do much on the missions, it was still tiring; that and we had to go on one tomorrow. I figured I would get some rest, but Itachi had other ideas.

"Come on, we have to read up on them," Itachi said, barging into the room with a bunch of files in his arms. "I have a map of his house and the schematics to the safe."

"Itachi, we need sleep," I groans from under the covers. "Without sleep, the human body can't function; mutation present or not."

"Fine, but be up tomorrow morning; we're leaving by nine," Itachi retorted and gathered up the files in his arms.

He promptly left my room and shut the door behind him. I rolled back into bed, but sleep didn't come. Instead, my mind was plagued by thoughts of the past. I know dwelling on the past was a waste of time, but that's where most of my happy memories were. Don't get me wrong, everyone at Akatsuki has been super nice to me, but I had left my family behind. Konan helped me a lot to get over that loss. She sort of stepped in and took over in their place. She became my older sister and mom all in one.

I sat up in bed and groaned to myself.

'What? Feel bad for shutting out your lover?' Abaddon snickered.

'Oh shut it you twit,' I growled and got out of bed.

Itachi's room was still right across from mine, so I knocked before I entered.

"Enter," his icy voice came through the door.

I held my head high and entered. "Let's talk. What are we going to do?"

Itachi smiled enigmatically and ushered me over. I sat next to him in his bed and he showed me the blueprints of Balavi's house. The bomb would be kept in a safe until it was time to make the trade. Once it was out of the safe, Itachi woulld use his skills to get it and get out. By then I would have the car waiting.

"Keep the man distracted," Itachi said. "He's the most trouble. If he gets in, then we might not be able to complete the mission."

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" I yawned.

"You have a body; use it," Itachi gave me a hard look.

"Yea yea kay," I murmured sleepily and lay down.

God this bed was so comfrotable. The words Itachi had just told me went over my head. I couldn't concentrate anymore. Sleep welcomed me with open arms.

I was jolted awake an unknown amount of time later and I sat up violently. I looked around and found my self in an unfamiliar room, yet oddly familiar at the same time. I turned to my right and saw Itachi sleeping there peacefully. I pulled the blanket off slowly and made every effort to get out of bed slowly to prevent Itachi from waking up, but it didnt work.

His had shot out and grabbed my wrist, "Please don't go."

His voice came out strained and I couldnt resist. I climbed back into bed and without warning, he pulled me close and was asleep again in seconds. I could feel his breath come out evenly against my forhead; I got comfortable and closed my eyes. I fell asleep moments later, next to the one man I had fallen for.

"You packed the necessary supplies?" Itachi murmured as he loaded up the car.

"Yup; laptop, weapons, clothes," I listed off. "What else do I need?"

"Don't forget your sexy self," I heard Hidan's playful voice from behind us.

"You are absolutely right Hidan, " I smiled.

Itach slammed the trunk shut and went to the front of the car. I heard the door slam as he got inside.

"I think someone is jealous," Hidan said evilly.

"Nah, he just doesn't like you," I pulled out my car keys. "See you in a few."

"You keep telling yourself that sweetie," Hidan called out as I climbed into my car.

"Why do you lead him on?" Itachi spoke as we started our drive to LA.

"He flirts with me and girls like that attention," I shrugged my shouldrers. "It's not like I'm sleeping with him."

A heavy silence fell between us, and my thoughts wandered back to last night.

My eyes opened to find Itachi's sleeping face dangerously close to mine. The sun light was pouring in through the one window. I sat up quickly and Itachi woke up from my sudden moves.

"Were you here all night?" Itachi murmured softly, sitting up next to me.

"Uhm, yea..." I said quietly, putting my arms around myself.

"I'm sorry for keeping you here all night," Itachi replied softly.

"Don't worry about it," I made a move to get off the bed. "Gotta get ready for the mission."

Itachi's hand shot out and grabbed my arm before I could get up, "Thank you."

"For what?" I asked quizzically.

"For the first time in as long as I can remeber, I didn't have any nightmares," Itachi smiled his beautiful smile.

"That's-it's- you're welcome," I stammered.

I pulled out of his grip and rushed to my room, trying to make a list in my head of what I needed to take along to take my mind off of what just happened.

When my mind came back to reality, I turned on the radio. I kept the volume low, so as to not disturb Itachi; he was still studying the files. We sat in silence for a few hours, and then I spoke.

"Itachi, where exactly are we headed?" I asked quietly.

"We're going to LA first; our hotel is on Sunset Blvd near the beach," Itachi said quietly. "It's also near the target in Malibu."

"Alright, so what's the plan Mr. I-Know-Everything?" I said jokingly.

"We'll pick up a rental and keep your car out of sight for a few days," Itachi explained. "We'll go to the party tomorrow; I'll handle getting the suitcase, you handle the main agent."

"Handle how?" I asked puzzled.

"Do I really need to explain myself again?" Itachi sighed.

I got the implication; so I pulled over at the next exit.

"What are you doing? We have a few more hours left," Itachi snapped.

"You stay here; I'm starving," I stepped out of the car. "Want anything?"

"No."

I shrugged my shouhlders and walked into the first place I saw: Panda Express. It was one of my favorite places. I ordered two plates of food, knowing full well that Itachi was starving as well as me; we hadn't eaten anything since morning.

"Lunchtime!" I said cheerily the moment I sat down inside the car.

"I'm not hungry," Itachi said quietly, just as his stomach growled loudly.

Itachi and I stared at his stomach and I burst out laughing, "Come on Itachi, you know full well that the body can't survive without nutrition."

"I'm studying the information we have to find every possible weakness that we can exploit," Itachi said stoutly. "The male agent for example, he likes brunettes who have nice legs and a great...upper body."

Itachi stared at me pointedly.

"Fine, you read and analyze, I'll eat and then feed you; agreed?" I sighed.

Itachi ignored me and went back to studying the files. I ate my food quickly, and pulled out the bowl designated for Itachi. I took a spoon and scooped up some chicken and rice.

"Itachi come on," I said coaxingly. "You know you want some."

Itachi glanced at me, then at the food. He took a bite and I continued to feed him until he had eaten all of it. I swear, men can be so stubborn sometimes.

We were on the road moments later heading to the hotel Itachi specified. I had to admit, the scenery on highway one was beautiful; too bad we couldn't stay and enjoy it though.

"Hello, checking in for Mr. and Mrs. Jones," Itachi said smoothly to the concierge.

It wasn't a hotel, it was a straight up resort.

"Ah yes, the honeymoon suite," the man responded with a smile "Enjoy. Let us know if you need anything."

He handed us the keys to the room and Itachi picked up the bags.

"Seriously?! A honeymoon suite?!" I hissed when were alone on the elevator.

"We have to keep a viable cover," Itachi said quietly. "A man and woman, no one would question we were on our honeymoon. So let's act."

I shut my mouth and looked straight ahead. I know we won't be doing anyting but the fact of sharing a bed with Itachi, again, was making my heart beat loud and fast. The elevator doors opened and Itachi put his arm around me, leading me to the room.

"So the plan is as follows; Keep the man distracted, and I'll take care of the rest," Itachi replied as he set the bags down at the foot of the bed. "Do whatever it takes."

"Does that include sleeping with him?" I said quietly.

"You won't have to go that far on this one, but if you have to," Itachi shrugged, and took off his shirt.

"H-Hey! We have a bathroom you know!" I turned bright red; momentarily distracted.

Itachi smirked and disappeared into the bathroom. I pulled out my pajamas and my clothes for tomorrow: black stilletto heels, a black mini halter dress, and the appropriate makeup. I quickly changed into my pajamas before Itachi could come back out. I grabbed my small handgun from my bag and stuck it under my pillow, just in case anything were to happen.

I heard Itachi come out of the bathroom; he shuffled through his bag and then climbed into bed.

"I know you're still awake," Itachi murmured quietly.

"Yea, so?" I mumbled, my back still to him.

I could feel Itachi come close to me, his lips at my ear, "If you want, we can practice for tomorrow."

I turned to face him; his eyes held a fire that I had seen only once in my life and that was during seven minutes in heaven two years ago. He brought his hand up and caressed my cheek softly. The moonlight lit up his face, making him look like an angel; my guardian angel.

"I think I can handle tomorrow," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.

"Are you sure?" he whispered silkily bringing his face closer to mine.

Our breaths mingled together and Itachi's hand went slowly from my cheek, down my neck and arm and his hand intertwined with mine. His other hand came up and touched my lips softly.

"Well Mrs. Jones, we are on our honeymoon," Itachi said with a sensual smile.

"Well, when you put it that way Mr. Jones," I said softly.

'Wait, hang on, he's just being a horny little bugger!' Abaddon screeched in my head and I felt a jolt internally.

"Ahg!" I felt hot, like I was on fire.

I let go of his hand and shrunk away from Itachi. I squeezed my eyes shut and did all I could to not let out the screams building up. Tears escaped from the corners of my eyes and I groaned as the heat slowly receded back into my core. My breath came out in ragged gasps as I tried to get oxygen back into my bloodstream.

"Zana! Are you alright?" Itachi's concerned voice broke through my other senses

"I-I'm fine," I said with a shaky smile. "Just a muscle cramp."

"Get enough rest before tomorrow," Itachi said quietly. "I can do this on my own if needed; I don't want you getting hurt unnecessarily."

"I'll be fine Itachi," I snapped. "For once, let me do something other than drive on a mission."

"You always help me," Itachi said quietly. "You're okay with seducing a man you do't even know?"

"I knew what I signed up for," I muttered. "Good night Itachi."

I turned around to faced the window, away from Itachi. Abaddon was right; I'm sure he was just looking for some fun, but that pain was new. That has never happened before. Maybe it was related to the voice in my head.

"Good night Zana," I heard Itachi's quiet voice, laced with sadness.

My heart couldn't handle it; I turned back around to face Itachi but he had turned his back on me. I reached out, took his hand into mine and squeezed it gently. After that, my eyes drooped shut and the darkness welcomed me back into its humble abode.

A/N: Finally! Chapter 11! You're welcome. Thank you for being so patient with me. Please review! I adore reading your thoughts on the story. Lately I've been working 60+ hours per week, so I haven't had much time to type this up. Keep reading my lovelies and thank you so much for your support!