Silhouettes in the Night
XoXoX
angel897 ,Akatsuki Sakura Uchiha ,L'Amaryllis ,DarkAngelLida ,AkatsukiSexToy101 ,Ophianara Blade ,Kathryn ,Alley7744 ,narutolove1987 ,Foxgrl18 ,YuukiHimeSama ,J2IsOtaku , JanieJanieBoo
A Huge thank you to those who updated and for those who just enjoy this story!
Updates will probably be fewer and far between, like this last one here (sorry), because my husband and I are expecting a baby so that's taking up most of my time lol.
And just to clear up any confusion Sakura's sisters' name is Mayu but her nickname is Mai.
And another Gigantic thank you to my Beta Reader who has stuck with my late ass even though I don't deserve it with my tardiness.
Here's to you! Conrii
Now on with the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of it's themes or characters.
Chapter 13
Strangers in the Forest
"Something needs to be done about Sasuke."
"You still need him though." I reminded Itachi, thinking of Madara.
"We may not have time for that." He responded eyes still on the door.
"What do you mean?" He didn't answer.
"Come." He waved to me, motioning out the window. I opened my mouth to protest and paused, watching as his eyes harden anticipating my answer, but why did it have to be like that. Why did I keep saying no? After everything Itachi had done for me… And I refuse out of morals? For propriety? I hesitated for another second. I didn't know what it would mean for me to accept, what if it ended badly? Whatever it was? He had been spending a lot of time with Mai and myself maybe he was sincere… Maybe he wasn't.
"I would not waste my efforts in keeping you whole." His words decided it for me and I took his outstretched hand.
"Okay…" I whispered.
He pulled me to him and propelled us through the window all in one second. In reflex I clutched to him feeling my stomach drop at the suddenness, that or his soft chuckle as he set me on my feet. He kept his hand on my waist guiding me forward and I couldn't help but wonder where he was taking me but I didn't ask, I knew I wouldn't get an answer. It was early still, just after lunch, the streets filled with people who suddenly decided that we were the most interesting thing on the block.
"Is that little Sakura with that monster?" An older woman questioned not bothering to keep it quiet.
"Good for them." An even older man, scared and obviously ex ninja, whispered. I couldn't help but wonder if he knew Itachi back then.
"He shouldn't even be aloud to look at her." Another hissed, I turned to Itachi only to find him smirking at me and I blushed smiling at the realization that they're petty accusations didn't bother him in the least.
"Awe how sweet." A young couple commented but I tune the voices out, it didn't matter before why should it now?
I tense in horror as my stomach protests loudly, demanding nourishment.
'Ugh, how embarrassing.'
He slows steering me to the right into a familiar cozy café. It was one of the most used restaurants for the medics on staff, we spent every lunch that we could here. And I knew this close to lunch, Ino would definitely be here.
The little weasel.
Before I could protest I was pulled through the door and thrust into the lions den.
I kept my head down, watching only where I was going. Quiet replaced the usually boisterous lounge and I knew, to my dismay, that everyone was watching us.
To bad it was to late to back down.
I felt Itachi squeeze my side lightly before pulling out my chair and seating me like a gentleman. I guess what he said about manners wasn't just talk.
I thanked him under my breath and once he was finally seated the chatter started back up again.
"Your to stubborn for your own good." I huffed, not being able to contain a smile with him smirking at me, looking quite like the cat that caught the canary. I knew from the look he gave me that he thought the same about me.
"Hello Sakura-san, Uchiha-sama, what can I get for you?" Misuki, my usual waitress questioned and before Itachi could answer I spoke up.
"The usual for both of us, please, and some tea would be wonderful." As she walked away I turned back to Itachi.
"What exactly does that entail?" He questioned absently, smiling brighter I answered.
"You'll see." I laughed at his almost annoyed expression.
"Billboard brow! So you took my advice after all." I turned towards the blond my nose wrinkling.
"Not really." She was only making this worse. "Now if you'll excuse me…" I paused for effect. "I have something to get back to." Loud obnoxious…
"What advice might that be Yamanaka-san?" Itachi questioned only it sounded like he already knew the answer which only caused my cheeks to flame.
"That your interest in her is more than professional." She blurted standing up to the nin.
"Aa." He responded, returning his gaze to me.
I dropped my forehead to the table.
"Just go away?" I pleaded. "I'll… visit you later." She was about to protest but I insisted. "I promise." Ino eyed me before nodding, satisfied. Then she turned her sights on Itachi.
"You know the offer still stands, Itachi-san." I knew she was joking and I rolled my eyes at her disgusting humour.
"And once again I must decline." A tilt to his soft lips in humour.
"Something else more important?" She smiled back at him as if there were some secret I was missing.
"Hn." It was almost a chuckle and I glared at him, listening to her perfect laugh as she strutted away.
Sighing, I resigned myself to my fate. Crazy old cat lady.
"She's taken you know." He tilted his head in question. "Ino she's engaged, so don't even bother."
"I have no interest in Yamanaka-san." His amusement returning, I eyed him contemplating.
"Then what's the secret you share?" I watched for a reaction carefully but there wasn't one.
"I believe it is called a secret for a reason, Sakura."
"Whatever Itachi." I waved it away in annoyance as Misuki approached our table. I could smell the delicious food and my stomach whined.
"They make the best Domburi in town. And the sushi isn't bad either." I said thanking her greatly laughing slightly at his raised eyebrow.
"I come here a lot." And as an after thought added. "Itadakimatsu!" Before digging in, closing my eyes in delight at the taste.
"I was expecting something more unique. Hoshigaki had tastes like no other." Right… I kept forgetting.
"Just when you start to seem normal…" I whispered, melancholy aching in my voice. Because maybe had he been normal this could have worked.
"You distrust me for what I was ordered to do."
"No." I knew that wasn't the case. "Itachi… I don't have time for a fish right now let alone a… a…" I snapped my mouth shut. A what? A boyfriend? Hell I didn't even have time for Ino and she was my best friend. "I just don't have time for anything. Especially with Mai depending on me." I concluded.
"You are a medic." He said it as if it were an excuse.
"More like a workaholic." I grumbled more to myself than him.
"Request leave." He suggested. I paused thinking it over. It would only mean I would have to take more missions. Maybe I could get Tsunade to look after Mai if I took an extra long S rank solo mission.
"File this too Mayu! While I drink this yummy substance that you can't have!"
On second thought…
"No matter." Itachi shrugged the topic off finishing the last of his rice. I pulled out a pile of currency but he was already paying.
"Thank you Itachi." He nodded in response placing my arm in his. I knew I shouldn't have been shocked at the gentlemanly gesture, Itachi had manners, and it was surprisingly comforting. He smirked at me when I didn't pull away and I looked to the ground my cheeks turning crimson again at the intensity in his gaze.
What were we doing? Flirting? With the great Uchiha Itachi? Yeah, and I was the legendary yellow flash.
I knew he sensed my doubts, subtly squeezing my arm in comfort.
The Uchiha's were dead, and Itachi? He was just a man, a man who had been wronged by so many people.
He was only human.
Relaxing I tightened my grip on his arm, moving closer to him and smiling shyly.
An appreciative sound rumbled through his chest and I giggled in response.
I felt high, giddy, letting all my worries fall behind me.
"Once again Yamanaka-san is correct." His voice came and I glared at him trying to hide a smile.
"And what exactly did you two talk about?" I asked remembering Ino's 'advice'.
"You." Was his simple answer and I could imagine.
"She's very stubborn, so you have to be persistent to the point of annoying." Ino lectured Itachi as he took notes.
I burst out laughing, clutching my sides at the image. Honestly I wouldn't put it past them.
"And how's that working for you?" I raised my eyebrows, free hand on my hip. His fingers brushed my face, suddenly standing inches from me and my breathe hitched in my throat.
"Your attention is captured is it not?" His breath brushed my face softly and I knew that he had it in full.
"Yes." I cringed at how breathless I sounded knowing that hoping he hadn't heard it was in vain. He smiled slightly, a perfect row of white teeth.
How was it that he was so incredibly perfect?
In that instant I knew I was falling for Itachi…
'Shoved off a cliff is more like it.' Inner Sakura argued. Her input was not welcomed.
I couldn't help but wonder how long my subconscious had been trailing after him, was it only just recent or had his presence been more enjoyable than I thought?
His other hand came around my waist, slowly but purposefully pulling me to him.
Giving me the chance to pull away.
I didn't.
His lips brushed mine softly, coaxingly. Shyly, I responded.
He pulled away first, placing his hand on my lower back and ushering me forward. Heart racing and tummy fluttering I tried to calm myself.
Nothing in the world was like kissing Uchiha Itachi.
Maybe, just maybe, this was okay, because I knew Itachi would never let me do something as foolish as leave the village. I was going to handle it differently, I was no longer an irrational twelve year old girl.
'No your just an irrational young woman.' Inner Sakura threw in and I couldn't argue, I was known to jump the gun on most occasions.
I hoped that I could handle it, whatever he decided to throw at me.
Itachi only stopped when we were in front of the academy which was just getting out of session.
I smiled at him for remembering, I on the other hand, was going to have to work on it.
"Saku! Itachi-san!" Mai called running up to us.
"Hi sweetheart." I smiled at her glad to see her in a better mood. "Did you have a good day?"
"Yeah, Iruka-sensei is teaching us about chakra!" She was beyond excited and I couldn't help but frown. This wasn't the life I wanted for her. "Iruka-san." Itachi greeted his gaze directed behind me.
"Itachi-san, its nice to see you again." Iruka responded nodding his head. Turning to me he spoke again. "Sakura, a moment?" I followed him knowing Itachi would watch Mai. "What is it Iruka-sensei?"
"I know you don't like her being here." He answered turning to face me and my expression darkened. "She's just like you though, smart as a whip."
"Yeah, she's a good kid."
"Too much of Naruto's influence though." I laughed at that as he shook his head.
"She idolizes him," I couldn't believe how much.
"So maybe, with that information in mind, she's supposed to be here." The man suggested.
"But Naruto is… well… Naruto. She's…" I trailed off.
"Your baby sister?" He finished.
"Yeah…"
"Then who better to learn from than you?" I guess he had a point, better for her to be prepared than for her to feel as week as i used to. "As well as Itachi." I stopped at the add on.
"Come again? What does Itachi have to do with this?" A mischievous look came upon his face, which was odd to say the least. "You need to spend less time with Kakashi." They really were getting meddlesome in their old age. "I have to go sensei. I'll see you tomorrow." I waved while smiling. "And thanks for the advice."
The girl could really use some practice weapons. I still had my kunai and I wondered if Naruto would be willing to give up his shirriken.
She'd like that.
"Sakura, Itachi, you're wanted in the Hokage's office immediately." Shizune called walking up behind us. "I'll watch Mai while you're away so don't worry." It was settled when the little girl ran up to the beautiful woman calling aunty.
"Tsunade-sama? You wanted to see us?" She smirked at the 'us.'
"I have already asked Shizune to watch the little one so you will be able to leave immediately. This is top priority." I nodded knowing I had no choice. "Normally we would wait for the rest of your team but they are busy for the moment so its going to have to be just you two."
"A suspicious team of ninja wearing Sounds Hitai-ate have been spotted on the border of fire country. With Sasuke basically free in the village I want to make sure that they are nothing more than leftovers and if that is the case we either need them disposed of or brought in for questioning.
"Hai." I answered obediently.
"Good. Gather your things and leave as soon as possible." She handed Itachi the scroll and he followed me out the door.
"Can we meet at the gate in an hour? There's some things I have to take care of." He only nodded before disappearing into crows.
One day I was going to make him teach me how to do that.
Quickly I made my way to Naruto's, knocking on the door before opening it.
"Naruto?" He stood in the middle of the room hands in the air like he had been caught in the cookie jar. "Are you alright?" I questioned, he nodded to quickly guilt spreading across his face. I looked around the pigsty, turning my nose up at a familiar orange book. "I was just wondering if you still had your practice shirriken from the academy?"
"Oh… Yeah I think so, I'll look." He moved to his kitchen and I could hear him rummaging through drawers. "What do you need them for?" His voice was muffled probably due to his head being crammed in some drawer. I took the time to look around.
"I was planning on giving them to Mai." There was a noise of approval before Naruto reappeared.
"Here you go, Sakura-chan." He handed them to me and I smiled in thanks.
"I'm leaving on a mission, I'm not sure when I'll be back. But Mai is staying with Shizune you should stop by and see her.
"For sure!" He yelled excited practically rushing me to the door. Quickly I scanned the room again with a closer eye finding what was off immediately.
Three glasses on an oddly clean table. One with distinct light pink lipstick markings that I would know anywhere.
"Was Ino here?" He froze and I knew I had caught onto something. "You know I'll find out what's going on. And when I do…" He gulped while I raised my eyebrow in meaning.
"Remember that time you barged in on mine and Gaara's conference?" He nodded paling. "It won't even compare unless you come clean now…"
"Nope, nothing Sakura." His voice was an octave to high but I didn't have time for this now. When I returned I would find answers.
I left the weapons on my sisters bed knowing she would have to come back for a bag and I packed my own before hurrying to the gates.
'I'm so late.'
'When has that ever mattered?' Inner Sakura rolled her eyes. But I ignored her, as I preferred to pretend there wasn't a little voice inside my head. Dropping from the trees, I continued the rest of my journey leisurely. The entrance gates were deserted, where was the ever punctual Itachi?
"I assumed your tardiness was not cured." I felt his hands grip my sides for only a moment before he moved in front of me gesturing towards the large path out of the village. "Shall we?" I said nothing as I followed, easily keeping to the pace he set although I was preoccupied my mind going over every detail of my encounter with Naruto. Ino had been there, the question was why? They were both engaged and definitely not each others type. However they were both quite meddlesome, and Naruto reacted to me personally being there. But if she had already left then why was he so nervous? Unless she had still been there… That would explain the guilty look but Ino had the audacity to sit right out in the open and confront the issue, so there must have been someone in more authority than Ino. Not to mention the third glass so who could it be?
It hit me like a ton of bricks. That damn orange book.
"Kakashi." I growled under my breath.
"Sakura." I stopped on the branch behind Itachi watching as he turned to face me.
"Is there something you would like to discuss?" He questioned stoically.
"Yeah actually there is." I shot back. There was only one thing that would get Ino to sit in Naruto's apartment for any amount of time, and unfortunately that was my love life. "I think you have some explaining to do before we head into this mission."
"Such as?" His smirk confirmed my greatest fears, they were up to something.
"Well for starters, why Ino and Kakashi were hiding from me at Naruto's and what specifically everyone is hiding from me." Because in all honesty it was really getting on my nerves. I heard a sigh escape him which was odd to say the least before he dropped to the ground in the clearing below. I followed out of curiosity only to find the area empty. Cautiously I peered into the forest around me resting my hand against the tree and when seeing nothing I turned away, only to come faced to face with the dark, beautiful albeit creepy man, gasping in shock I stepped back but he mirrored it, trapping me against the tree.
"Yamanaka-san has been gracious, as she was the second to realize my intentions." He spoke quietly his lips at my ear making my head spin at the intimacy of it. "The first was the copycat ninja, who in turn told the Hokage."
"And what exactly are your intentions." I crossed my arms trying to put something between us.
"It was true that I scoffed at the prophecy, what she had suggested was impossible. I knew I had been mistaken, foolish even, the moment I spoke with you." He shook his head clearing his mind, it was the most troubled I've ever seen him.
"Affection is what would lead me to the new sharingan. I believed than that if I ever got that close I would kill whoever it was to obtain it." He stopped staring hard at me. "I did not realize how different it would be. Killing Shisui… and… I didn't choose them, and they were all very corrupt."
"What are your intentions?" I asked again nervously as he moved closer.
"I chose you, to protect and eventually to court." I wasn't expecting such a straight answer and it showed as my mouth hung open.
"Are you serious.?" Was all I could manage in a choke, was this even allowed? He pressed his lips to mine gently butterflies fluttering. " Publicly?" He raised an eyebrow and I knew he wouldn't have said it otherwise. I so was not ready for this.
He seemed to sense it and backed off immediately and I knew it was to give me time to think. It was nice that he knew when was too much and I wished it was as easy as saying yes to him… I barely concentrated as I followed him back into the trees continuing the mission… I would be lying if I said I didn't want to say yes.
'Itachi's not a true criminal, so what's the problem?' Inner Sakura asked and I frowned.
Heartbreak. That was the problem. What if I fell for him and he decided he didn't want me? Or worse that his sharingan really was more important. Than what?
'Being happy should be worth the risks.'
'Why? So that he can leave me on a bench, so I can relive that again? So I could live through that again?' I questioned cynically, it really was why I have kept the romance at an extreme distance. Could I remain myself with Itachi? And the worst question of all.
'So that I can watch his back too?'
"Hey pinky, you really shouldn't be talking to yourself." At the new voice I spun quickly arming myself with a kunai in each hand. "That's sure to attract…" His body melted into water disappearing before my eyes. "Crazy people."
Behind me! I leapt forward, turning in mid air throwing both kunai at the sharp toothed beast. I landed on a branch preparing to throw more but they just went right through him not injuring him in the slightest.
"What are you?" I asked half disgusted, I would have sensed a genjutsu so it must have been a bloodline limit.
'Or some sick experimentation.' I couldn't argue there.
"Would you like to find out?" I didn't get a chance to respond as a silent Itachi pushed him back with just the animosity rolling off of him.
"Do not touch her."
Yep, I would only watch his back.
"Uchiha Itachi!" His voice was a mix of incredulity and humour. "I didn't think you would claim a woman but I will take great pleasure in concurring her myself."
"Your playing with fire Suigetsu, besides were supposed to wait for him."
An orange haired man appeared beside him.
"While he chases some slut back home?" A red head commented bitterly adjusting her glasses.
"Your just jealous because he doesn't want you, Karin." The white haired purple eyed monster, Suigetsu, responded.
The orange haired man however never took his eyes off me.
"Hello, Sakura-sama." He finally spoke and I had to take a step back at his recognition. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
And Just throwing this out there... GO CANUCKS GO!
Cause i'm Canadian eh. And BC is the best place in the whole world.
Just sayin.
;)
-engineFAILURE