Chapter 13

Eavesdrop. Unexpected events

All she wanted – and needed – were a few moments alone in order to clear her mind. She didn't ask for too much. But her friend was not about to protect her mental health, though. In fact, Ino needed to rest much more as she had been close to a panic attack.

Serious, realizing your best friend might be into a sort of relationship with a crazy insanely-powerful murderer could not be taken lightly. The blonde wished she had overreacted, but in all truth, she hadn't.

As soon as they were out of Madara's room, the blue-eyed kunoichi started to speak. Her words were nothing akin to politeness.

"What the hell is in your head, Forehead? Are you going insane?"

Sakura should have been grateful for the simple fact her friend was still calling her by that stupid nickname. But her day was just unbearable.

"What are you talking about, Pig?"

"You've punched an ANBU! To protect a damn Uchiha, too. Are you…"

"I thought you had a thing for them." she interrupted her companion.

"Oh, please. Be serious. It was ages ago when I had like Sasuke. And I haven't really met another Uchiha. No, no, Forehead. I'd rather say you have a thing for them."

Sakura's form stiffened. She didn't like the course of this particular discussion at all. There were some major differences between Sasuke and Madara, but she wasn't about to point them out to her friend. Eventually, Ino would be horrified to realize how many things she knew. Besides, she was not attracted to Madara because he was an Uchiha, was she? And he did look great, but she hoped she wasn't such a shallow person. A nice body and few manners were not enough to catch her into a trap.

"It's ridiculous." she responded.

"Are you having sex with him?"

Ino's question had been so blunt that the other kunoichi stopped. Her cheeks were turning a bright pink, but she gave it no importance. The blonde definitely didn't know what privacy or finesse was. It was obvious.

"What's with these questions all of a sudden?"

"Don't try to escape it. You've protected him! In front of the elders, too. Do you intend to convince me you had no idea what you were doing?"

"Er… Ne, he is my patient after all. What did you expect me to do?"

"I don't know, Forehead. But not throwing punches everywhere."

"It was just one." she muttered under her breath.

"… and threaten an ANBU." Ino continued undisturbed. "I repeat myself. Are you sleeping with the man?"

"Baka. I don't."

Yet. Inner Sakura commented casually, but she reduced her to silence.

Sakura was starting to get anxious. Her blonde friend had the right to ask her the questions, but her accusing tone was vexatious. She had hoped Ino wouldn't judge her. At least, not until she listened to the whole story.

She was still Sakura Haruno of Konoha, the apprentice of Tsunade-hime, the Hokage. A man wouldn't change anything. Even if she was to fall for him, she wouldn't betray her master, her village, and her comrades. She was not to disappoint all those people who had put their faith in her.

"So what's up with you two?" Ino continued her interrogation, eying her suspiciously.

If Sakura was bad at hiding her emotions, it's worth mentioning that Ino was even worse.

"A professional relationship. Nothing you should be worried about."

Lying to her friend was not a wise move. However, the situation asked for drastic measures. Who would know what Ino would do if she had any idea of the reality? In addition to this, why should she worry an important person from her life?

"Hm. Well, the sexual tension that was thickening the air contradicts you. Are you sure you don't like him because he resembles with Sasuke?"

One of Sakura's fists made contact with a wall. It shattered even if she hadn't used her chakra. She was a very strong young woman.

Having Ino under the impression that she would fall for a man because of an… idiot… who had hurt her to limits, made her want to strangle somebody. Just how could she think something like that? Did she not know Sakura had common sense?

And why the comparison? Madara and Sasuke were not alike! One made her blood boil whereas the other froze it. She perceived them as different persons, for Kami's sake. The resemblance Ino was talking about wasn't at all that visible.

Yes, they were both Uchiha. However, one was the founder of the damn clan.

Yes, their hair was black. But still, Madara's was a shade darker, and its silkiness was enchanting. Let's not add that it was way longer than Sasuke's.

Yes, they were both very alluring males. Yet, Sasuke was less manly and a lot leaner than Madara.

Furthermore, when it came to her… Madara was playful and provocative; Sasuke was… Sasuke – cold-hearted, arrogant, and ignorant.

Ino was acquainted with her friend's outburst, so it hadn't taken her by surprise. The conversation didn't sit well on her either. But that's what friends were for – to enlighten each other. The flirt of Konoha was scared that Sakura was making a mistake.

The error could prove fatal.

She wanted to believe that everything was under the medic's control. But they weren't talking about a childhood crush during the period they were Gennin. It wasn't about a mediocre ninja who she could take care of.

Madara Uchiha caught her attention. The legendary shinobi of all times was interested in Sakura. A man who killed thousands of people.

"You've got to be kidding me! What the hell you insinuate, Pig?! Do you think I would throw myself at him because he is an Uchiha? Or because there is a major difference betwe…"

"Minor."

"Major difference between him and Sasuke? Don't you know me better than that?!"

Her sadness in her voice made Ino reconsider her actions. It was not the time to back down, though. She wanted to have the things cleared.

"So then tell me, what do you feel for him?"

Madara felt his members numb. It was a lot better than the vid he had been into. Fainting was no fun. He hadn't had such an experience before. It was energy draining. It seemed that since he had come back to life he'd been a lot in vulnerable positions. Being so was something he didn't want to get accustomed to.

So much shame for a ninja like him.

He scanned the room and found no one. There was a twist in his heart that made him growl in a low tone. He shouldn't have made any illusions that his young medic would be there when he had woken up. He could remember her determined look and hear her scream, but he highly doubted that she had stood against Konoha for him. Because protecting him would have been defiance towards the village.

He had no idea on what foot he was standing with his Tsurī. The Uchiha kind of liked her, and he was sure that getting laid wouldn't be a problem. But as long as she would have tried to use him, Madara didn't dare to allow her anywhere close his bed. He was, in general, a certain man. It was her he had no idea how to behave with.

His tongue wandered across his lips. An abnormality was that he could still taste her. Her rosy lips appeared to still be pressed on his, making him harden. How could an innocent-looking girl turn him on like that? Or maybe it was her naivety that excited his interest?

Should he give her a chance? The egoist part of him thought how funny it would be to take one of the most precious medics of Konohagakure. He could almost see the angry faces of the citizens.

Thought, Sakura was not meant to be the tool of his revenge. It seemed wrong, even for the devil Madara knew he was. If anything, he wanted to engage in some action with Tsurī because he could and wanted and so did she. Not for one of his many schemes.

He considered, only for a moment, that his second life would be way better without her. She was an undesired distraction. The shinobi was sure that he could still gain vengeance upon the village without her interference. He knew he should protect her, which could not be missed from his view.

Sakura Haruno filled up a place in his heart – an empty and dark hole. His brightness hurt him, as he didn't deem himself worthy of it, but he craved for it. As an addicted couldn't live without his drug. His sole purpose was to right the wrong of his past, to lead the world on the path of peace – even if it meant being the bad guy for a while. Madara was a warrior. He could cope with a little hatred.

He had been prepared to give up his happiness to the others. The Tsukuyomi Plan hadn't been born out of selfishness, but rather out of selflessness. What was wrong in giving to the others their world of perfection, even if it was just a dream?

Now, he wasn't so sure he would like to do it further. Sakura… gave him a purpose. Even if was protecting her – which, he was sure, the stubborn girls wouldn't agree.

Madara was confused. Why did he feel it that way? Never had he had a stronger reaction to anyone. And he had known her for a short period of time! Balancing is his mind; he took again into consideration the possibility of her chakra playing with his mind. She didn't appear to be a vixen. No matter what, he was not about to underestimate her.

Sakura was, in his opinion, a very loyal person. Who knew what would she do for Konoha?

A bitter taste formed in his mouth. He inhaled deeply, filling the lungs with air. The fact that it was stale didn't bother him. He had much more urgent problems to think of. Out of nowhere, in the dead silence, a punch could be heard. His shinobi sensitive senses took the control immediately. His ears quirked involuntarily. Madara passed beyond the constant bum of his heart, trying to catch that something else.

A ruffled nervous voice made its way to him. The Uchiha smirked satisfied. His instincts and abilities would never let him down. Getting up with the lighting speed, he leaned his shoulder on the wall. The sudden movement made his mind twirl. He closed his eyes, sighing. He should have been more careful.

"… do you think… just because he's an Uchiha…"

Well, it was good to know he wasn't taken seriously only because of his Clan. He liked to think he also had other qualities. It was reliving that Sakura thought the same – he was sure she was the one speaking.

Moreover, the knowledge that she wouldn't go for any guy made him chuckle. She was a little lioness. Apparently, she was not one to be content with anything less than she considered she deserved.

"... there is a major difference… Sasuke?"

At this, his face darkened imperceptibly, and his aura emanated a dangerous air. As far as he knew, Sasuke was another Uchiha – the one who had helped at his defeat. Being compared with a child made him angry to no end. It was bullshit. He was the better choice, wasn't he?

The other kunoichi asked Sakura what she felt for him.

His mind went blank. For a second, it was again like in the vid. It was scary. All his body tensed and goose bumps formed on his arms. He was looking forward to hearing her answer. Sakura looked rather familiar with the girl, so her response had to be the honest one – especially since they had no idea somebody was eavesdropping.

How low had he fallen? Creeping to listen to a girl's private conversation. He could have just asked. On no account he was an idiot to believe, should she lie to him.

"I don't care about him! Calm down, Ino-Pig. Yes, I would jump his bones, but it wouldn't mean anything. Would you stop babysitting me? Madara Uchiha means nothing to me – maybe just a good catch. Have you ever considered that it would make my job easier if he like me? For Kami! Do you think I would stand between the village and him?"

"But…"

"No buts. I would not. So stop worrying for nothing. I already know that Uchiha are selfish, manipulative, cruel bastards!"

He hissed. The need of firing up the place was overwhelming. He had no idea what had happened to her in the past – and he kind of pitied her, and wanted, at the same time, to kill the foul that had hurt her – but he didn't deserve such a treatment. Madara was not even nearly as bad as she had described him.

Big idiot, I am!

He thought there was a connection between them. He thought she liked him and did not only wish to "jump his bones".

A plan.

Yes, that's what he needed. He would teach her a lesson. Sakura thought Uchiha were evil… She hadn't yet met the Devil himself. Not for a moment did Madara show her how diabolic he was.

Ino looked at her friend's flushed face. She had almost reached her limit. The simple fact that she started screaming was enough of a proof. Deciding to drop the topic, she concluded by saying that Sakura should be careful as she was playing with fire, and nobody could control the fire within.

The said girl was still nervous. Firstly, because Ino was so invasive; secondly, because she had lied to the person involved. As dedicated as she was to Konoha, she had always been, above all, a correct woman. If she considered that it did injustice to Madara, she would have stood his ground. Of course, she couldn't say out aloud. The Yamanaka heiress would have had a heart attack – and then she would come back to life just to strangle Sakura.

"Ok. But we keep in touch. Let me know if anything bad happens."

Madara had been quite nice with her. She didn't think there would occur any troubles, especially if the village decided to let them be. He wasn't really a bad guy – not in the depth of his heart, at least. But she guessed in his time any display of emotion would have been a weakness.

Sakura could forgive him; as long as he let the passion inside of him see the surface when they were together, she was alright with everything.

The medic had been in a dilemma. The elders' involvement proved to help her make a decision. She wanted to go with the flow and see how things worked out with the handsome Uchiha. What was there to lose, anyway? Besides her foolish heart, which was torture, however, because the continuous anguish she had experienced.

"Take care of yourself. And give Naruto my kind regards, will you?"

She opened the door ever so silent, afraid she would disturb her patient. It was already night and in the room was dark. Checking Madara's condition one more time was obligatory. Maybe she would even stay the night, to make sure he's fine.

With a click the door closed.

He could hear her calm breathing. The floral scent made his nose wrinkle. Her aura was deceiving. Sakura's soft steps could be hardly heard. She was a great kunoichi – silent when needed, although he knew her strength was brute force.

Stop admiring her.

He took one of his gloves down.

One…

He would show her.

Two…

How did she dare to play him, of all people?

Three.

He would make sure it's the last time she does it.

Sakura could say something was not alright, but she wasn't able to name it. It was just a sensation that made the palms sweat and the hair on the nape of her neck rise. The switch was a little further from the doorframe. She found it illogic. The moment she laid her finger on the white square, somebody turned her over, striking her hard against the wall. Her eyes closed for a second – a mistake.

She wondered if maybe Ino had been right. Madara might have been crazy. How else could the current situation be explained?

She concentrated chakra in her fists, prepared to fight back. He wouldn't allow her a moment. Catching her hands, he put something cold around her wrists. The moment she felt her vital energy going… nowhere, she realised they were chakra draining bindings. As long as she did not use her force, nothing would happen. If only Madara had learnt already she didn't rely only on her chakra.

She aimed for a stomach punch, to get him off of her. He dodged it smoothly, then putting his leg between hers, forcing her to keep them apart in a very embarrassing and painful position.

"What are you…?"

The words died on Sakura's lip when she felt his hand curling around her neck. Her eyes widen in disbelief.

Madara could detect her irregular pulse under his fingertips.

She blinked fast, not to let tears gather in her eyes. Why had she been so careless? Still, a sniff escaped her throat, and she wanted to curse herself for the sign of fear.

"Sh…" He murmured while his finger caressed her jaw. "That's a dirty mouth you have." he whispered, his squeezing her softly.

Had there been a less dangerous situation, she would have had time to think. Now, she barely had the capacity.

His next gesture made her toes curl at first, and then her body froze.