Sakura woke up with a monstrous headache. Stomping down the familiar stairs of Itachi's house, she felt like her head weighed a ton. She cursed her luck as every bone in her body took a turn aching. Why couldn't they all just ache at the same damn time and get it over with, why the carefully orchestrated medley of pain. *Damn it.*
Stopping in the middle of the staircase, Sakura was assaulted with memories of the last night. Yes, she has gotten herself drunk and came over to scream at Itachi. He must have taken pity on her and let her sleep in his bed. On his dark sheets that is. A part of Sakura was feeling too thrilled at having woken up on the silken sheets. *They were so smooth.* She purred.
*Honestly, is that all you remember?* Inner questioned irritably.
Sakura scratched her head.
*Well, I remember that we talked. He told me that he didn't tell me about the plan so that I would appear genuinely surprised in front of Madara.* Sakura said, happy with her sharp memory.
*Is that all you remember?* Inner questioned once more, seeming like she was about to throw a tantrum.
Sakura scowled.
*Pretty much.*
The alter ego balled her fists.
*How about a hug? Do you remember a hug that you ruined by stupidly falling asleep?* She hissed.
Sakura looked thoughtful.
*That was a dream, idiot. What sort of moron confuses dreams with reality like that? As if he'd really do that.* Sakura concluded, as she continued to struggle down the stairs.
*You IMBECILE.* the alter ego screamed after her other self.
But Sakura had eyes only for the familiar sight before her. Itachi was in his kitchen fiddling with dishes, and she stalked towards him. She felt memories of the last time he cooked for her come rushing back. They had cooked together, and danced together. Pushing the memory away, Sakura cleared her mind. No need for such impractical thoughts, the girl was knee deep in problems; she really didn't have the time to be daydreaming.
Squinting to see past the fog that covered her eyes courtesy of all the drinking, Sakura walked towards the kitchen.
Without even looking, Itachi said, "Good morning, Sakura." In his intoxicating voice.
"Good morning." Sakura said. After everything she's been though, she really didn't feel like being embarrassed.
Turning around, Itachi walked gracefully towards her, already fully dressed in Anbu gear, and Sakura had to take a second to school her thoughts into submission.
He placed two plates on the kitchen island, and taking the cue Sakura sat down and marveled at the plethora of mouthwatering smells that attacked her poor empty stomach.
Sitting down opposite from her, Itachi placed two cups of coffee in front of them, before putting a small white pill and a glass of water in front of Sakura.
Being a medic, Sakura instantly recognized it as the patented and very rare cure for hangovers developed by the good medics of Suna.
Sakura smiled gratefully, "Thank you." She said genuinely happy as she drowned the pill with some water. Only a few minutes now and she'd be rid of that nasty headache. *Wohooo!*
The medic silently placed a piece of pastry in her mouth and almost swooned at the deliciousness. Washing it down with a mouthful of coffee, Sakura finally decided to look at Itachi. Her breath hitched when she found him watching her with his chin resting on the palm of his hand.
She fumbled.
"Is the coffee to your liking, Sakura?" He questioned smoothly.
Sakura nodded quickly, almost too quickly. Yes, it was perfect, just the way she liked it. But then again, she didn't expect any less from him.
She fumbled once again under the weight of his seemingly amused gaze. Steeling herself, she spoke, "I am sorry." She said solemnly. Well it needed to be said.
"Sorry?" He parroted in his impassive yet somehow hypnotizing tone.
"About barging in here last night. Thank you for letting me sleep here." She added, with a little bow.
Itachi smiled and Sakura fidgeted again.
"You're welcome." He said simply.
*What the hell is wrong with me?* Sakura questioned mentally. She was acting weird around him, what with the fidgeting and the inability to hold his gaze for more than one second.
*Who knows? I mean who the hell knows. It's not like it's obvious or anything.*
Ignoring her inner, Sakura steeled herself once more, as she watched Itachi dig into his own food.
"So, why did you invite my friends yesterday?" She questioned.
"I needed people from outside the clan to be there, so as to spread the news of the impending nuptials. The attention such news will generate will urge him to move faster." Itachi answered in his efficient Anbu captain tone. He didn't even look up from his plate as he spoke.
Sakura nodded nonetheless.
Drowning a piece of scrambled eggs with a gulp of coffee, Sakura spoke again.
"So, how did it go with the clan? Do they know about Akatsuke and the plan?"
Itachi took a sip of his coffee, and gracefully put his cup down before answering.
"They know nothing of it." He said simply.
"And your parents?"
"They also don't know. This is a classified matter, Sakura."
"Then how is it that they approved of the whole marriage thing?" She questioned.
Itachi eyed her for a second, before smirking.
"I have my means, Sakura." He said with a mischievous smile that she couldn't help but return. "And add to that the fact that they have been edging me to get married for years." He elaborated.
Sakura smiled.
Yup, that made sense.
"Weren't they upset because you're marrying someone who wasn't an Uchiha? How come they approved of this?"
"I told you, Sakura, I have my means." He said in a smooth tenor.
"Right." She said with a nod. "So," She paused meeting his eyes. "Two weeks, hah? Do you think they'll make their move soon?"
"Hn." Was his non-answer.
"Well, they better, cuz if they didn't in those two weeks then…." She trailed off. *Then you'd marry him.* Inner Sakura said as she stood on top of some stairs and flung a flower bouquet backwards.
Sakura mentally rolled her eyes.
"Then what? Sakura. Do you not wish to marry me?" He questioned in all seriousness, and Sakura found herself fixed under his intense gaze. "Why is that?" He questioned, voice inexpressive.
Sakura gawked at him not knowing what to say. Yet before she opened her mouth he gave one of those heart thawing boyish smiles that made something inside her melt.
*He was teasing me.* She concluded, throwing him a disgruntled look.
"Very nice." She said sarcastically, as he smirked victoriously at her.
Sakura threw her nose in the air childishly.
Itachi's smirk only widened, something dangerous gleaming behind his onyx orbs.
"So you think that my voice is sexy, Sakura." He said without preamble.
Sakura choked on her coffee, and Itachi watched amusedly as her bright emeralds widened, her expression going from confused, to shocked, to flat out disbelieving.
*Did I say that to him?*
*Yup, ya sure did.* Her inner declared with an evil smile.
Sakura blushed, as Itachi watched her carefully.
Salvation came to the medic in the form of the charming yet sudden appearance of one Uchiha Shisui. Who just flickered into the room out of nowhere, causing Sakura to jump, and Itachi to give his cousin a bored look.
"Wow, Kitten, good to see you here." He greeted. "You two sure are taking the marriage thing seriously." He commented with a wink Sakura's way.
"What! I just… I…." She stuttered. *You just got drunk and stumbled into his home, after calling his voice sexy.*
Shisui grinned.
"He knows what happened, Sakura. He was assigned to shadow you." Itachi elaborated, before throwing his cousin a disapproving look.
Shisui grinned even harder, looking between the two and throwing winks Sakura's way.
"Why are you here, Shisui?" Itachi questioned, obviously unimpressed.
Shisui rubbed his neck flashing a sheepish smile.
"Well, little cousin, I'm glad you asked," He started sounding formal. "Actually I am here to ask you if you wanted to join me in a threesome with a really gorgeous girl."
"No." Itachi said without missing a beat.
Sakura blinked in confusion.
"She's really hot and has a pair of…"
"No."
"W… Why would you want him there?" Sakura questioned despite herself. This was a whole new level of awkward right there.
Shisui smiled, puffing his chest and obviously thrilled at the opportunity to elaborate. He didn't get many of those around Itachi.
"Good question, Kitten. Now, while I would have loved to keep her all to myself, this girl has been blocking all my advances for months now, she only agreed to sleep with me if Itachi were to be there as well. I guess she was prompted by the fact that he was getting married and her time to make a pass at him was limited." He explained.
Sakura blinked. "Oh." Was all she managed.
"Soooo…." Shisui drawled.
"No." Itachi deadpanned.
The elder Uchiha pouted.
"How about you kitten," He started addressing Sakura.
"What exactly are you asking me?" Sakura hissed, feeling her temper flaring.
"Easy, Kitten, I was just asking if you could use your position at the hospital to procure a medical certificate for me." He said waving a hand in front of him and pouting innocently as he sat next to Itachi and started noshing on his food.
Sakura raised an eyebrow, while Itachi actively ignored his cousin.
"What sort of certificate?" She questioned.
"I'm glad you asked." He declared happily.
"I'm sorry I asked." Sakura deadpanned, but it was too late, Shisui was already preparing to launch into his response.
"Well, my dear cuddly Kitten," He started and Sakura twitched as he winked at her. "This is actually what I came here for. I need you to use an official document to write the following: 'We, the very professional medics of Konoha's Genral Hospital, have examined Uchiha Shisui and ascertained that he suffers from a rather rare condition. This condition causes him to be awesome in bed. Really awesome, he just never stops. He goes on and on and….."
"Shisui." Itachi hissed, and his cousin turned his eyes towards him with an innocent expression on his face, while Sakura took the time to fight down a blush and work on getting angry at him.
"What?" He questioned harmlessly.
Itachi raised an eyebrow.
"Get out." He ordered his cousin in an impassive voice.
Shisui opened his mouth to protest, yet closed it right away after taking in Itachi's tone.
"Well, come on kitten, we're not welcome here anymore." He said teasingly, as he got to his feet.
Sakura gave him a confused look.
"I am your escort for the day, I can't leave without you."
"I only kicked you out, Shisui." Itachi intoned.
Shisui blinked, feigning hurt.
"Well she still has to come with me. I can't leave her alone. And by the way, why are you so mean, little cousin?"
Itachi ignored him, watching Sakura as she got to her feet.
"It's fine, I kinda need to get going too. I've bothered you enough." She said courteously. *And you'd have to face what you said yesterday if you stayed.* Inner pitched in helpfully. "Thank you for everything." She added with a smile.
Itachi nodded.
"What are your plans for the day, Sakura?" Itachi questioned.
"Well…" She started but was interrupted by Shisui.
"Wedding dress shopping with Mikoto-sama." The playboy said matter of factly.
Sakura gave him a questioning look.
"I was just over there for breakfast, she said she'd come to your house today so that the two of you could go out to look for a dress since you're on a very tight schedule. I told her I'll inform you and escort you to the main house." He elaborated. "It was hilarious, though. When Sasuke heard her say that he choked on his rice-ball and then tried to pass it off as a normal cough." Shisui added, chuckling at the memory.
Sakura deflated.
"Great." She said pursing her lips. *Just great, I get to spend the entire day with Itachi's very nice mom who I'm deceiving, looking for a dress that I'll never wear. Just perfect.*
Casting a glance at Itachi, Sakura sighed, and was greeted by an amused look, and the statement, "Have a good day, Sakura."
He was teasing her again. It was as if he read her thoughts. The bastard.
Sakura nodded before turning and walking towards the door.
*So help me God, I'll never complain about my life being too normal again. I love normal, I'll ask normal to marry me.*
*Normal would refuse.* Inner deadpanned, and got kicked in the face for her troubles.
.
Sakura had spent the better part of the day trying on wedding dresses with Itachi's mother. In the beginning she was filled with trepidation, but getting to try on lovely, white, flowy, princess dresses while everyone beams at you, left very little room for unhappiness.
As always, Mikoto was calm, graceful and poised. And something about her called Itachi to mind. Their general demeanor was rather similar. Despite the fact that Mikoto was more on the talkative side, and tended to smile more often.
In no time Mikoto's kind tone, warm smiles, and encouraging words, had Sakura completely at ease.
By 3 in the afternoon, the two women made their way to a small bistro to get something to eat. After all, they needed to celebrate the fact that they just located the most perfect dress ever. Not even the most cynical person in the world could hold themselves back from melting at the sight of the lovely strapless white gown. As hard as this was for Sakura to say, it made her feel like a princess, and she loved it. And while the two waited for the gown to be fitted for Sakura's particular brand of *Boobless charm.* The two opted for a nice dinner.
"I am glad you are with Itachi, dear. I always worried about him. He has always been withdrawn, never allowing anyone in." Mikoto had said, after their orders were taken. And Sakura had wished that she wouldn't share anything intimate with her since it would make it that much worse when the woman learned the truth.
At one point in time the graceful lady had pointed out that she knows that Sasuke and Sakura never dated. And when Sakura gave her a shocked expression, the woman gave a disarming smile, before saying, "You didn't seem any different, Sakura-dear. It was just like old times, I knew something was not in place." She had said in a calm tenor.
The conversation then drifted to the subject of wedding preparations, and how lovely Sakura looked in her dress.
By the time they were done, Sakura was totally relaxed, despite all her expectations; she has had a very good time.
Smiling brightly, Mikoto hugged her "future daughter in law", as they prepared to go their separate ways, for Mikoto had to attend to clan business, while Sakura had to go pick up her dress.
Drawing back, the Uchiha matriarch kept an arm on Sakura's shoulder, as she smiled fondly at her and held her gaze.
"Be safe, my child." She had said enigmatically, before gracefully turning around and walking away.
Gawking at the woman's retreating figure, Sakura and Inner Sakura came to the same conclusion. *she knows!*
.
Half an hour later, Sakura was walking side by side with Shisui who was holding her wedding dress for her. As her escort, Shisui had volunteered to carry her dress home for her after taking her to the bathhouse where she was supposed to meet Ino and the other girls. Even though this wasn't planned and she only received Ino's invitation a few hours ago, she was glad to get such an opportunity to unwind and take some time to herself.
She and the Uchiha were walking side by side, enjoying some companionable silence in which Shisui checked out the women who were throwing daggers Sakura's way courtesy of the fact that they have recently found out that her snagging of the most eligible bachelor was now made official. For her part, Sakura pondered the amount of danger she was in at the moment.
*I'm not even scared.*
*That's because you are a moron, sent to me as a test of faith and fortitude.* Inner replied.
Sakura sighed.
She's never been, nor wanted to be anything but a Kunoichi, and a Kunoichi lived and breathed danger. The life she chose made for being constantly alert even in the most neutral of environments, for anyone could attack her at any time. At least now she knew who was after her.
Inhaling greedily, Sakura spoke, "I think Mikoto-sama might be onto us." She shared.
Shisui's head snapped towards her, and for a second she thought he was shocked, however a second later he started chuckling softly.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she were. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if she knew about the whole thing before I even knew." The elder Uchiha said in his patented easy tenor.
Sakura blinked.
"Who do you think told her?" She questioned.
Shisui shook his head.
"No one." He said simply. "You know, when we were kids we used to think that she could read minds. Sasuke and I alongside all the kids would do our best not to think any bad thoughts around her, because she'd just know." He said smiling fondly. "Even now, I believe she's capable of great telepathic deeds." He finished winking at Sakura.
Sakura's eyes widened.
"She's really smart. Such a remarkable lady isn't she?" She stated.
Shisui nodded with a wolfish grin.
Sakura sighed.
"So why is she playing along then? She even knew about me and Sasuke's plan and also played along."
"I don't think she has a reason to call us out on this, especially if she knows why we're doing it."
"Do you think Fugako-sama knows?" Sakura questioned.
Scanning a couple of blonds giggling as they passed by, Shisui answered, "Definitely not." He paused for a second. "Hey, Kitten, girls aren't reacting to the sight of me carrying a wedding dress as well as I thought they would."
She narrowed her eyes.
"How exactly did you expect them to react?"
"Well throwing themselves at my feet and asking me to make an honest woman out of them, did come to mind." He said with a boyish smile.
Sakura sighed.
"You're unbelievable."
"Well, thank you, kitten. I believe you're the first woman to ever say that to me in broad day light." He said winking at her.
The girl rolled her eyes.
"I owe you an apology." She said, attempting to change the topic of conversation.
Shisui raised an eyebrow. "Actions speak louder than words then. You can always make it up to me." He said, his compulsive flirtiness taking control.
Sakura glared at him.
"You didn't even ask me, why I owe you an apology." She hissed.
He gave a dramatic sigh.
"Why, Kitten?" He questioned.
"That day when we were trying to get dinner, you told me that I shouldn't judge Itachi-san without knowing him and that he was a good person." She admitted. "At the time I didn't believe you, but now I know that you were right." She finished with a smile.
Shisui gave her a knowing look, that spoke of so many unsaid words.
"Well, that's no surprise, I'm always right." He said raising his nose up haughtily in a mischievous manner.
"No you're not."
"Yes I am."
"No you're not."
"Yes, I am."
"No you're not."
"Fine, I'm not, now give me a kiss on the cheek to make up for it."
Sakura blinked.
"How does that even make sense?"
"I don't know, I just thought it would be worth a shot." He said with a lecherous wink.
She sighed.
"Hopeless."
He grinned, as they arrived in front of the bathhouse.
"I'll leave now, Kitten, and I'll be back shortly. You can stay as long as you want but don't come out until you feel my presence." He said, sounding like a pure professional. Sakura had to blink her eyes to make sure that he was the same person.
She nodded.
"But aren't there other people guarding me?"
He nodded.
"Yes, we have twelve Anbu scattered around the area. And our people have already scanned the bathhouse for any signs of foul play only a few minutes ago. We also have a member of the police force in the women's side of the place and another in the men's. There is nothing to worry about, Kitten, however, I would still prefer it if you don't go anywhere without me." He elaborated.
She nodded again.
"Alright, I won't leave until you're back."
He grinned. "I'll just drop your dress back home, and deliver my report to the Hokage. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes." He offered, before giving her a wink and literally disappearing from view.
Sakura threw an admiring glance at the place where he stood.
And to think that only a few weeks ago, she hadn't even known him.
.
Walking towards the door to the bathhouse, Sakura froze to her spot as she heard screams and loud banging noises. Her hackles rose, and she could tell that the Anbu hidden around the place have also assumed battle ready stances.
However, a second later, Sakura's tension deflated as she watched a mass of orange being flung by a particularly large woman, outside of the bathhouse.
"And don't you come back." The woman screamed.
Naruto rolled around on the floor.
"I didn't even know this was the women's side." He screamed back. "Not fair." He complained.
"Yah right." Sakura said giving him a teasing glance.
Realizing whose voice it was, Naruto straightened up and looked at her, his eyes growing warm and almost apologetic.
"Hey." Sakura said with a smile. Yes, unlike Sasuke, Naruto was the kind of person who can't stay mad for a long period of time. He always found a way to accept the people he loved no matter who they are or what they have done. And right now, Sakura just knew that he came to apologize for the other day's scene in the Uchiha residence.
"Hi." He said with an apologetic smile. "Sakura-chan, I am really s….."
"Don't apologize, Naruto. I was the one who shocked you guys by my actions. You were entitled to some sort of reaction." She said with a kind smile.
Naruto blinked, keeping silent for a second as he regarded her with a genuine look to his eyes. On second thought, Naruto's eyes always looked genuine. It was one of the things she loved the most about him. He was always true to himself, and he did everything in his power to be true to his friends. Sakura smiled at him, and to think that when they were kids she didn't like him. What the hell was she thinking? If anything, Naruto was the glue that kept team seven together, his energy and hard word inspired them all, even Sasuke who'd never admit it. And if any of them even entertained the thought of straying away from the team, this person knew for a fact that Naruto would never give up on him. He would never give up on any of them.
"But, we've been very mean to you, Sakura-chan." He said kindly. "I have been thinking that if someone came to me and acted all mad about me dating Hinata-chan I would be very upset." He paused eyeing her understandingly. "It's just that he's too strong. Me and Teme won't be able to take him. He'd kick our asses again if we tried to. But if that's what you want, Sakura-chan, then I want you to know that I always have your back. And if he ever hurt you, me and the Teme will give it our all, I am sure that we could take him if we ask Kakashi-sensei to help…. And Ero-senin…. And Neji… Maybe Shikamaru too… Nah, he'd say it was too troublesome and Choji would just eat chips and watch us get our asses kicked. I know… I'll ask Lee and Kiba to help us too."
Sakura blinked back a couple of heartfelt tears.
"Thank you, Naruto." She said with a grateful smile. "This really means a lot to me."
As he always does when faced with an emotion laden moment, Naruto erupted into a mass of energy.
"Yosh." He said fist bumping the air. "I'll go beat some sense into the Teme. He's still sulking about it, but I promise you Sakura-chan, that he'll come around." Naruto promised.
Sakura gave him a loving smile, "You don't have to do that, Naruto…"
"I'll go right now!" He exclaimed as he started running away. "Oh, congratulations, Sakura-chan." He said turning around mid-run to beam at her before turning back around and running away.
*Typical Naruto.*
.
Pushing the door open Sakura walked into the bathhouse and immediately felt relaxed. The place smelled of freshly cut wood, hot steam, and cleanliness. Best smells ever.
After receiving her towels, soap, a plastic hair cover, and other bathing requirements, Sakura Smiled at the big receptionist who just flung Naruto halfway across the place, and walked into the dressing area.
Random women were walking by, getting changed and minding their own business.
She put her items down on the bench and prepared to take her clothes off.
"Haruno-senpai." She heard a vaguely familiar voice greet.
Sakura raised her eyes only to see a woman that she has never really been fond of. This was because when they were young, this woman chased Sasuke around like he was a piece of meat; she was obsessed, even more than Ino (If that was even possible). But now that she thinks about it, Sakura no longer had a reason to detest her anymore. And if anyone knew about putting up with Sasuke-crazed fans it was Sakura. Not to mention that the girl has been in her class for months now, and hasn't done anything to antagonize Sakura.
Keeping all of this in mind, Sakura plastered a professional smile on her face and greeted the girl.
"Karin-san." She said with a nod.
Karin's eyes focused on Sakura as she took a few steps towards her, causing her bright red hair to flutter around her with the motion.
*Her hair is redder than ours. I hate her.* Was inner's view on the subject.
"I have heard of your intended matrimony to Uchiha-Taicho." The girl spoke in her customary formal, yet slightly deranged tone. "Isn't his brother quite amazing though?" She added, losing her formal tone and twisting around like a love struck little girl, before coughing and reassuming her professional demeanor. "I take it you are here for pre-wedding relaxation. I have already seen your friends walk in." She stated, now back to cold and aloof.
Sakura raised an eyebrow.
Yup, now that she thinks about it, it wasn't that she liked Sasuke that made Sakura dislike her. It was that the girl was weird as hell, fluctuating between moods like she was made of mercury.
"Ah, yes, I'm meeting my friends here to relax and…"
"I have enjoyed your class." Karin said, adjusting her glasses along the bridge of her nose.
Sakura blinked at the quick change of subject. But chose to go along: "I am quite happy with your progress so far, your natural medical abilities are quite impressive and they can only grow with practice."
"Bite me." Karin said.
Sakura almost jumped backwards in surprise.
"What?" She questioned in sheer confusion.
Karin looked unmoved.
"You only have to bite me and your chakra will be restored. That's how I heel people. But I wanted to learn more about medicine, that's why I'm taking the class."
"Righhhht." Sakura said, a little thrown off by the woman's antics and very efficient way of talking.
"I no longer have to hate you." Karin stated matter of factly.
"Sorry?"
"Since you are marrying his brother, I can conclude that you have no interest in him. Which means that we are no longer enemies. Unless marrying his brother is a desperate ploy to get close to him, at which point I will murder you." Karin said darkly, before beaming happily. "Isn't he the best though, did you see his body, I saw him shirtless once, I almost passed out. Oh, I just wanna squeeze him." She launched once more into a fangirling fit. "We're no longer enemies though." The redhead finished.
Sakura blinked.
"Good to know." She said, eyes wider than normal, as if that would help her keep track of Karin's moods. "I'll go inside now." The medic finished. This was getting way too weird even by her standards.
"Aren't you going to take your clothes off first?" The woman pointed out.
Sakura gave her a sheepish smile.
"I'll change inside," *Because who knows what kind of comments we'd get by changing in front of her.* Inner Sakura continued the thought.
On that note, Sakura gave her a weirded out goodbye and a nice to see ya, before walking towards the bathing areas.
Sakura stood behind the screen door separating her from the baths, she raised her arm to open the door, but something caused her senses to tingle. Something was off; pausing for a moment she realized that it was way too quite in there.
Sakura put her bathing supplies down, and reached for a Kunai from her pocket, just in case. She slowly peeled the screen door open, and was greeted by a whiff of steam.
Sakura's eyes widened, as she forcefully stopped herself from breathing.
*This gas is….*
Sakura didn't get to continue her thought though, as a hand pushed her right in, falling to her knees Sakura couldn't help but breathe, *Sleeping gas.*, and that was the last thing she thought before she lost all semblances of consciousness.
And the action officially begins….
2 more chapters to go :D
I wonder what happened to Sakura…
Please Review.