I do not own Naruto, only the plot! And if there are any grammatical errors, please forgive me. I didn't double check because I wanted to update as soon as possible, enjoy! – VZ
Sakura initially thought that things would be awkward between the two of them. Yet it seemed like Deidara wasn't doing anything other than treating her with care and gentleness. The moment he stopped caressing her lips with his, he had spoken such deep and heartfelt words to her. And with such an open and hopeful expression on his tanned face. It struck a deep chord within her. What he said was a promise, words that she would never forget. As sappy and romantic that sounded, it was true. The way he phrased it, was as if he didn't care. That He wasn't concerned with her past kisses. And all that really and truly mattered to him was that he would be her last.
And now here they were, walking down the streets together like there was no problem at all. What made things even better was that he didn't bother claiming her as his. Or that she belonged to him. No, he was as sweet and gentlemanly as they come. Deidara, resident bomber of the infamous group commonly known as Akatsuki, was giving her space and time to think about what had happened recently. And the best part was that he wouldn't rush her to label what they had. He was basically saying that he would wait for her, simply be there for her.
What more could a girl ask for?
Yet…she was still very confused and conflicted.
It wasn't like Sakura wanted to string their hearts along on a chord for the sheer sake of her amusement.
Hell no.
Up until recently, she hadn't really thought of their advances as other than forms of entertainment and lust.
Boy was she wrong.
Never before in her wildest dreams that the members of the most feared group of criminals would actually fancy her. It was such an insane notion. Those strong, powerful and attractive men would take a liking to boring, short and flat-chested Sakura Haruno.
"Such a lovely couple." A happy voice cooed, effectively bringing the pinkette out of her inner musings.
"Oh hush now dear, don't embarrass the young-uns." Another voice added, it was gravelly and sounded very amused.
Green eyes finally noticed the people sitting on an old red bench, a man with a woman, old, smiling and holding hands. Matching looks of mirth were pasted on their weathered faces.
"Of course not! But honey look, such oddly colored hair."
The medic-nin inwardly rolled her eyes, already used to people pointing out her pink hair.
"And wonderful eyes, like emeralds."
A flush made its way to her cheeks, painting them a rather appealing shade of pink.
"Bashful too, not like those girls who flaunt their beauty so flamboyantly. I think she's a keeper!"
To her surprise, Deidara spoke; his voice was tender and soft. Intimate like their kiss earlier this evening.
"I know she is. Nobody is going to steal her away from me yeah."
If the old couple were cheerful before, they were absolutely bouncing with joy at this point. Well, the woman was, the man on the other hand was slightly more reserved. Smiling widely instead of jumping up and down in joy.
"Oh my…I've seen that look before."
"What look?" She interjected, glancing at the woman on the bench, cupping the wrinkled cheek of her partner. She winked at Sakura, as if they were sharing a trade secret.
"It's the look of a man in love."
Instantly, she could feel eyes gazing at her, burning with intensity so hot that it rivaled the heat of the sun.
"R-really?"
Inner slapped herself for acting so damn timid. However she justified it was because she had no idea what to do or even think when faced with affairs concerning love or infatuation. When it came to battles, surgeries or healing wounds, she knew exactly what to do. It was instinct to her. Love and lust though, was a different matter entirely.
"Why yes! It's the look on a man gives his woman. When he sees nothing but her."
Sakura hesitantly looked at the blonde, who was gazing at her adoringly that it made butterflies erupt in her belly.
"You've got it wrong woman." The old man said, hilarity dancing in his eyes.
"Have I?" She replies fondly while he nods.
This time, the man gives his attention to Deidara, as if they were the ones sharing a secret.
"A man in love doesn't just look at his woman a certain way, he has a look reserved just for her."
"Honey, maybe we are embarrassing them." She gave a pointed look to Sakura's almost red cheeks.
Thankfully, the artist saved her from possible mortification on her part. He grazed her cheek with his hand, which was partly closed in a loose fist. Most likely so that he wouldn't alert or frighten the civilians with the extra mouths on other parts of his anatomy.
"No, it's alright. I like her blushing, it suits her yeah."
"How adorable."
She didn't bother looking at the old lady and her husband. No, she was too busy staring at the bright eyes that reflected so much hope and happiness that it made her want to do nothing else but stare into them for the rest of eternity.
How can a man so thoroughly immersed in crime and blood be so caring and kind?
"Hun, you better mark him as yours." The old woman warned, her eyes narrowing.
"What?!"
The blush on her cheeks darkened.
"She's right, there are some girls staring at your man like how a starving lion would eye a piece of meat."
Sakura scanned the area and sure enough, there were women ogling Deidara.
Not that she'd blame them. He did look quite dashing tonight.
His blonde hair pulled up in his signature ponytail with one long bang covering his scope. His tanned face was devilishly handsome and the air he radiated was wild and feral. What sane woman wouldn't want to be around a tall, handsome man?
"Mark him? How in the world would I do that?"
"Why by kissing him of course! Is there any other way of showing your affection to your man?"
"I know a few." Her husband said, his grey eyebrows waggling suggestively.
The blush intensified.
"Oh dear, your woman looks like a tomato now boy." The old man commented, smirking at the blonde.
"A cute tomato yeah." He supplied, to which the man laughed and muttered 'good save'.
Sakura found a bit of confidence and a smidge of indignation when she heard the man mutter something about 'your woman'. Reminding her of a certain dark haired man who was overly fond of calling her his.
"I'm not his woman, I don't belong to him." She shook her head firmly, missing the smiles that the men and one woman shared.
"Don't you like this fine young man?"
"Well…" Her voice was tentative, but when her eyes met with his, it strengthened.
"Of course I do." She replied to the woman, who now had a grin on her creased face.
"Then it's quite obvious."
There must have been a question mark on her face because her husband continued.
"When you feel something for someone, there's somewhat…of a connection between you two. Once that's done and the feelings get deeper…Let's say it's like give and take."
Sakura remembered that saying quite vividly.
"You give your heart and you take his. That's why I said you're his woman. And remember this girl…"
He leaned towards her and she did the same, curiosity gleaming in her expressive green eyes.
"Whenever a man calls you his or says you belong to him, it means he gave you his heart."
Her pink brows furrowed so he rolled his eyes and expounded further.
"When you give something important to someone else, it's only natural you would want to keep it close ne?"
The pinkette was currently on the bed with Sasori and Kumiko. Since his body was basically torn apart, he was just an upper torso with his head attached to it. Of course there were his other body parts strewn across the room. One example was his arm. An arm that she was now using to play with her clay kitten.
As odd as it sounded, it was actually a fun way to pass the time in the boring old inn. The red head watched with amusement as she held the wooden appendage at its end and held it right over Kumiko's white little head. She tried jumping on her hind legs, her paws outstretched with tiny claws glinting in the light, fully intent on scratching his arm. Sadly, she was no match for Sakura's height or speed. At some point, the little kitten gave up and went over to Sasori. Kumiko meowed cutely before placing her tiny paw over his wooden cheek. Sakura soon realized that this was her sign if affection, pawing the face. She smiled when the kitty licked him, nuzzling him briefly before going back into her arms.
Though she was having fun, her mid kept wandering back to what the old couple had said, about hearts, give and take and so much more. The strange thing was, she was now thinking about Itachi.
On how he treated her, so possessively that it made her feel so caged and claustrophobic.
However, she would also be lying if she said that she felt absolutely nothing but negative feelings when around the Uchiha.
There was curiosity, an extent of affection and maybe even some comfort.
Sakura did feel something for him, especially when he had confessed to her, on his knees, exposing himself like never before.
She sighed, grabbing the attention of a certain puppeteer.
"Something troubles you." It wasn't a question; it was fact, one that he was stating with a mild frown.
"Hmm….You could say that." Sakura replied, not wanting to talk about her conflicted thoughts about Itachi.
"I just did." Confusion filled his tone and features.
It was cute.
And so, she shook her head fondly and chuckled, finding Sasori endearing at the moment.
Suddenly, shouting filled the room when Kisame, Hidan and Deidara entered the vicinity, shutting the door behind them with a loud slam.
"I fucking told you! This is the fastest route to get back to the damn base!"
Kisame glared at the cursing nin, his sharp teeth glinting menacingly.
"And I told you, that we are no taking that road." He grit out, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.
"The fuck?! You asked me which was the quickest way and I fucking told you. So stop being a dickhead and listen!"
"Yeah, that was before you told me which one. We are not going that way." Kisame said, clearly frustrated with the whole situation.
"What going on here?" She asked Deidara who took a seat next to her on the bed, picking up Kumiko and petting her behind the ears in the process.
"No idea, I was just on my way to ask for more towels when I bumped into these two."
He shrugged before giving her a secret smile.
One that she tried to ignore but failed miserably.
True, he was giving her time and space, yet she knew that he was eagerly waiting for her decision.
"We won't take that route. There are other roads that lead to Akatsuki's base." The larger man supplied, irritation coating his usually gruff voice.
Her mind was suddenly immersed in thought. Sakura didn't have the strong urge or burning desire to return to her village. She didn't want to leave the criminals' presence. As shocking as it was, she knew that she belonged with them. Sakura balanced their darkness and gave them light, hope. But then she was still so very confused and so damn conflicted. Not only because of their affections but because she might be labeled a missing-nin. And as attached and infatuated as she was to the infamous group called Akatsuki, She still loved her village and everyone in it.
Just as before, their arguing brought her back into reality.
"Why the hell not?! We took that route from the base to fucking search for-"
"Exactly! She wasn't with us but she is now."
Hidan gripped his scythe so hard that his knuckles turned white.
"So what?! Why would her damn presence decide whether we take that road or not?"
At this, Kisame faltered, his anger fading away, only to have anxiety replace it.
"No fucking answer?" He sounded smug now.
Unable to hold her tongue, she joined in the conversation.
"I'm curious Kisame. Why would me being here change the route you usually take?"
Everyone looked at him then at her then back at Kisame, waiting for a reply.
"Well, you see angel….It's too dangerous."
The silver haired nin scoffed at this.
Kisame nodded to himself while she raised one pink eyebrow, incredulity lacing her tone.
"I'm a fully capable Kunoichi Kisame, I know how to handle myself in any situation."
"But…"
"Anymore reasons why we can't take that route?"
At this, the mist-nin sighed heavily, appearing very uncomfortable.
"Well?..." Sakura prompts, challenging him to give her an answer.
Suspicion was biting her, making her feel like danger wasn't the only reason why he was strongly against her going with them on this particular road.
"Hidan, are you sure that this is the quickest way to get back to the base?"
He smirks at the pinkette, nodding.
"And since there's no real reason why we cant take that route, then I say we go."
When Kisame was about to open his mouth and protest, she stopped him from doing so with an aggressive glare.
"No, Kisame. Sasori needs to get fixed and this is the fastest way. And getting him repaired is the most important thing at the moment."
It might not have been the smartest thing to do at the moment, basically ordering around a feared Akatsuki member. However, whenever Sakura was under stress (the recent confessions and kisses can do that to a woman you know) or confused, she had a tendency to act impulsively, more so than usual.
Deidara grit his teeth at this but said nothing as his partner smiles faintly, reminding him the very definition of self-satisfied.
Kisame briefly looked around the room and saw the looks on all their faces as they gazed at the pink haired medic-nin.
Adoration.
Respect.
Hope.
Love.
Wait….the hell?
His oddly colored eyes immediately searched the blondie's face once more, double-checking.
….
Oh shit.
….
He was right. They really were screwed.
His angel didn't know it yet, but she had the majority of Akatsuki's members under her spell.
They were wrapped around her little finger, and none of them could stop it.
It was much too late for that, not when they were loving every minute being around her.
Kisame shook his head.
He was also hooked, even going as far as to reject the idea of using that damn route.
But no, she just had to be so stubborn.
Then again, that was another reason why they loved her so much.
"We have to take the route."
"No." he replied.
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes!"
"No"
"No." She repeated, crossing her finger in hopes that he'll fall for it.
"No." He smirked at her, making her groan in frustration.
"Why not?" Irritation and suspicion was growing in her.
Silence, until finally, he relented and spoke.
"Because….you'retoodamninnocentandtheroutewe'retak inggoesthrougharedlightdistrict."
He said it so fast that it sounded like a jumble of words to the medic-nin.
"What?"
But before the mist-nin could speak, Hidan jumped in, growling out his answer.
"He says that we can't take the fucking route cause it goes through a shitty village that's sort've like a damn red light district."
To their surprise, she didn't blush or flinch.
"So?"
Silence.
"You're too damn innocent and-"
Sakura cut him off, her voice was incredulous.
"Innocent? Is that why you don't want us to got that way? Because I'm too innocent to go through a red light district?" She turned her head and asked Kisame, getting off the bed and poking him on the chest with each question.
He nodded sheepishly.
"You have got to be kidding me! I'm not innocent, far from it actually."
"We're not talking about killing Sakura-chan. It's about other matters…" Deidara added, trying to ease the tension.
"Hell yeah! Like seriously, you might as well be a fucking baby. When it comes to stuff like this."
A pink eyebrow twitched in frustration.
"Like what exactly."
It seemed like the question that Hidan was waiting for, because he brightened considerably. He answered, a wolfish grin on his lips.
"Sex."
He purred the word, licking his lips sensually after uttering it.
"That village is known for its women, booze and crimes. Kisame doesn't think you'll fucking survive in there."
Her green eyes instantly locked onto Kisame who was turning purple. Was he blushing?
"Now that I think about it, you are too damn innocent. Maybe I was wrong, you couldn't handle it." Hidan went on, loving the fire in her eyes that grew the more he spoke.
The pinkette took a deep breath before speaking, her voice loud and clear.
"It doesn't matter. If this is the quickest way to the base, we should take it."
Sakura gestured to Sasori's body, which was in several pieces strewn around the room.
"Like I give a fuck if he's in one piece or not."
Her glare intensified.
Fuck yeah. He thought, wanting to rile her up even more.
"How would you like being incapacitated? Would you like me to detach some of your body parts?"
The pinkette challenged, ignoring the entertained looks she was receiving from everyone in the vicinity.
"Hell yes!"
Her fiery green eyes widened at this.
"Didn't you know sweetheart? I'm a fucking immortal, nothing can kill me."
She grit her teeth in anger and frustration.
"Besides…"
Hidan trailed off, his voice husky and deep that it made something within her shiver.
In delight or fear, she wasn't so sure.
"I'm fine with you taking any other parts from this kick-ass body of mine, as long as I get to keep my favorite part."
He bites his lip and looks at her suggestively.
Once she registered what he said, a hot blush bloomed on either side of her creamy cheeks.
"See?! So fucking innocent."
She rolled her green eyes as he smirked devilishly.
"But its okay, I plan to taint you sooner or later."
Sakura immediately stepped back and crossed her arms.
"I'm not-"
"You are. But that's part of your appeal." A dark and velvety voice interrupted their heated and rather perverse argument.
All the males in the area and one female (two if you count Kumiko) looked to the door. Where Itachi came out, a towel hanging low on his hips and steam floating around him.
Oh Kami.
How can anyone look so good when dripping wet?
Itachi must have sensed her stare or heard her thoughts because the next second, he smirked at her.
The kind that irritated and thrilled her.
The kind that made her either want to pummel or smirk with him.
The kind that promised carnal pleasure behind closed doors and shut windows.
Yes, that smirk was very sexy.
Sakura averted her eyes, not catching the looks everyone shared.
The majority of them were of irritation towards the Uchiha. Yet it was also a mixture of disappointment. Since they had all made their intentions concerning the blossom very clear, it was all right to win her heart without any fear of being found out. Naturally, Itachi wanted to make full use of it.
One look was of annoyance and vexation, wishing that he wasn't literally torn apart.
Another was of disgruntlement; exasperated that he could catch the medic-nin's attention so easily.
"Let the woman does as she pleases. If she says she can handle the city of sin and pleasure, then what's stopping us?" Itachi murmured, running his hands through his black hair, his eyes catching hers.
"Absolutely nothing." Sakura said, looking up and gazing into those red orbs.
It was understandable why he was using his bloodline technique, considering that they were no longer alone and surrounded by other people, other shinobi.
Yet the pinkette wished, the darkest parts of her heart that he would turn it off.
That he would expose himself as a man. Not some hired assassin. But then again, that would be selfish and rude. Not to mention hypocritical since she herself was a killer. It didn't matter if she did it with mercy, those men still died at her hand.
With a sigh, she walked over to her pack, the one that she had left in the forest where Sasuke had found her. Thankfully, Itachi had taken it with him and now here it was.
Sakura tried her best to ignore the stares she felt boring into her back as she searched for her nightclothes. Her green eyes did a quick scan of the contents of the bag, only to find several of the yukatas that Itachi had bought for her. She ignored those (yes it looked pretty, but it wasn't as comfortable as her oversized shirt and shorts back at the village) and searched deeper. Seconds later, she found it. A long sleeve shirt that was the color of blood. On her ten-year-old body, it dwarfed her completely, hanging off one shoulder and pooling around her feet. And now, it ended around mid-thigh. Perfect sleep wear length if you ask her.
Sakura was on her way to the still steamy bathroom, when a voice halted her in her steps.
"Is that blondie's shirt?"
She faced Kisame, biting her lip nervously, sensing the rising tension in the room.
"No, it's mine."
He gave her a look that said 'Do I look stupid to you?'
"Okay….okay, he gave it to me. Happy?"
"Extremely." Deidara's voice called, a satisfied smirk on his tanned face.
"When did he give you his fucking shirt?"
"Around the time we were still at the base, I was still in a child's body then, so it didn't fit so well. It does now though." Her voice was innocent, dubious to all the male energy surging around the room.
Once more, they were all aware that since they had made their feelings and intentions for her very clear, it was free game. They could all pursue Sakura as much as they wanted. It was just the matter of who she liked the most.
"I'm sure." The blonde commented, subtly roving her kimono-clad form, raising a light blush to her cheeks.
The look he gave her was one of intimacy and fire. As if he was burning from the inside out, burning for her. The thought made her body and face heat up a bit more. Just thinking about him wanting her that way brought foreign feelings that she wasn't sure what to do with. And so, with a curt nod, she escaped into the small, tiled bathroom. Escaping from his scorching blue gaze. Slamming the door behind her and locking it with the twist of the latch above the knob.
Thanks to the sounds of water hitting the tiled surface, Sakura failed to hear the conversation going on at the other side of the wooden door.
"Angel, going to sin city with the rest of us? It sounds like-"
Hidan, who was practically jumping with excitement, cut off Kisame rather rudely.
"Fun! I can't wait to fucking get there already!"
"And I thought my Danna was impatient."
Even though Deidara was running in the race for Sakura's heart, he wasn't going to lose his respect for his partner.
"I am. That is yet another reason why I long to return to the base. I'd rather have all my limbs attached."
"Tch…..such fools."
The conversation that had been flowing abruptly stopped at Itachi's cold and hard voice.
"The hell Uchiha?!"
Although the members of Akatsuki assumed he was speaking (insulting) them, it was everything but.
One, Itachi wasn't even facing them; he was looking out the window. Where the festival was still going on, only with less people.
Two, he was addressing the figure cloaked in darkness. In between two buildings, inside an alleyway.
Three, he was staring straight into eyes that reflected his own, red and black, full of pain and darkness.
PLEASE READ!
Ta-da! hope you liked it. This chapter was more of a filler than anything else. The next one is going to be a bit more intense, if you catch my drift *winks* I'm still not sure whether Dei, Hidan or Itachi would take the lead in the next chappie. Sasori definitely can't, considering he's not really put together at the moment *laughs awkwardly* okay, that was a bad pun. Anyways, you'll just have to read the next chapter to find out. Here's a hint what will be in the next update...Dancing (dirty or not, who knows?)...drinking (with kisame of course!)...and...drum roll please...Sasuke! Yes, he shall appear soon enough. Yikes this is getting long. I wonder if anybody is actually reading it, hope so! ANyways, lots of love and thanks to my followers, reviewers, readers and those who continues to read this story. It really means a lot to me. Lets make it to 1000 reviews people! Till' next time ;) - VZ