Labyrinthine—an Itachi & Sakura story
By: M. Shiroi

Disclaimer: Naruto and all its characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto.


CHAPTER XXIV


Once, Sakura had laughed at Ino's woes as the blonde told her about her sexual frustrations.

Never again.

She wasn't exactly sure how she got through the first leg of the journey back to Konoha without losing her mind. Every time she so much glanced at Itachi, she was promptly reminded of the way his fingers felt inside of her, the dark and intense longing in his eyes and the way he promised to fuck her properly the next time they had a private place to themselves.

Her face heated.

Ahead of her, Kakashi led the group, followed by Yamato and Itachi, who were discussing the Rinnegan and possible ramifications now that the rare doujutsu had been spotted again.

She couldn't help but observe Itachi for a long moment. He had pocketed his hands, his dark pants accentuating his ass perfectly. Sakura stared at him longingly, a flash of heat overcoming her as she imagined what it looked like uncovered, how she wanted to follow the curve of his spine with her tongue and fingers until he couldn't take it anymore. He would turn around, spread her legs and sink his thick, throbbing—

"Don't you think, Sakura?"

She nearly yelped, a blush coating her cheeks as she met Yamato's gaze. The older man furrowed his brows, placing his hands on his hips as he turned fully to her. "Are you alright, Sakura? You look a little red."

Inner Sakura cackled maniacally as Itachi turned around, dark eyes observing her knowingly. Sakura cleared her throat and caught up to the two men, cupping her cheeks with her hands. "I'm fine, just a little dehydrated," Sakura said.

"Sakura-san," Itachi said. Swallowing, she turned to Itachi and found him holding out his flask for her. Keeping her expression as neutral as possible, she smiled gratefully at him and extended her hand to grab the flask. The brief touch of his fingers sent a current of electricity running through her body.

"Thank you," she said, ignoring the amused expression that crossed his face. She didn't miss the way his eyes dropped to her lips as she wrapped them around the opening of the flask. There was little doubt he was thinking of her lips wrapped around something else.

'Two can play it that way,' Sakura thought boldly, carefully licking a drop of water off her lip as she returned the flask. He cocked his head ever so slightly, face blank as he stowed the flagon away.

"Itachi and I were just discussing your Mokuton prowess," Yamato said, startling her. She had nearly forgotten he was standing right behind her. He gave her a long sidelong glance. "I'm very familiar with your chakra control, but it surprised me to see you could use Mokuton in battle already. It is something to behold, another Mokuton user."

She gave him a shy smile. "Thank you."

"Hobi Technique is something I've tried to master during my childhood but could never get it to work," Yamato continued, tapping his finger to his lip. "It was one of the First's signature defensive moves, from what I understand, but I never could create a shield that withstood actual attacks."

Kakashi turned around, hands pocketed. His visible eye crinkled in a kind smile. "She was always a fast student."

"I'm not sure what that says about me," Yamato said. She giggled softly at his furrowed brow.

"The First was credited with being the god of shinobi. His chakra control was legendary. The better you control either element you work with for a bloodline limit or a hidden jutsu, the stronger techniques become," Itachi said. "Being off even half a percent will create an inferior version of a technique."

Yamato pouted. "You didn't have to put it like that, Itachi."

"My apologies," Itachi said, though he sounded less than apologetic. Yamato narrowed his eyes at him before chuckling.

"I liked you better when you were a small kid," he said.

Sakura laughed at that. "What was Itachi-san like, as a child?" she asked, giving Itachi a sidelong glance.

"Respectful," Yamato said curtly.

She laughed harder.

A small smile formed on Yamato's lips.

"All joking aside," he continued, looking fondly at Itachi. "I was a little surprised. You were, what? 11 years old when you joined ANBU?"

"Correct," Itachi said. Sakura spotted the tiny upturn of his lips easily.

"Well, the first time you walked into the dressing room, I thought it had to be a joke. You were the youngest ANBU member by a few years and well… I thought you would be in over your head," Yamato said, a small blush tingeing his face. "You took those doubts away by the end of the first mission, though. Five days without sleep, only surviving on soldier pills and stopping that ambush efficiently and easily. It impressed me."

"You flatter me, Yamato-senpai," Itachi said. "I could thrive because of your guidance and Captain Kakashi."

She lifted an eyebrow at Yamato. "Seems respectful enough."

Yamato shrugged. "For now." He looked to Kakashi. "Captain," he called, drawing Kakashi's attention. He lifted his head from Icha Icha Violence, turning his slate-grey eye to Yamato. "I was thinking; we're two days away from Konoha and will have to spend the night. There is a hot spring town nearby. Should we rest there for the night?"

Her heart thudded in her chest so loudly, Sakura was sure Kakashi had to have heard. Not daring to look at Itachi, she tucked away Inner Sakura who was waving around banners that said 'the next time' and 'fuck you properly' and kept a straight face as Kakashi considered the situation.

"Hmm," Kakashi said, turning his face to the sky. "And who is going to pay for that?"

"Isn't it customary for captains to treat their team after a successful mission?" Yamato asked, unimpressed. Without another word, he grabbed his wallet from his back pocket and opened it to check its contents. He sighed theatrically as he put it away again. "My treat?"

"There are no ranks when it comes to mutual respect," Kakashi said smoothly, pocketing his book. "You are the only junior that I acknowledge as an equal, Yamato."

"Every single time," Itachi quietly whispered to Sakura as Yamato blushed deeply.

She chuckled at that, looking up to meet Itachi's kind, dark eyes. Humor danced behind them as he observed both older men, a small dimple forming in the corner of his mouth. She smiled at him, prompting him to look down at her. "I believe we'll be spending the night in a hot-spring," Itachi said, eyes dropping to her mouth for a quick moment.

"Seems like it," Sakura said, attempting to sound lighthearted. She was sure Itachi would be able to easily spot how heated her cheeks felt in that moment, but there was only a reassurance in his eyes. "I haven't been to a hot-spring in years… The last time I had gone, Naruto and Sasuke had tried to see beneath Kakashi's mask by drawing him into the baths."

"Sasuke told me about this," Itachi said, recalling a distant memory. "I believe Captain Kakashi entered with his head covered with multiple towels?"

Sakura laughed. "Yes."

They continued the road to the hot spring talking about her genin times; she happily told Itachi about Naruto's goal to unmask Kakashi—who was pretending to be startled after hearing the elaborate plot they had going at some point to treat him to expensive dinners to see him unmasked, at which point Yamato rolled his eyes hard—and Sasuke's continued attempts to tail the silver-haired jounin to catch him unawares. Finally, she told the three of them the story of how they brought a photographer called Sukea into the fray to photograph Kakashi unaware; Kakashi was particularly interested in this story.

"Wait," Sakura said, something dawning on her.

"Hm?" Kakashi said, having turned away from her. They were only minutes away from the hot spring town now; Sakura could see it in the distance.

"Sukea, the photographer… He had a birthmark to the side of his mouth," Sakura said, narrowing her eyes at the Copy Ninja's back. "Exactly where yours is."

"Hmmm," Kakashi said. "The world is an interesting place."

She resisted the urge to laugh at his ridiculous reply and pointed an accusatory finger at him. "It was you, wasn't it? You were messing with us!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Kakashi said evasively, sauntering toward one of the first hotels in sight.

"Oh, no you don't!" Sakura said, rushing after him.


Sakura sunk a little deeper under the water, enjoying the way the cool breeze of the night on her heated skin. Most of the patrons had left the baths for the night, leaving her alone in the woman's bath. On the other side of the bamboo fence, she could hear Yamato and Itachi quietly conversing.

'The next time we have a bed and some privacy… I'm going to fuck you properly.'

Her body stirred in delicious ways as Itachi's voice echoed through her mind, shivering despite the heat of the pool as desire began building low in her belly. She sighed, running her hand from the top of her breasts down her stomach until she reached the neat patch of pink curls. Inner Sakura seemed content to bombard her with memories of Itachi's fingers sliding over and inside of her beneath the tree, or the taste of his cock on her tongue and the way he looked between her legs, tongue darting out to taste her.

Feeling heated, Sakura sat up straight and rose from the pool, the shock of cool air causing her to shiver violently. She reached for her towel and quickly dried herself off, hurrying to her room. Wetness had formed between her legs that had nothing to do with the pool itself, a blush staining her cheeks as she quickly climbed the stairs to her room and shut the door behind her.

She shot into the bathroom and turned on the water, stepping under the freezing cascade. Sakura yelped as the stream of icy water hit her body, before gritting her teeth and enduring it for a while longer. 'Get a hold of yourself, Sakura,' she told herself. 'Professional shinobi don't have oral sex during missions. And they sure as hell don't get fingered under a tree while your captain and teammate are close enough for them to hear. What were you thinking?'

'You weren't,' Inner Sakura replied, dressed in a gaudy red satin robe and stockings. 'Now go up to his room and fuck him properly.'

'Enough from you,' Sakura retorted, attempting to banish Inner Sakura to the farthest reaches of her mind.

Turning the water to warm, Sakura reached for the shampoo bottle. 'It's just sex,' she rationalized to herself. 'I've had it before, I've done it before, why am I so nervous about this? It's like losing my virginity all over again.'

'Because you like Itachi,' Inner Sakura whispered to her. 'So it's not just sex. It's making lo—'

Tuning Inner out, she busied herself with her hair, massaging in some conditioner before looking down at her legs. Finding more than light stubble present, she resolved to shave her legs and trim her public hair and checked her arm pits. Finally, she stepped out of the shower, observing herself for the longest time in the mirror, before sighing and grabbing the yukata the hotel provided.

Her heart rate was still elevated, she concluded, holding her fingers to her wrist. Despite her shower, her skin still felt feverishly hot while something both familiar and unfamiliar teemed in the pit of her stomach, coiling deliciously every time she thought of the elder Uchiha.

She wanted him.

She wanted to touch him.

But not just that, she realized as she stood. She wanted more. She wanted to sit and have dango with him and talk about her day. She wanted to laugh with him as they did earlier in the day, talking about Sasuke and Naruto. She wanted to hold his hand and see that warm look in his eyes every time she caught his gaze.

She wanted to be with him.

Before she knew it, Sakura was out the door, stealthily creeping to where his room was. The bath had been closed for at least fifteen minutes now; there was a good chance he was back in his room.

She knocked quietly, hearing her own shuddering breath as she heard him move in the room.

As the door opened, Itachi stood in only his pants, arm leaning against the door frame. He didn't look surprised to see her, dark eyes darting over her frame as he held out his hand, guiding her into the room as she slid her hand into his. The door clicked closed beside her as she took a moment to steady herself.

"Breathe, Sakura," Itachi said, smiling gently at her. Faintly, Sakura dismissed the urge to scowl at him. Despite the warmth in his smile, he seemed rather untouched by whatever desirous fever had overcome her, and she was desperate for him to feel the same. So, she finally gave into Inner Sakura's whispers as she turned around and unknotted the yukata, letting the fabric pool around her feet.

She watched him, biting down on her lip as she saw the onyx of his eyes turn even darker, the tension set in between his shoulders and one vein in his neck pulsate. He kept his eyes firmly on hers, as though asking her if she was certain. "Breathe, Itachi," Sakura said in response.

The corners of his mouth turned upward briefly as he quickly formed some seals. She recognized them as the same ones he made in the dining hall, shielding the other guests in the hotel, and, more importantly, Kakashi and Yamato, from what was going on here.

"Tell me, Sakura," he said, stepping toward her. He was close enough for his intense heat to radiate, yet far enough that he wasn't touching her. She reached for him, her fingers feeling like they were set afire as she ran them from his shoulders to his collarbone down his chest. She carefully explored every dip and curve of his hard chest, memorizing the tiny birthmark on his pectoral before moving down to his abs, nails scratching his skin.

His hands came up to her side, slowly tracing the curve of her side down to her hips. His heartbeat thundered beneath her fingers, despite his calm exterior. Finally, he reached for her, pressing her naked body against his as he gently pushed his hands into her hair and kissed her.

The slow deliberation with which he molded his lips against her, his tongue exploring her lips before dipping in to taste her mouth and the way he held her so close, as though he were afraid she might vanish, set her aflame. She whimpered as her naked breasts dragged over his hard chest, body trembling as she silently begged for more. "Tell me," he repeated as he broke the kiss to come up for air.

"You," Sakura said in response, shivering as his lips found her neck. "I want you."

His tongue darted out to taste her skin as she pressed herself closer against him. "I want you so much," she babbled as his hands ran down her skin, traveling the arc of her spine. She watched him as he drew back, kissing his way down her chest to her breasts. "I can't—" she gasped as Itachi wrapped his lips around her nipple, giving it a soft suck that sent her knees buckling beneath her weight. "I want—"

He lifted her then, an arm under her ass as he walked to his bed. Instinctively, Sakura wrapped her legs around him, enjoying the feel of his hard cock pressed against her sensitive clit. She rolled her hips, drawing a long moan from Itachi. He carefully laid her down on his futon, switching to her other nipple just as she reached to rub him through his pants. He let out a hiss, wrapping his hand over hers as he gave himself a few hard strokes.

"Spread your legs for me, Sakura," Itachi said, voice impossibly low as he leaned back. As she spread her limbs for him, his gaze dropped to her soaked center, hand dipping into his pants to stroke himself. Feeling bold, she reached to her clit, drawing circles around the nub, watching him as his mouth fell open, stroking to the same tempo.

"I want to see you," she whispered breathlessly, picking up the pace. She sat up, pulling at his pants. The corner of his mouth lifted, helping her push the fabric down his hips. As his cock sprang free, Sakura moaned, reaching out to touch the moist tip, spreading his pre-cum. She brought her thumb to her mouth, catching his gaze as she tasted him. He let out a sound that almost sounded like a growl as he pulled her closer to him, legs slung over his hips as he kissed her almost desperately.

Her nerves burned with need as he pulled her even closer, the length of his cock rubbing against her slit. She whimpered as he bumped against her clit, tongue slipping in to tangle with hers as his hand dropped, thumb circling around her nub. "Itachi…" she moaned, pulling at his hair as lightning shot up through her body. She coiled in his grasp, riding against his fingers. "I need you," she sobbed urgently, reaching down with both hands to press his cock against her, rubbing her center over him.

"You're dripping wet, Sakura," Itachi said, heat smoldering in his onyx depths. Her nipples tightened at the sight of his hunger for her, but she didn't dare look away from him as his digits eased into her. She released a shuddering breath as he pulled back and added another finger, wrapping both her hands around his cock to stroke him in the same slow pace. "Do you need me inside you? Do you need me to fill you?"

"Oh gods," Sakura managed, tossing her head back as he sped up. "Y—Yes."

"Yes, what?" his voice a dark whisper.

"Yes, I need you to fill me up," Sakura whimpered, edging closer and closer to oblivion as Itachi fingered her roughly, thumb skating over her sensitive clit.

"Don't come, Sakura."

"I need to… Please, Itachi."

"I need to feel you when you come," Itachi said, sucking on her nipple.

"I need to come over your cock," Sakura babbled. "Please… Please," she begged.

Itachi groaned, threading one of his hands into her hair to bring her close enough for another deep kiss. He removed his fingers, coated his cock with her juices and drove himself into her in one hard thrust.

She cried out, hand grabbing his arms as she arched her back, reveling in the feeling of being so full. "Fuck…" Itachi swore softly, eyes closed as he stayed still for the longest time. He opened them again, pent-up desire driving him to pull her even closer against him. She met him with a feverish kiss, legs wrapped around his hips as he held them upright, his hands moving down her body until he cupped her ass. She gasped in his mouth as Itachi helped her up and slammed her down onto him again, wrapping her arms around his shoulder as she moved along with him.

He pulled out and plunged back in, setting a punishing rhythm. Her jaw fell open in a voiceless, pleasured scream, brow furrowed as she found herself unable to look away from the intense look in Itachi's eyes. "So good…" she moaned, clutching at his shoulders. "So—Itachi, so good…"

He stretched her deliciously, hot and throbbing inside her as he guided her through the thrusts, the wet sound of slapping flesh filling the room. The way he looked at her, the passion and need so overwhelmingly present in his eyes, had her muscles clenching around him with desire. "Sakura… you're so tight," Itachi grounded out. "So wet for me…"

Itachi tipped her back, holding her tightly in his arms as he looked down to where they were connected. "Look at you… So wet and pink and tight around me," he said, voice slurred with lust. "Look, Sakura."

With effort, Sakura looked down her body, watching his cock plunge in and out of her. Just then, he changed his angle just slightly, causing her to gasp as she saw stars. He slapped her ass, tongue trailing from her belly button up to her chest as he picked up his pace, impaling her onto him. She held on for dear life, the feel of his cock sliding back and forth inside of her exquisite as she began shaking, tremors of pleasure taking over her nervous system. She was so close… Itachi sucked her nipple again, slamming himself into her over and over as he hit that perfect place deep inside of her.

"I'm coming," Sakura whispered breathlessly, eyes wide as she looked at Itachi. It felt like a tidal wave, threatening to pull her under as her thighs shook around his hips.

"Come for me, Sakura," Itachi said, voice strained as he pulled her back into an embrace, one of his hands circling to the front to stroke her clit, sending her over the edge with a cut-off shout. She clawed at him, nails digging deep in his back as her orgasm rolled through her, pleasure coursing through her like a wildfire.

Itachi held her in his arms, hissing as her muscles clamped around him almost painfully, driving himself deep within her as he waited out her orgasm, kissing her jawline. She quivered in his arms, threading her fingers into his hair as she searched out his lips, slanting hers against them.

"That is properly," she managed to say finally.

Itachi chuckled with strain against her, slowly rocking back and forth inside of her. She gasped at the feel of him, still so hard and throbbing. "I'm not done yet."

She smiled as he gingerly laid her down on the futon, never allowing their connection to break as he moved to his knees and grabbed her hips. He leaned forward, capturing her lips just as he pushed himself back into her, drawing a pleasured cry from her.

He set a slow, aching pace in and out of her, slowly stoking her desire back to life. Pushing her heels into the futon, she met his thrusts, blushing as he removed a sweat-slickened strand of hair from her forehead, trailing his hand down her body. She sighed as he tickled through her pubic hair, caressing her inner thighs before making his way back to her clit.

"That's it, Sakura," Itachi said to her as she arched her back, running her nails over his chest. He grabbed one of her hips, helping her grind herself against him. "You feel so good."

"More… More, Itachi, please…" She moaned. "Fuck me."

Itachi groaned loudly, maneuvering her legs over his shoulders, placing a kiss on her calf. He lifted her ass and pulled her back into him, starting a merciless tempo, causing her toes to curl at the spike of pleasure that followed. She grabbed the futon, holding on as every thrust jarred her entire body. Faintly, she was aware of their moans intertwining, the sound of his balls slapping against her and the moisture that smeared on her inner thighs.

"Yes… please… so close," Sakura breathed, pinching her nipple to help her along. Itachi's groans grew louder, his thrusts more erratic as he returned his hand to her clit.

"You're so tight, Sakura," Itachi strained. "You're dripping down my cock… Say my name, Sakura…"

"Itachi," she said in return, quivering, lips parting in a silent scream. "Itachi…" she sobbed desperately. A burst of white-hot pleasure exploded within her without warning. She convulsed around Itachi, who swore as she rippled around him. "Inside…" she managed, knowing he was close. "Please come inside me…"

Deep inside her, she felt Itachi's cock grow impossibly hard and thick just as he let out a long moan, burying himself to the hilt as he wrapped his arms around her. He groaned in ecstasy, a current of sticky warmth flooding her insides.

He shifted his weight to the side, slipping out of her, leaning his head on his arm as he lay on his side, gently removing the sweaty hair from her face. He seemed content to say nothing, a small, satisfied smile playing around his lips as he captured hers, thumb caressing her cheek. "I'll get a towel," Itachi said.

Sakura grinned goofily as he returned to the futon, carrying a small towel. He sat down beside her, helping her clean the moisture off her thighs. A little self-conscious, she darted into the bathroom to get cleaned before returning to him. He pulled her against him, kissing her forehead as he leaned over to pull the blanket over them. "You're incredible, Sakura."

She blushed. "I was about to say that about you."

Tucking herself into his body, she pressed her hands against his chest, enjoying the warmth that radiated off him. He drew circles over her back, enveloping her into his larger frame.

"If this is fucking me properly… I might have to ask you to do it again sometime," Sakura said, biting her lip as she looked up to him. He looked almost embarrassed.

"I shouldn't have phrased it so crassly."

"I liked it," she admitted shyly. "Actually… I haven't been able to put it out of my mind."

Itachi chuckled, the sound of which resonated through his chest. "I deducted as much." He remained quiet for a while as she turned over in his arms, pressing her back against him. "I'd like to do this again," he said finally, knuckles dragging over the curve of her waist and hip.

Sakura breathed out as his lips brushed her bare back. She spread her legs a little, allowing him to slip his muscular thigh between hers as he unhurriedly explored her back, hands stroking her tenderly. "I've wanted to do this for a long time," she sighed.

"Is that so?" Itachi queried, hard chest pressing firmly against her. She giggled lightly as he found a ticklish spot near the base of her neck.

"Yes," she mumbled, feeling peaceful.

"I feel the same."

"Oh?" she asked, trying to glance at him over her shoulder.

"Hm," Itachi replied, sliding his hand down to her thigh. She watched him with a smile as he leaned over her, as though he was memorizing her skin with his fingertips, entranced by her. A blush stained her cheeks; no-one had ever looked at her like Itachi was. His walls seemed to have collapsed entirely, the look in his eyes open and tender. He looked at her as if she was everything he ever wanted.

Just at that moment, he lifted his gaze to meet hers. "That day when you split the ground."

"Which one?" Sakura asked, arching into him as his hand skimmed down to her tight belly. He leaned down to kiss her just beneath her ear.

"The first."

Memories of that first day bombarded her. It felt like an eternity ago, sitting on the rock beside Naruto as they betted on the length of the battle between the Uchiha's, Naruto's triumph as he lasted longer than Sasuke had… and the heated gaze Itachi had given her as she broke the forest floor with her bare fist. What he had said at the end of the day had resonated with her and made such a deep impression that she had almost forgotten the intensity that radiated off of him even then.

"Thank you," she said, shivering as he circled her belly button with his finger.

"For what?" he asked, trailing kisses over her shoulder.

Within her, desire stirred anew despite the two previous climaxes. Already she wanted him again, longed to feel him inside of her and to hear those sexy moans as he thrust into her. "For believing in me," Sakura said, reaching back to caress his face.

"You're exceptional, Sakura. It is easy to believe in something that is right in front of me," Itachi said, slipping his fingers between her legs. He cupped her carefully, palm covering her sex completely. She groaned, rocking her hips against his hand. Itachi let out a soft laugh. "You're insatiable."

"You're a tease."

"Indeed," Itachi said, removing his hand. She was just about to protest when he rolled her over, slanting his lips over hers. He wrapped his arms around her almost possessively, draping a leg over him while he carefully explored her mouth with his tongue.

"So what happens now?" Sakura asked, looking up at him, all the while attempting to ignore the way his flaccid member pressed up against her dampened sex.

Itachi flashed a small smile. "I'm not sure."

"That has got to be the first time in your life."

He chuckled. "I wish."

Sakura smiled at him, gingerly brushing a loose strand of hair behind his ear. "Are we… dating?"

Itachi turned serious at that. "Sakura…" The way her name rolled off his lips sent shivers down her spine. "My earlier… conundrum remains."

"Explain it to me again," Sakura said, hands wandering over his chest. "Last time, you deftly deflected my question with one of your own."

"I am… ANBU. My life is one of secrecy and normally not as open as it has been these last months. I'm not the kind of man who is home every night to share dinner, or stories, or your bed… Or even the kind of man who can join you on every important event," Itachi paused. "Or the kind of man to start a family. My first duty is always to the Hokage. That is who I am—I protect Konoha from the shadows."

She saw it now. It wasn't that he didn't want to be with her; in fact, he seemed all too eager to actually be with her, judging by how he held her and touched her. But he didn't think himself good enough to be with her simply because he had too little time. She nearly laughed. Uchiha Itachi, one of Konoha's most eligible bachelors, was afraid to commit himself to someone because he thought he wouldn't be good enough.

"I told you," Sakura whispered. "I want something that is real."

Itachi looked at her, dark eyes impossibly warm. "Define real."

"You saw something in me that nobody else sees and helped me surpass my own limits," Sakura said, turning them around. She straddled his hips. "That is real." She leaned in to kiss him. "You listen—actually listen—to me and see me as more than a medic, more than a kunoichi. You see me as a woman. That is real." Unshed tears stung in the corners of her eye as her memories flew back decades until it reached a little girl crying in front of a tree and a young boy sharing his dango. "And when you see me crying, you stop to cheer me up," Sakura said, embracing him as he sat up to take her into his arms, erection stirring against her. "That is real."

She gasped as Itachi eased himself back into her, feeling connected to him in ways she never expected before. "I want to be with you all the time… talk to you and train with you and laugh with you," Sakura said, taking his face in her hands as she ground herself against him, soft hisses escaping Itachi's lips. "That is real."

Itachi nodded, placing his hands on her hips. "Ride me, Sakura," he commanded, voice low and filled with longing.

She kissed him once more before pushing him to lie down, reveling in his amazing he felt. "You feel so good," she whispered, tossing her head back as she ground down against him. He pulsed inside of her, hands caressing her thighs and hips as she rocked herself, clit rubbing against him. Itachi looked up to her, completely entranced as he watched her ride him harder, breasts bouncing.

"Sakura…" he said, fighting the urge not to drive himself into her. "So beautiful…"

Sakura was struck by him as his eyes rolled back with pleasure. Arguably Konoha's strongest shinobi, the eternal bachelor, brother to one of her best friends and one of the kindest and smartest men she knew; he was giving himself to her, baring himself for her to see and take her pleasure from him. Suddenly, she was struck again by the notion that this wasn't a crush or infatuation anymore. The mere thought of it caused her to moan loudly as she started riding him even harder, her damp flesh slapping against him until he kept hitting a spot within her that curled her toes until she came with a cut-off shout.

Barely cognizant of the fact that he had rolled them over during her climax, Sakura wrapped her legs around him, stretching her arms behind her. She smiled with a sense of euphoria as Itachi reached to clasp her hands in his, stretching himself over her as he buried himself over and over until he came, cum spurting inside her as he groaned her name. Still deep within her, Itachi wrapped an arm around her and took her with him as he collapsed onto his back, holding her close to his chest.

"This is real," Sakura said sleepily as she absently drew patterns on his chest. She listened to his erratic heartbeat as it slowed, heat pulsing from him in palpable waves.

"It's real," Itachi concurred, before sleep overtook her.


He woke her once, in the middle of the night. Blue moonlight fell into the room as he lifted her into his lap, legs crossed, wrapping her legs around him while he pushed himself into her. Itachi held her tightly, showering her with intense kisses, never breaking eye contact. As she came in his arms, milking his cock for all his spend, there were words forming on her lips that both terrified and elated her. Instead of speaking them, she leaned in to kiss his lips as he came, moaning her name.

The next time she woke, it was early morning. She was tucked into Itachi's chest, his arm wrapped around her, one thigh between hers. "Good morning," Itachi said, voice sounding sleepier than she ever heard it before. Sakura smiled, kissing his forearm.

"Good morning. Sleep well?"

"Perfect," Itachi said, kissing her cheek. "You?"

"Someone woke me quite rudely in the middle of the night for some—admittedly—very romantic sex."

Itachi chuckled. "How rude."

Sakura found herself unable to keep the smile off her face. Her heart fluttered in her chest as he kissed her shoulder, slowly untangling himself from her. She turned to her back. "I should get back to my room… Get a shower," Sakura said, peering outside to gauge the time.

He was silent as he observed her for a moment longer, leaning in to give her a soft kiss before rising from the futon. Try as she might, Sakura couldn't resist watching him as he walked to the door, comfortable in his nudity, plucked her yukata off the floor and delivered it to her.

"Thank you," Sakura said gratefully.

"You're welcome," Itachi said, sitting down beside her. He waited a long moment, considering something while she pulled on her yukata. "When we return to Konoha… I'd like to take you to dinner."

She bit her lip and ducked her head. "A date?"

A shy smile spread on his face. "Yes. I would like to take you out on a date."

"I'd love to," Sakura said, watching him as he pulled on his pants. Mouth watering at the way his pants hung low on his hips, she accepted the hand he extended to her and stood.

"I was hoping you would say that," Itachi replied, claiming her lips in a deep kiss.

"If you do that again, I might not leave," Sakura said when she finally broke the kiss. There was something in his eyes that told her he wouldn't mind one bit, but she knew of two jounin who were surely waking up soon that would mind departing later than planned (even if one of them was Kakashi), so she slipped out of his arms and darted to the door. Listening to hear if someone was on the hallway, Sakura shot him one last glance before making her way to her room.

"Hashirama-sama, how can you even doubt this?" Yamato said incredulously.

Sakura shrugged. "I studied under Tsunade-sama. She's capable of much more than most people know."

"Playing Rank-The-Hokage always ends in feelings getting hurt," Kakashi spoke, nose firmly buried in the final pages of Icha Icha Violence.

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Who holds your number one spot, Kakashi?"

"Hmm," Kakashi said, tapping a finger to his masked lips. Now that they were close to Konoha, Kakashi had reverse-summoned their gear, finally looking like himself again. From her perspective, she couldn't see more than his masked face and his forehead protector. "The Fourth was a strong and inventive shinobi."

"But would you say he was stronger than Hashirama-sama? The man known as the god of shinobi?" Yamato pressed.

In the distance, the large gates of Konoha came into view. Sakura smiled at the familiar sight before turning around to meet Itachi's calm gaze. His dark eyes turned heated as he looked at her, something that had happened all the time during the last two days, sending desire thrumming through her veins. "What do you think, Itachi-san?"

"I have an unpopular opinion," Itachi said, drawing the attention of both older shinobi. "I believe the Second was a strong but underrated Hokage."

"But do you believe Tobirama-sama to be stronger than Hashirama-sama?" Yamato asked, eyes wider.

"I believe he was an incredible shinobi and one of the very best in creating new techniques. Hiraishin and Edo Tensei are great examples of his inventiveness and it is said his battle prowess was almost equal to Hashirama-sama."

"Exactly. Almost equal."

"I'm a little surprised nobody mentioned the Third," Sakura said.

Yamato and Kakashi immediately looked caught. "We knew the Third as the Professor and had an immense wealth of techniques and skills under his belt. There was no-one like him," Yamato said quickly.

"But he's nobody's top pick?"

Yamato looked uncomfortable, while Itachi remained stoic and Kakashi opted to turn to the final plot-twist of Icha Icha Violence. "This remains between the members of this team," Yamato hissed. "How disrespectful."

"I told you," Kakashi spoke. "It always ends in feelings getting hurt."

Sakura laughed, catching up with Itachi who had taken the lead. "So… When should we plan our date?" she muttered, soft enough that the other jounin wouldn't hear.

"How about tomorrow?"

"That soon?" Sakura asked.

"Would you rather wait?"

Inner Sakura bombarded her with memories of their lovemaking, his sweet kisses and the way he sounded when he came deep inside her. "No," Sakura said, unable to mask her red-tinged cheeks. "Tonight would be fine too."

A small smile played on Itachi's lips.

She inhaled deeply, giving him a long sidelong glance. "I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Of course."

"A few years ago… Well more than a few years ago, they teased me in the academy. They called me billboard brow or pinkie," she began, heart thundering in her chest. Strange how they had explored each other until they were sated, but something as simple as a childhood memory seemed to have such a profound effect on her. "I struggled through the academy during those first years. I had no friends and was alone."

Before the gates, she noticed two people, though they were too far off to identify.

Sakura glanced back, checking whether Yamato and Kakashi were listening in on the conversation. Kakashi seemed engrossed in the final pages, complete with gasps and giggles—as though he hadn't read the book multiple times already—while Yamato raised a hand over his eyes, apparently trying to recognize the two people at the gate.

"One day, it got really bad," Sakura continued, finding Itachi's attention still on her. "I ran away from the academy and well… spend most of the day crying near –"

"Sakura," Yamato intervened.

Inwardly cursing, Sakura turned to Yamato.

"Isn't that Naruto and Sasuke?" Yamato said, still peering at the gate.

Pleasantly surprised, Sakura whirled back to look at the gate, now able to distinguish one tall man with a shock of blond hair and another in jounin uniform with raven hair. They looked to be arguing, unsurprisingly, but that didn't stop her from calling out to them. "Naruto! Sasuke!" she yelled, raising a hand in the air to wave at them. "They're okay!"

"Of course they are. It will take a lot more than Akatsuki to put a dent in either of those boys," Yamato said. "Are they fighting again? Kakashi-senpai, shouldn't you do something?"

"Only way to quell a storm is to let it blow," Kakashi said sagely.

Ahead, Sasuke had dashed to them, Naruto close in tow. As they closed the distance, Sakura could see Naruto wasn't fighting Sasuke; he was holding him back. "Something is wrong," Sakura mumbled, breaking out into a sprint. Behind her, Yamato, Itachi and Kakashi apparently noticed the same as they rushed after her.

Sasuke was livid.

She had seen him angry before—being in a team with Uzumaki Naruto had caused most of his angry outbursts, but nothing, nothing, compared to seeing him now. Naruto was holding him back, arms wrapped around his chest as he shouted Sasuke's name and begged for him to stop while Sasuke fought fiercely, taking another step forward.

"Did you do it?!" Sasuke roared, eyes wide and betrayed. His breathing was ragged, fists balled, and Sakura was now close enough to see unshed tears in the corners of his eyes. "Did you do it?!" he repeated.

"Do what?" Sakura asked in confusion, rushing up to see if she could help Naruto calm him down.

Sasuke wasn't looking at her—he was looking at someone beyond her. Surprised, Sakura followed the line of sight, finding both Kakashi and Yamato staring in confusion at Itachi, who stood still in the middle of the road.

Sasuke roared, breaking free of Naruto, who cursed loudly. Gritting her teeth, Sakura summoned all her chakra and grabbed Sasuke, holding him in place as Naruto caught up, wrapping his arms around Sasuke's.

The younger Uchiha breathed erratically. Betrayal, confusion and hurt playing on his face as he looked at his brother, allowing Sakura to stop him. "Nii-san," Sasuke shouted. "Did you do it?"

At the sound of his brother calling for him, Itachi closed his eyes. Even from a distance, Sakura could easily read Itachi. He knew exactly what Sasuke was talking about.

"Do what, Sasuke?" Sakura asked in a panic. "He was on a mission with Kakashi and me these last days. What did he do?"

"He killed my clan."

Time stopped.


A/N: Did I fail to mention this chapter would be NSFW? Tell me honestly, how many of you were reading this while you should be working? Naughty naughty.

Also, before you all bring out the pitchforks, I'd like to share with you something a reviewer had sent me way back when we started. "It's interesting to see how things might have been if Itachi had been permitted to stay." Labyrinthine had always been just that; the story of what had happened if Itachi had stayed after the massacre.

Young Kagome: Hey there! I honestly try to reply to every single person but I'm always low on time. So I try to respond to the reviewers who send me questions or the ones who are having a bad time and tell me Lab cheers them up. I feel bad that I can't reply to every single one of the comments, but I hope you –and every other reviewers—knows I read your comments with so much love and adore and appreciate every one of you! And Sakura totally does things to him, Itachi is just quick to divert her attention lest he… is too excited. ;-) Kakashisgf: I DID NOT KNOW THAT but I'm SO using that against you from now on, lol. And thank you for your compliments! Dangoboy4ever: Careful what you wish for. Happy you have you along for the ride! And I LOVE your username. Kawaiikonann: How they chose Moegi of all to use Mokuton instead or Sakura is forever a missed opportunity. Thank you! Uzutail: Mwahaha, I like reeling you in, what can I say?! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Green Alba: Thank you for your amazingly detailed review! I have to say parts of it made me laugh (especially about there being no obstacles for our lovers since… well this chapter had been planned from the very start lol). I appreciate you sticking with it despite it not ticking all of your boxes. Thank you! Mengtoreality: Haha, I struggled with it being anticlimactic myself, but found it very hard to further draw out the battle so I went with what felt good! Pflinzchen: Please don't feel stressed and bad, I'm sure you did excellent on your exam! To everyone else, thank you so much for commenting and reviewing. I so appreciate every single one of you taking the time to send me some love!

See you next time!

- Mitsuki