For a week, Sakura devoted herself to being Fu's friend.

They messaged all day, video called every night, sent cute selfies to each other throughout the day. Or, well, Sakura did all those things. She texted, called and sent pictures to Fu every day, but Fu kept her replies short. Fu thrived on Sakura's attention, but gave Sakura very little of hers. It made learning Fu's location difficult. It made learning anything about her difficult.

"Sounds like you two are back together then?" Fu asked, during their most recent nightly video call.

"Sort of. It's complicated," Sakura replied.

"You always say that," Fu whined through the phone screen.

"Relationships are complicated."

"No they're not! All my friendships are simple," Fu replied.

"But those are online relationships," Sakura pointed out.

"So? My relationships are just as real as yours," Fu argued. "Besides, all your friends are boring. Except for Fu, of course."

Sakura formulated a plan then. She would tempt Fu into meeting in the real world, by making the Shichibi jealous of Sakura's real relationships. After a week of calls and texts, Sakura knew Fu was fiercely jealous of anyone who would take away the attention of her friends. Fu was annoyed whenever Sakura talked about Naruto or Sasuke or Gaara. Fu didn't understand why Sakura had any other friends besides Fu, which was hypocritical considering Fu had the most friends in the entire world.

If Sakura could make her jealous enough, maybe Fu would want to meet in real life too.

"I know my friends sound boring to you, but that's because you haven't met them in real life. People are different in person. They're more exciting, more interesting, up close," Sakura explained.

"They don't sound exciting at all," Fu huffed, unimpressed.

"Take my boyfriend, for example. Lately, all we do is talk. To you, it would look boring, but to me, it feels good because we're trying to understand each other," Sakura said."

"I understand you!" Fu insisted. "You love books and medicine and helping people. You're thinking about quitting college but you're not a quitter, so you won't do it!"

"That's all true." Sakura smiled at her phone screen. "But there are things you don't understand until you meet in person."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

Sakura had to think for a moment.

"Sometimes, when we were getting ready for work, I would catch my boyfriend staring at himself in the mirror. But not in a vane way. He couldn't care less what he looks like. He was staring at himself like he was full of regret. He looked so lonely and tired and broken. Every time I caught him like that, I'd come up behind and just hold him forever, until he wasn't lonely anymore. He would let himself be held, and everything was ok."

Sakura mostly spoke to herself, completely forgetting Fu was listening. As she told these details, Sakura realized there were so many little bits of Itachi's world she didn't understand. Whenever she encountered those not-understandable things, her method was to distract Itachi until he felt better, but maybe that wasn't right. Maybe she had to try to understand him, even when it was hard.

Her deep introspection was mesmerizing to Fu, who touched the edges of her screen, as if she could reach through and touch Sakura too.

"Are people really like that in real life?" Fu asked, full of wonder.

Sakura blushed. "My boyfriend is. I think, if you care about someone, you can see those little details about them."

Fu cocked her head to the side. "And it's those little details that make you love him? Even though your relationship is complicated?"

"Pretty much, yes." Sakura shrugged.

"Interesting. Fu has to think on this. I'll call you tomorrow." As always, Fu didn't wait for a reply before hanging up.

After every video chat, text or call with the Shichibi, Sakura reported back to Kakuzu and Hidan. She handed over her phone and let them watch her conversation, both of them analyzing the video for any hint of where the Jinchuriki could be.

Since Akatsuki meeting, Pein assigned Itachi to their team as well. He used his special eyes to watch the videos, seeing things no one else could. Unfortunately, the Shichibi was too good at hiding. Not even Itachi could find any hints of where Fu could be.

Kakuzu was not happy. Hidan even less so.

"You sure your eyes aren't broken?" Hidan asked.

Itachi looked up from Sakura's phone. His sharp red eyes focused on Hidan, who didn't flinch. Hidan only grinned like a madman.

"Should I test them out on you? To make sure they're working?"

Itachi put the phone down slowly, like a hunter trying not to startle his prey. Hidan squared up too, jumping back and crouching down like a tiger ready to pounce.

"You're not going to stop them?" Sakura asked Kakuzu.

"Nope." The old man cracked his knuckles, anticipating the fight that was to come and hoping to get a piece of the action.

Honestly, sometimes Sakura was the only sane person in this building.

She stepped between Hidan and Itachi, looked up at her boyfriend and asked, "Can we go get dinner please?"

Itachi blinked, turning off his red eyes and his fierocity. He calmly nodded. "Of course."

"Uh, I thought we were fucking working?" Hidan snapped.

"Pein will be furious if we don't find the Shichibi soon," Kakuzu noted.

"You guys can keep studying the videos. We'll be back soon," Sakura compromised. Kakuzu and Hidan worked best when no one else was around, Itachi's presence only fanned the flames anyway.

Midnight dinners were a staple in Sakura's life.

Since Akatsuki only operated at night, her eating schedule was tuned to the late hours. Even on days when she didn't work, Sakura maintained the Akatsuki eating schedule. Lunch time for the rest of the world was breakfast for her. Her midday meal was everyone else's bedtime. Dinner was forever at midnight.

Getting midnight dinners for everyone was also part of Sakura's job, but lately everyone was too busy to eat anything. Now a days, Sakura only had to get dinner for herself.

And Itachi, who insisted on joining her. Even if he was busy, he'd stop work to eat with her. It was his way of trying to get their relationship back on track. Being around each other was still awkward. It was like they were walking on eggshells. Being careful not to upset each other. Finding the boundaries of their new relationship.

Sakura brought their takeout up to Itachi's office. They sat in the little table tucked into the corner, closing the door so they could be alone.

Itachi brewed green tea. He poured Sakura's cup first.

"Can I tell you something?" She took the cup. "You have to promise not to get mad though."

"I won't get mad." Itachi poured himself a cup.

"I actually hate tea." Sakura pushed her cup away.

"Okay. I'm mad. How are you just now telling me this? We've drank so much tea together."

"I know, I know." She grinned sheepishly.

"I gave you black tea for our anniversary. It was imported from England."

Sakura quickly stuffed her face with food.

Itachi narrowed his eyes. "You gave it to Sasuke, didn't you?"

She swallowed a mouthful of rice. "If I answer that question, will you promise not to get mad?"

"I'm not falling for that again," he scoffed.

"Tea is, like, the only thing you ever drink. If I cut you open now, you'd bleed tea. How could I possibly tell you it tastes like hot plant juice?" she asked.

"Now I feel bad for making you join me for tea time every day," Itachi sighed. He sipped his cup, soothing himself with the very drink Sakura despised.

"Don't feel bad. I come for the company, not for the drinks."

Sakura reached over to steal some chicken from Itachi's plate. He let her, since he never finished his meals anyway. Honestly, he could fill up on tea if he wanted to. He finished his drink and took Sakura's since, apparently, she couldn't stand the stuff.

"What did you think would happen if you told me the truth sooner?" he asked.

Sakura paused, spoon halfway to her mouth. She frowned. "I don't know."

"Did you think I'd leave you because you hate tea?" Itachi rolled his eyes.

"Of course not. I guess I just wanted to have things in common with you. I wanted to like what you like," she explained.

Itachi hummed and watched her eat.

"Can I tell you something now? And you have to promise not to get mad?" he asked.

"Go ahead," Sakura answered. She thought he would say some equally ridiculous fact he was hiding from her. Maybe he hated her favorite movie. Maybe he thought the nightlight she kept in her room was annoying. Maybe he didn't like her hairstyle.

"I don't like how much the Shichibi knows about your life," he said.

Itachi looked away, avoiding the shocked stare Sakura was trying to hide.

In their effort to fix their relationship, certain topics became taboo. Neither of them wanted to rock the already leaking boat. Discussing Sakura's job was one of those taboos. Itachi was treading in dangerous water for even bringing it up.

But hadn't Sakura decided she would try to understand him? She decided not to hide from him, right?

She had to be calm. She had to try.

"Why don't you like it?" she asked, as casually as possible. She wouldn't make a big deal about this. She wouldn't.

Itachi chose his words carefully. "Just like how we're collecting little details to find the Shichibi, I believe she's collecting little facts about you too. What if she tries to find you?"

"Then it would make our mission a lot easier," Sakura answered honestly. If the Shichibi came to Sakura willingly, it would be the best-case scenario.

"True," Itachi relented. He was being diplomatic, but stress lined his eyes. "I'm just worried. Not because I don't think you can handle yourself."

"But because you care about me," she finished his thought.

"Yes." Iachi relaxed. She understood him. She wasn't upset.

"I know I've been kidnapped and hurt and broken, but this time we're being very careful. Kakuzu is constantly checking on me and Hidan is basically my stalker. I caught him outside my apartment yesterday, guarding me all night." Sakura smirked, remembering how shocked Hidan was when she found him hiding outside her window. The curses he screamed when she threw the curtains open were hilarious. Her upset neighbors yelling at them to be quiet was decidedly less hilarious.

Her reasoning did not ease his mind. Itachi stared off to the side, like there was more he wanted to say but couldn't. Not without upsetting her and the careful balance they were building.

So Sakura had to meet him halfway.

She got up, came around the table and stood neat to his seat. Her arms slowly draped over his shoulders and, hesitating for just a moment, Itachi turned to sling his around her waist. The closeness was both familiar and new. These days, they weren't as affectionate as they used to be. It was a side affect from all their fighting and mistrusting. A side affect Sakura was going to erase.

"I'll be careful more careful. If I can get away with it, I won't tell Fu anything else about my life," Sakura promised.

Itachi nuzzled into her neck. Breathing her in. "That's all I want."

"Thank you for being honest with me." As a reward, Sakura lifted Itachi's chin and kissed him deeply. Lips lingering against each other, like they had all the time in the world. Her fingers traced his jawline, across his neck and down the line of his shoulder. Even through clothes, his skin tingled.

His tongue swept past hers. His hands dragged from her waist up her back, pressing Sakura more fully against his chest. Their touches were slower than they'd ever been. Less desperate, more purposeful. More passionate.

Itachi nipped once at her lower lip. His way of asking for consent.

Sakura pulled back and kissed his cheek. Her way of saying no.

They weren't ready for anything more yet. They were still building bridges. He understood that.

"We should get back to work." Itachi kissed her chin.

"I have a meeting with Pein after this," Sakura said.

"About what?" Itachi frowned.

The relationship between Pein and Sakura was similar to that of a loving step father and an adopted daughter. Pein was protective of Sakura, and had her best interests at heart. He supported her medical dreams and made her work life as comfortable as it could be. Even though, technically, Sakura was at the bottom of the Akatsuki hierarchy, Pein treated her with the utmost respect. He made sure everyone else did so as well.

Itachi approved of Pein and Sakura's relationship. After Itachi himself, Pein was Sakura's next line of defense. Itachi could trust her in Pein's care, that would never change, but something was off lately. These days, Pein was distant with Sakura. It was obvious to everyone their leader was avoiding her, and that irked Itachi only because it pained Sakura so much. She would never say it out loud, but Pein's cold shoulder froze Sakura's heart every time. Itachi didn't like how their leader treated Sakura, but what could he do?

"I think I'm still in trouble for joining Kakuzu and Hidan's mission." Sakura threw away the empty take out boxes.

"You should never apologize for doing your job," he reminded her.

"I'll try not to," she joked, even though it was true. Sakura had a habit of apologizing for herself, of thinking her presence was a waste of space. It was a fact she used to hide from Itachi, but not anymore. For all her confidence, Sakura still doubted herself. Itachi had to remind her not to.

Itachi stood and came close. One arm pulling her in, he kissed Sakura. This kiss was softer, more chaste, than the last. Less of a passionate affection and more of a loving reminder. Just as affective in warming her up.

"Good luck." He pecked her forehead.

Standing outside of Pein's office, Sakura mentally prepared herself for this meeting.

She wasn't an idiot. Pein wasn't calling her in to congratulate her or give her a promotion. This meeting was going to be bad. Sakura was in trouble. She knew that, but she had no idea why.

Besides returning late from her medical leave, Sakura was a perfect employee. She completed all her work on time. She met deadlines. She clocked in early and left late without being asked. Sakura was good at her job. So why was she in trouble?

Knocking once, Sakura went into Pein's office.

He was alone. A bad sign. Konan was no where to be seen.

"Sit down," Pein said. No greeting. Not that he was one for small talk, but it still made her nervous.

She sat in front of his desk, the dark wood like a minefield between them. Pein stared at her across the tabletop, contemplating. Waiting. It was a tactic. He wanted to bait her into opening the conversation, to force her to make the first move.

It worked. Nervously, Sakura asked, "You wanted to see me?"

She was prompting him. He wouldn't let her. All he said was, "Yes." The word heavy in the air, with no hint of why Pein wanted to meet with her.

"Have I done something wrong?" she asked, cutting to the chase.

"From now on, you will consult with me before joining missions," Pein said. "You will be strictly limited to this office. During work hours, you will remain in Akatsuki tower. You will no longer participate in field work."

"What? Why?" she asked, frantically and slightly unprofessional.

Pein was the leader. He did not have to answer questions or explain himself, so he did not reply to her questions. Instead, he gave more rules. He said, "After we capture the Shichibi, you will not partake in any work relating to the Jinchuriki's."

"But the others need me. They ask for my help," Sakura explained. It was her job to help the other Akatsuki.

"I will order them not to. They will only ask for your assistance on work pertaining to the office. You will continue to provide medical services as needed, but that will be the extent of your duties going forward."

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked, knowing full well he would not answer. She had to try though. "Please, tell me what I did. I'll fix it. I promise."

Pein was an un-moveable force, solid against any attack. But Sakura was practically begging now. She honestly wanted to know how to fix whatever she did to bother Pein. Being a teacher's pet her whole life, Sakura strived to please her superiors. It's what made her such a good worker. It's what made her masters adore her, and Pein was no exception.

"I initially hired you to be our assistant, but you've evolved into so much more. You've gone above what I imagined when I hired you," he said.

It sounded suspiciously like praise. Sakura's hopes were up.

"But I can't have you working near the Jinchuriki anymore. It must be this way." Pein stared hard at her, impressing upon her the seriousness of his decision. "Do you understand?"

She nodded, staring down into her lap. Hopes crushed. "Yes. I understand."

Pein sat back in his seat. The motion was settled.

"Take the rest of the night off. Go home," he said.

Sakura was shocked. "B-But I still have a few hours left?"

"I'm going to call another meeting to discuss the Jinchuriki. I don't want you here in the meantime," Pein said. "Tell everyone to meet me in the conference room. Then go home."

With that, Pein turned back to his computer. She was dismissed.

Being a temperamental and emotional woman, Sakura was one step away from crying her eyes out. Being a strong and determined fighter, she instead went office to office, told everyone to go to the conference room for the meeting she was not invited to, packed her bag and went home. Once in the privacy of her apartment, Sakura dropped into bed and promptly cried herself to sleep.

She woke up to banging on her door. It was morning. Sakura missed her first two classes.

It had to be Naruto or Sasuke, maybe even Gaara. If she skipped, one of the three typically hunted her down before the afternoon. Depending on who it was would decide how the morning would go. Naruto often brought her a breakfast burrito or coffee when he came to wake her. He would wait for her to get ready and joke with her all the way to campus. Sasuke would bring her nothing but a glare. He'd nag her for letting her studies fall behind. He'd rush her to get ready and set a fast speed walk to her next class. Gaara was the best option. He didn't care if Sakura went to school or not. He mostly came for her company. Half the time, he'd skip classes with her and they'd relax.

This was a morning where she definitely hoped Gaara was on the other side of her front door. After her meeting with Pein, she was in no mood for college.

She opened the door to find Kisame.

At first, Sakura thought she was still asleep. Besides Itachi, Sakura only ever saw the Akatsuki at night. To see Kisame's pale, almost blue, skin in the daylight had her brain short circuiting.

"Get dressed. Quickly." Kisame pushed into her apartment, ducking to fit through the door.

Sakura stumbled to process what was happening. "What are you- Don't go in there!"

He went into her bedroom, which was definitely not clean enough for company. Sakura ran after him, trying to hide anything she didn't want him seeing. She kicked loose socks and underwear into her closet. Threw a stuffed animal under her bed. Turned over an embarrassing picture of her and Itachi kissing on their anniversary.

Kisame didn't pay attention to any of that. He sifted through her closet, grabbed clothes at random, and threw them at her. "Hurry up. We need to go."

"What's going on?" She pulled the pants on, if only to hide all the skin she was showing. At work, Sakura dressed as professional as possible. She didn't want Kisame seeing her in polka-dot pajama shorts.

"The Shichibi took Itachi."

Sakura froze, shirt halfway over her head. "What?"

"I'll explain on the way back to Akatsuki tower."

Sakura hyperventilated. Struggling with the shirt, her breaths came out in pants. Medically, Sakura knew this was a panic attack. Emotionally, she couldn't stop herself from having it.

"When? How did she- Where did she-"Sakura stammered, "B-but Itachi can't- No one can hurt him! No one!" She was borderline screaming now.

A giant hand settled on her shoulder, pressing a comforting weight on her. Sakura looked up and, for once, Kisame was not ginning that sharp tooth grin. He was deadly serious.

"You're right. No one can hurt Itachi. He's too strong," Kisame told her. Each word as heavy as his hold on her. "He's my partner. I'm going to find him. You're going to help me."

Just like that, a switch flipped in Sakura's entire being. Kisame was making this into a mission. This was work. They would find Itachi. Akatsuki would never fail. If they were going to succeed, she had to be strong. She had to put her emotions aside and be strong. For Itachi.

"We have to be quick," Sakura said. "The longer she has him, the harder it will be to find him."

Kisame pulled away, his hand giving one strong pat to her back. "Get what you need and meet me out front. I brought a car."

He left as quickly as he came, ducking through her low doorways. Not bothering to close the front door behind him, knowing Sakura wouldn't be far behind.

She grabbed the necessities. Good running shoes. Her phone and charger. Wallet with emergency cash. She even took her passport, just in case the Shichibi was crazy enough to take Itachi to a whole other country.

The last thing she grabbed was a small, but deadly, hand knife. She was in the middle of strapping it to her thigh when her phone rang.

It was a text. From Fu.

Attached was a picture of Itachi. He wasn't hurt, as much as Sakura could tell, but he was tied down. Fu was kissing his cheek, not in a romantic way, but in the way friends do for cute pictures. Seeing Fu touch him had Sakura seeing red.

After the picture, came a message:

"I took your advice! I'm trying to understand real life relationships. Mind if I borrow this to help me learn?"

(End)

I saw the new Suicide Squad this weekend.

It's very good. You guys should all go see it. I loved the Shark guy the most.

I think it's very hard to make a successful super hero movie these days. After Avengers Endgame, they really have to step up. They keep trying new things, like Wandavision and Loki. It's amazing.

I really want them to make something with a gay hero though. But most gay heroes are minor, like Billy Kaplan or Caroline Dean in the Runaways. When they do mention lgbt+ stuff, it's always to the side. A little comment. A small mention. I just want one hero to be gay, and for it to not be a big deal. Whoever does it first will be groundbreaking. I want to say Marvel will do it, but they're owned by Disney so maybe not. Disney plays it safe. It's be amazing if they did a Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy movie with lots of lesbian undertones. If only Hollywood was brave enough.

If they did a movie with a trans hero, I'd be over the fucking moon. I would die happy. It's hard to even imagine a day where that can happen though. I hope it happens in my lifetime.