White Widow Chapter Eleven, a naruto fanfic

Title: White Widow
Chapter: Eleven
Author: Blue Rose
Pairing: Sasuke/Sakura
Rating: M (Hard R)
Summary: "Running away was easy; not knowing what to do next was the hard part." - Sakura needed to stop fantasizing about running away to some other life, and start figuring out the one she had. [Sasu/Saku, Modern AU]

Disclaimer: I own nothing, and I damn sure don't make a single red cent for this either. So please, don't sue the Blue.

Huge shout out to my beta - CherryBerry12, Thank you :) 💐

I also want to thank everyone for all of your reviews and words of encouragement, I really appreciate it. ✨ ✨

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : BR : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

Chapter Eleven

"I don't think this is something for you to worry about. This isn't the first time we've used this app for personal business reasons… you know? Among friends."

Sakura could clearly remember the conversation. How she'd tried to downplay the amount and the whole situation in general after the initial shock wore off. But the fed behind the gleaming badge wasn't buying it entirely and pressed on.

"Could you tell me what it was for? He's not around to answer, but you were on the receiving end. What did you discuss in terms of-"

"Well, you see, that's the funny thing about personal business. It's… personal? Did you question others? Ask every other person of every single transaction-"

He cut her off, looking down at something on the page before him. "I can see the large amounts that were exchanged before, but we didn't receive many details. DollarApp is being very tight-lipped regarding their customers' privacy even though they are dealing with this PR nightmare. There are-"

The FBI field investigator would then proceed to drone on a little more. But that snake of information was all she'd needed at the time, and it opened Sakura's mind to other avenues. Ones she took heed of, like the simple fact that he—

'He doesn't know jack shit, either.'

The assumption caused her to change tactics, and then it became Sakura's turn to remain silent. They both knew anything she said, could, and would be used against her, and she decided she'd had enough and wanted off this carnival ride.

Cutting the meeting short with a curt request for Mr. Nara to contact her if he had anything new to say, she left and tried to carry on with her day, including a visit to her mentor. That resulted in Sakura being encumbered with filing projects and billing assignments that the pregnant woman had yet to complete but would leave for her to assist with while she officially (reluctantly) began her maternity leave.

Back at home, she got down to business with sorting and organizing. Sakura ambitiously dug into some of the work, but her brain refused to turn off, a constant hum buzzing in the back of her mind. So she'd ditched the laptop for a controller and immersed herself in an open-world video game instead, sinking further into her sectional couch.

And it worked.

At least for an hour or two. She suddenly found herself looking at another gray screen after her character had died yet again. She was given the option to continue from the last checkpoint but she wasn't feeling it anymore. The blinking light in the corner of the screen told her that the controller was dying, but she was too lazy to go searching for more. So she sat there for a while in semi-darkness, with the low recessed lighting and five scented candles keeping her company.

Although she wasn't quite thinking about any situation in particular, she still felt drained. An indescribable weight pressed down on her. Too many thoughts were yammering inside of her head, and she just wanted them to mute for a while and grant her a moment of quiet.

Of peace.

Sighing, she plucked at a loose thread near the bottom of her decorative pillows, the huff disrupting a few locks of hair that fell into her face and across her eyes. But she froze mid-way in tucking her legs beneath her body as an unexpected knock sounded at her door.

She approached unhurried and swung the door open to reveal Sasuke, waiting to be let inside. Sakura started to ask how he had gotten past the attendant downstairs without her being notified but figured she really didn't want to know. The hallway was cooler than her condo and she was a little chilly dressed in silk shorts and a cami. She repressed a shiver, looking up to greet her visitor.

One hand was inside his jacket pocket while the other held his phone. Even leaning against the door frame, he still towered over her. He was dressed in his customary dark colors with his head tilted down looking at her, and he smelled freshly showered. The clean scent hit her nose as he straightened more, the soft leather of his jacket creasing in her ears. A pair of dark shades covered even darker eyes, but there were things even soap and water couldn't wash away.

Like a split lip for example.

Frowning, Sakura reached up to remove the glasses, wanting a full look to inspect the damage. Sasuke moved a fraction away — an instinctual movement, but he caught himself midway, lowering his head slightly to make it easier for her to reach. Her fingers touched the cool plastic, sliding the glasses away from his face. She stifled her gasp while taking in a sharp breath through her nose instead. And knew he caught the sound when his eyes lowered somewhere on her face, refusing to meet her eyes as she took it all in.

The cut above his eye wasn't that deep, much like the one marking the corner of his mouth, but there was plenty of redness. A lot of redness actually… and, maybe even a little swelling?

They stood there in her doorway for an eternity in near silence, and he stood there taking it, allowing her to soak it all up.

Although his nose did start to flare, a split second away from suggesting she take a damn picture… it might last longer. But he would be fooling no one if he didn't admit to preferring this, over a bunch of questions.

Sakura broke from her spell, wondering if the person who threw the punches had a thing for the left side of Sasuke's face because their fists surely did. Luckily the left side wasn't the best side of his bruised mug, because he'd been abnormally blessed to look good from any angle.

She bit her lip, returning his glasses while taking a step back to let him inside. He passed by her while she turned to lock the door and took a seat after she disappeared into the kitchen.

"Are you ok…?" It seemed like a silly question to ask, but a verbal confirmation would be nice. Sasuke grunted as she came from behind the sectional, pushing a bag of frozen strawberries against the side of his face. He signed and raised a hand, keeping it pressed against his eye. The numbing coolness surely had to feel good against his heated skin.

"I was just… finishing up some stuff," she said, too embarrassed to reveal a large part of that time was spent dicking around with video games. Moving a box out of the way, she put her laptop on the low table.

"School work?" He'd previously taken interest in her returning to school, listening to her speak of potential plans, and offering just the right amount of encouragement.

"No, administrative work for my advisor." Sakura sat down next to him, straightening up more paperwork and storing it away before grabbing her laptop again. His dark head rested on her shoulder when she finally settled back. She stiffened then relaxed when she realized he was just readjusting the bag. He kept a hand-balancing the cold fruit to his face while stretching into the soft cushions.

Sakura tapped away on the small computer for a few minutes. Ignoring his kicked-up foot as they chilled in relatively comfortable silence. But now that he was here, there certainly wouldn't be much work done so she gave up, shutting it down before heading off towards her room and returning with a small medical kit. Sasuke frowned as she got closer to nudge his foot down with her knee. He leaned away, but she pushed a finger into his chest before he could really start going.

"Shut up and stop being a big baby. I'm just making sure you don't bleed all over my couch." That wasn't true; the cuts weren't actively leaking, but it would make her feel better. A little ointment to make sure his pretty face wouldn't scar. Speaking of which—

"How did the other guy look? I know you didn't lose." There was no need to feed his ego, but she had a really good sense about these things. She may not have the nerve to ask for details as to what took place, but she could at least know the outcome, right?

Sasuke's mouth split into a cocky smirk, hissing when she chose to dab a wet ball of cotton at the corner of his lip.

"For someone who wants to help, you sure are being rough."

"Oh, I can be gentle, but that's usually reserved for people who deserve it… and children. Are you a child?" she teased, moving to clean the laceration below his brow. She moved to a more comfortable position, kneeling close. He snuck a look, interested as she folded her legs beneath her before shifting his attention higher.

Sakura swallowed as his dark eyes became trained on her face, and she struggled not to fidget under the intense stare. Her face had moved closer to his before she decided to prod a little more, hoping to calm the nerves she could feel from being so close. Clearing her throat, she asked, "So, are you going to spill?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes slightly when she pressed down, but she apologized and tried again with a lighter touch. His half-smirk reappeared but not as prominent as before, his eyes lowering to the layered gold necklaces she wore. "If people play stupid games, they win appropriate prizes."

The cryptic response just confirmed that it probably had to do more with his occupation, than some other random occurrence. He would have likely amused her with a story otherwise.

And the pinkette was much too enlightened for her own good because she'd hit the nail right on the head.

The situation could have ended a lot worse, and Sasuke promised himself to be more on guard in the future. When Sakura began to apply a soothing gel to his flushed skin he promised whatever lingering scars that formed would be staunch reminders to never get caught slipping like that again.

"There, a little better," Sakura praised, applying a tiny bandage and looking over her handy work. A dainty frown graced her countenance as she sat back, adjusting the strap to her silk cami. "Doesn't really matter, though, does it? Nothing short of a wrecking ball could tamper with your features."

Sasuke raised a brow and lifted his hand, finger brushing against the rough texture of the band-aid. "Well, Sakura, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you almost sound disappointed there wasn't more damage than this."

She stuck out her tongue with a teasing sparkle in her eye, hands tightening on the small, tin, medical box as she stood. Just as she turned, he grabbed her forearm, pulling her back as he leaned up and away from the cushions. Sakura barely caught her balance and veered into his other hand that collapsed against her side to steady her, all while he remained seated.

Her unbound hair barely settled around her shoulders and back before the world stopped spinning, and she found herself looking into his eyes. Sasuke had pulled her down, just enough to bring their faces close to each other as the light caught his iris. Before she knew it, he pressed a small kiss to her lips, eyes never closing or breaking away, and her own widened.

"…Thanks."

He'd settled back by the time she recovered and realized what happened, convinced now more than ever that he did such things just to see her reaction as an impish smile pulled at his lips. She turned to hide the rising heat in her cheeks and refused to be reduced to some blushing school girl.

Just then, another round of knocking surprised them both and his dark eyes followed her trek towards the foyer.

"What the hell…?" Sakura mumbled to herself, confused that yet another person was at her door.

Seeing who it was there was a smidgen of relief. At least this time around it could be explained because of a permanent spot in the condo's guest list.

"I knew you were home. Where is your phone?" Ino asked as she brushed by.

Sakura opened the door wider for the other two girls who trailed in behind Ino. They were much more polite, each smiling wide and leaning in to greet Sakura with kisses on the cheek. She happened to like the roommates Ino had found after purchasing her townhouse over two years ago and had always found them to be mild-mannered and sweet.

"Uh… I must have left it in my room. What's going on, is everything ok?"

"The power lines are still down on our street." Courtesy of the nasty thunderstorm that blanketed the entire metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs the previous day. "Could we get ready at your place? We were paid a deposit for a hosting gig tonight, and since the client is flying in, it'll be easier to pick us up from here, anyway."

Ah, another one of Ino's infamous hosting jobs.

If Sakura hadn't known the blonde so well or had previously tagged along with her herself, she would swear she was some sort of high-paid escort. But Ino's rules for her business were firm, including the number one rule of not sleeping with the clientele. The girls were there to party and have a good time and nothing more. Glorified arm candy made to perpetuate the glitzy lifestyle the patrons wanted to portray. Which reminded her…

"Wait! Ino, you are not having them pull up in some obnoxious stretch hummer in front of my building!"

"A stretch hummer? Where are we, trapped in the 2000s?"

Sakura groaned.

"Oh, calm down, forehead. I think it will just be some soup-ed up sprinter van, relax." She nudged her rolling, mini suitcase with her foot. "So, can we get ready here?"

"Yeah, sure… of course. Mi casa tu casa, right?" Sakura said, missing the way Ino was no longer looking up. "I was just… finishing up some work."

"Working, huh…?" Ino glanced up, and Sakura followed as the blonde's eyes fell towards her hands again, which were still carrying the little med box. And then in tandem, they looked over to the couch.

"Oh! Uh… Sasuke, you already know Ino, but these are her roommates, Ameno and Sasame."

Her mother's constant words about manners rang inside her head. It was terribly rude of her that she hadn't invited them further inside her home. "Ah… you can use the spare room close to mine. Down there, to the right." Sakura ushered Ino's roommates in the right direction, the pair only having visited once before.

They smiled and nodded, looking shyly over to the attractive male then disappearing down the hall.

Ino gave them her suitcase to take with them so she could linger a while longer, swaggering up to the sectional and its seated occupant. An elevated smile danced along her mouth. It was enough to give him time to brace for whatever outlandish ribbing that was sure to come his way.

"Must be a slow night if the big, bad wolf is hanging around these parts."

He didn't give her the satisfaction of saying anything, and probably would have flipped the channel in boredom if the television was on. Her slender hand roamed to her waist, hip popping out in the dark TV screen's reflection.

"Anyway, a gentleman never comes empty-handed, does he?"

Sasuke was forced to watch as Ino's fingers from the other hand flickered in front of his face expectantly. One of his eyes ticked at her prissy attitude, but he indulged her, reaching into his inner pocket and gifting her a few grams. She clinched the secured treasures in her hand with a triumphant smirk before calling out to her best friend while her unnerving gaze remained on him.

"Sakura, would you be a sweetheart and roll this up for me? We can get some fresh air on your patio."

"What? Why? You can roll just as good—"

"I like your joints better. Now come on."

Sakura grabbed her grinder and a backwood, along with the oversized, knit sweater folded on the arm of the sofa.

Shrugging her shoulders in confusion at Sasuke, she passed by him on her way outside, stepping into the night and closing the glass panel sliding door. The motion sensors activated the wall sconces, which had been kindly installed by the building's maintenance manager and provided light for the dim area.

"You're acting weird," Sakura noted, clenching her sweater closed as she took a seat at the bench table.

"Rather be weird than stupid," the blonde murmured, hopping up on the tabletop of the bench.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Ino replied, handing over the green so the pinkette could break the bud apart. "All this space is wasted. You need to decorate it out here."

"I know, I know. I am going to plan out something. I was thinking of starting off with plants, you know? Once I have some flowers, maybe even some roses… I'll figure out the vibe from there." Sakura used a magazine lying on the surface to empty the backwood tobacco.

"Yeah… sure." Ino crossed her legs and leaned back on her hands, eyeing the city skyline against the darkened sky.

"You're mad I still won't let you help me with it, aren't you? I told you, this time around I want to decorate it all on my own, ok? It will be—"

"Are you sure about this?"

Sakura's fingers paused, looking up in askance, but Ino kept her oceanic eyes cast towards the horizon. She watched her sigh, but the voice that came after was clear as church bells ringing.

"I will only ask this once." Ino let out a long exhale again, turning her head this time as locks of gold covered one eye. Her gaze remained strong and froze Sakura to her seat. "And I want to be clear that this is coming from a good place. Not to mention, it's also easier to walk away before you get in way too deep. But if you tell me that you are fine, and there is no need to be cautious, then I'll back off."

Sakura frowned, already knowing where this was headed.

Ino's eyes flickered towards the living room beyond the glass, taking in everything she needed to see before locking with her own stare.

"I want to see you happy." That's all she'd ever wanted as her friend. And considering she had been in a really good place lately, no one wanted to see that ruined. "So I'll ask just once… are you sure about this?"

Are you sure about him?

That was the real question, among many others Sakura was sure Ino was still holding back. And as the whispers of her past came drifting across her mind, she couldn't fault her beastie for being concerned. It was easier to go headfirst into shit when they were younger, damning any consequences. But they were older now and with the amount of trauma she'd endured, she knew her loved ones would fear her going back to those dark places.

Sakura herself felt they were all overreacting if they truly felt that way, yet she could make sense of the lingering doubt. Still, she nudged away those thoughts, trying to leave the past where it lay.

"I think you worry too much." She could legitimately see where they were going with this but she'd be the first to say; there was nothing to worry about.

After rolling the bud, she held up the finished product for inspection.

Ino didn't make a move until Sakura rolled her eyes. "I'm just having a little fun while figuring a few things out. I promise, though. It's all good. I'm a big girl, I can handle myself."

"Being a big girl can come with some mighty big responsibilities," Ino countered, finally reaching for the cannabis.

"Oh yeah? Well, you want to give me shit, but what about you, huh? Have you figured out your ongoing situation?"

"I'm officially single, have been for a long time and I'm not looking to change that in the near future."

"Yeah, because your pussy is reserved for men with MBA's, hedge accounts, and mortgages." Any others need not apply. It seemed like a meme but the blonde's type tended to fall in line with her infamous rule of 'six'. Six feet tall, six-figure income... and at least six in—

"Damn straight," Ino confirmed, hopping off the table. But the rules of the universe guarantees that there is always an exception to anything.

"There must be an asterisk in there somewhere, with a line about a certain... enlisted marine. That is, if it's fair game that I get to mention Sai at all. Should I…?" Not that he was lacking in any category, but was far from the type she normally went for.

Ino walked over to another door connecting the patio to the spare bedroom and tapped on the glass.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She flipped her hair as she waited to be let inside, disappearing after one of the girls slid it open.

Sakura scrunched up her nose in the wake of the dismissal. And if she wasn't the better person at that moment, she'd march her friend right back out there and call her out on the hypocrisy. She found it easier to just let it go, knowing the aforementioned military squeeze was a sensitive topic for the blonde.

Remembering she had other guests to attend to, Sakura darted back inside the original way they came out. "Sorry…"

Truth be told, she hadn't expected anyone to be stopping by tonight, but he'd been the first to arrive, and she felt like she'd abandoned him. Nevertheless, she had to wonder what exactly was floating around in that mind of his since Ino and company were now also occupying her condo.

"Hmm…" Sasuke barely spoke, serious shoulders still resting against the cushions where she'd left him, putting away the silver lighter he was fooling around with. He closed the lid with a silent click and stashed it away.

A pale finger pulled just a tad at his collar, and Sakura finally took a good look at his clothes. He was dressed in all black, but she noticed the casual relaxed fit hadn't a wrinkle in sight. His shirt was tucked and a nice leather belt held it all together underneath a lightweight bomber. Her eyes quickly jumped skyward, caught staring for the umpteenth time, and looked away towards the kitchen.

"Uh… water?"

He'd barely shook his head before she rushed to the refrigerator, filling a glass with crushed ice and filtered tap. She pressed the cool glass to her neck before taking a few gulps then padding back to the living space.

"You clean up nice." It didn't hurt to stare now that she'd been caught once already, admiring the outfit he wore.

In the span of a blink, she felt his eyes traverse her frame, fully taking her in much the same way. A frown was tugging at the corner of his mouth. Reading the slight change, her feet shifted, plucking at a button on the large sweater that hung around her. "What? Don't like my pajamas?"

She liked the comfortable but sleek ensemble so much so that she'd purchased another set in an ecru shade of brown that still had the tags attached.

He eyed the exposed strip of skin around her midsection when his look staggered further down. Instead of answering, he caught her by surprise. "I'd asked what you were doing tonight."

Sakura squinted, turning on another lamp and remembering the conversation that took place one or two days ago. She set down her glass on the small end table. "And I answered at the time that I wasn't doing anything."

"..." His expression didn't change under the increased cast of light.

"Wait… was that your idea of…" Her frame grew rigid like an arrow as she slowly put the pieces together in the silence. "So tonight was…?"

His eyes cut to the side towards the fireplace mantel to avoid looking at the slow realization that spread across her face before the sputtering began.

Sasuke muttered something under his breath while his long lashes fluttered with exasperation, interrupting her mini-breakdown. "Why else would I ask you that if not to take you out?"

"I don't know… you didn't say anything after so I thought…?" It sounded lame, and Sakura could only lower her head, looking down to hide the stupidity she felt. "Why didn't you say something sooner? You could have texted me earlier, you big jerk."

"Right, because you are so good at answering your phone," he quipped. Even with his deep voice, he sounded just like the woman he was trying to imitate.

"Oh, shut up! That's not the point." And like a pendulum swinging, her mind went back to another perceived problem. "I-... I'm not dressed, I probably have nothing to wear."

The excuses made her cringe even more, and she wondered if she was the one screwing things up this time around.

"What time do you need to leave?" Ino leaned against the wall in the hallway, alerting them to her presence. She eyed both from her position, but her eyes locked with Sasuke, who glanced down at his watch.

"Now would be good. We are going to be late anyway."

"Give me a few minutes and I'll pull something off. What's the vibe? Casual chic or super fancy?" The latter would require more time, but the relaxed fit he wore suggested that whatever plans he had would lean more towards the former.

Sakura stood there silently, watching them speak as if she wasn't standing right there.

"A few more minutes won't hurt, so yeah. And whatever she wears is fine, I don't care about that."

"Done and done. Come on, Cinderella, let's get you ready for the ball. Ladies, I'll be with you soon." Ino leaned into the spare bedroom to speak with her other friends before sprinting out and grabbing Sakura's hand, marching her back to the main bedroom and closing the door behind them.

Sasuke relaxed more into his seat, waiting patiently.

"Absolutely not, are you crazy?!"

Sakura's muffled yell could be heard, but Sasuke ignored them, checking a few messages.

"What? It's not a bad idea. You're lasered anyway, so what's the big deal?"

"Ino!"

A few minutes later, Sakura was being scooted out towards the living room while slipping a cropped jacket over her delicate shoulders. Even though the days were getting warmer and warmer, the nights still carried a chill.

It complemented the devastating, little black dress she wore. A sleeveless number held up by thin straps that accentuated the gifted slopes of her curves. The fabric was so black that it had its own shine that complimented the jewels she wore around her neck and wrist, with a plunge meant to make mouths water.

Ino trailed behind, holding up two pairs of shoes in judgment before passing her the strappy black pair. Bending down, she helped Sakura buckle them while the pinkette smoothed her chignon-styled hair in the hall mirror. She felt she needed more make-up but was assured the black wingtip and sexy smudge of gloss adoring her lips was all she needed.

Sasuke rose from his seat, giving her an appreciative once over.

"Are you sure this is ok? I can change into something else?" Sakura asked, intercepting his look with a hint of uncertainty.

"No, you look fine." Both Sasuke and Ino said at the same time. They shared a look between them after their eyes met in surprise. Ino's bright orbs held a light threat, likely appeased by his response.

"Actually, better than fine. Isn't that right, Sasuke?" Ino ribbed.

Sakura flinched inside. Didn't Ino realize she could be setting her up for failure? There was no telling what could come out of his mouth in response to that.

Sasuke almost snorted himself, because really, when has Sakura ever not looked good? He couldn't help imagining how good they would look together with her tucked under his arm. Not that she was some prize to show off, but she looked good.

Damn good.

Glancing at her reflection one last time, Sakura leveled her sights on Ino, likely wanting to put an end to her needless teasing. Sasuke finally approached, reaching for her wrist. "She already knows that."

He answered her friend but kept his eyes on Sakura. She bit her lip to keep her cheeks from burning, and her eyes lowered to where he'd loosely grabbed her.

Feeling the large hand that wasn't holding her wrist pressed against her back gently, Sakura followed his lead as he guided them to the door. "Come on, we are already late."

"Wait, wait, wait! One final touch." The blonde zoomed back down the hall and reappeared with one final piece of jewelry.

In her opinion, the rose gold options in the collection were fire, but that shade would clash with the ones Sakura already wore. So Ino brought out a solid gold plated one instead, adorned with a black crystal background and black dials, and clamped it to the pinkett's wrist.

It was a sample from the upcoming collection being released from their female parents' jewelry line, and it blended well with the tight black number Sakura had on.

The camera flash from Ino's phone a second later surprised the sharply dressed couple in front of her.

"Hey, stop it!"

"What the fu—!"

"Oh shut up, both of you." Ino took a few more snaps, holding back a smile. "We need a few teasers for the website."

"Hmmm…" The fight left Sakura immediately, remembering they had promised to stay on top of it. Their mothers were counting on their girls to keep the site updated and fresh.

Although Sakura was more used to being behind the camera, she arranged her body perfectly, moving a hand to rest on Sasuke's chest.

Sasuke reared back, but Sakura kept a firm grip on his arm, trying to hush him. He turned his head to look down at her incredulously, feeling a little betrayed she was going along with it. His head tilted back up, looking displeased at the bright flashing light and the aggravating blonde responsible.

"Oh hush you, big baby," He hadn't said anything, but Ino pretended to know his thoughts. "Your precious, handsome face will be edited and cropped out. Sakura, get in closer, I want to get all the pieces in the shot." She would already have to airbrush the gash near his lip, but since cropping was usually done at the nose, the shiner near his eye was inconsequential. Ino moved more to the side, crouching down and zooming in, getting a good angle of the jewelry and watch on Sakura's wrist.

The all-black shirt made for the perfect backdrop and stretched more across his defined chest in the last shot before Sasuke had enough, moving to grab his date to lead them out the door.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

"This is such a pretty view. Is it weird to say that this is a pretty view?"

"You're a weird person… so no."

"Well… it's a very pretty view," Sakura said, bracing herself against the iron railings of the massive outdoor patio area and looking down to the lit-up field below. One hand gripped the metal while the other splayed across her stomach. "Hmmm… and I also couldn't eat another bite if I tried. That food was amazing."

When they arrived at the closed ballpark, she didn't know what to make of it. Being in a place so empty that was used to housing tens of thousands of people under normal circumstances, well, it was eerie… but very exciting.

If it weren't for security letting them into the parking garage, or the other attendant that scanned a QR-code Sasuke pulled up from a message on his phone, she would have thought they were breaking into the place. Instead, they were seated at a table in what had to have been the most expensive restaurant located in the quiet stadium. Surrounded by glass and endless candlelight, the space was closed to the general public. A couple of other tables were occupied as they were escorted to theirs, people who had also been invited to the special event.

Everyone else had already been seated, yet only one course had been served.

Sakura had barely dropped the pristine cloth napkin into her lap before a white wine was being poured as the first dish arrived. She hadn't any choice to make her own selections, and even the wines were paired for them specifically with each plate. It was finally halfway through that course that Sasuke revealed they were at a tasting, invited to the ultra-exclusive private event by the chef himself. Sakura was all too happy to indulge in the literal food porn that was placed in front of her to ask too many questions after that.

Sasuke's eyes had shone in the light from the candles on their table, hiding a smile behind a sip of dark wine that was served with the red meat, pleased she was enjoying herself. He was making an effort, something reserved only for matters worth his attention. And time with her had definitely earned a spot on that very short list.

After dinner concluded, they went outside to the viewing area, where any patron could step up to enjoy the live-action below... if there had been a baseball game going on right now.

But the greenery below was quiet and bare.

Sakura peeked down at the emerald turf. It reminded her of those huge estates the realtor had dragged her parents to, when they were searching for their new home after her mother's business took off. Places where the flourishing lawns were green and trimmed all year round. Her parents had settled on a home that was a little more modest but damn if it didn't look that same shade of Kelly green.

The other guests gave them their space, though a few others had come outside as well to mill around and socialize.

Glancing back over their shoulders, Sakura was left slightly puzzled that such an upscale eatery was built in a stadium in the first place but figured they must have had their fair share of customers. The food was too damn good not to if the delicious samples she tasted tonight were any indication.

A fact that didn't escape Sasuke's notice.

"You seemed to enjoy supper well enough. I didn't see you turn your nose up at a single helping. Did it meet the standards of your sophisticated palate?"

"Everything that came out was better than the last, how could I not enjoy it? And what is all this talk about my tastebuds?"

His eyes scored across the empty field towards the visitor team's darkened dugout, shrugging when he felt her turn her face towards him. "Nothing… just that you would probably be used to such fancy places, right?"

"Is that what you think?"

Well, he'd assumed, and his impassivity spoke up for him.

Her subdued laugh broadcasted in the night air, and he saw her shake her head in his peripheral vision.

"Well, you're wrong. I'm definitely not used to things like this." A painted nail scratched against her scalp behind her ear, aware not to disrupt the hairstyle. What could have been a bitter smile appeared, along with a faraway look that shaded her normally glittering jade eyes.

"I definitely didn't come from money. Ino and I were constantly reminded of that by a few kids in high school. Bluebloods could sense that shit a mile away and tended to use that to try to put us in our place. We didn't really care about all of that, though, and at least Ino and I had each other to lean on. I don't know what I would have done being in that academy alone with all that constant pressure. But meeting Kiba, and Kankurō, and Nar—"

Emotions clouded her focus, and Sakura licked her lips as something tightened in her chest. Blinking fast she drew in a steady breath. "If it weren't for them… well, you know…"

Sasuke's eyes left the green field to travel across her profile as the scent of fresh-cut grass swept past his nose on a breeze.

His locks tickled the healing wound near his brow while he regarded her steadily, studying her features under the moonless night.

"Is that why Ino always switches between sweet smiles and glaring in my direction? Kind of makes sense now that I think about it. Something I should know about you two…?"

Sakura dug her elbow into his side, and he grunted in kind, the blow not loosening the rare and playful grin he sported. He maneuvered an arm around her, dragging her into a half hug. She huffed but wrapped an arm around his back as well.

"She's just being protective. It's just, with everything that went on… she doesn't want to see me in a bad place again."

But what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

Even though it often made Sakura fearful of the relationship forming between Sasuke and herself. She whispered out some of her fears, disguised in a light-hearted joke. "Are you going to be something else I have to survive? Cause I'll tell you the truth... I'm not really up for it."

And it sounded to Sasuke like she was speaking of more than just her early education experiences. Either way, he didn't have an answer for her. Couldn't make any promises about what might come of the attraction between them. So he countered with a question of his own.

"Your ex?" Is that what she was so skittish about? He didn't know much and wasn't going to press the issue. He was almost certain that she would shut that conversation down anyway.

"No," she answered back quickly. But the word was shaky and too defensive. "Yes…,"

She paused, unsure because that still wasn't quite right—

"It's complicated," she breathed, turning her face more to hide against his neck.

Withstanding the urge to snort, he stood without saying anything. He'd heard that line before, from an 'almost' situation of his own in the past. They had broken things off and gone their separate ways because his lifestyle didn't fall into the cookie-cutter mold of a world that particular girl had been building for herself. Their status had been fine while she was an intern working on Capitol Hill. But when his old flame was promoted with a permanent position working in the Senate, well… it was no longer appropriate to date a drug dealer. Or something along those lines.

Concentrating on the present, Sasuke offered reassurance even with a slight frown on his face, hand moving down and around her waist, giving it a squeeze. Sakura angled her torso into the warm embrace with a sigh, breath tickling past his collar. Soon, she moved away after he released her, resuming her previous pose to lean against the railings, both hands now gripping them.

Watching her closely, Sasuke thought this wasn't the sort of conversation he would like to have, but he felt inclined to comfort her, even if that meant talking about her past lover. A glance behind them revealed they still had a little time before he could introduce her to the chef.

Gently, softly, her voice sailed between the distance between them, both side-by-side looking out across to nowhere.

"There was a lot that went down." Sakura played with her jewelry as she started, fiddling with the golden hoops adorning her wrists. "Some of which happened after the… break up."

Of course, there was more to the story than just the ending of that relationship, Sakura reflected. But these were baby steps, right? Besides, opening up was a two-way street. How could she possibly expect him to share anything about who he was if she kept everything about herself hidden away?

"Way too much partying...a lot of alcohol too. I was a walking mess for a while. Every day was the same. Wild nights that bled into the morning... just to do it all over again the next day." Those few weeks she ran off with Kankurō were a blurred memory. Never-ending spirits, private yachts, and every indulgence she could think of.

Some say he was an enabler at the time.

But Sakura felt differently.

One might even suggest it was from a guilty conscience, but he couldn't be held responsible for his cousin's actions or what went down between them.

All she knew was that he was there for her, the best way he knew how.

Kankurō couldn't handle being around broken hearts and disappointment well. And he didn't think those problems could be fixed with tears and long talking sessions about feelings. He was more of a 'fuck 'em all' and keep it moving kind of person, and he suggested she use the distractions life had to offer in order to get over the pain.

It was better than wallowing in despair and self-loathing.

And that's what Kankurō had striven to do for Sakura. Letting her blow off steam in a semi-controlled environment. He looked out for her and was never judgemental. There was freedom where she could let loose and be free and escape for as long as she needed while he sat back and kept an eye out, making sure she was always safe. There wasn't a time where she wasn't protected and guarded and tucked into a secure bed, safely, after a wild night with a glass of water and aspirin.

Thank goodness she had never thought to fuck away the pain, but the bottles and nightlife became a dangerous clutch. It was an unhealthy place that had allowed her to immerse and indulge. A little too much. Each night was filled with the decadence of music and careless distractions, making it easier to forget the hurt and pain surrounding her life.

It hadn't been until her parents had finally laid down the hammer that she had been forced to come back to some measure of reality. They had understood her misery, her heartbreak, her loss...

But it had been time to shake it off and shape up. Explaining that it was not the end of her life as she knew it, and she needed to come to grips with how her life was now. People go through pain and hurt every day, but you manage to pull yourself together and get through it. And that didn't include trying to find peace at the bottom of a bottle of Dom Perignon.

She had been forced to make some tough decisions as time had run-up.

Sakura hadn't been ready to return to college just yet, and though they were slightly disappointed, her parents warmed to the idea of her joining the charitable organization she researched. Nothing was more salt of the earth than helping people in need without the expectation of money and with kindness in the heart, regardless of the circumstances that had propelled you there.

Her mother confessed she had never been more proud of her after sticking with it and staying committed after the first year.

"Would you believe me if I said I was pretty out of control back then... only for a short while, but still..."

She glanced at the sky. The spotlights encompassing the field made it hard to see much other than a few twinkling stars among a sea of midnight blue. It was enough to make her eyes shine a little brighter than they'd been before. "It's only been recent that I finally feel like..."

Sakura chanced a look at Sasuke, her pretty eyes lowering as she took a moment to understand her emotions.

"I'm starting to feel more like myself. Like a part of me has come back in a way. Maybe healed? I don't know… but don't get too cocky though, it's not all about you." He was too full of himself already, and she surely didn't need to add anymore notches.

"But... you may have had a part to play... just a little"

"Just a little?" He quipped leaning over to move closer, reaching out to grab at her once again. There was always this need to interlink, whenever they were close. The ease he felt when pulling and grabbing, closing the gap and just feeling... much more than he'd ever done with anyone else before.

The way he was drawn to her was something he wanted to understand. On the other hand, he hoped he wasn't starting something neither of them wouldn't be able to walk away from.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

Nevertheless, if there were thoughts of walking away, Sasuke would find himself taken out at the kneecaps by his own brother.

"...and now the money is frozen in her account."

The pizza was still toasty when Sasuke flipped open the lid to pick up a slice, slouching in his seat as both siblings sat at the kitchenette table in his brother's apartment.

He probably wouldn't have discussed any part of the date at all with his brother, not that he was hiding anything. At any rate, Sakura had revealed something worth mentioning. Something that he'd stored away and felt the need to share before indulging in the pizza pie they'd just picked up.

Extra cheese and tomatoes with a spiced garlic butter crust, a favorite of his. It tasted divine as he chewed on the first few bites and swallowed. However, the crease above Itachi's eyes had the third nibble going down slower, settling in Sasuke's stomach like lead.

"What is it?"

Itachi reached for his cup of tea with slender fingers, blowing across the rim as the steam ghosted past his brow. Sasuke's fist curled around a napkin and Itachi looked down at the motion.

For once, to his credit, the younger Uchiha gathered a little more patience than normal and remained quiet.

Something was going on, and he wanted to know what.

Itachi sipped more of his tea before clearing his throat.

"Did she say how much?"

Sasuke answered after wiping a napkin across his lips, and Itachi's eyes narrowed even more.

"I see..."

He grabbed his cup and stood, and Sasuke was quick to follow with growing concern. The pizza would taste like shit once it got cold, but he could always heat it in the oven. Something inside told him this was more important.

They both came to stand near a large window with Itachi focusing on the park nearby. There was a game of flag football taking place on the field, and the sharp whistles from the referee traveled all the way to the third-story apartment.

Itachi took another sip as the loud, distinct noise was followed by cheers.

"Fortune's wheel is ever turning..."

Sasuke stayed silent by his side, not quite understanding. He continued to listen, folding his arms as he leaned against the window frame. The calm composure his brother was exuding briefly reminded Sasuke of their late mothers' aura.

He remembered how she used to sit beside him in silent patience. Reminiscing about the beautiful face with tranquil features. Resigned to waiting however long it would take for her youngest child to tell her whatever it was that was bothering him.

Beside him Itachi held his cup tighter, mulling over his words before they were spoken, his mind trying to work out a few things. Finally, an explanation.

"There were some funds that vanished. A very... substantial amount of money."

Not liking how that came out, Itachi started over, turning slightly to match Sasuke's pose. He leaned his weight against the wall while still looking out across the street.

"It was... invested into something. Kiba really was the one in charge of the entire project, so I don't know many details, but that was better for all involved."

Sasuke's eyes widened.

"What? You've never mentioned this before. Like... like how much?"

"A lot. A very large amount that has direct ties to our future. It's why I've been on edge about Kiba. Yes, there is a level of concern about his general welfare but..."

Sasuke flinched away, uncrossing his arms to speak up with some sort of defense. "He wouldn't have run off with it. He can be reckless and stupid, but Kiba wouldn't—"

"I never—I didn't say he did. In fact, this just proves the opposite. If there was some surreptitious reasoning behind his disappearance, I'm thinking that the money would have vanished right along with him."

The younger sibling relaxed slightly, glad to hear the true opinion was not as he feared.

"But even as luck knocks on our door..." Itachi finally turned his gaze to his brother. "Now that we know where it is...that only leaves the issue of getting it back."

Sasuke stood up straight, more apprehensive than helpful. "And you're sure this is the same revenue that's owed to you? Are we sure it's connected? And how am I going to explain this to Sakura?"

"That's easy enough. You won't."

"What do you mean I won't? Look, if we came up with a way to-"

"You are not to tell her anything," Itachi interrupted, taking one last sip of his tea. He then turned to go to the kitchen, but Sasuke was once again right on his heels. It was like they were children all over again.

"That doesn't make any sense—"

"The authorities are involved now. Which means possible surveillance. Combine that with Kiba still missing..." Itachi trailed off, rinsing out his cup.

Sasuke wasn't convinced that this was the right decision. "So you don't want me to say a word to her? She has no clue what any of this is about. What if they try to pin something on her, regarding this money?"

"That's the whole point. They won't. She's completely innocent in all of this and has done nothing wrong." Itachi dried his hands and saw the disgruntled look on his sibling's face.

Sasuke ran a hand through his raven locks in agitation. He was being asked to do pretty much the same thing he'd already been doing.

Nothing.

When Itachi spoke up again, he all but confirmed it and was firm in his wording.

"Just keep close. Keep an eye on her and find out anything you can. Let her do most of the talking and don't allow her to suspect a thing. You're not lying... you're just not giving her the whole story."

The youngest was now more convinced that this was going to turn out bad… an irksome feeling stirring up inside of him. Blinking with a cool reservation, Sasuke finally wrangled his gaze towards his brother, but the older Uchiha met his stare with a sober one in return.

"I mean it, Sasuke. Tell her whatever you need to. Spin whatever tales you need to spin or remain completely tight-lipped... that's up to you. But don't tell her anything about how we are related to this."

It was nearly impossible to reject anything his brother asked of him, so he turned away in mild anger and frustration, already hating himself for anything he may have to do. They were rarely in disagreement, but it was in his blood to listen.

Sasuke sat back down to finish his slice of pizza. It didn't taste half as bad as he thought it would, but it could have been cardboard for all he could taste in his mouth.

Itachi approached the table but didn't reclaim the seat he vacated. His long fingers held onto the back of the chair, leaning his weight while regarding his brother.

"Look, this is the only option I have figured out for now. If something changes or I have a brilliant idea, you'll be the first to know. For now, this is what must be done. The preferred outcome is that they will release it to her. The other—worst-case scenario, is that it would be seized completely. Either way, no harm should come to your new, precious valkyrie. But you need to keep quiet in order for either of those two things to happen, alright?"

Sasuke took a swallow of his chilled green tea before meeting his brother's eyes, keeping his smothering gaze in check. He nodded slightly and went back to his meal, hoping the food would chew away the bitter words and negativity.

What Sasuke didn't know was that Itachi dwelled on what wasn't said. Like how there was a possibility that someone else was owed something as well and might be on the hunt for Kiba too. There was a lot of money at play and so much he needed to look into now, not to mention the other lingering issue Shisui brought to his attention.

Giving a departing nod, Itachi grabbed his navy-colored jacket, swiping his keys from the little glass bowl on the way out. "I have a few things I need to see too. Make sure you lock up when you leave. Unlike yourself, I gave you a spare set of keys for occasions like this. Au revoir, little brother."

Sasuke didn't reply. Itachi let the attitude slide and left, closing the door with a distant snick.

The last born was left with silence, listening to the muted ticking from the mounted clock near the stove as he sat quietly at the table.

He was left only with his thoughts and the half-eaten lukewarm food.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

When he let it slip, he was hanging out around the Southside; he halfway didn't expect Suigetsu to show up. Though, it had worked out for him because he had someone he'd just met that he wanted the nomad to look into for him.

Sakura had wanted to attend the opening game of a street basketball tournament,

which was a tradition and staple in the community they were visiting. He had decided to join her when another meeting of his had been canceled.

She'd been introduced to the scene when a high school friend dragged Ino and herself to a game one year, one that that friend's brother had been actively playing in.

Sakura confessed that she didn't know why she'd brought a camera with her the first time they went, but she was glad she did. She was more prone to taking photos of nature, but the snaps she'd taken at the game turned out amazing. The black and white photos she'd taken of the players had been some of her best work, and she gave out licensing and usage for free, especially to the local news organizations who wanted to run stories of the gifted young men playing and captured in the shots.

Usually, people shied away from being recorded, but no one seemed to mind the pinkette on the sidelines taking snaps, having seen her a few times throughout the last five years.

Sasuke was slow to admit it, but he found that he was enjoying himself. He was familiar with basketball but hadn't played in years. There was something honest and gritty in street games like this one that just wasn't captured in the major sports league.

He'd even found a new peddler for this side of town and looked forward to doing some business in the future once he got an informal background check done. The last thing they needed were rats being brought into the fold.

Plans were discreetly arranged with the potential recruit when Sakura wandered off to one of the ice cream trucks for a snack.

And while waiting for her to return, imagine Sasuke's surprise when he spotted the grey-haired man idling some distance away before his phone buzzed.

Message:

Yo, I'm here. I'm on the side near the park.

Sighing, Sasuke made his way over through the thinning crowd under the advancing twilight. The game had just finished up and people were slowly dispersing. When he finally approached, the other man went into full panic mode — word vomiting some crazy-ass tale to explain why he was here and had sought him out.

"Come again?"

"Oh come on, you heard me well enough the first time." Suigetsu rammed a hand into his jacket's inner pocket, snatching a cigarette before lighting it up. The flicker of light wasn't bright enough to touch the frown lines beginning to appear around Sasuke's mouth, but the tall pathway lights above them did. The flame extinguished as Suigetsu loosened his grip, already stashing the cheap plastic away.

"... a fool." Sasuke barely whispered, and Suigetsu sighed dramatically. Something had caught his eye beyond Sasuke's back, but his eyes swung back to his, before lowering to glare at their shadows on the ground.

"Look, I know I may have fucked up just a little-"

"An absolute, fucking fool." It was stated louder this time, much more clearer.

"Alright! Alright already, I get it. Trust me I do, but you banging my head against a wall is not going to solve our problem right now."

"How did a 'you' problem become an 'our' problem?"

"Considering that your last shipment is hidden away inside, I would say you've always been involved…?"

Sasuke's weight shifted, and Suigetsu moved back a step preemptively, knowing full well how quick the younger Uchiha could be. Sasuke only moved to put his hands in his pockets but still glared in his direction.

"That still negates the fact—"

"I mean, think about it. If it's seized, then that will put us behind. And if we get behind, it may take a little while to get you and your brother back everything we owe—"

This time Sasuke moved like he really was going to make a grab for him, but Suigetsu quickly put up his hands, clouds of smoke billowing from his mouth, his angular face pleading his case.

"Whoa! Whoa! Take it easy." Admittedly, making threats was the worst approach, but it wasn't like he had a choice. Suigetsu sighed again, lowering his hands and shaking his head. "Look, I just really need your help, ok? I'll owe you a solid for this one, I promise."

"Why couldn't you just pay them off?" Sasuke asked, frustrated, although he had yet to agree to anything.

"Because they're one of the few businesses who are fucking shit up for the rest of us right now by going legit," he cried, taking another angry drag. And by 'the rest of us,' he meant anyone looking to do some shady shit, just like him. "They have a contract with the city, and with a new mayor being voted in, they refuse to do any dishonest, underhanded deals. Signs are posted everywhere. You need proper ID, proof of registration… like, the whole thing."

What made matters worse is that his best, go-to counterfeiter was currently locked up serving out a bench warrant. So the struggle was real, and time was definitely not on his side. He was in a bind and needed to retrieve the stuff out of the vehicle sooner than later before its contents were discovered. The false bottom and extra locking mechanism on the trunk was enough to keep anyone out for now, but for how long?

"Come on… Kiba would help me out if he was here. But that bum is on some sort of extended vacation, right? So you should help in his place." It was a dirty trick to drum up a bit of sympathy, purposely cloaked in guilt. But they were down one pretty reliable guy and the desperate man would gain the extra help by any means necessary.

So Suigetsu once again reminded Sasuke it was harder to pay when all the product is lost.

And Sasuke warned Suigetsu about what happened to people who fucked with his brother or their money and threatened him right back. Suigetsu caved quickly and said of course he was going to pay and pay in full. But it might be delayed? And—

"Please, just help a guy out here!?"

Sasuke groaned, raising his hand to rub his right eye with the palm of his hand. "Fucking pain…" he stopped, cracking open his other eye to stare him down. "How did you get it towed again?"

"I told you, the meter ran out and I was almost right there, but this chick came by and I had to walk with her for like three or four blocks before she gave me her number. At worst, I thought there would be a ticket when I got back, not that they would fucking take my shit!"

"Hope it was worth it."

That salacious grin was back with a vengeance. "It will be if she puts out. I'm telling you, I haven't seen an ass that looked that good in— wait a minute, isn't that your bitch?" He'd already been eyeing a few people milling about from their vantage point but didn't notice who this particular person was until she turned around, and he saw her face.

Her sweetheart-shaped bottom matched her sweetheart face but despite her light-colored hair, he didn't put it together that it might be her until she turned around. After all, he'd only seen her once before, and they'd hardly been properly introduced.

Sakura stood a good distance away, completely unaware of being the current focus of the conversation. She was busy eyeing a wall mural, twisting off the attached lens to her camera before stashing the digital equipment away into a small padded carrying case.

Sasuke didn't comment, but Suigetsu quickly turned back at the last minute to receive a notable look directed his way through foreboding narrowed eyes.

He swallowed thickly and laughed off his perceived offense as light-hearted, but kept his eyes away from the girl. He'd received enough of a warning and wouldn't press his luck further.

Besides, he still needed help.

Suigetsu's appraisal had reminded Sasuke of Sakura's presence and that she was very much still there, patiently waiting for him to return to her side. He blinked slowly in her direction, not looking forward to disappointing her. He had no idea what she may have planned for the two of them now that the game was over, but whatever it was would have to wait.

Suigetsu was right, it made no sense to lose so much when it could be retrieved. It shouldn't be that hard, since Suigetsu had done most of the leg work the night prior. It was all still a pain in the ass, though, and something he was not looking forward to.

"You always manage to fuck up people's nights, don't you? I should make you go tell her the bad news."

The trail end was said more under his breath yet was heard loud and clear. And the fact that Sasuke was even concerned for the girl's hurt feelings spoke volumes to Suigetsu. If she really was just some random hookup, Sasuke would have turned and left with him without pausing to explain anything. He wouldn't have even spared a leaving glance towards her.

Suigetsu scoffed, slowing down some distance away. "Keh! With a face like yours? I'm sure this is not the first time you've had to break a heart."

Sasuke kept his eyes on her before continuing on in her direction.

Sakura was looking down at something on her phone before she felt someone approaching.

"What's with the look?" Sakura smiled, locking the screen and slipping her phone in the back pocket of her skin-tight jeans. It was a joke at first, but when his expression didn't change, hers began to dampen. She adjusted the camera bag hanging from her arm, holding the strap in her hand now. "What's wrong?"

He looked about and around her face several times from her soft cheeks to her mouth, back up to her nose, but he wouldn't meet her eyes until he grumbled under his breath. The noise was all the answer she needed to hear, and she slowly shook her head. "You're canceling our date."

His eyes narrowed as if he had the right to be offended by the way she put it. The cut near his brow had healed, but there was a tiny dot of a scar left behind. It puckered when his brow became rigid and looked similar to a brow piercing scar.

"Something's come up that I need to take care of."

"So our date is being cut short. You're standing me up…"

Sasuke's eyes widened, and he verbally took offense this time around. "What are you talking about? How can I stand you up, when I'm standing right here?"

"While telling me you are no longer available to hang out. A.K.A, bailing on me."

"Sakura…I—" Sasuke drew in a breath because he was a fool to ever think this would go over smoothly. He was used to people ducking and dodging him, not guilting him.

Not to mention the current audience behind them who was presumably trying to listen in without being too obvious. Speaking of which…

Sasuke raised his voice higher, "Sometimes dumb people do really dumb, stupid shit—"

"Hey!" Suigetsu put out his cigarette with a frown, overhearing that part.

"—and these things usually happen at the most inopportune times." Sasuke finished.

"Times like, right now…?" Sakura asked with a pensive look.

"Yeah, like right now," he confirmed, the dimming in his eyes conveying how reluctant he was.

She bit her lip and looked over his shoulder before meeting his eyes again.

"Then let me come with you...?"

Sasuke's eyes never left Sakura's, and he forced himself not to answer right away, giving them both time to process how crazy it sounded.

She stood still as he straightened even more, regarding her with dark eyes as a fringe of hair slipped over his forehead. Both were long overdue for a trim she mused, resisting the urge to brush it away from his eyes. It brought more attention to his intense look, but he still didn't shut down her impulsive, intrusive nature. And when you gave Sakura an inch, she'd swipe a mile in a heartbeat.

"Does this have something to do with... work?" She was ever mindful of their immediate surroundings, something she'd picked up from him.

"I already told you, there are incredible, stupid people that exist in this world—"

The flattened groan from behind them was again ignored.

"So I'll ride with you. You have something important to help your friend with… maybe I could help?" There was a challenge lighting her eyes.

Instead of putting out the flames he'd witnessed there, Sasuke hesitated, daring to stroke the fire.

Her arms crept behind her back while her head stayed slightly lowered and cocked to the side. "You said it wasn't work, so what's the big deal?"

No, that wasn't true. He had neither confirmed nor denied it, and it was a mistake on her part to assume as much. What he was willing to wager a hefty sum of money on, however, was—

"You have no idea what you're getting yourself into…" Sasuke shook his head slowly.

Sakura, from her perspective, didn't give half a thought to what she was saying. There was no end game to her line of questioning or teasing. Of course, she was disappointed at the early cancelation but only wanted to give him a little shit. He was the one ending their night before it really had a chance to begin, so it was only right she became a brat and a thorn in his side.

But a brief moment of clarity found her stumbling internally. Maybe these types of adventures weren't for her. And wasn't this just the sort of thing her best friend was underhandedly warning her about, while she'd personally resisted any notion that she couldn't handle herself? But the bravado was chipping away, showing cracks in the armor.

'You should go home, Sakura.'

The same exact thought zapped through both of their minds at the same time. An eerie thing because the similarities didn't just end there. Neither really meant it. Neither was ready to see her make a decision that would take her away, even if it probably was for the best.

And Sakura knew it was the safest thing to do...

The smartest thing.

Because, why would she even want to get mixed up with whatever they had going on? She was a bright girl. Why would she even consider—

"I'll come."

Suigetsu could no longer pretend he wasn't eavesdropping.

Was this really becoming a thing?

This was actually something up for debate?

'Since when has company been allowed on ride-alongs?'

His eyes swung to the ink-black-haired man, but Sasuke was fixated on the woman. Who, by the way, should not look so damn excited. This wasn't a damn field trip, for bloody sake!

Sakura started wringing her hands as a small grin shimmered upon her full lips and she nodded. Her face tilted down, but she looked up at him with expressive eyes through the parts in her bangs.

Her sudden eagerness sparked Sasuke's own curiosity, and he wanted to push and see how far she'd go.

"Alright, let's go." His dark eyes flickered down her form, searing right through her clothes and rising slowly to meet her startled ones, shining bright in the late evening shadows.

Not expecting his quick concession, was she? Well, it was akin to taking a midnight dip in the ocean... where the waters were choppy and murky, but the thrill of jumping in was worth the danger. Everything would be fine…

She'd just better know how to swim.

It was just short of a requirement, wasn't it? If their liaison was going to continue, at some point she would need to learn if they were going to keep hanging out as it were.

A small blush threatened to appear on the apple of her cheeks as his dark smirk widened just a hint.

Sasuke broke away and headed through the wide gate in the chain-linked fence and across the nearly deserted basketball court towards his truck.

Sakura's eyes followed him, blinking out of the static state she'd been reduced to only to release a giggle and quickly follow behind.

"Hey! Hey! Stowaways sit their asses in the back seat, you hear me?!"

Suigetsu gave chase across the painted basketball court, grumbling that she shouldn't even be coming in the first place. He caught up just in time to catch the unfluctuating look Sasuke threw his way over the roof before he ducked into the driver's seat.

Suigetsu quickly shut up, his comments having been heard despite the low breath he muttered them on.

That was ok… the pink-haired menace sat her happy little ass in the backseat anyway, but he didn't hide his eye roll.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

Sakura finally noticed the second time it happened, having been lost in her own world looking out the window before then.

Suigetsu said a bizarre and out-of-place sentence before glancing at her again, half twisted in his seat looking between herself and the driver. And that's when Sakura finally caught on. He was trying to use cryptic phrases.

Unfortunately, when she was younger, she'd been around her mother's gossiping friends way too many times to not realize what was really going on.

Not to mention her father was a Political Affairs Officer, so she was very familiar with having to make herself scarce at times when important business came up while she was in the room.

Suigetsu obviously didn't want prying ears to catch whatever they were speaking about. And since 'they' only included the three of them, that could only leave her.

Being treated as if she were a child too naive to understand big words and euphemisms would have rubbed her the wrong way on another day.

Rolling her eyes, Sakura made a dramatic flair of putting in her earbuds while selecting some tunes to play on her phone. The front seat passenger inarguably wanted to have a conversation with Sasuke about something important so she'd appease him this once. Since he wasn't willing to speak freely around the present company.

She turned the music up, knowing he heard it when he raised a brow and shucked an inquisitive look-see her way. She mimicked his squint before scrolling through more playlists. "What? Want me to sing loudly to prove I'm not listening? Not gonna happen, buttercup."

Sasuke snickered from the driver's seat. It had been funny watching Suigetsu figure out how to word things before she took mercy on him. Eyeing her one more time through the rearview mirror, Sasuke accelerated, actually curious to hear more.

"Now explain this again before we get there. And don't miss anything. I'm winging this with you, so you'd better be on your 'A' game," Sasuke said, glancing over his shoulder and speaking once he was sure the woman in the back was distracted and could no longer overhear their conversation.

"I'm not some flat-footed amateur, ok? I told you I was out here less than twenty-four hours ago, so I've got us covered. I can deactivate the cameras surrounding the gates, but I can't do anything about the ones on the building. It shouldn't be a problem as long as they haven't moved the car from where it was parked yesterday."

"Anyone going to be on-site?"

"No overnight guards and the last trucks came in at seven today. After that, they lock up the shop and the place is a ghost town."

Suigetsu sounded confident with himself.

Sasuke didn't share the sentiment, but he'd gotten a lot more done under crazier circumstances than this before. Besides, Suigetsu had proven himself useful in the past, and the prowler had more of a vested interest to pull this off as cleanly as possible than he did.

The all-black SUV pulled up around a corner, a few blocks away from where they needed to be, and parallel parked near an alley, the street badly lit and very quiet.

Perfect.

Suigetsu was already exiting the car while Sasuke turned in his seat, causing Sakura to press pause on her music and pull out one of the earpieces.

"We'll be back in a while. Stay here and don't move. Just text me if there is an emergency… or something." He made a move to exit as well, pausing to glance at her one last time, putting a little emphasis in his warning stare. She paid him absolutely no mind at all and smiled in response, turning her music back up and continuing to scroll through the photos Ino sent for her approval.

Outside, Sasuke met Suigetsu around the back to open the trunk, slipping a pair of gloves in his pocket while handing the other man a spare pair. He then cautiously pulled his piece from his waistband, making sure the chamber was clear and debating whether he should take it with them or not. Suigetsu produced his own weapon, inspecting the glinting metal before returning it to its resting place, voicing exactly what was on his mind.

"Don't think it's needed, but you can never be too careful right?"

No, you couldn't, Sasuke thought while stashing the gun in his waistband and grabbing a black, tactical desert scarf laying in the back before closing the trunk firmly. He looped the scarf around his neck a few times, trusting that Suigetsu must have had something for himself, and quickly made haste to their destination.

"Still can't believe you let this happen to you," Sasuke jabbed as they briskly walked down the street, keeping an eye out for any persons. It was better to notice someone before they noticed them.

"Yeah? Well, dudes can do a lot of stupid shit when they think with their dicks, don't you agree?" Suigetsu replied, smirking in what he thought was a 'gotcha' moment. He leaned forward while still walking to catch a glimpse of Sasuke's face beyond the side profile, but the dark-haired man's expression didn't change at all as they got closer to their target.

They arrived, but Suigetsu circled them around a little more, only crossing over when he found the blind spot he was looking for — a little stretch of sidewalk that wasn't covered in any camera's line of sight surrounding the property.

Unzipping his jacket, Suigetsu revealed a messenger bag strapped across his body underneath and produced a small black box and tablet. Sasuke fished out his gloves, eyes darting around the quiet street before holding onto the small object Suigetsu told him to grab.

Like the little devil he was, Suigetsu quickly got to work. Most of everything integral was preprogrammed into the tablet already. He just needed to connect to the guest wifi using the password he swiped yesterday, and then-

"Voilà! There we are, you son-of-a-bitch," Suigetsu said excitedly, checking once more that the camera feed was interrupted before stashing the items away. The next task was affixing an old bandana to his face. "Alright, we're good."

Sasuke pulled up his scarf and tucked the bottom of his face inside while Suigetsu zipped up his jacket, pulling over the hoodie and covering his milk shade locks.

They took additional time to look around the deadened area before starting their climb over the fence.

"This is so stupid," Sasuke whispered, gloved fingers finding purchase to pull himself higher.

"Oh, this is nothing. You know Kakashi wanted me to break into a police parking garage a few weeks ago."

"Did you?"

"Hell no, told his crazy ass that prototype car they had stored in there was not worth me getting riddled with bullets, fuck you very much." Suigetsu huffed as they made it to the top.

"Where are the keys?" Sasuke asked, eyes scanning the property.

Suigetsu handed over the keyring, looking around to see where his vehicle was.

"There it is! Sweet, it's in the same spot too," he said as they balanced on top of the iron fence.

Sasuke peered over as well but soon turned his head when a flash of movement caused his mind to start turning gears. "Fuck…" he whispered, adjusting the soft scarf around his face.

"Wha—… oh fuck." Near the main office there was a huge mass of a dog, who just got up to stretch but luckily had not caught wind of them… yet. "Damnit, there's two."

"You were on track and field in high school, weren't you?" Sasuke asked, still keeping balance while reaching near his waist, eyes still trained on the animals.

Suigetsu grunted, swinging both legs around but still holding on tight. "Swim team. Best believe I was the fastest mother fucker in that place— wait, what are you doing?!" He hissed, watching in slow motion as Sasuke flung the loose brick he'd grab from the sidewalk, seconds before a crash echoed across the lot. The other man took a gamble and aimed at a vintage model car that was probably older than them both, hoping it was too ancient to have an alarm system connected.

Sasuke needed to make just enough noise to cause a distraction, not flood the entire block with the sound of a car alarm going off.

The dogs' heads rose as sharply as their docked tails, before barking and storming off towards the noise.

"Wait, you idiot! You hit a car next to mine."

"I know. If they get their initial start from over there, it will buy you more time."

"What do you mean, buy me more— ACK!"

The move was so slick Suigetsu only had time to widen his eyes before he was shoved down over the fence. He landed on his feet, but the momentum had him doing a barrel roll, still reeling from the height yet otherwise ok.

Sasuke's own heart began to speed up with anticipation. He readjusted his grip on the iron bars as the adrenaline began to pump through his system before he hissed down at his accomplice. "Now you have a good head start. Just run that way and cause a distraction. I'll get the shit. Stay away from the building."

"We never discussed this, you prick, I never agreed to be—" The bully breeds were heading their way, and Suigetsu gathered his wits and turned tail to run. Sasuke hopped down after bracing himself and sailing through the air, becoming a dark blur once the hounds charged by.

They were of course more focused on the moving target in front of them... right according to his plan.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

"You actually baited me. Really threw me off the fence, you fuck tard. I trusted you!"

Heavy footsteps pounded on the pavement as the two figures ran down the dark street.

"Yes, you trusted me. And I trusted that you could run fast enough and make it on top of that compact. It all worked out," Sasuke hissed back, his breathing under control although they were running and didn't stop until they made it all the way near the alleyway.

"You are a real asshole, you know that?" Weezed out the other man, a little more out of shape than he'd originally thought as they slowed. Maybe he should chill with the smokes for a while and head back to the gym.

"And you're welcome," was Sasuke's quartz-like rebuttal, flinging the bags towards Suigetsu's downward turned face, but he caught them with ease mid-air.

"Sakura…?"

Sasuke climbed in first, and the door swung close behind him with a muted thump as he was used to the heavyweight. A glance around forced the sardonic call of her name to release past his thin lips before turning the key in the ignition.

A singular bead of sweat dripped past his eye as the engine came to life with a rumbling purr.

"Sakura…!?" He didn't see her when he turned in the seat, yet he had hoped she'd ducked down in the third-row seats somewhere. What the actual fuck—?

"'Oh…?! You guys made it back! Were you waiting long?" The backdoor was opened and she hopped inside, not as gracefully as she would have liked. Slamming the truck door shut, loudly. "Don't go that way! Make a U-turn and head towards the avenue."

Sakura quickly directed Sasuke after he shifted the vehicle into gear and pulled from the parking space, tires squealing for just a second against the blacktop. Another quick left and he finally turned on his headlights after breaking a few traffic laws like KitKat bars. They were away from the scene in seconds, slowing when they made it out to the main street.

"What the fuck? Where were you?" his dark voice made her shiver.

She met his eyes through the mirror.

"There was a squad car. Looked like it was patrolling the area. I think they could've been headed in the same direction you two disappeared in. So I got out, and…" To do what exactly? Change their minds?

She hadn't really thought about it in the heat of the moment, but didn't she accomplish just that? She had slipped out of the truck when the cruiser crept by, thinking tersely about contacting Sasuke, but what if she was overreacting and damnit, which phone was she supposed to call anyway?

She quickly caught up and noticed it was only the driver present inside and willed herself to think of something, quickly. She could pretend to stumble in the street but would prefer not to get arrested for suspicion of public intoxication.

A night in a drunk tank was out of the question.

Crossing in-between the white designated lines in the road, Sakura passed in front of him in the crosswalk… hoping to garner a little bit of his attention, and fortunately, it worked. He made an arc to follow down the street in the same direction. She did a little dance of joy inside, although she had no idea what she was leading him away from, but she tucked that particular thought away until later.

The officer did not roll down his window, but she could feel his creepy eyes on her but for once that was ok because it pushed him away from her cohorts. She pretended to be on her phone, slowed her steps, and was pleased as he continued cruising up the block — more interested in following the red pickup truck further ahead with a missing tail light.

When she lost sight of him, she quickly doubled back, hoping she wasn't being paranoid while feeling she had still helped in some way.

'Damn right you did.'

"Yeah," Sakura spoke up, back in the present. "So, would you fix your face? I was only trying to help."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed even more through the rearview, and she thought about telling him to keep his eyes more on the road than on her. His stares always did funny things to her insides... and besides, she'd just gotten her heart to finally calm down to a manageable pace.

Leaning up, she peeked over the passenger's shoulder. "Did you guys handle whatever it is we were here for?" They didn't look any worse for wear, which was good because it still bothered her having seen Sasuke with those fresh battle wounds. His face was clear now, but the image was vivid in her mind.

Suigetsu kicked one of the black duffles further with his feet. But in the dark interior, she could hardly see the floor between his legs. The LED lights that lined a few places in Sasuke's truck were turned off, and only the lights from the center console were on.

"Yup… you could say that." Suigetsu turned and grinned, causing her to back away with wide eyes when she noticed how close she'd gotten. "So, what did you do with the cops? You flashed your tits or something?" Ashen gray eyebrows rose and fell quickly with insinuation.

And yet, despite joking, he knew better than to look down at all towards her cleavage.

Smart man, considering he couldn't know which direction the first attack would come from; his buddy to the left or the little hothead in the backseat.

"Suigetsu…" Sasuke rumbled.

OK, well… maybe not so smart after all.

That dark voice Sasuke tended to use was there, but this time it was prickly with sharp, dagger-like undertones.

Sakura moved all the way back, sitting properly in her seat behind Suigetsu, grinning. "Yup… you could say that."

The sassy reply caused Suigetsu to release a guffaw of a laugh, seeing exactly why Sasuke was willing to tolerate being in her presence for so long. Not only did she have a nice ass, but she also had a smart ass mouth to boot.

Sasuke wasn't as impressed. Cool eyes darted between her figure in the reflective glass and the road. Sakura's light-hearted smirk twisted in the reflection as she reached for her seatbelt, clicking herself in.

"Well, he probably won't say it… and usually I wouldn't either, but... thanks?" Suigetsu said, still chuckling to himself.

"Well, you are very welcome… from both of my boobs," she joked back, but kept her eyes on Sasuke, realizing they were at a long light. Her fingers glided back and forth across the seatbelt in small motions, shifting from the polyester of the belt to her cognac halter underneath the blazer, feeling his eyes follow the subtle movement. Head tilting to the side, she heard Suigetsu say something else then turn up the music slightly, but they kept their views on each other.

A small bite to her lip was supposed to serve as a self warning, that she needed to snap out of it and stop looking at him the way that she did. But Sakura couldn't get the image of him out of her mind from moments ago when she'd returned to the car. Remembering the slight wild-eyed look flashed at her when she reappeared. Had watched the lines disappear from his face when he'd turned back to confirm it was her, back safely and in the flesh.

She couldn't help but to notice how his breathing calmed tremendously from the panicked huff now that she was there.

Reminded her that it had been such a long time since she'd heard such harsh breaths but under much different circumstances.

He'll, she was still reeling from the date he took her on. How he'd left her at the end of the night with nothing more than a hot and heavy kiss at her door. Pulling away even as she let him go.

At any rate, naughtily, her plans tonight did not include following that same lead. This was her date after all.

Sakura's fingers slid to her layered necklaces, bringing attention to the little bit of cleavage she was sporting.

His eyes flared with interest, now watching how she manipulated the soft flesh of her bottom lip between her teeth. She was so shameless that even Ino would be proud.

Her thick lashes softened around her eyes, and Sakura looked out the window to put an end to the provocation, leaning closer to the cool dark glass while taking a deep breath. There was no use in kindling anything when nothing would come of it right now.

At least, that's what you would have thought.

Sasuke took a while to pull forward when the light turned green, still mesmerized by her image and trying to catch her eyes once again. Changing plans he readily gassed off down the street.

He'd been very respectful and tried to spend time with her outside of a bed but figured they'd been patient enough.

The thrill of spending some quiet time alone with her had his heart pumping a little more.

But there was something that he had to take care of first.

Suigetsu was telling him something just below the music, making a vague reference to another funny story, but Sasuke wasn't listening at all. He passed through another intersection before he recognized where they were.

There was a really nice kabob place nearby, but it was another point of interest that he was truly looking for.

It wasn't so late in the night that the streets were deserted, and this part of town was no exception as they pulled up to a well-lit curb behind an idling bus. A street performer was strumming his guitar in front of an escalator landing, beneath the overhanging dome meant to protect the area from inclement weather conditions.

Sasuke put the truck in park, causing the doors to unlock.

"Get out."

"Eh? What do you mean? You're not going to drop me off?"

"I am dropping you off. The metro station is right there," Sasuke advised as the bus pulled off from in front of them, leaving them alone in what must have been a no parking zone.

There was the problem that this particular metro stop was probably located on the wrong colored rail system that Suigetsu needed, but he could just transfer at another station to get on the correct train.

Suigetsu glanced out the window as a few people passed by on the sidewalk, stopping to drop a few coins in the performer's open instrument case.

"Oh come on. The fucking metro? What if there are K-9 units mucking about? I've seen enough pooches in one night."

"Then call for a ride-share, I don't care, you can figure it out—"

"You know this is bullshit, right? Besides, don't you still owe me—from…"

Suigetsu trailed off, watching as both of Sasuke's hands tightened over the steering wheel. Although he couldn't hear it, he saw the impressions being left against the leather while Sasuke kept his head forward. Most people became concerned when someone screamed their head off rather than sitting in silence, yet Suigetsu knew that the other man was always an exception to everything — and whenever Sasuke grew quiet, that is when you really needed to watch your limbs and extremities.

But soon enough, his words blasted in Suigetsu's ears even while kept in a deadly strain.

"Suigetsu, get the fuck out of my car."

The door was already being unlatched.

Suigetsu grabbed the handle and swung the door open. A few choice curses followed his exit as he stepped onto the sidewalk, pissed as hell about being ditched.

"Fuck you, Sasuke, you hear me?" The door had barely shut before the SUV was pulling off.

Sakura turned in her seat, watching through the back window as the ex-passenger's figure became smaller and smaller. She couldn't help but feel a little bad, but that didn't stop her from venturing up to the front seat.

Her stone-washed jeans were made of a soft jegging material, stretching as she climbed up and over the middle storage compartment while Sasuke continued to drive into the night. She'd just settled when he'd accidentally hit a pothole, the shocks absorbing most of the jolt. Her Timberland-booted feet slid from the seat into the floor, trying to be gentle with the dark leather seats. She could feel his focus split between her and the traffic around them.

"He didn't seem too happy." Sakura reached back to move her camera bag to the floor, not wanting it to go flying if he made any more sharp turns.

Sasuke just looked at her out of the corner of his eye, and she smiled.

"So… where are we headed to? Although, I think I'm the one who should be giving out the directions. Contrary to popular belief, even though you've successfully managed to hijack most of it, this was still my date."

"Wait… so, this was a date?" He had the nerve to say it with a straight face, echoing words from a not-so-distant time.

"Yes… it was. The moment you called me... begging and decided to tag along-" There, she finally saw some sort of reaction, even if it was just the slanting of his eyes, "-is the moment where this became my turn, despite you trying to ruin it. It's still my date."

Sasuke was approaching a light but didn't answer. She got closer, eyes shining in mirth inside the dark enclosed space. "I guess I should choose the next destination, huh?"

She couldn't take him to get food from the place she wanted to treat him to, since they'd already closed. And the frowardly voice inside of her insisted that he may not be too upset at skipping that part if it led to something more interesting.

"So... your place?"

Sakura breathed in Sasuke's ear with a tiny smirk, pushing more and more the harder he ignored her. She was never this assuming. And her jeering was getting the best of her, but maybe it was also getting to him.

Shannaro, he made her insides warm and everything clenched when she was in his presence and he hadn't even touched her yet. She could only imagine what he was feeling.

He sucked in a breath when she playfully touched the ends of his hair as he followed the signs for the parkway, traveling away from Arlington and heading in a familiar direction. She leaned away to take a peek out the windshield, looking at the green signs.

"Oh…? My place then."

She easily caught on, and he moved to place a hand on her leg after finally securing his seatbelt. Even while leaning as close as she was into his space, she hadn't expected the burning touch. Feeling his fingers through the denim was a warm surprise, and he squeezed her thigh while his left hand switched to the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel.

She reached in a pocket for her keys, feeling around for the parking fob attached for her underground garage, all the while trying to keep her breath steady, eyes darkening with anticipation.

"Click it, before I get a ticket."

"You're too bossy for your own good." She obliges anyway.

"Won't be the last directives I give out tonight, so why not get used to it?"

Sakura flushed at the insinuation, secured her safety belt, and just like that she was at a loss for words.

Sasuke finally turned his head as they slowed down, approaching the last light before they reached the freeway exit. Raising a hand to lift her chin higher, he finally kissed her with a touch of the passion she had ignited in them both.

All while secretly assessing the need to be careful and keep his hands to himself…

If they ever made it there.

End Chapter

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : BR : *ﾟ･✧✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

🌟 If you enjoyed, please consider leaving a review. Thank you for reading 🌟

Side Note: I wrote most of this before Drake took that woman on that date to the stadium. Lol.

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