Men of the Sea

Chapter 12

Present Day

Karin awkwardly adjusted her glasses with cuffed wrists.

"No one was supposed to get hurt."

"Well, I'd warrant running someone over with your car as intended foul play."

"It was an accident," she said with a shrug.

The officer that sat across from her arched his brow. " What if I told you that the charge is murdering Sakura Haruno?"

He was fucking with her.

Karin's eyes narrowed. "The car only grazed her. She wasn't seriously hurt." "Maybe you are mistaken." "Look, that random jar-headed guy pushed her out of the way. I SAW it. Don't play games with me."

It all happened in a blur. Karin was driving home when she saw a flash of pink hair within a distance. It was obviously Sakura Haruno, the thorn in her side. She wasn't sure what she meant to do. All she knew was that one minute she was she was still on her way home, and the next she was revving up her engine.

A small part of her knew that she only wanted to scare her. Simultaneously, Karin thought to herself that she wanted that Bitch to disappear. And before she knew it, Sakura was less than a foot away and there was no way of stopping her car even if she wanted to.

There was a terrible sense of horror that overcame her as her car neared Sakura's distraught figure. But then, Sakura was pushed out of the way, and a man, someone that Karin didn't know, was standing in her place.

He felt like an oversized speed bump beneath her car.

She meant to pull over. To check on him. But instead she kept driving. In fact, she drove all the way home. She briefly wondered if the man was okay. But she suddenly got hungry. And so she ate. And then she was sleepy, and so she slept. It was 4 in the morning when the police came to her front door.

Her car was still in the driveway. Blood and a sizeable dent was fashioned upon her car's bumper.

For a moment, she forgot how it got there. But when the cuffs went on, she snapped out of her trance.

There was no use denying it. She did it.

She ran over someone.

Even so, the authorities wanted a reason for her odd behavior. And the only reason she could come up with was, "I wanted to do it. I wanted to run her over."

"Why?" the officer asked her over and over again.

'Why?'

Well wasn't that the question of the century? Because she hated Sakura. That's why.

Who the fuck did she think she was getting Sasuke fired? And now he was in rehab too? She had to have been at fault. There was no other explanation. Fugaku wouldn't have been so cruel to his own son. And he was too proud to deal with the negative news his company would receive. Somehow, Sakura was responsible.

Karin bet that pink-haired freak ran off to Fugaku the moment she had the chance. It was no coincidence that her and Kana ran into him within the hall.

For whatever inexplicable reason Fugaku had a soft spot for Sakura Haruno. Everyone in the company knew as much. But nobody knew why. Heh, back to that question.

Why?

When Karin first started at Uchiha Enterprise she thought that the reasoning for Fugaku's kindness towards Sakura was because they were fucking. That's usually how it worked. But anyone with two eyes could see that wasn't the case with their relationship. It was too genuine and paternal.

Fugaku cared about her.

And Karin could begrudgingly concur that he wasn't the only Uchiha to feel that way.

Sasuke had a troublesome habit of talking about Sakura Haruno.

Mostly of how annoying she was. But only mostly. Not all the time. "Sakura is kind of pretty." "Sakura is annoyingly smart." Sakura, Sakura, SAKURA. It was always a toss up if he was drunk. When he suddenly asked her to keep tabs on Sakura, Karin thought that Sasuke had finally lost his mind.

No matter how Sasuke worded it, or how nasty he acted, it was clear to her that he was infatuated with her. Why? Well, you'd have to ask him.

Only, she couldn't because he was gone. And suddenly she's the receptionist for some weird knockoff of him. Sai. He didn't even have a last name!

Some of the girls at work thought it made him mysterious. Her? She found him to be creepy.

She'd take a short-fused Sasuke Uchiha over that weirdo anytime and any day.

Her days went from parties and work-sex to… Actually working! How unfair is that? Yet that bimbo Sakura went about her days of work with no problem! And to make it worse, she actually seemed happy with herself! Kana told her that she had been receiving extravagant gifts lately from someone. Gossip was, it was from Itachi Uchiha. What a joke!

"Karin, we need to know why you did it."

She laughed aloud.

Even to herself it sounded unhinged.

"Because Sakura needed to be taught a lesson."

A few days before

Saturday at 8pm

Sakura's POV

Sakura licked her lips as she smoothed down her black knee-length dress. It was a stylish number that she rarely wore. Partially because she bought it on a day she felt overly confident and didn't quite feel that same tone of self on a daily basis. Her hair was tied elegantly in place in an esquite updo. Leaving her back exposed all the way to her hips. While the front was form-fitting with a neckline that went up to her collarbone. It was a scandalous outfit.

But Sakura herself felt scandalous.

She walked the short distance from the car she exited from and to the luxurious apartment building that Itachi resided in. A doorman tipped his hat to her as he propped open the object of his namesake. She smiled at him. He smiled back.

It wasn't long till she was suddenly at Itachi's apartment door.

She knocked.

He answered.

"Sakura." His voice was smooth like butter. She felt a shiver run up her spine. "Itachi," she greeted with a smile. He invited her in. She obliged. Beyond the entryway, the small hallway led to a dimly lit living room.

A few candles were placed on tables throughout the space. And a tranquil classical tune played sweetly in the background. As Sakura looked around she realized Itachi's apartment was impeccably decorated. She felt as if she were walking on a movie set. Or maybe an interior magazine's editorial.

"Would you like to open the wine you brought right away?" Again, she felt that same shiver. His voice alone was intoxicating. Was wine even necessary? She peered over her shoulder. He was still standing behind her. His gaze was penetrating.

"Yes. I would."

The two shared a glass of wine within his kitchen. She peered about their surroundings. Various vegetables were placed on the counter along with potatoes, flour, eggs, etc.

"What's on the menu for tonight?"

"Steamed vegetables and homemade gnocchi."

"Blush you." She teased.

He smirked, a small tug of his lips. "It's a traditional potato Italian pasta. I've made it once while visiting friends in Italy. It's very delicious."

"Lead the way."

And so he did.

The potatoes were already boiled so they grated them together and mashed them.

As she grabbed the flour for the next step, she felt Itachi press himself against her. She froze in place. She turned her head slightly to see that he was reaching in the cupboard above her. She mentally sighed in relief, then felt a bit of confusion in her stomach.

Why would she feel relieved?

Itachi was a practical sex God. If Eros was Japanese, surely Itachi was this mortal manifestation.

He was gorgeous. And for whatever reason he was interested in her.

They were now engaged. She should feel happy if he decided to make a move on her.

The cutting board he grabbed a moment ago was placed beside her. He arranged the various fresh vegetables and knife upon its wooden surface. He smiled at her. "Why don't we pause on the pasta and cut up the vegetables? They will take more time to cook."

She nodded, a weariness suddenly overcoming her. Itachi was her husband to be, this intimate setting shouldn't be making her feel like this. She drank more wine. It was nerves, she reasoned with herself. She was still getting to know him. Of course she would be hesitant. It wasn't like she was used to attention or anything. She'd only been with two guys in her entire life!

An hour later and they were eating on Itachi's balcony. Lit candles were here too. As well as a good amount of greenery. She mentally laughed thinking of Itachi tending to the abundant garden he had on his large balcony. But it did not surprise her. He always seemed like a gentle caring soul.

Green eyes looked beyond the railing and to the bustling city beyond. The scenery was gorgeous and the meal was delicious. Sakura sipped her third glass of wine, waiting to feel the effects of it, waiting to feel fully comfortable. Even.

"How did you like the meal?" "It was delicious!" She said with a nod, her head suddenly feeling a bit drunk. "The wine you picked paired perfectly. Our pallets, it seems, were in tune with one another this evening."

"Uh huh," Sakura agreed while tipping back her head and finishing her glass. Itachi seemed amused. "Should I grab another bottle of wine?"

Sakura sighed. 'Is drinking more wine the answer to my discomfort?' she wondered. She placed her empty glass next to her plate.

"Only if you'll have more."

Itachi reappeared with another bottle of red wine. "Tempranillo", he had called it. A Spanish blend that was Itachi's go-to if he wasn't indulging in sake.

He poured her a little in a fresh wine glass. She twirled the liquid within and inhaled the contents. It was sweet and smooth. She sipped the wine and finished it within seconds.

"It's good!"

Itachi looked to be pleased with her satisfaction. "Would you like to go inside?" She grabbed her glass and stood as her answer. He followed her to his living room.

Sakura made herself comfortable on the white couch adjacent from the balcony door. Itachi sat next to her with a respectable distance in between the two of them. She smiled at him, her body melting into her seat, her skin becoming warm.

"Sakura. Despite knowing you for years, I am ashamed to admit I don't know much about you. I'd love to become more acquainted with you. Especially since we're now engaged."

Engaged…

"Ne, Itachi, why do you want to be engaged to me?" she abruptly asked.

Sakura twirled a soft pink tendril of hair that had fallen from her updo. Itachi's gaze followed the motion of her fingers as it wound around the loose strand. "I mean… It caught me off guard."

"I noticed you awhile ago."

Sakura could think of nothing to say. She anxiously chewed the inside of her cheek.

She gazed at Itachi. His eyes were filled with desire.

"Sakura, you're beautiful, smart, hardworking, and kind. I don't think you understand your effect on people."

"You make me sound cooler than I am." She muttered, her face burning with embarrassment. It wasn't everyday one was praised by the great Itachi Uchiha.

"I want for you to be my wife."

He leaned forward, tucking another loose strand of hair behind her ear. She felt suddenly exposed. His face was near hers. He seemed to have no intention of moving away.

"Will you be my wife, Sakura?"

Her heart was thundering in her ears.

His eyes were sucking her in. She felt as if she were being taken to another world.

"Itachi, I-"

Her phone rang.

She practically leapt to her purse which was on the coffee table beside them. "Sakura speaking!" She answered cheerfully.

"Sakura…"

Sakura's smile fell. "Shizune?"

Why was she calling her at this hour?

"It's Sakumo."

Sakura became hyper-aware of everything. The breathless state Shizune was in. The urgency of her tone.

Sakura suspected the worst.

"I-Is he…"

Gone?

"Quite the opposite! He woke up."

"What?" Sakura asked, not quite believing what she was hearing.

"He's awake." This time Shizune was crying. Sakura now understood that these were tears of joy.

Sakura turned to Itachi, a smile bigger than she thought possible appeared on her lips. "It's my Dad!"

"Come home. He's asking for you!"

"Itachi, I'm sorry. I have to go!"

Itachi looked confused. "Is everything alright?" "Better than alright!" She grabbed her bag and was beginning to head to the door when she paused. Fugaku would likely be called after her, if he wasn't called already. Sasuke now knew of Sakumo's condition. Likely, Mikoto knew of Sakumo as well. Itachi was her fiance. He was likely to find out at one point or another of Sakumo's situation.

"Itachi, would you like to accompany me?"

Itachi's POV

Sakumo kissed Sakura's cheek then patted her head. He looked frail and ashen. He was a shell of the man Itachi remembered Sakumo to be from his days as a kid.

Itachi stood awkwardly by the door as he watched the scene go forth. Kakashi and Sakura were both laughing with one another, at least one hand holding onto their father the entire time, as if he'd disappear at any moment. Shizune kept a respectable distance from the Hatake siblings but stayed near all the same to be a part of the union. He was told that she was his nurse during his coma. While Sakumo hardly knew her, Shizune knew plenty about him.

Then, his Father entered. Fugaku displayed a part of himself that Itachi had never seen. Teary-eyed he ran to Sakumo, arms open wide, and hugged him tightly to his chest. "You idiot! What about Shoji!? Did you think I'd let you have the last win?"

It was a heartfelt moment.

One that Itachi felt completely out of place in. "I'm sorry… For being a burden on you." Sakumo said, his smile falling. Kakashi playfully punched Sakumo in the shoulder. "You're never a burden, Dad. You just had us worried, is all." Fugaku patted Sakumo's head. "If you ever feel lonely, you have us."

Sakura leaned her head on his shoulder. "Who else am I supposed to watch the sunset with?" Sakumo's smile slowly reappeared. It was genuine. "I'll be mindful of these things next time I feel hopeless." Sakura kissed him on the cheek again.

"My little Cherry Blossom, you're glowing." This time Sakumo turned to him. "And Itachi, you've grown. But, I must admit, I'm surprised to see you here." Fugaku turned to him, almost surprised to see his eldest son at this joyous and intimate setting. "Itachi?"

"Sakura and I were having dinner," he said simply. "Dinner..." Sakumo mused aloud. And suddenly recognition shimmered within his dark eyes.

"Dad… A lot has changed in five months."

"Sakura and I are engaged now." The previous elation dimmed and the room grew quiet. Her Father blinked. "OH." Was all he managed to say. He worriedly glanced at Sakura and looked to have wanted to say something more, but instead pursed his lips.

Itachi felt worry knot in his stomach.

Was Sakumo hesitant to speak because he was there? Was he displeased with the change? Did he truly prefer Sasuke more? Even despite his mistreatment of Sakura?

"We'll discuss these matters at another time. For now, let's focus on Sakumo!" Fugaku said with a pat on Sakumo's shoulder.

The conversation began again, the serious moment passed, and the warmth returned once more.

Sakura's POV

Sakura walked Itachi out of her childhood home. He hesitantly glanced at his Father's car, then turned to her. "I'll call you tomorrow." His voice was calm, but there seemed to be a bit of nervousness residing within the undertone. Sakura arched a brow. She wanted to ask if he was alright, but Fugaku called for Itachi to hurry. "Your mother will worry if I'm out too late."

Itachi closed his eyes for a moment and slowly released a breath he was holding. "Goodnight, Sakura." He bent forward and kissed her cheek. Sakura looked after him wide-eyed as he retreated to the car and sat next to his Father in the backseat. She stood in the driveway until the Uchihas were out of sight.

She bit her lower lip and touched her cheek where Itachi's lips weren't that long ago. Her skin felt as if it were on fire.

Slowly, she backtracked to her home. Sakumo was sitting in the living room. He seemed at ease as he watched her cut the short distance to sit beside him.

"Now, Sakura, tell me what has happened since I've been 'gone'".

And so she did. She told him of work, of them missing him, of her and Kakashi's relationship, of Sasuke, and of course, Itachi.

"And are you happy?" He asked hesitantly. Happy? The question caught her off guard. She wasn't unhappy. But that wasn't the question. Happiness... Her pregnant pause seemed to be answer enough for Sakumo.

"I think we should call off the engagement."

Sakura blinked.

She opened her mouth but could not find the words that she wanted to say. This engagement affected a large part of her life. She mostly saw it as her reason to not date, she lost Sasuke and Naruto in her youth, and she isolated herself. And now, after years someone worth her time has expressed interest to her.

Itachi…

While she didn't love him (how could she? She hardly knew him)... If they weren't engaged… Would she lose him?

The thought terrified her.

She hadn't even had the opportunity to explore the potential of their relationship.

Seeing that she was at a loss for words, Sakumo simply patted her clasped hands that resided in her lap.

"I know this is sudden. So, I'll simply ask for you to consider it. I only wanted for you to be engaged because I wanted for you to be happy. But… I never intended for you to be a slave to my selfish desire to have you wed my best friend's child. Even if the intent was in hopes to protect you."

He lowered his gaze from her face and turned his attention to the front door. "I was scared of the possibility of your heart breaking. But… I don't think this is right either. It's not natural, forcing you in a relationship with either Uchiha son. You are a person. Not a toy meant to be tossed from sibling to sibling."

Sakura bit inside her cheek.

'Why now!? Why was he saying all of this now!?'

He gave her hands a tight squeeze.

"Dad… Can we talk?"

It was Kakashi that broke the silence between the two of them. "Of course." Sakumo's serious gaze fell and a slight bit of happiness appeared on his face. "I-I'm going to bed." Sakura said suddenly. She wasn't feeling so good.

Sakumo and Kakashi allowed for her to leave without fuss.

For this she was grateful.

Her head spun. If she wasn't engaged to Itachi anymore, what did that mean for them? Their romance hadn't even begun yet. But…

Mental flashes of a beach and a crooked grin. Muscles and the waves of spectacular clear waters. A rumble of laughter within tossed white sheets.

Maybe it was for the best? Maybe the engagement disbanding would be good for her?

But even that thought confused her. Kisame was an ocean away. He probably already forgot about her. Why was she thinking about him now of all times?

Frustrated tears whelmed within her eyes.

It had been a whirlwind of a night. Maybe she really should go to bed. Then look at everything with a clear head the next morning…

Itachi's POV

For whatever reason, Itachi was exhausted by the time they made it back to the Uchiha Manor. The moment the driver parked their car, he knew he was going to be spending the night in his old room. His mother was elated over this development.

Amongst other reasons. His parents shared a look worth an entire conversation. She embraced his father the moment the front door closed behind them. Itachi quietly made his way to the familiar route to his old bedroom, not wanting to spoil the moment between the two.

The instant he touched his bed, he was out like a light.

The next morning he heard shouting.

It was his Father.

Slowly, Itachi left his bed and cautiously made his way to his Father's study. The door was wide-open. "Sakumo, you aren't thinking clearly. Surely you haven't thought this over…"

'Sakumo?'

The same feeling of worry thrilled within him. He felt sick. It wasn't hard to wonder what they were talking about.

"Has Sakura discussed displeasure over the change of suitors? Itachi is eager to treat her right, to make her his wife!"

His suspicions were confirmed.

This was about the engagement after all. Itachi leaned on the wall beside the door and continued to listen.

"Give it a week? Think about it over again. And maybe we can have the Kids join in the discussion? They're old enough to provide insight."

Itachi felt gratitude to his Father. Maybe if he were to join in the conversation he could convince Sakumo to reconsider calling the engagement off. However, if Sakura was onboard with the engagement being disbanded… Then, they were at a loss.

Itachi narrowed his eyes. No. He would not accept this. He was Itachi Uchiha. And he was in love with Sakura Haruno. She will be his.

And so, that Sunday ended quickly.

And Monday came to.

Sakura's POV

Sakura stared at the gaudy display within her office.

"Wow, have an admirer?" Ino teased.

Sakura's frown intensified. If that were possible.

Both business-women looked at the display of roses that covered every space of her office. "Must have been a hell of a bill," Ino mused eyeing her. Sakura felt a headache forming.

"Let's just go get on with our meeting and start our day." Sakura grated out.

Ino laughed, amused. "Sure. Whatever you say."

A few hours into her day she received a notification.

"Liked the flowers?" It was a sweet gesture, but total overkill. Was it rude to tell Itachi as much? Sakura slumped within her desk chair. "They're lovely."

Not even a second goes by till he responds.

"Would you like to accompany me for lunch in the next hour or so?" Sakura feels her eye twitch. "I have a lunch meeting. So I'll have to eventually pass."

She didn't have a meeting.

But she couldn't handle another "doting" gesture from Itachi.

Why was he suddenly acting this way?

It wasn't like she couldn't take a man giving her attention. It was welcomed. But…

She just didn't feel comfortable.

Why was that?

With Kisame, it wasn't like this. Everything felt right…

'Again!' She mentally berated herself. 'Again of me thinking of him…'

She lowered her gaze to her new phone. She wondered if Kisame threw away the phone she left behind.

She wondered if he thought of her too?

Sakura shook her head and opened her laptop. She was at work, what was this idil day-dreaming she was partaking in? This wasn't the time or place.

She narrowed her eyes. "Focus," she ordered herself.

Itachi's POV

She was avoiding him. Monday quickly went by without incident. Sakura stayed on task with work but seemed to conveniently always be busy during her lunch breaks or after work. Every time he was denied, he felt the worry in his stomach fester.

Even if she wouldn't say it aloud, it was clear to him that she wasn't interested in him.

But he was very much so was interested in her.

This was new to him.

Women were always proclaiming their love to him. And yet, the one woman he desired most seemed to care less. He clenched his jaw as he tried to figure out his current predicament.

With reluctance he sent her the text, "We should talk."

Minutes passed.

"When? I have a pretty long day ahead of me."

Itachi paused. "Let's get a drink at the lounge around the corner of UE. Whenever you're free is fine."

"Ok."

At least she finally agreed.

Sakura's POV

When she agreed to meet with Itachi, she did not have to guess what it was about. Her Dad told her that Fugaku insisted that they all should get together that Sunday, discuss the future of the Hatake's and Uchiha's union. Itachi would likely want to discuss such matters in private, and see where she stood with the whole situation.

At first, Sakura thought it was all unnecessary. She was fine with the engagement. She had expected this for the last ten years of her life. But the more she thought of it… Freedom of such expectations sounded appealing.

And, of course, there was always the thoughts of Kisame. Every hour the desire burned her more and more. It was supposed to be a one night stand. Well, their time together transcended more than one night.

Even so, it was a fling. With a "nobody".

But that "nobody" was who she seemed to want more than anything else. Sakura packed her work bag and left her office.

Upon closing her door, Kana look to be in the midst of leaving too. The dark-haired beauty hoisted her bag in the crook of her arm. She wore a troubled expression.

"Sakura-San."

Lately, her assistant seemed scarce unless Sakura called for her. Kana's eyes never met hers anymore when they talked. Was it embarrassment? Unless absolutely necessary, Kana never spoke a word to her since she ran into her and Karin doing… things with Sasuke.

Her eyes flickered to Sakura's own work bag. "Would you like for me to call you a driver?"

"No need. I have a meeting close-by. I'll walk to my destination."

Kana nodded. She moved to leave. " I'll see you tomorrow." Sakura waved to Kana goodbye.

Ai is a well-known upper-scale lounge. It was frequented by business professionals and celebrities alike. As Sakura walked into the restaurant, her heels clacking against black marbled floors, she spotted Itachi at the bar. He had a book before him.

As always, he was a breathtaking spectacle.

As if sensing her eyes on him, he gazed in her direction. Itachi smiled upon seeing her. Admittedly, it made the pink-haired woman feel nervous as she neared him. She placed her work-bag at her feet and awkwardly smiled at him. "Hi," she greeted lamely. Itachi leaned forward and kissed her cheek. She felt her stomach sumersault as he pulled away.

He was a good-looking man, even if she wasn't interested in him. 'Wasn't interested.' When had she decided on that? She hardly knew him. But for whatever reason, he liked her. Shouldn't she give him a chance?

Itachi ordered her drink as she deciphered her thoughts.

It had been about a week since Sakura was last at a bar… Within Australia off the pier… There was a stalk difference between this place and that establishment. And she wasn't only thinking of the scenery. From the get go, Kisame was an easy person to be around. He made her laugh and smile. She didn't have to think when she was around him. She just simply went with the flow.

The bartender handed her a drink. A fruity cocktail. The flavor was that of berries and lemon. You could hardly taste the alcohol in it.

It was clear to her that Itachi wasn't the man for her. When it was for duty, she could manage anything. But if it was a question of love…

A man like Kisame was the type of person she wanted in her life. Maybe he wasn't interested in her. But she wanted that easy feeling of comfort and joy. If she hadn't felt that with Itachi by now... Why waste their time?

"How have you been?" He asked her, his eyes were inviting and kind. It would be so easy to stay with him. To marry him. She would be set for life. She could eventually become happy, right?

"I've been alright. How about yourself?"

Itachi's smile faltered. She could hear it too, the disinterest in her voice. Sakura wouldn't meet his gaze. She heard him sigh as she sipped her drink. He avoided answering her question. "Well, you already know why I asked you to come here. So, why not just get to it?"

Sakura felt her heart thud in her ears. "Sakura, I've told you how I've felt. I think very highly of you. I want you to become my bride. How do you feel about me?" Sakura slowly turned her body towards him. Her hand was still on her drink. "Itachi… I appreciate it. But… You don't really know me. How can you be sure that I am the woman for you?" "You're beautiful, smart, and-" "We've hardly had a full in-depth conversation! Your list of why you're attracted to me can easily be diminished based on a personality quirk that you're presently unaware of, of a difference of morale, of, well, anything."

"That may be, but we can figure it out."

Sakura laughed.

Stubborn Uchiha men.

"Itachi… My Dad has allowed me the chance to be free of the engagement. I've been expected to marry an Uchiha since I was fifteen years old." She chuckled to herself, it was a tired sound. "I want to be free of any expectations."

"Then, let's date. If it's an issue of timing, of you feeling burdened, I'll pace myself. I'll learn you, Sakura." She stood from her seat. "You really haven't been hearing me, have you?" Fed up, she meant to walk away. The raven-haired beauty gently grabbed her arm to stop her. "Doesn't it mean anything that I like you?"

"I appreciate you, Itachi. I just… I need to do this for me."

She needed to be free of the Uchihas.

"Because there's someone else, isn't there?" he asked

It wasn't necessarily about there being someone else.. Though, thoughts of Kisame did come to mind. But the surfer likely already forgot about her. It was only a few nights of fun. She probably meant nothing to him...

However, Itachi took her silence as confirmation.

"I see," was all he managed to say.

He let go of her arm. "Then, there's nothing more that I can do." He closed his book and flagged down the bartender. Paying their tab, he moved to leave first. "Sakura, if you're happy. That's all I could possibly want."

Was she making a mistake? Should she let Itachi go? He wasn't a bad person. On the contrary, he was caring and considerate of her feelings. And he was making an effort to get to know her.

She slammed her first on the bar. "Dammit," she hissed while grabbing her bag and running after Itachi. She wildly searched outside of the bar to not see him. She moved to call Itachi to have someone grab her wrist. Startled, she pulled away from the strange person.

"Sakura! It's me."

She gawked at the man that stood before her. "Kisame? W-What are you doing here?" He scratched the back of his head. "I-I...Uh...Came to find you. I want to date you, Sakura." How did he know her name? How did he FIND her?

"Kisame… I don't get it." He showed her the phone she had forgotten in Australia. "Well, for one, I needed to return this." He stepped forward, cupping her face with his large hand, "And two, I needed to see you again."

Sakura stepped out of his hold. Pain crossed his face. "Sakura?" "Kisame. This is weird, I have to go." She turned to walk away from him, she wasn't quite sure where, she just knew she needed to get away from the lounge. "Sakura!"

She thought he was calling her name for her to stop. In part, he was. But more likely, he was calling her name because of the car that was heading straight for her.

Her head turned and took in the large vehicle's bright lights. She couldn't see who was driving it. She only saw her life suddenly being diminished to a mere few seconds. Did she somehow deserve this fate?

What if she had accepted Itachi's offer to date him? Or accepted Kisame? Would she be in the predicament right now? Living her last moments?

She knew she had no time to evade the car. And even more so, she was frozen in fear.

She was going to die.

"Oh God," she said.

The world grew quiet.

Till it wasn't.

She felt hands push her out of the way. She flew into the street, her hands, arms, legs, and cheek all scraped against asphalt. She could smell the blood. Could hear the car hit something, no, someone. The world was filled with terror, with concern. Hands reached for her. Demands for someone to call an ambulance chorused in the busy night air.

Someone helped her into a proper sitting position. She felt dizzy. She looked to where she stood and saw Kisame on the street. His body was bloodied and broken.

He was the one that pushed her out of the way.

"No."

She pushed the helpful hands that were supporting her and crawled to him. Her hands shook as they hovered over him. He was breathing, but it was shallow. "Kisame?" She felt her lower lip tremble.

"KISAME!?"