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Enjoy flirty Shisui!

Chapter 17

Sakura rubbed her forehead in frustration and let out an exasperated groan. She hadn't slept in over 24 hours now, and she didn't see that happening any time soon. Jiraiya was currently debriefing the room full of Shinobi about the Akatsuki and Sakura found her newfound faith in her abilities dwindling.

These individuals are strong - strong enough to go against the elite. What chance does Konoha have against them?

She looked around at the people surrounding her and smiled. Tsunade noticed the look on her apprentice's face and raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"What on earth has you smiling at a time like this, Sakura?" Sakura balked as everyone turned to look at her and then gazed fondly at each of them one-by-one.

"This might be a tough fight but we can win. I felt hopeless at first but… I believe in all of you. I believe in Konoha and in the ninja here. We can do this; we just need a plan. Jiraiya can give us an advantage."

As she spoke, the tension in the room decreased. Several smiles flashed in her direction and then Jiraiya was speaking again.

"This is the information I have on the members so far." A scroll was passed around with names, photos, and information on Jutsu.

"I've seen some of them battle, but I haven't been able to find many weaknesses as of yet. It should be easy for us to analyze what I've found with the help of the Nara." Shikamaru groaned loudly and walked closer to the desk. He looked up at Jiraiya and mumbled about troublesome work before nodding his head in agreement.

"Alright, I'll inform the council of the attack and start preparing a task force. Kakashi, inform Ibiki that the village is on level 2 lockdown. Itachi, inform ANBU of what has occurred and set a meeting up with myself and the clan heads. Shisui, take Sakura home and make sure she rests for at least 16 hours. Sakura, you and I will meet to talk about triage for the medic-nin tents tomorrow."

Tsunade stood up and grabbed a binder from one of her shelves and handed it to Shikamaru. Sakura snorted at her Shishou's orders. She placed her hand on Shisui's forearm and squeezed gently, fingernails gently scraping his skin.

"Are you ready to head out? I'm exhausted."

"Let's go then. I have strict orders to make sure you rest." He gave her a tender smile and intertwined his fingers with hers.

She blushed furiously and let him lead her out of the building. Her eyes were glued to their clasped hands as he led her through the village at a slow, even pace. She glanced up and noticed he was watching her out of the corner of his eye. She met his gaze boldly and raised an eyebrow at him. He stopped abruptly, and Sakura grimaced at the gaping hole in his apartment where a door should be.

"I can pay for that."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just happy you're okay. However, remind me not to piss you off when we get a house." Shisui's casual mention of the future had Sakura choking on air. She started coughing so loudly that Shisui rubbed her back and bent down to look her in the face.

"Sakura, I was joking… a little. I know it's too early to talk about those things." She nodded quickly and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"We can stay at my place until this gets fixed." Sakura's large eyes met his. A mischievous smirk appeared on his face and Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Sakura, are you asking me to move in with you?" Her face flushed bright red at his teasing and she tried to stutter out an explanation but he cut her off.

"My place is bigger so you'll move in with me. I'll get Yamato to fix the door today, and we'll get all of your things this week. Also, we'll speak with your landlord and I'll pay the fee to have your contract broken."

Sakura's jaw hit the floor, "Um, WHAT?! You said we should take it slow! This is not slow! How the hell do you expect me to—"

"Sakura. I do want to take it slow. However, you were just attacked by someone who bested both Itachi and myself. I don't want you alone. You're closer to the Uchiha District here and I can keep an eye on you. I know it's extremely sudden but please, do this for me?"

He took her face in his hands and stared into her eyes with an unfathomable look. His thumb grazed her cheek, trying to put all his emotions into the small motion.

"Fine, but don't think this means I can't move out whenever I want!"

He broke out into a blinding smile and covered her lips with his own. The kiss was innocent and gentle, filled with emotions left unspoken. Sakura sighed and leaned into him, finally allowing the tension to bleed from her body. Her fingers rested over his heart tenderly, clinging to the unspoken promises.

He ran his thumbs down her cheeks and hooked them under her jaw, tilting her face up. He pulled back mere centimeters and stared into her eyes. Their breath mingled and Sakura's entire body flooded with heat.

Shisui's eyes were so close she could see flecks of different shades of black and brown. Someone cleared their throat next to them and Sakura jumped in embarrassment, hands flying to cover her burning face.

Sakura woke up feeling disoriented yet oddly safe. "Ugh, what happened last night? I don't remember anything after Yamato-san fixed the door."

A body shifted next to hers and she froze. Warm, scarred arms wrapped around her waist and she relaxed momentarily before spinning to meet the sleepy, onyx eyes behind her.

"Questions later, sleep more," he said in a groggy, thick voice and buried his head in her neck. She stifled a giggle at just how much he hated mornings and pulled the blanket up to her chin. His hot breath against her clavicle had her toes tingling.

The next time she woke up was less confusing.

I'll just have to ask him what the hell happened.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes tiredly. She threw her bare legs over the side and stared at them in confusion.

I don't remember taking my pants off… or changing my shirt…

Shisui leisurely walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel and Sakura's mouth ran dry, thoughts forgotten.

Her eyes followed a few water droplets that ran from his neck all the way down between his carved abs, being stopped by his happy trail. His eyes met hers briefly before he continued to his closet, confidently giving her a nice view of his muscled back.

His muscles rippled with each step he took and Sakura ogled him as much as she could. She snapped her eyes shut when his towel dropped but not before she caught a glimpse of his sculpted ass. She kept her eyes closed for what felt like an eternity until she felt the bed dip beside her.

She peeled her eyes open and stared at the steam coming from the bathroom, shivering when Shisui's breath ruffled her hair. She held her shirt down and halfway turned to look at him. His hair was an unruly mess, making his shirtless state all the more tantalizing.

Sakura had to tear her eyes away from his torso to meet his eyes.

Does he have to smile like that?! I feel like I'm melting.

"Good morning, I'm glad you like what you see," he winked at her and mussed her hair before pulling her into a tight hug. His chin rested on her head and her now heated cheek was against his broad chest.

"Um, Shisui…what happened after Yamato-san fixed the door? I can't really r-remember anything after that." Sakura fidgeted as she spoke and pulled her face from his chest.

Oh my KAMI, he smells good!

The smile slowly faded from his face, and he looked at her as if searching for something. His large hand covered hers and stopped her fidgeting.

"Do you really not remember what happened?"

When she shook her head no, he ran a hand through his hair and glanced away. While she waited for him to explain she took the hand still covering hers and started tracing his small scars. He watched her intently, startling her when he asked a simple question that made her freeze.

"Sakura, how long have you had nightmares?"

She was silent so long that he got impatient and forced her to meet his gaze with a hand under her chin. The raised eyebrow and intense look made her swallow hard.

"A while now. I don't really like killing people, even if they deserve it. Was it that bad?"

"I put you under with my Sharingan. You were hysterical. The only thing I could understand was Orochimaru and something about Sasuke. Is there something I should know?"

"Oh, that dream. That one is old, don't worry about it," the sharp look he gave her had her quickly spilling the story.

"During the Chunin exams, my team was attacked by Orochimaru and it was terrifying. Before he could do anything serious, a few masked ANBU members stepped in and saved us. However, he had already said and done quite a few things that scarred our young psyches."

Shisui froze for a moment and then brushed her hair out of face. "I forgot that it was your team we saved. I won't let him do anything to you, Sakura. I protect what's mine."

"You were the one who saved us?" He nodded once at Sakura's question and she threw her arms around his neck and thanked him profusely. He frowned when he saw the indecisive look on her face as she pulled away.

"Shisui, I need you to understand something. While I love that you're protective over me, it also pisses me off. It isn't because I don't appreciate it, don't get me wrong. I was really weak when I was younger and always had to be protected. I've grown a lot but my lack of strength has always been an insecurity of mine. I can protect myself, and I feel… inadequate when others try to protect me."

Before Sakura could blink she found herself pinned to the bed with Shisui above her, smirking deviously. He lowered his head and traced her jaw with his lips before speaking softly.

"I'm glad you love it because it will be happening frequently." When his nose reached her earlobe he caught it with his teeth and teased the skin with his tongue. She gasped at the sensation and tried to squirm out of his grip. He pinned both of her hands above her head with one hand and used the other to keep her head still.

"I'm stronger than you Sakura, that's just how it is. I'm protective and that is never going to change. Don't let it piss you off, not many people earn the right to be protected so thoroughly by me. I don't think you're weak but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you be put in harm's way. I'll let you fight but there are some battles I'd rather keep you out of, for my own peace of mind. Do you want me getting hurt because I'm focused on your battle instead of mine?"

The hand holding her face sluggishly moved down her neck and stopped to rest between her breasts. Her chest was heaving and he pulled away to look at her face.

"You don't fight fair, Shisui! Of course I don't want you to get hurt because of me but—" she lost her train of thought when he meticulously started moving his hand down her stomach towards the edge of her slightly lifted nightshirt. He met her eyes as his fingers grazed the skin right above her underwear.

"You were saying?" Her face flushed darkly as his long fingers teased her bare skin. She gasped as he started kissing her neck with the same lazy tempo as his hands and once again tried to speak.

"Shisui, I don't think—"

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Shisui froze and turned his head to look at his closed door. Itachi's chuckle could be heard before he spoke.

"Shisui, Mother wants Sakura to come over before she gets busy with the Hokage. Sakura, you have to be at the Hokage tower right after lunch." Sakura stared, transfixed by her boyfriend's red eyes and let a small smile break through when he met her gaze.

He glowered once more before whispering, "This conversation is far from over."

She yelped as he nipped her jaw and rolled off of her. He did it so quickly that she almost missed the bulge in his pants.

Almost.

She fled to the bathroom when he threw her another heated look and could hear him chuckle.

Mikoto ushered Sakura into the house and forced Itachi and Shisui to leave.

"Honestly Shisui, she needs some girl time! Stop hogging all of her time or I'll stop buying you Dango!" Shisui gasped in horror and quickly kissed Sakura on the forehead before heading out with Itachi.

"Sakura, how have you been? I heard about what happened the other night," Mikoto poured tea for the two of them and Sakura let herself relax.

"I've been…stressed, honestly. I've had far too many near death experiences for me to be comfortable with. It's been a little overwhelming, and I kind of miss the days when I was working at the hospital. That being said, I wouldn't take my decision back. I feel like I'm able to be part of something bigger."

Mikoto nodded as she spoke, "You've had us all worried lately. Shisui was an absolute terror when your team came back. He went after the council with a savagery I've rarely seen."

Sakura raised an eyebrow and Mikoto smiled deviously. "It was very comical. The council wanted to talk with him after they found out about your relationship or lack thereof. Needless to say, he was furious but handled it tactfully."

"Well, don't hold anything out. Tell me what happened!" Sakura's curiosity made Mikoto chuckle.

"Of course, I'm going to tell you everything! You're practically family already. Don't tell anyone I told you." Sakura nodded and smirked at the lady who felt like a second mother to her.

"Well, they called Shisui in and made him sit through a few marriage proposals. He declined as politely as possible, telling them that he was already pursuing someone else. That was basically the whole first day. Then, they tried to tell him why you weren't a good fit for the Uchiha clan." Mikoto held a hand up to stop Sakura from interrupting.

"Fugaku, Itachi, and I immediately stood up for you but the council kept at it until he basically snapped at them. He proceeded to blackmail them and question their decisions for the Uchiha clan. He called them out for every illegitimate child, allocation of funds, civil unrest, and such. He named all of your mentors, abilities, and successes and had his Mangekyō activated the entire time.

You could hear a pin drop after that tirade. He told them that if they had a problem with his relationship with you that they could fight you for the right to be at his side; however, if they hurt you then they would have to answer to him."

Mikoto watched as Sakura's eyes grew wide. Both women started laughing hysterically.

Sakura rushed into Tsunade's office and immediately started apologizing.

"I am so sorry, Lady Tsunade, I got caught up talking with Mikoto-sama and we lost track of time!" She fell into her seat and pushed her messy hair out of her face. She met Tsunade's gaze and flinched at the look she was given.

"You are an hour late, Sakura!"

"I know, I'm really sorry," Sakura ducked her head in shame but straightened up when Tsunade sighed.

"Alright, let's talk about what we should do for the medic's tents." Sakura nodded and pulled a chair up next to the desk. Hours later, Sakura shook her tingling hand out and Tsunade sighed loudly.

"Well, this should work. I think we have a decent blueprint of what we want," as she spoke she stood up and stretched. Sakura followed suit and looked outside.

"We finished faster than I thought we would. Do you want to go out for dinner, Shishou? It would be fun and it feels like it's been ages."

"Let's do it! I'll go get Shizune and we can have a get together!" After telling a few select people about the dinner, Sakura found herself rubbing her head and questioning why everyone she knew was at The Grill. All the tables were full with the Konoha 9, Team Gai, the Jonin to each team, Jiraiya, and Temari and Kankurō.

The party was in full swing by the time everyone got food and the whole back of the restaurant was reserved for the unruly group. Sake was flowing freely and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Sasuke and Naruto managed to pull Sakura aside, literally dragging her away from a conversation with Shino and Kiba.

"Hey guys, what have you been up to?"

"Ne, we miss you Sakura-chan! We never get to see you anymore!" Sasuke nodded his head in agreement and Sakura laughed.

"Come on guys, I'll buy us some drinks!" They went over to the bar and drank until none of them could see straight.

When Itachi and Shisui finally arrived at The Grill, the sight they walked in on had them chuckling. Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto were all sitting at the bar leaning on one another. Naruto was being woken up by Hinata and Sakura was stroking Sasuke's hair. The two older Uchiha snuck up on them and ended up eavesdropping.

"Sakra, doesh Shisi make you happy? And don sugar cut it, I'll beat his ash evn if he my cousin. You know Tachi would help." He squinted his eyes, thinking that would help him speak more clearly.

"What kinda quesion ish that, Sasu? Yesh, he makes me happy. He is diffent than any uff the guys I've talked to befur but he's sheet in his own way. And hesh hot."

"Good, I jus wan you be happy. I know we had our upsh n downsh when we young but you famly. Gotta mek sure that idit is doing right by you."

The two were slurring their words slightly and Sakura hiccupped every once in a while. When Itachi and Shisui made their presence known, the two looked at them in confusion. Itachi grabbed Sasuke and piggybacked him home. Shisui picked up Sakura, giving her a contemplating look.

"Sakura, the next time you decide to get stupid drunk, tell me first. I'll make sure to be here before the serious conversations start." She looked at him groggily and then fell asleep in his arms.

Tsunade stopped him before he could carry the unconscious girl out. "Chichi, you and I are going to have to have a very serious talk soon. Take care of my girl or I'll forget about the time you helped me out."

Shisui smirked, "Of course, Hokage-sama. I look forward to our chat and I can promise you, she'll be well taken care of."