Wow, thanks for all the reviews and warm welcomes. I'm totally grateful that this story is keeping everyone's interest past the first few paragraphs! Without further ado, on with chapter two! Sorry that the following chapters will be shorter than the first intro chapter unless I get into my habit of only stopping at evil cliff-hangers. An evil authoress, such as myself, needs a good dose of evil cliffhangers after all. Inflicted to other. Of course.
Note: Since this is a 'slight' AU, there might be some OOC-ness. I will try to make them as natural as possible.
Disclaimer: Yes, I totally forgot this for the first chapter. No, that did not mean I considered the characters as my own. Yes, I do know who they belong to.
Trespass
Chapter 2
This time, the clock beeped two times before it was swiftly silenced by a slender hand. As usual, Sakura got up in a flurry and went about her morning rituals and preparations. It was slightly different today as for once Sakura entertained the thought of skipping school. Something she never thought of, even after the most exhausting missions, since she loved being normal so much. It was actually more natural for her to be in her student persona than kunoichi. Though, she couldn't deny her passion for healing.
And she knew, even when she tried to convince herself otherwise, her heart beats on the battlefield livelier than any where else. It was these times that for a moment, just a moment, she would kill a thousand men if she could feel the rhythm in her chest forever.
She would never admit it out loud.
Before opening her front door, Sakura took a deep breath, envisioning onyx eyes. She had slept in late wondering what her move should be. Judging from the simple good night her mother had said, after the woman returned from 'grocery shopping', Sakura was to carry on normally. Suddenly, she envisioned his whole face, particularly the face he made after she asked for his name—real name—yesterday. She knew 'normally' wasn't an option anymore. With another deep breath, the girl opened the door and went outside with an absently muttered "itekimasu". Her mother always slept late so it was out of pure habit she still announced her departure.
Sakura made her way to school like she had been doing for the past five years: relaxed and carefree. She greeted all the usual early risers, smiling brightly and sometimes waving. No one noticed she moved her eyes more, scanning for shadows and lingering longer on reflective surfaces. At school, she changed into her indoor shoes and made her way to the classroom. She had hesitated a moment before sliding the door open. The room was empty. She might have breathed a sigh of relief—she wasn't paying attention.
Sitting at her seat, Sakura drank in the beautiful picture of the dawning morning. Again she smiled at the empty bird nest, and again she felt the sleepiness come. She was a bit more apprehensive about falling asleep now, especially how deep a sleep it would be. Her body was trained for deep healing sleeps in short periods of time; it was one habit she couldn't separate from her student life. And so, she again placed her head upon her folded arms, letting her roseate locks fall like a curtain. If they wanted her dead or captured, they would have already done so.
That day, the door opened and closed a mere 15 minutes after she dozed off. The sun was warmer and Sakura had less sleep the night before so she missed the incident entirely, innocently snoozing even when Sasuke reached her side without a sound. All he did was slide his eyes over her head, observing the light bouncing off hair too soft to belong to a ninja. She was different. Unique, weird, puzzling, a creature he hadn't expected to exist.
He had first heard of the supposed student of the kunoichi rebel leader when he was spending two years of darkness with Orochimaru. She was a mystery even then; no one knew who she was other than she was hand-picked by Tsunade to be the slug woman's successor. After his res—return to Konoha and jounin duties (as he was stripped of his ANBU status permanently for his betrayal while enlisted) the mission file he was given did not do the girl justice. They had detailed information about her, including her three sizes and daily schedule, but none of the information that was sought after. What was the extent of her abilities? How close was she truly to Tsunade? Was she even a kunoichi at all? Of course, there were speculations and the final word was that she was to be confronted as if she was a highly trained medical-nin.
The small school photo did not help lessen the impact of seeing her in person. And he had not expected his professionalism to evaporate at the sight of her in the rain, with both hands out, pleading him to let her go. On the first day she had made him want to observe her longer. On the first day she had made him lie to his superiors. Running off for power was one thing, actually lying in his report was another.
On the first day she had got him to reveal his real name.
Sasuke fully understood the capabilities of kunoichi, especially their proficiency in extracting information from men. He knew them very well. However, he didn't need the Byakugan, or even the Sharingan, to tell what the girl's motives were. Her eyes were more transparent than many civilians he encountered, a total opposite from any kunoichi he ever met. Was this what freedom could do to a kunoichi? Birthing a female ninja who no longer needed to hide behind a mask? Or was she just really bad at it? Sasuke didn't understand why he knew she wouldn't reveal his name to anyone else. The moment had seemed private, suspended in time, he had dared to lean in closer than necessary to whisper his name…
In the classroom then it felt the same. His ninja logic criticized her naiveté—or was it innocence? Was there even a difference? Would she know how easy it was for him to kill her right there without her knowing it? It wouldn't even be remotely an effort. How could such a ninja exist? Survive?
How could such a weak girl be so at peace when he would jump at every shadow? Crave for power so much he'd given everything short of his life and best friend?
Suddenly, Sasuke didn't want to see her, didn't want to see the emerald orbs that reminded him of every emotion he tried to drown under rivers of blood. She shouldn't exist, an abomination to everything he was taught—to everything he wanted to be. Should he kill her?
A darker voice suggested he claim her and break her and make sure there would be no other.
then he would be the only one to possess such a creature
Before he knew it his hand was inches above her head but it stayed there, slightly wavering, because he didn't know which intent he should act on. Kill her? Take her? The mission wasn't a factor anymore. She was still oblivious, open and vulnerable. They were alone. No one would come for another two hours.
so easy to do both
It was the sudden sting on Sasuke's neck that made him snap his hand back; clamping it over the seal he knew was still dormant. He was breathing heavily and sweat dotted his brow—damn it. Exhaling slowly he calmed himself down, angry that he had given the curse seal a chance to leak. True, it was inactivated, but it still frequently whispered in his head, intensifying emotions that best be ignored. He returned to his seat and closed his eyes. Maybe he needed a nap himself.
Sakura continued sleeping, nothing in her dreams but black.
"Good morning class, Sawada, if you may?"
"Everyone, please rise!"
Sakura jerked up in her seat in time to stand up and bow with her classmates. She stuttered a bit on the greeting still blinking the haze of sleep from her mind. Class started? She overslept? But Ino-chan would usually—Sakura did not find the patch of pale blonde among the class. Her green eyes widened at the empty seat. Where was Ino? She never missed a class, at least never without telling her, she—Sakura took the chance to dart her eyes to the furthest right of the room. The dark haired youth was present, lazily taking out his text book and pen.
Have they done something to her? Then why would he still be there? Sakura's mind was a flurry of theories and scenarios that got progressively dire. Yesterday had been like a dream, but might it have cause Ino to get hurt? Had Sakura endangered them all by revealing Matsunaga's true identity? If so, screw the whole act, Sakura would jump out the window right then and—
"Sorry I'm late, Taneda-sensei!" Ino gasped as she burst into the room. "Overslept!"
"Be sure to arrive appropriately next time, Yamanaka!"
Sakura physically relaxed, settling back into her seat. She'll be sure to yell at the boar later on for making her lose a few years off her life from the worry. Knowing what she'll be facing in the future, the pink-haired girl rather retain as many years as she could thank you very much. Ino shot an apologetic look as she sat down and Sakura just pouted. Really, if something did happened to her… Which was why it was really peculiar that nothing happened yet. Was Matsu—Uchiha waiting for back-up? Sakura could only guess. The orders from Tsunade was to carry on as usual, which meant the threat wasn't too bad… Only time will tell.
The classes went on and during the first break Sakura noticed an increase of female students in her class. In fact, why were there lower classmen peeking in the hallway windows and door? The puzzle remained unsolved until a second later Sakura realized they were all staring at the mysterious new student. He, for the most part, was doing a good job ignoring the not so whispery whispers and just concentrated on finishing his onigiri. It was a commendable feat as every time he bit down the girls would swoon.
"He's so cool!"
"Is he looking over here? Is he looking over here?"
"You think he's single?"
"I so want to be that onigiri!"
Sakura giggled to herself, always fascinated with how normal girls behave. "Ino-chan, let's go—" her words died off as she caught a glimpse of Ino's turned face. The blonde girl was also looking at the new student but with a darkened expression that was downright murderous. Normally playful aqua eyes were now ice, malice churning visibly under lowered eyebrows. Sakura never seen such hatred before on her best friend's features; it chilled her to the bone. What could it possibly mean? Before Sakura could study the expression deeper Ino had already stood up and turned to face her, a bright smile in place.
"It's getting stuffy in here, let's go get a bite to eat, Sakura-chan!"
Sakura could only smile in return and nod, "Let's go!"
In the cafeteria, Sakura hardly finished a half of her curry rice before a different student council member from yesterday came up and whisked Ino away for something or another. The pink-haired girl only sighed before pulling Ino's unfinished udon bowl near and finishing it first before resuming her own. Ino was always so active and popular. Despite never being in public school or knowing much about normal student life, the blonde had gotten herself involved with activities and the student council almost overnight. It wasn't a mystery as Ino was beautiful, cheerful, confident and smart. At times, Sakura felt even more insecure when with Ino in public places. Sure, all initial glances was to her, but only because of her hair. Afterwards, Ino stole the show even without meaning to. Sakura harbored no bitterness; she idolized Ino in a way as well.
Sakura finished her lunch, no one sitting at the same table until she left.
"Go! Kyaa! Matsunaga-kun!"
"Matsunaga-kun! Look over here!"
"GIRLS! GET BACK TO YOUR RUNNING!" P.E. teacher Moriwaki yelled in frustration.
Sasuke didn't quite understand how to face so many civilian girls. There was a similar bunch back in Konoha but the girls were… more reserved, vocally, in their fawning of him, choosing discreet glances and 'accidental' brushes. The flirting had become more focused and daring as he got older despite him ignoring every single one and by then he knew the kunoichi weren't just playing around. As the sole survivor of the prestigious Uchiha clan, he was the most eligible bachelor, even more so than his fellow jounin, Hyuuga Neji. Rather than face the possibility of being bought by another ninja from a lower clan, the girls would try their best to have the stronger ninjas take interest in them. Even as a mistress, it was more profitable and enjoyable as one to a noble clan. Especially the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans, renowned in Konoha as the only clans where no single kunoichi had rebelled. Though, ever since he returned from Sound, he seemed doomed to never revive the Uchiha.
"Matsunaga!" The call focused him back to the ball game he was currently in. He never played soccer before but was quick to get a hang of it being the genius that he was. The ball flew right towards him and he made sure he had the right angle before placing an explosive kick right into the opposing net—half a field away. The goalie didn't even move, so fast was the ball that flew past him, and to think Sasuke didn't use chakra at all. Girls squealed from the track right next to the field, almost stopping in their laps to do so. Picking up his towel, Sasuke pretended to wipe nonexistent sweat while scanning the courtyard. The pink-haired girl was the only one of the four classes that sat under a tree at the edges of the courtyard, a first-aid kit by her side. She was staring off into the tree-tops, looking like she could fall asleep any moment.
"Looking at Haruno, eh?"
Sasuke glanced behind to see a couple of the boys in his class. "Just curious." It wasn't a lie.
"No need to hide, Haruno is one cute chick," one guy said, openly eyeing Sakura, "Too bad she's kinda, you know…"
"What?" Sasuke prompted.
"I don't know. Just unapproachable," another guy answered. "Oh, she's nice and smart and all but always so quiet and shy. Never stands up for herself and follows that new girl, Yamanaka, around like a puppy. She was worse in Junior High back then. I like spunky girls myself."
"Why isn't she running with everyone else?" Sasuke recalled her P.E. grades to be average at best. Even her extracurricular activity was in the ikebana club. How fitting in a way.
"She's never been that healthy I hear. Got this doctor's letter that let's her be excused from P.E. whenever she wants. I hardly see her participate anymore, so she's kind of appointed as the unofficial student nurse during P.E."
Doctor's letter? Sasuke filed the information away as a possible lead.
"Yeah, some guy would always get hurt on purpose just so she could tend to him. In fact, I did too once, and let me tell you she's really as gentle as…"
Sasuke tuned out the chatter as he narrowed his eyes slightly in thought. A few seconds later he gave a cursory glance at the field and his classmates. The boys couldn't hurt him even if he let them.
Tch, what a bother.
When the second half of the game started, Sasuke made sure he got the timing right. It wasn't a challenge as reading the other students' movements was easier than guessing what a certain dobe's breakfast would be. In no effort he lured opposing team members to group near their goal. The goalie and opponents dived at him and Sasuke took the opportunity in the flurry to whack his left arm against the goal post making it seem accidental from trying to dodge the other players. To his calculations, the thin metal was brittle and rusty due to the humidity all year long and cracked easily under the blow. The pain was barely acknowledged as he purposely pressed the top of his arm down on the jagged edges until they pierced skin. He gasped convincingly afterwards even if the amount of pain didn't even deserve a flinch. Immediately, classmates called the play to a pause as blood tainted the long sleeves of the uniform.
Sakura turned her attention back to the soccer game as shouts of alarm alerted her to someone being injured. At first, Sakura thought that the Uchiha had wounded someone due to his strength. Therefore it was understandable why her jaw nearly dropped when it was the young man himself striding calmly towards her with a bloody left arm. As he reached her he just stood there staring down at her surprised face. Students watched them curiously before being sent back to their respective activities. It was only after a drop of blood rolled off his fingers and dropped to the grass that made Sakura remember what she had to do.
"Ah, please take a seat and roll up your sleeve," she busied herself with getting the proper disinfectants and bandages out and felt him sit cross-legged before her. It was puzzling why she didn't feel as nervous as she should. When she turned back and got a good look at his arm, she stilled, the previously absent nervousness exploding in her stomach.
True, she never saw a summoning tattoo in person but she studied about them enough to recognize one on spot. The black tattoo wrapped around his lean forearm—serpentine—and ended with a split head towards his hand. It was obvious what creature it'll beckon and with glistening blood flowing across it Sakura found it hard not to image the tattoo itself to be alive. She could feel his stare on her face, watching her every reaction.
"I'm sorry, the amount of blood startled me a bit," it was an utter lie and Sakura didn't bother to make it sound otherwise. She located the wound that was right above the end of the tattoo on his bicep, it wasn't too deep but blood flowed freely and she could see torn tissue underneath. Even as she dabbed away at the wound, deftly picking out small pieces of chipped paint and metal, her mind was mentally healing it as if with chakra, imagining muscle strands repairing themselves in seconds. It was better than thinking about how they were alone and far from the other students. The tattoo still glistened with blood.
Sasuke kept his eyes on her focused stare with his senses tuned to her every touch. The classmate earlier was right; she was so very gentle in cleaning the wound. However, he could recognize the trained movements and the way her eyes didn't waver the slightest bit from the bloody hole. It was obvious she had seen and treated much more than a swallow puncture wound. Probably inflicted more as well. As she was about to clear away more blood from his arm to start treatment, her hand paused ever so slightly before bringing the small cotton cloth over the tattoo. Sasuke smiled darkly at the way her eyes traced the pattern with thinly veiled fascination.
"Find it interesting?"
Sakura kept her eyes on his arm, proud that she didn't gasp at his sudden question. "I… It's a beautiful tattoo." She tried to sound less interested but it seemed she never could shut up around the young man. And damn it, it was only the second day. "Where did you get it?"
"You could say it was a parting gift." It was not the only mark left, but Sasuke tolerated it most for its worth.
Sakura nodded and fell silent, wiping away the blood and seeing it more clearly. She wanted to touch it with her finger tips, feeling chakra run along its edges. Summoning jutsu always were a topic of interest as she herself had already been assigned a contract. Kunoichi in all the shinobi countries were banned from it so she considered herself extremely lucky to be among the few that possess such a privilege.
"Want to touch it?"
Her eyes finally snapped up to his, wide and searching, as she was at lost how to respond. He continued to smile darkly at her, managing to look menacing and beautiful at the same time. She flinched when his right hand covered over hers and the bloody cloth slipped from her grasp. "I-I…" she started, trying to pull away but he cut her off.
"I'll show you. But not without a small return." The widening of her eyes told him she knew what he meant, "Deal?" He moved her hand until the tip of her middle finger dipped into his still flowing wound. She averted her eyes from him, trying again to tug her hand free. He held fast and she knew there was nothing she could do unless they wanted to attract attention. She wasn't sure if that would be good or bad.
"Uchi-Uchiha-san…" she whispered nervously, her eyes focusing on the grass beside them. She could feel the pumping of his blood, the warm and wet exposed flesh underneath her fingers. There was something about the whole situation that dulled her mind, she couldn't think rationally, but her other senses heightened in unfamiliar ways. This was wrong, everything was wrong. Dangerous. Even so, the fact didn't register.
Sasuke must be crazy, caught in a jutsu, what was he doing? As fascinated as the girl was with his tattoo, he was just as entranced with the emotions running through her face. He pulled her hand down slowly, letting her blood soaked finger trail down his skin. He felt a shiver go through her body as his blood passed over the first band of the tattoo, definitely having felt the chakra being activated. Sakura let her eyes flutter close, not knowing why she felt so faint—the moment was too intimate than what she was ready for. His skin felt smooth and she let herself get lost in the sensation. He finally stopped their hands at the head of the tattoo and she was aware of him leaning forward but only slightly.
"Deal?" He asked again, his voice lower and quiet, sounding like it was an agreement to sign off her soul. It probably was.
Everything they were doing was against what she was taught. Every choice she had made so far was a mistake. This would be no different. "Deal," she whispered back, her eyes opening to meet with his straight on. For a moment they clashed; him threatening her to back down, her challenging him make her.
He was still smiling as he leaned forward until their cheeks were almost touching. Sakura kept her eyes forward, determined not to flinch. Like a re-run of the day before, she felt his breath on her face as he moved his left hand until it was hovering over her neck. She kept still, knowing that he was judging her reaction. Her hands fisted on her knees, her instinct to either run or defend going berserk. He must have found something satisfactory as she heard him chuckle before wrapping his hand around her small neck, feeling her pulse race under his thumb. She closed her eyes and had almost slapped away his hand then.
"Kuchiyose," he whispered amusedly in her ear, "no jutsu."
There was a burst of crawling heat before the sensation of his warm hand was replaced with a cool smoothness she knew wasn't human. Of all the summoned creatures, Sakura understood the snakes were one of the most powerful and notorious from being the most distrusted. Most forbidden jutsu were based on them as well, a testament to their nature. There was only one person Sakura had been taught about that bound his blood to the snakes. At the moment she didn't want to think about what the young man in front of her had to do with the other Sannin.
Silky scales slid around her neck and her breath hitched as a hissing sounded in her ear. "Little girl, I smell the stench of slugs on you…"
Sakura's eyes opened and she slowly turned her head to come eye to eye with a medium sized horned snake. The body was a shimmering blue with exotic black markings crawling up to frame two yellow eyes that betrayed intelligence above a mere reptile. It flicked its red tongue out at her before slithering another time around her neck. Sakura started to breathe harder even if the snake kept it loose.
"Sasuke, what is the meaning of this?" the snake hissed at the young man she forgot was present. She turned her attention back in front and watched as Sasuke just stared back with a calculating look. "Did you summon me for a snack? I'm not keen on my time being wasted." For emphasis, the snake tightened its coils around Sakura and she suddenly realized how precarious a situation she was in. Even so, she kept her fists on her knees but prepared to rip the snake off if it came down to it.
"Then leave, I have no further use for you now," Sasuke replied, eyes narrowing at slit pupils.
"Tch, insolent boy, do not repeat this again," the snake gave a last irritated hiss before disappearing in a quick puff. Sakura immediately brought her hands up to her throat, gently massaging the now reddened area.
His own hands came up and grasped her wrists, bringing them down to her knees. She wondered when he started to touch her so freely. "Your end of the deal?"
Without a word, she placed her palm over his injury. Her green eyes looked up to scan their surroundings. They were far from the fields and Sasuke completely covered her from view—had he done that on purpose from the start? She couldn't believe what she was about to do. It was the same as telling him she was a kunoichi and forming a couple of bunshins while at it. However, she knew he knew already—she just didn't know why they were both still playing this game.
Sasuke felt warmth envelope the section of his arm and a peculiar sensation like something was scratching and bubbling under the skin. There was no pain, just the uncomfortable bubbling, and before long there was nothing. She removed her hand and took out a roll of bandage as Sasuke inspected her work. Amazing, there simply was no trace of the wound in such a short time. He slid his eyes over at her, wondering just how he could use her talent to his own goals. Just as Sakura started rolling the bandage over his perfectly healthy limb they both felt the students come their way.
"Matsunaga-san," she said, her voice light and cheery, "it's a shallow wound despite all the blood, it shouldn't leave a scar at all."
"Hn." He replied.
Soon, the students all returned to their classes and Sakura didn't give another glance to Sasuke until it was time to go home. Though, she felt the increase of glares sent her way and wondered if danger was going to come from a completely different area.
"Another meeting, Ino-chan?"
"Sorry, Sakura-chan!" Ino put her hands together in an apologetic position. "That means I can't help out with class clean up today either."
Sakura gave her best friend a worried look. "Do you guys need help? Maybe I can—"
"I wish, but you know that no one out of the spring festival committee and the student council can join in." The blonde eyed her dejected friend before sighing. "I don't like it either, but it's the way things are." She stood up after that, gave Sakura a supportive squeeze on the shoulders, and left.
There was something about Ino's last sentence that didn't sit well with Sakura. It had felt like the blonde was talking about something entirely different. And what were the odds that the moment an enemy nin appeared they would be separated so frequently? Even Sakura's attempts at sharing information after and before P.E. were ignored. Ignored? Ino had just brushed off her veiled questions, didn't reply to her coded taps, in fact she had left for the field quicker than usual. Sakura bit her lip, not liking what that meant, a sudden weight settling in her stomach. It had been a while since she felt so alone.
Not knowing what else to do, Sakura went over to the closet in the back of the classroom and got out the broom and dust tray. The class was already empty by then, the last of the students exiting. From the sounds of squeals getting further away, she was certain Sasuke was gone as well. Humming lightly to herself, she started to sweep the class.
Normally it was a group effort, but eventually only Sakura never grew tired of it. Naomi didn't say anything otherwise, Sakura herself never complained, so quickly in the first half of the year the students of 3-C left the twice a week class cleaning to Sakura and of course Ino—when the blonde wasn't tied up with other activities. Sakura never complained because it was like early in the morning where she could just relax and think to herself. Thinking of what? Mostly nothing, which was exactly what her tired mind needed. There was only so much pressure and information a teenage girl could handle. It wasn't seldom restless dreams were filled with jumbled words mixing both worlds until Sakura could tell neither apart. At times all she could see in her school text book was rows and rows of jagged seal symbols that bled like they were carved on flesh.
Once it had been too much and Sakura simply ran, ran in the dead of night until her chakra emptied and her legs felt like they were tearing themselves off. She then collapsed in a shallow creek until she lost all feeling but to her lips, staring up at the starry sky. She returned the evening after to a rescue team sent by Tsunade. Her clothes had still been dripping when her teacher slapped then hugged her out of anger and relief. It had been the start of her early mornings—the need to have at least two hours dedicated to nothing. Blissful nothing. Even sleep in the nights weren't as quiet.
Sakura continued sweeping in peace even as she noticed raven hair followed by an increasing flock of girls exit the gate through the window. Day two and still no attack. Not wanting to think about it, the pink haired girl started to twirl her broom in a lazy loop, humming a bit more loudly. The dust from the broom fibers floated off and Sakura started coughing. Suddenly feeling embarrassed for no reason she quickly went back to regular sweeping. Soon a pile of dust, dirt, hair, bits of paper and eraser were in a neat pile up front. Satisfied with her work, she proceeded to clear off the black-board, taking her time making sure she didn't miss a single stroke. The top part of the black-board a bit hard to reach but on her tip-toes she managed. Even as a ninja, she wasn't too tall which made her appreciate her signature high-heeled ninja sandal. At least she appeared somewhat mature in them.
Turning back to the class Sakura froze.
"Hurry up." Sasuke said, kneeling on the ground with the dust tray in his hand. Sakura stared at him for another beat before picking up the broom and sweeping the contents in. Maybe she was too optimistic thinking that he would leave her alone. It should have been obvious, she would admit, the he could lure the girls away with a clone. Without a word the two worked, straightening out the tables, tying up the trash bag, and then finally placing the cleaning supplies back in the closet. Leaving the class, Sakura placed the trash bag by the door and they both walked to the building exit. Outside, rain clouds darkened the sky.
After putting on her shoes Sakura glanced behind at Sasuke whose shoe box was surprisingly (or not) a few columns down. He was already ready and Sakura knew he was waiting for her. The thought caused a twinge in her chest that she didn't know the meaning of. "Thank you for helping me," she said, bowing low—how many times had she given him an opening to kill her? Without waiting for his reply she walked to the exit, knowing he was following her even if she couldn't hear his steps.
It was raining again. Sakura stopped at the threshold, not surprised at the black umbrella that opened up over her. She turned to peer up at him and he returned her gaze with an expressionless look she was starting to familiarize herself with. Giving him a small smile she turned her eyes back ahead and they both stepped out into the rain. Sakura reasoned the new umbrella in her bag could be used some other time.
As they exited the gates, neither noticed Sawada Naomi staring out from the second story window, her brows harshly furrowed.
The walk was like the one the day before: in silence. The rain wasn't as heavy but still fell around them thick enough to make everything seem muted blue. The difference was the air of despair surrounding Sakura was not present, but rather to be replaced with… complacency. Sasuke didn't know what to make of it, only that the mood was affecting him as well. He was glad there was no one to witness his lowered guard. It would be one of the many things he couldn't explain—he hoped the chance never came.
"Uchiha-san?" Sakura felt bold enough to actually tug slightly at his cuff. The expression on his face seemed nonchalant but inwardly he was surprised at her boldness as well. She hadn't initiated any contact before, however minute it was. Taking his silence as permission to continue, Sakura screamed loudly in her skull before asking, "Can we stop at the market a bit? I need to shop for dinner."
He stared at her. She smiled nervously up at him. Did she step out of bounds? Was she wrong to assume he wouldn't leave her to shop even if she asked him to? She was not reading any hostility from him, but why wasn't he saying anything? "Um," she swallowed a bit, "we're having sukiyaki. It'll be nice if you can stay as well since it really is too much for just my mom and me."
He continued staring at her. She smiled even more nervously up at him.
"Boy! You should say 'yes' at this point!"
Both teenagers snapped their head up at the group of old-ladies, still seated around their mahjong table under the overhang of Bara Noodle House. Apparently, they had stopped near enough to have their conversation—well, Sakura's words—reach the gossip sensitive ears of the women.
"Sakura-chan, a handsome catch you got there, but a bit quiet isn't he?" One of the old ladies cooed. Sakura's jaw dropped and before she could get out a denial Sasuke finally found something he could reply to.
"I'm not her boyfriend." He shifted his weight a bit, feeling oddly uncomfortable despite his callous self.
"Ah!" another lady snorted, "You weren't denying it yesterday!"
"That—I—uh…" great, Sakura sounded like a total retard. How was she supposed to explain that the day before she had been scared her escort would suddenly sink a kunai into her back? The ladies weren't finished however. Bewildered, the two teens stupidly stood where they were.
"Five years we watched you grow yet not one boyfriend! Not even a single boy helping you home even when you forgot your umbrella."
"Yes, yes, that was bad. Poor child, all soaked…"
"So pretty yet so alone…"
"But now…! We knew you had high-standards, Sakura-chan!"
"That…" Was she blushing? Oh, gods, she wasn't blushing, was she?
Sasuke didn't know why he didn't just lead them away then. "Sorry, but I'm not her—"
"Be good to her, young man! Sakura-chan is as delicate as her name. We won't forgive you if you hurt her!"
"And don't forget to carry the groceries for her later!"
"Good luck in love, you two!"
"Aaah…" Finally feeling strength return to her legs, Sakura hurried forward not caring if a few drops of rain landed on her face before Sasuke caught up with her. "Thank you, bye-bye!" she called out hurriedly behind at the old ladies even as she turned the corner heading towards the marketplace.
"I'm so sorry about that, Uchiha-san…" she whispered, her embarrassment underlined by the way she pointedly didn't look at him and how she tried to hide her blush under long pink bangs. "I'm never going down that road again…" she muttered sourly to herself but he caught it anyway. Sasuke didn't say anything and before he knew it, he was shielding them from the rain as she picked out various vegetables, fresh meat (the expensive kind, but she bought them uncut to make it cheaper), and a pack of fried tofu.
Arriving at her front gate, Sakura absently held out the plastics of groceries for him to hold as she fished out the key from her bag. Then Sasuke wasn't quite sure how she managed it but he found himself in her kitchen helping sort out of the vegetables. What the hell? He stopped himself short of bringing the nappa to the sink to wash it. What was… he doing? He accounted it to years living alone and cooking his own meals that made him work on auto-pilot when handling groceries. The pink-haired girl was busy setting up the various cutting boards and baskets to wash the vegetables. He watched her a moment, somewhat dumbfounded she invited him in so easily without him realizing it. Sasuke suddenly decided his months in ANBU pretty much contributed crap to his awareness skills.
He opened his mouth to let out a curt excuse to leave but she turned to him and the look in her eyes made him pause. "Uchiha-san, can you wash the mushrooms? Drain them when they're clean." She turned back to her work, fully expecting him to obey to her instructions. They way she looked at him had been straight on; at ease, trusting, so damn normal. In that moment she didn't see him as a ninja, as an enemy, or even as a stranger. How could she still look at him that way after the genjutsu he forced on her yesterday? After earlier that day as he summoned a snake around her neck? Just seeing the feared tattoo on his arm would turn kunoichi and comrades alike back in Konoha away. But she, she looked at him no different. In fact, she now looked at him with increasing trust and honesty. His world felt like it was at wrong angles as he proceeded to follow her orders. The stupid dobe was wrong; Orochimaru didn't kill him inside enough.
Truth be told, Sakura was slightly surprised when Sasuke started to wash the mushrooms as she told him to. A part of her expected him to grab the nearest chopping knife and bury it in her head then wait for her mother to come to and ambush her as well. But then, it was her house, her kitchen, and enemy shinobi or not she expected him to follow orders. At home, her low-self esteem pretty much was nonexistent.
The pair worked pretty much like they did in the classroom earlier only this time Sakura was politely giving instructions while Sasuke complied, asking short questions if something wasn't clear enough. Both being ninjas, the small room wasn't a problem as they agilely maneuvered around each other, setting up the table and preparing the raw vegetables and meat.
"You're good at this." Sakura commented as she peeked at Sasuke cutting the fatty meat in precise slices with swift movements. She noted the consistency of the thin slices and her inner self lamented how he was better at it than her. Wasn't there a rule that when one was good enough to take skin grafts with a kunai, one should also be good enough to slice beef consistently? Apparently, someone needs to invent it.
"I live by myself." He absently answered. The relaxed pace of preparing dinner hindered the usual restraint he had for conversation.
"Ah," Sakura didn't know what else to say but tried, "I can't imagine how that feels…" she walked a few steps over to the opposing counter to prepare the sukiyaki sauce. "I've been raised with my mother all my life. I can't imagine coming home to no one. What's that like?" It occurred to her she was being amazingly straightforward, bordering on rudeness, but the words couldn't be taken back.
Sasuke deposited a portion of the sliced meat neatly onto a plate and proceeded to cut the rest of it into thin slices as well. "It's… quiet." He observed how well sharpened the knife was. It cut through meat smoother than his katana. It was something expected.
"I like peace and quiet myself. But when it's quiet too long memories become louder." Sakura went over to the stove and started boiling water for tea. "By then, I would wish mother was home so I can hear her voice drowning them out."
"…" Sasuke stopped cutting and Sakura tilted her head back when he did so. She studied his broad shoulders and straight back then noticed the ever so slight trembling exhale. She smiled to herself before turning back to the stove. She wanted to know… She wanted to know more about Uchiha Sasuke. Not only him as a shinobi.
"Wouldn't you want the same, Uchiha-san?"
"… Yes. I would."
And they lapsed into silence that was filled with the comforting sounds of the kitchen and Sakura's humming.
"Tadaima!" Kiseki shouted as she peeled off her sandals. Even as long as they have already stayed in Rain Country, she still felt she would never get used to the rainy weather and high humidity. It was an insignificant price to pay on settling in a modern town with zero ninja activity—or any other dubious activity for that matter. The streets were so safe that children play out well after the sun has set. If it weren't for regular high-paced bloody missions on the weekends, Sakura and she would have easily fell prey to the trap of mundane life.
"Okaeri, kaa-san!" Came her daughter's muffled shout from the kitchen. "The sukiyaki is ready!"
"Great, Sakura! I'm starving…" the red-haired woman trailed off, noticing a pair of black men's shoes.
"Invite him over if you got a chance, you don't get boys like him around much."
"Yes, kaa-san."
It had required no acting when Kiseki entered the kitchen to only pause in surprise. The four person table was full of fresh vegetables and meat as a sizzling pan sat on the gas grill in the middle already filled with food. But that wasn't what was surprising; it was the boy sitting across from Sakura. For a moment Kiseki thought she was staring at Uchiha Mikoto, the gentle kunoichi that would always invite the women of neighboring clans for tea on weekends. Then the young man stood up to slightly bow his head at her.
"Good evening, Haruno-san. My apologies for the intrusion. I'm Matsunaga Kei, pleased to meet you." His voice was cool, polite, yet distant at the same time. As Kiseki got closer, the young man looked less and less like Mikoto and more like the deadly shinobi threat he was. She could swear to the gods that if she had a weapon she would have attacked him.
"Not at all… Matsunaga-kun was it?" Kiseki smiled and took a seat next to Sakura who immediately scooped some of the meat and vegetables into a small rice bowl for her. "I heard from my daughter you walked her home yesterday. I'm very grateful."
"It was not a problem." Sasuke waited till the Haruno matriarch cheerfully uttered "itadakimasu" before he resumed cooking his portion of the vegetables and meat. He would admit it was good sukiyaki that was worth the awkwardness of having dinner with mission targets.
"So, tell me a bit about your family," Kiseki prodded after they were all in a comfortable eating pace. "You just transferred this week?"
Sasuke told the story he had been given, Sakura listening in interest though she knew it wasn't his true background. The mother and daughter would ask more questions and tell a bit about themselves when presented the chance. Sasuke mused that if he hadn't already known, he would have never guessed the two to be anything but regular civilians. The single mother who works from home and the exemplar only daughter who is aiming to be a doctor—all they need is a little dog rescued from a street corner. Soon the food was gone, mostly thanks to Sasuke's male appetite, and he politely stayed to help clean up the table. He was from a noble clan after all; etiquette doesn't disappear even after cursed seals, torture, and ruthless killings.
"It was nice having you over for dinner, Matsunaga-kun. Please feel free to join us anytime; it's been a while since there's a man at the table." Kiseki gave Sasuke a smile he didn't quite acknowledge. Compared to the smile Sakura was giving him, Kiseki's almost seem like a scowl. The older matriarch was definitely someone to watch out for.
"Thank you and I apologize again for the intrusion," Sasuke gave another small bow as Kiseki gave him a last smile before going upstairs. He exited the house with Sakura following so she could lock the gate after him.
"Well," Sakura nervously said after they have both been standing outside the gate motionless for a few seconds. "Thank you so much for taking me home and helping me with dinner."
"Hn."
She looked up at him, her emeralds still beautiful in the dim light. "It was really fun. See you tomorrow."
"Hn." He turned and started walking away.
"Good night, Uchiha-san."
"…Hn. Good night, Sakura."
Kiseki watched the whole exchange from her darkened bedroom window, not liking how her only daughter smiled at the youth's fading back.
"So, how is Sasuke-teme doing?"
Shino stared at the blonde chuunin for a beat before ignoring him completely ("Hey!") to address the white-haired Godaime across the room. "Uchiha Sasuke's initial report." With that, he came forward to hand the scroll to Jiraiya before stepping back.
Uzumaki Naruto, always one to ignore all formal boundaries, leaned over behind his teacher to read the contents of the scroll. After a few moments, as it was a relatively short scroll, the two scowled in unison. Shino felt the student and teacher have spent way too much time together. "He's asking for more time, eh?" Jiraiya rubbed his chin, "That's not like him. Especially how he had complained against the mission from the start."
"But, but, wasn't it clear that the Sakura girl is a ninja?" Naruto pondered, his eyes narrowed until they were just slits.
"By all accounts, yes. There's something that's making him doubt it…" and although Jiraiya didn't like the idea, he voiced it anyway, "Or, there's another reason. A more… personal one."
Shino felt it an acceptable time to voice his own concerns, "He had been acting a bit defensive when questioned about his decisions."
"I see," the old man gave a sigh, "then we'll give him time. Check back on him next week, but I want a more detailed report. Maybe having him get closer to the girl might yield favorable results." Other than the obvious advantages, the Uchiha heir needed a mother for his children. Jiraiya had never been against the idea of a trophy wife from enemy sides. It had been regular practice during the Great Shinobi Wars as well.
Naruto, clueless as ever, needed Jiraiya to elaborate. "Eh? What do you mean, ero-sennin?"
"Don't call me that!" Naruto ignored him and Jiraiya continued, "That Sasuke boy isn't bad looking—" to which both Shino and Naruto felt was severely marred by having the personality of a pit viper, "—and if he could get the girl to fall in love with him, then Tsunade's prized pupil loyalty will be ours. That would be more beneficial than having her killed."
"Ceh, Sasuke-teme hardly deserves a girl…"
"You say that now, Naruto, when you have always been the one fighting for his happiness." It was obvious to everyone regarding the sibling rivalry/friendship between the two team-mates that was only marred when the boys had been bitter enemies at one point. Which brought another detail to Jiraiya's attention. "However, we can't afford to have Sasuke occupied for long. With Sound getting stronger every day we can't waste a powerful ninja like him away from Konoha. I also fear Orochimaru is seeking Tsunade as well and might attempt to get Sasuke back. There have been signs Sound ninja were investigating kunoichi activities."
"What for?" Shino inquired.
"Well, as much as I hate to admit, the kunoichi will be the deciding factor if Orochimaru is successful in destroying Konoha and gaining immortality. So far, the kunoichi have been neutral in that they just kill whoever gets in their way, but if they, especially that Tsunade, were to pick a side then the odds will be overwhelming for the ones they chose. The kunoichi have been gaining power and it wouldn't be a wild guess they are more than able to tip the scales. Their numbers are laughable compared to ours, but in terms of average power and strategies, they are able to do as much damage as any other major ninja village." Jiraiya kept envisioning toads, snakes, and slugs. It was a balanced relationship; if one was to work with the other… the remaining will definitely perish.
"For all we know, Sasuke could be pissing them off by now, the arrogant bastard that he is," the loud blonde grumbled, "you should have sent me instead!"
'NO! That would have been much worse!' The other two men cried inwardly. The Godaime coughed, "Well, Naruto, I don't think that quiet Hyuuga of yours would be so accepting of the idea."
"Hinata-chan?" Naruto scratched the back of his head, "She won't complain… but I guess she still won't be happy if I seduce another woman."
'… Seduce?' It was well-known if it wasn't for the dark haired girl's sudden confidence and bravery, Naruto would have never suspected a thing.
"Anyway, give Sasuke the space he needs. But, at the slightest sign that Orochimaru is going on the offensive, yank him back no matter how far he's gotten. You're dismissed, Shino."
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama." Shino bowed before disappearing in a blur.
"Hey, hey, ero-sennin…"
The white-haired man grumbled at the nick name, "Yes, Naruto?"
"What if Sasuke is the one that falls in love with her? You said that the kunoichi are masters in seduction…"
Slug beats snake. "Yeah, we'll just have to trust the boy. Now, get out, Naruto, I have papers to sign."
The outgoing ninja grumbled all the way out the door and Jiraiya slumped back into his seat once he was alone. There was a simple reason why Sasuke had been the one sent. The only free men fitting for the mission by age-group had been Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, and Inuzuka Kiba. He needed a competent jounin who could easily see through genjutsu—techniques favored by kunoichi—which narrowed the list down to Sasuke and Neji. The Byakukan user was the top choice as he had a spotless record. However, his facial features, the eyes and juin seal, were too much of a problem to hide adequately. Sasuke was left, despite the tattoos on his body from Orochimaru and ANBU which can be hidden with long-sleeves. It was about time Sasuke be given some trust for a mission far from Konoha after his 1 year probation. This was the second chance Sasuke got and Jiraiya hoped the boy wouldn't screw it up as there will be no other.
Sasuke was also a handsome young man who had experience being seduced by women of all ages and types, managing to refuse and keep indifferent from all their attempts. He was also meaning to have heirs which meant he would be extremely careful with whom he would choose. Though, with his brother still on the loose, it will be unlikely Sasuke lower his guard enough to let a woman enter his heart. This apprentice of Tsunade should have him regard her no different. Even if she was to actively seduce him, the ice-block would not melt if he doesn't let her.
Jiraiya just hoped Sasuke himself will remember that fact.
To be Continued…
A.N. I've decided to postpone the moment this fic will deserve the 'M' rating and work on developing the plot further. So, I'll set it at a 'T' rating (for violence) until then. When I first started writing this, it was supposed to be a straightforward, Romeo & Juliet-esque, one-shot. Then it became a more complicated, Romeo & Juliet-esque (with lots of blood and gore), multi-chaptered fic. It wouldn't be as long as my other fics, but I've been known to eat my own words with relish.
Now that you know it's Romeo & Juliet-esque, you might predict things are going to end badly. I shall rest your worries that I probably won't let it. Maybe. Depends.
Hm.
Again, thank you for all the wonderful reviews!