Chapter 5
I nearly sigh as I look at them. Their smiles annoy me. Are they really this Naive? "Sakura." I say her name making her look away from her team in question, her eyes softening upon me for reasons I can't figure out. "Tell Aphrodite something for me." Now her brows furrow in confusion.
"What do you mean?! You'll be able to tell her yourself!" Naruto chuckles as he puts his hands behind his head. I very nearly shake my head.
"Tell her, I felt Damen in the Land of Earth." I finish before shooting my energy through my body. As it coats my form the wood around me catches fire and breaks. Leaping into the trees I move away from them towards the broken bridge.
Jumping down I touch the ground next to my teammates. I really didn't want to do this. All I want to do is sleep. "There is a team of Leaf Ninja on their way here." I mutter to them before jumping off the cliff. Placing my chakra into my feet I run down the ridge until I reach the halfway point and change my direction towards the next bridge. Kisame and Itachi behind me.
"We sure do a lot of running away." Kisame grunts and I roll my eyes. I'm really too tired for this.
"It can't be helped." Itachi says as he catches up to me and runs next to me. I could feel his eyes as he looks at me and I frown. Feelings stirring in me I wasn't sure would ever come back. Why is it, that a part of me, wanted them to take me to the village? Am I really that tired of running?
At this thought, I stop and look down at the rocks under my feet. My hands curling into fists. It was then I feel Itachi's hand on my shoulder bringing my gaze up to him. "We are far enough. Let's rest." I tell him before jumping up onto the edge of the ridge. Finding a spot under a tree, I sit down Ignoring their eyes. Yes, my doubts… They have to be because I am tired.
Itachi sets next to me as Kisame sprawls out on the ground. Leaning against the man next to me I try to close my eyes. Only to have their faces popping up into my mind. I know what the consequences will be if I leave the Akatsuki. They would hunt me down and innocent people will die. So why is there a need in me to return to the one place that has caused me the most physical pain? Could I really be such a masochist?
As if he could tell what was going through my mind I feel his fingers gently run over my hair atop my head. Looking up at him he places his hand lightly on the side of my face. His thumb flutters over my cheek just before he pulls me closer to him. His lips pressing against mine. Reaching up I sift my fingers into his hair at the base of his loose ponytail as his arms wrap around me. Pulling me onto his lap. With my feet on the ground at either side of his legs, I pull myself closer to him so I can feel my body press against his. Itachi's hands trail up from my hips, as I feel his hands skit over my back then to my shoulders ever before his touch leaves me. The sound of my cloak's snaps being popped reaches my ears even as I slip my tongue past his lips.
Not unlike normal a smile never glances at the corners of our mouths, no emotion ever slips over our features. Our breathing laboring with only the mere thought of what we were doing. My hands slip from his ponytail as I find my goal. Pulling at his cloak with just enough strength to slip his snaps and rid him of the hindrance. His tongue finds and wraps around mine ever before we rid each other of our cloaks. When Itachi's hands find the hem of my shirt all of my previous thoughts of the Leaf fade from my heart and mind, further pulling me forward. Our lips leave each other as he slips my shirt over my head, only pausing long enough for me to do the same with his. Baring ourselves to the open night air. I run my fingers along his muscular arms and over his chest as I lean forward and press my lips back against his.
His hands grip onto my hips firmly as I press my chest against his if only to feel the physical contact with each other. I run my hands up his arms before sifting my fingers into the base of his ponytail. His tongue darts into my mouth automatically finding my tongue again. I found myself practically squirming on top of him as his bulge presses against me in a tantalizing way. Bucking my hips against his hardened bulge, I feel his hands squeeze my hips as his breath catches.
Itachi's lips leave mine, trailing kisses down my jaw and to my neck. His hands moving from my hips just enough I feel the tug on my pants as he unties the knot keeping them up. When the pressure is off my hips I raise up on his lap just enough his lips are now at my collar bone as he slips his right hand into my pants between us. Sitting up I look down as his hand disappears from my view beneath the fabric ever before I feel his long fingers trace my folds. Nipping my bottom lip, careful of my fangs my gaze meets his a moment before he leans forward a bit and captures my nipple in his mouth. Shooting the familiar electrical waves through my body nearly making me moan.
Hearing this Itachi pulls away from me before guiding me to my feet. His hands catch my pants and slowly slide them past my hips. Ever before he stands letting the clothing fall to the ground. Reaching out I hook the hem of his pants with my thumbs and tug them down, boxers and all. Itachi cups my chin and lifts my gaze to meet his as I feel his other hand trail over my skin. His touch travels down before he cups my rear and lifts me from the ground. We both already knew how light a trained ninja sleeps. Just as we know every time we do this we stand a high probability of being caught by our sleeping teammate.
Yet, as he settles himself back down and lowers me onto him. Neither one of us could care at this moment if we get caught or not. Itachi releases my chin and helps position the head of his cock between my folds before easing me gently back down to how we had just been setting. His hard length pulsing within me, pressing against my furthest recesses has me intaking a breath that didn't wish to be controlled. Pressing a quick kiss on his lips I lean forward and drag my fangs over his neck. Squirming as I feel his hardened length jump inside me as his breath hitches.
As I sink my fangs into the soft curve of his neck sending his warm blood into my mouth, Itachi's hands grip my hips firmly. His fingers press against my skin hard enough, I wouldn't be able to move even if I wanted to. Closing my eyes I take in his sweet red juice as my lips cup around his skin completely to spill as little as possible. Only once my lips were latched around him does his hands force my hips up and down on his lap in gentle silent strokes.
Pulling my fangs from him I lap up the excess blood from his wound before using my legs to time my movement with how he had been working my hips. With his hands now free he reaches up and cups my breasts, squeezing them in his large hands. Ever mindful of how much noise we make. Every quiver of our breathing, every hitch of our breath, and the rustling of the grass beneath us.
As I rest my hands on his shoulders he releases my breasts and leans back on his hands. Shifting his legs a bit before his hips begin to match my pace. Pushing himself within me each time I slide back down his hard length. As I feel my pique slowly and torturously building I lean forwards a bit and catch his lips with my own. Each thrust nearly forcing my moans from my practiced hold. All the while, Kisame was sleeping only a few feet from us. But I'm thankful for this distraction.
~...~
The Leaf village team had since returned to their village. Standing in front of the Hokage and giving their report. "So, the Akatsuki spy was Kabuto who turned traitor. Orochimaru came along believing he was meeting Sasori with full intent on killing him. You had a rare opportunity and found Sasuke who got away." Tsunade sums it up with a sigh and sets back in her chair keeping one hand on her teacup. "Your mission was a complete failure. But I'm glad everyone made it back in one piece."
"One more thing, M'lady." Yamato speaks up drawing the Hokage's attention back from her thoughts to them. Sakura and Naruto's eyes saddened and their gazes move towards the floor. "We ran into Kira Lake." He states making Tsunade's eyes widen, a gasp escaping from her. -So, this one mission led them to seeing both of their missing teammates.- She bites her bottom lip.
"And?" Tsunade asks feeling her aggravation with this entire ordeal rising.
"I believe what Sasori had told Sakura to be correct." He states soothing Tsunade's rising temper. Confusion visibly settling in. "We ran into her and unlike what Kakashi and Guy reported she was.." He pauses trying to find the right words.
"Sad, M'lady." Sakura speaks up now bringing her attention fully back to the conversation at hand. Her hands shaking slightly at her sides.
"Yes, that's it." Yamato says before continuing to elaborate for the now confounded Hokage. "When we confronted her, before she revealed who she was she returned Sai's things to him and injected me with something."
"What?!" Tsunade stands her eyes narrowing trying to think of what could be going on. Yamato raises his hands in front of him as a sign for her to either calm down or to show it's not his fault.
"Apparently she's been working on a medicine to promote healing M'lady." Sakura steps up her nervous gaze on her mentor. -To promote healing?- Tsunade silently questions as her gaze moves between Sakura and Yamato.
"Yes, you see I sustained serious damage during our confrontation with Sasuke Uchiha. My wound healed within moments of her injection M'lady." Yamato clarifies for her causing her brows to furrow again in confusion. "I believe she may still have some fondness left for the village."
"I see, is there anything else?" Tsunade asks as she sets back down. Resting her elbows on the desk and folding her hands in front of her face.
"Yes, M'lady." Sakura speaks as Yamato looks down at her. She pauses a moment as Tsunade's gaze falls back on her. "She gave us a message, for Aphrodite." -A message?-
"What kind of message?" Tsunade asks trying to understand everything she is hearing. According to Damphire, she hasn't seen her cousin since about a week before she came up missing. And things weren't exactly on good terms between them.
"Kira felt Damen in the Land of Earth." A warning? Sighing Tsunade closes her eyes mulling through the entire report of what happened. "I see, for now, Team Kakashi, you will return home and wait for further orders. You are dismissed."
Tsunade waits until they leave before she stands and moves to the window. Waiting to see them exit the building before speaking again. "Shizune, summon Damphire's squad."
"But, M'lady, do you think it's wise? With the Akatsuki right around the corner, we will.."
"Just do it!" Tsunade snaps causing Shizune to run out of the room to do as she was told. First the Akatsuki and now Damen. Damn! In her frustration, Tsunade hits the wall of her office causing it to crack from the point of impact. Nearly breaking it completely.
~...~
We no sooner walk into the tower than the Leader's voice echoes in my head. Telling me to come to his room. Shaking my head I nearly sigh catching Itachi and Kisame's attention. "Yes sir." I say aloud waiting for the jutsu to end before finally actually sighing. And I had been so hoping for a rare break. "I'll see you guys in the common area." I tell them before backtracking the way we had come towards the stairs.
I made my way up to the top floor of the tower and I found myself pausing in front of his door. It isn't exactly normal for the leader to call someone up to his room. Usually, he just does his mind link jutsu to relay his orders. Or has Konan to come and get me for when we talk. This fact alone had me on edge. "Come in, Kira." His deep calm voice meets my ears showing he already knew I was here. Taking in a steadying breath I walk into the very room I had first entered three years ago, the day I had joined the Akatsuki.
Pein was standing in front of the doors leading out to his balcony. His back to me as he continues to stare out of the tower at the village around us. "Sir?" I ask slowly stepping up to him to stand next to him. My eyes met the rain that was pouring past the balcony to the ground below.
"What I am going to tell you, is something only you can do." He states quietly drawing my attention away from the scene and up to him. An underlying tone to his voice was telling me. He really didn't want to do this. Meaning... It was Tobi's orders, not his.
"What is it, sir?" I ask almost hesitantly now dreading what orders he was given by the psychotic true leader of the organization.
"I want you to return to Konoha." Huh? What? Why?! I gasp at his words disbelief running through my mind along with the confusion as to why. "I want you to watch the nine tail jinjuriki and when it is time. Bring him to us."
"I see... I'm the only one that could do this mission because he was on my team in Konoha." I mutter, leaving out the fact that twice now they have tried to capture me just to take me back anyway. I already have one foot through the gates. The problem would be what happens once I return. Probably more torture... At this thought, I nearly growl in displeasure.
"Yes." He states before finally turning to me. Looking down at me with no trace of an expression to be seen. He knows it too. What will be awaiting me. This is why he really did not want to give me these orders. Itachi has been hiding it well. But his illness is weakening him enough he would have a difficult time capturing his assigned mark when they were ready for him. Basically, it's now my mark.
"You do know, I'll have to give them some information." I speak my thought aloud and he nods grunting in agreement. "And we'll have to make them believe I turned coat." I mutter and he grunts again.
"I have no doubt you will think of something." He says before walking out onto his balcony. My queue to leave. Once the door to his room shuts behind me I fold my shaking hands in front of me. This mission is ideal for the Akatsuki. It will mean that at any given point in time they can get their hands on the Leaf jinjuriki. It's an important mission and an extremely dangerous one.
Walking downstairs to the bedrooms I frown feeling a heavyweight in my heart. Stopping at Itachi's door, I knock already knowing he wouldn't be in there. When there was no answer I walk into his room, void of anything personal set within. Going to the bed I lay down on it letting the remnants of his pine scent waft over me. Burying my face in his pillow a tear slips from my left eye. My emotions are torn. Half of me wanted to return, the other half wants to stay. I know why Tobi decided on this course of action. Just as he knows my loyalties will remain with the Akatsuki so long as Itachi is with them.
With a sigh, I get up and wipe the tears from my cheek before reaching behind me beneath my cloak and getting into my travel bag. Retrieving the two books I had placed in there. Setting the purple leather-bound book with his name etched on it in gold letters that look like it was written in liquid gold, still wet and swirling in the symbols of his name, onto his bed and moving the blue one into the pouch at my hip.
Walking out of his room I go into mine just down the hall to retrieve my things. After packing the last handwritten book into my bag I leave my room. My Akatsuki robe folded neatly on my bed with my headband containing my crossed-out Leaf symbol resting on it. Sighing on my way out of the building I pause at the door to the common room and peer inside. Kisame and Itachi were sitting on a couch while Hidan and Kakuzu were arguing again as Hidan stuffs a piece of chicken into his mouth.
In order for this to work, the rest of the organization needs to believe I abandoned them. Only three people can be trusted to know the truth. Tobi, pein, and... My eyes fall on Itachi one last time before I walk away and leave the tower. From not having much for money these past few years I had no way of getting my own clothes. I've continued to wear the outfits that Itachi has grown out of.
The bluish-grey pants were tied at my waist to keep them from falling. His black shirt with fishnet around the neckline hung loosely around my form blowing in the breeze as I jump from tree to tree. My eyes set ahead of me, focused on my mission if only to keep myself from dwelling on the fact of what is to come and what I had just left behind. Upon nearing the village I hear a twig crack as movement pushes against my outlying energy. One lone person was out here this late at night. One, I can handle. Stopping my advance to the village I leap down onto the ground.
Closing my eyes I slip my hands into my pockets and wait as the one who had spotted me comes closer at a fast rate. When they appear in front of me I bow my head a bit and slouch my shoulders to give them a view of fatigue and sorrow. "I didn't think I would run into you, Kakashi." I speak without opening my eyes. I feel him already pulling a kunai from his holster quietly. His dark eye on me. Watching for any movement. "You can put that away." I tell him with a sigh before opening my eyes and looking up at him.
"What are you doing here Kira?" He asks almost harshly and I very nearly smile. Instead, I let myself frown at his tone of voice.
"The Akatsuki finally trusted me enough after evading you guys twice that they dropped their guards, so I could get away without them tailing me." I tell him lightly seeing his dark eye soften. His stance changes from one ready to fight as he drops his kunai to his side. "I want to come home, Sensei." I say softly feeling a tear prick against my left eye.
As the tear finally breaks free and rolls down my cheek I watch him put his kunai back into his holster and he sighs softly. "It's about time." He says gently making me smile. "I was just leaving on a mission to locate Jiraiya but I guess I can escort you to the Hokage first." I give him a nod before looking down.
"Thank you, Sensei." I say quietly and follow him towards the village. He was quiet just like he used to be. Yet, this time there was a bit of tenseness to it rather than the welcoming silence I've known from him.
"How?" He starts to ask and I roll my shoulders forward in feigned reaction to the tone in his voice.
"I am supposed to be sleeping while they are having their monthly meeting." I all but whisper to him. "Usually they keep me within eyesight but this time I was left alone so they wouldn't bother my rest. Big mistake on their part."
"Within eyesight huh." Kakashi says and I nod. "So that day.."
"Yes, Kisame was watching me from a distance keeping an eye on our interaction." I mutter before looking up at him. It is now I realize I only come up to his shoulder. I really am short. "Then again in the land of grass. Itachi and Kisame were there as well." Looking away from him as his eye meets mine and I puff out my cheeks. "It's not like I didn't want to come home. Just didn't want anyone getting hurt in the process so I waited for the right moment." I then return my gaze to him to meet his dark eye. "This made attempt number thirty-six. I just had to stop trying to run long enough for them to trust me."
"I see." He says as the gates come to view. I nearly find myself pausing looking at them, the lump in my chest returning as my hands begin to shake. "Hm?" Kakashi questions stopping to look at me before his gaze too moves to the gates. "That's right, it hadn't been long before you were taken when the Third Hokage did what he did." Kakashi says gently and I nod. Clenching my fists in my pockets and bowing my head as I start walking again.
"Let's get this over with." I sigh. "I bet Ibiki is itching to get his hands back on me." I walk past Kakashi as he watches me. I knew a part of him wanted to reassure me that it wasn't going to happen again. But we both know better. If my answers to this new Hokage aren't satisfactory, I will be back on that table in that room for a second time. This time though, I can't blame them.
"Huh?" The chunin gate watchers stand as I walk into the village, their nerves only settling down once Kakashi joins me. I shoot them a quick glance before walking in the direction of the one place I never thought I would willingly enter again. The Hokage mansion.
