Hey, everyone!!! (ducks bullets) I'd like to give a long explanation about how I got lost on the road of life, but I have a feeling you just want the chapter, yes?
Kishimoto's just spewing out characters now, isn't he? Well, they better be good for something, or else he may be found in a pool of his own blood someday…
For the record, I don't own Naruto.
- - -
"So, the ball seemed to be successful last night," Sakura remarked to Tenten the next day as they strolled through the public gardens.
Tenten nodded, picking a leaf off of her gown. "Yes, the duke was very pleased with how it turned out. Do you know, he complimented Lady Hinata for the first time this morning? It was quite a shock."
"And I take it His Grace does not give compliments unnecessarily?" Sakura guessed, cocking her head.
"His Grace does not give compliments at all," Tenten corrected wryly. "I thought Neji was going to faint." Then she laughed at that absurd thought. Growing sober again, she thought to add, "And I know Uchiha was bothering you last night. Lee claims he was trying to trick you into admitting that you knew his brother. Are you quite all right?"
"I am." Sakura nodded. "I didn't slip up at all, and at least Kabuto didn't show up as well."
Tenten sighed, shaking her head. "No, Kabuto was there. Luckily, Lady Hinata caught him before he found you."
"I must thank her for saving me twice, then," Sakura replied lightly. She let out a long sigh. "I do wish they would leave me alone."
"All of them?" Tenten asked, raising an eyebrow. "Even Itachi?" Without waiting for an answer she went on, "Speaking of Itachi, I wonder what possessed him to wear a flower last night."
Sakura looked away, fixing her eyes on a faraway point. "I wonder…" she murmured vaguely.
Looking sidelong at her friend, Tenten sighed. "I know that he is handsome, but you should make an effort to stay away from him," she chided, knowing fully well that Sakura would ignore her advice.
"My mother and father will expect me to wed someday," Sakura told her quietly, "and not all of us are as lucky as you, to wed someone we love. I would like to enjoy my life before I am forced to become an obedient, faithful wife in order to provide for my family."
Tenten scoffed, tossing her head. "Half of the nobles are cheating on one another," she remarked scornfully, wrinkling her nose at her fellow nobles. "An affair is not unheard of."
"Where would I get with a reputation like Karin's?" Sakura replied dryly. "No, I will marry when my father declares it, and I will be faithful."
"Even if he is not?"
She hesitated for a split second before answering, "Even if he is not."
Tenten's eyes softened. "You are a good girl. Foolish, but you are a good girl," she murmured, reaching out and straightening a fold in Sakura's dress. "Take care that you do not get caught, then."
Despite Tenten's cautioning words, Sakura welcomed Itachi into her room that night.
"You looked radiant last evening," the marquess told her as he peppered her face with soft kisses. "You outshined everyone in the room and made all of the other ladies look pale in comparison."
"Even the duchess?" she asked shrewdly.
Itachi chuckled. "Her Grace does not shine; rather, she glows. And she is always pale."
"But she is beautiful, as I am not," she murmured, ashamed to admit her envy.
Itachi's hand came up to stroke her cheek tenderly. "Yes, she is beautiful," he whispered, "but it is a superficial beauty meant to ensnare her victims. You do not need that kind of beauty."
Her eyes fluttered shut as she yawned, pulling away reluctantly. He did not turn his back to her as she undressed for bed; instead, his eyes swept over her lithe, undergarment-clothed body as he watched her.
She blushed, slipping into her nightgown. "Will you stay with me tonight?" she requested timidly.
"Pardon?"
"Will you stay with me tonight?" she repeated, taken aback by the sudden flash of emotion in his eyes.
"Will I – " he broke off, chuckling wearily.
"Please?" She stared up at him with entreaty in her wide emerald orbs. "I am too old to ask my father to hold me, and I…"
He groaned softly, already shedding his jacket. "I cannot guarantee that I will keep my hands to myself," he warned, laying down beside her and taking her in his arms.
In answer, she merely snuggled up closer to him, inhaled his scent, and closed her eyes. When her even breathing told him that she had fallen asleep, he looked down and found a faint smile on her lips.
Foolish, he told himself, but lowered his head and placed a fond kiss on her forehead.
"Goodnight," he whispered, tucking her head under his chin with her cheek pressed firmly against the base of his throat.
They did not stir again until the sun came peering through the silk curtains on Sakura's windows.
Sakura blinked against the sunlight and tried to get up, only to be held down by a pair of strong arms encircling her. She spent a moment in confusion, trying to remember what had happened.
It came back to her when a dulcet baritone spoke, amused by her distress. "Going somewhere, Sakura?"
She jerked upwards, startled. Turning with difficulty due to the tight embrace in which she was trapped, she stared into obsidian eyes.
"Oh! Itachi, you scared me!"
"I can see that," he said wryly. She blushed but was given no time to retort as he immediately captured her mouth with his. His tongue swept inside like velvet to clear all thoughts from her mind, leaving her pleasurably fuzzy.
"Itachi… It is too early for this…" she protested feebly, panting as she pulled away.
"Nonsense," he purred, drawing her back into his embrace. She tried to escape, but it was in vain; in the end, his distinct scent and the comforting warmth of his arms won her over and she settled, disgruntled, beside him.
She found herself the receptor of lavish attention and the short kisses that he peppered all over her face; squealing and squirming, she tried unsuccessfully to push him away. She squeaked as he retaliated by nipping her neck.
"Itachi!" she cried laughingly, her attempts to chide him ending in a whimper when he dragged his tongue languorously over the spot that he had nipped.
He watched her go limp as he pressed his lips to her throat, fascinated by the show of emotions that crossed her face.
"You look like you like that," he drawled out slowly, his warm breath raising goosebumps on her flesh. She shivered and drew him close out of instinct.
He growled in approval at the increase in contact and tightened his arms around her, his mouth alternating between gentle biting and sucking at her neck.
Her protestations quickly became murmurs of delight, and soon enough she was cooing encouragement to him, practically melting from the exquisite sensations caused by his careful ministrations.
Slowly, his attention dropped lower and lower on her neck, until he was focused on a spot that could not longer be called part of her neck. A shiver of anticipation had just begun its way down her spine when footsteps made their way over to Sakura's door.
There was only a light knock on the door by way of warning before an elderly maid bustled in. She stopped short, taking in Sakura's glazed eyes, heavy breathing, and swollen lips.
"I – " Sakura began feebly, but she was cut off as the maid spoke brusquely, keeping her eyes trained on a spot above Sakura's shoulder.
"I am admiring your wallpaper, lady," she said gruffly. "If I were you, I would finish my business before the mistress comes up to check."
Reluctantly untangling himself from Sakura, Itachi took his time stretching lazily, completely unmindful of Sakura's anxious prodding. After what seemed to her to be an eternity, he finally placed a tender kiss on her lips, gave her a roguish grin, and slipped out the window with a grace that betrayed the many times he had entered and exited y those very same means.
Hesitantly Sakura turned back to the maid, who was still resolutely studying the wall. Feeling Sakura's gaze on her face, she slowly lowered her eyes to her mistress' face.
"You – you won't mention…"
The maid raised an eyebrow. "I walked in, saw you flushed and panting, and worried that you might be catching something – but your wallpaper really is impressive."
"Thank you," Sakura whispered gratefully.
The older woman gave her a grin that belied her years. "All of us want to have some fun before we're locked away, dear. Who am I to report things I haven't seen?"
Sakura glanced sharply at the woman. " 'Locked away'?"
"Of course, my lady. For some women, it is when they are sent away to work; but you are a lady. You will be married, and then your husband will be the only one allowed in your chamber," the maid lectured knowingly.
"I – "
"Some women – I dare not call them ladies – continue to invite men into their beds after their marriages, but you have been raised correctly." She stared for a long time at Sakura before giving a sharp nod. "Have your fun now, but don't get too carried away."
"I – "
Suddenly, she was all business, her movements brisk and controlled, not a hint of nostalgia evident in the lines of her face. "The mistress wants you wearing silver today, but failed to specify which one in particular. Turn around, child, so I can unbutton you."
With the maid's efficient dexterity, Sakura would of the room in record timing – not that anyone had ever recorded the time it took a lady to undress and redress. She wore the dress with the highest collar she owned.
She opted to skip breakfast and paid Tenten a visit, catching her friend just as she was returning from an early morning appointment.
"Sakura!" The countess was delighted to see her, beckoning her over with joy. "Neji and I have decided on a date for our wedding!"
Sakura clasped Tenten's hands, beaming her congratulations. "That is wonderful! When will it be?"
"Well, I thought I couldn't possibly plan something like this in a short amount of time, but Neji couldn't wait, so we – ahem – discussed it until (our voices were gone and) we compromised…" Tenten babbled on and on, unable to stem the nervousness. "Sakura, will you attend our wedding, which is to be held in two months?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, my dear friend," Sakura replied fervently. "But we mustn't stand gossiping on your doorstep for the world to see! May I come in?"
"Oh, yes; please do," Tenten remembered in a hurry. "My apologies – where my manners have gone I'm quite sure I don't know…" She trailed off, sighing, as she lowered herself onto the couch.
A young, harried-looking maid came in, bearing two teacups and a pot of tea. She set them down carefully and removed herself silently when Tenten thanked her.
Sakura watched as her normally unshakable friend lifted the teacup to her lips with trembling hands. "You really are excited about this, aren't you?"
Tenten glanced at her. "What makes you think so?"
The pink-haired woman laughed lightly. "There's no tea in your cup yet, my dear woman."
Sheepishly, Tenten placed the cup back on the table and filled both cups with steaming, fragrant tea. "I guess I should calm down," she murmured shakily.
"Yes," Sakura agreed amiably. "You'll get everything done in time, and you do have Neji to help you; not to mention the other members of the Hyuuga family who must be willing to help."
Tenten inhaled the scent of the tea, taking a long, soothing sip. "Thank you," she sighed as she slowly relaxed. She narrowed her eyes and looked slyly at her guest. "So, Sakura, have you found someone to marry?"
She'd meant it as a jest and so was completely unprepared for Sakura's reaction.
Giving a violent jerk, the heiress splashed tea down the front of her formerly immaculate gown, spluttering helplessly.
"Oh – oh, dear, I do hope I haven't dirtied your carpet, Tenten!" she cried in chagrin. "Oh, I will never forgive myself!"
"There, there, the carpet is perfectly clean," Tenten assured her, taking the cup from her immobile fingers. "What I worry about is your dress. Such a pity; it is so beautiful…" Then she gasped, delicate hand flying to her mouth in horror. "Oh, never mind the dress – have you burned yourself?"
Anxiously, she called the maid for washcloths and hurried Sakura up to her own bedroom.
"I apologize, Sakura!" Snatching a gown from her closet, she examined her friend with a critical eye. "This should fit you; you're not much shorter than me. Hurry and change so that I can get your gown washed!"
"There's no need – " Sakura tried to protest, but Tenten cut her off.
"Nonsense! 'Tis all my fault in the first place; quickly, before it is too late to get the stains out!"
Huffing in exasperation, Sakura obliged, slipping out of her gown. She was reaching for the dress Tenten held out when the door opened.
"Lady, the towels you requested – "
The maid stopped short at Tenten's gasp of shock. "Sakura – is that…" Unable to speak, the brunette countess pointed an accusing finger at the red mark on her friend's skin. Absently, she motioned for the maid to set the towels down.
"What?" Sakura paused, still holding the gown.
Tenten's finger rested above the neckline of Sakura's translucent chemise, pointing out the blatant red on Sakura's otherwise creamy white skin.
"It looks as if someone bit your neck!" she gaped in shrill disbelief. She took Sakura's blush and silence as confirmation. "Sakura, who was it?"
In the confusion that followed, neither woman noticed the maid slip out the door.
"Sakura, who did this?"
Silence. "I cannot tell you that."
"You mean you don't know?" Tenten's voice rose in outrage.
"Of course I know! I just…"
Tenten's chocolate eyes softened slightly in understanding. "All right, then. Tell me when you're ready. However, you do know that if this is discovered, it will cause a scandal among the highborns, do you not?"
Sakura donned the gown, fingering the sleeves wistfully. "I do realize that. It will not be discovered."
Ah, those damning words.
- - -
Karin gritted her teeth in fury, eyes blazing with some unholy fire.
How dare she… How dare she?!
Karin had had Sasuke in the palm of her hand until the stupid little chit of an heiress had gone and made herself interesting by seducing his older brother – his rival.
And then, just when Karin had thought Sasuke had lost interest for sure – she'd gone and ensured that the damned mercenary, Sasuke's friend, had heard that she was still in contact with the older Uchiha brother.
And now, not only was she stealing Sasuke right out from under Karin's nose, she was sleeping with some other man!
It wasn't that Karin disapproved of infidelity – the viscount, Suigetsu Houzuki (that is, her husband), had no idea of her secret trysts with Sasuke – it was just the thought that the little minx could entrance Sasuke away and still have the energy to seduce some other man into her bed that infuriated her.
Well, it would end tonight. Karin slipped a few coins from her purse and thought with satisfaction of her plan. That girl would never get Sasuke, and with her out of the way, he would always come back to Karin.
She dropped the coins carelessly into the waiting palm, smiling to herself, and watched the young maid scurry away.
- - -
Tenten nodded and smiled brightly at yet another aging countess, her deceptively frail-looking hand gripping Neji's arm tightly. But she was no delicate maiden, and Neji's subtle wince could attest to that.
"Tenten, I know that you dislike having to be polite to everyone, but that really hurts!" he hissed out of the corner of his mouth.
She sighed as, spotting Sakura's parents, she steered him in their direction. "I will be perfectly glad to apologize as profusely as you wish when this is over," she quipped back irritably, "but at the moment my nerves are shattered. Talk to me afterwards, when I regain my sanity."
"Or what's left of it," he retorted, earning a glare from his fiancée before she schooled her features into a pleasant mask in order to greet the earl and countess.
"Lady Tenten, Lord Neji," Lady Haruno smiled gently. "Sakura has been so happy to know you these past few days."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Lord Haruno said gruffly, holding out a hand.
Neji took it, shaking firmly. "Likewise."
"Speaking of Sakura, where is she?" Tenten looked around curiously. Neji nodded his agreement.
Lady Haruno placed a hand on her cheek. "Sakura seems to have caught a slight cold; she mumbled something about tea… She was asleep when we left, and I hadn't the heart to wake her."
Tenten's brow furrowed in concern. "Oh, dear. She spilled some tea on herself this morning, but I thought I had gotten her into a different gown quickly enough to avoid catching cold… I shall come by to call in the morning."
"She would like that," Lord Haruno agreed, smiling contentedly.
Tenten gritted her teeth when a familiar viscountess sauntered into view. The brunette wrinkled her nose, eyeing the other woman's décolletage with distaste. "Is there something you would like?"
Karin ignored her, turning instead to the earl and countess, both of whom looked taken aback by the redhead's open lack of manners.
"I don't believe we've met," she said, attempting an innocent façade.
"No, we have not," Lady Haruno sniffed, turning away discreetly.
Karin seemed unfazed by the slight. "I am Lady Karin, viscountess of Hawkford," she told them, almost condescending with no reason at all to be.
"Earl and countess of Springfield," Lord Haruno replied stiffly, valiantly trying to remain polite.
"Oh, you are the parents of Sakura Haruno, are you not?" Karin's nose twitched as she said Sakura's name.
Tenten cut in, raising an eyebrow in emphasis. "That's Lady Sakura Haruno."
Karin shrugged, putting a finger to her chin in feigned thought. "Where I was born, ladies do not sleep with different men before marriage."
"They sleep with them afterwards?" Tenten couldn't resist the barb.
Karin shot her a venomous look. "I have it on good authority that your daughter has slept with at least one man, and has a mark on her neck to prove it," she confided to the earl and countess. "Were I you, I would check." Narrowing her eyes, she looked slyly at Tenten. "I heard that you were the one to find it." She smiled sweetly.
Tenten shook with suppressed rage, comprehension dawning on her. "Neji – " She turned abruptly to him. "I want that new maid you hired gone!"
"There is no need," Karin interjected smoothly. "She fled; she knew you'd figure it out."
"You mean she knew you'd betray her," Tenten spat out, bristling. "Come, Neji, I will not stay near this – this woman any longer!"
Lord Haruno and his wife followed them out. "Did my daughter or did she not sleep with a man?" he thundered.
Tenten whirled, skirt flying out around her. "Your daughter has slept with no one," she snapped. "She is as pure as ever!"
"And will I find a mark on her neck?" the earl demanded.
Just like that, Tenten deflated. "There is a mark, but – "
"Is it from a man?"
"I – "
"Well?!" the earl roared impatiently.
"It – it could be, but Sakura – "
The earl had heard enough. He shouted for his carriage, and stormed off when it appeared.
The countess watched her husband worriedly, then turned to Neji and Tenten. "I apologize for my husband's temper," she murmured. "He cares for Sakura so much, you understand… I will do my best to remind him that she is ill, but Sakura will most likely need you to drop by in the morning."
She grasped Tenten's hand in her own shaking ones and searched her face, eyes beseeching Tenten to understand. When the younger woman nodded at last, she bowed her head in gratitude and hurried off to join her anxiously waiting husband in the carriage.
The journey home was completely silent, the earl staring moodily out the window and the countess fiddling nervously with her dress.
With her frayed nerves, she barely had the presence of mind to remind him to soften his steps inside the house.
Without a word, Lord Haruno entered Sakura's room. He pulled back the covers and stopped, looking at his wife. When she stood still, confused as to what he wanted, he hissed, "Well? What are you waiting for?"
As comprehension dawned, she reached out and gingerly took hold of her daughter's chemise. She slowly drew it down to reveal the incriminating mark, unmistakable and undeniable.
The earl stood in blind shock for a few moments before he turned and swiftly exited the room.
Lady Haruno replaced Sakura's covers and regarded her daughter sadly. "I do believe what Lady Tenten said, daughter. You were only having your fun before marriage, weren't you? 'Tis a pity you were caught." She caressed Sakura's face tenderly. "You will be alright, daughter. Mother understands; Mother will help you."
Quietly, she straightened up and trailed her husband downstairs, intent on comforting him and calming him down.
Sakura stirred and coughed weakly, subconsciously sensing that there would be hell to pay in the morning.
- - -
Ooh, dear. What will happen next…?
I just recently got an account on LiveJournal under the same name (that would be BlackElement7) and there's a single original story posted there. If you have time, do me a huge favour and check it out. Yes?
And I just want to thank all of you readers profusely. I know that only a portion of my readers actually review, so to have this many reviews makes me giddy. Thank you!! See you guys next time!!!