I do not own Naruto, only the plot! And if there are any grammatical errors, please forgive me. I didn't double check because I wanted to update as soon as possible, enjoy! – VZ
"Eh?! We have to what?!" He yelled, his bright blue eyes darkened after hearing what his friend had just said.
Several people glanced at the group of people with curiosity, especially the fuming blonde who had both his fists clenched in anger.
"I said we have to rest Naruto." Shikamaru drawled, leaning on the counter of the front desk where Neji was currently checking in.
He felt like exploding.
"Why should we do that? We're so close to Sakura-chan! We better get to her before something-"
"Nothing bad will happen to her dobe."
His eyes darted to Sasuke, cool and aloof as usual. He narrowed his eyes at him, picking up on the way he said his words. It sounded like he was perturbed or something like that.
"Oh yeah? How would you know that?" Naruto argued, his worry and anxiety growing each minute.
"I just do."
He face palmed at the Uchiha's words.
"She's so close! It's ridiculous to stay here when she's out there." He gestured to the door where lots of people were coming in.
Kiba and Karin had said that his pink haired medic was close. Just a few blocks away. And for some stupid reason, everyone agreed to rest at some hotel for a couple hours.
It didn't make sense to the blonde. Why would they call of their search when they were within the reach of Sakura-chan?
Didn't Shikamaru, kiba, even Neji want to find her?
Granted, they weren't as close to her as he was but he assumed that they would at least care if she were alive and well.
It seemed like the brunette had heard his thoughts for the Nara heir faced him with a tired and weary expression.
His eyes were droopier than usual and his shoulders were more slumped.
"Naruto. We all care about her. She's family, part of rookie nine. We know how much you want to find her but we can't go on without sleeping, even for a little while."
He was about to protest when Kiba butted in, his wolfish grin wasn't as wide or as intimidating. Instead it was just a tilt of the lips and even his stance appeared worn out.
"I can smell her Naruto. She's so damn close that we don't have to worry about losing her again."
Naruto shook his head vigorously, pleading with them to continue their search.
"But we're ninja! We can go on days without food or sleep."
This time, Neji intervened, holding two keys. He assumed that one was for Sasuke-teme's team and one was for them.
"We have Naruto. We've been running day and night to find her. And we will….after a few hours."
"Why do we have to wait?"
Kiba sighed and growled under his breath.
"We don't have the energy or stamina of the nine tailed fox Naruto. We gotta take a nap at some point."
For a moment, he felt slightly guilty.
He knew that he could go one for countless days thanks to his endless supply of chakra, thanks to the demon inside him. And his training with both his perverted sensei's had helped increase his endurance and power.
Naruto was about to plead, beg even but then he noticed the bags under his friends' eyes.
"….How long?"
Everyone, even team Hebi, sighed in relief to his question. Obviously, their team wasn't the only one tired.
"A few hours. That's all we need Naruto." Shikamaru murmured, grateful.
A while later, when everyone had left for decent beds and warm showers, a grunt caught the blonde's attention.
"Hn…"
"What is it Sasuke-teme? I'm not in the mood to watch you brood and act all emo."
The youngest Uchiha rolled his eyes.
"Fine…I'll just look for Sakura myself."
Instantly, He grabbed Sasuke's arm and stared at him.
Bright blue clashed with a haunting black.
"Why the hell would you want to look for Sakura-chan? You don't even care about her."
Naruto hated saying those harsh words but he needed to know.
He needed to know why he was here helping them find her.
Why he appeared out of nowhere to search for someone he supposedly hated for her weakness and compassion.
"Tch….dobe."
Sasuke pulled his arm back, his gaze unwavering.
"Aren't you grateful that I'm here? That I'm helping find her?"
His voice was just as cold and emotionless as before, maybe even more so.
It saddened Naruto how he had remained so untouched and unhappy. Yet he was also happy that he did not change.
"I am. Trust me, I'm thankful for your help but I need to know why. Why you just appear from thin air to find someone you don't care about."
It was silent for a while, and then he spoke. However his voice was different somehow.
"Don't ask questions you don't want to hear the answers to."
The Uchiha started walking away, towards the crowded streets.
"Oh shut up Teme! Just spit it out. Why the hell are you here?"
Naruto followed after him, weaving past drunkards and strippers.
"I'm here to find Sakura."
"But why?!"
He stopped abruptly facing the blonde with a twisted glint in his dark eyes.
"Because I need her."
If he was confused before, he was extremely baffled now.
"You…." He pointed at him, his blue eyes wide with shock.
"….need…." The demon container emphasized the word, wanting to be sure.
"….Sakura-chan?"
Sasuke nodded as he furrowed his eyebrows.
"But…why?" He repeated, only with less anger and more confusion.
The dark haired man before him suddenly smiled.
It was a wicked sort of grin that screamed 'crazy'.
Naruto watched as Sasuke's eyes glinted red, reminding him that this man…was a far cry from the boy he had once known.
"She is the key, the key to breaking my brother's heart."
"So…..rough night?" The male clerk at the front desk pointed to the ripped up dress she wore and the mussed up hair of both Hidan and Sakura, a perverse grin on his face.
"You could say that." She replied quickly, fiddling with the sleeves of her yukata.
"Hell yes, My woman here is a wildcat." He smirked, winking at her as they walked passed the leering man.
"Well, then you are a lucky man indeed."
The men shared a look before He grinned, slapping her rump lightly and holding her close, ignoring the curses that flew out her mouth in embarrassment of his actions.
"I know I am."
Although his movements were crude, his words and voice was unbearably tender and soft.
Sakura looked away from his devilish grin and hypnotizing purple eyes, a rosy blush rising to her creamy cheeks.
She didn't know what really happened.
Sure, she had always found the silver haired Akatsuki member attractive but this was completely different.
What the pinkette was feeling wasn't merely embarrassment; there was a mix of affection as well.
Inwardly, she face palmed for feeling something again for yet another famous criminal.
Why did she have to get infatuated with men who were mass murderers and wanted felons?
Was it because they were forbidden? Because they were so beyond her reach that it was far too tempting for her own good?
…
No.
It was because they were all so very handsome in their own unique ways.
As the pair made their way to the rooms Hidan had booked, her mind started to wander. Thinking about all the things she noticed and liked about them.
Deidara had a warm and inviting personality that just made her want more of his presence.
More of his smile, more of his caresses and more of his kisses.
Everything about him was infectious.
His laugh, which was a deep and wonderful sound that encouraged her to join in.
The way he always shoved his hands into his pockets to hide the grins on both his hands (yes, she noticed)
Or the way he would run his fingers through his blonde hair whenever he was nervous about something.
And how he always gave her space and time. Putting her before himself in every equation.
It was so damn chivalrous and sweet that it made her teeth ache once more.
The way his eyes lighted up, especially when he was creating with those artistic hands of his, making white and destructive creatures.
He was so exuberant when it came to his craft, his art. It was the kind of devotion that she so deeply admired. It reminded her of how she was so dedicated to healing, saving people. True, he destroyed was the complete opposite of what she does. Yet the way he spoke about his passion, it was so charismatic and joyful that she couldn't help but love his zeal and enthusiasm.
Every single thing about him made her smile and her stomach flutter with butterflies.
The blonde had ignited a flame within her that grew each time she thought about him.
His hot and passionate kisses.
His beautiful blue eyes.
And his gentle heart.
Who would have thought that the resident bomber of Akatsuki was such a gentleman?
She certainly didn't.
Suddenly, another image of a man appeared in Sakura's head. He was darker, colder compared to the warmth that was Deidara.
He definitely left an impression on her. Whether it was good or bad, she wasn't quite around the dark haired man thrilled and scared her at the same time. It was a feeling she wasn't used to.
He wasn't safe, the complete opposite actually.
Not that the pinkette thought he'd physically harm her. It's just that she wasn't sure how he'd react to anything she did.
Itachi Uchiha was an enigma.
One that she desperately wanted to solve.
There was a strange yet compelling appeal to be near him.
To be close to the man who was corrupted in every sense of the word.
It was commendable to say the least.
What made matters worse was how sinfully handsome he was.
That damn sexy smirk that made her toes curl and knees buckle.
The long dark hair that urged her to touch it, to see if it was as soft as it looked.
And his eyes…Not the famous sharingan….but the pitch black orbs that she wouldn't mind falling into.
Sakura always thought that the Uchiha was the very definition of dark.
Not only his appearance, it was his past and personality as well.
However, Sakura wondered how a dark, sullen and brooding man could spark such forbidden and wonderful emotions inside her, lighting up the world just a little bit each time he smiled.
The image of Itachi flickered before morphing into a familiar face. One that had slightly droopy hazel eyes and a tiny yet devilish smirk. Like he had a secret and you wanted nothing more than to find out.
Despite the fact that Sasori had almost killed her once, she felt so safe around him.
It might not have been the smartest thing to feel for a criminal who previously wanted her dead.
Yet Sakura couldn't find a trace of fear whenever she was in the company of the red head.
His calm and calculating nature showed how much of a deadly weapon he was.
His maturity and experience spoke volumes of his capabilities on the battlefield.
A battlefield she had been on twice.
The first was not a friendly spar.
No, it was a duel to the death.
The second on the other hand, was when Sasori did the strangest thing he could have done.
He kissed her.
Even though his caresses were scorching hot, the kiss she had really treasured from him was the one he had planted on her forehead.
It was an endearing and gentle gesture of affection that struck a deep chord within her.
It was in that moment that she trusted him completely.
The appealing image of Sasori soon vanished, leaving another picture of a man. A man who had silver hair, slicked back with a few strands hanging over hypnotic purple eyes.
Hidan was crude, rough and exceptionally rude.
And just as arrogant and maybe even crazy.
The words that left his mouth were either meant to insult or to spout vulgar words that made a seasoned sailor blush pink.
Not only that but the way he handled most situations were always violent and brutal.
And he was just so coarse and impudent that Sakura was sure that if the elders of her village ever met him, they would have a heart attack then and there.
Yet, even he wasn't a complete ass.
The silver haired nin was kind in his own barbaric way.
Sakura knew that he found pleasure (literally) in hurting and killing others, watching their blood pool on the ground.
And she wondered…why would a man who was so thoroughly immersed in death….make her feel most alive?
It was an odd notion, but that didn't make it any less true.
Hidan had lowered her inhibitions, even for the briefest of moments, and helped her simply feel.
And that was something she was not likely to forget.
Finally, Hidan's picture disappeared. And another replaced it. He was large, exceptionally so, and very blue. Sakura knew that he was a man, not a monster.
Kisame was one of the first Akatsuki members to show her any bit of kindness.
He made her feel less scared and alone.
The way he enjoyed sake and gambling reminded her so much of her mentor back in her village.
It gave her a sense of stability in the underground base that she eventually though of as her home.
Sometimes Sakura thought that without his easy going nature and kind words, she might not have eaten in the first place, and then she'd eventually starve to death at there. But no, that wasn't the case, not when a certain mist-nin was involved.
Before the pinkette could go further into her thoughts concerning her infatuation with the Akatsuki members, Hidan had opened the door and gently pushed her inside….with his hand on her rear.
Instantly, her hand collided with his cheek.
The echo of her well aimed slap made her blush slightly and him smile wickedly.
"You're back yeah." Deidara exclaimed, his face lighting up, making her blush even more.
Sakura could only hope that she wouldn't act so timid when around these handsome men.
"We were about to come look for you but we had to bring Kisame into the room before he slept on the floor yeah."
Her green eyes scanned the room quickly, searching for the mist-nin.
And she found him, currently snoozing on the bed, with drool dribbling down his chin.
A chuckle escaped her lips, making the men in the vicinity glance at her with matching looks of longing.
Unfortunately, Sakura was too busy laughing at the silly and cute picture of the infamous and ferocious Kisame, hung over on the bed, clinging to a pillow like how a child would hug his teddy bear.
It was a rather comical sight indeed.
The blonde must have seen her amused gaze because he spoke, a smile in his voice.
"I hope he'll never forget that Sakura-chan beat him at his own game."
Everyone in the vicinity knew that he was referring to their little drinking game last night, the one she had clearly dominated.
"It's highly doubtful."
The deep and velvety voice called her attention like a siren calling out to a sailor on the shore.
The medic-nin glanced at Itachi, who was lounging on the chair like how a king would sit on his throne.
It was almost unfair how he looked good at whatever he did. Regal and graceful even when doing such mundane things, such as sitting on a plain chair.
"Wait…where's Sasori?"
Everyone exchanged glances before the Uchiha answered, his lips tilting into a bemused smirk.
"Since I simply don't trust anyone else here-"
"Like we fucking trust you! Damn Uchiha…" Hidan interrupted with a sour look on his face.
"-to sleep in the same room as you, love….It's best that you share a room with Sasori."
Her heart skipped a beat when he uttered that endearment so lovingly, making her question if he really was a bad man.
How could someone supposedly evil share such an intimate look with her?
"Tch…I guess it's not a seriously bad idea. At least he wouldn't have a chance to try anything with you babe." Hidan said, pointing out the state Sasori was currently in.
Two pairs of eyes narrowed and turned into slits at the last word that left Hidan's lips.
"Well, you made sure of that didn't you Itachi?" Sakura muttered, rolling her eyes and placing her hands on her hips.
He rewarded her with a larger smirk, tucking a strand of inky black hair behind his ear.
It seriously annoyed her how Uchiha's could be so fluid and elegant in all their movements.
"What happened to your dress yeah?"
Deidara's eyes were glued to her ruined dress, which had slits up either side of her hips.
Embarrassment filled her at that moment.
"..Oh…..well, you see…." She was cut off by Itachi, who's voice was slightly more husky than it was a second ago.
"I'm sure everyone in the vicinity can see…..your lack of clothing that is."
The blush intensified.
Inwardly, she wondered when she could quell the blood that rose to her cheeks every time they spoke or came near her.
It really was silly how these men could affect her so much.
"I think she looks fucking great. Now stop looking seriously."
This was exactly what Sakura was talking about earlier. Hidan could be an ass, but he could be sweet too.
"She's my woman and no one else could be pervy but me."
Then again, she was wrong before.
"How many times do I have to say it? I don't belong to anybody."
The pinkette insisted, her eyes glaring daggers at the sexy as hell men in the room with her.
It was silent before Hidan spoke, his voice practically bubbling with excitement.
"Let's play a game babe. If you win-"
It seemed like the three men where in sync at that moment, because Deidara spoke and then Itachi followed.
"….Then we'll stop calling you ours, but if we win…"
Her eyes were suddenly engulfed in black, with Itachi looming over her, that sexy smirk painted on his sensual lips.
"….You will never leave us again…"
Sakura felt a pound of lead being dropped into her belly at his daunting voice, it was a formidable sound that chilled and excited her to the bone.
"So you up for it babe?"
She bit her lip anxiously, but stopped as soon as she noticed their eyes latch onto her slightly swollen lips.
"Depends…what's the game?"
This was a serious gamble. And the medic-nin was not going to play unless she knew the rules.
Purple, blue and black lighted up at her question.
Deidara was at her right side while the Uchiha was before her and the silver haired nin was at her left, all of them much to close for her own good.
The blonde's hand entwined with her own, squeezing it briefly as he offered a devilish smile. It was still warm and sweet, but it had a tinge of danger and eagerness.
Hidan leaned close and whispered enticingly into the shell of her ear while her eyes gazed deep into Itachi's.
"Strip poker."
Hope you liked it :) Sorry the last chapter was so short, and so, to make up for my lack of updates, I made this one longer :) Anyways, Lots of love and thanks to my wonderful, lovely and awesome reviewers :) You guys seriously ROCK! I love you all and hope you'll continue to read and review my story :D Till' next time ;) - VZ