Chapter Eight
Play dangerous games, win dangerous prizes
Sakura woke abruptly. The familiar creak of her front door being pushed open ripped her from her sleep. Rolling over, she pulled her gun from her night stand and aimed it at the entrance. Her finger pressed against the trigger, applying pressure but not quite squeezing.
Breath held, she strained to hear their footfalls, counting the steps from the front door to the corner where she would finally have a line of sight. At the very last second, she relaxed her grip on the trigger. That head of white hair recognizable even in the semi-darkness.
"Tobirama?" she called, adrenaline still pumping. "What the hell are you doing here? It's barely four."
"Good morning to you too, princess," he returned.
Sakura glared, even though she knew he couldn't see it in the dark. With a muted sigh, she set her gun back down on the nightstand before she threw her covers back. "Stop breaking into my apartment," she told him. She hit the light switch on the wall, throwing the large room into brightness. "One of these times I will shoot you. On purpose."
"Promise?"
Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Sakura turned back around to face him. Only to stop. Her eyes widened.
He was wearing white. Which is how she was able to see all the blood he was covered in. Crimson was splattered across his front and speckling his neck. The sleeve of his t-shirt was ripped along one bicep and dark red across the tear.
He had been grazed by a bullet, she realized after she reached him and pushed the material out of the way. The apprehension she had been fiercely trying to ignore for the last twenty hours reared its ugly head. The wound itself wasn't deep but it needed to be disinfected and stitched with a few sutures.
"Take your shirt off," she demanded.
Tobirama ignored her command. Instead he slipped his hand to her jaw and raised her face to look at him. "I like seeing you like this. You're so damn hot."
The sharp bite of whiskey stung her nose. She blinked. "You're drunk."
A sly grin crossed his face. "I only had one drink to victory. Maybe two."
He'd certainly had more than that.
"You managed to take back Newark?" Sakura asked, unable to keep the note of disbelief out of her voice.
"You sound surprised," Tobirama smirked. "You should know by now I am very good with my hands."
His fingers curled purposefully over her hips again and tightened. She briefly wondered how many necks those hands had snapped that night, but she didn't ask. Instead, she shoved his suggestive touch away before she tugged on the hem of his shirt.
The instant it was gone, Tobirama reached for her again, his fingers slipping under her clothes and splaying against the smooth skin of her stomach. She glared at him as she steered him into her bathroom.
"Stop it," Sakura told him sternly.
Tobirama smirked, the look utterly devestating as he stood there shirtless. The muscles of his chest and stomach open to her viewing. "You like it," he returned.
She knew what he wanted. And normally Sakura wanted it too. The drag of his fingers over her waist were doing pleasant thing between her legs but he was reeked of blood, sweat and gunpowder. Hopefully no one in the downstairs lobby had seen him.
Sakura pushed his wandering hands away again. "You're covered in blood and still bleeding," she said sharply. "So, shut up and let me stitch this before you get blood all over my apartment."
Tobirama's smirk widened but he didn't say anything. He kept reaching for her, kept slipping his hands under her shirt and smoothing over her skin. But he didn't try to pull the material off again. Instead, he let her work. Only wincing as she injected a numbing needle into the wound before she cleaned and began suturing the skin back together.
Tobirama watched with mild interest, his thumb still circling the ridge of her hip bone. "Arms dealer, sharp shooter, surgeon. Is there anything you can't do?"
Sakura refused to let herself smile at his compliment. Instead, she simply flickered her eyes up to his briefly. "My adopted mother is a surgeon, Tobirama. I know how to suture a wound," she said like it was obvious.
He hummed noncommittally.
When Sakura was done, she tied off the stitch and cut the end before she dropped the bloodied tools into the sink. She washed the red from her fingers before she pulled a towel out from under the sink. Tossing it at Tobirama, she pointed at the shower. "Clean up."
"Wanna join me?" he asked, unbuckling his belt purposefully.
Sakura shot him an unimpressed look. "I'm not touching you again until you shower."
She left the bathroom after that, satisfied when the rush of water filled the small room a minute later. While he showered, she cleaned up the floor, wiping up the few drops of blood that he had tracked through the large studio. And just to be sure he didn't leave anymore, she threw his clothes into the wash, pausing when she found her apartment key in his pocket.
Frowning, Sakura eyed it, debating whether or not to confiscate it. She didn't doubt he would have another made - if he didn't already have backups - and it wasn't like she kept anything in her apartment for him to snoop through. Though she did wonder how he had come by her key in the first place. Hashirama had told her Tobirama was raised in the streets. She wondered how many times he had been forced to steal just to go to bed with a full stomach. For reasons she couldn't explain that sobered her.
The sound of the water shutting off drew Sakura out of her thoughts. She started the machine to wash before she placed the key on the table beside his cell phone. When she turned around, Tobirama was standing outside the bathroom, a towel wrapped low on his hips while he dragged another through his hair. He eyed the table and then her.
Leaning back against the table, she stared right back.
He finished rubbing the water from his hair before he dropped the towel on the floor. "What's that look for?" he cocked a brow.
It was then that Sakura realized that sad look was still on her face. Like a light switch, she replaced it with a smirk before she pushed off the table and sauntered over to him. The shower had scrubbed the stench of death from his skin and sobered him up some but he still swayed a little where he stood.
Her smirk widened. He had likely come straight from the bar.
"Did you even tell your brother about your victory? I'm surprised he didn't want you to meet him in person. Make sure you're safe and all that," she teased.
To her surprise, Tobirama merely shrugged before his hands settled on her hips. They tightened, like this time he wouldn't let her push him away. "I did as Hashirama asked. And that's all he ever wants."
Sakura considered that a moment, taking in the small pitch in his voice and the fleeting something that flickered behind his eyes. And that was all Tobirama spoke on the subject before his mouth was on hers, claiming and tasting her as he pushed her towards the half-made bed.
They tumbled into the sheets together. Sakura pulled the towel around his hips away before she flipped him over and straddled him. The thin material of her shorts the only barrier between them. Then that too was gone. Sakura rolled a condom onto him before she sank down onto him.
This time Tobirama didn't fight for dominance. He simply laid back, allowing her to take control as she grinded against him. She rode him hard, trying to feel anything other than that twisting anxiety that had settled deep in her chest for the past few days.
And she should have known better than to expect Tobirama to just sit back. He gripped her hips mean, his fingers pressing into her skin hard enough to leave bruises. Forcing her hips to meet his with quick, sharp thrusts.
Sakura came around him. And because Tobirama was drunk, it took him longer. She came a second time after he rolled her over to take control. He changed the angle to the one he liked best. His mouth seared her skin, the taste of whiskey still on his tongue. Two strangers pretending to be lovers.
When they were both spent, Sakura didn't find the words to kick him out. Just watched his breathing slow and even out as he fell asleep. His deep, steady draws lulling her back down into her own dream world.
xx
"Hey, are you doing anything tonight?"
"Don't think so," Sakura said. "Why?"
"A new club just opened up downtown," Ino told her. "Nothing too fancy. Just a small place. I think it's called Galaxy. Or was it Universe? No, definitely Galaxy. Anyway, you wanna go?"
As Ino talked, Sakura pulled a hard candy from her jacket pocket and unwrapped it before popping it into her mouth. Sucking on the tangy sweetness, she picked her binoculars up again and peered through the sights to the building across the way. Beside her, Kakashi was crouched silently doing the same, only half listening to Sakura as she chatted with Ino through her cell's headphones.
"Do I have a choice?" she asked flatly.
They both already knew the answer.
"Be at my place at eight," Ino ordered pleasantly. "I have a new dress I want you to try."
Their conversation ended there. Mostly because Ino knew Sakura could talk her way out of any situation given the chance. Sakura bit back her sigh as she plucked the headphone out of her ear and tucked it into her pocket.
Kakashi briefly glanced at her. "Do I need to get you home early so you have time to shower and shave?"
"Shut up," she retorted, glaring in response to his smirk. She returned her attention to the building across the way before adding quietly, "Yes."
The breeze didn't quite muffle his chuckle but he said nothing else on the subject. They eyed the large warehouse across the street. It was full of federal and local police, crawling in and around the building like ants. Emergency vehicles with flashing lights lined the streets for blocks. Officers barked orders, some speaking into radios as they allowed other marked cars access to the taped off perimeter.
"It looks like Tobirama made quite the mess."
Sakura hummed her agreement. "Akatsuki moved quickly. Quicker than Hashirama planned. They lost a lot of men last night."
"How do you know that?" Kakashi asked, turning to peer at her out of the corner of his eyes.
"Tobirama told me." When Kakashi cocked his brow curiously, she added, "He was drunk. And high on adrenaline."
He lowered his binoculars and looked at her sharply. "You're sleeping with him."
Sakura didn't answer. Merely glanced his direction before looking forward again.
"Honestly, the fact we aren't dead yet is astonishing," Kakashi sighed.
She smirked faintly. "I know."
For the next hour, they sat on the rooftop. Watching. Observing. They counted the number of men the medical examiner pulled from the building, but this far away it was too difficult to distinguish between Senju and Akatsuki men.
At some point, the news vans began showing up. Their cameras and desperate need to get a story the perfect cover for Kakashi and Sakura to pack up and make their escape without being seen.
They drove back into the city in silence. The traffic that never seemed to cease slowed their pace. Sakura considered what Hashirama would do now. There were rumors that Akatsuki was taking another port further south, but with the loss last night, it would be some time before Hashirama could make another move against them. Unless Madara helped.
Not for the first time, Sakura wondered what the deal was between the two. Hashirama had been mum on the subject and there was no way in hell she was going near either Izuna or Madara unless strictly necessary. Perhaps she could get Tobirama drunk again...
Pulling herself out of her thoughts, Sakura glanced at Kakashi. "Any word from Genma?"
He paused at the next intersection, waiting for some pedestrians to cross before taking a right. "He doesn't have anything yet, but he's still working."
"You'll let me know the moment he does?"
"Of course. You running anything tonight?"
Sakura shook her head. "No. Hashirama's been silent – I think he's regrouping his own resources – and Naruto is handling my other clients surprisingly well. I think he can cover things for one night. Hopefully," she added as an afterthought.
Kakashi huffed with quiet amusement. "Well I'll be around. Give me a call if you need anything," he told her as he checked the rearview mirror. Once he was sure they were clear, he pulled up outside Sakura's apartment. "Have fun tonight."
She smiled in return before she climbed out of the car. She barely closed the door before Kakashi rolled down the window. "And Sakura, watch your six."
His warning was only too clear. It sobered her a little but she nodded nevertheless before she stepped away and headed into her building.
Sakura didn't stay long. Only showered and did her hair and makeup before she put on something comfortable. It didn't matter what she wore anyway. Ino would pull it off her the moment she stepped into the townhouse.
And she did. The instant Sakura was through the door, Ino shoved a dress into her hands before she pointed her towards the bedroom to change. It was silver and sparkled from every angle. The dress itself was gorgeous. It clung to Sakura's figure and exaggerated the swell of her modest bust. The material itself wasn't the most comfortable but it paled in comparison to the shoes Ino picked out from her.
Sakura stared at the three-inch heels dangling from Ino's fingers before shooting the blonde a look. "These go against my rule."
"I know, I know. 'Never wear anything you can't run in'," Ino repeated. Then she returned Sakura's pointed look for one of her own. "But it's only one night. Unless you're working…?"
"I'm not," she clarified. And immediately regretted it as Ino shoved the shoes into her hands.
As it turned out, this small club as Ino had described was not small at all. It was massive with neon lights that flashed through the high windows and loud music that made the entire building pulse like a one, large contracting heart. Party-goers dressed to impress lined the front and wrapped around the corner. Girls huddled in groups, trying not to shiver against the chilly night breeze while guys hunched their shoulders and eyed them from afar.
Sakura turned to Ino with a flat look. "I thought you said small."
"I know. I lied," she said smartly. "Come on."
Before Sakura could complain, the blonde hooked their arms together before she led them towards the front of the line where bouncers were checking ID's against a guest list. Ino headed straight for one of the large, burly men. He was frowning, intimidating every person who passed their card along, but the instant he spotted Ino, his entire demeanor flipped.
"Ino," he grinned. "I was hoping you would make it tonight."
"VIP to your brand-new club. Like I would miss it, Choji," Ino said, all smiles.
He opened the red rope for them, allowing them to step partially inside the entrance and out of the cold. "There's a new guy at the bar but show him your wristband and he'll get you discounted drinks." Choji gave each of them a neon yellow wristband before he did a brief, policy-required search and waved them in. "Have fun, ladies."
Inside, the music was even louder. It rang in Sakura's ears and beat through her chest, changing the tempo of her own heartbeat. The floor design steered them straight towards the bar with the dancefloor just beyond it. Not bothering trying to hear each other over the bass, Ino grabbed Sakura's hand and pulled her towards the counter.
Ino ordered for both of them, handing Sakura a shot of tequila. They clinked glasses and tossed them back in one go. Ino ordered another for herself while Sakura scanned the crowd. More out of habit than curiosity.
The club was already filling. On the opposite side of the dancefloor was a raised stage roped off for VIP. The leather chairs were still empty but the floor below it was already a mass of moving bodies all dancing in sync. Above it was a second floor lined with a high railing and overlooking the rest of the club. Through the bars she spotted more tables and leather chairs where people could drink and relax.
That was all Sakura saw before Ino grabbed her again and pulled her towards the dancefloor. A few seconds later, Sakura understood why. The new song was the one Ino had been playing on repeat.
They danced, not caring who was watching. The music flowed through Sakura's veins, igniting her soul on fire and encouraging her to just let go. It had been so long since she had done anything like this - felt like this. It was so freeing to not have a worry, not have to plan, not have to count all the exits in case she needed an escape. The rest of the world could just fade...
They didn't step off the floor for over an hour. Until their feet hurt, their thighs were sore and they were dying of thirst. Sweat dampened Sakura's skin, the temperature in the club almost unbearable from all the bodies.
Sakura and Ino pushed their way to the bar. "Two waters and two shots of tequila," Ino ordered.
They sucked down their ice-cold water before they clinked glasses and tossed back their shot glasses. Ino hissed at the burn, causing Sakura to laugh, before the blonde spotted Choji again. "I'm going to go talk to him," she yelled over the music. "I'll be right back!"
Nodding, Sakura stayed where she was. She watched Ino weave her way through the room, her shimmering, dark blue dress easily spottable even amongst all the other girls. Once she was out of sight, Sakura's gaze wandered again. Only to pause when she recognized a familiar face on the upper deck.
Sakura considered her next move carefully. Then she turned back to the bartender. "Two more," she said, raising two fingers.
With shot glasses in hand, Sakura headed towards the stairs in the back that led to the upper level. The bouncer at the bottom let her through when he saw her wristband.
He was sitting alone in one of the high-backed leather chairs. The one beside him was empty, as was the table. Not a drink in sight. Sakura set one shot glass down on the table beside his hand before she slipped onto his armchair, completely ignoring the vacant seat beside him.
"Inspector Haswari," Sakura smiled warmly. "You're a long ways from home."
If he was surprised by her sudden appearance, he didn't show it. He simply raised his chin to eye her as she tossed back her drink. Even with the booming, deep beats, her shot glass clinked loudly against the table as she reached across him to set it down.
"Haruno Sakura," he greeted. "Or do you prefer Tsunade?"
Her smile never wavered. "I thought we had been over that already," she said pleasantly. A little flirty.
His handsome face was utterly unreadable but the corner of his mouth turned up in the start of a smirk. She eyed his dark jeans and black button up shirt. Dressed like this, she realized he wasn't much older than her. Maybe five years her senior.
His hair was perhaps a little longer than it had been in Tel Aviv, his bangs falling into his face to frame those black, black eyes that seemed to absorb the flickering neon lights rather than reflect them.
"That police uniform didn't do you justice," Sakura said. That pretty smile was still on her face as she ran her fingertips down the front of his soft shirt. Her hand lingered even after she found him absent of a wire. She could feel the muscle, the heartbeat that thrummed beneath her palm. "I must say, I'm flattered you followed me over five thousand miles across the ocean. What took you so long to approach m?"
"I have been sent by my company to offer you a deal," he said.
"Oh?" Sakura asked, picking invisible lint from the skirt of her sparkling dress. She was a little disappointed he had gotten to the point so quickly.
"We are aware of your activities both in and outside of the country. But we are less curious in your arms dealing business and more interested in who you work with."
His voice lowered as a couple took up residency into the next table over. Both she and the inspector tracked the newcomers but his attention refocused as Sakura slipped herself into his lap. She brushed a stray hair from his collar. "And who would 'we' be, Inspector Haswari?"
He eyed her bold move but said nothing against it, his hands coming to rest on the armrests. Taking care to avoid accidentally brushing against her. When he spoke, he looked her directly in the eyes, his piercing gaze unwavering.
"My name is Uchiha Itachi. I work for the Central Intelligence Agency."
Sakura didn't immediately reply, carefully processing that information over the simmer of alcohol in her system. "CIA," she repeated slowly. "You're black ops."
"Covert ops," Itachi corrected. "We know you are currently in league with Uchiha Madara."
"And he is part of this deal, is he," she guessed.
He inclined his head. "You provide us with information on Madara, including his last known whereabouts and current dealings and everything else that may help us apprehend him and we will give you anything you want."
"Anything?"
"Freedom to move in and out of the country, protection against the government, and even access to arms so long as they are being dealt out of the States," he listed.
Sakura remained silent. She rolled his offer over in her head, her finger tapping against her lower lip. She gazed out over the dancefloor - still filled to max capacity - when she spoke, "Sounds like a pretty fair deal."
"You will not get a better one."
"Well then I would be a fool to say no," Sakura said. Then she looked back at him, her face so believably innocent. "If only I had any idea what you were talking about."
Itachi's face was utterly blank. Even Sakura, who prided herself of being able to read even the best of them, couldn't quite tell what was passing behind those obsidian eyes. Family trait, she guessed.
Itachi was still watching her when she stood. Calculating, observing. Like he was filing away her every move, every expression for later analysis.
Sakura straightened her dress and then her hair before she smiled down at him. "I wish you good luck in catching Madara, was it? Enjoy your tequila," she said, gesturing to the shot glass on the table he still hadn't touched. "This one's on me."
Then she returned to Ino. Aware of those eyes the color of the deepest part of the ocean tracking her the rest of the night.
to be continued...
Questions that have been asked:
1. What is Madara's role in this story? The only background for Madara's I've revealed is he turned traitor against the CIA (stated in chapter one) and is now essentially freelancing.
2. How did Sakura know Madara was tracking her? He brought her to the detail shop her car was at without direction.
3. A few people mentioned that they are afraid of Sakura's habit of stealing cars in the United States, that she will get caught. It really depends on the officer, but for the most part they do NOT take finger prints unless the officer is motivated (usually a younger, newer guy) or the vehicle was used in a felony of some kind (ie, murder, rape, etc). Hair strands/DNA samples are NOT taken as those types of tests are more expensive than departments can afford. Finger prints are best taken on seatbelt buckles and rearview mirrors, but Sakura is too smart to leave a trace. So her likelihood of having a warrant for her arrest is minimal. Her best chance of being caught is if she is actively behind the wheel when an officer runs the plate and it comes back stolen. And honestly, stolen cars are very, very common in the States (probably more than people realize).
4. What was my inspiration? Honestly, just Eastern Suns by Silverfootsteps. It all just became this massive, growing thing in my head that wouldn't leave me alone. Also "Don't Kill my Vibe" by Sigrid (Griffin remix) and maybe "New Romantics" by Taylor Swift lmao.
If you have asked a question and I have not answered it here, it will be revealed later on in the story. Thanks for reading! I love you all so much!
For beautiful TobiSaku artwork by the lovely rhearenee-magane, please visit my tumblr page, sariasprincy-writes. Be sure to leave her comments on her gorgeous art(inspired by Hollow Point)!