Chapter nine:Safe

"Itachi, I think it's time you put your plan into action." Kisame told his partner. They were in the kitchen while he took a sip of his coffee. He failed to see that his partner wasn't listening. He just rubbed his eyes and stared at his cup of tea. He didn't get much sleep that night.

"Itachi!" He looked up at Kisame who had a troubled look on his face. "Dude, you okay?"

"Yeah." Itachi mumbled. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Why? Was something bothering you?"

"No." the Uchiha said without hesitation. He couldn't tell Kisame. He couldn't tell anyone for that matter. Him, one of the strongest members in that organization, couldn't sleep because he was being haunted by what seemed like a nightmare.

Anyone would get a laugh out of that.

He took a large gulp of his tea and stood up to leave the kitchen. "Don't forget about your plan!" Kisame yelled as he watched him leave.

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'Maybe Kisame's right.' Itachi thought as he walked down the hall. 'If I get my plan over with maybe I'll feel better.'

He came to a room that wasn't often used. Twisting the knob, he went inside. Being greeted by darkness he clicked on the light. His eyes began to widen at what he saw.

Temari was fast asleep on the bed, on top of the covers. She wore a shirt Itachi let her borrow, so naturally it was too big. It stopped at her waist showing she wasn't wearing any bottoms except for her panties. The shape of her breasts were very clearly shown through the shirt.

Itachi felt blood rush to his head. Reviving the Uchiha clan sounded pretty good right now. He took a step back out of the room and closed the door. He'd come back later.

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"Itachi-kun, tell me why I'm coming with you?" Temari asked as she scratched her neck. She was being carried on Itachi's back while he walked through a forest, not wearing her 'usual' work uniform(cough-maidsdress-cough). She wore a over-sized black shirt she borrowed from Itachi, and pants borrowed from Deidara. Who knew the guy wore such tight pants?

She told him countless times that she would walk but he insisted. Ever since what happened last night, he's been...a little obsessed with the girl.

Part of him just wanted to kill her and find a different plan. But the other part didn't want to leave her. He wanted to be near her. Close to her.

So he held her up on his back with his hands behind him for support and her hands around his neck.

"You need some fresh air." he told her. "You've been inside way too much." He continued to walk then sat her down somewhere. It was time to put the plan into action.

"Stay here." he instructed her. "I'll be right back." That said he was gone.

Temari just made a face. She hated it sometimes when he did that to her. She never had any say in the matter.

She lied back and slid her hands under her head to soak up some sun. 'Itachi was right.' she thought. 'I did need this. And the sun isn't bad either.'

Hiding somewhere Itachi waited. He kept watch for the goal of his plan.

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Gaara sat in silence across from his brother. They were waiting for Naruto to come out of a meeting he was having with Tsunade. He was getting ready to let out a sigh when his nose twitched. He sat up.

"What is it Gaara?" Kankuro asked. His nose twitched again.

"Kankuro...I...it's...It's her scent!"

"What?!"

"Her scent! She's close by!" Gaara exclaimed as he got up and rushed out.

"Gaara! Wait!" Kankuro yelled running after his younger brother.

As soon as they left Naruto stepped out of the office. "Hey guys...guys?" he took a look around. He cursed rather loudly as he ran out.

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"Where is he?!" Temari asked to one in particular. She was tired of waiting. Nearby, Itachi could tell she was returning to her old self. Her temper was starting to kick in.

"Temari!" yelled a voice. Her head shot up at the voice. "Temari!" it yelled again. She looked around.

Then she saw someone. Someone running towards her. She squinted her eyes a bit to see better. Her body started to tense. He got closer and soon she could see who he was.

Gaara.

"Temari!" he yelled. "I finally found you!" Gaara felt a wave of relief wash over him as he saw her unharmed...wait. Something wasn't right here. Her expression. She looked...terrified. "Temari...what's wrong?" He asked a little uneasy. "Aren't you glad to see me?"

She didn't say anything. She seemed petrified with fear. He hadn't seen her like this since...long ago.

Itachi, on the other hand, knew this was his opportunity to strike Gaara while his defenses were low. But he wouldn't. Not because he couldn't but because of...Temari.

She looked so scared -scratch that- frightened. She didn't look like this before when she was a prisoner. At least she tried to hide it. But now.

Gaara took a step forward toward her and she slid back away from him. "Temari...please." Gaara seemed to have pleaded as he walked closer.

Temari was on her feet now but was still frightened. 'I need to make a break for it.' she tried to tell herself. She took steps back even if her little brother wasn't walking toward her. Soon they were at a very far distance apart.

"Temari...what's wrong? What's wrong with you?"

Still no answer.

A little calmer, she was going to run. She just needed the right moment.

"Gaara!"

Gaara turned his head for a second at the voice that called his name giving all the time Temari needed. Turning on her heels she ran like she never did before.

"Temari!" Gaara yelled as sand went after her.

She kept going but tripped on a branch. Turning she saw the sand closing in. She wanted to scream but no sound came out of her throat.

The sand struck but it didn't grab anything. Looking around, Gaara saw his sister in the treetops...in the arms of a guy? He held her in the bridal position, only her arms were around his neck.

He sent sand at the stranger but he dodged. Gaara looked for him but saw he disappeared.

Disappeared with Temari. She was gone. Again.

He feel to his knees confused. Why was Temari acting like that? Why was she so scared?

"Gaara!" Kankuro yelled after finally catching up. "Did you find her?" he asked out of breath.

"I did...but she got away."

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Itachi headed back to the hideout. He could care less if he got in serious trouble for not putting his plan into action yet. Temari was the only thing that mattered to him right now.

"...Itachi..." Temari said weakly as she tightened her grip around his neck and placed her face in his shoulder.

He stopped. "Don't worry. Your safe now Temari." he told her holding her closer. "Your safe."