Chapter 3 weeheeehehe :-)

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She shuffled into the living room to see the aftermath of that Saturday night, she could only smile softly. She moved to the coffee table littered with shot glasses and alcohol with accent marks on their names that made them appear more foreign and exotic and looked at a paper with tally marks. She smirked, 'Looks like Itachi won again.' She thought.

She realized then Itachi wasn't among the three lifeless corpses that lay strewn across the sofa and carpet. The scent of roasted coffee wafting from the kitchen into the living room revealed his location. Though she didn't immediately go to join him for a cup of coffee. She moved to hoist Deidara off the sofa, 'Come on let's get you to bed.'

'But I don't wanna sleep.' Deidara spoke groggily before he dozed off again.

Sakura could only roll her eyes as she half carried and dragged Deidara to his room. After somehow managing to 'discard' him onto his bed she brought the sheets up to cover him. She pecked him on the cheek, 'Sleep tight pops.' She closed the door gently and dusted her hands off with satisfaction, 'One down two to go.'

When she went back to the living room she found Itachi seated where Hidan and Kisame once slept. She was secretly grateful for not having to carry the other two men to bed. Itachi sat on the sofa with his laptop on the coffee table and a mug of coffee in his hand, 'I still presume you like your coffee black.' His hand motioned to a cup of coffee that sat adjacent to his laptop, his eyes still starred at his laptop screen as he spoke.

Sakura only sighed and made her way to the couch. Upon closer inspection of Itachi she bit down a laugh. His hair was not in it usual 'uni ponytail' but instead two braids, 'You look like a school girl' Sakura scoffed.

Itachi sparred her a glance, 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Only it isn't Vegas here.' He humoured.

Sakura drank her coffee thoughtfully, she sat on the ground with her back against the couch, 'I don't know this place could give Vegas a run for its money.' She said pleasantly

Itachi chuckled and placed his mug on the coffee table. Shutting his laptop and laying his head back on the sofa, closing his eyes.

They stayed silent for a moment. Sakura then stood up to clear off the shot glasses and alcohol off the table. She wanted to speak to the Uchiha but he looked beyond exhausted, she had to remind herself he was only human too.

He was still asleep when she returned from the kitchen. She didn't make a move to rouse him and only shuffled to grab a notebook of hers from a bookshelf. She pulled out a pen from the drawer in the coffee table and began looking over scribbled notes that covered the pages of the book.

'What did I tell you about playing detective?' Itachi mumbled with a hint of annoyance.

Sakura cringed slightly as she looked up at Itachi who now sat up and looked at her disapprovingly, 'Hand it over here'

Sakura didn't comply; Itachi rubbed at his temples, 'Sakura' He gave a resigned sigh and moved to sit next to her, 'We have a police force for a reason.' He moved her hand away from the notebook and began to peer at her notes thoughtfully. Silently impressed by the amount of detail and thought she had written in the notebook.

'They haven't found anything new in the past six months, the case is still open.' Sakura spoke with aggravation.

'It still doesn't give you the initiative to solve the case yourself. Are you seriously willing to risk you life for this?' Itachi lectured

Sakura stayed silent as she considered Itachi's words. Itachi could feel her distress and reconsidered his approach, 'Anything new you think I should pass on to my father to investigate.' Itachi spoke softly

She looked him square in the eyes considering whether or not to tell him, 'their deaths are connected I'm sure of it.'

Itachi was taken aback, 'That's a strong statement.'

'Someone was after them Itachi I'm sure of it. My parents they wouldn't have killed themselves, even if they considered it they'd be more logical than that. Sasori's accident wasn't an accident; you saw the damage of his car. Someone clearly wanted him dead. The police couldn't even find the other vehicle that crashed into him. It was planned.'

'Do you have anyone in mind?' Itachi spoke quietly

'No, that's where I'm stuck. I've been trying to link a party with Sasori and my parents but I can't think of anyone.'

'How will you go about finding this 'party'' Itachi sighed for the umpteenth time.

Sakura turned to him with anger, 'You doubt me.'

'I don't. I just don't think-actually I know you shouldn't be getting involved with this matter, I am almost one per cent sure that you'll get yourself killed. And I'm the dignified adult here and it's my job to tell you to not follow through with this, it's an order.'

'You aren't my guardian.' Sakura said childishly

'No, but Deidara is. Deidara's my friend and I won't let him go through losing someone close to him again. Have you considered how he'd feel if you got hurt? He'd feel like he failed you and Sasori, like he didn't do his job right.'

Sakura looked away from him with much guilt. Itachi began to stand up from his spot next to her and then he stopped when she started speaking again, 'That's what I'm worried about Itachi. What if this whole thing is linked to me? My parents died, then Sasori. What if Deidara's next? I don't want to lose him; I don't want to lose any of you. Just last month Hidan got in a car accident similar to Sasori's and the police couldn't find the car as well. He was lucky.' She choked down a sob; her face was still turned away from him.

Itachi looked down at her critically and mulled over her words understanding her haste in trying to find the culprit, 'I promise I won't let anything happen. I'll talk to my father tonight about prioritizing the investigation. I'm sure he'll oblige as he still has that soft spot for you. I'm tied up at the firm with a few cases but I'll see what I can find about this party.'

He took the notebook and pen out of her hands and moved to meet her eyes, 'You need to stop worrying about these things and just be a stupid teenager like my brother, well not as stupid as him. Leave this to us adults.' He spoke kindly; he gave her a smirk and patted her head before walking away.

'Please don't tell Deidara and Hidan. I don't want to worry them more.' Sakura whispered as she looked at Itachi with pleading eyes.

He nodded knowingly, 'Only if you manage to delete all digital evidence with me sporting this hairstyle.'

Sakura broke into a fit of laughter; Itachi's eyes slightly softened having finally changed the girl's mood.

She helped him collect his belongings and reluctantly placed her notebook into his bag, 'Who goes to work on a Sunday anyway?' She huffed as she escorted him out.

'There is no such thing as a five day work week when you're a lawyer, everyday is a workday.' Itachi mused as if reciting an unwritten rule known by all lawyers.

'Well aren't you a ball of fun and then some.' Sakura rolled her eyes

'Jealousy is an awful attribute of women.' Itachi spoke coolly

'Do you want to have the photos deleted or not?' Sakura threatened

'Though you're and exception to that observation.' Itachi spoke anxiously

'That's what I thought' Sakura spoke smugly, 'Well you take care now'

'Remember what I told you' Itachi spoke like a doting mother, 'I'll have Sasuke keep a close eye on you at school, but I'll have to ask you to keep a close eye on him in return.' He smiled

Sakura shook her head and smiled. She allowed Itachi to shut the door behind him after one last 'good bye'.

She turned around to see a flabbergasted Hidan. Her blood ran cold. How long had he been there? He then pulled her by the collar, 'Why the hell didn't you wake me up? Now I can't go harass those stupid church people and enrich their lives with Jashin.' Hidan shrieked.

Sakura let go a breath she had subconsciously held and laughed.

'You think this is funny?' Hidan rattled, pulling Sakura closer to his face, 'Just you wait until your old wrinkly ass needs saving, Jashin and I will be laughing at you.'

She patted his shoulder, 'I think your suffering symptoms of 'Hangry'. Let's get some breakfast into you. You're always a grouch before breakfast.'

He released her from his grip, 'You better make those pancakes that you made last week.' He pouted

'Which ones?' Sakura teased knowing full well which pancakes Hidan wanted.

'Bitch you know which ones' Hidan grumbled with embarrassment

'Unfortunately I wasn't blessed by the 'oh so great Jashin' with good memory; you'll need to remind me.' Sakura began padding towards the kitchen, Hidan followed with a slouch and then mumbled, '..rnkles'

'Sorry what was that' Sakura smiled a little too big.

'THE ONES WITH THE SPRINKLES DAMMIT!' Hidan huffed

'Now that wasn't so hard to say now was it?' Sakura spoke condescendingly.

'Stupid woman. You only exist to hurt my manly pride.'

Sakura snorted, 'If there was any left to begin with.'

Hidan moved to strangle Sakura but then she held a container with sprinkles and shook it menacingly, 'Do you want the sprinkles or not?'

Hidan slumped and walked outside the kitchen. A few moments later she heard the television turn on with 'Little House on the Prairie' on.

Hidan hollered from the living area, 'You could learn a thing or two from these women Sakura. They do as their told and they idolize their men.' He spoke cockily.

Sakura snorted as she mixed the batter for the pancakes, 'You could learn from the men too. They aren't so scared of girls half their size.'

Hidan was silent. Sakura realized he had changed the channel. She smiled in spite of herself.

'What did I tell you about bullying Hidan, yeah?' Deidara poked Sakura's cheek while pouring himself a cup of coffee, 'You know how he has low self esteem.'

They both shared a silent laugh.

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Sakura rolled her eyes and peered at the clock that sat above the TV, it was 1 o'clock. She and Deidara were sitting in the living area having another one of their 'pottery' lessons. Hidan had gone to drop off Kisame at Itachi's office. After ignoring five of Ino's calls Deidara took his foot off the pedal, 'I'd suggest you'd answer that. You know how persistent she is.' Deidara spoke sagely.

Sakura sighed and picked up the phone, 'Who's dead.' She said monotonously

Deidara snorted and went back to working on the clay on the wheel.

'Good afternoon to you too.' Ino grumbled, 'Forehead you need to get down here ASAP.'

''Here' as in where?' Sakura sighed as she walked out of the living area to her bed room.

'The library. You won't believe what's happening here.' Ino spoke with excitement

'I'm still having a hard time believing you're at the library.' Sakura spoke sarcastically

'Oh shoosh you, Naruto's here too.'

Sakura whistled, 'I guess the apocalypse has already begun.'

'You're impossible! Guh! Just come here soon, I assure you it's not a waste of time.'

'Fine' Sakura sighed, 'But don't do anything stupid.'

Sakura could hear Naruto's juvenile laugh he spoke into the receiver, 'Oh it's not us you have to worry about. This time someone else is doing something stupid.'

'Wait what. Who is it Naruto?' Sakura beckoned, but the line was cut. She was extremely annoyed for her curious nature because naturally now she couldn't resist not going.

'Deidara I'm going out for bit if that's alright.' She yelled out her bedroom door.

'Should I roll out the red carpet or something? This is a special event as it's a rare occasion when you go out!' He humoured.

Sakura scoffed pleasantly and got changed, grabbing her backpack and tossing in a few bills and coins. She walked into the living room, 'I should be back within the next three hours.'

'Eh take your time, just get back before seven. If something comes up just give me a call and I'll pick you up. Should I ask where you're going?'

'No.'

'Well have fun then. Don't talk to strangers and look both ways before crossing the road.'

Sakura rolled her eyes and smiled, 'I'll see you later'

Deidara stuck a clay covered thumb up, while his eyes were still trained on the spinning clay. She walked out the door and turned the knob to make sure it was locked, and made her way down the corridor.

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'She's here! She's here!' Naruto beamed

'Shut up dope, you'll blow our cover.' Sasuke hissed

Ino quickly left the two and made break for the library entrance door where Sakura looked at the three in utter confusion, 'Hey In-'

Ino shooed Sakura behind a shelf and beckoned her to stay quiet. They made their way through a few shelves and finally made it to where Naruto and Sasuke crouched.

'What the hell is going on here?' Sakura hissed quietly. She then quirked her brow at Sasuke, 'They managed to rope you in too?'

'Don't remind me' Sasuke sighed.

Sakura looked at Naruto with her arms crossed. They all looked ridiculous hiding behind the shelf in crouched positions, the librarian gave them a weary look and Naruto gave her a chummy smile.

'Well?' Sakura spoke

'You won't believe who's at the library.' Naruto smiled deviously

Sasuke and Sakura looked between the two in annoyance, 'Just spit it out already.'

'You know our new art teacher Kakashi?' Ino smiled.

'Oh for heaven's sake' Sakura sighed and moved to stand up but Ino and Naruto tugged her down.

Sasuke was kneading his temples, 'News flash, everyone goes to the library, its not called a 'public library' for nothing.' He scowled.

'Give us some credit' Ino pouted, 'We found him scoundering the adult section.' She smirked.

'Well whoop de f*cking do' Sasuke rolled his eyes, 'We use the adult section too.'

Naruto grumbled and then broke into a sleazy smile, 'I mean the adult section.' He elbowed Sasuke and wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.

'Oh' Sakura peeped, her cheeks flushed red.

'I still don't get it' Sasuke looked utterly confused.

Naruto facepalmed himself and then took Sasuke aside for the second, and then Sasuke's neck was as pink as Sakura's hair.

'Ok so we're all on the board now.' Ino spoke tiredly

Sasuke and Sakura nodded their heads a little too quickly.

'So we were thinking in catching the man red handed and then using this as blackmail so we can pass his class.' Ino spoke nonchalantly her eyes plotting.

'This is only going to benefit you two.' Sasuke groaned, 'You guys are the only ones failing art'

'I though friends help friends?' Ino spoke innocently

'More like friends with benefits' Sakura grumbled

'Sakura…' Naruto whined

'Just get this over with.' Sakura resigned

'Man Sakura you are a pushover.' Sasuke drawled

'And your perception of relationships is worse than a kindergartener's. Man even Naruto knew and he's still a virgin.'

'Touché' Sasuke replied

'Oi' Naruto spoke with embarrassment, 'That's supposed to be a secret.'

Sakura than whispered to Sasuke, 'He's waiting for Hinata to deflower him.' Sasuke choked on a laugh and then looked at her, 'Really?' Sakura nodded. The two then eyed Naruto smugly, who now coward at the two.

Ino snapped her fingers, 'Now if you're done.' The three then turned to her, 'Here's the plan, Sakura you're going to pretend you're a library volunteer. You're going to need to just walk through the aisles with a cart and pretend you're putting books back on the shelves. Naruto and Sasuke will be standing by as your 'escape routes' if all else fails. You're going to work your way to Kakashi's aisle and feign surprise and ask him what he's reading, just anything. And I'll take the million dollar photo. Simple.'

For some reason, Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto knew better than think the plan was as simple as it seemed. Knowing Ino it was a sure thing it would back fire.

'Why me?' Sakura looked at Ino flustered

'Duh I'm a better photographer than you.'

Naruto then leaned over to Sasuke, 'Yeah if 'selfies' are considered photography.'

After that all hell broke loose. The four were in a whisper fight, which looked quite ridiculous to an outsider.

'Hey guys whatcha' doing hiding here?'

The four stopped their conversation midsentence, all frozen as they turned around. All of them cringing as they turned around to see who it was. They attempted to seem at ease by plastering a false smile.

'H-Hey Kakashi were just - you know chillin'' Naruto spoke cheesily

'That's it I'm out of here.' Sasuke grumbled as he retreated from the situation.

'Uh huh' Kakashi was not convinced, 'I didn't know the library was a hot spot for teenagers'

'Well it is now' Sakura rolled her eyes.

Kakashi bit down a laugh.

'So Kakashi what brings you here to the library' Ino spoke sweetly

'Well' He sighed, 'I hear you can get books here at the library, unbelievable right? Who would of thought.' He said with light sarcasm.

Sakura and Naruto struggled to resist the urge to laugh, but Ino was still determined as ever.

'Oh what genre do you like to read?' Ino pried

'I'm not one for favoring one genre I'm a pretty all round kind of guy.' Kakashi supplied thoughtfully.

'Well I'm sure there is one you may prefer more than the others.' Ino seethed

'Well I am pretty big on one genre.'

'Oh yeah which one.' Ino beckoned

'Oh if you must know I have soft spot for history.' Kakashi responded genuinely, 'Its interesting to see how many hopeless saps it took to get us here today.'

'Wha- that's it? No romance?!' Ino spoke with a deflated tone.

'Does Macbeth count?' Kakashi mused

Sakura gawked, 'Everyone dies in that play there's nothing romantic about that!'

Naruto cringed, 'Unless he's a sadist.'

The three looked at Kakashi with new found disgust, 'Hey at least I don't hide in the erotica fiction section for little get togethers with my friends.' Kakashi spoke innocently

Sakura took a deep breath in attempts to calm herself as she turned around to look at the books that lay on the shelf; they indeed were sitting in the erotica fiction section. She looked at Naruto and Ino and gripped them by the collar, 'You're both dead. Unless one of you is cross eyed and somehow thought this section was the section across, I'd suggest you leave now.' She spoke in a calm tremor.

Ino and Naruto abruptly stood up flustered bickering on the way out of the library.

'How'd you screw that up?!'

'How was I supposed to know we were sitting in that section? Even Sasuke didn't realize it!'

'Everyone knows Sasuke is oblivious to that sort of thing!'

'It's not my fault his brother didn't let him take health in middle school. It would have saved us a lot of explaining.'

Sakura then realized her situation after the two blondes left. She was left alone with Kakashi, who didn't seem deterred at all.

'They say your friends can indicate what kind of person you are.' Kakashi said with an aloof manner

Sakura grumbled as she stood up, 'I'm sure there was an asterisk next that statement implying that Ino and Naruto are an exception.'

Kakashi slapped her on the back for good measure, Sakura stiffened at the contact, 'Eh it's alright. I'm not one to judge, 'you can't judge a book by its cover' right?'

Sakura eyed him curiously, 'Y-You touched me.' She said unabashedly

'I don't think that something you should say especially regarding our situation.' Kakashi spoke cheekily pointing at the books around them, 'I mean we wouldn't want anyone to think out of context. People have pretty dirty minds.'

Sakura was just left frozen, 'I'll see you tomorrow' He patted her head and left the aisle and walked to the check out.

Her cheeks flushed red when he returned and his hand hovered over her shoulder, 'Almost forgot this little guy.' He winked at her as he reached for a book behind her. He then sauntered back into the queue in a casual manner.

'Did he just?!'

'No he couldn't….he shouldn't'

To give him the benefit of the doubt Sakura turned around to assure herself that Kakashi did not just take a book from the erotica shelf. But there it was an empty gap between, 'Hot Climax' and 'Denied Desire'.

He is a pervert.

She slowly walked outside the library to meet up with Sasuke, Naruto and Ino.

'What took you so long?' Ino queried

'N-nothing' Sakura squeaked

'Whatever' Ino rolled her eyes, 'I'm hungry, do you guys want to go Ichiraku's diner?'

Everyone nodded as they made their way down the main road.

After they made their way to the diner and were seated, Naruto shook his head and pointed at Ino, 'And to think you thought Kakashi was a pervert. Man that is a new all time low.' He chuckled

'Shut up' Ino snapped.

Sakura gulped and starred at her menu closer.

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Well a little bit of insight and comic relief

I hope the humor is alright

And thank you for the lovely reviews :-)

Until next time

Much love

Oxza