Part 3 of Arabia. Enjoy!

Prompt # 27

Market Place

Their next destination was home.

Sakura once more watched the land draw closer to the ship as she stood at the prow. This time she could see that that it was a prospering town, built on a lush oasis resting on the coast of the gulf. She could see the fishing boats out in the waters, casting their nets and pulling in a good catch. The coast was lined with greenery, palm trees and tall grasses and beyond that, Sakura could see actual fields of crops – something she rarely witness growing with a desert tribe. Further out still the land became sand dunes once more.

"We're further south now. We travelled quite a distance from Gaara's domain."

"Yep," Naruto added to Sasuke's words. "Straight across the gulf and far, far away from that son of a –."

"Naruto." Kakashi warned as he walked past. "Mind the lady."

Naruto snorted. "Are you kidding, Sakura's taught me some words I didn't even know."

"This is where you live?" Sakura asked, looking at the beautiful town in wonder.

"Well we don't actually live anywhere, but this is where we return to rest."

"They don't seem like the type to harbour pirates." She noted wryly.

Sasuke snorted. "Traders, please. And they have their reasons."

Sakura raised an eyebrow at that but let it slide as the ship was brought in to dock. Sakura was the first down the gangplank, standing on the dock and just staring around her.

The city was sprawling and noisy – it was alive. Sakura marvelled at the sights and sounds, never having seen anything larger than a town in her life. Just the dock was a mass of merchants and people trying to get their wares unloaded first. People offering their help to carry luggage, for a small fee of course, were mingled here and there with hopeful looks on their faces.

Sasuke touched Sakura's arm and she turned her wide-eyed gaze on him. He looked amused as he took in her expression.

"Come on. This is us." He gestured to a small entourage waiting at the edge of the docks.

Sakura observed them as they approached and as she looked closer she could see that the group were gravitating around one of the men – silk parasols blocking the harsh heat from him. Sakura found it hard to stare the man straight in the eyes – he had the most peculiar opalescent irises she had seen and an imperious look on his face. His hands were folded in the sleeves of his fine ivory tunic and his long, coffee-coloured hair was tied back.

Sasuke stopped just short of the shade of the parasol and stared the man directly in the eyes.

"Hyuuga."

"Uchiha." The man returned before a smirk twisted his lips. "Right on time as usual. Come, my uncle is eager to speak with you."

They made their way through the bustling streets and Sakura noticed that the path cleared up before the finely dressed man. Sakura looked at Sasuke, questions clear in her eyes and he lowered his head towards her ear.

"Neji Hyuuga." He gestured to the man walking ahead of them. "His family are very influential around here. I'll explain more later."

Sakura was less than satisfied but didn't push the matter, instead letting her eyes take in the vast city. The air was very warm, but much more bearable than the heat of the desert. The water in the bay carried moisture in the air and a certain freshness with it.

They walked a considerable distance, and Sakura wondered why such a wealthy man had not taken a carriage of some sort. She received her answer however, when she saw how busy some of the streets were – it was infinitely more speedy to make their way on foot.

The city began to thin ever so slightly and they eventually came upon an impressive estate. The street led off in to the gardens, lush and green, bursting with colourful flowers and fed by many fountains. Here and there, on benches around the space, Sakura could see people with the pearly eyes of the Hyuugas sat around but they paid no mind to the sudden influx of people trekking across the estate.

A short flight of steps led the group in to the large building that stood in the middle of the gardens. The coolness washed over Sakura like a gentle caress and she had to fight a sigh of pleasure. The white marble keeping out the harsh heat of the day was shot with veins of gold – the wealth of these people was apparent. Sakura was sure she could take an urn from one of the many pedestals and eat for a year with the price it would bring.

The servants that had been around Neji dispersed and the pearl-eyed man regarded the newcomers.

"Well you know the drill. Your usual rooms are ready for you and the kitchen has been forewarned."

Sakura noticed his gaze was fixed on Naruto as he said this and she smiled.

"Sasuke," Neji addressed him. "My uncle will want to speak to you but said it can wait until dinner." His eyes flicked over to Sakura. "I wasn't aware you had an extra person with you. Is she staying with you?"

Sakura flushed, realising what the man was insinuating. Sasuke placed a calming hand on her shoulder before she could erupt. "I think Sakura would prefer a room of her own."

Neji nodded. "I'll see to it."

Truthfully, it would not have bothered Sakura to share a room with Sasuke – it is where she had been staying while on the ship (the captain had graciously taken a spare bunk instead of the more comfortable bed), but what she didn't like was the assumption she was Sasuke's entertainment.

Neji stood off to the side, talking to one of the servants. The man nodded and hurried off down the corridor. Neji returned to where Sasuke and Sakura stood alone, the other crew having already scattered to their respective rooms.

"There is a spare room next to your room, Sasuke. I have sent a servant to fetch some clean clothing for..." His gaze drifted to the girl.

"Sakura." Sasuke supplied and Neji nodded, clearly disinterested.

Sasuke grasped Sakura's wrist and led her down a wide and airy corridor, away from their oh so hospitable host.

"So…" She said, an expectant tone to her voice.

"So what?" Sasuke replied and Sakura frowned at his back.

"There's history in here somewhere right? I mean why would such an obviously wealthy family harbour pirates – sorry, traders – such as yourself?"

"I told you, they have their reasons."

They had reached their destination now – a hallway with two large wooden doors placed opposite one another.

"Yes." Sakura conceded, allowing Sasuke to lead her to one of the doors. "But I think the reason why you don't want to tell me is because you will have to talk about your reasons."

Sasuke's brow furrowed and Sakura shook her head. "It's okay not to want to talk about your past, and you don't owe me anything I just..." She sighed. "I just want you to know that you can talk to me. I won't change any opinion I have because of anything you say. I already told you, I make my decisions based on actions."

With that Sakura opened the door to her room and left a very confused Uchiha stood outside.

Sakura surveyed the room and let out a dreamy sigh. She had never seen such a room in her life. Having spent most of her life wandering from town to town, sleeping under the stars and occasionally in inns in far-off villages, even Sasuke's cabin on the ship had felt luxurious.

This however, was astounding.

The walls and floor were marble like the rest of the compound, shot here and there with brightly coloured stone and inlaid with gold. There was a large bed in the very centre of the room, raised from the floor on steps and covered in pillows and silks. Thin, gauzy fabric hung down from a ring on the ceiling, surrounding the bed.

Sakura spotted some brightly-coloured fabric laid out neatly on a bench near the window and trotted over happily. Her fingers touched the soft fabric and she smiled. How nice it would be to feel feminine again after travelling with the men.

Leaving the clothes where they were, Sakura went through an archway and found herself in a bathroom. The floor was sunken in the middle of the room, steps leading straight down in to water that was littered with petals and smelled absolutely divine.

She wasted no time in tugging the shirt over her head and letting the oversized trousers slip down to her ankles. The water was tepid, only heated by the warmth of the day, and Sakura thought it was perfect. She lounged in the bath for a long while, sitting on the steps so that the water came up to her shoulders, and then set about rinsing her hair.

She had not realised how grubby travelling through the desert could make you – it was how she spent most of her life after all. But as she felt the grains of sand come loose from her hair, she had to admit it was nice to be spotlessly clean. She stepped from the water, leaving behind a fair amount of sand on the bottom of the tub and walked across the room, letting the sun streaming through the windows to dry her skin off. She stood at the window, staring out over the gardens and wondered if the sheer, white drapes were enough to preserve her modesty. It worried her little however as she could see this side of the gardens was empty.

She glanced at the door that would lead her to Sasuke's room and a wicked thought crossed her mind. She shook her head before it could even take purchase – besides she doubted Sasuke would be as bold as she was being now, standing the windows without a stich of clothing on him. Sakura laughed to herself – even she wasn't that bold. Honestly, had there been something to wrap herself in next to the bath she would have used it. She returned to the clothes laid out on the bench and rubbed the fabric against her cheek once more. She slipped on the bright azure silk, letting the fabric form to her curves. It was much like the dresses she had seen the other women in the city wear, although the quality was amazing.

The dress fell to her knees, the sleeves were long and wide and the outfit as a whole was very comfortable and well suited to the humid weather. There was a second piece of fabric that had been underneath the dress – a long piece of white silk. Sakura studied it for a moment before realising it was a belt. She wrapped it around her waist, tying it off neatly so the ends hung down the front of the dress. She admired how it pulled in the waist of the dress for a moment before a pair of jewel-bright shoes beneath the bench caught her attention. Sakura frowned at them and nudged them away with her bare foot and out of sight.

Sakura glanced at the door to the hallway again and contemplated seeing if Sasuke would want to give her a tour before shaking her head. Maybe it would be nice to have some time alone? It sounded like a plan to Sakura and so she opened one of the ridiculously large windows wide and hoped out in to the gardens – there were obvious benefits to being on the ground floor it seemed.

The feeling of grass beneath her feet instead of sand was almost novel and Sakura had a large smile on her face as she took off deeper in to the gardens. They were astoundingly large and she walked for a long time without seeing another person. She had just rounded a large fountain spraying water in to the air when she heard a voice call out to her.

"Sakura!" She turned her head at the noise, spotting Naruto bouncing up and down in excitement. She made her way across the lush garden to where he stood and, as she drew closer, she noticed a woman standing a little behind him. The lady had long, dark hair and the same eyes as Neji. She was also a worrying shade of red.

"Are you okay?" Sakura asked kindly.

Naruto grinned. "This is Hinata. She's Neji's cousin."

Sakura looked at the girl again as Naruto placed his hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay?"

The girl squeaked and her knees buckled. Naruto was quick to catch her and moved over to a nearby bench, Sakura following close behind.

"Don't worry." Naruto said cheerfully. "This happens a lot."

Sakura noticed how Hinata's eyes kept glancing to where Naruto still had his hand on her arm and she smiled, realising what the problem was. "Naruto, why don't you go get some water for Hinata?"

Naruto nodded and finally let go of the girl before bounding back towards the house.

Sakura took a seat next to Hinata and smiled. "That happens a lot huh?" Hinata nodded. "And I bet it only happens around Naruto?" Sakura laughed kindly as the girl flushed again. "It's okay. Women have been left confused and helpless by men since the dawn of time."

Hinata smiled tentatively back. "I-I'm sorry."

"What for?" Sakura said. "It's just who you are and I'm sure it will pass in time."

Hinata straightened a little, apparently feeling more at ease. "You-your accent. I-I've never heard it before."

Sakura nodded. I'm from a long way from here. I grew up in the desert."

Hinata's eyebrows rose. "Really? H-how did you come to b-be here then?"

"I'm part of Sasuke's crew." She said simply before winking at Hinata. "And don't believe him if he tells you I am a bad swordfighter."

Hinata giggled and Sakura joined in, glad the girl was loosening up. Naruto chose that moment to return, and Neji was next to him. Hinata sighed.

"What's wrong?" Sakura asked.

"Neji. He's v-very over p-protective of me." She looked at Sakura with shyness still clear in her eyes. "You are lucky, I think, to get to t-travel even though you are a w-woman."

Sakura sighed, understanding Hinata's view but disagreeing in some ways. "It is wonderful to have freedom but don't discount the importance of your family. It's nice to have people always fighting your corner."

The men reached them and Naruto passed a cup of water held to Hinata. She took it with shaking hands and Neji frowned.

"Are you feeling ill?" Hinata shook her head quickly. "Still, I think I would feel better if you went a rested inside."

Hinata stood up and nodded, offering Sakura a weak smile. Sakura gave her a sad smile back, the annoyance she felt at Neji's orders fighting to turn her lips down.

"I'll escort you!" Naruto said cheerfully, grasping Hinata by the elbow. The girl sent Sakura a panicked look. The pinkette wiggled her eyebrows theatrically and Hinata's face became a picture of despair. Once the hopeless couple had disappeared from sight, Sakura let the smile drop from her mouth completely and she stared at Neji.

The coffee-haired man met her gaze unflinchingly. "You have something to say."

It was not a question. "Yes." Sakura stood, still only coming to the man's shoulder. "Hinata doesn't need to be babied like that. She feels smothered. Don't you think she deserves a little fun in her life?"

Neji's pale eyes narrowed. "I think she deserves to be kept safe."

"You think that a bird that is kept in cage is 'safe'? Or does it just die sooner?"

The man glared fiercely at her now. "I have never had the misfortune to meet such a rebellious woman. We teach our ladies how to listen and be refined here."

"Well then I'm glad I'm not from here!"

"And where are you from?" Neji asked, his voice level. "To have such high opinions when it comes to passing judgement on others. Somewhere where women took the lead over men was it? Some godforsaken corner of the wilderness?"

"I don't know okay!" Sakura's voice raised dramatically. "I don't know where I was born but I grew up with a tribe where women danced and sang to provide money for the tribe. We had no say, we were just like animals to a farmer – a means of survival. In the end my 'opinions' wouldn't have saved myself from being sold off to the highest bidder. I've already told Hinata she should be grateful to have such caring family members, but you should appreciate that she will have her own opinions too. Would you want her to keep quiet if she was being sold off to a man she hated?"

Neji remained quiet and Sakura glared at him. "You have outdated ideas about women. But before you pass your judgement on me and how you think I should live, you should ask yourself how you would want your cousin to be treated."

With that Sakura turned from the man, striding away across the gardens, her dress sweeping out behind her. Neji watched the infuriating woman storm off and shook his head. He turned to head back to the house and spotted a shadowed figure leaning against a nearby tree.

"Uchiha." He said levelly as he passed.

"Hn. She spoke a lot of sense you know. You are so focused on protecting your cousin you don't realise how close you are to smothering her."

"And this from a man who has let a woman join his crew."

Sasuke shrugged, stepping in to the sunshine. "She has the potential to be a great asset to my crew, and had more guts than most of the men I know."

Neji snorted and shook his head, moving past Sasuke with no desire to talk to him further.

"Oh, Hyuuga?" Neji paused but did not turn as Sasuke continued to speak. "Speak to her like that again and you will find that pretty hair of yours missing from your head."

Sakura was still grumbling when Sasuke finally caught up with her. He jogged to her side and slowed to match her pace. She didn't notice him, muttering furious words in that obscure language of hers until Sasuke placed his hand on her arm. She whirled around with a fierce glare before relaxing when she saw who it was.

"This is why I had you join my crew." Sasuke smirked. "You look like you could split the ground a part with a single punch at the moment."

Sakura rolled her eyes and whispered something to herself, still in her native tongue.

"What was that?" Sasuke quirked an eyebrow.

"Nothing." She sighed. ""I suppose we have to go to that dinner now?"

"No. We have a few hours still. I thought you would want to head in to the city and browse the market."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Oh yes, I suppose I will need more dresses so I do not look like a complete barbarian." She plucked at the silk shirt of her gown and Sasuke fought not to smirk.

"Dresses would be prudent. I also thought you might want some better fitting clothes for the ship too... and a sword."

Sakura perked up at that. "Sword?" "Well I'm not letting you use mine all the time. We can get a lot of training done here, much more than on the ship."

Sakura grasped his arm and tugged at it insistently. "Well come on then! What are we waiting for?"

The bazaar was a bustling place, rammed with shoppers and merchants alike. The noise was almost unbearable but Sakura was in her element. Places like this, so bright a vibrant appealed to her no end. It was what she loved about dancing – the music, the noise, the colours whipping around as she danced. Sakura supposed the only bad point about the market was the smell: some of the merchants looked as though they had not bathed in weeks.

"How about a bracelet for the pretty lady?" Sakura cringed away from the putrid breath escaping the seller's rotten teeth.

"No thank you." She and Sasuke bypassed the ramshackle stalls selling various trinkets and ended up deep in the bazaar where the more permanent shops were located. Sakura grudgingly let Sasuke drag her in to a shop where jewel bright dresses and reams of shining fabrics were on display.

"I would have thought you liked nice clothes." Sasuke muttered, watching as the seamstress measured the girl.

Sakura shrugged. "I do, but not when I'm on a ship surrounded by men. I love feeling a woman but I don't think dresses and skirts are practical for travelling." She looked at the woman now measuring her hips. "Would you be able to make me some trousers and shirts too? Nothing fancy, but good material for travelling?"

The woman smiled and began measuring Sakura's leg lengths. Sasuke watched as the girl turned her jade eyes to the fine dresses on display and how her bottom lip jutted out in a unconscious pout. He smirked –she was so easy to read. When the seamstress had finished measuring Sakura, Sasuke paid her and asked her to have the clothes delivered to the Hyuuga estate when they were ready.

Sakura left the shop and then realised that Sasuke was no longer behind her. She glanced back and saw him speaking lowly to the woman, who nodded as he pressed some more money in to her hands.

"What was that about?" Sakura questioned as he joined her outside.

"Nothing." He shrugged. "Just asked her to make a quick job of it."

Sakura hummed, not believing him but not concerned enough to push it. "So, sword now?"

"Not quite." Sasuke pointed over Sakura's shoulder and she turned, groaning when she saw the cobbler shop.

"No, Sasuke! I don't like shoes, I told you."

The man shook his head and crossed his arms. "How did you travel across the desert with no shoes?"

"You'd be surprised." Sakura countered. "Sand gets everywhere in your shoes in case you haven't noticed. Besides, I'm much quicker barefoot."

"Well unfortunately you'll get splinters on the ship if you continue to wander around shoeless. And we won't always be somewhere warm – are you going to trek through water and mud and snow with nothing on your feet?"

Sakura pulled a face and mimicked him silently, and Sasuke had to catch himself before he laughed at her childish antics. "Come on." He grasped her wrist and tugged her over to the shop.

The man in there was very helpful when he learned that Sakura needed a whole range of shoes. In a surprisingly short amount of time she had several pairs of fine, silk shoes to wear with her new dresses, sandals with heels and flat sandals more suited for walking. There were boots too, no good for the heat of the peninsula, but Sasuke promised she would thank him eventually. Sakura eyed them, and wondered why anyone would want to cover themselves in leather up to their knees.

Sasuke paid the man to have the packages delivered to the Hyuugas' too and they were out of there, much to Sakura's relief.

"You are cruel, Uchiha."

Sasuke rolled his eyes at her dramatic wail. "Come on, let's go get a sword... unless you'd rather go home?"

Sakura paused and looked at him. "Are you teasing me this time?"

Sasuke smirked. "Guess you'll find out." His amusement increased when he heard her hurrying after him. He led her out of the bazaar and in to a small square. Sakura spied a stable to the right and to the left was a blacksmiths, the doors opened wide and black smoke issuing from within at regular intervals. Sasuke led the way over to it, and Sakura could hear the metallic din of metal being hammered. She could see a figure through the haze, toiling away at the anvil.

"Gai?" Sasuke called and the hammering stopped.

"He's not here." The blacksmith moved out from the shop and wiped the sweat from their face. Sakura's eyebrows rose when she saw it was a woman. "He's gone with Lee to purchase better ore. I don't know when he will be back." Her eyes rested on the sword at Sasuke's waist. "That ridiculously long thing again? Let me look if you've even taking care of it. Give it."

She held her hand out and Sasuke snorted. "You never change Tenten."

Tenten grinned at him. "I could say the same for you. So you here for a touch up?" She handed the sword back to him, apparently satisfied that everything was in order.

"No, I need a sword for Sakura."

Tenten's gaze drifted to the girl stood next to Sasuke and she smiled. "I've not seen you around here before."

Sakura returned the grin. "I've recently joined Sasuke's crew."

"I've never heard of a woman joining before."

Sakura shrugged. "Well I've never heard of a female blacksmith so I guess we're even."

Tenten wiggled her eyebrows at Sasuke. "I like her. Make sure you keep her around." She stepped further out of the forge now, allowing the barely-there breeze cool her heated skin. "So what are you looking for?"

Sakura shrugged. "A sword?"

Tenten laughed. "Okay, I see we have a lot of work to do." She gestured to a bench out in the courtyard. "Here. She sat down and Sakura took the seat next to her. "So how much sword training have you had?"

"Er, a couple of hours last night on the ship." Tenten blinked and Sakura blushed.

"She needs a thin blade, like mine but not as long." "Sasuke supplied.

"Well of course not as long." Tenten rolled her eyes. "I'm surprised you haven't taken your own head off with that thing yet."

Tenten studied her for a long while, tilting her head this way and that before a smile tugged at her lips. "I think I have it." She looked at Sasuke. "How long are you stopping in the city?"

"How long will it take?"

Tenten hummed thoughtfully. "We are busy but a girl's first sword is an important occasion, right?" She winked at Sakura. "Give me a week and I'll have it perfectly made for you."

Sakura thanked her and together she and Sasuke headed away from the bazaar and towards the Hyuuga estate. "A week huh?" Sakura looked at Sasuke. "What will you do for so long a time?"

"Train you." He said simply.

Sakura paused and frowned at his back for a moment before jogging to keep up. "But I don't have a sword."

Sasuke glanced sidelong at her. "It's important to know how to defend yourself without a weapon. We all saw how you punched, Kiba, you could make a decent fighter with your fists."

"I don't think that's a good idea." Sakura murmured and Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"I'm not letting you skip out on this Sakura." Sasuke was somewhat nonplussed when the girl next to him smiled.

"Well alright. If you say so."

Sakura stood opposite Sasuke in the Hyuuga gardens, a crowd of people once more surrounding them. News of their training had spread amongst Sasuke's crew and almost all of them were there, eager to see if Sakura's punch the day before had been a fluke or not. Some of the Hyuugas were there too; Sakura spotted Neji and Hinata through the crowd and she offered the bashful girl a smile.

Sasuke shrugged off his shirt and Sakura deliberately left her eyes on his face – no reason to blush in front of such a big crowd. She herself had changed in to a pair of trousers, not similar to those she had worn on the ship, although they fit a lot better. They fell just past her knee and were considerably tighter, as was the simple vest she wore on top – it was amazing what a polite request in this estate could get you.

She was aware that Sasuke's gaze kept flicking anywhere but her and she fought the smirk threatening to erupt on her face – turnabout was fair play after all.

"You really don't have to do this." She spoke loudly so the crowd could hear.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry. I'll take it easy on you." The men watching chuckled as Sasuke teased her abut Sakura just smiled and shrugged.

"If you say so."

Sasuke walked closer to her and dropped in to a fighting stance. He despaired when Sakura made no attempt to do the same and instead stood, winging her arms back and forth distractedly. "You ready?"

Sakura nodded and Sasuke sprung forward. He blinked when she twirled to the side quickly, escaping his blow with ease. Regaining his footing, Sasuke lunged for her again but this time she ducked and rolled away, springing to her feet in one fluid motion.

Sasuke growled as Sakura gave him a bright smile and rushed her again. His hand reached out and just when he was sure he had her, she grasped his wrist, turned and rolled across his back. Naruto was sniggering from his place next to Kakashi, and the older man 's eye was curved up in a smile.

"She's fast." Naruto remarked. He had never seen anyone quicker than Sasuke before.

Kakashi laughed lowly. "She's dancing."

Sasuke straightened up and ran a hand through his hair. "So you can dodge, I'll give you that." He squared his shoulders. "But that will only get you so far." He approached Sakura again, using his own speed to his advantage, and was sure he had her as he invaded her personal bubble.

The crowd groaned in sympathy however, when Sakura's leg flew up, impressively high and her foot caught Sasuke directly under the chin. His head snapped back and he staggered for a moment before catching himself. He rubbed his tender jaw as he stared at the innocently smiling girl before him.

"Bet you're glad I'm not wearing shoes now, huh?"

"What-?" He let the question hang.

Sakura shrugged. "I tried to tell you. I'm not exactly a novice when it comes to fighting. When you grow up moving place to place you are taught to defend yourself from thieves and other people likely to cross your path."

"But Gaara had you by the neck in the palace."

Sakura frowned. "He caught me by surprise. I wasn't feeling myself if you remember. Besides, he was armed and I wasn't."

"Why not train you with weapons too?"

"Some of the men in the tribe had swords and daggers, but they are expensive to buy and cost even more to keep sharp. We didn't have the time or money for such things."

Sasuke nodded and let go of his chin. The girl was fast and lithe, and would be a formidable opponent in a real fight.

"When you're done talking," Naruto called. "We want to see some more fighting!"

The crowd gave a laugh of agreement and Sakura raised an eyebrow at Sasuke. "How about you fight me, Naruto?" I bet you are a formidable opponent."

The blonde man paled at Sakura's words – it was all well and good laughing at the captain but him? No thank you, he got that enough already.

Sasuke smirked and shook his head. "I think it is time for dinner. We should go in and get cleaned up. We can continue with this later."

And continue they did. Sasuke made sure a good portion of their week was spent sparring in the gardens. He was confident that, as long as she wasn't outnumbered, she would be able to hold her own.

He had however, seen a flaw in her technique.

"You rely on not getting caught and that's well and good," Sasuke said, circling Sakura as they practised one morning. "But what if someone manages to get a hold of you?"

He paused at her back and grasped her wrists, pulling them behind her back.

"What are you doing?" Sakura sighed.

"Humour me. Try and escape."

Sakura rolled her eyes and tried wrenching her arms away. "Ouch!" She almost screeched as her shoulders wrenched painfully.

Sasuke moved closer to her to alleviate the strain on her arms. "You'll dislocate your shoulders before you ever manage to get out of my grip. This is what we need to be working on." He tightened his grip on her wrists. "This is a particularly nasty hold – moving forward will hurt you but I'm far enough back that you can't do any damage with your legs."

Sakura frowned. "Well then what do you suggest?"

"Think about it." Sasuke said. "There's only really one thing you can do." A moment's pause and he sighed. "Close the gap." He moved to hold her wrists in one hand, bringing his newly freed hand around to rest on her stomach. Putting slight pressure on her, Sasuke moved Sakura back to collide with his chest. "Do that with enough force and it should be enough to release the hold."

Sakura glanced up at Sasuke over her shoulder and nodded distractedly. Sasuke realised what a position he had put them in and he swallowed heavily.

"Ready to try?"

Sakura nodded and Sasuke returned her back to their previous position.

"Whenever you're ready." Sasuke said.

Sakura was doubtful this would work… and honestly still quite distracted but gave it a shot anyway. Tensing, she dug her feet in to the grass and propelled herself back in to Sasuke. Though she was much smaller the force of her body hitting him knocked the wind out of him slightly and he staggered backwards, tripping over his foot and to the floor.

His grip did indeed loosen but Sakura wasn't quick enough pull her wrists from his hands and found herself sprawled over Sasuke on the grass. She kept her eyes tightly shut, not wanting to see the expression on Sasuke's face.

There was a heavy silence for a few moments before someone cleared their throat loudly.

Sakura's eyes shot open and she looked up to find Neji stood over them. He observed them coolly and quirked an eyebrow.

"Sorry to interrupt but my uncle would like to speak with you Sasuke."

Sasuke nodded and gently moved Sakura from on top of him. He left without a word and Sakura sat on the grass, brushing her hair back and trying to look dignified.

Neji remained where he was stood, an insufferable look on his face and Sakura narrowed her eyes.

"Can I help you?"

Neji inclined his head. "Several packages have been delivered for you from the tailor and cobbler in the market."

Sakura nodded and Neji turned to leave but she caught the smirk on his face and she couldn't resit calling him back.

"Neji. You wouldn't happen to know a woman named Tenten would you?"

Neji looked mildly confused and shook his head.

Sakura stood gracefully and brushed down her clothes. "You should look her up. She has an anvil with your name on it."

As promised, Tenten had the sword ready with the week and Sakura was the proud owner of a finely crafted sword, thinner and lighter than Sasuke's and just the right length for her. She had barely had a chance to swing it however before they were shipping back out.

Neji's uncle had tasked Sasuke with a new mission, recovering a very sought after artefact, and they couldn't afford to linger in the city for much longer.

They left in the middle of the night with few people to see them, the crew happy to be back on the ship and Sakura less so. Not that she didn't enjoy sailing it was just… well…

"Stop glaring." Sasuke said as he passed, eyes fixed on a star map.

Sakura drew her eyes away from her feet and pouted. "I don't like it! Look at them." She pointed her foot straight up and showed the prettily embroidered slippers to the captain.

Sasuke looked away as her dress threatened to slip down her leg – really the girl had no sense of propriety.

"I told you that shoes are now mandatory on this ship. Or would you prefer to get a shard of wood embedded in your foot?"

"Not like these are going to protect against much." Sakura sniffed.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Then wear the boots. I thought you didn't like wearing dresses if we're on the ship anyway."

Sakura folded her arms across her chest. "I prefer not to but seeing as I'm still squeaky clean from bathing in the city I'll make the most of feeling like an actual girl. Once I start smelling like the rest of you then I'll go back to wearing trousers."

Sasuke shook his head in disbelief. He could not comprehend how this slip of a girl got under his skin as she did.

"I think that's enough discussion of fashion for one night." Sasuke said, returning to his map once more. "Go get some sleep. Annoy me marginally less than usual and I'll let you come along on this mission."

Sakura pulled an over exaggeratedly excited face. "Oh thank you great captain! How will I sleep from the excitement?"

Sasuke watched as Sakura stomped towards the inside of the ship, her footfalls muffled by the silk she wore on her feet and laughed lowly to himself. Maybe he should have skipped the shoes and gotten her a muzzle instead.

Well isn't this just growing in to a nice little series? I love this world I've got here, I think I could easily make a full story out of it separate from the oneshots.

I've been working on a Christmas themed chapter for next time but I realise I've not given myself much time to get it up before Christmas day… oh well it is the time for miracles so who knows the next chapter might be up within two days.

Thank you for your reviews!