Chapter 7: An Understanding

A/U: Sorry it took so long, but here is the newest chapter! I hope everyone is healthy and please enjoy. One thing, a guest reviewer asked if Sasori's story as to how he was forced to join the Furido group would be revealed. The answer is yes. That is important for the plot but it will be a little later. Also a back story for Kakashi and Sakura will be revealed later on as well.

"Kakashi."

The soft voice drew Kakashi out of his stormy thoughts. It took a tremendous effort for him to contain himself after his discussion with Kizashi. Anger overruled the guilt he had felt when he had rudely walked away from the conversation. Muffling a sigh, Kakashi rose from his bed and made his way to the door. He took a minute to compose himself before he opened the door. He had at first expected it was Kurenai awaiting to reprimand him for his disrespectful actions earlier, but he was surprised to see the person responsible for his state of turmoil standing outside his doorway.

"Sakura."

A smile light up her angelic features, which in turn made Kakashi's dark thoughts fly out the window. Her smiles always had the ability to lighten the day and relax others, regardless of the horrible day they were experiencing. A small smile tugged at Kakashi's lips and he finally gave in before leaning against the doorframe in order to examine the woman.

"How was the talk with Sasori?"

"Hmm, well I didn't kill him if that was what you were wondering. He apologized and we had a long discussion. Turns out we have a lot in common. Oh! The best part was that he returned the necklace that Okaa-san gave me. "

Sakura gently reached for the pendant that was resting between her collarbone. Her smile soften in fond remembrance as her finger lightly traced the familiar shape. Kakashi felt a wave of jealously as he watched Sakura's expression change. Why couldn't he be the one to make her look that way?

"He's not that bad of a guy, so maybe it will work out, but that's not what I came here for."

The envy inside him grew but Kakashi quickly forced himself to squash the emotion.

"What is it?"

"I want to go visit Okaa-san's grave before I return home. Will you do me the honor of accompanying me? Of course if you are unwilling, I'm sure I can go find Sasori or someone else."

Kakashi's reply was swift, "Let me get my coat."

Sakura couldn't help but smile at Kakashi's no-argument tone. He always became so protective when she mentioned other guys. Of course, Sakura had an idea why he acted that way, but she was afraid of addressing the reason why. Truth be told, she didn't really understand her feelings for Kakashi. He was the one constant in her life, the one she could depend on and she couldn't imagine life without him. But, was it really ok for her to have feelings for him? She's supposedly getting married and although she could keep on rejecting the proposal, she knew that her father would find a way to force her into the marriage. Plus, Sasori wasn't that bad of a guy and Kakashi would still be with her.

"No."

Sakura shook her head as she allowed her thoughts to get the better of her. She may have feelings for Kakashi, but to force him to stay with her after she has taken a vow to stand by her husband would be selfish. She wouldn't let him suffer for the rest of his life. He deserved better than that. A sigh escaped her lips as Sakura realized what she needed to do.

"Sakura, everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything is fine. I just forgot that we need to get some flowers. Can we stop by that flower shop in Naka district?"

"Sure. Let's go, it's already getting late and I don't want you to risk getting sick."

Sakura smiled as she gently reached out for Kakashi's arm. As she grasped the thick wool material of Kakashi's jacket, she gave him a tug and linked her arms through his.

"Alright."

As the two began making their way out of the Haruno compound, Sakura leaned her head against Kakashi's arm. Her action surprised Kakashi a bit. He knew that if Kizashi saw them, he would get skinned alive...again. But, the feel of Sakura against him felt so right and comfortable, that he didn't want to let her go.

"Neh, Kakashi?"

"Hm?"

"I love you."

Kakashi's lone eye widened in response and he quickly looked down to see a peaceful expression on her face. He didn't allow himself to think that Sakura loved him in the romantic sense. It was probably a familial type of love and for him, that would be enough.

"I love you too."

Sakura's face was once again alight with a smile. She would cherish those three words from Kakashi for the rest of her life, and when the time came where she had to let him go, she would be able to do it. After all, if you love someone, you should set them free.

Kisame looked up from the pile of flowers on his counter just as the chime from the door rang for the second time today. Curious as to see who would be walking through the door this time, Kisame dropped the flowers and walked out of the back room. His eyes widened and a wide smile etched itself onto his face as he took in the pair standing before him.

"Well if it isn't Pinky and Kakashi."

"Hello Fishy!"

An eyebrow quirked in response to Sakura's newest nickname.

"Fishy, aren't you creative?"

"Hmph, as if Pinky is any better."

Kisame cackled in response before walking over to embrace the girl. Just as Kisame was about to pull away from her, he felt an eye boring a hole into his back. Unable to resist taunting Kakashi, Kisame left his arm around Sakura's shoulders and was rewarded with a glare. Holding back his snicker, Kisame led Sakura over to the counter and started to brush aside the flowers in order to pull out some more sake.

"No Kisame. I came here for flowers, not drown myself in liquor. Besides, I can already smell sake on you. How much have you drank?"

"Eh, just one or two, maybe 5 bottles. Nothing much."

A disappointed expression colored Sakura's features which in turn made Kisame feel guilty about all the alcohol he had drunk. It wasn't his fault that it was so damn addicting.

"Anyways, flowers right? I have that cherry blossom bouquet ready for you."

"I also want two bouquet of white roses."

"Oh, why is that?"

Sakura tilted her head to look in the direction of Kisame's voice, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Well since I am going to visit Okaa-san, I thought it would be a decent idea to stop by Haku and Zabuza's grave. After all, some people decide to drink instead of taking a trip to their fallen comrades' memorial."

A sheepish grin appeared on the man's face as he quickly proceeded to prepare two other bouquets.

"Well, that's how it was always done in my day, but thank you Sakura."

"You're welcome."

It truly amazed Kisame that Sakura had been brought up in the yakuza world. When he had first met her in his flower shop, he had immediately written her off as superficial girl, but after her constant visits, the two began to reminisce about the past. When he had found out her true identity, Kisame had thought she would've hated him since everyone had believed the Karasu group was responsible for the Naka incident and her mother had died during the fight, but that wasn't the case. She had just turned her cloudy green gaze at him and asked him if he thought she was stupid because it was obvious that what had happen was not Karasu's fault. That was the turning point their relationship and the two had ended up sharing some of their secrets with one another. Through Sakura, Kisame had found a friend that didn't judge him for his past affiliations or actions and for that, he would always be thankful.

"So girly, anything new happen lately?"

"Oh, the usual. Arranged marriage, then a canceled engagement. Throw in a kidnapping and a lovely conversation with a stubborn ass and then you would have a glimpse of what it is like to be Haruno Sakura."

Kisame chuckled when he heard the sarcastic tone in Sakura's voice.

"Why the canceled engagement? Soon to be husband to ugly for you?"

"Can't tell you since I'm blind, but no its because there were some bomb explosions and then I was kidnapped by your current head of the Karasu."

"Sasuke?"

The shock was apparent in Kisame's voice.

"Mhm, he is a stubborn ass by the way."

"I agree with you there. Why did he kidnap you?"

"Oh, I don't really know, but he asked me if I wanted to marry him instead of Sasori."

"WHAT?"

Kisame's tone was incredulous as he took in this tidbit of information. The gears in his head began to turn as he put two and two together. It would seem the mystery girl was Sakura. Oh, this would be interesting.

"Mhm. I said no of course."

"Why is that?"

"He's too pessimistic. His goal is revenge, but after he obtains it, what will he live for? He refuses to find some good in the world. Besides he is an asshole. His original goal was to kill the fiancée of the Furido group, but because it was me he decided against it. The idiot was willing to kill an innocent all for the sake of his revenge!"

Silence filled the room after Sakura had finish her rant about Sasuke. Running a hand over his face, Kisame let out a sigh before finishing up the bouquets.

"What do you expect Sakura? A lot of innocent lives were taken that day, your mother included. Sasuke lost his brother who had died trying to protect him and his best friend's wife and parents were killed during the incident. A majority of the members resent him for it and he was thrust into the role of the newest leader. If he didn't swear to take revenge on the Furido group, I guarantee you that their would've been a coup and the Karasu would no longer exist. That's his last connection to his older brother. Now, I'm not trying to justify his mentality, but Sakura you need to understand where he is coming from before writing him off as an ass."

Sakura bit her lip as she listened to what Kisame had said. Hearing what Sasuke had been through, really made Sakura reconsider everything she had said to him. Guilt was slowly flooding her mind as she wallowed in her thoughts.

"I see where you are coming from Kisame and I will try to understand him, but I will not cast aside my own beliefs."

A smirk was in place as Kisame handed over the bouquets to Kakashi and Sakura. Gently he reached out and tousled Sakura's hair in response.

"Yeah well I wouldn't expect you to. After all you are a stubborn girl."

"Heh. Thank you Kisame!"

Kisame waited until the pair left his shop before quickly grabbing his secret sake bottle. Quickly he took a swig before slamming the bottle on the counter. He had to give it to Sasuke. If he was planning to chase after Sakura, he was going to need to work for it. Thank the Kami that the boy was persistent when it came to getting what he wanted.

A flick of light could be seen in the barren graveyard. The black haired man drew the cigarette to his lips before releasing the smoke up into the air. Pouring a cup of sake, the man placed it as an offering in front of the plaque that served as a reminder of his loss. Taking another drag, he crouched before the marker and allowed his finger to trace the engraved script on the rough surface of the plaque. His feathered touches remained on the name of the fallen man: Uchiha Itachi.

"Soon brother, you will be avenged."

The soft whisper that held the distinct promise of vengeance traveled through the silent night until the words were lost in the gentle breeze. The man slowly rose and was prepared to leave when footsteps were heard amongst the backdrop of mindless chatter. He would've left if it wasn't for the feminine voice that he immediately recognized.

"Sakura."

A deeper voice responded to something that was said which in turn made Sasuke walk over to the unsuspecting pair without even realizing he was doing so. As he saw the two, his heart immediately clenched at the sight. Here was the woman that had somehow managed to capture his attention, standing beside another male. How many guys were rivaling for the damn girl's attention? A combination of anger and jealousy once again clouded his mind as he quickly turned away to walk off for the second time today.

"Kakashi, please place the flowers at Haku's and Zabuza's gravesite. Oh and tell them that Kisame said hi, even though he is probably passed out drunk...again."

"What about you?"

"I want to talk to Okaa-san privately. Come find me in ten minutes before we head back."

"I promise I'll be fine Kakashi."

"Fine...only ten minutes though."

A smile and a nod was his only response as Kakashi disappeared into the night. Slowly Sakura began taking the few steps towards her mother's grave. Sasuke halted mid-stride before turning to watch the rose haired woman feel her way along the path. He muttered a curse as he saw her trip over a small rock in the walk way. He knew he should just turn away and forget about her, but his brother's words along with what Kisame and Naruto had said rang in his ears. Making his decision, he approached the woman, gently brushing his hand against her arm.

"Sakura."

She wasn't surprised when she felt Sasuke's presence behind her. She had recognized him from his cigarette scent that was mixed with the subtle smell of his musky aroma.

"Took you long enough. I wanted to talk to you."

Sasuke tried to hide his surprise but decided against it since she couldn't see his expression.

"What did you want to say?"

Instead of replying, the girl grasped his arm and gently began walking forward, allowing him to be her eyes. The two walked in silence, although Sasuke was pointedly ignoring the scent of cherry blossoms that complimented the aroma of peaches that seemed to fragrant the air every time she moved. It was a different experience for Sasuke. Out of all the women he had dated, none of them were allowed to touch him freely in public. Truth be told he abhorred it, but with her, he didn't mind at all.

"I wanted to apologize for my outburst. I didn't understand where you were coming from and it was wrong of me to push my beliefs onto you, however you are at fault as well."

An ink black eyebrow rose in response.

"Oh?"

The dull green gaze was turned on him making his heart skip a beat in response.

"Yes, just because you don't agree with someone's viewpoints doesn't mean you try to belittle them."

"Hypocritical. Didn't you do the same?"

"At least I apologized."

A smirk adorned Sasuke's face as he entered into a little banter with the woman.

"Fine. I apologize as well, however your beliefs are still unrealistic."

"And you are still a stubborn ass. Point being?"

This time Sasuke couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. Sakura could feel the rumble coming from Sasuke and couldn't help but smile in response. He was capable of having a sense of humor.

"You know, I wouldn't allow most females to get away with calling me an ass."

"Hmm, don't try to rope me together with all of your other conquests. The difference is, I'm not trying to get in your pants."

"How can I be sure?"

"Well, first of all, you aren't my type. Egotistical males are always a turn off. Especially ones that sulk in the corner when things don't go their way."

"I do not sulk...in a corner."

A laugh filled the air.

"Alright, you don't sulk, brood sounds better."

"Hn."

"You're doing it right now."

Sasuke decided it was best to move on because it was apparent he was going to lose this conversation and she was right although he would never admit it.

"Fine. Then what is your type?"

Pink burrows furrowed together as she thought over the question.

"I don't care about looks, obviously because I can't see, but I prefer personality more than anything. He has to be honest and caring about his comrades. After all, 'those who betray their comrades are worse than trash'. That's what Kakashi taught me."

"Hn. Kakashi?"

"The man you were glaring at earlier. He has been by my side every since I was little. I love him."

"Oh? Yet you were doing just fine with Sasori earlier."

"Spying is an unbecoming trait Uchiha. I assume you meant the kiss on the cheek? It was a thank you for returning my necklace. Nothing more. Now tell me, why were you spying?"

"Hn."

"That's not an answer."

"I don't need to explain myself to you."

"Hmm, that is true, but do not expect me to justify my own actions if you will not return the favor."

Sasuke took a minute to think about what she had said. It was a reasonable request.

"Fine. I was going to apologize but when I came upon the scene I decided it was best to leave."

"So if I waited, I wouldn't have been the one to apologize first?"

"Probably."

"Damn. Oh well. Tell me Sasuke, do you see a grave marked Haruno Mebuki?"

Sasuke took a moment to glance at his surroundings. He was so absorbed in the conversation with Sakura that he didn't notice they had almost past the grave site. Gently he guided her to the plaque, allowing her to kneel before tomb. Deciding it was best to leave her for a bit, Sasuke trailed off to the side, maintaining a distance in order to provide her with some privacy.

"Okaa-san. "

Sakura placed the flowers before the plaque and bowed her head in respect.

"I miss you, but everyone is fine and I'm doing well. Kakashi has been training me so I would be able to defend myself even though I can't see. So you don't need to worry if I'm alone, I can take care of myself. Otou-san was trying to force me into an arranged marriage with this guy named Sasori. I thought he was a jerk and I was really happy when I was kidnapped. Oh, said kidnapper is here by the way. His name is Sasuke and he is pretty decent...when he isn't brooding."

A small laugh accompanied this statement, which in turn made Sasuke cluck his tongue in response.

"Anyways, Sasori was a jerk at first, but he apologized for his behavior and returned the necklace you gave me. He isn't that bad. Oh! I forgot to say, Kakashi is doing well too, although Otou-san was being weird when he saw Kakashi and me together. I have a feeling as to why and I will talk to Otou-san tomorrow. That's all the news for now, and don't worry Okaa-san, your words still ring true today. I know what I want to do."

Sakura's jovial smile contradicted her cryptic words, but Sasuke decided it was best to ignore it. Seeing that she was finished, he walked over and helped Sakura to her feet.

"Thank you. Although our time together was short, it was enjoyable compared to last time."

"Hn."

Sakura shook her head in response, causing her rose colored locks to brush against her cheek.

"Goodbye Sasuke."

Just as Sakura was prepared to walk away, Sasuke decided to act on instinct.

"Wait, I want to see you again."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

A wry smile appeared on Sakura's face as she turned towards him.

"Smart response. I don't mind Sasuke, but I will warn you now. Do not expect anything more than friendship."

"Why?"

Sakura could hear the anger in his voice and decided it best to reject him now.

"I love someone else and already I will have to sacrifice that love if I plan to go through with the arranged marriage. Besides, if I marry into the Furido group, you will have to kill me."

"I could convince you otherwise."

Sakura scoffed in response.

"Your charms do not work on me. Besides, your goal is revenge. Why do you want me?"

Sasuke reached out to twirl a pink lock around his finger.

"You are a challenge and I enjoy challenges."

Gently, he brushed a kiss against the lock of Sakura's hair before releasing it.

"I'm afraid you will not be winning this challenge."

"Hn. We shall see. After all, I can be quite persuasive."

"And I'm stubborn."

Sasuke stared at the woman before him. Never had he met a woman who was willing to challenge him, and it made his blood boil in anticipation. He was going to have fun pursuing her and he would be damned if he lost her to Sasori or any other man for that matter. He was a selfish man, and nothing would stop him from getting his way. The silence between the two stretched until it was finally broken.

"Sakura?"

"I'm over here Kakashi."

Seeing as it was his cue to leave, Sasuke quickly brushed a kiss against Sakura's lips. Before whispering his parting words.

"I never lose."

With that, Sasuke disappeared into the night leaving a flustered Sakura in his wake.

"That jerk!"

"Who?"

Sakura quickly composed herself as she turned to address Kakashi.

"No one in particular. Let's go home."

"Sasori."

The red haired man looked up to find Kazuma awaiting him as he returned from the Haruno group's main house. With a curt signal, Sasori began to follow Furido to his office. Silently, Sasori replayed what had happened with Sakura and each time, he couldn't help the warm feeling that was growing in his chest.

"Well?"

Sasori broke out of his thoughts as he met Kazuma's piercing gaze.

"She accepted my apology and it appears, she does not reject the idea of me courting her."

" How disappointing. I was hoping you would've failed and I could've killed you for doing so. Hmph, it seems you are quite fortunate, but I cannot say the same for your comrades."

Rage colored Sasori's eyes as he forced himself to calm down.

"What did you do?"

An indifferent expression was on Kazuma's face as he proceeded to describe in graphic detail how he had killed one of his men.

"Quite pathetic. Even before he took his last breathe, he was still saying you would go and save him. It was laughable."

"You bastard!"

Venom was laced in Sasori's voice as he lunged himself at Kazuma. He was able to punch him directly in the face before Kazuma had him pinned against the wall.

"Now, now. It was only one man. You still have nine left. You wouldn't anything to happen to them, would you?"

He knew it was a lost cause to try to break free from Kazuma. Slowly he dropped his head in resignation.

"That's better. Now, I expect you to follow through this time otherwise I will not hesitate to dispose of your men in an instant."

"Fine."

"You have exactly eight weeks to win her over, until then you will be dismissed from your other duties. Focus on the girl. Leave."

Kazuma released Sasori as he walked back to his desk. Slowly he withdrew a bottle of sake before taking a long swig. Although there was a hitch in his plan, everything would be righted after Sasori succeeded in wooing the girl. Even if Sasori failed, Kazuma had another plan in the works. Of course it involved a lot more bloodshed, but that didn't faze him. Nothing would stop him from taking over the entire yakuza world. Not even a vengeful little boy named Uchiha Sasuke.