Third chapter! Sorry for the delay. I would have updated sooner, but I just got a laptop so I'm working on that from now on. And a new Microsoft Word takes time to adjust to. For those that still care to read this, I thank you. Hopefully, my later updates will be sooner. I hate waiting to read stories, and I believe the feeling is mutual...well for the most part for most people. Anyways, 'nuff rambling and enjoy!

Words: 4770

Disclaimer: Wishful thinking.

Chapter three—Knives and Daggers

He so did not do that.

Sakura couldn't believe it. She wasn't willing to believe it. Why would she believe it?

To think that the man that had tried to pick a fight with her the night before had paid for something. Had paid for something for her.

The very idea of it was absurd.

"Umm…are you there?" The lady from the phone asked. Sakura realized that she was still on the line. Hastily, she picked the phone up and replied.

"Yes, yes. I'm still here. Well, uhh, thank you for calling. Bye." With that, Sakura ended the call. It was a bit rude of her to just hang up like that, but she had more suppressing matters in her head to deal with.

Now where was she again?

Oh right.

Why did he do that?!

Sasuke was having a fine time unlike the pink-haired girl. He knew that by now, she would have received a phone call. He also knew that she was probably pulling her hair out trying to figure out why he did what he did. Well, the answer was quite simple, actually.

He knew she would wonder about the situation.

He knew that if she wondered, she would want answers.

He was also aware of the fact that there was only one way for her to get answers.

And that was for her to come to him.

Sasuke smirked.

Oh yes. He had it all planned out. Just because she was saved by her friend last night didn't mean that she could be saved again. Judging from her behavior, Sasuke concluded that she was a girl that wouldn't accept "hand-outs." If he was right, which he probably was, then she would want to confront him about it. And then…he'll get his answers.

She'll get her pride.

Everything would work out.

If everything went according to plan, that is.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. That girl had some unique trait about her that just twisted logic. She defied human nature. Just look at that pink hair and emerald eyes. He knew that she was a rarity among the world so he made sure that he was cautious. Sasuke was prepared. He knew the girl had a fiery temper. Well, it was more fun to mess with her that way.

Sasuke smirked. She wasn't going to win in this game.

He was going to make sure of that.

After all, he already had a crucial piece of information about her. That little visit to the shop came in handy in more than one way.

The man looked down at a piece of paper that lay in front of him.

There were two words scrawled on it.

Sakura Haruno.

After Sakura let off some frustrations, she decided that a walk might do good for her. A nice, calm, peaceful walk around the city. With the thought in mind, she slipped on her shoes and walked out of the apartment.

Just as she was about to take her first step in that relaxing walk that she imagined, her cell rang.

Growling, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Sakura, go to headquarters immediately." A stern voice flowed through the cell.

Then the line went dead.

Sakura sighed.

Did Tsunade have another mission for her? She would recognize the voice anywhere. And Sakura knew by the tone of her boss that something serious had happened.

Sakura mentally waved her "dream walk" bye-bye and made her way to headquarters.

It was really a hassle to go there. There were many precautions to take. Sakura walked to the side of a street, stopped, and then crossed. She made her way to a flower shop.

Not just any flower shop.

A Yamanaka flower shop.

AKA 'secret pathway.'

There were many of these stationed around the city. Ino's family owned this shop so it was quite natural that it was made into something beneficial to the spy agency. Some others were the Weapons Store a couple of blocks away, owned by Tenten's family, and the empty alley next to an old vintage store. Every spy was required to memorize the locations and proceed to them when needed to be transported to headquarters.

Sakura made her way inside the store and was instantly blasted by the sweet aroma of bouquets. If you just looked at the place, you would just think that it was a very nice and quiet flower shop. But if you go to the backroom, as Sakura did before she gave Ms. Yamanaka a look that told the woman everything, you would notice that there were quite a lot hidden behind the exterior of the shop. For example, there was a metal vault on one side. There were also plenty of electronic equipment littered on tables on the other side. This was natural for a spy family. The Yamanakas were in the business for a long time. And now, Ino had taken up the family job.

Speaking of her best friend…Sakura noticed the blonde girl next to the vault.

"Hey." She called out. The girl looked back and grinned.

"Wow, Tsunade called you too? Must be some kind of mission." Ino opened the lid of a regular looking air conditioning system. Instead, a little computer and a monitor flipped out. The girl placed her hand on the monitor and a blue light scanned it. With a click, the machine buzzed.

"Access Confirmed."

Then, the vault opened. It was a bit dark inside, but it was still seeable. Sakura followed Ino's actions and stepped inside the vault. The doors closed and locked themselves after she got in.

"It's quite unusual for us to have another mission so soon, though." Ino pondered. "What do you think happened?"

Sakura frowned.

"Nothing good."

The two girls began walking.

Two spies ready for what was coming up.

After a while, Sakura and Ino came up to a huge opening. An elevator stood before them. They stepped in and were carried towards the "hit room". They nicknamed it that since that was where everything was thrown at them. Everything about their mission, where they'd be going, and whom they would be working with. It was the briefing room.

Once they entered, they were met with Tenten, Shikamaru, Kiba, Asuma, and Kurenai. Kiba was with his dog, Akamaru. His dog was rather big. Rather large. They were spies, both him and his dog as a team, but that didn't mean that they weren't loud. Because they were, they were very loud. Asuma and Kurenai were instructors and were on a slightly higher level than the rest of them. They were also a couple of years older. To have the two of them in the room troubled Sakura. What had happened?

Tsunade stood at the other side of the room. She gestured for the group to move closer towards her.

"I have some news for all of you."She turned to all of them.

Everyone remained alert and solemn.

"What happened?" Kurenai questioned.

"The mission that was recently completed by Tenten, Sakura, and Ino will be postponed."

"What do you mean?" This time, it was Ino who spoke. "We already completed the mission. How will it be postponed?"

Tsunade sighed. "Orochimaru has been acting suspicious lately. The mission has been completed, yes. But, I have yet to deliver the document to him."

There was an audible gasp throughout the group. There was a sacred rule of spies. You do the job, and you don't question the employer. It was a sacred law. And yet, Tsunade had broken it. She didn't give the document to Orochimaru. Oh, if he knew… That would cause problems.

"What did he do?" Sakura asked.

"Our agency has detected some strange behavior from him. He has gathered a large number of followers, and his interest in the Uchihas' plot of land makes it hard to tell his next move." Tsunade paused and took a breath. "I know that spies have a duty to their employer, but I'm afraid that if Orochimaru really has some harmful plans in his head, then we shouldn't support him. So as of right now, this mission will be held at a standstill. The document is in my hands and will stay that way until further notice of Orochimaru's actions. Until we can confirm that they are harmless."

Sakura mentally scoffed. That man looked like a sick, twisted, dark man. Harmless wasn't in his dictionary, but she didn't voice her thoughts. There was no need. It wouldn't change anything. Plus, this type of precaution was quite unusual. No need to put the others more on edge.

Tsunade took a breath.

"No word of this to anyone. And no connection to the employer or any members of the Uchiha Corp. is allowed."

Sakura mentally gulped. Oh great. Now, she couldn't even pay that man back. But…the feeling was nagging at her. It was against the law of the agency.

It was her pride.

Well, which one would win?

After Tsunade had dismissed them, Sakura had walked back towards the Yamanaka Flower Shop with Ino. When they walked outside the store, Sakura parted ways.

She might have been a little fidgety. And darn the fact that Ino knew her so well.

Her friend grinned at her.

"You're going to see him, aren't you?"

Sakura pretended to be confused.

"What are you talking about?" She was answered by the roll of the eyes.

"Don't worry. I won't tell Tsunade." And without giving Sakura a chance to explain, Ino left her friend as she went back inside the flower shop.

Sakura walked down the street. She was really in a fix now.

Mr. 'I'm so fine' was just flinging out money to show off. Yes, that was right. Just showing-off. There was no other reason for him to pay 5000 dollars for her.

Absolutely no reason.

But...

Sakura hated to be in debt. She had always believed to 'earn what she gets.'

And here comes Mr. 'I'm so rich, I can just give out money to my enemies without a care.' He just had to come by and smash her little motto.

Sakura knew she was going to paying Hinata back, but that was simple. Hinata was her friend.

Sasuke Uchiha was a being that seemed to be destined to torture her.

Still...

Sakura couldn't just take 5000 dollars like that.

So...

She found herself at the door of the Uchiha mansion.

Sasuke was sitting in the study, rubbing his temples. The mansion was a mess. Everyone was on edge…well, everyone except Itachi. No one could tell what went on in his mind. Sasuke had a feeling that Itachi was a tad bit off too, but it might just be his imagination.

Sasuke sighed. He did have an upper hand in this situation. After all, he was aware of who the thief was. He knew that she would be lured to the mansion. But most importantly, he knew her name.

Sakura Haruno.

Such a simple yet distinctive name. Sakura as in cherry blossoms. With her pink hair and vibrant emerald eyes, they sure did resemble those spring flowers.

The youngest Uchiha shook his head. There was no time for him to contemplate about a name. He had to plan his next move. She would come soon. Very soon. He was sure about that. But now there was the question, what could he do? What should he do? Confront her about it? Well, he already did. Should he arrest her? Nope, he'd need proof first. And he had a feeling that it would be harder than pulling out teeth for that girl to talk. Maybe he should just go with the fact that the girl felt inclined to owe him something. After all, he had paid for that dress. That stunning, tight fitting, elegant, complimenting…oh god. The chaos she created has gotten into his head. Sasuke groaned. What a little vixen…





Itachi was patrolling the mansion. Actually, he was supposed to be looking out for the workers to try to determine if any had the slightest possibility to be the thief of the blueprint. That was his job according to his father. Of course, he didn't bother to mention that he already knew who was at fault. He didn't try to sway his father's suspicion of someone betraying the Uchiha Corp. There would be no use. Plus, he'd have to answer to the questions as to how he knew the thief and what not. Too troublesome. He'd rather just lay low and keep quiet about his knowledge. It was much easier to deal with. And did he mention, much more amusing?

Itachi was smart as most would already know. He knew how the girl would bring a breath of fresh air to the company. And well, to his brother. Itachi smirked. He knew that the girl already had an effect on the younger Uchiha. He could tell. Even though the change was quite subtle, Itachi noticed that Sasuke had become more quiet and thoughtful. Most workers thought it was because of the robbery, but Itachi knew better. His younger brother was thinking about that girl…and ok, he was also thinking about the incident. But mostly about the girl.

The elder Uchiha smirked as he made his way down the hall. One of the many halls in the Uchiha mansion. Until things got even more interesting, he would just be hanging around, patrolling.

Well, more like, keeping any eye out for an Akari Mao.

But that was on the down low too.

Shisui was thinking that he had horrible luck. To be born in the Uchihas was considered an honor and privilege. He felt that it was punishment for his past life. After all, he was stuck with a cocky, smart, unresponsive Itachi. And then there was a smaller version of that except with a bigger ego and an explosive temper. Otherwise known as Sasuke. What a joy.

However, Shisui was also aware of their father, Mr. Fugaku Uchiha. Oh boy. As they say, the fruit never falls far from the tree. He really couldn't blame the two brothers for their attitudes. If you had a father like Fugaku, you'd probably go insane. Or run away.

Shisui didn't really talk to the head of the company, but he knew that he was about to retire. And one of the sons was expected to be the heir. Itachi had made it clear that he was not interested in the position in any way. That left Sasuke. So really, it was basically his future position. Shisui knew that the young Uchiha was under a lot of pressure, and that his temper was how he dealt with it. Even so…

He had done a favor for him! He had searched up an Akari Mao for Sasuke! His thanks were a death glare, a couple of yells, and chores.

Chores such as…

"Hello, may I see Mr. Sasuke Uchiha?" A girl with pink hair and shocking emerald eyes went up to him. Her eyes were questioning yet hopeful. She looked like she was preparing for a fight. Shisui deemed her harmless. Plus, even if she was going to fight, she was going in to see Sasuke. After what that Uchiha had done to him, Shisui figured he might as well send him a little "you're welcome" present. With a sly smile, he nodded.

"Welcome, please enter."

The girl said her thanks and walked through the large doors.

Shisui smirked. The pleasure was all his. After all, it was Sasuke's fault for giving Shisui the chore of guarding the main doors. His fault entirely.

Sakura entered the nostalgic Uchiha mansion. Geez, she didn't realize that she'd come back to this place so soon. This expensive place.

At once, she noticed a change in the atmosphere. The once quiet mansion was now swarmed with workers rushing about. The hustle and bustle of a city had been reduced to the size of a mansion. Everyone was in a craze. Constantly moving. Sakura had barely stepped inside when she was pushed around by a little working man. She was shoved to the ground. The man stopped and hesitated before he bent down and helped Sakura up.

The girl huffed as she tried to regain her composure. After she was up, the man nervously rubbed his hands together. Sakura squinted her eyes at him. He was strangely familiar. Where had she seen him before?

"Umm..sorry about that. I was in a hurry." The man looked nervously behind his shoulders. Sakura was confused. He looked as if he was being chased.

"That's alright. But umm, are you ok?" The man looked as if he was about to faint. Or maybe he already fainted earlier. Either way, he looked like he was sick.

"I just need to get out of here….you see," the man cut himself off for a second. Suddenly, his face looked like he was about to burst with some hidden emotion. That was when Sakura realized who the man was. It was that nervous, clumsy businessman from the other day! The one that Sasuke had declined. What was his name again? She should know. After all, she was his secretary. It was uhh….oh yea, Mr. Yakamura!

Sakura was too absorbed in her inner cheer at remembering his name to realize that the man in front of her had sucked up a huge amount of breath. And he held it in.

For quite a long time.

Sakura stared at the strange man. What was he doing? And wasn't he talking a while ago?

The breath was slowly breathed out.

Then it was quiet.

And then…

"I HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!" The man yelled. Sakura was taken back at his remark. How could he become this loud? She noticed a couple of nearby workers stop what they were doing and look at the commotion. She realized that every eye was on them. Just great. But wait, the shy, quiet, awkward man was not done.

"There were the questions! And glaring!" Mr. Yakamura stepped closer to Sakura. His hands waved crazily about. "It was a jury room! All three of them! The quietness was deafening! I didn't do it though, I told them that. They said they believed me. But who knows?! Maybe, I'll be dragged back so I can faint in front of them again. Or maybe they'd like to see a stain on that clean carpet of theirs!"Sakura stared, wide-eyed, as the man continued. Oh man. He lost it.

"And now, they're everywhere! And I've become a suspect. All I wanted was him to go to a promotion party! A stupid party! Was that too horrible? Look, all I know is… I didn't do it. I didn't do it. You believe me, don't you?" The man looked deeply in Sakura's eyes. He needed to be reassured. She understood that. After all, this man had just blown up in front of her. And…Sakura guiltily gulped, she was the cause of this little breakdown.

"It's not your fault. Don't worry. I believe you."

The man relaxed considerably. He heaved a huge sigh. With a quirky type of smile, he shook her hand.

"Thank you. Thank you." He gave her another little smile and he sauntered off. Just like that. He just walked out of the Uchiha mansion like nothing had happened.

Like no one had been staring at them.

Like he wasn't the cause of a certain Uchiha walking towards her.

Sakura cursed her luck. This wasn't exactly the Uchiha she was looking for since in front of her was an amused Itachi.

Was Itachi surprised?

Yes.

To think that the fidgety man had blown up was amusing enough. It made his rounds around the house very interesting. Maybe that was why the man was running. Hmm…oh well.

But now, he was face to face with the girl. That man had brought him to the girl. Itachi smirked. This was unexpected yet totally welcomed. Well, first things first.

"Everyone get back to your stations. There's nothing to see here." He issued the workers to go back to what they were doing. There would be no use for them to witness everything like it was a show. Only he could do that. Oh yea. Itachi knew he was a sadist.

"Now there. I do believe that we have met before." He gave her a quirk of his brows. One of the few expressions he had ever showed.

Sakura started fidgeting. What was she going to do now? Lie? Pretend to be that secretary again? After that display, she doubt people would actually believe that the man would ditch his own secretary. But then, Sakura realized that she didn't have her disguise on right now. She gently touched her hair. Yup. It was pink. Good, she was saved.

Then she saw his knowing eyes.

Damn these smart Uchihas.

Itachi smirked. Did she honestly believe that he didn't see right through her? Those eyes gave her away even if her hair color had changed. Maybe this was her natural shade? If so, then, Itachi sure hit the jackpot in amusement. Now, all he had to do was to keep up the act.

"I'm really quite sure that we have met before." He insisted.

"Umm…well, maybe. I've been in here before on business." Sakura spoke. She wasn't going say that she was Mr. Yakamura's secretary. She would just leave out some parts. After all, spies should be very good at this. And Sakura will be damned before some smart-alecky rich people hurt her reputation. Even if they were god like beings. Stupid good looks.

"Oh really? What kind of business?"

Persistent, wasn't he?

"Just the regular work issues. Nothing major."

Itachi smirked the third time.

She wasn't backing down either. What an interesting girl.

He figured that he shouldn't push her anymore. She would just come up with more excuses.

"Well, are you here today for more business?"

"Actually, I'm here to talk to Mr. Sasuke Uchiha. It is….business." In a way, Sakura added mentally.

"Why would my brother be of assistance to you?"

Note to self: Uchihas were pushy.

"Ahh, nothing to worry about. Just some problems to solve. Small problems." Sakura smiled. Okay, it was time to end this conversation now.

"Could you by chance tell me where he is?"

"I can do better."

Sakura arched an eyebrow.

"I can escort you there."

Oh yes. Uchihas were extremely pushy.

Sasuke swiveled in his leather chair. The study had become a room that he was strangely starting to get comfortable with. He practically spent his whole day in there nowadays. This was the site of the incident. And his hand periodically settled themselves under the desk in some hopeful way that the blueprint would reappear there.

He heard footsteps come closer to the door. Who could it be? He sat up straighter in his chair.

The door swung open.

Sasuke saw Itachi first.

Glare.

Then he saw her.

Smirk.



Sakura mentally sighed. These two brothers were really similar. They even had that same look. Sasuke's just had a unique tint in his eyes that scared Sakura of what would come in the future. He looked relaxed behind the desk yet sophisticated at the same time.

Itachi opened the door for her, and she stepped in.

"Sasuke, we have a guest. She needs to discuss some… issues with you."

"I'm sure she does." Sakura really wanted to wipe that arrogant smirk off his model face.

"Okay then, I'll be leaving you two to discuss whatever you guys need to talk about." After giving Sasuke a look, he turned around, gave Sakura a wink, and then walked out the room. The door clicked close behind him.

"Well now, to what honor do I have to get this visit from you?"

"The honor of returning that 5000 bucks to the store."

"You don't like the dress?"

"That's not the point."

"Since when do you get to the point? I believe that I was the one to ask about the robbery, and you were the one to avoid the subject."

Another note to self: Uchihas were snobby, rich, sly, sneaky, mind-bending, egoistic,…uhh, let's stop here.

"Why did you pay for me?"

"I felt like it."

"No, you wanted to tick me off."

"Ok, maybe that too."

"You're infuriating."

"You're a thief."

"Touché."

"I want my blueprint back."

"What makes you so sure I have it?"

"I'm not stupid."

"No, you're just annoying."

Now, Sasuke was getting aggravated. This girl was not cooperating. Not that he was planning on her to do so, but still, this conversation could go better.

Sakura wasn't on very nice terms right now either. She couldn't believe this guy! He had some nerve. Uchihas are a pain.

"Return the dress."

"No."

There was only one way left. Sakura gulped. She could see that glint in Sasuke's eyes. Oh boy. What was she going to get herself into?

"How about I pay you back?"

"Blueprint."

"You are deaf. I don't have it."

"Mhm. And I didn't pay for your dress."

Sakura was going to pull her hair out. He was not cooperating at all. And she was nice enough to offer to pay him back.

"I will pay you back."

"I will get the blueprint back."

Glare vs. Glare.

Then the look changed. On Sasuke's face, that is.

"I will allow you to pay me back…if you do something for me."

A pause.

"As long as you do something for me, Ms. Sakura Haruno." Sasuke repeated slyly.

Sakura growled. Of course, the lady at the store had given him her name. Just great. She was going to sock him.

"I swear…if you dare say anything about a blueprint…" Sakura was cut off.

"You must be my personal maid."

…

"Did you hit your head?"

"Do you want to pay me back?"

"Gah!"

"Intelligent response."

Sakura's eyes widened. He couldn't be serious. A maid? A personal maid? But still…she couldn't owe him.

"…how long will it take?"

"A week."

Sakura couldn't believe her ears. Only a week? Was he letting her off easy? She took a look at him. Then again, a week may be too long.

"Fine."

Sasuke smirked. This was going well, finally. Her as his personal maid will bring him closer to getting back his document. She couldn't refuse his offer. He was sure of that. But now, she has sealed the deal.

"You're required to be here every morning from 6 am to 8 pm. Whatever I want, you do. Whatever I need, you get. No complaints. No getting out of the deal. You must act as a personal maid. With proper etiquette. No tardiness or deal's off. Am I clear?"

Sakura glared at him. Was he serious? Did he practice that speech? From 6 am to 8 pm? Did he think that she had no life? And besides, she was a spy. Now was an especially tough time with all the Orochimaru stuff going about in the agency. Plus, she wasn't even allowed to talk to him right now. Tsunade was on edge, and that made the rest of the spies careful too. She had no time catering to this man.

No time.

Yet…

"I hate you."

"Is that a yes?"

"It's a 'there's nothing left between us after this week'," Sakura clarified.

"Deal."

Sakura turned to leave. Once she was at the door. Sasuke called out for her.

"If you hand over the blueprint, I'll call off this deal."

Sakura glanced at him.

"No way."

"Well, I tried." Sasuke smirked.

Sakura turned back towards the door. She swung it open, and right before the door closed, she distinctively heard him again.

"See you tomorrow."

Sakura groaned.

What had she gotten herself into?



Itachi smirked from around the corner of the hallway. Oh boy, things were getting interesting now.

Oh boy, now what's going to happen to poor Sakura?

Ha, spies, deceit, evil ancient man, cocky jerks, and money. What's better?

Again, sorry for the delay. It wasn't very long, yet I feel inclined to apologize. Ehh, it might just be me.

Like before, I will give another preview for the next chapter.

Chapter Four: Dog eat Dog

Sakura groaned. What in the world has gotten into her lately? Betraying Tsunade was worse enough. But now, oh boy, now she was stuck as a maid.

A maid for an insufferable man.

Cross that out. Not a man. A torturer. A pain. A jerk. A ... well, use your imagination.

Staying in this mansion was ok. The workers were nice.

The building was nice.

Everything would be tolerable if not for the fact that Sakura was, at the moment, wearing a maid outfit too short and frilly to be comfortable.

It was quite small, and Sakura was beginning to think that Sasuke was a pervert.

But there was nothing Sakura hated more than what came next...

"Sakura, you have to scrape the gum off my shoe now."

Twitch.

He was dead.

Ok, finally done.

Please r&r