Another update! I do believe that I have outdone myself with these fast updates. All thanks to my faithful readers. I will pay tribute to all 'ye faithful' in future chapters. Much thanks!

A/N: Please take the poll on my profile. It will help me decide on which story to start next. I plan to write my next fic in the upcoming week. VOTE!

Words: 6032

Disclaimer: Psh, yea right.

Chapter Six—Understanding the Uchihas

Sakura managed to get back to her apartment without a certain Uchiha following. She made sure of that. Her spy pride had taken a beating when she realized that she was being followed yet was too late to notice it. That could have ended up in a disaster if it had happened when she was on a real mission.

She supposed it was understandable why Sasuke wanted to keep tabs on her. That didn't mean she'd forgive him so easily. Stalking her and her friends was low. Still, as much as Sakura didn't want to admit it, she knew why Sasuke was so intent on finding out more about her. After all, she was his leading suspect in the robbery.

If she was in his shoes, she probably would have done the same thing. Sakura gritted her teeth in frustration. She was supposed to be mad at him, not siding with him! Her eyes lingered to the digital clock next to her bed. 11:11. Well, Sakura wasn't the superstitious type, but she closed her eyes and made a wish.

"Please let me see what goes on in Sasuke Uchiha's mind."

She opened her eyes and watched the digital red light turn into a 2 before she turned away.

That wish would help her know what he was thinking. It would show her what he was planning on doing so she could be prepared. Well, that is, if the dream came true.

Sighing, Sakura snuggled up in her covers and closed her eyes. Sleeping had become a habit of hers after she had met the Uchiha, and she was beginning to feel that it was the highlight of her day. Soon, the pink haired girl drifted off.

Sasuke was now even more frustrated than before. He had been caught by the girl. He, Sasuke Uchiha, had been found out. By a mere girl.

Good thing she wasn't really in the mood to fight. Or else, he would've heard her ramblings the entire night.

Although, as Sasuke thought about it, she didn't seem as fiery as before. He remembered her dejected gaze and her forlorn attitude. Something wasn't right. She was…dare he say it? But a nagging feeling in the pits of his stomach told him so too. Sakura was changing.

It was an abrupt change, but nonetheless, Sasuke had sensed something off from the girl that night. She wasn't eager to throw back comebacks, and he could have sworn, she actually looked ready to tell him something. But she had hesitated, and stopped. Sakura had turned her back on him to pick up the litter on the floor. Now Sasuke's mind clicked in place. During the last few words they had said to each other, she had not once looked at him. Now that was a thought.

She had avoided his gaze. She had avoided a fight. And right when she finished picking everything up, she didn't even bother taking the contents with her. All Sakura did, was walk out of the study, not once sparing him a single glance.

What was going on in that head of hers? Was she really going to tell him something earlier that night? Sasuke cursed his luck. If only he had noticed the change sooner, he might have actually gotten some information out of her. Now all he had to do was wait. Wait until 6 the next morning for him to see her again.

Letting out a groan, Sasuke was fairly prepared to sleep. Until his cell rang.

Looking at the number, he snapped awake.

"What?"

"I thought you wanted to see the information I got." Came a snide voice.

"You done?"

"Hn. Drop by."

"What did you find?"

"Come over and you'll find out." Itachi paused then decided to add to it. "You won't be disappointed."

Click.

Sasuke took a deep breath and then strolled over to his brother's room.

Would Sakura's secret be revealed?

Itachi smirked when his brother stepped inside the room. Onyx eyes clashed with his.

"What did you find?" So direct. Itachi shook his head in an amused fashion. He pointed to the screen and motioned for Sasuke to come closer.

Once Sasuke was close enough to the screen, Itachi spoke.

"Look at this." The younger Uchiha scanned his eyes over the screen. His breath caught in his throat.

"What does this mean?" Itachi regarded his brother curiously.

"Don't tell me you can't read elementary level words." He received a glare.

"I can read fine. I meant that by this…" Sasuke trailed off.

Itachi nodded. He understood his brother's astonishment.

"Yes, according to this. Sakura Haruno doesn't exist."

"How is that possible?" Sasuke had the thought that she had used another fake name. But as he recalled her friends' reactions when he said her name, he shook his head. No, that was her real name alright.

"Look at this." Itachi ignored Sasuke's question. Instead, he brought up the screen of the information he found on Tenten and Ino. He heard another sharp intake of breath next to him.

"There's no way that's true. I met them earlier today."

"According to my sources, it says that all three of them don't exist."

"But…"

"They're supposedly dead from a car crash six years ago."

"The same car crash?"

Itachi nodded.

"Quite unlikely, isn't it? Especially considering the fact that you've met with them."

"What else did you find?"

Itachi scrolled down, and he brought all three windows on the screen. All three articles had one word highlighted.

"Tsunade..?" Sasuke questioned. "Who's that?"

"Apparently their keeper of some sort. She's in all of their lives. And…" Itachi sneaked a look at his brother. "She's alive."

"Where is she?" Came his instant reply. Itachi had knew this question would pop up so he was prepared.

"Here's her address." He handed his brother a slip of paper. As Sasuke was about to move, Itachi stopped him. "I wouldn't advise you to visit her at this time in the night. She seems well known for her temper."

Sasuke paused his movements to consider his brother's advice. It would probably be better for him to visit her the next day. With that, he headed for the door. Before he left, Sasuke spoke again, not looking at Itachi.

"Itachi.." His elder brother regarded him with an eyebrow raised.

"Hn." Sasuke left.

Itachi smirked, knowing that in his own way, his younger brother had expressed his thanks.

Sakura groaned. Not again. She jumped out of bed and got dressed. Rushing out of her room, she grabbed a bagel, bit it, and ran out of her apartment. Did he have to pick 6 am?

She hopped in her car and drove off to the Uchiha mansion. She wasn't very sure if she wanted to see Sasuke yet. After last night's incident, she had a feeling something had shifted in their relationship. Wait, not relationship, more like 'acquaintanceship,' Sakura thought. Yes, that was more like it.

Sakura didn't want to go anywhere close to the mansion. She doubted even Shisui could cheer her up. But true to her word, Sakura pulled up in front of the building and got the 'ok' from the guards. Without thinking, she made her way to the study. Sasuke would be waiting.

She didn't know that she'd find something else there. Someone else.

An old man sat at the leather seat and when she stepped into the room, he lifted his eyes from the papers on the desk and looked at her. His eyes spoke millions about his personality. Cold, strict, harsh, unfeeling, they were dark blank pits. Pits that sent a shiver down Sakura's spine.

His posture and air radiated superiority. It oddly reminded Sakura of Sasuke. There was a distinct resemblance between the two, she noticed. Even the way he regarded her with disinterest was the same.

"Who are you?" His voice was cold yet stern. It told Sakura to answer. There was no choice to just leave.

"Sakura Haruno." She answered steadily.

"What's your business here?"

"I'm here to meet with Sasuke." Sakura answered truthfully. The old man narrowed his eyes.

"What for?" Boy, was he nosy… Once again, Sakura answered as truthfully as she could.

"It's personal." Meaning it's none of your business.

"I'll get my son here to explain it then." He spoke crisply as he dialed a number on his phone. Sakura's eyes widened. This old man was Sasuke's father? They did act in the same fashion, she'll give him that. She mentally shivered. Now she understood where Sasuke's attitude came from, who could stand a father like that?

The old man hung up the phone. Without giving her another glance, he directed his gaze back to the papers littered on the desk. He shifted through them and read each one. Shaking his head, he scrawled something on a paper. Sakura knew that he was giving her a cold shoulder. Acting like she wasn't there was no problem for her. She wouldn't want his attention anyways. However the act was rather rude in Sakura's eyes. For once, she wished that Sasuke would come soon.

Her wish came true when the door swung open. In came a disgruntled Sasuke. He shot her a glare which she heatedly returned. But as he walked closer to his father, Sakura noted that his posture and attitude turned crisp and professional. Like father like son.

The old man turned his steely gaze towards the other Uchiha. Sakura saw that the stare had no affection in it. It held authority and expectations. Nothing that showed that they were a family. More like a boss and a worker. Scary family, Sakura thought.

"Who is she?" The man asked the same question to Sasuke who met his gaze head on with an indifferent one of his own.

"Someone I know." Vague answer, his father noticed.

"What is she doing here?"

"We were supposed to meet."

"For what?" Sasuke took a few seconds to think before answering. He couldn't very well just say 'oh, she's my personal maid for a week because I bought her a dress that she has to pay back. But the only reason I paid for her dress was because I think she's the one that stole our blueprint.' That would go well…

"I have business with her." As in stick your head back in your papers, old man! Sakura blurted mentally. She didn't like the orderly man that looked down on people, even his own son.

"Since when have you dealt with business." Ouch. That was a blow to Sasuke. Sakura was quite surprised. He was supposed to be a father. How could he just say that to his son? If only he knew why she was really here. If only the old man knew that the reason she was here was because Sasuke wanted to gain back the blueprint for the company. All of Sasuke's actions was for Uchiha Corp. And yet, his own father was scolding him with those unnerving eyes. Those cold, unfeeling orbs.

Sakura directed her gaze to Sasuke. He was tense. His fists had tightened at his sides, and she knew that he was fighting to stay in control of his words and actions. He was still trying to act professional. Sakura realized that this wasn't a talk between father and son. This was an inner battle of whether Sasuke was good enough to be in his father's presence. Harsh.

"We are doing business, that's all, father." Sasuke had wanted to spit out the title of the man in front of him. He was not thrilled to see the head of the company so early in the morning. He didn't see him any other time so why today? Why pick the day when Sakura was going to come? He examined her from the corner of his eye.

She was biting her lip to stop herself from saying something. Her body looked as if she was in for a fight. Her eyes were vibrant and her pink hair that usually gently caressed her back, was a bit wild. She probably woke up late again. Sasuke mentally winced. Now she got to meet his father. Sakura was not going to be in a good mood.

"Sasuke, you are the heir to this company." His father spoke, colder than ever. "I have high expectations for you. Expectations that I hope you will meet." His eyes trailed over to Sakura. "I hope you do not avert from your goal by a mere girl. If she stands in your way, you must rid of the relationship." Sakura gaped at him. Was he implying that Sasuke and her were going out? As in dating? She was right about to open her mouth to set the man straight, when Sasuke beat her to it.

"Yes, father." Now, it was time for Sakura to turn her gaze to the Uchiha. Was he agreeing with the old man? But then again, she doubt that his father would listen to Sasuke's explanations. The man didn't seem to listen to anyone but himself. What kind of father was he?

"Itachi would be a better heir than you. Look at him. He's gifted, but his own stubbornness refuses for him to lead this company in the coming years. You should be more like him." Sasuke's father continued.

"As in have my stubbornness lead me away from the company?" Sasuke's reply rang through the room. He had slipped up, all three of them could tell. But Sakura couldn't blame him. His father had just deemed him as trash in the family.

The old man was not impressed by the remark.

"You will lead this company whether you like it or not. And I would like for the Uchiha Corp. to still be intact in the first year you begin to work." A biting remark was shot back. Both father and son gave each other a glare that Sakura knew she could not beat. She knew she could not enter nor defend Sasuke in this 'conversation.' It was personal, and she had a feeling that this stretched far beyond the issues within the company. There was clearly some sibling rivalry between Sasuke and Itachi, and their father was not helping things by picking favorites.

Sakura now understood why Sasuke was so persistent in getting the blueprint back. This was his only way to prove to his father that he was capable of running the company. That he was worth being called his son. Sasuke was trying to earn himself a spot in his father's heart and pride. A rush of pity overwhelmed her. Poor Sasuke.

"Now, it would be best for you to discard…" His father eyed Sakura for a second before returning to look at Sasuke. "such distractions until you secure your job." Sasuke's eyes hardened as Sakura bristled. Both had taken offense in his words.

It was then when Itachi decided to pop his head in from the door. He was met with three disgruntled adults. One emitting anger, another trying to stay in control, and his father. Enough said. Itachi liked things to be interesting, but not this way. This was just asking for trouble.

"Itachi, what brings you here?" Onyx orbs met with his father's.

"I heard a ruckus, and I came to check it out." Actually, he had been hoping that it was a quarrel between Sasuke and Sakura. That would have entertained him. This, however, was a bit too tense and sour for his taste. Best to leave the area before he got pulled into it. He motioned to leave.

"Itachi, talk some sense to your brother." His father stopped him. Itachi hid a disgruntled flicker of his eyes and stayed.

Guess he was going to stick around a bit longer.

What a pain…

Sakura stared at Itachi as he made his way closer to his father. Like Sasuke, he held his posture and stood on the opposite side of the room from his brother. He didn't seem pleased to have been ordered to stay. Sakura sighed. This was not going well.

"Itachi, persuade your brother to cast aside absurdities." Once again, Sakura realized that the insult was directed at her. What an ignorant old man. She would love to give him a piece of her mind. Her eyes trailed over to Sasuke whom was gritting his teeth. Her pity intensified. Now that she thought about it, Sasuke didn't turn out that bad considering the fact how his father was like.

"He is old enough to make his own decisions." Itachi answered crisply. His father seemed to glow red for a second. His surprise and anger at his two sons showed in that brief moment. Then, he regained his composure.

"Make sure she's escorted out." Was it Sakura, or did it seem that the old man was taking his frustrations out on her? Why did she have to leave?

"She didn't do anything. There's no need for her to…" Sasuke's remark was cut off by an icy glare.

"Are you disobeying my orders?"

"I'm only saying."

"How in the world did I get you for a son?" Sasuke closed his mouth, his eyes hard.

The old man directed his line of vision towards Sakura.

"Please leave." Sakura was at a loss for words. She couldn't necessarily tell him off for his harsh treatment towards her and his sons. He had too much power. Power that could overcome her. How scary.

Sakura didn't know what to do.

All of a sudden she remembered what Mr. Yakamura had said when he had 'lost it.'

A jury room. Three Uchihas. Fainting.

Well, she certainly knew how that felt now.

Of course, she wouldn't faint. Oh no, her pride wouldn't allow her to do that. Especially not her spy pride.

But then again, her spy side of her had never experienced this before.

This fear. This confusion. This anticipation of what was going to come next.

She saw Sasuke's stare, and they caught each other's gaze. A foreign feeling entered her.

Without thinking, she blurted out.

"Please don't kick me out."

The old man seemed momentarily surprised at her outburst.

"Why shouldn't I?" Sakura gulped. What had propelled her to say that? It was Sasuke's eyes. Yes, she blamed those orbs that told her to stay. However, it was surprising that she followed his orders. Still, since she already disobeyed, she might as well stick it out until the end.

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"You're in my house, and I believe I have full power to make you leave." He peered at her closely. "Are you questioning my authority?"

"I wouldn't dare." Sakura said as a statement. In her mind though, she had formed a sarcastic tone.

"Being stubborn will not help you in this situation."

"I'm merely defending myself." Sakura stuck out her chin in defiance. Her fear of his power had vanished. In its place, she felt a surge of pig-headedness. No way was she going to leave without a fight. Who cared about the fact that in front of her, sat the most prominent businessmen in the entire city. Yep, that's right. She didn't care. Emerald eyes clashed with icy onyx orbs.

"Young lady…" The old man began but didn't get to finish. The slamming of a door interrupted his, no doubt long speech.

Sakura was surprised when she was whisked away by Sasuke out of the room. He had snatched her arm and opened the door of the study. Without a word, he had shut the door behind him. Sakura widened her eyes as she took in his appearance. Sasuke was trying to control his ragged breath, probably from the anger, and his eyes flashed dangerously. Sakura tried to ignore the stinging pain from the vice like grip from the Uchiha. He seemed to be in a completely different world. A world full of hate. Sakura wouldn't have that. So she snapped him out of it.

"What the heck was that? Are you out of your mind?" Yes, that was how Sakura shook Sasuke out of his daze. His orbs met hers.

"We need to leave, now." Sakura was about to protest, but Sasuke had already started to pull her to the door. There was no use to struggle. He was too strong, and he was intent on leaving the mansion.

Ignoring the concerned workers and the door guards, Sasuke pulled Sakura to a sleek black convertible.

"Get in." Came his order. Simple and crisp. An order that could not be ignored.

Sakura opened the door to the passenger's seat and slid in. She had better keep her mouth shut. Sasuke was in a pretty bad mood. Even she knew when to push her luck and when to shut her trap.

The Uchiha sat in the driver's seat, and put the car in drive. No words were uttered as he drove out of the Uchiha compound.

It was ten minutes later when Sakura decided to speak up. Sasuke had been driving, and she had no idea where they were going. No use getting kidnapped, although, she had a feeling that was the farthest thing from Sasuke's mind.

"Hey." Wow. That was a lousy way to start.

"Hn."

"So…" Sakura suddenly missed their bickering. This was just too awkward. A silence hung over them.

"Forgive my father." Sasuke said out of the blue. His eyes were trained on the road, but she knew he was still aware of her presence and expressions.

"There's no need. I didn't really mind." Sakura lied, and they both knew it.

"…He…expects a lot out of me. Not used to failure." Sasuke said slowly, as if savoring each word until he was sure that they came out right. Sakura was interested. The ice cube was actually trying to open up. She could tell that he wasn't used to saying these stuff. So she didn't interrupt as Sasuke spoke.

"My brother, Itachi…" Sasuke almost spat out the word, "is a genius. A prodigy. Someone I am not." He gritted it out. Sakura just listened.

"Since he didn't want to be the heir to the company, the job was left to me." A wry smirk adorned his face. "You could say there's a lot of pressure."

"That's why…" Sasuke abruptly stopped the car and parked it to the side so the other vehicles could pass. He directed his gaze towards Sakura. His eyes were neither harsh nor cold. They were just probing, as if seeking for some answer. An answer that, Sakura gulped, she knew she could not answer.

"That's why I need the blueprint back." Again, the probing eyes. Sakura knew that Sasuke was desperate for his father's approval. And at that instant, Sakura was so very close to telling him the truth. He had trusted her with his inner thoughts. He had taken her away from his pathetic excuse of a father. And now, all he wanted was an answer. Why couldn't she give it to him?

Just an answer. Sakura opened her mouth. The words were begging to come out. Those eyes were begging, well close to it since an Uchiha 'never' begs, for her to give him what he wanted to know.

Then, Sakura abruptly closed the gaping mouth. She could not. She couldn't give him an answer. It was hard to admit, especially looking at his eyes, but she knew she would not betray her spy agency. It would damage everyone's lives. Tenten's. Ino's. Shikamaru's. Tsunade's. Sakura mentally cringed.

Tsunade would skin her alive if she revealed their secret.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke. But I …don't know what you're talking about." Another lie. Again, they both knew it. Instead of a rant, Sakura was once again, surprised at Sasuke's calm state. His shoulders sagged a bit, and he sighed. But another smirk had adorned his face.

"That's what I thought you were going to say." Sakura's breath hitched in her throat as she watched Sasuke return his gaze to the road. He maneuvered the car and made a U-turn.

"It's time to bring you back home."

Dumbly, all Sakura could do was nod.

Sasuke parked the car in front of Sakura's apartment building. Before Sakura stepped out of the car, she hesitated and turned to look at him.

"Where are you going to go?" He looked at her with an amused stare. The old Sasuke was slowly coming back, and for some reason, Sakura found herself glad of the fact.

"Back home. Where else?"

"But…" Sakura trailed off, knowing he'd get the hint. Sasuke would definitely not be wanted at the Uchiha mansion, at least not for the moment. Going back would result in some sort of punishment.

"Why, are you worried for me?" He gave her one of those signature smirks. Disgruntled, Sakura huffed.

"Not on your life."

"…Then, where do you suppose I stay?" This time, his voice got quiet. The amused gleam hadn't left his eyes though. Sakura rolled her eyes.

"I don't care."

"Oh, but I think you do."

"You're hallucinating."

"Then you must be hallucinating with me."

"And why would that be?"

"Because you're caring."

"Caring for what?"

"Caring for me." Sakura gaped at him. Although, deep down inside, she knew he was right. But she'd rather have Naruto stay at her apartment for forever than admit that to Sasuke. Instead, the pink haired girl opted for a "hmph" as she opened the car door.

"In your dreams."

"Why? It's already become a reality."

Damn that smart-alecky mouth of his.

She stared at him.

Damn that smirk.

Damn those eyes.

Damn his godly looks.

Sakura sighed. This wasn't good. She was noticing him as a man when she should note that he was the "victim." He was trying to get information out of her. There was no reason for her to develop any other feelings or curiosity about him. No reason. But… that didn't stop her. So, Sakura used her manners. Or maybe 'manners' was just an excuse for her to….Sakura shook her head. This was purely manners.

"Would you like to come inside?" She knew he was taken back at her invitation. But his smirk came back on his face, and he reached for his car door.

"I was waiting for you to ask that."

"I'm back!" Sakura yelled once she had led the Uchiha to her apartment. Hinata and Naruto were not in sight. Sakura checked every room before she made her conclusion, her two friends had left to 'hang out.' Okay, maybe her conclusion was based off of the note on the kitchen counter. Big deal. She smiled when she thought of the little 'date' her roommate was on. Hinata must be so psyched.

"What are you smiling at?" Sasuke knocked her out of her reverie. She scowled at him.

"Nothing anymore. You ruined the moment."

"I ruined a moment? You were grinning stupidly at a piece of paper."

"Was not!"

"I'm not going to engage myself in a mediocre disagreement." Her scowl turned into a smirk.

"You're afraid I would win the fight, aren't you?" He scoffed at her remark.

"Uchihas don't downgrade themselves to this." Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Whatever you say."

The pink haired girl made her way to the cabinet.

"Coffee?"

"Hn."

"I'll take that as a yes."

She paused for a minute before she spoke again, eyes mischievous.

"Would you like some sugar and cream in your cup?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed a bit, recalling the horrid drink she had fixed for him before.

"Regular will be fine." Sakura blinked.

"But I thought you hated regular."

"You thought wrong." Something clicked in Sakura's mind. Scowling, she pointed her finger at the amused Uchiha.

"You made me run around the mansion for nothing!" Sakura accused.

"Hn."

"Do you know how hot those cups were?!"

"Could've grabbed a towel or something."

"I was trying to be fast."

"Hn."

"Don't you 'hn' me! I got three cups for you when all I needed was the first cup?!"

"Hn."

Sakura huffed. What an insufferable man. She regretted inviting him into her apartment. Onyx orbs regarded her curiously.

"Are you going to make the coffee or not?"

Twitch.

All pity for the man flew out the window. Sakura grabbed a tin can full of coffee beans and shoved it at the man.

"Make your own!" With that, Sakura stormed her way to her room. She could distinctly hear a snigger from behind, and that fueled her even more as she slammed the door to her room.

After laying down on her bed, Sakura sighed. Manners just went down the drain. She invited him in, then she slammed the door in his face and told him to fix his own drink. Ugh, she was a terrible host. Even if it was to a man like Sasuke Uchiha.

There was a knock on her door.

"Are you going to hide in there forever?" She could hear the smirk in his voice.

"What's it to you?"

"Coffee's being wasted. A pity."

Sakura sat up in bed. He had made her coffee? Cautiously, she got up from her bed and walked to the door. With a slight creak, the door opened to reveal a smirking Uchiha. He was leaning against the frame of the wall, and there in his hand, was a hot, steaming cup of coffee.

Sakura dumbly pointed at it and then back at herself. Sasuke nodded once, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Sakura grabbed the cup with both hands, fumbling, until her fingertips were the only parts that touched the scalding object. She took a small sip. Ahh, now that was some good coffee. It was when she was about to take her second mouthful when she realized that she was being stared at.

"Do you mind?" She snapped. "It's hard for me to drink with your eyes on me."

"Is that any way to thank me for giving you it?" Darn him. He was right, and Sakura twitched involuntarily.

"T….thank you." She said quietly.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" Glaring, she saw his smirk grow.

"Thank you." She gritted out.

"What was that again?" Oh, that was it.

"Thanks for nothing, you insufferable jerk!" Sakura was about to slam the door in his face again, when his hand shot out and stopped the door from closing. Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"That's not very polite."

"So I'm not an angel, big deal."

"Hn….definitely not an angel." Sasuke muttered to himself. Emerald eyes pierced into him.

"Did you say something?"

"Nope. Are you sure you aren't hallucinating?"

"You know what? I believe it's time for you to leave."

"Oh, now you're kicking me out?" Sakura stopped. Was that remark supposed to hint at the incident at the Uchiha mansion earlier? Sasuke's expression hadn't changed. Maybe it was just her imagination.

"I guess not. You want me to stay, don't you?" That cocky personality of his had really got to go.

"Door. There. Leave. Now." Sakura jabbed her finger to the apartment door.

"In. Denial." Sasuke countered back. It was rather amusing seeing the girl in front of him annoyed. It occurred to Sasuke that for the entire day, the prickly feeling had disappeared. He stared at the bristling girl. Wonder why….

"That's it." Sakura pulled the Uchiha by the arm and dragged him to the door. She had left the cup of coffee on the kitchen counter on the way.

"Bye." She snarled.

He replied by an arch of the eyebrow.

"That means you leave now." Sakura pointed out. She opened the door.

Maybe it was bad luck. Maybe it was karma since she hadn't acted as a proper host. But at that moment, when the door opened, it was really a stroke of misfortune. Because in came Ino and Tenten, still unaware that the door was ajar.

"What do you think Tsunade wants this time?" Sasuke involuntarily tensed at Ino's words. So these two girls were back. And now he was certain that this Tsunade person was a big part in Sakura's secret. In all of their secrets. He noticed Sakura stiffen beside him.

Sakura was going to smack them. No. She was going to smack herself for opening the door in the first place. Ino and Tenten better not reveal anything else. Sakura opened her mouth, but Tenten beat her to it.

"Probably another mission. Or maybe it's something about the last one we completed." This time, Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Mission? What were they talking about? The last one they completed…Sasuke was fairly certain that they were talking about the stolen blueprint. His suspicions were confirmed when Sakura spoke up and cut off the two girls' conversation.

"Wow. What a surprise that you two would come." Sakura said, a bit overly loud, as she finally caught her friends' attention. She swung the door open so they could see Sasuke. Both girls tensed and Ino's eyes widened. Her orbs immediately directed themselves to Sakura. A telepathic 'sorry' was sent. Sakura sent over a 'no use crying over spilt milk.' Ino turned her gaze to Sasuke.

"What were you talking about?" Sasuke asked before any of them could speak.

"None of your business." Replied Tenten.

"I'm afraid it is my business. The last mission had something to do with my family, didn't it?" Sakura cursed Sasuke's smartness. It would have been easier for them if he had been dumb and didn't figure out things.

"You guys stole my blueprint." Accused the man as he narrowed his eyes further.

"Still harassing us girls, are you?" Tenten snapped back. Ino was at her side, still a bit uncomfortable with his presence.

Something happened at that moment because all of a sudden, Sasuke relaxed. His posture slouched slightly as he smirked. He turned to look at Sakura.

"Thanks for letting me come in. It has been a …pleasure." Eyes flickering nervously, Sakura gulped.

"Sure. Pleasure, yeah."

Still smirking, Sasuke looked back to Ino and Tenten.

"Nice seeing you two again." And then he left. Sasuke squeezed in between the two girls and walked out. Once they were sure he was out of sight, the two girls stared at a confused Sakura.

"You invited him to your apartment?" Tenten asked, incredulously. "Do you know how bad that is? What if Tsunade found out?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure she'll find out now since you guys mentioned her name in front of him." Sakura replied dryly.

"Oh my god. What are we going to do?" Ino's cerulean eyes flashed with worry.

"Run away to a different country." Concluded Tenten. And despite of the situation, all three girls laughed. But it was tense, the sound that came out of their mouths resembled girls that were ready to face punishment.

Sasuke slid back into his convertible. That visit was quite fortunate for him. He knew what leads to follow now. Finally, he was one step closer to getting back his blueprint and revealing Sakura's secret. A secret that would change everything. This time, he wasn't surprised to feel a weird sensation overcome him. The prickly feeling had come back.

There goes Chapter 6!

I'll keep things short and simple this time.

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Preview of the next chapter:

Chapter Seven: Digging the Truth

Itachi would have laughed at the situation.

Laughed out loud. But he didn't. Because, well, because he was Itachi Uchiha. And Itachi did not laugh. But he could snicker.

And snicker he did.

Sasuke and Sakura stood in front of him. One of his brother's hand was draped around the girl's waist.

The two stood rather close.

Sakura's head was against his shoulder.

A picture perfect couple.

"What the hell are you looking at?"

Itachi looked into his brother's flashing orbs.

"Your girlfriend."

He waited for a biting comeback.

But...it didn't come.

r&r and again, VOTE! It'll make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.