Everything in my life

by Porcelain.Memories

An ORPHAN child with a dark past,HARUNO SAKURA is acclaimed to be the BEST cold-blooded CIA AGENT and ASASSIN, training under OROCHIMARU. But the price she paid was loneliness and inability to love. That, until she is being entrusted with a crucial MISSION:protect SASUKE and his reputed company from a secret exclusive CRIMINAL organization,while posing as his personal MAID.

28. The Grand Ball - officially together

-Chapter 27-

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Sakura simply couldn't stop her pulse to run like a rocket defying gravity, getting lost into the maze of the unknown, flying towards the sky and she was simply glorifying the immense emotions she was feeling.

She has almost missed her red haired best friend trying to reach her suddenly shutting down alertness, as she kept on calling her. Instead, all that the CIA agent was seeing was the note and the unexpected gift in front of her, while the rest was left blurred somewhere into a faraway galaxy. "What..." But the constant annoying beep of her laptop brought her back from the remake of the Cinderella's fairytale, reminding her of the little time she had at her disposal, if she would have wanted to honor the invitation, on a whole new level since her arrival in Japan.

"Rin! Oh my Gosh Rin, I thought someone has kidnapped you! I have been trying to reach you the whole week!" No more masks. So having made up her mind, the emerald eyed lady flipped her laptop open and, with beaming eyes and a goofy childish curl of her rosy lips, introduced herself to a bored but surprised looking Karin, watching her from the other side of the Earth in suspicion, as she was impersonating a forest's pixie's mission to smile, flutter and chant to the nature's rebirth. She looked beyond happy and it was strange for Karin to see her friend that way.

"...you have a dumb expression on your face. And you look ...different. And guilty...wait a second..." Auburn eyes gave Sakura a scrutinizing stare, so as to confirm her suspicion, then they went wide as the sun's halo when realization struck her. "Oh shit, you got laid!"

Sakura nodded once, suddenly not feeling that shy or embarrassed to admit it. She felt different and more at ease and comfortable with the topic, since she and Sasuke have basically been intimate with each other more than once. Hell, he asked her to move into his room! "Don't say that so bluntly, Jeez."

"Wow, you actually did it! Oh, this is rich! My eternal virgin Maiden has finally decided to stop pursuing a hermit's life and become a woman! Gotta call Anko! She owns me a thousand!"

What truly shocked Sakura was that her crazy friend was actually sending a message to their other equally eccentric CIA friend, Anko, just to brief her about one of them having an affair, like it was a national holiday and she was sending her greetings. During Christmas, Karin was a volcano. She always started her hunting for presents one month in advance.

"...you two have betted on me having sex?"

"Nope. We have betted on you being attracted to women. Having sex came as a bonus." Then the red headed stopped the tapping for a moment, pursing her lips at her friend, so as to confirm she hasn't slept with an alien or with a giant homunculus with three legs and Cyclops eye, having her share fair of doubts. "Please do tell me it was your sexy hot ass of your boss the one you have slept with."

Sakura rolled her eyes at her friend, starting to think about getting dressed, finding matching underwear, maybe doing her makeup...she couldn't start the girl talk with Karin, because she would never hear the end of it. "So what if it was him?"

"Oh fuck...Cherry, you know, I was just playing, but have you really had sex with Sasuke Uchiha? For real?" Ok, was Karin getting anxious or has she stayed too much in the sun and got the sunstroke of the century? Sakura wasn't sure.

As for her part, Karin was starting to realize the extent of the mess her emerald eyed girl found herself into. Sure, when it came to the people close to her, the red headed agent was defending their right and happiness like a lioness and her advice for Sakura would have surely been something along the lines of 'screw the CIA and your mission, run to Vegas and be happy'.

Only...the real situation seemed a bit too much and too sudden, even for her. Sakura was not the kind of girl to walk on thin ice and she didn't have the necessary experience to trade with the devil and sell her soul, for a moment of ecstasy. Even so...

Her tone was a bit too nonchalant for her once oblivious virgin friend. "Yeah. I had sex with Sasuke. Why would I lie about such a thing? You are my best friend, aren't you?"

But her slightly quivery voice has betrayed her and Karin understood. Sakura was taking a big risk and she was aware of it. But for some unknown reason, she was jumping into the fire. Karin would support her no matter what. She swore she would do that the moment they saved each other's back when they first met during a mission and have become inseparable ever since and consequently, she would keep her promise. "You! Have to tell me everything! With details please!"

And leaving all the nagging thoughts about the responsibilities that came with screwing up your mission and get personal with the man you were supposed to protect, she had to know EVERYTHING. Karin had no shame and she knew it. And one of her favorite hobbies included peeking into her friends' private lives.

Karin knew no such term as privacy. Maybe with the exception of Anko and their boss. She shuddered at the idea of all the debaucheries those two sadists were doing. They were making Hidan look like a pope.

"Actually, you will like this. In fact, I still can't believe it wasn't a dream. Your craziness is contagious. And sultriness, mind telling you. I should stop hanging out with you and Anko, `cos you are a bad influence. Getting me in all kind of troubles." Ok, so doing it was an act of pure defiance and protest to all her moral values, education and she was well aware that she has challenged her fate and pushed her luck until it screamed in agony, all in the spur of the moment, as a result of being charmed by the eternal fascination that Uchiha Sasuke represented.

But talking about it was making Sakura`s tongue clench into her mouth. She already felt blood fuel her rosy cheeks and a beautiful guilty blush was decorating her neck and the lobes of her ears.

"Yeah blame it on your friends that they show you how to LIVE your life, cara mia. Now spit it and stop teasing me already. Orochimaru is driving us all insane and he might call us the available agents back to the HQ."

"Ok then. Hear me out Uzumaki Karin and bow to the master: I, had sex, with Sasuke Uchiha, during the mountain trip prior to the Grand Ball today." And to make it all the more dramatic, the proud Haruno girl was having her arms down her hips, her eyes shut, chin high up and a smug expression on her face.

"...ok? So far so good, but you need much more to impress me, honey. Though I must admit that you had balls to lose your virginity to him, while surrounded by those cretins there."

Sure, it was unexpected to hear Sakura doing such a courageous -more like insanely outrageous- thing, but Karin has done far more shameful and unexplainable things. And ninety percent of them were not even legal, so she wouldn't be impressed by two people fucking into the woods.

"Let me finish before I melt into a puddle. We ditched the camp fire and did it on the waterfall, deep into the forest. And Lorane was on our tail, attacking us in the same night. How is that?"

Ok, so that changed the story...completely. So Karin's once unimpressed figure promptly fell on the laminated floor of her CIA office, where she has spent the last 72 hours working.

She wasn't even having the power to protest at the way Sakura was smirking victoriously at her dumb looking face. That was epic. To see Karin being shocked over something that didn't include a Sasori running around clad in her underwear, drunk and singing Christmas carols, or Hidan's Halloween costume as a Manga playboy maid, knocking on the elders' doors, singing Nirvana choruses, instead of trick or treat. "You're shitting me! You fucked him under Lorane's eyes?!" Where was her agenda because Karin was sure that her friend has scored among the first three most scandalous things a Sound agent has ever done. She basically made them all look like amateurs. It was the context the thing that Karin didn't like

What Sakura was confessing, half dreaming, half serious, was ringing alarm bells down her head and she was not certain they were positive. But what truly left her envisioning the worst of the scenarios was Sasuke`s detached attitude towards the situation he found himself into.

Was that man irrecoverably oblivious by nature, or he knew more than he would have let the others know? Basically, Karin knew that Lorane could have finished them off right that instant and since they were targeting the Uchiha heir as well, the red headed was stunned that they didn't fructify the opportunity, which was suspicious.

"Yeah. Then things got surreal and unfortunately, it got me even more confused."

"Ok, so I totally didn't see that coming. You actually...oh Jeez, this is so fucking sexy! Tell me how it was! Was he good? Gentle, or he rode you like rodeo? Is he big? Does he have stamina? Did he take you once or twice?"

Sure, there were many mysteries left unsolved, but for the moment Karin would focus on the juicy details she has wanted to hear from her friend since forever. And her starry eyes and the wicked smirk made Sakura`s creeping red earlobes burn like a furnace.

She wanted to virtually punch her friend and the flashbacks kept on repeating down her mind were not playing in her favor. "Normally, I would have punched you, but somehow, I don't feel the need to do it anymore. Gosh, I am turning into you! I will grow horns!"

"No, you have discovered you have a working vagina and functional hormones. Now answer me."

"Why do you care about how good Sasuke is?" Like the emerald eyed agent wouldn't know how Karin was not the same question she asked whenever the context. She should have kept her trap shut, since she knew that Karin has been able to corner Jiraiya into telling them about his kinkiest fantasies. No Sound agent would ever be able to look at Tsunade the way they did, meaning respectfully and inspirational.

"Because girls talk about such things. Men do as well. Expect his friends to know about your popping cherry. Well...it depends on how blabbermouth your boss is and judging from how he is, I would say he is not the one to brag about it."

"Ok ok Jeez, you said so many dumb things, that I am stunned they can be placed into the same sentence and still sound coherent. So if you must know, yes, it fucking hurt like someone was tearing me in half with a katana, but Sasuke has been...I don't know how to put it into words Karin."

"Then put it into images if you want, just go ahead and do not slip anything."

"I felt like...we had this...connection. There was something going on between us and when he entered me I felt...complete. Like there was an emptiness inside me and he filled that hole to the hilt for me."

"Well duh, of course he filed your hole, that is the main idea, go figure."

---

"...I will fire you from my best friend job if you mock me further. C' mon Rin, I am trying to be poetic here, show some understanding, or else I am calling Sasori and Hidan and they will find out before you do!"

"You wouldn't...You know, fucking Sasuke has turned you into a vixen. Mamma mia, he brings up the best of you, that's great. Good, keep on going."

"You're nuts. Anyways, like I said, when we were together kissing, him moving in and out of me, I felt complete. Like there was this part of me which has always been missing and he was the last piece of the puzzle I needed.

I would have never believed it is possible to feel so...alive! It was...I just can't describe it but I felt it! My whole being was responding to him and wherever he touched me, I felt my skin burst into flames. And that water was freaking freezing, but I didn't feel cold!"

Karin's auburn eyes were slowly but surely taking another hint and they started to lose mischievousness and the usual playful attitude. What Sakura was confessing was half what she was expecting and that only included the physical part.

Of course THE Sasuke Uchiha would turn any night escapade into something hot as Hell if he pleased, considering the amount of ladies who stepped into his playground, but the pink haired enchanted girl was more focused on the emotional side of the story. The one that included alien attachment the red headed was not familiar with, simply because she refused commitment. "...oh dear Heavens…"

"Yeah, that's the right word! It was like touching Paradise and he was so gentle, even though I know he wanted more. I feel protected, cherished. I was afraid he will think of me as a whore because I have followed him while he took a moment to respire, far from the curious eyes, but everything felt so natural between us! And the way he touched me...his kisses are divine, Rin, I can't stop kissing him! Is this normal?"

Sakura's tone raised two octaves and she was fluttering her hand in front of the unmoving friend of hers, wondering about Karin's sudden mood swing, like she was following a soap opera with a lending actor she didn't like. "Earth to Rin's brain, are you running low on battery?"

Without even considering the impact of her words on the less experienced friend of hers, the Uzumaki agent honestly let out what has been torturing her mind, more whispering than talking huskily like she normally would. "Holly Hell Cherry, you are in love with Sasuke!"

"I am not...we are...not like that..." It was not something that Sakura was not aware of herself, because she too could feel the sparks of emotion whenever the midnight haired prince was around, but the impact was two times bigger when hearing it from someone else, especially if it was someone she could trust and didn't want to make fun of her struggle.

"Don't even try to deny it, Sakura! I have asked you to tell me about it not just to satisfy my perverted curiosity, but precisely to see how far you were willing to go and you have given yourself to him completely! Careful Cherry, you are trading on thin ice with this one."

"I know, but I can't stop myself. I don't know what is happening to me and I cannot stop it from happening, but I keep on thinking about Sasuke all the time! When I sleep, I dream of him, when I wake up, it is his face I see and when he is at work, I keep on looking at his GPS and think of his touches. Heck, he caught me...touching myself in his freaking bathroom, Rin! I felt like dying of shame!"

"Normally, if the situation wouldn't have been so serious, I would have laughed my fucking ass out loud at your foolishness, Cherry. You NEVER masturbate in a guy's bathroom, unless you want to turn him on and jump his bones. I suppose this was not your intention."

"No, of course not. It is just that I can feel it on my skin and I swear it tickles me and I get shivers! I feel his hands on me, holding me, playing with my hair, stroking my cheeks, pleasing me, teasing me...and I cannot say no to him. Heck I want him, Rin!"

"I can see that much. You keep on talking at present tense, which means you two have kept on having had sex after your first time in the mountains...fuck, I can't believe you jumped him during an attack. That takes talent, I admit."

"This is not funny, this is bad! He will think I am obsessed and get tired of me! I.. Just don't want to.. Gosh I can't believe I am even admitting this but I don't want him to stop...sleeping with me."

What was even scarier was the fact that the idea of getting intimate with Sasuke whenever there was the opportunity, was among the things Sakura felt no shame, remorse or, God forbids, regret on doing and there were few things she felt like that about.

The Uchiha had a way of making the pink haired lady feel high class no matter the circumstances and she has always wondered about that. Maybe it was because he knew how to precisely act in each situation and display the proper manners in each context, nonchalantly changing moods and she clearly saw his performance from the previous trip.

One moment he fucked her brains and made her feel damn special while he did it and next time you know, he took an acoustic guitar and pulled an Eddie Benitez to his finest, leaving the audience mouth gape in amazement.

Then he even had the gentleness to dedicate the caressing melody to her and her only and then spit venom to the arrogant people who dared to even breath in the direction of what was sacred for him.

Maybe it was the way he pulled her strings in a manner that made Sakura's body vibrate at all the right moments and resonate with the mystery that he represented, the thing that made her unable to refuse him anything and it was both scary and arousing the idea of her being willing to do anything he would have asked for. The only inhibitions she had were coming from the lack of education in some aspects.

"...why do I have the feeling that there is much more to the story than you two just doing each other, while you kinky play the maid and her boss?"

"Stop being a seductress and go kick Shikamaru's ass from his throne. Yeah, you are right, there is more. Rin, right before the trip, we have started to sleep together in the same room. This is strange, but ever since I have been hurt in that attack when I was kidnapped and had Ten Ten saving me, not only he visited me to the hospital, but he is constantly worried for my well-being and he even asked me to move into his room!"

"Congratulations for virtually getting married. If he gives you a ring, please do announce me prior, cos sure as hell will I need at least a month to find the hottest maid of honor dress."

"Actually, he hasn't asked me to marry him, but he did something I didn't expect and I don't know what to do or how to take it..." And so Sakura has gotten to her own dilemma.

The golden fancy envelope was resting in between her trembling hands, on her lap. She pulled her lower lip in between her canines, trying in vain to contain a foolish smile, failing miserably.

It was impossible to hold back the joy rising from the pits of her stomach whenever she envisioned the small things Sasuke did to make her feel like one in a million and he even told her he would give her anything she wanted, which was knocking the wind out of her lungs.

Karin decided to test the waters and be dramatic. Truth to be told, she could hear the wedding bells and she was quite unsure about how she should feel. Sakura has been unhappy since forever and the amount of grief she felt and the disgust over the outside high society left her with a bitter taste and numb.

And if Sasuke was able to bring back what has been taken from her and give her latent emotions a good wake up call, then the auburn haired Uzumaki had nothing to object.

The Sound and Orochimaru were another story but she knew for a fact that even he wouldn't bring himself to stand in between his protégée and her probably last chance to happiness. And that led to Karin's worst fear: if the Uchiha would go as far as to break Sakura's heart, he would crush her beyond repair, that was for sure. "He told you he is bi!"

"Wha- no, of course not! Stop saying such things. Look." Totally oblivious to where her friend's thoughts were slipping, Sakura leaned behind her back, took the rectangular white box from the bed and presented it to her looking closely friend. Suddenly, she felt important and it was stupid and unnecessary, but Sakura couldn't help it. Karin was her sister. So she didn't have to hide or pretend. "And it came with this invitation."

So that was it! Karin thought victoriously. Her suspicion has been grounded after all. It would explain her best friend's sudden Cinderella mood and she couldn't quite blame her. Sasuke wanted Sakura to be his date to the Ball and not just another date because Karin understood that for the onyx eyed Uchiha, her sister was not just one woman.

Maybe the jadeite eyed agent was not that delusional after all and her feelings were somehow reciprocated. Sasuke didn't strike as the man to give false hopes or make his women hope in vain.

He was probably the type to come straightforward and ask for what he wanted and that was what crossed Karin's mind while reading the content of the invitation. It was written entirely in French. How romantic could that be? "Is that tonight's Charity Ball?"

"I think he wants me to be his date." Karin didn't even question Sakura's choice of reading the content out loud making it sound like the Uzumaki heiress was not able to understand the meaning. But that was not the time to feel offended . The Uchiha`s choice of dreamy words has been too much of a shock. "It says: you keep Athena's flames never dying, my Goddess." He indirectly pointed towards Sakura's CIA nickname. Karin felt like dying. Was that man for real?

"Oh my God, I will have never guessed that the player of this century was able to do romance!"

"Stop saying that, you don't know him! Sasuke is...more than that. More than any other men. He is an enigma."

"Now you defend him. And he is giving you presents and wants you to be his date to the most important event of the year. I take it you realize what it means, right?"

---

"...everyone is going to watch us 24/7? I will attract the paparazzi's attraction? I will make Lorane's job ten times easier? This mission is as good as over?"

"...nooo? It means your so called boss wants you guys to be official! You told me he introduced you to his freaking mom! Dude wants this planet to know you are his girlfriend. He wants to mark his territory, that's for certain. But...I will admit, he has style."

"What do I do Rin? Should I go? I am supposed to watch him, but I had planned to stay concealed and back Akatsuki up, not to appear to Sasuke`s side and have all the women devour me with their stares!" Sakura knew exactly what she was talking about and she could clearly grasp the extent of accompanying Sasuke to the ball. It would be a blast.

She would be more exposed to the media and Lorane than ever. Was she ready for that? What about her mission? Could she call it a mission anymore? And why wasn't Orochimaru said anything about how bad she screwed her mission up the moment she let herself get charmed by Sasuke?

There was a thing that Sakura did which was mortifying Karin to the point she wanted to get some garlic and a crucifix, fly all the way to Japan and exorcise the horrid friendship out of her friend's system, it being the thing that has gotten into her to befriend the Akatsuki? "First, do not spell Akatsuki`s damned name in front of me. Secondly, fuck Lorane, the mission or anyone else and do what you want. You want to be with him, don't you?"

"I...do. I want him, I can't lie anymore. And I think he was to me too. He doesn't just have sex with me or simply uses my body to satisfy his needs. He cares about how I feel or if I like what he does to me. No one has looked at me the way he does. I feel special with him and. I want to go."

"Then go, why the hesitation?"

"...we talked, you know?"

"I thought it was obvious that you haven't just fucked around the clock."

"...sometimes we had...but still we talked about our pasts and...He has secrets as well. We came to a mutual agreement and understanding and we have decided to not push each other further than we are willing to disclose."

There was something that suddenly stroke Karin and she had a moment of stupefying dread. She let her crimson dilated irises fix their jade counterpart from the other side of the world and her tone was dead serious.

"Wait...he doesn't know about your CIA identity, right?" Because that would have been beyond catastrophic. It was an agent's biggest sin to disclose his identity and if Sakura went as far as to trust a stranger up to that point, then Karin would have a lot of things to do and a lot of conspiracy and evil plans to concoct along with Anko and Tsunade, in order to cover for her.

Sakura was able to resonate with Karin's justified anxiety and she knew her friend was right. In fact, it was so interesting that was keeping her wake up at night among the others. She was well aware of the tragedy that would follow and she was quite stunned at the fact that Sasuke has not figured her identity out already. It was either God's little miracle or a paradox in terms of being so obvious that it escaped the Uchiha`s sharp vigilance.

He was too cautious and complex in his thoughts to not look into his own yard...or bed. Inwardly, on the other hand, she wanted him to know everything and get over with the lies. Even if it would mean her doom. But the only thing that frightened Sakura for real, was for him to reject her, along with her secret. She could handle CIA's damnation, her Papa's disappointment, her master and colleagues' pity, but she couldn't stand Sasuke`s cold stare.

That no. "Are you crazy? Of course not. I only told him about orphanage and high school. He never believed I grew up at a farm anyways. And he told me about his own high school past experiences, which was just as fucked up as mine. He did drugs, alcohol, parties and nor even his friends know about everything he did exactly."

"Isn't it weird that both of your lives have changed after high school?"

"This is the problem, Rin. I know he hides something important about himself and I am afraid it might be more fucked up than I thought. I kept on warning Papa Oro about this, but he acts like it is no big deal. Lorane has planned on attacking the heirs and take on Sasuke as well, while me and the Akatsuki have fought them in the forest.

Sasuke has not only murdered their team leader, like it was a walk in the park, but he figured on and ruined their plan on attacking us all from the very beginning. Basically, he tricked the guide, who was Lorane's henchman, to think he had the upper hand, while he was being gravely manipulated by Sasuke. He saved us all and he knew exactly what was going on around him."

"I don't like where this is going. Sakura, do you realize what you are saying? From what you are telling me, it looks like he made fun of all the CIA agents present, by acting like a team leader himself. Like his...brother!"

"Damn it, I haven't thought of that before. But I am afraid this is far from being a coincidence. The club scene a month ago, his amazingly accurate aim, the way he beat the shit out of people who nearly killed me and Ten Ten, without even blinking, all the LSD trips, which seem to be taken from Star Trek, his own confession about hiding and doing things he shouldn't have done...and Rin, I swear when I entered his...our cabin room...the blood...the way he was holding his sword...he was covered in blood, surrounded by blood, inhaling the scent and tasting its flavor...he looked more of an assassin than Lorane dogs themselves!"

---

"...Sasuke took on his chasers all by himself?! Well damn woman, who the Heck is this guy?! What has Orochimaru said about this?"

"He is investigating, but with all the stolen material and Lorane standing out more than before, he put it aside for the time being. But I am investigating. For instance, I have discovered, coming across his ID and passport, that Sasuke is not Japanese, but has American citizenship. His parents are clearly Japanese and, according to the principle of jus sanguinis which is enforced in Japan as well, he is automatically born Japanese and the only way to lose it for good, is to become another country's citizen, in his case, American. Do you understand?"

Ever since she has found out about that piece of information, Sakura has spent a lot of time racking her brain for a good possible explanation for Sasuke`s change of citizenship, since he basically had no connection the USA, except for high school, but couldn't find anything reasonable at all.

She didn't want to think about it being a whim or an act of defiance towards his family. That didn't sound like him and even if it would have been a teenage mistake, he would have corrected it when he grew up, which he didn't. Sasuke was still American, even if his roots were all Japanese.

"No and I don't intend to go and dig into Japan's Constitutional Law books, but I don't understand why would he give up on his Japanese citizenship?'

"How should I know? At first, I thought it had to do with him studying in the USA, or it being easier to conduct his business, judging from the fact that he has almost all his company shares traded on the New York`s auction market, but it doesn't explain anything."

"Indeed, it doesn't. Hm, strange. It is not like he was from Somalia or Congo, for God's sake, he was Japanese! Show me someone who wouldn't like to be a Japanese!" Karin's intelligent brain was constantly adding up the information she got about the intriguing Uchiha heir, brick by brick and nothing made any sense. She knew how much of a twisted life a businessmen had and how many machinations they did to keep their companies running and not get caught by authorities, while doing illegal stuff, but it didn't seem like Sasuke`s case at all.

It didn't look like he did everything for the Mangekyou`s sake. And Sakura has already told her that the raven haired man was hiding something. Heck he even admitted it to her! That was fucked up for Karin no matter how she looked at it.

"And...to top it all, he has extrasensory abilities. Don't look at me like that, you know what I am talking about."

"The fact that he is reacting differently to drugs doesn't mean that he is freaking David Copperfield, Sakura."

"I wish it was that simple. How many druggies are able to play and mold electromagnetic fields, when taking LSD or cocaine or other shit they smoke or inject? Exactly. None. And not only he is aware of what he does, but he is a hundred times more careful when I am around, to lower its effect on me and protect me."

"Damn Cherry, you got yourself one Hell of a mystery. I don't know what to say, except for the romantic part. This man loves you and you love him, that much is painfully obvious, but at the same time, he is a mission and there are too many things about him that don't make sense."

"And what am I supposed to do? Tell him I only want us you be fuck buddies at most and act like maid and boss for the rest of my mission? He never believed I am a maid and I told him I have money, so this won't do. The way we are now...is more like we are dating in secret. Heck, he bought me the most gorgeous dress ever and took me out for dinner on his favorite restaurant! In broad daylight. Everyone saw us together!"

"He knows you are rich?" Karin couldn't believe how close to finding her out Sasuke truly was. It was a mystery how he hasn't quickly come up to the conclusion that the emerald eyed girl worked for the CIA.

And to make it all the better, he said he didn't care about what secrets she had, which was the cherry on the top of the cake. Their wedding cake, of course. Just what kind of damn man would not be interested in his partner's concealed life, knowing that there were people wanting to go for his head?!

Was he an idiot or was he that much in control of the whole situation? Karin ventured to guess that it was the former and that made her head spin again. Sasuke was more of a mystery than her friend. Who was that Uchiha anyways? What was the deal with him? "Oh damn don't let Orochimaru find out, either ways he will vent out on us now that Anko is more in hospital than home. Her pregnancy…there are minor complications, but your shishou is there with her. Don't worry."

"Well I couldn't lie anymore since he bluntly asked me whether I approached him solely for his looks and money. I am lying to him, yes, but I am no whore and I don't mean to trick him. Hell, I fell for him, Rin!

And I know I am sick of hiding my identity from him. I am almost tempted to...tell him the truth and get over with. I felt so good, so at ease when I told him about my high school days as a beggar, like my heart felt suddenly lighter. He won't judge me. I feel secure in his arms and I can't help but think at how much more happiness is he able to bring me, if I am to remain beside him?"

"Don't let him go. Don't give Sasuke up, Sakura!" She must have been nuts, Karin knew because she should have told her friend to stop playing with fire and get to the safe zone, but she couldn't. Sakura was her younger sister, she loved her and she would not deny her happiness.

She swore she would support her no matter how dumb her decisions were. Even if she would have been faced with an impossible task such as fighting all the CIA alongside Sakura, Karin would do it. "Fuck, don't listen to my paranoid ramblings or your Papa's fucked up mission.

Fight for this love. No matter how much of a Mars alien this Uchiha hottie might be, he is still a man to die for. And he makes you happy. You are different from before, and in a good way. He changes you, you look happier and more...cheerful. It has been so long since I have seen you truly enjoying something, besides stuffing you face with Tiramisu.

Like being joyful for real. And, for Pete's sake, he helped you overcome your sorry virgin state. Now you can have him whenever you want. I am jealous you know? I heard he has stayed away of his regular women scandals. Congratulations for keeping his ass on a leash."

"Stop making it sound like I am a dominatrix. And I have met Uchiha Mikoto, his mother and she is the sweetest angel ever. I think she likes me and damn is that woman an intuition prodigy. I see where Sasuke got it from. She makes the best dishes ever!"

"So you have met his mom and she cooked for you as well? What is next? Wedding bells? I keep on telling you this is modern Cinderella."

"I keep on telling you that you knocked your stupid head when you were little, but you won't listen, you crazy woman."

"That is obvious, dear. Now you only need to win his dad and start planning the royal wedding. Just don't get white doves and a carriage, cos that is dumb as fuck...and gay-ish."

"Speaking about his dad...Heavens, I think he and Sasuke are at war. He hates his dad with burning passion, I have seen it myself when they had a company related meeting. This is when I met his mother as well. They are like sworn enemies!"

"Hmpf...typical billionaire family drama. Don't worry about it, winning his mom is the key."

"He adores her! You should see the way he acts around her. Sweeter, gentler and he even sweet talks! The normal Sasuke doesn't act like this." Sakura couldn't help herself.

When Mikoto came to unexpectedly visit her son, she followed the interaction between the two relatives with much interest and Sasuke was like inverted sugar around his mother. It was not a weak side he was displaying, but an even more powerful one.

Even though she fought many years to keep her inner persona on leash and transform into the perfect assassin, Sakura knew all too well that peoples' most fearsome weapons were feelings, because they had the ability to turn impossible into reality when necessary and Sasuke looked like he was not lacking the ability to get attached and convey emotions into gracefulness. But he only did that around special people like Mikoto and it was a rare moment when he was genuinely content and serene.

"Only in the presence of very special people."

"What to do now Rin? Should I accept his invitation and have the entire CIA, along with Papa get a heart attack, or-"

"Go, of course! Fuck this mission, it is already a failure since dude is more than able to protect both his and your ass. But you have something real, something beautiful going on there and I swear it is romantic and cheesy and...go and show those wealthy bitches that you have snatched that god from under their noses. Don't forget to put me on the same frequency of your tracking device, I want to see their faces. That is going to be a blast. Don't forget to make a flashy entrance. Something like Oscar clowns do, but don't wear a push up bra honey, you don't want to give them a run for their money.

Let him imagine you naked until he can't hold his hormones any longer and, if he is inspired enough, which I bet he well damn is, maybe he will give you some steamy time somewhere in the bathroom, rooftop or drawer."

"Agree with the first part, facepalm myself at the second part."

"Yeah, skip the interesting parts. Better go naked then and get the job done. Why bother undressing? This is always such a drag, like Shikamaru says. The freak. Show me the dress and let me guess what your couple costumes would be: Arlecchino and Colombina? Ariel and Prince Eric? Pocahontas and John Smith? How about Tarzan and Jane? That would be hot!"

"Neither of the mentioned. Thanks God he is not totally insane like my friends." No matter how many dresses Sakura has gotten from Orochimaru, Tsunade or her friends, on special occasions and not only, that particular one was the most treasured gift and Karin reacted accordingly.

Her auburn eyes have widened considerably, her mouth hung down low dramatically and she allowed herself to blink slowly, so as to not miss any spark of the magnificent gown, approaching the screen, until she has bumped her nose on the web cam. Sakura giggled at her, victoriously.

To think there were things that left her red headed seductive friend speechless and stunned was epic by default. She had a similar reaction nonetheless, but she added the part with jumping and screaming like a mad woman as well. " Isn't it gorgeous?"

It was in the moment Karin's eyes took in the dress when the wheels in her skull started to work as the red headed made the necessary connections. And then she burst out laughing, evilly.

---

"Wait a sec...oh I can't believe it! This is priceless! Ha-ha Cherry, you got a Greek Goddess dress, he hit the nail in the head with this one! Are you sure he doesn't know about your codename as well?"

"You mean Athena, the Goddess of war?" In her euphoric induced state, Sakura has totally overlooked the incident. She took a double look as well, almost dropping the dress she was holding on the mattress. How could such a thing slip past her keen eye was a mystery to her. The Ball was indeed a Masquerade, but to think that Sasuke has bought her a dress in a similar fashion to what the ancient Greek Goddesses were wearing, was frightening.

"No, I mean Miss Piggy. Duh! This is more than a simple funny coincidence. This is fate! Destiny and whatever that Hyuga freak likes to say!"

"If this gets nasty, you are to blame for encouraging me to go."

"I am already to blame for everything you do, so chill. How much time do you have?"

Emerald eyes flew on the clock behind her while Sakura was busy mentally calculating the time she had to get ready. Even if she wouldn't accept the Uchiha`s generous invitation, she still had to be in full agent mode and ready for anything that Lorane had in stock for them.

She couldn't possibly be losing to Akatsuki. "The party starts at 19 pm, so I would say...9 hours at most."

"Good. Enough to go to a hairdresser and get damn stylish hairstyle. And while you are at it, get rid of the hair color as well. Pink at a formal party...not even if it is Halloween."

"Yeah...you are probably right." Sakura twirled a lock of her bangs around her index, pouting at the symbolic for her pastel pink color, nodding in agreement. She didn't need to maintain a facade in front of Sasuke anymore and Lorane knew who she was, so her friend was right.

The jade eyed agent already decided to go for the fire, so she knew the extent of appearing flawless in front of all the VIPs, especially if she didn't want to embarrass the Mangekyou`s CEO. "But Rin...do you think...that Sasuke is going to get himself a costume as well?"

Karin took no time to confidently answer, waiving her hand in front of her friend, like a diva. "Honey, that man already wears more masks than anyone else." She couldn't have been more right.

---

-7.25 pm The Grand Ballroom-

---

"This is ridiculous. Instead of all this nonsense, they could have donated all the money to charity and get over with this. Waste of my damn time, adding to the fact that it gives us more trouble to baby-sit their damn assess."

"Hyuga, I am warning you: keep your freaking mouth shut and stop ruining my fun, or else, I will beat the crap out of your scolding face and give a good meaning to that shit costume of yours. The Hell are you dressed like anyways?"

"Myself, obviously. Why posing like someone else? So childish."

A pair of disbelieving and visibly furious mocha eyes fixed the bored mother-of-pearls ones in a manner that promised violence and torture later on, making their audience, consisting of their small group barely stifling their chuckles.

The moment the Akatsuki group has arrived to the Ball, all clad accordingly, trying to blend in, escape annoying people who approach them to greet them and look for anything suspicious without looking suspicious themselves, Neji has started his tirade. Basically, he criticized everything that moved and damn well his keen eye and reputed intuition helped his cause, much to his fiancé's horror.

Ten Ten adored those kinds of parties, but of course someone had to always ruin her fun. " ...because this is a masquerade? But we already know that you are socially retarded. At least stop damn complaining, you are driving me nuts!" She was hissing and bumping the Hyuga continuously, making him frown murderously at her improper manners. People were watching, judging and acting arrogantly and it bothered him to no end. Hell he didn't want to be there in the first place.

There were too many people getting on his nerves, starting with his loathsome family, minus Hinata, who joined his group. Hyashi Hyuga was trying extra hard that day. He was in high spirits all right. He and Uchiha Fugaku. The fact that Sasuke was having it worse than him was the sole thing that kept Neji on going.

"I suggest you stop pissing me off further, Ten Ten. I already have enough displeasing people to pretend to be in good terms with."

Like usual, the humble and shy Hyuga heiress has felt the need to apologize for everything she hasn't done and alleviate some of the animosity hanging on their shoulders, making the other CIA spectators watch her sympathetically. It was impossible not to find the stunning Hinata extremely cute and the angelic lavender gown framing her delicate petite curves, in the same shade as her unique irises, was adding to the regal innocent aura. "E-Excuse father, Neji-nii-san, he didn't mean to be rude. Is just that the c-companies going through a h-harder period. H-He stresses everyone b-because of it, oka-san included." What was truly a shocking news for a stranger, was the fact that Hinata actually knew everything about Neji' and his group's secret identities and she got their backs in front of Neji's family whenever necessary.

She has found out by chance one day, when Naruto just couldn't have kept his mouth shut, when he came to visit Neji and hasn't observed the brunette coming to serve them her famous biscuits and tea.

She was quite tactful and versatile upon hearing about her cousin's job, unlike the brown haired agent who fainted, literarily. Then he pummeled Naruto to a pulp. She even interfered to stop them, proving to possess advanced fighting skills, stunning both the males with her flawless performance.

Apparently, she did wonders on the goofy blonde Akatsuki who couldn't resist her fairytale appearance, daydream nonchalant eloquence and gaze, clinging to her side, much to Neji's disapproving eye. God forbids that man getting too close to his cousin. And to make it all the bad news for him, she was very good friend with Ten Ten, who worked magic in brainwashing her and stir her against him. "Ah, stop trying to make him look less like the idiot he is, Hinata. This is the way his dumb brain works. Always a party popper and a mood spoiler."

"Aren't you supposed to be my fiancé? Hell you are worse than grandma Maya Hyuga. Oh Lord...please don't tell me she is spiking the punch again!" There was one character in each aristocratic family, who has probably been adopted or had an unexplainable situation, because he or she was the total opposite of the others, successfully embarrassing them with every chance they got.

A relevant example was Uchiha Obito, who has been stuffing his mouth with Crème Brulee ever since his family has abandoned him near the buffet, meaning ever since they have made their glorious appearance, then using the napkins to fold cranes and planes.

Another one was his 78 years old grandmother, Hyuga Maya, who has worked as a Prison warden for 50 years, before she retired to take care of her indoor-outdoor geraniums garden. Probably spending so much time among the criminals has made her go nuts, because she always found a way to turn the Hyugas into the subject of fun-among the others and that moment was no exception. The moment Neji's worried pale eyes flew on the said woman -clad as a prisoner, of course- who had two bottles of Scotch in her hands, dancing towards the large crystal bowl of punch, he felt his vision fog and the need to hide under the table.

"She is the coolest lady ever. Is this a fancy Ball, or a three years old kid's anniversary?"

Neji would have said some more things to his equally demented lover if not for his other Akatsuki colleagues' sudden flashy appearance, who ruined his momentum. Ten Ten was always the first to hit on the bar.

He was barely keeping her out of the alcohol's reach and the displeased stiff Hyuga was cursing all the waiters roaming around with champagne for always ruining his plan to keep his fiancé far from getting drunk. So she was drowning her cravings into chocolate.

That chocolate fountain was making him sick on his stomach. Well, that and his friend's choice of a costume. He had to take a double look and perform a slow scan on him from head to toe. Was it too late to pretend he didn't know him? "Hey guys, warui ne, I got stuck into the traffic.

Some idiot with a Cayenne took fifteen minutes to parallel park that shit and made a line the size of the US Highway 1 behind his freaking car. You should have seen the Prime Minister honking on him, it was raw epicness. What the hell dude, where is your costume?"

"...are those...whiskers?" The one and only Uzumaki Naruto has found it funny to introduce himself to the classy audience wearing something that only road workers or school bus drivers on strike would wear, meaning an overdose of black and neon orange and it was making Neji see dancing dots, like he was looking at a disco ball. It was painful to withstand. "What are you, Thomas O'Malley from the Aristocats?"

Apparently Naruto didn't have a problem with making a fool of himself since he acted like it was nothing out of ordinary to be a walking circus. That, or he simply didn't care. Neji would give him credit for the former.

He scoffed and shook his head at the way his girl cousin was pointing her fingers in her signature peculiar manner, getting all stuttering and blushing when the Uzumaki came to stand in between them, taking in her graceful features. What an idiot, Neji bitterly thought. He better keep his Jiraiya induced fantasies to himself or else..."No, I am a fox, are you stupid or blind?"

"Both, but in reverse order." Ten Ten didn't waste the chance to laugh at her fiancé and their agent colleague at the same time. She knew how to perfectly fructify the opportunities she got. Plus, Naruto was like an oasis in the middle of their desert gloomy group of people who constantly had a pole shoved down their asses and were friends with Lurch from the Adams Family, like Neji, Itachi or their Hokage.

The look she got from Neji made her snort audibly, barely containing a full hearted laughter. "Stop insulting me in public, woman, there are people who know me, and I am the Hyuga's heir. Show some damn manners."

A punch down his arm successfully stopped the pale eyed agent's ego burst, coming from a dominatrix Ten Ten who took her fiancé back on the leash, reminding him who the boss was in that relationship. He would not ruin her fun. At least not until Sasuke would get enough drinks down his system to punch someone and entertain all of them further. Man, anticipation was killing her.

"Auch!" What would happen if he were to leave that place right that instant? Neji wondered while rubbing his going sore arm. Ten Ten had a punch that would make almost anyone consider not to mess around with her.

"Command me once more and you won't live to see yourself get crowned as the Hyuga heir, you party popper." She then turned towards Naruto, deciding to mock him a bit and enjoy the party before Lorane or anyone else decided to ruin it.

Plus, she liked the blonde boy's guts. The nonchalance he had in bringing the ridiculous to the highest peak was fascinating her. "I like the cape. And the ears."

"Pf...yeah, good job in robbing the kids' manga cosplay section. Next time, try Sailor Moon instead. Like that dude who flirts with that hot chick over there, in the neon purple spandex."

"Suigetsu, dude, get your facts straight! That is not Sailor Moon, is Galactus from Fantastic Four. Duh!"

At the way Naruto crossed his arms in front of his chest, having a solemn expression on his face like he was talking about environmental issues, not fictional Marvel characters, was ridiculous and pure fun.

Hinata let out a short giggle, while Neji looked mortified. Suigetsu was having the time of his life beside Ten Ten, laughing heartedly and audibly like she did. They were not that caring about their social impact like Hinata. "I suggest...you don't show your face in front of Sasuke."

"Why? Is his costume that lame?"

Was Naruto really thinking about his raven haired friend showing his face in front of the others, be it his business partners, or minions from Jupiter, looking anything besides his usual boring flawless formal clad?

If that would have ever happened, the sky would crumble and the world would face its violent end. "Noooo...? He had the glorious meeting with his father." Well, an encounter between the elder Uchiha and his youngest son would be an easier and faster way to the end of the world.

Naruto's usually dumb face got serious in a blink of an eye, like he was being bipolar. He was afraid he arrived there too late to stop his best friend from doing something that would have probably given him a lot of pleasure, have brought a mountain of problems as well to the already overdose. "...shit. How'd it go?"

"You can imagine. Sasuke didn't even acknowledge his presence. He only greeted his mother than excused himself, blabbering some shit about meeting some business partners and investors, as well as talking to the representatives of the Swiss bank about the fund raising and the check."

"He has been killing his liver ever since." Ten Ten knew because she was looking at the very angry Uchiha with jealousy. Why was she the only one not allowed to drink? She swore she would not exaggerate and have more than two bottles. " Go lift up his mood a bit, he is sulking worse than normal."

"Fuck no, not when he is like that. I don't have suicidal tendencies."

"...then why are you dressed like...like that?! It is like you are begging for a good beating."

"Because I, unlike the boring people like you or that Teme, know how to live my life. The two of you should form an alliance and go get a life."

"How about...we focus our attention on some...more interesting stuff?" As far as Suigetsu was concerned, besides the boring part where he needed to silently do his job and keep his senses high alert for any possible treat and play the reputed Interpol agent he was, his woman radar was flawlessly working as well and the 'harvest' was looking promising.

---

It was one big orgy consisting of hot ladies, all trying to reveal as much skin as possible and be as suggestive and daring for the hungry rich asses as much as possible, all of them being on Suigetsu's liking. His wolf like stare was busy following a passing-by red headed who winked at him playfully. "Damn this place is packed with hot chicks!"

Opposite to him, Neji found the whole scene revolting and insulting. "Suigetsu, are you even able to tell the difference between a formal reception and a brothel? What do you think this is? Champs-Élysées? Get a hold of your slutiness and don't embarrass us worse. Naruto is already doing a damn good job."

"Well look around you, Hyuga. Isn't it the same thing, as long as the sluts are parading like in a fashion show, looking for a good fuck and wearing taller heels than Burj Khalifa and less clothes than porn stars?"

"Yeah, and aren't you doing the same, you damn womanizer?"

"Nah...I am merely generous and give the ladies what they want. And they all want this gentleman here."

Ten Ten felt the need to remind the shark looking agent about his competition, who was busy having a hoard of women begging for his bones, without even trying. She pointed at Sasuke who was keeping a safe distance from all his acquaintances, looking like he would rather be out catching butterflies with a net, than simply being there. "Try once again, Casanova. Your competition is right there and his score is already ten points higher."

"...don't tell me you have counted the women who flirted with Teme so far."

"27 and it has barely been an hour since this party has filled with woes." Suigetsu deadpanned at the serious and professional tone of the mocha eyed woman. Was she that bored or was she getting nuts from living for so long in Neji's presence? He wondered.

Even Hinata found it a bit weird. Everyone was amazed that the Hyuga heiress has finally found the courage to mutter something since Naruto's imperial arrival and she has chosen that particular moment to join the conversation. That or she was a proud gossip girl like Ten Ten or Kushina. Or Anko. "R-Really?"

"Yeah. Trust me Hinata, this is among the best entertainment you can get from gatherings like this. As if you wouldn't know. Besides the chocolate fountain, of course. Neji, go get me more."

"No. You will get fat."

"So? Since where is this bothering you?"

"Since I know you will make my head explode with your complains, and blame me for not keeping you away of unhealthy food." He turned to a laughing Naruto who was taking whatever dish the waiters were serving from their plates, feeling his head throb. The sole reason why they were there was to ensure those people's safety, while his colleagues were doing just the opposite.

What if Lorane chose to make their evil plotting come to life right in the moment they were stuffing their faces or laughed at the others, totally jeopardizing their task? And what was Itachi doing, not answering his calls?

Neji knew that their leader has joined forces with the Sound, bringing the two brilliant minds together to solve the riddle. And that was what it frightened him. "I swear you are just as bad, Naruto. At least put that damn mask on that dumb face, for God's sake, to avoid being recognized. Or pretend you have just met us."

"...what would happen if I throw his ass into the punch his grandma has just spiked?"

"You will give this party the vibe it lacks. What kind of shit music is this anyway? I feel like I am attending a funeral. The only missing things were walking zombies and a coffin." Ten Ten absolutely loathed jazz music of all sorts. She was a hard core rocker and the rhythm, the piano, the guitar or the saxophone`s melodic lines were not harmonizing with the tasty foods she was ingesting. Nor with the mood.

"Speaking of funerals and cadavers...have you guys took care of...you know...security?"

It was Suigetsu the one to surprisingly be the voice of reason among them. He probably had enough telephone numbers and lascivious promises for later on from the ladies who were devouring him with their hungry stares, if he decided to act accordingly to his reputation.

He lowered his tone to a whisper level, so as to make sure he ceased away any eavesdropping attempt. "There are twenty INTERPOL police officers dispatched on the building and its surroundings."

"Good. We had placed extra microphones and high frequency anti-tracking devices. If Lorane shows up in here, or try to jam our devices and throw us in another black hole, we will be ready. No need to reenact the Mountain trip or Shiseido Ginza experience."

"What the heck happened two days ago, anyways? How was Lorane able to go unnoticed and hide right before your eyes?"

"This is what Leader is trying to figure out, the moment he stops playing Monopoly with the Snake Freak."

The dumb expression that Naruto had in his face was perfectly matching his attire. Any news about the snake looking Sound leader was sending chills down his spine. The man was scaring him to no end and their collaboration even more. "He is what?"

Neji rolled his eyes at his CIA colleague, barely fighting the urge to raise his harsh tone. He couldn't possibly risk attracting more attention than they already had, courtesy to the cerulean eyed foxy agent and his equally ridiculous eccentric friend Suigetsu.

The Hyuga couldn't find a reasonable definition to describe his costume, nor did he have the guts to ask him about what did he represent. "They are collaborating, obviously. There are some problems at our HQs in Italy. Lorane has pulled a good one on us this time. The problem is Sasuke. He has already seen more than he should have had and Haruno is having her hands full with him."

"They are in looove." Ten Ten explained to the other female member of the group, drawing an imaginary heart in the air with her index fingers, making the said lilac eyed girl's luscious peach lips turn into a subtle 'O' in surprise.

Kushina has chosen that particular moment to make her presence known, approaching the agents eagerly, coming to stand in between her son and Ten Ten -she didn't want to ruin Hinata's moment- interested in the possible hot gossip. She even bumped fists with Ten Ten, much to Neji's disbelief.

Great, one more loud representative of the feminist movement has joined their group. Kushina Uzumaki was just as bad as his fiancé and Naruto combined. To his horror, Suigetsu was the last normal left. And that man was giving the term 'lunatic' a bad name. "Who is in love with who?"

"Sasuke and his guardian angel, Athena of the Sound. You have probably heard about her." Ten Ten eagerly explained. Naruto nodded energetically. He was way past his childish jealousy on his raven haired friend.

Plus, it was difficult to chase another lady inside his mind when the Hyuga heiress was standing so close to him, looking like a bellflower`s bud in bloom and smelling like a vast field of Lillis of the valley. The sole thing that was making him hold back was Neji's ascending murderous protective aura. Man was that agent scary and possessive.

Kushina's clear eyes got full of stars and her joy grew visibly with each passing moment. She has heard of Sakura and honestly, she couldn't wait to meet her and confirm whether the pink haired agent was a perfect killing seductive Sound agent, or she had the grace and the womanhood of her mentor, Tsunade.

That was interesting to follow, plus she knew how much her son has fantasized about her. But what stirred her curiosity, was her closeness to Sasuke. Whoever was able to approach the Mangekyou's fearsome CEO must have been something special. "Ah, the girl who saved my baby and helped you then? Is she together with Sasuke?"

"Probably."

"Of course not, what nonsense is that?"

"Is not nonsense, it is called destiny Hyuga! Wasn't this your favorite hook up lame line? And you wonder why you have been a virgin until the tenth grade."

"This is not funny Ten Ten. And that is not a hook up line."

"Love is never a funny thing. Pull that stick out of your ass and experience its freedom, Neji, until it gets sore."

"Where is she by the way? I want to meet Tsunade and Orochimaru`s pupil. She must be an interesting woman, if she has managed to make a man like Sasuke come out of his shell."

"Oh you have no idea..." Ten Ten wicked knowing smile on her getting devilish features. It stirred confusion among her friends, but she chose not to comment. The present women understood what she meant by that one.

He chestnut eyed agent would give Sakura the credit she deserved for having the guts to act like there was no one left in the Universe except for her and Sasuke, laughing in Lorane's faces. Seriously, having sex with the Uchiha heir in the middle of the fray? How come she didn't come up with the idea?

"What is that supposed to-" Naruto's breath hitched down his throat unexpectedly and his eyes mirrored a mass of UFOs descending the sky when his glance cast on the head of the stairs. Star struck was an understatement for the way his jaw hit the floor and his body freeze in awe.

Suigetsu fluttered his hand in front of his unresponsive friend like they did it on cartoons, finding his behavior hilarious. Did he hear Neji slapping his forehead? "Naruto? Dude?"

"I think he had a stroke."

"Don't you need a brain for that? Maybe that was his sole neuron getting Parkinson."

"The Hell dude, have you seen the dude who bought the last Ramen Bowl costume before you, or what?"

The Hyuga agent deadpanned at the newfound information. Seriously, wasn't that supposed to be something formal, high class and ridiculously luxurious? Then why were all dressed like ready to trick or treat? "...is someone here dressed like Ramen?"

"Just don't ask...his wife is a matching onion..."

"...and you guys blame Uchiha for being disgusted..."

Ten Ten was the one to inform her fiancé about other families having same issues as their own, somehow trying to make him feel better. His grandma looked like she befriended another aunty with a funny pair of glasses, both looking like they were plotting world domination.

He sweat stropped at that one. Everyone around him was either extremely lame or a pain in the ass. Albeit, he couldn't help but snort at the mental images invading his skull envisioning what he has learned from the mocha haired woman. "His cousin Obito is Batman."

"Oh, dear Lord, this is the end of their clan..."

Naruto's sudden outburst successfully caught anyone's attention on ten km radius. The blonde was pointing to the stairs, having the same dreamy semi-shocked expression on his face, making them all look in the said direction. "Athena!"

"Huh? I think there are some women here dressed like mythology-"

"No! There! Sakura-chan! She is-"

---

Words were not enough to describe what the Akatsuki group was seeing, because each felt that no matter what they could have said, would not properly describe the way Sakura looked like. So they resumed in holding their breaths and not blink, afraid to miss a thing and the others were mirroring their astonishment. "Oh damn..." Suigetsu couldn't help but gape at the image of her when they have met, looking like a tramp, which was automatically overlapped with the image of her in that moment. He had to take a double look to make sure that they were the same person.

"Isn't this a bit...too flashy for a CIA undercover?" As far as a women were concerned, Ten Ten has already done a full scan from head to toe on the emerald eyed CIA colleague of hers and she couldn't help but inwardly agree with her spectacular appearance.

She, just as Kushina who couldn't help but clap her hands two times, not caring if it came as loud as a traffic jam during the rush hour in the grave like silence ,knew why Sakura was there like that.

She has been invited as someone's date and she would venture in a wild guess that it was no other than Sasuke the one to be her date, which was already a good start for promising entertainment. The party was plain boring, except for the ridiculous costumes.

"I don't give a flying fuck because she is FUCKING HOT!" It was the most intelligent thing that Suigetsu felt like letting out, but he wouldn't lie. It was painfully obvious, as it was vulgar and lascivious.

"I-Is she Sakura H-Haruno of t-the Sound?" Sure enough, Hinata has heard everything about the famous Sound branch of the CIA's special units and Sakura was emblematic for them.

So the shy Hyuga was just as impatient to meet her, ever since she has learned that the two offices have buried their guns and came together to cooperate. Sure enough, the stories were true and the descriptions about the emerald eyed agent were accurate. "S-She is beautiful." She was. There was no point in denying it. The others nodded twice in agreement like in a trance.

Beside her, Kushina couldn't have agreed more. The jade eyed woman was just as she has imagined her to be. Outstanding. "That girl...knows how to put on a good show."

"Hahaha, so does our brooding friend there. Check him out and note down. With a red mark on the calendar. Uchiha Sasuke, the king of all the glares and the cobblestone hearted bastard of the millennia, who is more of an ice block than the previous Ice Age itself, is star struck. I bet you five hundred that he is going to drop the glass." Suigetsu challenged, suddenly finding his mood to party again. Things got interesting. The last thing he expected was to see Sakura parading in front of a mass of vulnerable people, exposed and looking like she was modeling for Christian Dior.

"I..." Naruto started randomly addressing to no one in particular, probably trying to find his voice again and answer Suigetsu's observation, shifting his eyes from Sakura to his equally mesmerized dark haired friend. "...have never seen Teme so speechless. Never!"

But what truly shocked the Akatsuki gang, including Kushina, Hinata and Suigetsu, was how the fine crystal scotch glass has slid down Sasuke`s hand to the laminated floor, breaking in million pieces and making a piercing sound. Just like Suigetsu has predicted, the Uchiha has dropped his glass the moment his gaze travelled to the dreamy agent.

---

/

/

/

---

Sasuke was having a very bad time. Being one of the Heads of the darn Organizing Committee, he had to be there three hours prior and he was already bored and pissed off out of his mind.

Not only his colleagues were dumb and couldn't get their tasks right, but the hoards of rabid slutty fangirls were giving him the eye, flirting with him without a shame and that annoyed him to no end, so he was trying his best to keep his cool and not snap.

Of course, that proved to be a quite difficult task to do since the arrival of his deplorable father. He only exchanged a fugitive look followed by a dragged cold greeting, then he took his time to chat with his mother.

Good thing Fugaku has quickly found the company of the imposing Hyuga Hyashi so they were both engaged in what looked like a very important conversation, namely business related stuff. They parted ways with Sasuke telling his father to go die, as polite as he could, since Fugaku started to complain about the poor skills of the Organizing Committee and how displeased about the music, food and choice of beverage he was, indirectly pointing to his son`s lack of imagination and organizing skills.

Mumbling a quick apology to an equally pissed off at her husband`s display of tact, Mikoto, Sasuke promptly stormed in the opposite direction of his father, not wanting to punch him until he saw stars.

So there he was, sipping a glass of scotch alone, as the presence of Naruto and his other friends was driving him equally insane. Seriously, the raven haired Uchiha couldn't begin to understand the imbecile idea of a Masquerade, but after seeing how the majority tried to come up with the most ridiculous costumes, as they were preschoolers, was disgusting, revolting and…he saw Obito Uchiha.

God, his mind was spinning and Sasuke was sure that alcohol was not the main cause of it.

Secretly, he was dying to see a certain emerald eyed lady ,but he was not sure that she was going to honor his invitation and brighten up his foul mood. Would she truly come? Were her feelings strong enough for her to take the risk of being seen with him?

The Mangekyou`s famous CEO was not an artist at romance, as he was not used to such portray of his feelings towards someone he had sincere feelings for, but he hoped his invitation has been suggestive and persuasive enough.

If only Sakura would reveal her stunning presence in front of him in that moment-

Onyx eyes froze in bewilderment when they fell on the stairs, as if they sensed that there was something there waiting for him to respond to the mesmerizing call.

Sakura.

The woman he has been waiting and the lady who was present in his mind around the clock. She was there. She has come. And she was glowing!

Sasuke`s parted lips and unmoving state was the undeniable proof of his astonishment, as he follow her coming down.

He couldn't breathe, move, exist, or remove his sight from the scene, as the people around mirrored his behavior.

---

Watching her descend the stairs was similar to watching a ballet show displaying in front of his eyes, in terms of elegance, refinement and precision. She was hardly touching the floor and it was as mesmerizing as watching the sun going down during the pink summer sunset. The ineffable has never been so tempting and the need to lock her into a golden cage and keep her out of the tainted world's eyes, secluded in a place only known by his eyes and heart has never been so ardent to Sasuke.

Every blink of her shimmering unique hued jade almond shaped eyes and every meandering move of her delicate fingers over the spiral railing, was reminding Sasuke of the traditional melodic flute and lutes of Chinese soothing symphonies and the lyrics evoking ancient spirits of nature, eternal happiness and peace of mind.

She was as beautiful as a maiden floating above the imposing corridors and painted red and bright green columns of the Greek temples, and the way she was dominating the way people held their breaths while following her slowly descend the stairs, with such a natural born instinct and joviality, was the most incredible thins that Sasuke has ever seen.

Her skin was as soft as the velvet wings of a Mariposa butterfly, challenging the silk molding material of her dress, in texture, delicacy, pearl like shining and royal fascination.

The fine complexion of her porcelain cheeks, reminiscent to the finest lace embroidery, was elegantly touched by a dust of rose blush, so subtly and flawlessly applied, like the delicate petals of a timid soft poppy in bloom, caressed by the embrace of the summer sun.

She was glowing like a nymph under the moonlight, bathed in its rays, highlighting everything that Mother Nature has so exquisitely created, with the precision of the most skilled jeweler, carving diamonds and rare pearls, as Sakura has never been so radiant like in that moment.

Siren curves made to mesmerize the viewer and generous perfect gifts to captivate the most cobblestone of hearts, were tantalizing the audience. Mother Nature couldn't have been more inspired when creating such an artistic symphony of versatile manners and feminine looks, and her makeup, hairstyle and choice of accessories were all like inspired by pure nature's wonders.

Sakura`s presence was solar and calm, yet, at the same time, she was keeping a studied appearance of the lazy radiance of the lethargic autumn sun rays. The vaporous folds of her silk and fine brocade dress were fluttering like elegant ladybirds' wings, molding down the stairs as she was stepping on them, gracefully.

Her appearance was as angelic and pure as a white dove spreading its wings upon the azure and the snow white dress was wholly embracing her ivory skin, glowing like delicate petals of daisies adorning porcelain.

The Goddess picture of her has never been more untouchable and serene as in that moment, and the charm was contagious. She had every eye on her and every hanging down mouth was due to her unexpected appearance.

It was not because Sakura was not one of the regulars between the guests, but because she was the only one shining brighter than all their glamour combined, while being delicate, discrete, subtle, innocent, lovely and fascinating.

Her hair color was a maddening light caramel, highlighted by subtle shades of pastel pink, in the same hue of the summer pink sky at dawn, mirroring into the calm waters of the vast endless ocean. Her eyes were having a magnificent exquisite sparkle, rivaling the purest jade gemstones in rarity and beauty, both bathed into a flickering candle's warm radiance.

There was golden glitter dust poured over her curled delicate eyelashes, right below the nude pink eye-shadow and the unique excellent executed make-up combination of daring, taunting, luxurious and innocent colors, was giving her an aura which was so noble and defined, as if she held the stunning shades of the rarest butterfly's wings trapped into her features.

Everything about her was perfection beyond comprehensive words. The lipstick in the passionate color of the wine gave her just the right amount of high class refined and studied elegance, appropriate for such a former Banquet, but at the same time, brought up the unique suave features and natural alluring and feminine sensuality of her heart shaped full lips and they were automatically sending a subtle silent invitation to fantasize about wistful kisses and savage unconditional passion.

And one must have been blind to miss the expertly executed French manicure, in a translucent pearl rose shade of the nail polish, while her lean slim fingertips were barely brushing the golden metal spiral railing in her way down.

She wore a pair of shimmering gold encrusted bright green diamonds armlets bracelets, decorating the elegant mother-of-pearl skin of her forearms, all adding to the royal way she was keeping her posture straight and her shoulders lean and elegant, masterfully completing her swan delicate fairytale allure.

Sakura was picturesque up to the finest detail, embodying the perfection of womanly shapes, delicacy and the longing aspiration for the ineffable has never been so ardent for a suddenly getting thirsty for coral pearl marble skin, heavenly peaches and honey like nectar that her innocent lips of her tasted like, astonished Uchiha.

And oh, how much he wanted to get lost into her embrace right in the moment she so subtly, almost unnoticed, but so skillfully and accurately shown in the context, elevated her chin for a bit and, having just the right dosage of cockiness and refinement, letting a ghost of a smirk grace her beaming features, as if she was letting everyone know that, not only she was more than worthy to be standing among the people following her every move hungrily, but she was outshining every and each of them in the most high class way possible and deep inside, Sasuke`s heart fueled with a sudden surge of pride at the figment of her being there for him, as his lady and courtesy of his invitation.

---

And damn right his mother couldn't have chosen a more appropriate attire to bring out the goddess inside her. Athena...the Goddess of wisdom and inspiration. The irony of it was the fact that Sasuke could have truly spotted the aura of a deity inside her. Something heavenly to match the unadulterated fragile spirit inside her was calling for his every pore and the raven haired enchanted man found it impossible to resist the fascination any longer.

And truth to be told, he didn't even want to resist her anymore and never in his life did Sasuke feel so willing to succumb to his desires like in that moment or any moment from there on. It has been just like he has always suspected ever since she first cross his path: their encounter has not been at random at all.

Past longing memories of another passing time have been flooding his already clouded mind.

Skin, like the purest virgin snow shimmering like million tiny crystal particles beneath the moon's mystical rays, adding to the already ethereal picture and the silk expensive material of her gown, in the same shade as her complexion, rightfully touching her frame like a second skin, was making everyone wonder whether she truly grew wings and she was, in fact, floating over the stairs, instead of touching the ground.

Truth to be told, Sakura seemed like she was barely touching the crimson wool carpet and her toes in the Roman sandals she wore, were dancing on the stairs, as she was playfully tiptoeing over them, in a playful innocent way, reminding of the famous paintings of unadulterated angels twirling and running carefree in the Eden's Garden.

Long manicured nails were drumming on the railway, elegantly, seductively and alluring, like summer rain drops dancing playfully on the window. She had the delicacy, grace and mystical beauty of an Egyptian cat and the feline's dramatic long and slim features make it impossible for the stunned raven haired Uchiha to tear his eyes away from her. But he couldn't help it.

And he couldn't also prevent the soothing tender memories of the past that once belonged to him to invade his mind. Figments about a very special her. She, who was advancing towards him like a phantom of an ancient glorious dream of an ancient era, has been returned to where it originated from. She has been reunited with him. Fate was returning him what has been lost.

Her.

Sasuke had no idea of how or why was he tested by such thoughts, but he was certain that, as a result of a twisted ironic game of fate, he and Sakura have had a fortunate encounter somewhere, at some moment, in time.

And if every bit of information that he has been came across during his existence was not being a valid enough proof to confirm Sakura's rightful place beside him, then the smile she gave him the moment her eternal confident emerald eyes blinked once and bowed in shyness and innocence was more than enough to break the once impenetrable granite around his heart in half. Something...powerful. It was everything his mind was able to perceive in that moment. And for Sasuke...everything that had a meaning fought to come to light.

For a moment, his consciousness slipped into a faraway time and an ancient forgotten place he knew, but never seen before and his temples were enveloped in sudden lightning bolts. Good thing he was close to one of the tables, so he could support himself on the hard edge with his available hand.

The other one flew on his forehead. What was going on? That was no migraine or an attack and certainly he was not that stunned to see her, like the morons around him. That was definitely a scotch glass hitting the floor he has just heard...His glass of fine drink.

The stairs got suddenly blurred and changed design and material, the guests lost their masks and gave up on fake smiles, the chandeliers turned into torches and Sakura...he blinked twice so as to convince himself that he was, indeed, trapped into a flashback and he hasn't -still- lost his mind. She was still herself, only...she was not exactly like the one he was used to.

Her rose velvet skin was slightly tanned, like rich caramel, her hair was neatly but playfully kept in a high ponytail, decorated with beaming various gemstones in all the colors of the sun, sand and marble, and her clothes were a luxurious display of exotic shades, in a hazy combination with her oriental beauty.

But what shocked Sasuke for real was the look in her eyes and the smile directed towards him and him only. By all the Heavens, it was the same gentle loving look Sakura always had. And when he let his eyes fall on his own attire, he understood the reason why he felt his heart burst out of his ribs cage of happiness.

They were...

---

A deja vu.

It was not just a funny distant random thought, with no related meaning. It was a memory of the two of them living their happiest day together. That was the Sakura of his past. He came into his senses two seconds later, when she almost reached the base of the stairs, clearly heading towards the rooted in place him.

He was able to see the moment when she has become his wife, because the two scenes were shockingly similar. It was not the idea of him becoming his husband the one to make him anxious, but the way those kinds of memories have suddenly grown in number, all overlapping with his present time, blending almost perfectly.

Another existence threatened to come to life and take over and Sasuke was not sure if that was such a bad thing. Because he was certain that nothing could have been worse than what he has experienced so far.

Until she came to throw him into a windmill of experiences.

To show the real face of a him he brutally shoved away into the most secluded confinements of his conscience.

And Sasuke knew it was no coincidence. Something was about to happen. It was like a premonition he couldn't ignore anymore. Along with him rediscovering a long lost woman who, apparently, has been his, came the danger that was lurking from the shadows.

Charcoal eyes returned to an approaching him Sakura, roaming over her slim gazelle ankles, which were gracefully decorated with golden straps of her sandals, in a perfect gleaming shade to emphasize the unblemished skin underneath and the long dress was sensually rippling over her long calves, letting enough room for the vivid imagination to be tantalized by the graceful shapes she possessed.

She was one of the few madams present who ventured to choose not to wear high heels, but it was not like any other accessories could have complement the already ethereal looks any better.

In fact, everything that the emerald eyed lady wore and the way she added the subtle small details to make a difference was oozing gentility and good taste, because Sakura, unlike many other representatives of her gender, knew the boundaries between classy and cheap.

Nothing she wore was too much and the right dosage and balance between extremely feminine, tasteful and alluringly sexy was driving Sasuke crazy with each passing moment.

With all the self-control he possessed, he just could not tear his getting hungry stunned onyx eyes away from her. It was like following a shooting star entering the Earth's atmosphere. No matter how great the need to turn around would have been, the fascination to see where it landed in a million particles of small miracles or vanish before it hit the surface, was too great to resist.

She was keeping her virtue and modesty, with a fine noblesse worth of a man's of his status and Sasuke couldn't have felt anymore prideful watching her getting nearer.

He knew she saw him, because even though she acted accordingly to the etiquette and refrained from having excessive manners and gestures, her body language assured him that she was barely containing a large smile to take over her features, with every single meter she cut from the distance separating them, and it was not only incredibly uplifting and a true oasis to fuel his ego, but funny in such an innocent manner as well.

Being with Sakura was as natural and suave as a mother shielding a crying newborn into her protective arms. It was the sole thing Sasuke had that was not a sin and the sole thing he would unconditionally repent for, was that he was tainting the cherry blossom by keeping her committed to him, although hearing the ardent words bursting right from the bottom of her heart, was making it impossible for him to let her go.

For some twisted work of destiny, Sakura wanted him and chose to be with him, unconditionally, going as far as to give herself to him, even if he kept on lying to her.

---

As she was stepping on the last remaining stairs, his mesmerized irises automatically and hypnotically stood glued to the white long dress, following the way it was hugging her delicate curves like a second skin, in all the right places, with a longer backside rippling upon the stairs as it was barely and sensually brushing them, like the gentle fluttering of a swan's wings, touching the water's surface.

The ample folds were embracing her long slim concealed toned legs, as she descended and the waives of the smooth fabric was making the lady wear a fascinating noblesse and exotic enrapture, as a reminder of the once worshipped glorious ancient divinities, whose imposing replicas lied carved in marble and mosaic in the Greek and Roman temples, entrapping their power and beauty in time, for eternity.

Knowing Sakura's character and watching her get in the role she was trying to portray, she couldn't have been impersonating a more proper character. Sasuke knew his mother was brilliant when it came to reading characters and guessing their inner soul, after all, it was a trait he also possessed as a gift of inheritance from her, but, seriously, it was almost surreal how much she came close to the woman present into his dreams and flashbacks.

Was there something more to Sakura that he has not seen, but it was ridiculously obvious for the others? The Uchiha heir wondered, while he felt his pulse accelerate, as the stunning girl was parading on the stairs, taking her time, so as to let everyone admire, but not touch.

She knew how to put on a show and torture the going lustful men's around her minds and fuel the other lady's jealousy, which was for sure. And boy, wasn't it a major turn on for one certain midnight haired Uchiha as well.

A sharp mask was resting above her nose, perfectly framing her oval shaped face and delicate rosy cheeks, in a fitting for her feminine features almond shape, emphasizing her cat like eyes, visible underneath and the fact that she has applied a dramatic kohl black eyeliner, bringing in their unique contour and dusted a golden glitter mascara on her long rich lashes, was making the jade irises sparkle and stand out even more, brightening up her beautiful features.

Semiprecious gems in the same rich hue of joyful jade as her orbs and red rubies were decorating the upper part of the pearl white mask, where the eyebrows were supposed to be and the tiny glitter smaller Swarovski crystals were radiating under the chandelier's warm light.

Four pastel pink colored feathers, of different shades and lengths attached to the right side of the mask, starting from the corner of the right eye were brushing the shell of her ear and mocha longer strands of hair, as she moved, and the elegance and the touch of sensual appearance only added to the mysterious and intangible aura she radiated.

Again, Sasuke`s stare flew on the daring bright passionate red as she smiled softly, because it was giving her heart shaped full lips a refined and studied sensuality and feminine allurement, in the right dosage, so as to break the boundaries of the ineffable she was portraying, by wearing the angelic colors of innocence and purity and it gave her a more mature refinement, suitable for a formal party, populated by the cream of the society, in perfect accordance to the etiquette and Sasuke realized that her choice of conduct has not been at all random.

His once pink haired lady knew exactly what she was doing like she had been well instructed beforehand, but she has already confessed to him that she came nowhere near the lowest class, so that didn't shocked him any longer.

Then her soft moist lips parted in a large mesmerizing smile, reminiscent to the gentle petals of a lotus flower in bloom. By all the Heavens, she was iconic in all her splendor, like a Gioconda among the inestimable portraits in the world's most reputed Arts Galleries and Sasuke felt like he was hyperventilating. Her beauty and the need to touch her and make sure she was not the sweetest and most cruel mirage has never been more suffocating and ardent.

Sakura`s sharp curves, her blazing eyes, wild, untamed, dominant and sensual like an amazon's, rivaling Mother Nature's most sumptuous radiating vivid forest green in color and fascination, but mild, shapes and gentle like virgin snowflakes lines, rivaling Venus, the goddess of love and ethereal beauty, in feminine charms and idyllic womanhood, were all driving him absolutely insane.

His own lips parted as his orbs were as wide as his fascination for her was growing to its apogee, never once removing his gaze from the Sound agent. The emerald eyed masked lady has managed to demolish everything about the modern divas on the high society, with a single brush of her perfect French manicured nails over the railing and a studied flutter of her impossibly long eyelashes, while she scanned her surrounding, in search for something...or someone.

And when she found what her eager eyes were longing to see, the spark in her stare was able to keep the sacred flames of Athena's fire burning for eternity. The moment she saw him.

And the perplexed crowd has simultaneously followed her lead like spell, while not being all that much surprised by her choice. Who could have been more fitting-and predictable-to be that siren's company, other than the Uchiha heir himself?

What was a pleasant change in the scenery was the well knowing mouthwatering smirk blooming on his fine lips, the moment his gaze connected to hers. Usually, he had but two emotions playing on his stoic face, while participating in public gatherings, and they were extreme boredom or blazing fury. It all depended on how talented the people around him were to stir any of those two reactions inside him.

But never enchantment. Never in his life has anyone seen Sasuke being pleased to see something occurring in front of him, like in that moment. No one could have blamed him for allowing his walls to shake, because the girl was totally worth it.

---

Little did he know that the enchanting beauty was thinking the same about his appearance.

As far as she was concerned, Sakura had her own share of exhilaration when her eyes landed on the man she was looking for and finding Sasuke Uchiha in the crowd, be it a high class select reception or the streets, was the easiest thing to do. The unmistakable refinement, the elegance of his composed attitude, the power he possessed or the entrapping unmatched extraordinary handsomeness, were all qualities that made him practically stand out.

She was feeling like candidly floating over star dust, while fighting to keep herself composed and not give in to her getting weaker and weaker trembling knees, at the sight of the charcoal eyed man she has come to be with. In front of her, stood the sweetest rapture of all her unshared fantasies. He looked that amazing!

In fact, the image of him nonchalantly holding a glass of whatever he was drinking in between his fingers, with a bored, almost arrogant, superior nonchalance and superiority, was a fascinating by definition.

Nobility and elegance have never looked more royal-blood on anyone. The way he looked clad in his striking navy and lacquer black suit, like the embodiment of manly refinement and fine taste of luxury , screaming royalty through every of his gestures, was maddening, and the crescendo rhythm of her trembling heart let Sakura know that she was caged into his alluring dance, passing the point of no return, all so willingly.

He was unpredictable and strong as the crystal sand particles of the hot desert and suddenly Sakura had a vision of him in another, more exuberant and exotic context. An imposing nobility coming from the ancient Egypt, with impetuous fine linen, silk and wool clothes, in the regal color of the sumptuous marble and bronze decorated palaces, golden sewing, peacock and bird-of-paradise feathers, sewed in gold and rubies vaporous mantles, expensive jewelry reflecting the sun rays and masterful perfect angles and lines of his features shining like tiny dew drops on the exotic Egypt luxuriant trees` luscious leaves and charcoal irises in the dramatic rich shade of black olives, all placing him in a once glorified ancient era, like he belonged to Scheherazade's stories.

As she was getting closer and closer to the man of her dreams, Sakura could clearly make up the way the warm light of the chandeliers was emphasizing the subtle hued blue locks curling upwards in that distinctive way she adored, the sound of his clear rich voice blending with the elegant music playing in the background, the fresh summer ocean and salty touch of his perfume, sprayed upon his pulse, the smooth unblemished marble skin of his cool face and the pearl shiny teeth whenever he tantalized her with a smart cocky line was challenging every top male model or royalty in allure, attitude, appearance and elegance.

It was almost surreal for Sakura the instinctive fine manners he had in still managing to be so masculine, while portraying such tactful and elegant refined manners. Sakura was well aware that he was deadly, but charming.

And suddenly, the emerald eyed Sound agent found herself craving for gentle caresses, fugitive gazes, innocent intertwining of fingers and angelic beams, like she has found herself back into the mountains, trapped into his arms. It was the sweetest memory she had, without one where she hated or blamed on herself.

As stupid and outrageous the things she has done since they met might have been, everything she did with Sasuke brought her no remorse, only happiness. She was happy and it felt amazing to be able to perceive such suave emotions so ardently.

She began to nurture new emotions, believe in something real and it was turning into something beautiful. Who was that mysterious Sasuke Uchiha? She wondered. He had everything and once told her he would give her anything and suddenly she felt richer, and she was not thinking about anything material.

So selflessly, the pink haired lady found herself wanting to let him show her his own way and she would follow, no matter what kind of secret he might have concealed in the darkness of his shadow. Like she was anything better.

What was truly ingenuous was how they managed to wordlessly choose the midway and fall into steps together, with a destination unknown. Lorane or anyone might ruin whatever fragile bud they were shielding, but for the moment, she had the world and the world was staring at her with all the vanity their jealous and envy eyes could muster. She would have liked to laugh at the way women around, clad in all the finest, most exclusive expensive jewelry, embroidery and luxury linen, who were failing in hiding their ugly greedy libidinous desires and rapacious souls, behind the shiny craft* masks they were gripping, at the way they were burning holes down her skull because of her audacity to display herself in the company of a man who half of the planet would have killed to have, like she belonged there.

It gave Sakura a sense of both fulfillment and a cocky arrogance, because little did they know that it was her rightful place. And if Akatsuki`s dumbfounded faces-she saw them from the first time she descended the final stares and she was laughing like a mad clown on the inside, or the jealous eyes on her were not making her pride ascend on her luscious seductive lips, then her presenting his invitation to the security at the entrance successfully did the job.

She spent so many precious moments squealing in the mirror before she called for a cab, when she read his name in silver italic letters on the inside of the sepia paper. She must have gone completely insane, the jade eyed agent was positive. But she couldn't care less. If Uzumaki Karin and her older counterpart, Anko, have managed to live that long, being completely nuts, than she was safe. Not to mention Hidan!

She wanted something else. Something more. She felt different into his arms, like he was slowly changing her and it was not a scary thought for the Sound agent.

What was that mysterious warm tingling sensation, like the gentlest flutter of a dragonfly's silk wings, that she was experiencing every time Sasuke held her hand, like in that moment? It was so addictive and comprised more wonders than a genie's magic lamp: protection, security, comfort and support. He had it all.

And his eyes...their intensity was numbing, provocative, mind blowing and it stole Sakura's breath away, as they were beautiful beyond belief, like every part of him. It was a perfect complementing part of his amazing looks.

God, he was simply gorgeous in that moment, dressed like he was, acting like he did and locking his gaze with her like it was magic. Irresistible. Her throat slowly went dry and her grip on his hand involuntarily tightened.

She couldn't remember the moment when she has been surged with such an untamed happiness and she wanted nothing more than to embrace him tightly until she melted all the existing distance between them and lose herself into a joy without borders, like there was no curious eye on them to witness.

Suddenly, Sakura has been washed by the ardent need to experience the simplest of world's smallest, yet so significant miracles, such as letting her hair loose, throwing her head backwards and laugh at the content of her heart, like she has been caressed with all the light of the sun.

She was that happy to be watched by the man she couldn't keep her eyes away from in a way that made her heart burst in billion tiny fireflies and envelop her slightly trembling skin in a radiating happiness, like she never felt before.

She wanted to tell him how she felt, but she could watch as he was just as stunned to see her. Looking at her like she mattered. Like they were real. It was real and it was happening and the emotion was getting unbearable.

Sasuke was sinfully alluring, mysterious, dark and sensual, like a windmill and he brought with his ardent passion a windmill of exhilarant sensations with his raven locks brushing over his long eyelashes, like polished lacquer brushing lace.

For the first time since she has been by his side, Sakura felt like she belonged there as she has earned her right to stay by his aide. The last thing in the world was for her to embarrass the sole Mangekyou CEO and spoil the image of a perfect him, that he arrived to keep through skill and wisdom by himself, with an unworthy presence. She felt a winner as both a woman and a lover-far from her the idea of her CIA identity.

She was surprised in a positive way by his serene playfulness, even though Sakura knew how bad she was attracted by the rebel side of his stoic character. She got a good insight of his other face, the one he kept hidden from the world, and unveiling so many sides of her gave Sakura a choice of how much of a complex and complicated character Sasuke was, but it only added to the main reason why she liked him that much.

Seeing how he could swiftly and nonchalantly act like an upper class and at the same time, outshine them with a more refined gracefulness in his demeanor and expressiveness of gestures, was a huge magnet. And a quick peek around assured Sakura that she was definitely not the only female around to respond so eagerly to his natural charm.

She more than lift her chin arrogantly, yet elegantly at the going green of envy ladies around, whose disappointment of losing their chances to be Sasuke`s next plaything, was palpable. Yeah, she was having so much fun. Yet, nothing was funnier than Akatsuki`s faces -and Naruto's costume. She had a hard time stifling her hysterical laughter. If Karin would have been there, Sakura knew they would have both been down rolling on the floor. Yet, she has spotted some unfamiliar faces among the CIA group and one particular stunning young lady attracted her attention.

The emerald eyed Sound member has appreciated the many qualities Sasuke had, but there was a peculiar one that she liked about him and that was his reserved and polite way of showing how much he liked something, because his stare on her was not making Sakura feel uncomfortable. He never did and she realized that it was noting his attitude. Education was visible in everything that Sasuke did. And so was his demeanor when she finally came to stand one step far from him, as the caressing music kept on playing the rhythm of their thumping hearts.

---

"You have made me wait quite a long time for you, Sakura. But...it was worth it."

"Why? Missed me?" She tried smartly, deciding to play his game. A game she came to enjoy and adore. It was part of the interesting relationship they had and added to its spiciness.

And his honest reserved answer stirred the fluttering of her heart even further, doubled by his deep black sapphire orbs, all set on her. "You have no idea." His sensual bass voice was slowly sending musical rolls down her spine, making her shudder.

Courtesy to her more experienced in the art of relationships, Karin, Sakura has come to realize that the taste of the handpicking of the elegant classy dress was the gentle Mikoto's doing, and it couldn't have brought Sakura more fulfillment, than to know she had the Uchiha matriarch's appreciation. "Thank you. For inviting me here, that is. And your way was very original. "Don't forget to thank your mother for her tasteful choice." She smirked at his brief surprise, while his hands found her slim waist and right palm, both starting to move along the melody, as some couples around were doing, both trapped into each other's fascination.

Somehow she felt she could connect to Sasuke`s world better and even fit in. Plus, there was an eloquent way in Sasuke`s mother's words, that made Sakura feel close to how a mother would soothe her tenderly and the woman has been approving and kind to her. She didn't judge nor has she been critique. Mikoto was wise and sharp, like her two sons -Itachi had his fair share of personal accomplishment and wisdom.

"Hn...the note is original." She would probably never l know, but Sasuke was kind of impatient -thus it was not his style- and quite anxious over the fact that Sakura might have a change of heart and not accept his feelings which came along with his Ball invitation , but the pleasant pinkette has not disappointed him. He trusted her, he really did. "You are full of surprises lately."

"Let's say I feel inspired."

"Have you found yourself a muse?" The lady was sharp and always had a smart retort to keep up the pace.

"No." He spun her around in a graceful pirouette, while the silk soft blanca folds of her silk dress have followed her sensual hip's movement, in a mesmerizing flutter, like an exquisite crane`s ample wings, then brought her back flush to his chest, while his hand immediately found her rounded hip bone, flawlessly following the sensual waltz. "But a Goddess has found me." The onyx eyed Uchiha found himself to be very poetic.

"Maybe she has always been looking for you." She hit the nail in the head unconsciously, making Sasuke`s pupils dilate. He started to suspect that maybe Sakura somehow felt the same as him or even had the same feeling that their history might have had an unexpected beginning. Should he ask her, or...

"Then maybe I have always waited for her."

"This is not like you...to open up this much while being in public." She was right, Sasuke knew, but frankly he didn't care in the bit. All his life he lived for appearances and for being complacent or follow rules he didn't even agree with.

So there has been nothing wrong with experiencing other moods. It was not like he was obliged to entertain them, nor did he own them anything.

"And I could say that it is quite suspicious the natural way you follow the etiquette."

The moment he saw Sakura lower her stare from his visibly guilty and ashamed gaze, he immediately regretted that he has so bluntly brought up such a subject, so he tenderly slipped his digits down her chin, not permitting her to feel remorseful towards her past and secrets.

It was a mutual understanding. Their own bond was based on that particular secret. A true test to strengthen their link, so she would not take the blame upon her. "Sasuke-"

"Shhh, don't worry. I know what you want." Small slim fingers folded upon his wrist, keeping Sasuke`s hand upon her jaw and chin, like she accepted his silent apology. And when she rewarded him with a gorgeous smile to match the mysterious Mediterranean fresh look of her mask and porcelain skin, the raven haired Uchiha felt a queasy stir on his chest, right above his heart. A powerful emotion that was reminding him of the times he too used to have feelings. Others than bitterness, regret and major disappointment.

"Right now, I have what I want. I am so happy." For Sakura, Sasuke was like a gentle summer rain, cooling down her burning hot skin, in such a soothing and relaxing manner.

She leaned her ear on his chest, clearly perceiving his heartbeat thumping on her eardrum, and the emerald eyed lady could clearly hear the peculiar rhythm of his heartbeat, like an orchestra of sad violins and energetic crescendo contrabass and flutes, in a sweet symphony of happiness. Such a distinctive amalgamation of inner emotions coming for someone distinguished for his icicle like sharp character was making Sakura's own ecstatic heart rate escalade to an infinity of new outcomes and possibilities.

She had another choice. She was not bound to follow anyone and the mere thought of her being able to orchestrate the ending of her own fairytale, and dream her own dreams, was filling her sparkling jadeite eyes with joy and hope.

More than her mission, CIA or Lorane and beyond her hopeless obscure past self, in that moment, she got everything and it was all within her reach. She only had to lift her hands and grab it, hold it dearly, lock it securely into the chest of wonders within her heart and never let go.

'Are we all wearing masks? / hiding our faces from the world like now? Because I have faith that you...will always recognize me, Sasuke.' in a sea of souls wearing masks...

"Because you are here?"

"Because I am with you...I mean...as an escort...or...whatever I...we...are...and for this I am glad. Whatever little chance to spend time with you I might have, I will take it." She had no idea where those words were coming from or if she had the backbone to back them up, but Sakura felt like she had no control over her reasoning.

Those confessions were coming out of her own accord and she knew she made no sense. But that experience she was living was overwhelming, and not because she wasn't used to such banquets -no one was beating anyone yet, which was uncommon- but because she had a man to date. A thing that was completely foreign to someone who has always been alone, rejected and cursed. She felt both powerful and shy.

And that asked for a frown coming from Sasuke who wouldn't allow her to feel less than a Queen-his queen. "You make it sound like a onetime occurrence."

Yes, he was not used to compliment ladies or whisper tender words they craved to hear down their ears, but surely enough his feelings couldn't have been so weak and lacking power of persuasion, could they? It was definitely not in Sasuke`s intention to make her feel less than special, hell no!

---

"This was not in my intention to offend-"

But Sasuke -like always- was very receptive and was not lacking intuition and that was why the young Uchiha didn't let the Sound agent ask for forgiveness for a thing she hasn't done. "You don't have to feel like a one night stand. This is not the image of you I want to present the world."

"I know that. You have never given me any reasons to be embarrassed. They don't know about us." And Sakura was more than content to keep it a secret. The more the others knew, the less their chances of a charming peaceful lazy romance they had. Secrecy and being discreet* was as valuable as gold in their society.

But Sasuke managed to awe her again with a smart daring response to their prejudices, for once again. "...then let them know." He said it so calmly and eagerly, as if there has been no trace of doubt in his thoughts or feelings. Words that Sakura has never known that she hoped to hear so dearly, flew out of his mouth like gentle wind blowing in the sails of the ships.

"...what are you talking about?"

"Be with me." She stopped dancing, moving, breathing, seeing as senses took over her fogged reason. "Drop the act and go out with me."

"Are you seriously asking me to...date you?" Sakura was not a religious person by default, but she was praying to all the Heavens for it to not be a cruel dream she would wake up alone and empty as a broken shell from, losing her gleam and leaving to break in the sand. She would not be able to take such a blow.

Her astonished, but hopeful forest green eyes were widened and searching for any trace of doubt in Sasuke`s pearl black ones. She found none. He was dead serious and it only accelerated her racing pulse even further.

"You can accept it or not. I will not judge you." As if sensing her distress and mistrust, the onyx eyed Uchiha assured her that he would give the rose haired lady enough room to decide, without feeling pressured or intimidated to accept it. And that was the reason why he chose that manner to invite her to the party. Consequently, he went on. "I have already told you I will give you everything I have. But I won't force you into anything. If you don't feel the same, then-"

As far as she was concerned, Sakura wanted to shout it out loud, to jump, make a thumping*, kiss everyone around and spread flowers or take a brush and paint rainbows and unicorns, because she felt like she will not be able to contain her happiness for long.

What was Sasuke talking about and how could he have thought that she will refuse him, she wondered. "How come I feel like crying, if all I want is to jump and happy dance?" Who in her right mind would refuse a man like Sasuke Uchiha?

Sasuke gave her a sexy smirk that left her out of breath. "You can do whatever you want." The dark forbidden desire melt Sakura's knees and she was aware she was averting her eyes like a school girl confessing to her first crush, receiving daisies and white chocolate.

Still being trapped under the haziness of being asked to be Sasuke`s girlfriend -she couldn't stop her inner to chant it over and over again in amazement- the emerald eyed agent couldn't refrain herself from asking.

"Do you...like me, Sasuke?" She was aware of the fact that it was an idiotic thing to ask, since no one forced him to ask her to date him, but her skeptical CIA agent side butt in, unfortunately.

He would have loved to show her exactly how much, but all the bothersome eyes on them prevented Sasuke to plunge his tongue down her mouth and show her the real meaning of a French Kiss, albeit he chose to just discreetly and subtly tighten his hold around her waist, letting his palm slide down to her lower small back.

"...I do like you, Sakura. A lot." He truly did. It was a fact he grew to gladly accep and Sasuke found himself admitting it without feeling anything to make him hold back. Not even his cautious side. And he did nothing on a whim, or before taking into account every single possibility, analyzing it up to the finest detail.

"I don't know much about this since I am...ahm...like my nuts friend says...a hopeless eternal fool...but...I keep on thinking about you. I know it sounds creepy, but I miss you every day when you are gone."

She was honest and Sakura was well aware that she was present on his mind as well, either ways he wouldn't have called her daily at least once, using lame excuses such as bringing him food -Mangekyou`s cafeteria was rivaling Ramada's or Hilton's restaurants- or bring him documents he forgot in his room or office.

"Don't miss me." He boldly leaned in and glued his high chin on his new girlfriend's forehead, feeling half of his worries magically lift from his shoulders. It was the first time in his life when he asked a woman to be more than a one night stand and truly meant it. "Because you can have me whenever."

"...even later on?" She challenged, trying her best to refrain from any excessive gesture, as the cautious agent was well aware of the fact that they were being closely watched. On the other hand, seeing Sasuke looking like he was the image of world's most luxury brands and feeling his mouthwatering physique radiating of pure strength and indulging heat, she couldn't stop herself for getting turned on. Moreover, she knew all too well how skilled, meticulous and passionate he could be, so her excitement only grew tenfold.

"Your friend is wrong. You are not inexperienced." The onyx eyed Uchiha found himself thankful for such a real lady-not high class slut-because her gestures were pure, not invasive, shy and curious, but extremely tender, and the desire to protect her, knocked to his dominative and possessive side. "And I will make sure you will not even be able to scream it, when I am finished." Inwardly, Sasuke has already made up his mind to not allow any of them have a restful night. His wicked inner beast was already growling in excitement thinking of how he would tear that dress in half and fill her with his need and desire.

"Sasuke..."

"You have no idea what you are doing to me in that dress, Sakura." He whispered hotly, letting his gaze scout their surroundings once, smoothly and expertly maneuvering both as the music came close to the chorus.

Although, there was something at the back of his mind, ringing the bells of his caution and intuition loudly, because Sasuke swore that something was odd in the air. And it was not the usual cheap false atmosphere. And definitely not his father's fierce eyes glaring daggers down his skull.

He threw him a quick arrogant smirk making Fugaku turn around and head towards the bar, accompanied by what he recognized to be Neji's uncle, Hyashi, the Hyuga magnate and another dude with a striking long blonde ponytail who he recognized to be the owner of the Yamanaka Group.

"You are very hot yourself. Every woman is ready to tear me to shreds for being so close to you."

"If anyone wants to touch my girlfriend, then they have to face me first." Silently, he would have liked to added that it didn't matter who that might be but if they went as far as to mess with what was his, Sasuke was unleashed like a puma and just as predatory. The image of Sakura hurt and hospitalized was something he didn't want to see ever again.

"Your girlfriend...Am I your girlfriend? As in...officially?"

"Aa."

"I like how this sounds." Elegantly so as to be careful not to ruin their rhythm, the Sound agent leaned into his arms, until her forehead was brushing his left shoulder, resting her cheek above his heart, where she could conceal an honest joyful smile from the curious eyes. And she felt a familiar queasy flutter ascend towards her chest, like it happened whenever she was able to decipher a phantom of emotion coming from his body language.

So she shut down the music in the background and focused on hearing the melodic crescendo beat of the young Uchiha`s heart, which was lulling her eardrum like thousand Greek hymns and harps solfeggio, coming to life in the hands of the virtuous Orpheus. Nowhere else was Sakura able to feel like walking on the Eden Gardens, like she did into his arms.

---

'Please let this be more than a dream.'

'Dreams where I am yours and you are meant to be mine.' "Say it again."

"Want me to go and sing it for you instead?"

"Would you?"

"For you? Anything." Seriously, she just had to ask and Sasuke was ready to jump into fire for her if her desires would have been such.

"If you don't mind, when we get home." Sakura leaned her chin on the junction of his neck and shoulder, inhaling his mesmerizing scent deeply, while both were slowly moving as the melody was coming to an end, on their own rhythm.

She has been deeply impressed by his voice and guitar skills and honestly, she did want to lay in his arms while he sang only for her. "I am selfish, but I want it to be only mine. I don't want to share it with the others."

"Hn. How possessive."

"Only with what belongs to me." The Sound agent mentally committed suicide when she realized what she has said. Sure, they had a start and it promised to be a rollercoaster of experiences, but it didn't mean she had a total claim on Sasuke.

She wished she had it though. She has grown to realize who Sasuke was as a social figure standing by his side automatically gave her wings. "Does it bother you?"

"To be owned by you?" He raised an eyebrow amused, looking down at the once rose haired woman, following how the cat like mask was framing her big almond shaped emerald eyes and the fine high curled line of her eyebrows.

"Feel free to possess me, Sakura." The little vixen, clad in cherub clothes was slowly but surely turning him on and she was doing it unconsciously. He truly wished to ravage her right on the table that was some meters far from them. He felt bile raise his throat. It was full of sweets.

"I would love to." They both pulled apart reluctantly when the song stopped, allowing the live orchestra to have a short break. Sakura immediately slipped a hand under Sasuke`s arm, claiming her place on his side.

She felt like coming back from Nirvana, landing straight to Las Vegas. She should take her time to laugh at their costumes. Then her eyes cast on the Akatsuki, where she got a thumb up from Ten Ten and she swore that Suigetsu was whistling.

"Come on." Sasuke started to head in the opposite direction making Sakura follow. Maybe he saw her smile and nod at Ten Ten in what she recognized to be a silent woman to woman agreement. "We have given them enough to gossip about."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Where would you like? The rooftop? Elevator? The closet? The back seat of my car? Or the boring stuff, like the dressing rooms or the back yard?"

"Surprise me."

"Maybe later. I suppose you will not say no to something sweet." The playful Uchiha shot a smirk at the way Sakura's eyes beamed with joy. Like a child, she was. He knew she was a sugar addicted. And that was why he indeed decided to surprise her.

"Do they have Tiramisu?" Sakura immediately felt her heart rumble. Sasuke and Tiramisu in a single day was as taking Orient Express to Heaven. "Oh, they do!" It didn't matter whether she was supposed to play the role of a classy woman or not, because the moment she set her eyes on the said cakes, she saw nothing but coffee and mascarpone filling.

"How come? I thought they would only serve expensive plastic dishes and ridiculously expensive liquor! This is how it usually works."

"Usually?" Sasuke couldn't stop himself from asking. So definitely that was not her first contact with a high-class party, dishes and people. That was obvious. The secrecy around her was killing him. It was intriguing like a spider's net.

"You know it as well." But he forgot how smart she was. Did she suddenly seem more confident as well, or was the mighty Uchiha heir competing with Tiramisu? "Anyways, I am glad they have this. Usually, the most you can find is coconut Belgian chocolate from the fountain, but is loaded with saturated fats and oil."

"I do. And this is why I asked them to serve Tiramisu." He stated casually, while Sakura was feeding from the cake. He snorted once when she scoffed at the idea that she couldn't take a large serving, because the etiquette said otherwise.

"...you mean...you did it because-"

"Because I know you like it. Enjoy. I drove three VIPs insane by giving up on Tikka Masala." And it was worth it. Sasuke could clearly remember the two men's angered ugly faces when they realized that their favorite dishes were not on the menu. They threatened to not participate and even sue the Organizing Committee. Pure entertainment.

"...Sasuke, I can't believe you did this for me! And you weren't even sure whether I would accept your invitation or not! Or you did? You are so full of yourself." Sakura didn't know whether to feel taken granted for or deeply moved. Sasuke went as far as to order something especially for her. She knew how difficult it was to organize such events and request a particular dish or song or even the table arrangements. Tobirama has never succeeded in having Bavarian Sausages to any of their parties and he was a CIA leader!

It took Sasuke a moment to speak out his mind. "If you wouldn't have come, then there would have been no reason for me to be here." Many things have changed in his life since Sakura has come to work for him and it was not entirely related to her.

"You are insane! Thank you. I can now die in peace." She took her time to take small bits of the cake, allowing the sweet rich taste of ladyfingers, strong coffee creamy cheese melt into her mouth. "This is Heaven!" And she was not talking about the cake. If only Lorane would not ruin their fun-again-it would have been the happiest day of Sakura's life.

"What is the matter?"

"I don't know...no one has ever done something like this for me before. It feels...special." And it was. If Sakura was not able to stop herself from smiling and blushing like the helplessly in love idiot she was, was because that the joy she felt was on par with the hope she recognized as blooming inside her when she met Orochimaru, her protector.

She wished she could tell Sasuke about him so much, but that was out of question for the moment. Maybe she should try to imply or refer to him vaguely. Sasuke would understand and not push her further than she wanted. He proved it to her.

"This is nothing in comparison to what you truly deserve, Sakura."

The mesmerized emerald eyed angel put the spoon on her plate, lowering down her hand, to hold Sasuke`s left wrist, as if she felt the need to do that. Out of her own accord, the small birthmark in the peculiar shape of a crescent moon was relaxing her. "I am...losing my mind."

"Let's see how much." His velvet voice was dreamy and peaceful and his gaze was as mystical as shimmering stardust on the clear night sky, a facade of Sasuke she was deeply fascinated and spell bounded by.

And Sakura has soon found out exactly how did it feel to play by Sasuke`s rules, since he basically had none. And maybe that was why she froze in place when he brought his hands upon her cheeks and leaned towards her to brush the corner of her mouth in order to determine her to part her lips a little and traced his tongue over her lower one, right along the thin line of expensive Belgian chocolate, slowly, seductively and hotly, making Sakura's field of view turn into a dense veil of fog and her knees melt like steaming pudding.

She was sure she inhaled sharply once in astonishment, but she couldn't remember letting the large gulp of air free of her lungs. What was Sasuke doing in such a moment? 'Doing wonders', her invigorated reeling in bliss inner self chanted and she wanted to drown her stupid head into the chocolate fountain for actually, timidly and teasingly, using the tip of her own tongue to touch Sasuke`s in the process, in a totally innocent looking attempt of a swift French kiss.

And he even had the nerve to smirk, she felt him doing it, because her eyes were long shut to the outside world and all that was connecting her to the exterior, were her running over 100 mph alert senses.

More than sensuality and dark desires stood the gentleness of getting connected to the onyx eyed man and never pull apart from touching him.

He built a temple around his heart, ignited the torch of passion and devoted his pleasure to her, worshipping the fire she ignited inside his mind.

The emerald eyed lady immediately recognized the mysterious manly sophistication that Sasuke represented and his unpredictable as a mountain stream personality, which were both like the hidden innate passion he possessed, and Sakura could have had an idea of what those pure smoldering intense irises concealed behind his apparently calm and aloof facade.

A lupine thirst to taste her was bolting through his veins and the feral was galvanizing.

He felt as if the implacable cold steel of his sharp blade pierced his heart, which always seemed to be cruel, implacable and merciless, was just his way of protecting himself from being hurt. Could that have meant he has been left alone to suffer and grew distant because of losing the trust into the others?

Moist lips, sweeter than exotic cocktails in hot summer days, wet meticulous ravishing tongues, honey like cashmere skin and real emotions, that was the recipe to the most uplifting sensation that Sakura was experiencing and she couldn't help the fluttering of her innards, the vibrations of her chest and the trembling of her fingers, which were locked securely around Sasuke`s firm sculpted hands, nails digging down his silk suit. She was more likely trying to hold her ground, since the emerald eyed lady could clearly perceive how the floor was flying from under her sandals and she was floating on the ecstatic feelings that Sasuke was awakening inside her fogged mind.

No past, no future, no time and no danger, only him, his touch, his voice, his breathes and his thumping heart was everything that enveloped Sakura. She couldn't care less about how the others might react or how bad her image would have been exposed to eyes that should have never witness her truest desires.

Time was probably ticking away, following its flow and so were they, defying the laws of physics, living their story into a parallel universe, where everything that truly mattered were the colors of happiness, the taste of fulfillment and the emotion of the first luxurious experience together.

---

Right there and then, unbeknownst to her, Sasuke made an oath to not let it be a one time exposure, but he would make sure that the charming mademoiselle would hold his hand through all that his life represented. Be it good or bad. He would only protect her from being hurt by his past mistakes.

The paradox of finding the deepest of the connections, by tasting the forbidden apple, was only matched by the delicacy of the gentle moment. The raven haired Uchiha could have sworn that he would have never wished for that day to ever end and, for the first time, he felt how the menacing thoughts and dark feelings he had due to certain people`s resentful presence, who were probably watching them in disgust and disbelief, as it was clearly dancing into their smug stares, were leaving his once throbbing temples.

Sakura was his own aphrodisiac, and her Goddess like presence served as his own sacred altar, where he could finally discover peace of mind and touch serenity. She had the ability to keep the flames of passion burn for as long as feelings of love and dedication would continue to run the wings of time, like the purest white doves. Like the very memory of her touch and vivacious eyes.

Never in his life has a woman looked at him in the way his once maid was doing, as if she was contemplating a majestic mountain peak on an Alpine landscape and she was radiating the mesmerizing sensation of everything that was beautiful and meaningful to him as well.

He had contradictory feelings which were giving him some ideas, because Sasuke wanted to both take her somewhere and love her until there was no distance left between them, or just scoop her into his arms and hold her tight to calm his soul. Sakura had a funny way of sending him into a contemplative state of mind, but there were only soothing visions playing before his eyes.

And unexplainably, the young Uchiha heir found himself dreaming to spend some time alone with Sakura, far away from Japan. Maybe Switzerland, where his uncle had a sky resort-hot cinnamon and oranges chocolate in front of the chimney and the strong scent of rocky cliffs and sparkling snow -or the translucent narrow streets of Santorini- marble streets and columns, pastel colored houses, in the shades of the clear deep ocean, pure white cotton clothes, yachts and topical beverages.

All the things that he knew they were normal for two people that wanted to be together, were coming to him as if it was the most natural thing in the world. And looking deep into her jadeite eyes Sasuke was stroke by a revelation. Being with Sakura was natural, as if it was meant to be. Like he was born with the memory of her imprinted into his innate reflexes.

The Uchiha heir knew how to react to her gestures, and damn right she knew how to read his mind as will, whether she was doing it consciously or involuntarily. Then he knew that the deja vu was somehow, a denied memory, but it wasn't the proper time to dig into the story. He had to focus his attention on the cute blush of his girlfriend. How was she doing it -being so seductively innocent all together -was beyond his understanding, but nonetheless mesmerizing.

The beauty of the intimacy behind his meaningful word, the seductive logic ,the striking reasoning of his implacable logic and the feelings he was nurturing could have been comprised in a simple valuable word for both: fate. The onyx eyed Uchiha knew no possible way to convey everything she has managed to bring to light since she has come to his life yet she gave him so much showing him the deepest and most seductive meaning of the word 'rich';

Sakura let her feelings float through every gesture and every endearing touch was filled with a gentle emotion she couldn't portray other ways. But she didn't care nor did he. It was a miracle the way she responded to his kiss, resonating to his touch and reacting to his body like she has been waiting for him to come and bring her back to life, from a long time slumber.

/

/

/

---

Somewhere farther than where most of the appetizing dishes and sweets were, as well as the oblivious pair, a gang of agents were having the time of their lives.

Naruto was having the fun of his life, along with Suigetsu, while Neji was throwing weary glances towards the two lovers and Sasuke`s father, who looked just in the proper mood to kill somebody right on the spot.

That didn't look good. If Lorane wouldn't start a war, then Fugaku would take the bull of the reins and assume the role of Napoleon at Waterloo. "Oh fuck ,that was priceless!"

"Yeah! That shit was even better than Sasuke punching random dudes' faces or his brother's!"

"Are you always that retarded? Is that funny to you?" As far as Neji was concerned, what Sasuke and Sakura were doing was sending constant alarms down his skull, making him check on his concealed weapons every five minutes, as if he was certain that something was about to turn up bad.

But of course the always collected and responsible Hyuga couldn't have been left alone to reason, because Ten Ten promptly stomped on his foot, making him let out a broken cry of agony. She made sure she dug the twelve cm high heel down his shoe, as if she was stepping on the head of a cigar. "What was that for?!"

"You are such a heartless moron."

"I can't believe Uchiha is so irresponsible. This is what you get from hanging with people like you."

"What is Teme thinking about? Heck even the aliens are watching!"

"Now you realize what I mean..."

"I am telling you that the dude there..." Suigetsu pointed his pinky in the direction of his best friend and newfound colleague, sipping from his Brandy, totally undisturbed if people were watching, as women were fuming all around, gossiping and badmouthing, like Sakura has stolen their crown and the elders looked offended. In a nutshell, it was raw entertainment. "...is the first to walk down the aisle. See who is going to be his best man."

Naruto's face suddenly drained of color, like he poor Uzumaki had a sinister revelation of the upcoming third World War. "Wait...you don't think he proposed to her, do you?"

"How should I know? Is not like I can hear anything and before you ask, no, I have already tried to connect to Sakura's microphone and listen, but she has it turned off. It's in their sneaky Sound genes to be paranoid."

"Pf...more like in each woman's instinct to watch out for creeps." Kushina hi-fived with Ten Ten, while Hinata nodded firmly in agreement, finding the men's idea to eavesdrop at the lovers' conversation outrageous and lacking the delicacy of an upper class.

"Ah damn!"

"Would you have spied on them? And you have the guts to call yourselves gentlemen?! You are disgusting."

"Psh, says who? You hid Shino's special bug micro-camera in the toothbrush to spy on your fiancé when she showers!"

"Say what?! Oh my God, Neji, is this true? I will decapitate you!"

"How come we are talking about me and things I haven't done again, and no one has a problem with Uchiha and Haruno competing for the headlines in tomorrow's newspaper, for the new hottest couple in Japan?"

"Because admit it, they have style."

"Miko talked to me about this girl." Kushina felt the need to share the hot piece of gossip with the youngsters around her, leaning in to whisper, because she was feeling like all the eyes that were not averted to the new sweet couple, were set on their acquaintances. "…although she doesn't know who she is. But she feels a connection."

"How would you know, mom?" Naruto shoot his clear deep cerulean eyes to his mother, being extremely interested in the Uchiha Madame's opinion on Sakura, because the stunning wise brunette was just as well-knowing, analytical and sharp as her two sons. If she got a liking in the emerald eyed agent, then there must be fate bringing her and his best friend together in such a seductive fairytale way.

"I helped her find matching shoes for that dress." Kushina will not forget the best friend's beaming eyes, while they have spent a marvelous day shopping for Sasuke`s new sweetheart's clothes and Kushina swore that it has been a long time since she has last seen Mikoto's soft lips graced with such an emotional radiant smile of hope like in the moment she remembered of Sakura's pastel rose charming cheeks and her expressive innocent jadeite eyes.

The red headed Uzumaki matriarch was feeling sad for Mikoto's long awaited day when her younger son would find himself a worthy woman to finally settle down, well aware of the raven haired spiky Uchiha`s steamy escapades with random companions.

"Mikoto-san is the one who bought the dress Sakura wears?" If Ten Ten was stunned, she had no shame to manifest her awe towards Kushina's confession, because her dropped down jaw and rich high pitched tone caught their spectators' eye, but, just like Naruto, she knew the importance of the moment. "OMG!"

Neji couldn't care less about Sasuke`s newest love affair. But the people around started to stress him and he was half tempted to go and give the nonchalant Uchiha a piece of his mind, just for the heck of it.

But judging from how Fugaku's jaw was clenched like a shark's, when he was devouring its prey, he was firm on his suspicion that the Uchiha family's pillar would come up with a brilliant for the audience way to mark another embarrassing moment on the Ball's agenda, breaking his own previous record.

The pale eyed Hyuga shot up a fine eyebrow at the stoic man's visible distress. Why was he that bothered by such a trivial manner anyways, since he didn't give a damn about his son's reputation, public perception on him or his private life?

It was not like Sasuke making out with Sakura in public was affecting Mangekyou`s status or the value of its shares on the stocks market. That was something worth of his attention, Neji decided. "What is the big deal about this?"

"Dude..." Naruto slipped a hand around his friend's stiffened shoulders, half snorting at the way Ten Ten's angered pupils were shooting lasers in his direction and half coughing, trying to appear solemn, when in reality he wanted nothing more than to roll down on the floor, laughing his ass out loud, like a totally not caring about his public image Suigetsu. "...just go to NASA and sign up for that next lunar base, because you are not living into this world."

"K-Kushina-san means t-they have just become official."

"Official as in...dating?"

"No, official as in opening a quail farm. You're such an idiot, Hyashi-sama is right."

"Which side are you on anyways? You are all mentally deranged. This is serious. Those two cannot be together, it will compromise the mission."

"Stop being such a drama queen, I think they are a perfect match."

"Oh yeah? Then tell me this, Miss incurable romantic, does Uchiha know who exactly is he dating? Has Haruno told him about her playing James Bond or decapitating criminals?"

"She can tell him, after all, Sasuke is just such of a freak to not have a flying fuck about that. I bet he would find that funny as Hell."

"Something that Uchiha would find funny? Is there such a thing existing in the Universe?"

"...what about Fugaku? He doesn't look too pleased."

"Who cares about him! Has he ever been pleased by anything?"

"S-Sakura doesn't strike l-like the o-one to act before thinking." Neji would have cheered for his cousin, if the idea wouldn't have been so revolting, outrageous and totally not his style.

"I agree. Miko-chan said she is a smart woman. I that this too, either way, she wouldn't have managed to make Sasuke fall for her, while she posed as a maid."

"Things are getting interesting. At least he hasn't gotten into another fight...yet."

"He still has time. Look at all the wolves out there, eying his lamb." Suigetsu wouldn't make a fool of himself, by not admitting that Sakura was a killer, especially posing as both innocent, and sensual.

Of course Sasuke had competition and man, he could clearly sense an alarming rise of testosterone, coming from the hungry eyes of the lustful magnates, who would probably spent a fair share of money to have the once pink haired lady for a night.

And his friend had such a dark sense of humor to show them how to careful keep the debauched ideas for their dumb minds and never voice them out, especially when he was around, or his wrath on them would become legendary. " And let's not underestimate his father."

"True that."

"I still think this is wrong."

"Well no one asked you Neji, so shut up. You are in minority, so bow to the majority."

"The majority is retarded. He is doing a big mistake. Let's just pray that nothing bad happens...again."

"I swear you are-"

---

"May I have your attention please?" Ten Ten's train of elaborate curses suddenly got interrupted by one of the organizers of the Ball, who she didn't recognize, but knew about from her fiancé.

The vivacious man in his fifties jumped to the stage, eagerly addressing to the present audience, on a sugary too polite voice, trying his best to be charming and excusing himself for interrupting whatever activities each of them were engaged into. All the eyes were on him alone, being rewarded with silence and attention.

Of course Naruto and Suigetsu haven't missed the opportunity to laugh at him and it had nothing to do with the fact that he was dressed like Martin Luther King with a bed hair. "He is kind of impossible to miss, since he is shouting through that microphone, don't you agree?"

"Shhh, this is supposed to be a solemn moment. So take a serious face to look good in the pictures."

"Solemn? You have a freaking tail Naruto. Good luck in looking serious."

"I would like to thank all the guests for being present tonight, on such an important day. With the help of your generous contribution, 3 million dollars will be donated to help the less lucky of us."

A round of clappings and cheers were heard when the huge sum of money has been revealed. "Never forget that it could have been any of us in their place. Of course, this Ball, which has become a tradition and I hope it is going to attract even more participants on the next editions, would have been just a whisper in the night without the contribution of a man, who promotes the intercultural and interethnic exchanges, please welcome Mr. Takeshi Nagano-san, the President of Japan."

The middle aged tall man has bowed once to the audience, coming on the stage, followed by his secretary, getting standing ovations and cheers from the sophisticated public present. To the golden haired Uzumaki`s and Suigetsu's deep regret, there was nothing ridiculous or funny on his appearance, so he was rather a boring character.

"Thank you Mr. Dawn for the introduction, but my contribution is insignificant. You are the ones I want to thank you for taking some moments from your all so busy schedules to reflect upon the unfortunate people's struggles."

His words reached his public's ears, in a fluent English, along with his deepest gratitude. It was no secret that the man was very devoted to philanthropy. "Today, we have the chance to fight for a change. Let's make a difference for the next generations and help the poor children dream of tomorrow. Arigatou gozaimashita minna-sama for being here together."

"Aww...this old man is so cool." Ten Ten had a hand placed upon her heart, mimicking how deeply emotional the President's speech was. "He should have been a Pope instead."

"Since when have you become so religious? Don't tell me you got it from that mother of all the freaks in the Sound, Hidan."

As far as he was concerned, when the most influent man in Japan has pressed his glasses higher to his nose, burying his face in a file he had prepared by his secretary, as if getting ready for a longer speech, Naruto's patience has magically run low in anticipation. "Please don't tell me is going to list all the sponsors now..."

"Now, I would like to thank all our sponsors for making this Ball one of the most important..."

He more than slapped his forehead, while a group of weirdoes from behind his own gang have shamefully let out a deep 'sigh' in exasperation. Naruto threw a quick weary glance at them.

They looked like a gang of metal heads, who were not amused by what was happening so far. "Yup. This is going to take time. Now where are those damn beef burgers? I am sick of eating fishing bait. Neji where are the burgers?"

"Burgers? In here? Do you think this is KFC or McDonald's?"

"You said there is going to be burgers!"

"No, I have not. Now stop screaming into my damn ears and watch. They are going to show the bank account and the check."

"Bah, who cares?! Haven't you seen money before or what?" Naruto would have never understood their obsession with money or the urge to always brag about it, publicity.

He was bored as Hell and there was no sign of the Freemasonry trying their best to be funny, or an upcoming anticipated family fight.

"...Honda, Takata, Apple, Carrefour, Samsung...and let's not forget Unilever, Chanel, Durex, International Hozuki Shipping Holding...

"Dude..." Naruto patted his shark faced friend's back, a little bit too enthusiastically, because Suigetsu almost spit the beverage he was sipping on Neji's shoe. The Hyuga's look turned murderous and even funnier. "...you are famous!"

"Yeah..." Ten Ten snorted at the ridiculous pair, finding all the activities so far be extremely boring. "They have mentioned you after the condoms company."

Kushina burst out in laughter at Suigetsu's dropped sown smirk, when he realized the implication of the mocha haired lady's words, while Hinata giggled, but averted her lavender eyes shyly. Suigetsu promptly waved his fist in the direction of the organizers, muttering curses that would make Hidan's heart pound in joy and pride. "Sounds legit!"

The Akatsuki members vaguely heard the crowd laugh at something funny the announcer might have said, growing impatient.

So far, the social event went smoothly, with no incidents whatsoever and they wished for it to stay like that. Lately, Lorane has stood out too much for their liking and it was crystal clear for any agent that the infamous criminal organization was plotting something big.

"...now, before we get straight to the main event and send the money to the non-governmental organization, Luna Charity Haiti, I would like to specifically express my gratitude towards the Organizing Committee and its Head, for handling the managerial problems and taking care of the Bank Account in Switzerland, Mr. Uchiha Sasuke here."

While she clapped for the said looking bored -she knew better that trust appearances- raven haired Uchiha, along with all the others around, Sakura couldn't help but mock him, feeling like she could h easily pose as a star guest, if she stood beside a man like Sasuke. "You are a celebrity. The crowd adores you." And by crowd, she pointed to all the women around.

Meanwhile, even if he had all the attention averted towards him, while his name has been dropped among the others, Sasuke never once stopped dragging chaste kisses down Sakura's bare shoulder, like there was no one around. "They can all go to Hell for all I care."

"Is this going to last?" Sakura purred like a content cat, while briefly wondered how come she was not ashamed by acting like that in public. It was probably Sasuke`s influence and his magic touches.

In the meantime, she enjoyed the way he was kissing her skin, as pleasurable shudders enveloped her skin. A daring concealed finger was running up her bare thigh, while she was slowly melting into his arms, like chocolate.

"Got other plans?" He taunted coyly, smirking at the way the jadeite eyed girl was mewling and trying her best to contain her moans. She was a refined and educated lady, no doubt about it. From that point of view, she was closer to Hinata than Ten Ten.

"I might have..." She shot back just as deviously, understanding the true meaning of not caring about the others. Tobirama had no problems in insulting the Hell out of Orochimaru, even in front of the cameras, so why would she be bothered by mere whispers and rumors? Shame was so underrated, as Karin would have told her.

"Patience is a virtue, Sakura."

"St-op, people are watching."

"Those things are not people. This is a Zoo. Gorillas don't count."

She tried her best not to laugh at a suddenly going funny Uchiha, while keeping a half attentive eye on the announcer dude. "Now ladies and gentleman, the reason why we see all here..."

Every single eye was glued to the huge screen behind the man, waiting for the sum to flash on the screen, along with the face of the future beneficiary of the impressive amount of money donated to the foundation they meant to help.

There was some meaning behind the even that Sakura would not deny it. She was remembered by the days when she used to live in poverty as well, and she was happy for those children who would get the money. No one should suffer from hunger or lack a proper home. " I hereby present you 3$ million dolla-"

---

A sudden sinister silence that filled the Ball room, like black mist charged with a demonic force, has cast upon the audience.

Jaws dropped in bewilderment and shock and every single living stopped breathing, moving and went still as human statues.

"What the-" Naruto's voice came as weak as a frightened whisper, and the blonde was so surprised, that he couldn't even hear himself talking. He felt a hand -probably his mother's- rest on his shoulder, while he couldn't unglue his cerulean widened eyes from the screen.

"...ah...do we have... The announcer, who came into his senses, tried to get rid of the nagging silence and try to act like a pro, even though he knew that no one was listening to him. "...technical problems?"

He turned his head over his left shoulder desperately, searching for the Organizing Committee's members and the technical stuff, but they were just as dazed. He saw some confusing movement there, but couldn't decipher what they were doing.

When Sakura found the breath she didn't realize she was holding, again, her fingers tug on Sasuke`s shirt, giving it a little squeeze. "Sasuke...?" What was going on? Her mind was a mess. Was it a hack? Was it indeed a technical problem? Was it a crack in the system?

Was it Lorane?

"..." But Sasuke said nothing. He only kept a deep frown on his face, and he was not looking at the screen. No. He was looking in the opposite direction, glaring daggers at someone's skull. His father.

Ten Ten was first to ask her comrades the obvious, recovering from the shock, hearing the alarming loud signals ringing down her mind. Her agent senses were high alert. "What is going on?!"

"Zero!" Naruto answered her question, as if the chocolate eyed agent needed to hear it from someone else in order to confirm that her eyes were not deceiving her. " The bank account is-"

"Empty!"

The huge zeros were flashing before their eyes on the big screen, as if fate was laughing down their faces. One second later, the crowd erupted. Whispers, shouts and even whistles could have been heard from the confused or angry people. Something like that was unacceptable.

"What is going on here?"

"Guys, do you possibly think-"

"Lorane." Neji calmly stated and the Akatsuki members knew better than to be fooled by his apparently calm features. He sounded alarmed and nervous.

"I told you something was not right! It was too quiet out there."

"So that's what they planned? Steal the money? For what?"

"I think Naruto...that the answer is right before you." Smartly, Neji turned to look in the direction of Sasuke, trying to follow the direction of that vile look he gave to somebody or something in particular.

He saw Sakura subtly touching her inner thigh, and he guessed she was probably sending an SOS to the Base in Ravenna or checking on her weapons. As if on cue, her tensed but firm emerald eyes linked with his lilac ones as he gave her a short nod. She did the same.

"Oh don't tell me..."

"They planned on blaming it all on the Uchiha heir! They did a good number on us this time." Ten Ten was already dialing the number of their team leader, praying to all the Gods that they weren't completely surrounded. Lorane has left them speechless and powerless.

"This is bad. Let's go." Neji addressed to Naruto and Suigetsu, slipping a hand down his pants, where he had his gun, while said two agents followed suit. "Ten Ten, you stay here in case something happens. Keep an eye on the heirs. Regroup with Haruno when she gets rid of Sasuke. Kushina-san, I let Hinata-sama in your care."

"Roger that!" She was already turning the microphone of her in ear stereo, hearing the familiar voice of the older Uchiha brother at the end of the line. All around them it was chaos. No one paid attention to anyone and no one was attacking anyone. It was just panic. "Itachi! This is Ten Ten! We need help! Over!"

Sakura was watching the spectacle in front of her, already mentally formulating a plan. She needed to stay with Sasuke, because it was her mission, but she knew she had to help the Akatsuki in case something happened. Her own handsfree was on the same frequency as Akatsuki`s and she was hearing the conversation between Itachi and Ten Ten. "...this is not a coincidence, Sasuke."

"I know. Fuck!"

She looked at Sasuke`s figure, trying to make out why was he that stirred to kill his dad with the look he was giving to an approaching them Uchiha head. It was not like he was the one to blame, was he? "What are you plan on do-"

"Mr. Uchiha!" They both turned to look at two older men from the Organizing Committee. One was the President and he addressed Sasuke. "Will you please follow us?"

Said Mangekyou CEO didn't even flinch, nodding once. It was not like he could have protested in any way, but he whispered to Sakura before he followed the two displeased looking men and Fugaku, who has joined them earlier.

"Go home. I will be back soon." And as swiftly as he could, he slipped his car keys down her opened palm, making her realized how much he cared for her safety. Unfortunately, it was the last thing on her mind. Her spine was trembling of concern for his well-being. She knew that he would be scolded for the missing sum, since he has been directly involved in the money transfer in Switzerland.

"Be careful."

She watched him leave her side, accompanied by those scary looking men, then exchanged glances with Ten Ten, who was cautiously getting close to her. "This is Lorane's doing." Was the first thing that Sakura told to Ten Ten, when she got face to face to the said coffee eyed lady, both looking weary around.

"I know."

"Where is Suigetsu? I need to enter the system and track whoever has managed to empty the bank account. It could lead us to Lorane." It was not the time to falter and Sakura knew that it was a task that had to be done immediately, because once the money left the Swiss bank account, it would be impossible to get them back. She had no doubt that CIA was already trying to enter the system, but she knew other more efficient way. Maybe contact Shikamaru.

"He and the guys are already doing that. They told me to keep an eye on this place in case this is a diversion and an attack is about to come."

"It sounds reasonable."

"What are you going to do? You have to contact the Otokage. Itachi is not answering his phone. I think they might be together. We need backup."

"I have already dialed him. As soon as he sees my message, he will call me back. Meanwhile, I will follow Sasuke. I sense trouble and I am afraid that this time they were sneakier than usual."

"I know. Sasuke has been framed. Lorane made him look like the one who stole the money. I wonder why?" Ten Ten was well aware of the fact that the midnight haired Uchiha was in deep trouble, and she saw worry dragged upon Sakura's beautiful figure, like a dark veil of a grieving widow.

As a woman and a lover herself, she understood where those feelings were coming from, as she felt sorry for Sakura. Sasuke was a person she knew and she couldn't help but feel sympathetic. That was a disaster and Sasuke`s relationship with his father was already fragile to begin with.

They were probably at each other's throats by then, while the two agents were trying to rack their minds for a reasonable explanation and a come up with possible solution.

"I don't know, but I fear it has to do with the Mangekyou and its reputation. Lorane has always tried to get rid of it and now they have managed to find a quite effective way." Sakura whispered to Ten Ten in a haze. She felt her phone vibrate.

/

/

/

---

-One of the hotel`s meeting rooms-

---

"I hope this is just a misunderstanding, Mr. Uchiha."

"What else could it be?" Sasuke shot back to one of the Vice-Presidents, while the whole Organizing Committee and the President gathered in one of the smaller conference rooms, trying to find the culprit and repair the damage. Losing $3 billion was anything but a child's play.

"I don't know, but this is what we are going to investigate."

Sasuke was not only pissed off. He was enraged and he was barely keeping his cool. He knew exactly what was going on, but he knew he had to remain calm and focused.

And of course, his father was doing his best to push his buttons further and test his patience, knowing all too well that he was running low on it. "Good work in embarrassing the whole Uchiha clan, son. I hope that, for your own good, this stunt is not going to make us go bankrupt and throw us on the last place on the stocks market." He whispered smoothly down his son's ear like he was almost content to see him screwing it up. Sasuke had no doubt he was.

And that was why he felt the urge to clear the confusion for him and remind the older Uchiha who was in charge of his cursed precious company. A place that weighed more in Fugaku's eyes than Sasuke would ever do. "Remember, you could have been in my place."

"But I am not, since I am not acting like an irresponsible teenager, flirting with random women and ridicule our family's reputation with libidinous behavior, instead of properly doing his damn job."

Oh, his father hasn't just insulted Sakura in front of him, did he? Because Sasuke was positive that his fists couldn't have become harder clenched under the desk than in that very moment. He would punch Fugaku sometime and the moment has been dragged long enough.

"I suggest that...you take care of what you say about Sakura. This is a line that you will not cross."

"That is not for you to decide, son."

"Gentlemen, please, can we focus on the thing we are all here for?" The Vice has interrupted a possible argument between the two relatives. "I assure you we are all very busy people."

Said two Uchihas shot him a glare of death that drained all the blood from his ghost like pale face. One just didn't interrupt an Uchiha when angry. Not if the two of them were Sasuke or his famous father.

"Mr. Uchiha, care to explain what the meaning of this is?" The President has started bluntly. He knew it would be his head the one to be taken first if they didn't clear out the mess.

Sasuke was holding his ground, not impressed by the reproaching harsh commending voice of the man who was probably twice his age and experience. Like he gave a fuck about them.

"This is what I would like to find out as well." And he would, the moment those clowns in front of him would end their stupid child`s play. He had more important things to do...and people to talk to, yet he was wasting precious time for nothing. And that pissed him off and bad.

"Transferring the money we have raised from the donations into the Swiss Bank Account has been your responsibility!" Oh, they were putting the blame on him, Sasuke inwardly laughed humorlessly. Onyx eyes rolled down at the hysteric man in front of him and his outburst.

"It has been the entire Organizing Committee's responsibility."

"That's true but...as one of the three

Heads and their Representative, you are to take full responsibility."

Slowly and menacingly, Sasuke stood up, deciding he had enough of their bullshit. His voice was low and dripping venom, making the man in front of him suddenly feel like it not being a smart idea to threaten the Uchiha heir like that. "Why don't you stop the freaking mind games and say it out loud: you are suspecting me for stealing the money."

"That's correct! The prosecutors will dig further into the story, until they find the culprit who is responsible for this disaster. Meanwhile, you are the main suspect. You are removed from the Organizing Committee for now."

"Hn. Keep those accusations for when you will have enough proofs to incriminate me." He stopped for a moment so as if he was considering his options once more, then, with all the confidence and serenity in the world, he managed to almost give Fugaku a heart attack.

"You will have the money transferred into your bank account by tomorrow. My secretary is going to contact you." It was crystal clear for everyone that Sasuke was going to use the company's money to cover the stolen sum.

Before he left the room, not in the mood to deal with all the ones that doubted his devotement, Sasuke lingered one second more in the doorway to warn his listeners. "You can be sure that I...will not be fooled."

"...we will see about that!" Before the President had the chance to shot back at the cocky Uchiha, he was out of the room like he has never been there to begin with, leaving a group of stunned people behind. "Michelle!"

He shouted at the poor scared secretary, who was griping his suitcase and laptop as if her very life depended on it. " Withdraw all the shares we have bought from the Mangekyou. Let's see how arrogant is he going to be after he loses his precious company."

Hearing the desperate decision of his younger son, Fugaku felt the need to interfere and defend what was the most valuable thing in his life. "Actually...I have a proposal for you, Mr. Hoshigawa."

Said man suddenly changed mood and turned docile. Whatever THE Uchiha Fugaku had to offer, promised to not be less than a fortune. "Sir?"

/

/

/

---

-Mangekyou`s HQ, CEO Office-

---

"Juugo." Sasuke stormed into his office, finding his secretary already waiting for him, having everything his boss has asked for prepared in advantage, after they talked on the phone not long ago.

"Mr. Uchiha, two of the largest investors have turned down your offer and one of the main investors has requested his money for the shares he had back."

"I am aware of that."

"What is going on anyways, Sir?" Juugo followed a very distressed and tired looking onyx eyed Uchiha throe himself on the sofa, already scanning the latest files and reports. He took the remote and turned on the TV, seeing that the incident was already on all the channel news. His head was killing him slowly. He vaguely wondered if Sakura has gotten home safely. His car was not there so she has followed his instructions.

"Someone is trying to frame me and bring Mangekyou down." He informed his secretary, while Juugo was looking at how their shares had a major drop on the auction market. He has figured as much, since Sasuke has been the target of many criminal organizations. But just as his boss, he didn't expect such a huge blow either. "Prepare the files and transfer 3$million in a bank account, in the Organizing Committee's name."

"Yes, Mr. Uchiha."

"Don't take it from the company's capital. I have a bank account in Copenhagen. Use that." Of course he would have wanted nothing more than to see the company he loathed so much go down, along with his father's inflated ego and nonexistent pride and reputation, but Sasuke knew he couldn't have been so irresponsible.

Many people's lives depended on Mangekyou. And it was not that he didn't want to let them go bankrupt. It was not that he couldn't. He had to protect them.

The moment he instructed Juugo what to do next, the loyal secretary was already out, doing as he has been told, calling for an emergency meeting with the Board.

The moment he has found himself alone in the confinements of his silent office, Sasuke threw his tablet straight on the soundproof window, cursing that it didn't break, or calmed his fury. His trembling in rage fingers barely hit the keys of the phone properly.

An equally displeased and worn out voice rung into his ears from the other side of the line. "Sasuke."

"I need your help." No, Sasuke didn't even try to keep on his pride. The situation called for it.

"With the stolen money from the Charity Ball?"

"Aa. The Freemasonry did a good number on me this time. I want to track them down and HUNT them DOWN once and for all."

"We have to follow the last transmission. This is the only way to find out where the money is and who emptied that account...if it has ever been full to begin with."

While he listened to the instructions coming from his -he couldn't believe he admitted that to himself- most trusted interlocutor, Sasuke went to the sole triangular shaped space of the office, which was not made of glass and pressed one of the fake paintings on the walls down with his palm, revealing a huge screen lowering down from the ceiling above his office desk, with the complete map of the Globe.

Million sparkling red and green dots attracted his attention to certain possible spots he could have been interested in. He realized that it has just been e-mailed to him, using an ultra-secret Broadband Internet Connection. "I suspect it happened after I got the extract of account so two days at most."

"I will try to find out what happened with the money in the meantime. You just try to minimize the damage until we clean up this mess. Their purpose is clear."

"I know. I have already lost two important investors. I expect more damage to come.

"Be careful. You cannot let your company go bankrupt. It will mean the end of the business market." Sasuke promptly rolled his eyes in annoyance. As if he needed to be reminded of that.

It was not like he cared about the money he had to give from his own savings, since he got more than he could count, but it was more about the money. They were successfully bringing him down along with his company and his hands were tied up.

"It is far from over. The moment I find out how they did it/"

"Yes. We cannot afford to lose any more time."

"I have the feeling that the ones running out of time are not us." His fingers were already flying over the keys, tapping and searching for the location of the people who dared to mess with him, because Sasuke was anything but pleased at the moment. Frankly, he did expect something like this to happen, but foolishly refused to believe it could happen.

For everyone's that was close to him and depended on him, Sasuke knew that no more mistakes were allowed from that point on and that meant doing something that was making his blood boil: cooperate.

/

/

/

---

-Uchiha mansion. Sasuke`s office.-

---

"Nothing...nothing...nothing here either..." After scouting all the surroundings of the hotel, together with Ten Ten and realized that there was no trace of assassins around, Sakura went straight home, just as Sasuke has instructed, but she did not lose time.

The emerald eyed agent went straight to the raven haired Uchiha`s office, searching through his files. Both mentally and physically, she was a mess. "There has to be something here-"

A pile of files fell on her leg from a higher shelf and scratched her bare ankle. It was hard covered in crimson leather and it did not look like there was business related material. "Auch! Fuck!" Nonetheless, she dropped on her knees and collected all the flying papers to study them better. "Couldn't wait anymore minute, huh? What is this?"

As she was scanning the contents of the papers, her jadeite eyes widen like saucers. "The hell..." Pyramids. Math. Formulas and theorems. Everything was neatly written there and Sasuke`s italic handwriting was unmistakable. "Either Sasuke plans on robbing the pharaoh, or he is actually an architect."

There were the complete descriptions and the plans of what looked like pyramids, because he had the measures calculated and the building plans complete up to the finest details. Only a skilled architect could have done it so masterfully and that freaked her out.

"These are all copies of the formulas he wrote on the walls but...they are not random anymore. Has he found a logic behind/"

While her eyes were taking in the pyramid in the sketches, Sakura couldn't cease away the feeling that she actually recognized that construction. Her astonishment only grew tenfold. The Great Pyramid of Giza! "Wait a second..." She used her laptop to search for the said world wonder, not believing her eyes how everything suddenly started to make sense. "...what am doing?!"

She promptly slapped her sweaty forehead as she realized she was looking for information on Wikipedia, like a loser. Coming to her senses, the emerald eyed agent quickly entered CIA's secret network, where the most complex and complete accurate information was, looking for her object of interest.

"The Great Pyramid...measurements and building...geographical position...terrain...the moon's phases...rebirth...the pharaoh's return...eternal life...geometry of the Great Pyramid…the triangle sides in the King`s Chamber…200 years before Pythagoras…Realizing it was too much complex information to be studied online, Sakura clicked on the download button to get the material on her hard disk and compare to what Sasuke had written, later on.

"This is impossible." She felt her head spinning in consternation, while looking at the downloading rate, fisting her hands down her messy hair. Sakura found herself unable to cope with what she has just learned and if she was to be right, then everything they knew about Ancient human history would fall apart in an instant.

She then realized the extent of Lorane's ambition and it dealt with things so unimaginable and hardly tangible, that it left her wonder why haven't they succeeded in ruling over the world so far. "He...did all the calculus! This is more accurate than everything the world's libraries contain! But how? And why?"

Beep Beep Beep

She almost exhaled in relief when Orochimaru`s name flashed on the screen of her phone. She tried to reach him once, but all she got was a busy line. She knew he was working with Itachi, so it was to be understood. "Papa!"

"I heard about the Charity Ball and the stolen money, Cherry."

"You can't even imagine how bad this is. Basically, it is on all the latest news and they are putting all the blame on Sasuke, even if he has not been the only one to take care of this. It is like everyone wanted to corner him and now they got the chance. Is it possible for Lorane to be among the Organizing Committee and pull the strings from the shadows?"

"It could be. I am afraid their plan of bringing down the Mangekyou has come to fruition."

"Damn...can't you do anything, Oro? I have tried in vain to hack the Swiss Bank's transferring system, but I have found nothing! Not even a trace of money. When Sasuke has opened the account and sent the money to Switzerland, the bank hasn't even put the money into the bank account, and if they did, the numbers and the extract of account says otherwise. Is like he kept then all for himself, which he didn't."

"I have tried to do what you have did, my dear, but reached the same conclusion. Lorane has probably erased all the traces. This time, proving that the young Uchiha is innocent, is going to be more difficult."

"I know. Akatsuki and Hozuki from the INTERPOL are already dealing with that. They might have more experience in cyber-crime cases than us." Sakura truly hoped that her comrades knew what they were doing, either ways she had no other way to help Sasuke.

And the fact that he could be in big trouble because of the disappearing amount of money that was his responsibility was driving her crazy. Last time she checked on him, the targeted Uchiha was inside the Mangekyou`s HQ, in one of the meetings room.

"That is correct. But we cannot let them handle everything. Keep on searching and, more importantly, keep an eye on Sasuke. We don't know what Lorane has planned."

"Sure. He is at his office, probably being scolded by his business partners. By the way, I have found some weird material on his office. He had them hidden at home. I am sending you a copy, because I am sure you will want to have a look."

"What kind of material?"

That was what she wanted to know and she hoped her boss would enlighten her. Orochimaru, as well as her shishou, were educated in ancient history. A common passion they shared. "About his LSD trips. I thought he put that aside, but apparently he had been looking for an explanation the whole time.

Papa, those weird numbers and hieroglyphs are somehow related to the Great Pyramid! He has made a detailed exposure of its construction drawings. While searching through the database, I found nothing more complex than what he has. It is impressive. And difficult to understand."

It took Orochimaru some moments to answer to his protégée, as if taking his time to process what he was hearing and Sakura couldn't blame him, for she was still not believing it herself. "Interesting. But why the Great Pyramid?"

"I don't know, but it gets even more of a mystery if we are to think about the tragically massacre from Egypt not long ago. Could it be just a coincidence that all the most recent events are related to this particular place?"

"It is too early to make such assumptions...yet."

"How is your own research going? Any news about the stolen documents?" Sakura knew that the secret stolen documents were killing her two teachers inside slowly, but surely, either ways Orochimaru would have never willingly accept the Akatsuki`s collaboration.

On the other hand, if Lorane would go as far as to plan to both rule over the world's defense system and drag CIA down, they were supposed to get their hands on both their weapons and secret experimental technology first. Unfortunately, they already get their hands on both.

"Nothing, I am afraid. Their work has been just as perfect as now. Shikamaru has joined Itachi and me, but we cannot come to a reasonable conclusion. All we have are guesses and assumptions. We suspect that the leaks of information come from the higher ups. I think it is safe to take the CIA Head into account."

"Normally, I would have said that you have ventured too far, but nothing will surprise me further."

"There is also an important Summit in Bruxelles with all the world leaders by the end of the next week, to discuss the world`s current economic crisis."

That made the emerald eyed agent rub her forehead, as she was intently eying the complete downloading of the files she has accessed. A place where the most prominent Presidents were gathered was the same as walking straight into the lion's den. "Hm...a field day for Lorane."

"Indeed. Troops have already been dispatched from the special security and Intel Divisions. We want to have the upper hand. Lorane has managed to track every step we took so far. Mistakes cannot be made anymore. Not if we don't want this world to face imminent collapse."

"Papa, don't you think that their performance tonight is a bit...too insignificant for the opportunity they had? Basically most of the major companies holders were there, right under their noses. Shouldn't this have been the perfect opportunity to get rid of them?"

"So you say that creating a rift at the Lead of the Mangekyou is not enough? Cherry, if the Uchiha`s company falls down, so are all those other companies which directly or indirectly depend on them. I would say that it was more than enough."

"True that...I don't know Papa, call it paranoia or extreme tiredness, but I have the feeling that we haven't seen enough of what they have planned. Like something big and catastrophic is going to happen. I keep on seeing TV News that gets me...nervous."

"Trust your intuition and pay attention Cherry. I will support you. And, even if it pains me to admit it, you have that Akatsuki buffoons to support as well. Their Leader is not that bad either."

"Oh? What about their Hokage?"

"...don't talk to me about that man!" In another context, Sakura would have laughed at Orochimaru`s misfortune. The two Leaders simply couldn't be put into the same room, without it ending in a monster fight. Annoyance was palpable into the Otokage's tired hoarse voice. Poor man has been probably screaming the whole day. "I am hanging up, Cherry."

"Keep in touch." She hung on Orochimaru, who seemed to be just as confused and overwhelmed by her which was not helping. Ever since they have met, Sakura knew she could always count on the Otokage's clear brilliant mind and ask for a good advice whenever necessary, but he seemed unable to clear up all of the confusion. Sakura prompted her hip on the edge of the large office desk, eying her surroundings.

Fresh paint. She couldn't cease away the idea that Sasuke seemed to be more in control than all of them. He knew what he was doing in the mountains, there was no denying it. "Damn this is fucked up." The way he held his ground...

Her phone ringing for the second time made Sakura snap out of her trance. She quickly answered, hoping to hear good news. "Naruto-kun? I was waiting for news from you guys!"

"I am afraid they are not all that good." She felt her heart sunk down her stomach. Naruto's disappointed tone has got to her in an instant. "We are not able to find out where have the money gone and without them, Teme is in big trouble. So far, we have managed to pinpoint a weak signal coming from Yucatan and surprisingly, Osaka, but we lost it in between the two cities."

---

"Yucatan and Osaka?" Her brain was spinning like a windmill, running through all the possibilities, making her question everything around. Suddenly, nothing made sense and Sakura truly hoped she has managed to find a connection. Something, anything to help them find the missing link or links.

"This is one hell of a distance. What is the connection between the two citie-" A striking bolt shot down her spine, straight to her head and her eyes widened in consternation, when inspiration hit her full force, making her feel illuminated.

"Don't tell me..." At the speed of lightning, Sakura quickly looked for a world map on the Internet, accessing one that clearly showed the two apparently random far from each other cities, immediately finding the missing piece of the puzzle. "Egypt!" She more than shouted out to a non-responsive Uzumaki. Egypt was halfway the distance from Osaka and Yucatan.

"What? Did you say something, Sakura-chan?"

"Egypt...the place where the link has been lost! Naruto-kun, look for the signal in Egypt as well."

"Why there? I don't see any connect-"

"It is halfway the distance between Osaka and Yucatan. Also, remember about the last week's tragedy with the CIA agents assassinated in Egypt. This is no coincidence!"

"...ok? Suigetsu is working on it. There is no other suspicious activity going on here. The party goes on, but people are talking. I am afraid is bad news for Sasuke Teme. And his father is more than pissed off."

"I can imagine." And she did. The look they got from Fugaku spoke volumes. The death glare he sent towards them both was making her skin freeze in terror. Like father like son. "Ok. I am currently at home. Sasuke is at the Mangekyou, in the meeting room. Let me know as soon as you have found something out."

"I will. We will sort this mess out, Sakura-chan, believe it!" Sakura was thankful for Naruto's uncommon intuition. It was like he sensed the good and bad in people, knowing exactly what to say to make their worries less difficult to weigh on their shoulders. "I too hope so...Naruto-kun."

/

/

/

---

-Ravenna Italy, Sound HQ-

---

No matter how alert the infamous Otokage might have been, it was impossible for him to focus on his task and locate the jammed signal, which was causing the CIA agents so much trouble.

His sharp extremely tired eyes were following the older from the two Uchiha brother pacing down the office, in a robotic manner. "Would you please stop digging holes down my floor? I am getting dizzy." Orochimaru eventually addressed to a totally not collected or patient Itachi, who suddenly turned into the brunette male version of an angry and anxious Tsunade Senju.

Not even dwelling on the fact that he was shamefully ignoring the Sound Leader, Itachi was in the verge of pulling down all his hair, or doing something extreme as biting his manicured nails.

Even breaking something from the office was fine, as long as it would help him to better focus. "How is it possible for my ototou to have messed it up so bad?! This is a disaster! It's all over the news! I don't want to imagine the headlines tomorrow. Fucking Hell!"

Ever since the phones, pagers or computers literarily exploded and were constantly beeping or flashing, his mind had a shut down and his fury has only been equalized by the frustration of his own inability to help.

"It is all Lorane's doing. Another reason to calm down already and help me find the money as soon as possible."

"I can't believe we haven't tracked their exact location yet." Shikamaru stated indifferently. When he has been informed about the situation, he came rushing to the Otokage`s office room and joined Itachi in helping the Sound locate the culprits and find the missing amount of money, without any luck. And that intrigued him as well. No trance of the Lorane meant they have all been outsmarted. "I don't understand it, Otokage-sama. We have a weak signal following this route..." He came in front of the World`s map from the middle of the room, pointing his finger on a specific location, as he was making his point of view know to the two following pair of curious eyes. "...then it crosses the North Pacific Ocean all the way to Japan."

"The problem is...why don't we have the satellite view of the entire freaking signal?!"

"It has been lost somewhere halfway, from what I can see."

"That's even stranger. There is no obvious connection between these two locations. We have Osaka as an ending point, precisely because they have prevented the money to be sent to Japan, and we have the starting point somewhere on the Yucatan Peninsula."

"...this is absurd!" Itachi slammed his hands on the desk in front of him, making all the pens roll down on the floor, while his disbelieving eyes were glued to the screen he was watching. "This area is huge! The money can be everywhere! We cannot cover all this area, not even with all the agents we have at our disposal!"

It was a painful truth, but a truth nonetheless and Orochimaru knew it. That was the reason why they have been handed the task to brainstorm and outsmart Lorane, but it proved to be an impossible task, even for Itachi and Orochimaru`s bright minds.

"...indeed...they want to make it look like the locations are at random." The Otokage suggested, feeling more than exhausted. Last time he checked, Uchiha was calm and collected.

"Isn't this a basic strategy if one doesn't want to be detected?" Itachi shot up an eyebrow at the equally lacking inspiration Otokage. At that time, he could have accepted almost anything.

"Or..." Orochimaru tried to sum up all the data they had so far and reach a logical conclusion, based on Lorane's moves and strategies. "...they want to make us think it is random."

"To conceal the real location."

"Yes."

"...then we must think of a pattern or something in their apparently chaotic moves. Let's make a list with all Lorane's latest attacks."

"Most of them are in Japan."

That made Itachi grow visibly more alert. He was no fool. The older of the two Uchiha heirs knew of the Freemasonry's main target and he was not eve trying to mask his worry. Sasuke was in danger, he couldn't protect him and that drove him nuts. "Hmph...of course. Near my foolish little brother."

"Not only. The others are everywhere the heirs were."

"So does it mean there is no pattern, but they simply set up their locations based on where their targets are going to be?"

He was one step away from taking the thick file in front of him, consisting of all the locations where Lorane has stricken so far and throw it towards a suddenly up in the clouds Orochimaru. Was he ignoring him? "Orochimaru-sama?"

Said man was not even blinking. His yellow-ish eyes were set solely on the multitude of flashing on the panel dots and crosses, occasionally peeking at his notes. What truly crossed Orochimaru`s mind was a sudden outrageous thought about a possible link regarding the code used to unlock the door from Akatsuki`s weapons base.

There was just something there that Orochimaru was not able to see, yet he felt that it was right in front of him. He just had to put his finger on it...a ventured further idea..."Found something interesting?"

Itachi's stern voice made him snap out of his reverie. "What is this red dot?" He put his finger on a red flashing area. "Here. This small region."

Orochimaru furrowed his eyebrows, flipping the pages inside his memory, going through all the information that lied stocked down his brain. "If I am not mistaken, that is Nato's militarized Area number 25, Bagheera, in Giza."

"Egypt?" Shikamaru questioned the Sound leader, as he nodded in confirmation.

It was Itachi's turn to state the obvious. "The last attack before the cyber-crime from today has been in between Giza and Memphis."

"That's correct."

"What are those?"

"The Pyramids of Saqqara."

"I see. Interesting."

"Exactly...halfway in between the two-" Before the Akatsuki`s brain had the chance to hit the nail on the head, a short vibration followed by a ring stopped him mid-sentence. The id of the caller clearly stated 'Naruto'. "Excuse me..." He addressed to the other agents present, and then glued his ear to the phone. "Naruto?"

"Itachi, we have got something that I think it would be of great help!"

"We?"

"Sakura-chan thinks she has found the source of the signal used to hack the bank account! She told me and Suigetsu, and we have been investigating. We suspect that Lorane has a base somewhere near the city of Giza in Egypt, pretty close to the complex of the Pyramids of Giza!"

His charcoal almost stunned eyes went slightly wide. His agents have reached the same conclusion. It only meant that he has just gotten the confirmation of their suspicion. "We have just figured this up. But how did Haruno reach that conclusion? What was her source of inspiration?" Shikamaru and Orochimaru were all ears, since Itachi preferred not to put Naruto on speaker. "I see...this is what we also think. Ok, keep in touch then. Take care, we don't know what they are plotting."

The Akatsuki`s Team Leader shut off the phone after nodding once more to himself, addressing the lazy genius. "I am dispatching three of my best men to Egypt!" He didn't hesitate when dialing his secretary's number, not waiting to consult with Orochimaru beforehand. His task was clear. "Romina? Call Rock Lee, Hoshigaki Kisame and Inuzuka Kiba to the Sound's HQ immediately!"

"It is too dangerous for just the three of them." Orochimaru started casually, when the two names have been dropped. It was not that he didn't trust their skills, but Orochimaru was not the one to bet on his agents' lives. Their well-beings were his top priority. "That area is scouted by local rebel violent groups of terrorists." The look on Itachi's stern face assured him that the Uchiha was unfaltering in his resolve, so he decided to go for the safest way. "I will have Sasori and Hidan to go help."

"Thank you. Then, I will personally meet them and instruct them." Knowing that they at least had a plan, Itachi found it to be no more need for him to waste any more time in the company of Orochimaru. He and Shikamaru could deal with the rest. He didn't like to admit it, but he trusted the Otokage, up to a certain point. "If you will excuse me..."

He paid his farewells to Shikamaru and Orochimaru and left the room. He would personally assist the two agents if the situation would have called for it.

"Please..." Following Itachi dragging his body downstairs, to the front of the building where his silver Lexus was parked, Orochimaru flipped his phone open and called one of his best agents' number. He truly hoped the man was doing better than last time he checked on him, at the ER.

Hidan's groggy voice betrayed his annoyance of being woken up. Or worse. "I have a mission for you." The Otokage simply informed, without giving him any room for refusing. "Tell Sasori that it is time for him to test his new toys."

He then threw a glance to his tablet, lifting a fine eyebrow at the data appearing on the screen, as his search results popped up. The Otokage rose from his seat, quickly collected his stuff, threw his long leather coat around his shoulders, took his Armani hat and followed the Akatsuki`s team leader's way, outside the meeting room. "I will be downstairs. Take your time Nara and inform me the moment we have a clue."

"Yeah yeah..." Shikamaru didn't even remove he is stare from the world's map he has been intently studying. He didn`t give a flying fuck about the Otokage or the Akatsuki. He couldn't have been more bored. "Aw man, this is such a drag..."

Meanwhile, inside his car, the Head of the Sound was having a pleased expression playing on his face. "Now let's see..." He was holding the pad in his right hand, while his left was resting on a crystal glass of Moet Imperial Champagne. "...who is the wind that moves the windmill."

A wicked smirk formed on his lips. "My…Who would have thought..." Orochimaru eyed the contents of the data he has received, few minutes ago, content. So he has been right all the time. Go figure.

As far as he was concerned, the mystery has been solved. Or should he say…they have been right all the time, because the snake faced man, with hidden ambitions, was not the one to take credit for someone else's work. "I would have expected nothing less from you."

His job there was done.

"We are taking a small detour." Orochimaru told his chauffeur. He has managed to hack the system used to break both his office's door and Akatsuki`s base. As he has previously suspected, it was the same culprit, because the pattern of the code used for the hacking, matched 100%.

At the end of the report he had in front of his eyes, flashing in bold letters, was Lorane's true Leader's name!

/

/

/

---

-Japan, Tokyou. Mangekyou`s HQ, Sasuke`s office-

---

"Mr. Uchiha, what are we going to do next?" Juugo was basically running down the halls, trying his best to keep up with the raven haired Uchiha`s pissed of rapid strides. The meeting with the Annual General Meeting has been anything but pleasant. Their situation was worse than they would have imagined.

"Increase the prices with 2% for each product delivered to Europe and 1% for the rest and lower the custom taxes from our prices. It is the only way to keep the value of our shares at a decent price." Came Sasuke`s automatic reply.

He wasn't pissed off. He was not angry. Hell, he wasn't even bored. He was a robot. Since the moment his secretary, who was as vivacious as a death person could have been, has called him at the meeting, he automatically entered a robot mode state, letting his brain and logic to take over, successfully shutting down any emotion or feeling.

"Have you seen the New York stocks market's data for today?"

Was Juugo trying to be polite or was he having suicidal tendencies, Sasuke briefly wondered. He threw a freezing glance towards the poor gentle tall man, making him almost drop down the files. "I am aware of how competition is doing."

"No Sir, I am not talking about the shares." Following his irritated boss inside his office, Juugo took the remote control and turned on the TV. Even if it was way past midnight, the local and international broadcasting news were all showing the same thing.

Having one eye paying half attention to the suddenly too bright flat screen and having the other set on his desk, Sasuke was paying attention to whatever piece of news could have been that interesting to him, while packing up his things. He had enough idiots to piss him off for one day.

Even the Australian announcer's accent was irritating him. "...due to the unexpected incident from the annual Charity Ball and the Head of the Mangekyou being accused of fraud, many smaller companies which depended on it are facing collapse. But the worst situation is related to one of the main shareholders and partners of the Mangekyou, namely the Byakugan, which, according to the main stock markets, has gone into bankruptcy, according to the latest stocks markets data..."

Juugo turned off the TV, seeing that his unresponsive boss had his head cast down and his hands planted firmly on his desk, while his face was concealed by his silk long raven bangs.

"Mr. Uchiha..." He started cautiously as if trying to walk past a sleeping tiger, in the Jungle.

"Fuck!" Sasuke`s vile tone cut through the suddenly thick air around the space, like a knife, making Juugo's tiny hair at the back of his nape erect in dread. All the pens, files, phone, laptop and clock resting on the desk on flew on the ground, when Sasuke`s hand whipped everything on its way, spreading the objects down the sparkling white floor. The enraged Uchiha fisted his hands on his messy raven hair, while his secretary crawled in panic. "Fuck!"

It has been a long time since Juugo has seen Sasuke losing control like that and it has been anything but pleasant to withstand. He knew that he had no way to stop him. He didn't have the power to stop the Uchiha.

When a phone interrupted a soon to come hurricane, Juugo has prayed for the poor soul at the end of the line. "Yes!" Came a throaty voice as sharp as a razor blade, but it went magically softer when hearing the angelic worried and loving tone of his mom. "'Kaa-san?"

"Honey, where are you?! Are you all right? I have been dead worried!"

The onyx eyed heir inhaled sharply once, mentally counting down to ten, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his secretary. "I am sorry that you have to go through this, mom. I am aware of the media. I will send my helicopter to take you back home/"

"Oh no, don't worry for me dear. Mom is fine. It is you the one I am concerned about. What happened? Are you still at work? Your dad is-"

"He is...here, trying to come up with a plan. It was only half the true, because Fugaku was more like concocting a plan to make his son look like a fool, rather than truly helping, but there was no point in further worrying the poor woman further.

Sasuke felt terrible sorry for not being able to protect his mother from the social media's harassment. He had been caught out of guard. "The meeting has ended. He said he has something urgent, and then he will return to the hotel."

"I tried to call him, but he has his phone turned off." She did a small pause knowing the relationship between the father and the son all too well. Mikoto was no fool. She knew how bad they hated on each other, but she couldn't help it.

As both a mother and a wife, the poor woman had to tear her heart in two. Choosing only one was impossible. She has always tried to be the missing link between two bubbles of oil and water. "I am sorry dear. It was supposed to be a special day." Sasuke knew what she was talking about.

/Sakura/

"You have nothing to apologize for, mom." It was him the one to be forever thankful for such an understanding, caring and supportive mother. And the fact that she was approving on Sakura was making Sasuke feel so content. Her opinion was more precious than gold.

"...what about her?"

"...we will make it somehow...or so I hope." He will, was Sasuke`s inner resolve. He won't lose Sakura. He refused to give up on her delicacy and let go of her warm hand. He couldn't wait to rush home and embrace her tightly. If anything, he felt the need to be by her side. Like a lost soul, searching for its shadow.

Mikoto's voice was as tender as pampering cotton as she sensed her child's distress and tried to touch him with her light. "She is very special, isn't she?" Mikoto liked Sakura. It was the most honest opinion,because the girl was as special as a diamond engagement pearl ring and a gentle heartedly one lifetime promise could have been.

"Hn...your great contribution was appreciated. Thank you, Oka-san. For everything." For always being there for me, were the silent lingering words. "I wish you would come by my place and spend the night, but I am afraid that my home is not a safe place. Not for the moment." Realistically speaking, he couldn't protect them both. Not when his life was endangered as well.

"Oh, it was my pleasure dear, but I did nothing. She shines by herself. You two are meant to be, everyone saw it clearly. And everyone talks about it...among other things. Do not worry honey, I will drop by and check on you before we return home."

"Ok. Take care."

"You too honey, I love you." And then she hung up, leaving a much calmer Uchiha dwell on concocting the best plan he could to minimize the damage his actions did on the other people close to him. It was the last thing on his mind to hurt them further.

"I love you too...Oka-san." His mild features turned serious again when addressing a confused Juugo. Why was he afraid of he wondered, because it was not like he would have done something to the orange haired man.

"I am leaving. Juugo. I want you to convey this message." Before taking his leave, Sasuke handed his secretary a small note wrote on a torn paper from his agenda, exchanging a short knowing glance with the man before him. "You know what to do. Be careful." Sasuke`s hand was already pressing down the door's knob, while his presence still lingered in the doorway. "This place is not safe anymore."

"I know, Sir."

/

/

/

---

-Next day, 11.25 pm. Uchiha Mansion-

---

She was pacing through the dim light from the living room, with her phone on her hands, dead worried. Sasuke has been working his ass off at his company, since the day before and he never once called.

Sakura was in high alert mode, checking on him constantly, confirming his location. Nothing happened...for then. Nothing, except for Neji Hyuga's company going bankrupt. She has spoken to Ten Ten. Neji was a mess, like all the Hyuga members and he was drowning in alcohol.

Akatsuki were barely coping with both the problems. The moment she heard the front door open, the pink haired lady whopped her head in said direction, while her heart exhaled in relief. She didn't realize she has been holding her breath.

As soon as he came into the privacy of his silent home, Sasuke discarded his briefcase carelessly on the armchair, quickly working on letting his tie and shirt buttons lose, like he was attempting to free himself from not only the uncomfortable clothes, but from the society's bindings as well.

A familiar and getting cozier day by day bell like chirp caught his attention, approaching him from the other side of the room, where he could clearly see a charming mermaid like silhouette approaching him steadily.

"Sasuke!" Only having the clear full bright moon and its golden halo as the single source of light to see the stunning presence of the man she was dead worried for, Sakura run straight to his open arms, not allowing him to even remove his trench coat, hugging him tightly.

He seemed to be too taken aback to respond, but the Sound agent hasn't realized. Her nose was buried into his chest. "Oh my God, I was dead worried!"

"Hn." Was all he could say and not because he attempted to be rude or push her aside from his problems -she was already more involved into his mess than anyone else- but because Sasuke was not focusing on what she was saying.

The visibly confused and scared mocha haired lady stopped right in front of him, scouting for any signs of bad happenings and troubles on his face, with her lucid forest green gemstones beaming in his direction, while he had no reaction whatsoever, beside the stern, serious, implacable and steel like hard expression adorning his gorgeous features.

There was his new girlfriend almost running to him the moment she heard the knob turn and the sound of worried impatient steps was all that echoed through his over exhausted mind at the moment.

That until the onyx eyed Uchiha caught the sight of what she was wearing and fuck if all the stress hasn't magically left his muscles, being replaced by a new sort of tension which was boiling inside his veins, pumping adrenaline and testosterone through his vessels, like boiling steams of lava.

A silk short summer kimono, sewed with golden embroidery, portraying Chinese flying dragons, with bright red scales and pastel pink Phoenix birds, was cupping her gentle curves, while a louse dark green obi was hugging her slim curvy waist, keeping the two folds in place.

The refined V shape was sensually low cut, supporting her rich chest, while the long hems were cascading down her slightly uncovered round shoulders, giving the curious eye a tantalizing insight of her lace brand new Victoria's Secret navy blue bra.

"Gosh, are you/" No words, no apology, no other response, but his silent lips crushed on her and a fierce rapacious kiss, was all that Sasuke had to say.

One second earlier, Sakura was sprinting towards him, crushing her slim frame on his chest. One second later, when the worn out Uchiha came into his senses, she was in his arms, kissing him in a way she never did before.

She didn't know what has changed, but it was certainly making her heart accelerate each time his feverous lips were suckling and pulling on her lower one, while his left hand was claiming its place around her waist and his throne above her heart.

He was probably not in his best state of mind and talking was most likely the last thing that the raven haired Uchiha needed and Sakura understood him. She never felt his struggle and has never been in a similar pinch before, but she understood him.

Moreover, she knew what he needed and decided that it didn't bother her, because, some hours ago, he has made his feelings do all the talking. There was even a slight hint of regret in the way his lips were pressed upon her own, massaging and dominating, like he didn't want to use her as relief and Sakura felt like melting into his arms for such consideration.

But she was his girlfriend -her stomach squealed at that and her pulse pumped faster at the new title- so she had to play her part. Besides, it was not like she didn't want it just as mindlessly.

And that was why she hasn't allowed herself to control a prolonged moan when she felt a warm smooth palm slide under the hem of the kimono she wore, pulling it up to her thigh, kneading the soft flesh inside, then ascending towards her firm ass, gripping her and bringing her hips flush into his own. He broke their lip lock to allow themselves to catch their breaths, while their faces remained unmoving from the previous position, as their breaths were fusing in a staccato rhythm. Then Sasuke took the lead again and slipped a hand under her chin, maneuvering her head up to deepen their kiss, forcing Sakura to arch her neck and part her lips wider, as they explored each other's hot caverns as deep as they could reach.

And she set no boundary for the Mangekyou's Head as he let his hands slide past her every rounded curve of her body, as he pleased. And that night, he felt possessive and ready to dominate what was his. Probably because he was feeling like his territory has been invaded and the impulse to protect what was rightfully his has been awoken from the depths of his warrior side. And that only turned her on more. His digits were aiming for every place she need them and his kiss was burning her mind. Sakura couldn't keep up with his peace any longer. He grew urgent and feral and Sakura felt unable to prevent a content mewl as her own excitement grew, as her hands couldn't stay in place anymore second. She had to respond in her own clumsy, but sincere way.

As a result of how lost in rapture Sakura was in that moment, with Sasuke's lips holding hers captive in a never-ending thirsty feverous kiss, her impatient hands quickly found their way towards his shirt, as trembling clumsy fingers were trying their best to unbutton the fine article of clothing that was keeping her away from touching his flawless body.

But having any sort of control was as impossible as containing her broken moans when the emerald eyed agent felt Sasuke's magnetizing hands sensually dragging the yukata she wore down her shoulders, making the pleasure double when he replaced the soft airy fabric that once hid her modesty, with moist chaste kisses. She promptly dug her nails into his shirt, tearing it open on her first attempt, as his husky maddening low chuckle accompanied by the sound of torn silk, were the only things resonating through the eerie of the room.

Sakura realized that she was just as craving to be his, as he has openly declared to be hungry to possess her and stopping his hands from following each curve of her exposed frame was something she was not willing to do. Cold shivers run down Sakura`s forearms and spine, while Sasuke`s sweet mouth left hers, ink order to pamper the velvet skin of her newly uncovered shoulders and neck, as she was softly keeping on repeating his name, as a chorus she loved.

The emerald eyed lady shut her orbs to the outside word, angling her head to give Sasuke more access to the side of her long swan neck, while she took advantage of their closeness to glue her nose on his silk hair, hanging carelessly over his high cheeks and ears, because she knew for a fact that the Uchiha used to pulverize his perfume on his pulse and the back of his ears, so the strong fragrance so hotly imprinted on the silk strands of his longer raven spikes, were brushing his neck and jaw and the combination between his shampoo, expensive cologne and natural odor was sending Sakura into an endless spellbound. She pressed her nose under his chin, inhaling sharply to catch the maddening masculine scent with every breath she took, until she got to the point where she was mistaking oxygen for feral lust.

She didn't have the memory of them both getting naked because time into Sasuke's strong embrace was just a remaining of one more passing episode of their secret connection of hearts, minds and souls, but she clearly felt his radiating warmth as a pleasurable tingle crossing her skin, when she found her back hitting the plush cushion of the sofa and Sasuke`s intoxicating body hovering above her, careful not to crush her much fragile carcass, but close enough to leave her breathless in arousal.

---

Her hands immediately found their way into his disheveled gravity defying soft locks, taking a fist of the rebel curls tickling her wrists, while his head lowered to meet her halfway, engaging into a battle of succulent lips molding upon one another, dancing in perfect harmony as their hearts were pumping together, both adrenaline and madness. Breathing became a challenge into the almost nonexistent space between their rocking bodies, and equally useless as any word that might have been carelessly let to linger above their flaming chemistry.

Just as their hands were having their own minds and broke every rule, so were their clothes tousled aimlessly on the carpet, glass coffee table or the back of the sofa. No matter how strange it might have sounded, in the company of Sasuke, being dressed felt alien and uncomfortable. Maybe that was the reason why Sakura only grew alert of their nakedness when a stronger breeze slipped past the opened back sliding door, from the yard and hit her exposed legs. They were as covered as Adam and Eve, but so was their longing for one another transpiring the limits of the Eden Garden.

But it was an insignificant price to pay in order to be able to feel Sasuke's body radiating the very essence of the finest manliness through his pores and she could perceive the life flowing through those hardened muscles, pulsating with power and vitality, every time he flexed his arm to touch her further or bent down to reach her sweet spots. And it was exhilarating. Everything about the handsome Uchiha was breathtakingly perfection. In every way. A beauty beyond definition and a strength without boundaries. Sakura wasn't sure whether what she had stocked inside her mind was just an absurd idea which her drunk in bliss inner has conjured from her wickedest desires, but she felt like she has been craved for Sasuke all her life, without even being aware of what exactly was she looking for.

A bird without a nest to return to.

A ship without a destination.

A meteor shower during a cloudy sky.

A solitary high cliff where not even the wind had the courage to venture.

A memory trapped into the haze of time, with no past to belong with.

And she was alone no more.

His hands were everywhere, his kisses where everything and his fire was salvation. Sakura was not sure whether those dragged throaty mewls and cries were escaping past her parted lips, but she was sure she hasn't missed a spot of Sasuke's lean protruding muscles or the planes of his back and hard platinum long fibers of his broad chest and toned abs, which were glistening into the dim mild moonlight, covered with drops of sweat, puncturing down his temples, fusing with her essences. Aroused was an understatement for how she felt, because Sakura could have sworn she has been dried of any vital liquids, all streaming from her body in endless clear rivulets, milking down Sasuke's magical fingers.

She felt her mind explode into his touch. He knew exactly how she wanted him to play with her and please her. Even though Sakura was aware of the simple thinking she has been reduced to, she couldn't cease away the urge she had for Sasuke to put his palm flat over her throbbing core and rub her folds, up and down, hard and slow, while the knot in her lower abdomen was pulsating and making her lower regions vibrate, like a guitar's body when playing the right chords.

There was no part left of her intoxicated body that Sasuke hasn't set on fire with a prolonged kiss, a long lick or an expert touch, but Sakura felt like she was burning in flames just like a torch. Hell, she could have bet that her frame got its own source of light. Incandescent as he was making her to be. Painting her into his colors and the Sound agent knew that she was a complete other person while being with Sasuke. Unlike the stranger posing as a Sound agent, that woman looking back at her was something she could recognize in the mirror. Someone she liked to look at and get used to.

Someone like her.

With someone that was him.

Sasuke.

Her own reflection.

And she saw it clearly into his flickering irises. They lead her along the way of his heart, like a lighthouse rescuing the lost ships from the merciless storms. No matter how much she admired his eyes, the fascinated CIA agent always marveled at how beautiful they truly were. Unique in both shade and shape, and so expressive and intelligent. His gaze was reflecting his state of mind and his vivid look was what truly made him outstanding. Sasuke would have been an incomplete man without those smoldering black sapphire orbs of his. His extraordinary self was best expressed into his eyes. He was beyond handsome. Gorgeous would have been a word to come closer to how he looked like.

---

He was not an empty man and the gorgeous appearance was not an empty shell either. Sasuke had a soul and Sakura found it as beautiful as the exterior. A heartless dumb fool wouldn't have been capable of such defined sensuality, she was certain about it. Sasuke was bringing erotic to the level or arts and understanding. He was a smart man and so where his fondlings. And the Sound agent was able to discover a sensibility under his fingertips, which she recognized to be a precious inheritance from the undying delicacy of Mikoto Uchiha. She wanted to smirk at that. It was something that his brother Itachi didn't have. It was only the youngest of the family's distinctive feat. Lucky her.

Unbeknownst to the caramel haired lady, it was a trait only meant for a special someone to discover. That was the reason why no other woman before her was able to bring that gentleness to light until then. All his life, people around Sasuke managed to only bring out what was the worst of him. Then Sakura came and tried to rescue herself and learn how to appreciate herself, while she was pulling him out of his own Hell as well.

For a moment, Sakura felt like the very offspring of the cosmos, because she had a mixed sensations stirred from the pits of her heart, as she was exploding in tiny particles of stardust, travelling across the Universe, frozen but flaming, like a supernova, billion miles away from Earth. She was squirming on the sofa, under a ravishing Uchiha, who has set a new pace as he placed his lips softly upon hers, trapping her slightly agape mouth in a chaste soft kiss, while he placed his palms upon her tired open ones, intertwining their fingers, locking their hands together, while his lips were creating dazzling rhymes upon her own, just as she was doing her best, in between sharp inhales for oxygen, to respond, moving her silk petals in sync with his own, getting tiny sparkles down her temples and cheeks, when the tip of their noses brushed and tingled each other.

"Sakura..." He urged her to focus on his face, while his husky contralto voice betrayed desire, desperation and need.

She tried to reason with him, but Sakura found it difficult to voice out what she was thinking about. "Sasuke...this couch is..." But the Sound agent wasn't allowed to talk further, because the man lingering over her was thirsty for her kisses. "...mmph-" She tightened the hold of his hand, while the charming haired Uchiha angled his chin for a better access, letting his tongue trace the corners of her mouth, licking her lips, with the delicacy and aristocratic manners of a cat, lazily lapping smooth sweet cream, enjoying the taste of adrenaline and relief oozing from his favorite lady, caught in the euphoria of the moment, then letting the moist hot organ slide past her pearl white teeth, pleasurably inside her cavern, massaging her gums and tongue, making her even dizzier in bliss.

As simple as the candid of the gesture was, kissing Sasuke always felt like experiencing the taste of the finest Swiss chocolate: it was dark, intense, rich, flavored, fine and noble and the melting passionate taste on her tongue felt as heavenly as bathing in honey. His taste was so divine and uplifting that it turned Sakura into a helpless addict for his treasures.

Yes, she was sick and she knew it, but there was a force beyond her always making her seek Sasuke`s embrace, throwing her into his arms, like a tornado. Maybe it was his general overwhelming charm, or mysterious ability to make her feel safe when he was around, even if he came as a dark horse for most of the time, and the self-confidence he placed in her heart was filling her with joy. No other man has ever told her how beautiful he thought she was, while watching her with the same eyes as looking at the very embodiment of his most sacred fantasies and it was making the emerald eyed girl reel into joy.

"Hn, dobe." Came Sasuke's reply, when he unglued his lips from hers to trace his tongue down her chin and throat.

She was surprised to learn that Sasuke was aware of what his friends were plotting behind his back, though it was the idea of him permitting them to do that, the one to shock her. He had such a playful side, she should have known better. "You knew?" She more like mewled, squeezing her eyes shut, than talking, in the moment she felt a hand ascend along her spine, slipping under the clasp of her bra. Anticipation grew feral as all the stellar net of nerves went electrically charged with energy.

"I got it changed with another one identical." Sasuke replied nonchalantly, while he dragged the straps of her lingerie slowly down her shoulders, brushing his knuckles over the skin of her forearms, covering her in pricking goose bumps, as she shuddered.

Sakura giggled when the joyful sensation started to match the unsteady queasy fluttering from her stomach. "Hm?"

"I...am sorry it didn't go as planned." The raven haired Uchiha stated out of nowhere, and if she wouldn't have been so alert to everything he did or said to her, she would have missed to apologetically tone in his silent confession. His lips remained frozen above the valley of her bare full endowed breasts, right upon her racing heart.

"What are you talking about?" She questioned, oozing of a peculiar innocent confusion, casting her emerald eyes down to meet the sight of his bowed down forehead and his midnight mane spread upon her collarbone. " It was the best day of my life!" Sakura was the one to retract her hand from Sasuke`s hold, bringing both her palms on each side of his jaw, making him look up to face her honest smile. It was her turn to kiss him tenderly, before she spoke. "I felt like Cinderella. And I had met my Prince Charming."

"But in the fairytale, they have met for three times."

"Then you, Mr. Uchiha-sama, will have to work magic for two more times."

"That won't be the case." Sasuke threw her a ravishing knowing smirk, as he took advantage of her stare focused solely on him, to let his right hand leisurely glide into her lace panties, massaging her lower abdomen, navel and palming her already dripping core.

Flawless delicate French manicured nails dug into his bicep, while she bit her lower lip, muffling a moan at the sensation, as he leaned his head to place fugitive pecks on the crock of her neck, letting her perceive his breath fanning over her pulse, the sensation electrifying, like a striking bolt charging her with raw energy.

"Since you have already charmed me..."

"...how come?"

"You were the most beautiful woman tonight, Sakura-hime." The ink eyed man bluntly confessed, making Sakura's heart elevate to the skies, like a crane spreading its wings, freely and unrestrained growing majestic in front of the infinite azure. Shimmering dews of dew spilled along her eyelashes as emotion enveloped her like a protective mantel. His honesty has been emotional and strikingly beautiful.

"...you are such a...l-liar..."

"...last time I checked...I was your boyfriend." There was a brief moment of silence when their gazes connected as the intensity of their look penetrated the confinements of each other's skulls, before Sasuke let out a deep sigh, racking his digits into his rebel locks. "Sakura…I am not sure whether I am sane enough in this moment. I don't want to do this to you. Not like this."

She knew perfectly what message was he trying to converse into a proper apology, but the light caramel haired lady would hear none of it. She knew he cared about how she felt and yes, he didn't want to use sex to alleviate his problems, even for a moment, but she couldn't overlook the way he was looking at her and that was the state of a man who had solid feelings for her. If there was a way to help him overcome his hardships, Sakura would do it unconditionally.

It was not like Sakura didn't like what he was doing to her. He would better talk less and move the hand that remained motionless in between her parted thighs like he did before more instead. She started to ache down there because of the accumulated tension...

"Shh." The jade eyes woman pressed her thumb over her man's glistening lips, silencing him with the warmth and urgent touch of her finger. "Not another word. Tonight, I just wanna feel. I will have time to reflect about it tomorrow.

/I have a lifetime to regret anything... tomorrow, but never what you do to me./

He nodded once, not saying anymore words as Sakura gave him her acceptance. His soft and delicate lips came down to capture her pursed ones in a sealing kiss, that left Sakura with the exhilarating sensation that he was covering her skin in gentle roses petals and his kisses were moist, warm and soothing as a light summer rain, making Sakura moan pleasantly, feeling billions of tremors down her limbs, making all her body come to life. Her hands folded around his neck as she brought him flush to her body.

It was like Sasuke was calling her to awaken after centuries of deep slumber and numbness, making her fire come to life and burn, and the sensation doubled when she snuck her fingers into his unruly jet ink locks, flowing down his nape, forcing the smirking down at her impatient and thirst Uchiha heir, to arch his neck and connect to her greedy mouth, in a naughty hot French kiss, that made the emerald eyed girl melt like a cinnamon scented Christmas candle under Sasuke`s eternal flames of passion.

Their lips were filled with godly nectar and need, massaging, nibbling and suckling the sweet flesh, until they both went slightly bruised from the pressure they were both applying, trying to take as much as possible from the partner's taste and imprint into the their own senses, giving life to a seventh one, like another world wonder.

The tips of their tongues were trapped into a feverous elegant waltz, exploring each other's hot mouths enthusiastically, grinding and sliding upon one another, tasting their combined warm saliva and the unique maddening sweet mint taste of one another, making the sparks of the natural chemistry between them raise to its apogee.

In the meantime, he midnight haired man`s hands were igniting flames inside the jadeite eyed agent, like he was touching a sacred temple and the way he treated her body, similar to an oasis he has been striving to get to, was making her crying of emotion. Never once has Sasuke made Sakura feel cheap, or touched in a wrong way, and she was not talking about his skills.

That, he got a lot. He was a meticulous man with a breathtaking appearance and had experience. But, whenever she slept with him, the emerald eyed agent felt more and more connected to him. It has never been just sex what lied between them, not even when they had their first time together. And that was because they did it as an impulse to let their feelings upgrade to the second stage and not as a mere debauched succumb to their sexual drives.

And that was precisely why Sakura was feeling so good. She basically let Sasuke do whatever he pleased, without objecting, because not even a single finger of his has crossed the line or was too demanding.

And by all Heavens, he was incredible! She couldn't help but shudder continuously and moan helplessly, abandoned into the softness of his lips or the rapture of his palm. That sensual skilled hand that was kneading her thighs and those fingers which rubbed her rosy nipples until they hardened and stood up like the shyest tulip buds, begging for contact, were killing her in pleasure slowly and surely, bringing her to his mercy.

Meanwhile, the CIA agent let her own hands explore his Heavenly sculpted body, spreading her fingers over every lean plane and angle of Sasuke`s hardened muscles, as her mouth watered with the sudden desire to lick those rippling fibers and taste raw power on her own tongue. Sakura got a primal need to join with the onyx eyed Uchiha in a wild savage way that she couldn't explain.

Sweet, tender and versatile as cream, yet rich, strong and seductive like black cherries lips, tasted like hot chocolate and his smell felt like a magnetizing icy arctic storm, throwing Sakura straight into the middle of the sweetest blissful fantasy. Everything about him was pure erotic, in the seductive way that only a poet could have so masterfully create. This was how sexy the raven haired Uchiha truly was.

---

Sakura found that manner to convey her message better because both of them have turned the superficial and insignificant act of sex, into the most expressive heir of the highest valuable feelings of longing and belonging. And that was when it moment when it strike her like an unleashed hurricane in the middle of the ocean: Sakura has realized how much she was missing the feeling of connection to someone so intimately and so untamed. Loneliness has made her blind to the cravings of her own being and has caged her into a silver cage where she lived like a cold heartless princess, surrounded by loving people who couldn't fully penetrate the ice stoned carcass built around her heart and unveil the fragile young girl with rosy cheeks and shy smile who she once was.

All her life, Sakura has been missing that kind of warmth and security and just as unexpectedly, that stranger came and, in just one month, manages to give her the world, without asking for anything in return. It was just the self-assurance and undeniable trust the thing that the pink haired lady needed to feel and it was radiating though her every pore. And Karin was glad for her, in all honesty.

Sakura was not like her. The Uzumaki seductress knew that in order to mentally handle all the stress and cope with her delicate missions, commitment was as good as a fairytale, namely utopia.

No sane man would have stayed with a lady whose job required seducing man into providing information and then kill them in cold blood. And that was why Karin was always flirting with her colleagues who could best understand the lack of feelings, attachment and bonding.

But not Sakura. The delicate cherry blossom has never been the person to play the others, since her earnestly and heart of gold was making her as pure as a crane's wing.

She moaned loudly when Sasuke`s lips glued to her ample mounds, tenderly suckling on her hardened nipple, hungrily satiating from the divine sugary taste and the scent of the scent of the mesmerizing luscious skin, pulling and massaging, while his slick tongue was drawing lazy circles around her pale pink sensitive areola, made Sakura`s body tremble like jelly. "S-Sasuke/"

His other palm was pressed upon her other equally begging for attention breast, expertly fondling and massaging it, like he was molding clay, delicately, precisely and skillfully, in the same pleasantly way like handling a work of art, occasionally rubbing the head of the rosy erect bud and twirling it with his index.

His amused but lustful touches were instantly rewarded with moans of ecstasy and whimpers of adrenaline, when pain shot through her, fusing with extreme pleasure.

His hand descended sensually down her ribs tickling her shortly, then kneading her hip bone, sliding to the inside of her thigh, brushing her groins, creating a boiling puddle inside the pits of her lower regions as a result of the anticipation and agony of his prolonged teasing, as he was intentionally refrained from touching the hot key spots that were meant to send her to the shooting stars. "Please/"

"Something wrong, dear?" He tantalized her, while ungluing his hot mouth from the breasts he was playing with, coming to attach to her ear, grinding the delicate cartilage in between his teeth, whispering seductively in a peculiar cocky masculine way, that sent the inner wild lioness from her free to hunt for fresh flesh: "Tell me what you want. No inhibitions." He challenged in a velvet dark way.

"Tonight I set no boundaries." The intoxicated agent retorted, as she couldn't recognize her guttural voice or her perverted wishes anymore. "Anything. Everything! Let's be everything tonight, Sasuke."

"Take...me!" She begged while his slightly taken aback, but entertained eyes were following the tremors covering her body while the fragrance of her arousal tantalized his nostrils, filling his mind with her fruity nectar.

Every time Sasuke was catching the scent of her floral spring natural fragrance, he involuntarily envisioned himself walking into a garden, wandering through the maddening divine perfume of red and white roses, caressing the gentle petals of the delicate flowers and the gentleness of her curves adding to the cashmere creamy skin was making the fascination grow even higher, all blending into her fairy like mysterious womanhood. "Possess me! I am/ "

'Love me'

"...yours." She finished with a gentle whisper, enveloping his slender waist with her trembling hands.

She couldn't deny herself anymore, she wanted him, every part of him, to align with his darkest of secrets, rejected past and troubled teenage drama that would shake a weak heart from its foundations, but Sakura needed him as ardently as she needed oxygen. The drunk in lust forest green eyed lady was certain that her resolve to never let Sasuke go has never been steadier. She was ready to give up on anything just to remain by his side for as long as he allowed it, be it her mission or her own self.

After being with the onyx eyed Uchiha the day before, so rightfully dancing with him, stealing the show along his side and be a special part of his fascinating world, the emerald eyed agent has realized that she could reach every start in the Universe with a simple lift of her hand or a simple blink of his eyes and curl of his lips.

If they were together, they could dream together the sweetest dreams and unleash a vortex of emotions, through every touch, and it was something so emotionally heartwarming, that it made Sakura unable to stop her eyelids from quivering, while feelings of beatitude kept on pumping from her heart.

"Sasuke?"

"Hm?"

"I...don't know what this feelings I have are, but..." She started cautiously, so as she was pondering* whether she should let out such words in that context escape her mouth. She was gravely underestimating his ability to detach from the daily problems and grant her all his attention. "...I have never felt more like my real self until today. I want this to last. And I want it to be you." When the emerald eyed girl felt Sasuke stiffen his shoulders, she almost immediately regretted her outburst. If only her mouth would have listened to her brain more... "I am rambling." She mumbled weakly, but not removing her cheek from his. And neither did he. "Mi dispiace."

"You don't have to explain anything." Was his assuring reply, whispered hotly upon her ear, making her skin tremble in excitement, as she released a breath she didn't know she was holding. "It is all yours. Like I promised." He went on, while his hands were caressing her sides, tickling her and stirring the pool from the pits of her stomach further. "So Enjoy...Sa-ku-rah." He made her name sound like velvet pampering bare skin, warming up her heart and making her emerald eyes blaze with fire.

"Sasuke..." She moaned as he kneaded her perked up coral nipple in his way up to her squirming body. The room grew ten times hotter as the chemistry between them became atomic, viral and intoxicating. Sakura could feel its sparks puncturing every cell of her frame.

Intertwining their fingers together, Sasuke held both her hands captive above her head, while he trailed teasing butterfly kisses down her chest, to her navel, blowing puffs of warm air on his way, making Sakura shudder in a killing anticipation and let frustrated moans escape her throat, when she felt his breath fan over her burning skin. She could feel him invading her senses through every pore and when he planted quick chaste kisses on the inside of her thigh, she swore she lost her mind.

"S-Sasuke...s-stop teasing m-me!" She mewled under his tender gentle caresses, while his lips, which were cockily curled in a deviously sexy smirk, brushed past her belly button.

"Hm? Am I doing that to you?" The nerve of him to even chuckle, while she couldn't even free her squirming hands from his grip, was both frustrating and arousing and the fact that she couldn't alleviate the burning pressure of her core, by rubbing her thighs together, because of the raven haired man comfortably positioned in between her parted knees, hovering above her predatory, like a deadly unleashed cheetah ready to strike, was making Sakura want to both punch him and kiss him.

Albeit, she wouldn't even start to deny how incredibly hot he looked like that, the moment he dropped the characteristically impenetrable cold and steel like control he was famous for, and let the fire in his midnight sapphire irises make the inner raw passion caged inside him come alive. "Sakura?"

"I-I want to...punch you...let me go..." Although, the green garnet eyed lady was not in the bit persuasive, since she was more like urged him to cage her and never let go, than comply to her request, and if that didn't amuse Sasuke to no end, then nothing couldn't have had.

"Are you trying to threaten me, Sakura? Because if this is the case..." Slowly, but surely and with all the sexiness a male of the species would have been able to possess, Sasuke lowered his lips on the waiting impatiently and incredibly hardened longing for his touch milky nipple and suckled on it once hungrily, pulling it hard, freeing the bud with an audible 'pop', smirking at the way his girl's once ivory cheeks burst in flames at the sudden adrenaline rush. "...I find myself obliged to take dramatic measures and..." Another series of devouring kisses and small bites found their way to the Sound going crazy agent's arched neck and Sakura couldn't have processed what was more arousing: Sasuke`s unique contralto rich voice, that was enveloping her senses like a silky cashmere veil, or his possessive words that were hiding subtle innuendos behind them, but it was maddening and she could only gulp once, feeling unable to express herself in any coherent way. He was already reading her like an opened papyrus, anyway.

"...a-and..."

"...and never set you free." And the sexiest manly wide and uncontrolled smirk was the last think that her widened forest green hazel irises have seen, before Sasuke captured her lips in a fierce bruising kiss, that took away every syllable she would have had to mutter, from her soft lips and she could only relax under him, close her eyes and try to keep up with his ravenous pace, losing herself into his taste.

---

Sure, it was easy to name whatever it was which was transpiring between the two of them, namely friends with benefits or a sexual affair, but both knew it was much more than that. In fact, if Sakura would have been honest with herself, ever since she first laid her eyes on Sasuke, besides the shock she had at his general physical gorgeousness, the CIA agent has felt a far deeper mysterious bond connecting the two of them, in an older than the time dance they were trapped into, and it both thrilled and frightened her at the same time.

It was the same as experiencing a deja vu, in the similar manner to what some religions would deem as karma or reincarnation of the soul. Was it possible for the memories she was building with Sasuke, brick by brick, to be a figment of a remaining distant past lost memory which rightfully belonged to a past her?

It was exactly those small gestures she did which made him feel more than physical satisfaction, the reason why Sasuke couldn't help but lean the feelings he never thought he had, towards her intimate involuntary gesture, like a kid seeking shelter into his mother's arms.

She was warm, soft and tender and the Uchiha heir couldn't consider his docile attitude towards her a shameful act for his manhood, since no straight man could have resisted that soothing feminine flicker of her fingers through his fallen on his cheeks silk locks.

/Past mistakes of tomorrow? I have a lifetime to regret them. For now I am snowflake. And you are going to melt me in your palm./

The traces of his touches and kisses were fluent and sophisticated, like a neat italic handwriting. He was covering her skin with his body art and she was blessing his walls with the screams of his name, in reward to every right caress, stroke kiss.

Soon they have both reached the same conclusion: every time they did it, it was better than before and since their need and passion was genuine, it was always different, more savage and sweeter, like a new discovery of each other's sacred pleasures.

And the difference in experience and skill was adding to the arousal and chemistry. Sasuke was looking for the eternal womanly definition of gentleness, innocence, ineffable, sweet naivety and honest attempts to overcome the fear of not doing mistakes and please her partner, while Sakura was expecting raw pleasure, expert digits to explore confined hot spots and fondle lace like lips, supple mounds and chocolate sugary delicious kisses to make her world whirl.

Sasuke loved her shyness, the curiosity kicking in to beat the lack of skill and how she did nothing to control her need to taste, feel, explore and give back what she was getting. But how could she have hesitated, thinking that mistakes could have been made, while a man and a woman were so deeply connected, was beyond him. She was the sole lady who the raven haired Uchiha has never set any boundaries to, when pressed together in such a rightful way. Intimacy of gestures, whispers and whimpers were all the reasons why he preferred to love her the old fashioned way, so proper for two lovers.

To possess her, watch her whimper his name and reach for feverous clumsy kisses, moan in need, fondle his chest, shoulders, rest her chin in the junction of his neck to hear their pulses connect and sync their hearts with their lust, dug her nails down his back muscles and scratch marble skin deeply, helplessly and sexily, mixing adrenaline with pain and endorphins, was making Sasuke break his own rules and push his own boundaries even further. The risk he took was more than worth the price.

It only drove him more mad, wilder and made him ten times harder, basically growing inside her throbbing slick burning body, which was fighting the pain to make place for the pleasure.

That Sakura, his spring lotus in bloom with unrestrained passionate clouded eyes and mesmerizing heart shaped lips, has always been so tight, yet so fit for his vigorous body, earning to feel the most he could give, cuddling into his opened embrace to welcome him all the way in, up to the hilt and even further, hungrily taking all of his sinful display of manhood, sexy guilty forbidden touches, his harsh uneven breaths, sensual low beast like manly growls and willingness to create a connection, instead of random brief encounters.

Despite his extremely aroused state, mirrored by the way his gifted member was growing hard and ready to claim its way inside her beyond slick passage, the charcoal eyed Uchiha heir wanted to prolong his lady's pleasure for longer. So his fingers stopped their journey briefly to rub her lace like pastel pink hued folds, then he traced the valley of her labia and lower lips, dragging his index lazily past her unfolded pulsating damp opening, coming to press his thumb over the hardened bundle of nerves, massaging the head of the clit, slowly, with ample circular motions, marveling at the instant response of her feminine treasures, while his fingers were touching her there like that. He encountered no resistance or hesitation whatsoever, only moans and begging. Sakura was completely succumbing to him, allowing the onyx eyed man to do everything he wanted and explore her in all the ways he deemed fit.

Ah, her trust was betraying an amusing naivety worth of a cherub escaped from the Heaven's holly Gardens. But that devotion only made Sasuke want her more and the strange need to take her was deeper than his lust to savage her body. Her skin was sweet, soft, smooth, moist and flavored like the pulp of a syrupy peach.

He parted her folds with his thumb to reveal a sweet pearl like clit, uncovering her so intimately before his eyes. And when the tip of his tongue flickered once over it experimentally, he got the most erotic moan possible in return, urging him to repeat the action. And she did, as he felt her body call for his touch through every sense. Just as her, Sasuke also shut down his outside perception and all he could see, all he could hear and all he could think of, was how delicious she was, while he was eating her out.

"Sasuke...please..." She grabbed a fist of his rebel locks jerking her hips up, while his face was firmly glued to her core. His lips were suckling as his abrasive slick tongue was grazing her spread wide lower lips in a way that left Sakura breathless. She begged for something she didn't have a name for. The passion became torturous. She needed more and he had exactly what she wanted.

The Sound agent wasn't an oblivious fool anymore. She knew he was barely withstanding the throbbing constriction of his full of semen balls, or the knot from his chiseled abdomen. It was visible from his body language. Sharp veins were protruding from his rippling biceps, his pupils were dilated, adrenaline was pumping through his rapid heart, his pulse was running madly and his dews of sweat were hotly rolling down his lean spine and the planes of chest.

"Sakura/" Desperation was obvious in his growl as he hovered above her, linking their eyes and letting the panting lady feel his need, despite the lack of light. They didn't need to see each other, since they could feel their sparkling need for one another.

And Sakura swore she hasn't even realized when Sasuke slided inside her, because there was always a natural born match into their connection, like they have been built to merge together and fuse like a single entity as their rocking bodies created a rhythm, but she truly couldn't overlook the sudden electrical bolt that hit her spine when Sasuke pumped her once, just to make the girl who was clamping him in a guilty delicious way that should have been forbidden, snap out of her ecstasy and feel him and everything that happened between them in that moment of ecstasy.

Feel him. Feel what he was doing and more importantly, feel their bond. Because what they were doing, was an ancestral dance that that couldn't have been performed alone. Sasuke knew it and Sakura was well aware of it too, because she has learned it courtesy of him. The Uchiha heir was not simply fucking her or using her as his plaything. He had the ability to do it, but he never made use of it and the answer for it, has been more than obvious.

The once rosy haired agent knew there weren't enough tears under the moonlight to comprise all the emotion she felt in the moment Sasuke told her he liked her and it meant the world, because she knew she has been the first one to ever been graced with such words coming from one of the most gorgeous man`s alive mouth. Only her. He acted so out of character solely for her and he called her his lady, as if he meant it and he cherished it.

Every time he moved inside her she felt the tension of her inner muscles stretch, as her passage was accommodating him, and it was the most addictive sensation. She lowered her eyes to where they were united to see her folds spread wide, like buds of tulips enveloping his throbbing hard rock length, while he was pushing inside her, slamming his hips on hers, until she fitted him all inside her womb, where he was spilling his seed.

And she felt everything up to the most imperceptible brush of his supple hot skin, and it helped her get mentally turned on as well, adding to her suffocating obvious aroused physical state. Sasuke had a way of keeping his body aligned with hers on a certain angle, so as to let the thick base of his generous manhood rub over the hood of her swollen erect clit, each time he rammed inside her, and he knew exactly how to properly do it, for Sakura to feel him all, each time he entered her. She was too lost in pleasure to remember how to even moan. His ministrations were only rewarded with viridian clouded irises flying wide open and rapid rises and falls of her chest, while she tried her best to breathe and not hyperventilate.

She has never been more ethereal like in that moment, Sasuke decided. Everything about her was ravishing: the erotic bounces of her supple ample breasts, while her tempting rosy nipples were pointing sideways, the way she tried to helplessly cling to him, slipping her hands under his armpits to palm his shoulder blades and cage him in a deep embrace or the lovely mimic of her red rose lips, as she was silently going through all the 'ahhs' and 'oh' she knew, unable to voice them out.

Beyond her past mistakes, lies and deceiving, Sakura wanted to feel that real spark transpiring between them. It was more than she could ask for, because she was certain that she didn't even deserve such happiness. Sasuke was a mystery, a strange heart with more masked faces than the moon and more concealed colors to discover than the rainbow, and even if he was no arch over the clouds, he was a pillow for her once ready to crush down solitary heart.

He saved her from herself, from the painful fears she couldn't overcome and she didn't care if he would have been the most wanted criminal or a time traveler from the stars. He was there with her, breathing with her, living with her, touching her, pulse on pulse and heart to heart and she wanted nothing more. That was enough. His bare form was enough.

In the embrace of the pure abandonment into the intoxicating moment, Sasuke felt like what he was doing was not even half of what he could truly show her and that was why he removed himself from her for a moment, making her open her foggy eyes, following him confused and displeased at the loss of contact, while he gently but swiftly slipped his palm under her lower back, maneuvering her to turn on her side, until she was spread on her tummy, with his back on him.

"What are you-" Sakura had an idea of what his intention was, but she couldn't do as much from that position since she was unable to see a thing, although the excitement grew with the anticipation, because she didn't know what would come next.

"Relax." His voice was soothing enough to assure her he won't do anything to hurt her, but devilish enough to promise pleasure. "You will enjoy it."

He sung seductively down her ear, as his chest was pressed on her back, sending his hotness to her. She nodded once gripping the armrest of the sofa, when the unpredictable Uchiha used his bent knee to part her thighs, as she found herself in all her fours, with her back deeply arched in a deep perfect 's', as her firm round ass was pushed up, on the same level to his hips.

---

Pure bliss shot through Sakura when swiftly as a predatory snake thrust into her core, going all the way inside her, deep and hard, filling her in one single motion.

"Ahhh!" Her nails dug into the plush of the armrest, her emerald eyes shut tight as her cries filled the space around them. From that position, his penetration was deeper and he could easier hit the right angles and reach the hot spots inside her inner walls, which sent her mind towards the shooting stars and turned her field of vision into glitter diamond particles, dancing under her eyelids. It was too much, the pleasure getting unbearable.

One hand was keeping her hips in place firmly, preventing her to jerk forward while he was plunging back and forth, while the other slipped past the crevice of her round toned ass, pressing his thumb on the sensitive tissue of her ass hole, applying a bit of pressure, just enough to let his nail slip inside, massaging the inside of the narrow passage. Her moans grew louder, her screams more high pitched and her walls were burning and pulsating, clenching around his rock hard on, constricting him in a vice grip that almost had him coming if not for his control.

"Fuck you feel so...fucking...divine!" As she was trashing her body like trying to escape the orgasm building into every pore, Sasuke let his own head hang backwards, as his eyes lolled into their sockets. He was chanting her sweet name as she was screaming his from the madness of her poisoned mind.

He could clearly distinguish her swollen bundle of nerves blooming from her inner lace like folds, covered in the slick juices that were leaking from the hotness of the narrow passage his member was penetrating, leaking down her thighs, with the help of the moonlight and lamps around the swimming pool. Amazingly divine and Sasuke was sure he felt no such pleasure with anyone before. The way his name came as an imploring for release, mercy and rapture from her lips, the musical seductive cries and the scent of their sweat, mixing flaming body fluids and her would sour cherries and water lily fragrance was awakening something inside him that the young Uchiha heir had no name for, but it was pure Nirvana. If there was such thing as the essence of beatitude and extreme willing delicious maddening abandonment to someone, then he found it in Sakura.

She was so incredible wet, like all the liquids were dripping out of her body, leaving the jade eyed agent dry and hot, because of Sasuke`s burning hot touches flaming her skin, igniting her fire, like the infinite dreams of Sahara desert, bathed under the merciless rays of the big rounded majestic sun.

"S-Sasuke you...t-this...w-we/" She couldn't form a coherent sentence. It was too much. He was too much. And he was amazing!

He was so soft, anywhere, everywhere and Sakura was intoxicated by everything that Sasuke was. He was everywhere and she wanted him everywhere on her and inside her. Their bodies were rocking and pleasuring each other in perfect harmony, speeding up their frenetic move, while their hearts were beating faster and faster.

And so were the harsh pants and the cut breaths, neither able to inhale normally. The level of enfolding chemistry was bringing them one step closer to infinity, with every thrust of the hips.

But there was a vow that Sakura made with herself and she was determined to not break the promise, namely never stop kissing Sasuke. Never. Whenever he detached his smooth kissable lips from hers, to tattoo the shape of them on her neck, shoulders, chest or further, where she was the greediest and more sensitive, she quickly encircled her hands around his neck to force his head up to connect with her.

She didn't even feel offended by his never ceasing smirk. Or maybe he was that sexy when he did that. Whenever he lowered himself more to enter her better and deeper, she strengthened her bent knees around his hips to meet him halfway, just as eagerly. Her cries of ecstasy became sharper, as they mirrored his thrusts, mixing adrenaline, bliss and pain in an agonizing way.

Sasuke was restless and his stamina was incredible. Sakura on the other hand, felt dried of any energy to even dare to protest. She was losing her mind and she enjoyed every side of that Sasuke she came to discover.

By any means, he was a far cry from the steel statue he was portraying in front of the others. Sasuke had two faces. He was the perfect CEO in a world dominated by corruption, ulterior motives and frivolous ambitions, where no one valued anything but money, even more than their own personas.

On the other hand, that unusually gorgeous man with those eyes like sparkling black pearls' glow, his untamed lion heart and inner flames, was the one she came to adore. And the sole words she was able to mutter whenever she was reminded by the taste of his honest feelings for her and the spiciness of his magnetic presence were amore mio.

He touched and pampered her heart like gentle warming oolong tea infusion.

An amazingly rapturous pool was ready to burst out from her most treasured innards as Sasuke continued to ride both of them to the apocalyptic orgasm as anticipation grew to an agonizing extent. "M-More/" Was all that Sakura's trembling lips could mutter as her damp hair splashed over her shoulders and stuck to her eyes. She pressed her cheek on the leopard cushion she was smashing with her weight, as her knees gave up on supporting her.

She was paralyzed in pleasure as waves of pleasure hit her full force, rippling down her spine and the inside of her thighs. She couldn't even make out where she was or where was the source of ecstasy coming from. She wanted to both get away from there and escape the unbearable tension from her muscles, yet she urged the Uchiha heir to push her limits further.

"Ah!/God!" It was the Creator's name she chanted first, before the much expected escalading orgasm finally hit her like a shockwave coming from an active volcano, erupting from the bottom of the sea. "Fuck, Sasuke/" And it was her lover's name she exhaled lastly, before collapsing on the sofa, with him thrusting inside her two more times, as his own release exploded inside her flaming body.

"This is/ You are/" Just as her, Sasuke too was at loss of words. He planted his left hand firmly to the headrest, supporting his body on it, careful not to collapse on her much petite frame and crush her, exhaustion visible into his soft weak tone. It was still manly and enchanting, tingling her eardrums pleasurably as her name escaped his lips, but lacking fierceness.

Sakura completed his unspoken sentence, speaking their minds, more panting than talking. "/A-Amazing! This was...amazing!" She shut her eyes, resting her face on the fluffy pillow, catching her breath and enjoying the calmness of her heart and the emptiness of her mind, both brought by the aftermath, while Sasuke pressed his lips softly on her shoulder. "Aa."

The intensity of the moment was floating above their still connected bodies, hearts beating in a perfect yin and yang unison, while their combined juices were leaking down Sakura's thighs in hot milky rivulets, giving both a pleasant feeling at the sight of the proof of how intense their lovemaking was. "Stay. Stay with me/" The emerald eyed agent felt like saying, taking both of them by surprise.

Was she afraid he was going to leave her? "As long as you want me./" If anything, it was her the one to leave him after the shameful incident with the stolen money. There was only one person Sasuke was ashamed of, for what happened the day before, and that was Sakura. He felt he let her down. But she was still there. She has always been there when he needed. And she hasn't pushed him away from neither her body nor her life.

She could have left, but there she was breathing with him.

One moment later, Sasuke felt the siren like curvaceous body of his girlfriend shift as she rolled on back to face him, giving him a smile so marvelous, that illuminated, not only the darkness of his home, but the loneliness of his heart as well.

Hormones of raw happiness and satisfaction left the jade eyed lady dizzy, speechless and dried her of all the energy. Sakura brought her hand up towards Sasuke's face, brushing the ink jet locks away off his onyx eyes. "I don't know how to make it any better/" She hummed softly while he leaned into her comforting warm loving touch. "But I promise to be the best I can for you."

/even more/ She would have told him, but she couldn't. It was not the time…yet.

"You have given me more than I deserve." The midnight haired Uchiha heir placed his lips softly upon hers, trapping her slightly agape mouth in a chaste soft kiss, while he placed his palms upon her tired open ones, intertwining their fingers, locking their hands together, while his lips were creating dazzling rhymes upon her own, as she was doing her best, in between sharp inhales for oxygen, to respond, moving her silk petals in sync with his own, getting tiny sparkles down on her temples and cheeks when the tip of their noses brushed and tingled each other.

She tightened the hold of his hand, while the charming haired Uchiha angled his chin for a better access, letting his tongue trace the corners of her mouth, licking her lips, with the delicacy and aristocratic manners of a cat lazily lapping smooth sweet cream, enjoying the taste of adrenaline and relief oozing from his favorite lady, caught in the bliss of her orgasm, then letting the moist hot organ slide past her pearl white teeth, pleasurably inside her cavern, massaging her gums and tongue, making her even dizzier in bliss than before.

"Want me again?" He challenged coyly, while his knuckles caressed the softness of her cheek bones.

She felt her inner walls pulsate in excitement at the sound of his provoking words as her core started to throb. How could she have told him no, when all she dreamt of was the perfect vision of him and him only? Sakura wanted Sasuke 24/7 because she longed for liberation, of her demons, of her mind, of the solitude which was not constricting her anymore.

More than his family name, more than her mission, more than her wicked latent wishes, more than his taste for danger and more than pure physical passion and beyond palpable reasoning, was the very essence of the onyx eyed Uchiha adding her missing pieces together, mending her scars in a tremendously masterfully and right way, like the raven haired Uchiha was sewing pearls on lace: meticulous, luxurious, noble, precise and patience.

And she had a revelation of what exactly was she experiencing with him and the name for the sudden feeling flew out of her mouth, in a tiny like hoarse broken whisper, the image of a precious golden nightingale locked in a cage for years, expecting the right moment to burst outside and be set free of its enclosure:

"I...love you." She finally found the courage to tell him.

He said nothing at first and she knew he was visibly surprised as his hand froze upon her jaw and his fingertips remained stuck into her light brown curls. "I will teach you..." He calmly answered, as he lowered his already erect shaft towards her soaked entrance, slipping his glistening in pre-cum and their essences combined head past her silk lace folds, slowly, gently, as she welcomed him inside again."...how to love me, Sakura/"

Yes, her confession has been unexpected, but Sasuke was not surprised. He knew she had powerful feelings for him. The only regret he had was coming from his own selfishness to make her fall for someone like him.

It was driving him nuts. She deserved so much better yet she wanted him.

"Have I upset you?" She made him snap out of his inner conflict with a guilty regretful weak question. "Sasuke-"

"No./" Sakura was making him happy. There was no way she could have made him angry. "No." He assured her while pressing his lips upon hers, as he started to move inside her, pumping her. But unlike the first time, he went slower, as a result of exhaustion finally coming to him. As well as his mental burn out, stress and lack of sleep.

"Ah!/" Her moans turned into hums, while he was maintaining the gentle but exquisite rhythm, marveling at the new way her body was responding. How come the bulb inside his mind hasn't switched on until then?

She enjoyed a calmer and a slower peace, but she had no idea of how to ask for it. And it was his responsibility to figure it out. If only he paid more attention to her body language instead of focusing on raw pleasure...Sasuke was mentally killing himself for his idiocy. And he was supposed to be the one with experience.

"Hn/" So having that newfound information stored inside his brain, Sasuke unlocked their linked fingers, guiding her hands around his neck, while he enveloped his own strong arms around her back, shielding her with his warmth, like a protective mantel, embracing her, turning their intimacy and bareness into a tender midnight symphony.

"Sasuke-" If Sakura was stunned by it or very ecstatic the raven haired Uchiha couldn't say for sure, but she immediately found his rhythm, because she responded in all the right ways, hugging him tightly, pressing herself to his hard rock chiseled chest, molding her feminine petite body with his own.

"...d-don't s-stop!" She could feel the protruding tiny veins of his erect member pulsate every time he was hitting the sweet spot on her inner walls that drove her into madness, and the sensation was numbing and electrifying.

"Does it feel good?" Rapid jolts were rolling down Sakura`s spine, accumulating inside her womb like a lava puddle, making all her muscles constrict and flex rapidly and intently. She could perceive all the details she has overlooked until then while being too lost in pleasure and it couldn't compare to anything she has felt before.

"Oh, God, Sasuke!/ P-Please don't stop! Please!/" He knew she was very close to another trip to the highest peak, for the second time that night, and his own body was reacting to the spell. His bouncing balls were filled of semen waiting to be released and each time they were hitting her labia, the tantalizing magnetic contact was making him ten times harder. Sasuke couldn't help but let his head fall back and roll his eyes at the sensation.

God, she felt amazing! That moment was amazing! Everything in his life was a mess, yet the moment was unbelievably amazing.

Her orgasm was escalading from all her pores and her spinning head has never been more shut down to the outside world as in that moment.

"Ah/this feels-" A thick layer of fog fell on Sakura`s darkened forest green widened irises and her harsh pants have turned into broken screams and whimpers. The pleasure was too overwhelming, as if it grew unbearable and painful. There were salty tears pricking at the corner of her eyes.

It was another sort of emotion. She felt like they were more intimate than ever. He was so tender and delicate and so much like a lover should be and it was too much to handle. Her muscles got violent convulsions as the building tension grew higher and higher.

The emerald eyed agent could even envision how they were connecting each time Sasuke drove back inside her, slower, but sharper and the mental arousal which added to the physical one was a lethal combination. She was flying towards the realm of insanity and she was knocking at its doors.

The caramel pink haired agent didn't believe it was possible to get ever wetter than she was.

---

She could perceive their intense physical contact through each sense and it was amazing: the splashing sound of his firm hard rock member parting her moist sticky inner lips, penetrating her slick passage over and over again, like an old chorus of a love melody they both knew, the damp heated skin on skin contact, the music their grinding hips were creating, the intense chemistry and the tangible sparks of the electrical friction their exploring curious fingers dancing on each other's most needy sweet spots were building up, the scent of expensive perfumes and natural opposing scents, complementing each other, caressing their noses as they raised the level of arousal, as a response to the opposite sex's pheromones, the perception of their heart beats, like the joyful flight of a swallow, heading towards the spring azure infinity, in search of rebirth and hope, and it was as uplifting as a newborn's first cry at his mother's loving touch.

It was possible to find happiness and pleasure in so many wrong ways that it was amazing how Sakura was feeling more liberated and complete each time he slide inside her, filling her so deliciously rich and right, like he should never detach himself from her body ever again.

The alternating slow hard steady pumps and fervent rapid wild thrusts were killing her and the rosy haired lady swore she had no idea of where her nails were digging and gripping for dear life, because her hands were clenching around everything they could reach to be a lifesaver of her still intact sanity: the headrest of the silk and velvet sofa, the raven haired Uchiha`s flexing lean biceps, grounding her hips firmly in place while he was ramming inside her slick cavern savagely, his silk hair stuck to his pulse and sharp jaw line, or the small embroidered Chinese pillow which has been thrown off the sofa they were both exploiting intently.

/I will learn to forgive myself Sasuke, you showed me how, because I cannot hate something you like. And you like the current me. I like the way I look like when walking beside you Sasuke. You give me value./

He followed her hips undulate upon his body, like a mermaid's graceful swimming along the stream, while her pearl moisten bud was unfolded and glistening in front of his hungry stares, as she was imprinting his erect member with sticky milk juices dripping from her burning arousal, riding him deep and slow, feeling everything, while their own minds were blowing like supernovas.

It was a peace that was killing Sasuke fast and sure, in the most torturous masochistic and sweet way possible. But seeing her delighted face touched by Paradise and her body moving with his, as if she was floating on air made it worth it. "You are so beautiful." He told her honestly. She was. In his ryes, she was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.

Everything was blending in such a spectacular display of primal need and canning inferno, like in a masquerade with strikingly different masks dancing together, lost into the rhythm of the night: Her delirious whimpers of ecstasy, his guiltiness for wanting to possess her and violate the slowly getting familiar with his dark realm angel, like he knew he shouldn't.

They were so opposite. She had bright green eyes, in the shade of vivid virgin viridian of spring leaves, bathed into the warm sun rays, while his were mysterious and seductively dark. She wore the innocence of the first sparks of bloom, rebirth and unbiased happiness into her smile, while he was concealing his face from the outside world. It was only the thumping of their hearts resonating together the thing that made them dance in perfect sync.

He said it so low that Sakura has always missed it, but her heart heard it sound and clear and her soul was crying of happiness. "It's how you make me be."

What truly knocked the wind out of her hyperventilating lungs was the idea of him truly meaning what he said. No one has forced Sasuke to so openly admit she was his date, but he did it without any trace of doubt present into his low baritone delicious tone and it was that unadulterated fierce, yet calculated possessiveness, dominance and control the thing that was making Sakura's mind spin like a windmill, because that was the perfect definition of the complex and mysterious power a man like the Uchiha possessed, and it just drove her into beatitude. He even made love in the same manner, or touched her like he was maneuvering fragile precious Bohemian crystal into his skillful hands. He was capable of giving her so much pleasure, but Sakura knew exactly that it came as spiritual entangled with the physical perception, both getting overwhelming.

And when Sasuke`s hips fastened their peace, taking her higher on the scale of dark desires and unrestricted levels of insanity, lustful desires and raw pure passion, her constricted moans broke somewhere at the base of her exposed arched throat, throwing her straight into oblivion. She curled her toes on the mattress and her heels were burning her, like she was on hot coals.

"Ah!/ She exploded in bliss short after his feverous thrusts inside her, when the unleashed sensual raven haired man couldn't' keep the steady slow torturous peace anymore moment, letting them both abandon into one another's embrace.

"Fuck!" His own orgasm left Sasuke breathless as her inner muscles clasped around his hard steel manhood, in a vice-grip. Blood flooded his vessels as his muscles were bulking and his skin was on fire.

"S-Sasuke/" The cool air hitting Sakura's damp skin after their intense lovemaking, made her get connected to the outside world again, reminding her of the opened glass door and windows. There was loud music blasting on the eerie streets despite the late hour.

"/your neighbors..." She relieved into Sasuke's tight embrace as he folded his arms protectively around her shoulders and waist. His body heat covering her like a protective shell ceasing away the loneliness, was a simple little miracle itself and it meant the world to her.

She barely caught her own uneven breath, but all her shape running on lime wire senses were alert to his sharp speeding drumming heart, vibrating through his rising broad chest. She glued her lips to his left bicep to feel the life flooding him through her own touch.

"Hn...bunch of losers."

"Loud ones."

"Hn." He smirked as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, puffing her hot breath on his cool sweaty skin. "But your screams were louder/" He taunted her. Too bad the darkness around prevented him from seeing how red her cheeks were. She hit his chest playfully as he chuckled, placing a kiss on the crown of her head.

/

/

/

---

They made it up to his room, somehow, was the first thing that Sakura has noticed the moment her tired emerald eyes crept opened, as the first rays of sun caressed her bare forearms, next day, in the morning.

Their room.

A playful smile adorned her lips, while the Sound agent turned her head over her shoulder to come face to face with a peacefully sleeping Sasuke and her heart immediately thumped faster at the marvelous sight of him.

His hand was resting protectively around her waist, while his disheveled soft locks were elegantly cascading down his forehead, concealing half of his deep in slumber face. Sakura was almost tempted to take a photo of his serene figure, as the raven haired Uchiha looked ten years younger than his normal self and even more breathtakingly beautiful.

Then, as if he has sensed her starry eyes resting on his figure, she felt his muscles stir as he was waking up and the next moment she knew, she has found herself mirroring into those bottomless alluring onyx eyes that she fell for. A ghost of a smile graced his features as she leaned to kiss him softly once, muttering a shy "Good morning."

"Aa." She giggled at Sasuke`s hoarse voice as she has been reminded by the reason why his usually smooth contralto voice sounded exhausted, but extremely peaceful and calm.

"...do you have any idea of how much foundation will I need to conceal this?" Sakura pointed to the love marks left by the savage Mangekyou CEO and his greedy mouth. True to his word, he has been thirsty for her.

"Hn. Then don't hide it." Sasuke simply stated as if it was the most normal thing to present to the world, as he leaned towards a smiling jadeite eyed agent, planting butterfly kisses down her shoulders, as she purred like a cat into his arms. "Let anyone see who you belong to."

"You are such an egocentric, Sasuke. Must you have your name written on everywhere?"

"Only on everything I possess."

"How come? Am I just a possession?"

Smirking, as he was keeping Sakura selfishly into his embrace, Sasuke flipped them so she has found herself on top, straddling his hips with her thighs, as she rested her palms on his broad chest. "Then feel free to take the lead." He challenged seductively, while his hands were massaging her exposed well-endowed chest. "Dominate me, love."

Sakura`s green garnet irises dilated like she has been surged by the sweetest maddening aphrodisiac. "You're...driving me insane."

"We are both on the road of insanity."

"I will go down with you then." He didn't answer at first, pondering what his next words would be. They both seem to enjoy waking up like a couple. Their first morning together.

"Being with me is going to be hard, Sakura. Harder than before. Especially until I solve this mess. You can stay safe at surface and save yourself instead." His digits were stroking her messy chocolate hair, as she was intently listening to his words.

She closed her eyes relaxing into his touch. As soon as Sasuke`s hidden message has been processed by her not fully awake mind, Sakura bowed her head as pastel rose locks from her bangs fell into her jadeite eyes, never removing her viridian orbs from the onyx eyed Uchiha`s face, while she suddenly looked maleficent and sensual. "I don't want to stay safe. I will do anything for you, Sasuke. Just ask and I shall do it. Just don't leave me...alone. Again."

/Just don't leave me...alone. Again/ For a brief of a moment, the midnight haired heir felt as if they have been through that before and those exact words were keep on coming to remind him of another ghost of a memory from the past.

As if he has abandoned her in a faraway ancient existence as she has begged him to never leave her side. And a sudden suffocating constriction down his chest, made Sasuke perceive that emotion as both a physical and psychical grief.

-No! Don't leave! I don't want to be alone again!-

As a sudden desperation at the mere thought of Sakura being separated from him shot through his conscience, Sasuke didn't falter when he slipped a hand under her jaw, cupping her chin and bringing her down to crash her lips on his own, in a breathtaking sloppy kiss, while changing positions, hovering above her, intending to do her again, only to have his phone ringing.

"You have to be kidding..." Sasuke swore he would murder whoever dared to interrupt him for loving the hot lady again...and again, until the sun went down. He was half tempted not to answer, knowing that any phone call could only bring more bad news, giving the situation.

It was a number he didn't recognize. "Hello?" He switched the phone to his right hand, because a naughty light brown haired vixen was climbing him slowly, kissing his chest all the way up to his neck and chin, giggling at how hoarse his voice was. She stopped when she felt all his muscles tense. "Father."

She was tempted to take that damned phone and tell Fugaku to go to Hell and shut the door, but she merely twirled a raven lock of Sasuke`s hair around her finger, playing with a longer strand in a way she knew that it would relax him, planting soft kisses on his pulse and collarbone, while he did his best not to curse his relative.

"What for?" Then the midnight haired man did something that took Sakura by surprise, when he put the phone on speaker, letting his father ramble, throwing it on the bed at random and engaged the emerald giggling eyed agent in a breathtaking kiss, rolling them over, until they reached the other side of the bed, taking the navy blue mattress with them in the process.

"Sasuke, you will be here, do you understand?" Fugaku's stern command was playing on the background while Sasuke seemed to pay him no mind, ignoring his dad like he always did. He didn't have to hide it from Sakura-and he was glad he didn't-because the lady knew of their relationship. " This is a chance I don't want to lose, since it might be the lifesaver of the Mangekyou." That made him half attentive. He knew his father was a smart man and he worshipped the Mangekyou.

He grunted his signature response, while his hands and lips were exploring and tasting sweet cherry supple skin, massaging the inner of the jade eyed girl's thigh and knees, tantalizing her.

"Hn." He almost snorted at the way she was muffling her moans by burying her face into the junction of his shoulder, for his father not to hear her engaged in a shameful act. If he would to push himself inside her would that make her scream?

"Tomorrow at 7 pm. Don't be late. I expect you to behave." Having said that, his father hung up, without paying his farewells. He never did, like the caveman he was. Fugaku was only polite with his wife. And mother-in-law. That woman was the epitome of fierceness. But she adored her nephews.

"Sasuke..."

"I have to go." No, he would have rather swam with sharks than go home, but he had to. If Fugaku has called him -God only knew he couldn't stand his son's presence around him if he didn't need too- then it was important. " It would be better if you wouldn't come with me."

"Are you running away from your responsibilities?"

"Have I ever strike like a man who does that?"

"I...shouldn't be here...with you."

"..."

"...but I want to."

"I know. I am always making you suffer."

"That's not true. You are just...being with you is so complicated."

"This is the world I live in. If you don't want to be with me, then I have no right to keep you..." She shut him up with a harsh kiss, feeling him tense, probably taking into account the possibility of her leaving him. Sakura truly wanted to beat him to a pulp for doubting her feelings. Even if she wanted to leave, she couldn't.

A mission was a mission. Was it even about the mission anymore? A tiny voice coming from the mist secluded corridors of her mind echoed, but she chose to let it slip away.

"...oh, would you stop rambling already? You are like my friend and she is a clinical case."

"Sakura..."

"I love it when you say my name."

"I am serious-"

"So am I. Say it again."

"You are...annoying."

"~But you like me~" She sang playfully, like a nymph.

"Hn. I do. But it doesn't change the fact."

"Fool." She whispered to him. "I am staying. By your side, that is." And hugged him tightly, so as to prove she wasn't willing to give him up, leaving butterfly kisses on his jaw, enjoying his scent. "I want to be with you. So much."

Sakura smiled sincerely to Sasuke`s softened apologetically handsome face, planting a chaste sweet kiss on his lips, so as to alleviate any remorse he might have had for not allowing him to be his company. "I know."

"Don't be disappointed, love. I have something prepared for us when I come back." Sasuke gave her a one million ravishing smirk, so sexy that it instantly made Sakura more aroused than she was.

"Really? What? Is it something funny?" She purred. Inwardly, the Sound agent was melting at the way he has called her his love. "Sweet?" Everything was as sweet as a daydream.

Nonetheless, his promise was even more tempting than heavenly food. "I will be all yours to do whatever." He shot seductively, making Sakura's skin shudder. He better not stir her further or else...but the way Sasuke could look in the mornings, with his messy wild locks stuck on his neck and cheeks, lazy smoldering big eyes and a physique to die for, was a lady-killer.

"Then I will make sure to enjoy it."

Nonetheless, the seductive smirk playing on the enchanted Uchiha only grew tenfold when due to her promise, she has swiftly managed to take him all inside her, without him realizing what she did, that until she has bucked her hips to slam into his own, taking much pleasure at the way his ink irises flamed with desire. Like her own. "You learn fast."

He did a short quick thrust inside her, while lowering his head down her full curvy chest, to take one perked up erect nipple gently in between his lips, suckling on it. "Just when I want to." She mewled contently. Surely, Sasuke had time to take them both to highest peak of the rainbow once more, before his departure.

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-Japan, Tokyo. Mangeyou`s rooftop-

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Clad entirely in a Versace black silk suit and a grey strapped formal tie, Sasuke smoothly parked his car into his company's underground parking lot, riding the elevator to the rooftop of the high building.

He was following the golden changing numbers of each floor, as he was heading up, grunting and scowling in annoyance. The reason why his loathsome father has summoned him in another city, even if he has just left Tokyo and didn't state his business before he left, was a mystery to Sasuke.

The moment he exited the elevator, he went straight to the helicopter, where he had been greeted by Juugo. "I will come back tomorrow. Juugo, send me the response of the Japanese group and the latest data from the shareholders and bank accounts. And...keep an eye on Sakura. Anything you find suspicious, inform me immediately." He instructed, while getting inside.

"Yes, Mr. Uchiha." Juugo nodded once, taking some steps backwards while the helicopter was taking off. Of course he knew what to do. Sasuke was always precise and explicit in his requests. Plus, he has insisted for the secretary to keep a close eye on some people, including his lady.

Little did he know that Sakura was following them from two streets away of the Mangekyou. She had no way to follow Sasuke but she didn't need to. He would be back by the next day, as he has promised her.

"Good."

"Have a safe trip, Sir." The keen secretary followed the line of the horizon, until he couldn't see or hear the noisy flying object any longer. He turned on his heel, heading back inside. He had stuff to do and the first priority was the Hyugas and their Byakugan. But first…he had another more important task to take care of. He had data to send.

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-Japan, Osaka. Uchiha Fugaku`s Mansion-

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Almost two hours of flying did nothing to cease away Sasuke`s headache. No matter how much he dwelled on the fact, Sasuke couldn't find a good explanation for his father's suspicion.

Normally he would have been used to his dad's unexpected caprice, but anything related to the Mangekyou could have been solved the day before or from the branch in Kyoto. But no. Of course he had to give his son Hell whenever he had the chance to.

Not wanting to land straight in his parent's yard -he was considerate towards Mikoto's bergamots garden, either ways he would have landed straight on Fugaku's tennis court and laugh at his despair- Sasuke jumped into the first taxi he saw waiting in line, heading straight to...Hell.

And his mother. Maybe he would invite Mikoto to dinner and have a chat. Far from her cursed husband. 'Yeah' the deep in thoughts Uchiha decided. He needed to ask her about Sakura.

A deep 'sigh' and a shake of his head were the two things that Sasuke has done prior to him going inside his parents' home the moment he found himself in the huge mansion`s door steps. He was so not in the mood to face his father...but the moment he stepped inside, Mikoto welcomed her son in her own loving characteristically way, hugging him tightly, like wanting to take away all his worries. "Sasuke, honey, you are here!"

"Mom." He returned her affection just as sincere, kissing the beaming woman`s forehead, charging with her radiant energy, before throwing a fugitive glance towards an indifferent looking bored Fugaku.

"Father." The equally apathetic looking Uchiha heir spat in his peculiar cold way, one that has brought his mind one step closer to insanity. He couldn't loathe the man more.

"Sasuke. Before we start, I want you to meet someone." Fugaku informed casually, like he wasn't moved by his son's repulsiveness. Of course he didn't since he was just as bitter.

"Kim!" He addressed to a random servant who was standing -probably eavesdropping and drooling at the young master- on the head of the stairs. "Inform the guests that my son has arrived and we are ready for the dinner."

Sasuke on the other hand, has lost appetite the moment he saw Fugaku's face. The man better state his business or else he would be gone in a minute. If it wasn't about the Mangekyou, then he had no interest in meeting anyone. "What is so important that you have made me fly all the way here?" He asked bluntly.

But Fugaku was unusually cryptically, and that made Sasuke suspicious and more cautious around his father than ever. The Uchiha patriarch was plotting something, Sasuke could have felt it. "It was all necessary to clean up your mess, since you are not able to handle it yourself."

Was Fugaku's pathetic explanation and it made Sasuke roll his eyes. So he had a plan all right, yet he couldn't stop himself from insulting his relative with any chance he got. Sure, how could he have missed the opportunity?

Mikoto decided to remind her husband about who exactly he was talking to. If the stunning woman felt like her sons were harmed or wronged in any way, she turned from a gazelle to a feral lioness herself.

"Fugaku, you have crossed the line! Your son is doing more than enough." She said confidently, in an equally stern assertive tone as her husband. She then returned her warm stare towards her handsome smirking son and put an arm around his waist. "I trust you, dear."

Sasuke knew she did. Mikoto proved it by supporting him unconditionally whenever. And she has always been there, having the right words to everything. "Thank you 'kaa-san."

The unmistakable sound of stilettos clicking on the marble floor followed by the sound of heavy confident approaching steps made all the three members of the Uchiha family turned towards the opened door of the guests room. "Before we start," Fugaku started, addressing his confusing son and his unusually silent Mikoto. "…there is someone I want you to meet, son."

Sasuke bit back the urge to shot back at him "no shit' but he chose not to. "And who might be so important that they couldn't come to my office instead and save me the trouble to fly all the way here, pray telling me?" He did his best to sound detached even though Sasuke was already starting to regret it.

"I present you Mr. Inoichi Yamanaka..." Sasuke gave the stoic blonde man a double checkup, wondering why was his father introducing him the Yamanaka CEO. He knew the man. Everyone did. And that was why he reluctant but properly shook hands with Inoichi.

Then he scowled at one woman who promised to be his newest number one obsessive fan. "...and his charming daughter, Ino..." He already felt his temples burn. Did Fugaku only call him for meeting two of the most boring people on Earth?

But his father has successfully managed to make the ground under his feet crumble with his next reply. Sasuke was as close as he has been to doubt his own judgment and sense of hearing. "...your new fiancé."

His world fell apart in a blink of an eye.

"...what?!"

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Author`s Note: I think that it is around this time when I joined this community, one year ago, and boy it was such a long ride! Unfortunately, it came with my last year of collage and Hell is not a strong enough word to comprise everything I have been through the past ten mouths. But I am still standing and I have graduated from Law School last Friday and I am too worn out to even be glad. I want you minna to forgive my long absence, but I truly had no time to take care of my stories. The random updates I have made, were what I have managed to come up with during my short break times. And this story is the first I wrote, so I wanted to take my time and not rush it.

I am again, sorry for only updating it this late. But summer holiday is finally here, so that won`t be the case to any of my stories again, I promise:D

I cannot even begin to thank you guys enough for still following and reading this story, even though I have keeping you waiting for so long. You are all legends and you have my deepest gratitude:*

Also, I apologize for any mistake I might have made. I have checked on the grammar, spelling and stuff, but if there is something I did wrong or if some scenes don`t make any sense, or seem out of the context, please DO let me know, so I can get it right. Please understand that I am exhausted, tired, I suffer from depressia and I am taking medicine to recover, so this is the best I could come up with. But I didn`t want to make my readers wait any longer. I kind of plan to end this story at chapter 30. So the climax is close.