Yo! Sorry for the wait! I started a new job and have only had two days off in the past 3 months! But I'll have a lot more time for my fics now!
This is a re-edited chapter for those who have already read this.
Disclaimer… I have officially given up on trying to attain ownership of Naruto. YOU HEAR THAT MASASHI KISHIMOTO!? YOU WIN!! T_T You didn't have to send Itachi out to chase me away from your house :'( that was cruel. It broke my heart to see him glare at me T_T!!
The cool fall wind was crisp and hard against the withering leaves that clung healthily to the many branches. The sun still lingered over the horizon, not yet ready to allow the moon it's rightful night. This was the last evening of summer and the cool air was already starting. The dark shadows and remains of daylight were still dominate over the forest leaving the sun a few more hours before it would sink over the mountains.
Tap…..tap-tap…….tap…..tap-tap….. The small sound of sandals against branches was drowned in the rushing of wind in their ears
Dark eyes looked to the right of him as Sakura continued to jump from branch to branch. Only a few days travel from Konoha and she wasn't relaxing any more since the news of the mission. Her chakra fluxed from mild to high throughout the day and it only seemed to grow more adamant as to what she was doing. The closer they got to Cloud, the more nervous she had become. At first when they had left Konoha, Kisame had made it mandatory to tease and taunt the kunoichi about the mission, but all he got was a bow of a head and a silent shoulder. After getting no desired reaction from the woman, he decided to up the antics by adding a little more vulgar then necessary for the tease. He continued to say that he would be more then happy to have her practice on him and the list continued, much to Itachi's annoyance. A hard glare later left Kisame silent as the grave-so to speak, seeing as that was exactly what he would've ended up if he continued. The Mist-nin wasn't thinking of what he was saying and he realized it after Itachi had subtly shut him up. He could have left the joking when she didn't answer him, but he took it as a challenge and continued-only stopping when she would give him a reaction… He wasn't sure what had her so quiet so he left it to the theory that she just didn't want to go through the assassination. It was clear to Itachi that Kisame thought that Sakura had done the seduction missions before but never the assassination. It now appeared that it was vise versa.
The shadows hung low and the sun had slowly disappeared beyond the horizon, sapping out the masquerade of colors. Itachi stopped on a narrow branch with the clips of his sandals against the bark. Sakura stopped and looked behind her to see Kisame land beside Itachi. "Are we gonna camp here?" Kisame grunted to Itachi who gave a single nod. Kisame leapt to the ground while Itachi stared expectantly to Sakura who shifted her weight uneasily on each foot. Finally growing even more nervous under his piercing gaze she snapped her emerald eyes to him. "What?" she asked offensively.
Itachi, in a very Itachi-like manner, merely blinked knowingly before jumping down to the forest floor with Kisame to start on the campfire. Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously but shrugged it off as Itachi being Itachi. Just because he looked to her with those dark pooled irises didn't mean that he knew what was bothering her. Still she couldn't keep her mind from wondering to the mission. Never had she had to do this before and she knew Tsunade was very well aware of that. Sighing, she followed down to the ground as Itachi finished setting the fire up and the shadows retract from the light. Casually-or as casually as she could at the moment, she walked over and took a seat near the fire. The flickering of the flames kept her mind off of the ever persistent subject that she desperately tried to keep from her thoughts…. But the fire only did so much before her nerves came back with vengeance. Glaring at the defenseless flames, she held back a frustrated growl and chose to think of a different way to keep her angry anxiety in check. She just wanted to hit something right now or do anything productive…. "Itachi," she said after her anger diminished immediately and she blinked once the idea came like a beacon of light to her dreary mood.
"Hn…"
"I want to work on your eyes," she said bluntly. There was no asking like the many times before. She apparently didn't care if he wanted her to or not. But it wasn't like he was going to complain. In truth he had been anxiously waiting for her to finish the work. With this next session, he would have perfect sight… something that he had only thought about once he learned it was possible for his sight to return. With a full nod he walked over and sat next to her on the ground with his Anbu cloak billowing around him. Kisame didn't pay attention to them as he searched out a fine tree to sit himself at before leaning his precious sword against the tree with him. Sakura looked away from the Mist-ninja and back to Itachi. Quickly she pondered what the best position would be to finish his eyes but she quickly came to the conclusion of letting him pay down. The kunoichi unbuttoned and pulled her cloak off to lay it over her lap; emerald eyes looked expectantly to the silent man. Reading what she wanted, he gladly complied and lay back so his head was leaning against the tops of her thighs. As onyx melted with emerald, she suddenly regretted her decision as heat started to rise to her cheeks. Thankfully it was too dark for Itachi to see the change in color… or so she told herself. The small smirk that formed across his lips made her think differently…
"So," she cleared her throat. "Have there been any pain outside of the ordinary since the last session?"
"No."
"Good," she replied and let her fingers rest against his temples while allowing chakra to melt to his muscles. Immediately he closed his eyes in relief, savoring the cool feeling of her chakra sooth away the pain. They stayed quiet for the first ten minutes… maybe it was fifteen. Sakura wasn't paying attention; all she could think about was how well Itachi would be able to see after she was finished. She was actually giddy to hear what he said about her healing abilities… just the thought of him complimenting her motivated her make the session as quick as she could without skipping any steps. Repairing the damage was a lot of work, but her experience helping Kakashi the past year really made it almost a habit, though Itachi's was far worse then the white-haired ninja. She carefully wondered why she cared what he thought. Why would he say anything to her at all? He was a killer. He killed his family, but if she didn't know it, she would never have guessed that it was him that did it… maybe his evil twin?
All she got was a snort from inner before the onslaught began. You're dense! You obviously like him!
No, that wasn't right. She liked him as a friend and comrade. It was Sasuke that she used to like.
Not from where I'm standing. You blush and have flirted with him and Gah! You like him! End of story!
That's right. It was the end of the story because Sakura wasn't going to get into the argument with her inner. She didn't like him. Plain and simple. Sighing to relive her beginning headache, she looked to Itachi lying on her lap and it all started to come into prospective. There he sat, with the most peaceful expression she had seen him wear with his dark hair framing his face in velvet waves. The shadows danced across his pale skin that stretched over his aristocratic features and deep everlasting eyes hid behind dark lashes that she grew to love so much. She could feel her own rambling thoughts and emotions settle to a slow calm as she watched him, drinking in every detail and every smooth crevice and bend to his nose and lips… Itachi seemed to have felt her calmer chakra for he opened his eyes to see Sakura staring at him intently with compassionate emerald. The soft hands that was once on his temples now stringed through his bangs that fell in soft folds around his face. Normally he would find this an amusing time to tease her and make a game out of it… but he was too wrapped in the stunning detail of the woman above him. Long amaranth pink locks draped over her shoulders to mid back in waves and her face only glowed in the fire light with sparkling eyes shining with so much depth that he could've sworn they were pools. Nothing could have prepared him to have his perfect detail back let alone to have a trance setting woman sit above him. The calm was contagious and for once…..
He couldn't find himself to get up.
But she-much to his dismay- blinked and realized what she had been doing. "I'm sorry!" she rushed out in a panicked voice. He was sure that if he wasn't on her lap at the moment then she would've jumped out of her seat with in seconds. Blinking and once again placing the facade on, he sat up-albeit slowly. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness, he let his eyes wonder and drift over the scenery before falling back on Sakura once again who refused to meet his eyes while playing with a fine string from her pants. Getting a full view of her he saw that she wore a tight black top with a crimson sash that matched his sharringan completed with dark grey pants and high heeled sandals. Her curves were larger then many average women but so was her teacher. He didn't have to be completely blind to know she was definitely fit and it only showed in her tight t shirt. Feeling that she was starting to grow nervous with his blunt staring, he looked to the fire that reflected before them. "I can't thank you enough, Sakura," he said softly, bringing his eyes back to hers. "I strongly believe that you have even surpassed Lady Tsunade."
Again the blush! And Itachi caught every tinge of color that stained her cheeks. "I don't think I'm that good," she started quietly, clearly embarrassed beyond reason.
"Nonsense," he argued with a firm shake of his head. Again he took a seat next to her, knowing that it caused her to tense, but he couldn't bring himself to care at the moment. "You are amazingly skill full and I'm impressed beyond reason. When you said I would be able to see, I only assumed that it wouldn't improve much from what it was recently."
"You have little faith in me, I see," she said with a small smile. The intensity of his eyes was nothing now compared to what they were. It was amazing as her heart seemed to skip a beat every time their eyes met…. What was wrong with her?
Seeing that she had a much troubled look on her face- now that he could see clearly and couldn't bring himself to look away, he calmly addressed the problem, hoping that his suggestion wouldn't…. what's the word?..... Ah, you'll find out for yourself….
"Sakura," he said as his voice immediately grabbed her attention. The way her name flowed from his lips only sent her rambling thoughts to an abrupt halt. "Have you ever done a seduction mission before?"
Sakura allowed her eyes to wonder carefully to Kisame's form but he had long since fallen asleep. "No." she answered quietly.
Itachi was by no means surprised of this answer but he kept his stoic face as firm as stone for the next portion of the question that he couldn't bring himself to wonder the out come. To be honest, he had pondered it earlier in the day while they travelled, though it just happened to be because of the mission at risk if she didn't go through all of it. Now he had another motivation, However he would strongly deny any of it. "Would you like me to help teach you?"
Emerald eyes looked over in shock and anxiety. Did she hear right?
Hells yeah!!! What are you waiting for? Go for it!!!!
Sakura right eye twitched from the yelling as her headache started to return. Quietly she searched the dark eyes and his expression but no lie was present, no teasing was seen and no trace of animosity had ever existed. In the back of her mind, she knew it had to be because he didn't want her screwing up the mission- which she couldn't blame him. The villages depended on this information…. "…Um. Yes. I know I could use it," she tried to sound casually but they both knew it was too forced. Besides…. It can't be too long…
The same smirk that set her mind racing curled his lips and he stood to his feet while holding out a hand to Sakura. Grudgingly she took it, knowing that it wouldn't do any good to ignore it. She was desperately trying to keep her hormones in check yet with inner going on a rampage; it was a waste of energy. As she followed Itachi, she realized they were going into the shadows of the trees, away from the warm fire. She was starting to regret this.
"Relax," came his voice from up ahead. "I just didn't think you would want to do this in front of Kisame."
….What exactly were they going to do? Especially something that she wouldn't want Kisame around for? Wasn't this just a lecture? Oh, Kami she hoped so!
Bringing her eyes in front of her she saw that Itachi was now facing her where the small inkling of a fire was visible through the leaves. Warily, she stopped a few feet from him, not sure where this was going to go. Itachi though couldn't help but let his eyes wonder over her form again, taking in every detail the dark of night showed. She was a stunning beauty. Before his observing could turn to staring, he decided to explain to her. "When on this type of mission, confidence is the most important quality you can have. If you find yourself making any move even if you didn't mean to, don't hesitate. You have to follow it through to give the man the impression that you have control." There was a slight pause. "Are you following so far?"
"Yes," she nodded. "It's just like acting. Like you would do for any other mission."
"Right. When on this type-even for the first time- you have to give off the illusion that you have done this before…" He pondered for a moment. "In a way, much like your blonde friend."
At this Sakura cracked a grin. "So act like Ino and I'll be home free?"
"You'll be half way there."
Sakura's grin faltered. "Then what else is there exactly?"
"Your technique."
"Technique?"
"It is the way you approach the situation. You know who this man is and what he looks like while having the advantage of him not knowing anything about you. Take this advantage and use it. Now what I have in plan is for you to only charm him enough to get him away from public eye so that we can start questioning him. You're job will only be to… flirt."
"Well, I can flirt," she shrugged obviously. "That's a little too easy."
A smirk curled his lips. "But you're technique is modest and… dignified."
Damn it! Why am I blushing again?!!
Itachi only found it amusing and some what addicting that he had that effect on her. He wouldn't mind to see it much more often….
"Ok. I don't follow exactly," she confessed.
"Your technique is your signature on how you show affection. When on a seduction mission, you have to push that aside and be one thing only. That would be charming."
Sakura pondered for a moment before nodding her head. "I-I think I can do that," she said slowly.
"Well that's what we are going to practice on," he said with a tilt of his head.
Emerald eyes shot to his. "….what?"
"If you don't feel comfortable with it then I won't force you to," he added as he took a few steps towards her.
She stood her ground, knowing exactly what he was talking about and knowing the sad fact that she really needed to learn this… It really was unfair to the poor girl. The closer he walked, the more her Inner was having a field day and the more her thoughts rushed so fast that she couldn't identify one from another. It was then that Itachi stopped only six inches away from her that she lowered her head further, allowing her hair to curtain around her face. Itachi merely solved this little problem by lifting her chin with his finger until he stared into the deep emerald. "If you don't want to do this than there is nothing wrong with that."
Sakura didn't trust her voice as she stared into the intense eyes. She wasn't sure what it was about him that made her like this… She never acted like this with Sasuke, or even Kiba when she had briefly went out with him. Was this a bad feeling?
Knowing that he was waiting on an answer she simply shook her head and was stunned when he stepped away in understanding. "Alright." He said simply and turned to go back to camp. Sakura watched him walk away, immediately missing his touch.
Itachi couldn't help the feeling of his heart drop ever so slightly at her rejection, but he didn't let it show. He knew that she was nervous around him and it didn't escape his attention that it may just be due to his little brother. Perhaps she was afraid to do anything that could hurt her in the end? It was clear that Sasuke didn't take interest in her when they were younger; instead too focused on revenge… which turned to be his fault. He was by no means giving up, though. He would just have to work at her own pace for a little while to gain her trust and show him that he wasn't in anyway like the youngest Uchiha. This may be a little rough at first, but Itachi was one with charm… and he knew it.
Gah! What are you doing?! He's walking away!!! Inner raged. Did you ever think that maybe it was a good feeling?! When are you going to give him a chance?!
Sakura couldn't answer that. All she knew was that she didn't want him to go. Perhaps she was afraid of rejection. She didn't want to start anything with the eldest Uchiha for fear that he would start to ignore her. Looking to the back that had slowly begun to disappear through the leaves, she rushed a few steps forward. "Wait Itachi."
The man stopped and looked behind him to the stressed kunoichi while she stumbled over her words to explain why she had stopped him. He knew all to well, but he didn't jump to conclusions before she actually voiced her thoughts. He wasn't disappointed when she finally paused and heaved a sigh of defeat while looking to her feet. Once the words settled in her mind she looked back to the waiting Uchiha and explained in a defeated tone. "I'm sorry. I want you to help me…"
Again, his heart lifted to the slightest degree and he walked back to her until they were only inches away again. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she replied in a softer but sure voice. She knew there was a difference between affection and seducing… It just so happened that she wasn't familiar with the latter. Sighing, she looked around the clearing, trying to pick out a way to get this over with. Itachi was already a head of her as he tapped her shoulder twice, grabbing her attention. With a cunning smirk, he pointed to some wide branches above them were they would have privacy in case Kisame woke up and found the campsite empty. At first Sakura wasn't sure what he was pointing at until he leapt to the trees, leaving a dumbfounded kunoichi on the ground, gazing up at the branch. What are you waiting for? Sakura grumbled something about Inner and her bossiness, before following the Uchiha to the higher branch. When she landed, she saw him leaning against the tree patiently and observed her for a moment, making sure there were no regrets or hesitation in her stance. For the most part she only seemed nervous, which was to be expected. "Now when you approach him, you need to have an air of confidence. Don't look around or hide your gaze. Think of it as a predator. Watch him and make sure your presence is felt when you stop by him, then when he addresses you, it will be time to pull the charm on him," he explained monotone. For some reason she got the feeling that he was actually hesitant on the whole ordeal but she just shrugged it off.
Of course, Itachi wasn't quite sure why he was giving her all this advise. Obviously it was for the mission and for her to have more ease at it, but if he was honest with himself, he would admit that he didn't like the idea of her going to hang on some other man's shoulders; even if it was for a mission. He would flatly deny that he was being possessive…. Even if deep down that was the case.
"Confidence, predatory, and acting…." She listed off. "What about this technique?"
Itachi paused and let silence fill between them before he continued by pushing off the tree. "Let me see what you have so far."
"…huh?"
"Show me," he said with a change of words. "How you show… affection."
The favored blush heated her lips and she looked away shyly before taking a deep breath and meeting his eyes. "On…you?" she asked while pointing at him for good measure.
He cracked a smirk and stuffed his hands in his pockets to show her that he could control himself while giving an assuring nod. Swallowing Sakura hesitated with a… WTF look but after no reassurance or confession that it was a joke-not that she heard very many of the eldest Uchiha's jokes- she shook her head while gathering all her courage to walk to him. Taking the steps were easy and she knew that she pulled it off fairly well, however it was when she arrived only inches from his chest that made her mind race and her heart gallop. Itachi watched every move-having been attempted many times to be seduced. He counted seven holes that weren't convincing- the biggest being her hesitation once she reach him. With a slow arm, she wrapped around his neck while he leaned down to her level. Taking a silent but much needed breath she leaned up and touched her lips to his in a chaste kiss but after a moment she braved the unknown territory of deepening it. Itachi responded immediately with a hand at the nape of his neck and another palm on his chest. He vaguely wondered if she felt his heart jump slightly under her palm, but tossed the idea out as soon as the sweet taste of mint became abundant. Sakura could feel a shiver dart down her chest and stomach from the soft texture of his lips and the moist of his tongue between kisses. Her mind was becoming all too blurry and she felt as if her eyes would forever stay closed in such a soft bliss. It was a soft and passionate kiss that Sakura found herself getting lost in all too easily and quickly pulled back as the last inkling of sense threatened to leave her mind for good. What was going on with her? Was she really that hooked on with Uchiha Itachi? There was no way.
Itachi- missing her touch leaned tall and looked down on her. "That was very convincing," he stated.
She wondered if there was a compliment in there or not. She wasn't sure how to take that statement or if she should perhaps suspect that he was teasing.
He cleared his throat, remaining calm and collected, before continuing. He was nearly positive that there was more to her then this. He was impressed at how well she did open up however with all her nerves bounding around her. She worked well under pressure. "As much as that is a charming side, for seduction missions, you have to find the target's need for you."
The change of the word from "man" to "target" didn't escape Sakura's sharp mind though she wasn't sure what it meant exactly.
"To put it bluntly as Kisame would, you are trying to sell yourself, so you have to show what you can do." He watched her expression carefully.
With a narrow of eyes she crossed her arms at the sound of her being more of an object then a person. It was to be expected she supposed. She just hoped that there wouldn't be any knee-weakening kissing happening again between her and Itachi. She wasn't sure if she could take another one from this man and still remain sane… How was that a good thing?
Because this is Uchiha Itachi! Look at him!
I see him.
But you aren't looking at him like you were by the fire….
There is a reason for that! I want to keep my sanity! What would he think if I just openly gawked at him?!
Admit it! You do like him.
No I don't!
Oh, I see it entirely differently.
Sakura left it at that, not wanting to know what her inner mind was thinking. Looking back to Itachi she continued. "So go to Ino's level of ego?"
"That would help. Would you like to give it a try?"
"You're getting some enjoyment out of this aren't you," she asked accusingly, opting for agitation instead of the persistent blush.
"… Hn"
"Bastard," she said in a low tone.
He only chuckled. "If you don't want to do this then it's fine. Like I said you were convincing already and we will arrive at the village tomorrow morning."
"No-it's fine…." Sighing she put on a mask that she found all too easy to plaster on and smiled warmly. Act like Ino… Act like Ino… What the fuck would Ino do?
Sauntering up to Itachi she placed one hand on his shoulder while the other wrapped to the back of his neck like before however she ran her fingernails over his skin lightly, remembering what Ino and Tsunade had told her between lessons and their wild nights at bars. Itachi nodded to show that she was on the right track, giving her a little bit more confidence. On the out side she looked calm and in control, but on the inside, her mind ravaged through what to do next and how did she do it. Nothing was clear to her and all she did was think with her mantra; what would Ino do? It wasn't like Sakura never saw her hanging off guys in bars… Perhaps she should think of it in a different way? Instead of focusing on Ino, she looked to the dark eyes that stared fixedly on her and again she found herself wondering around in the depths. Her eyes became half-lidded and her stomach tightened in a ball, but she couldn't stop now. Leaning up she brushed her lips over his but not in a kiss. He seemed to have been looking for the kiss as well but when receiving none he waited for her to make the next move. It was starting to become hard not to take control of the situation right then, but he had more control then that and knew it was to help Sakura so the mission was successful, or so that was what he repeated to himself.
Sakura was starting to get braver and instincts from when she went on her few dates with Kiba returned. With a wry smirk, she kissed Itachi, meeting that spark that ignited between them and continued to deepen it. She wasn't aware that Itachi had turned them around on the branch as she licked his bottom lip asking for entrance. He willingly gave in as he opened his mouth but her sweet tongue didn't enter like he had expected and she led him to believe. Instead she took this time to purse her lips over his bottom lip and began to suck gently… Oh his weakness. After a few nimble sucks she released in a light pull and looked to meet his eyes. Emerald smoldered into crimson that shimmered brightly and for one last added effect, she licked her bottom lip in a tease. This was starting to become too much for him and he resisted the urge to push her up against the tree and ravage her right then and there under the watching stars. This was starting to become dangerous and he was in an inner battle whether to continue or not when she thankfully settled it herself by backing away with her cheeks turning flush. "Um… how was that?" she asked while trying to push all the effects he seemed to have on her away from her mind. It was easier said then done, but she did what she had always done to keep her mind from it by focusing on business.
"…Perfect," he answered once he regained his composure. Obviously kissing was down and normally he would feel the need to make sure she was experienced enough for the rest of the seduction…. But there was no way he was allowing it to get any farther then a kiss. There would be hell to pay if that happened. "You should probably get some sleep," he said softly after a moment and she smiled back.
"Yeah," she said sheepishly. "Big mission and all…" with that she jumped from the tree and walked back to the camp while Itachi took a seat against the tree he was at now and sighed. With one knee bent and an arm resting on it, he looked to the stars in between the tree tops.
What was he getting into?
The next morning came all too soon for the kunoichi, but she wasn't quite as worried as she had been the days before. In fact, Kisame was a little suspicious as to what he must've missed. Itachi had his sight back perfectly and with a few more sessions from Sakura he would have perfect vision till the day he died. Sakura was chatting happily next to him about Tenten and Neji who had finally gotten together and started to move to…… More intimate positions just when Kakuzu was assigned to their team. Kisame laughed uncontrollably while letting her in on what he found was so funny. It was something along the lines of "For his sake I hoped they could keep it in their pants long enough for him to go to sleep." Sakura couldn't help the laughter that bounded from her at the mention of that and knew that the poor bounty hunter must have had some sleepless nights.
"Do you think he would've told them in the morning that he couldn't sleep?" she asked. She by all means had no idea what the masked man was like to be around.
"Nah," Kisame reassured. "He would've barged in their on their hot sex and told them if they didn't shut the fuck up, he would call Hidan over to take care of them."
"Oh," her grin dropped to a dry look. "That's comforting."
"Speaking of which," Kisame began as they followed Itachi towards the village where their target was at. "Should we be expecting anyone to be visiting you late in the night? I want you to know that your curfew is 11:00 missy," he teased. "But seriously, I want to know who is coming to see you so I don't accidently cut off his head."
Sakura snorted and looked to Itachi out of the corner of her eye. He seemed to be indifferent to the topic, which was usual and she shrugged it off-pushing the night before from her mind. What she didn't know was that he was actually listening intently, wondering that question for himself. "Well there is Naruto," she started. "But he only comes around when he wants something or is bored and wants to talk."
"Eh… I'm talking about any tumble buddies."
"Tumble buddies?" she asked skeptically. She had to admit that it had a cute ring to it instead of fuck buddies. Perhaps it was because he had manners. (That phrase just came to me and I love it!)
"Yeah. When I get back, I may have two, seeing as I didn't get to have any the last time we were back home," he grinned.
Sakura's temper rose at the mere thought. "Whores and sluts are not allowed in the house!"
"Why not?" he asked un-phased by her reaction.
"Because they could have diseases!"
"That's only if you don't have protection, kitten."
"Bull Shit! I said no!"
"Then I say that you don't get a tumble buddy!" he yelled back angrily.
If she wasn't so serious then she would've laughed her guts out hearing him say that. Instead she settled for a dry, "I think I can manage."
"You're just racist."
"I live with you don't I?"
"Let me point out that neither a blue ninja nor whores have anything to do with racism," Itachi said calmly.
Both blinked and looked to his back before continuing with the argument. "When I get back, I'm finding you a girlfriend."
"Good luck! I don't think you'll find one that likes the blue skin and sharp teeth."
"Well you should stop settling on whores and shallow bitches," she replied calmly. "Find a real woman and you will be pleased…. And safer from diseases."
"Stupid medic," he mumbled just out of ear reach, but he left the conversation at that. Only ten minutes later did they arrive in the village to find themselves in front of a hotel. Sakura led the way in and stopped short at the desk where a young woman resided looking up, she greeted the three with a wide smile. "Can I help you three?"
"We need two rooms please," Sakura returned with her own smile.
"Sure thing," the woman assured and started pulling two keys out. "Two rooms for you-"
"Only one room." Came the monotone voice. Sakura looked back questioningly at Itachi who was already staring at her with a look that dared her to argue. Well he got his match.
"Why only one room? They only have two beds you know, and I can't see you two being willing to share a bed," she pointed at the two men to make her point.
Kisame seemed to choke on air as he coughed to clear his throat with wide eyes, but Sakura didn't spare him a glance.
"Actually they have a couch that pulls into a bed," informed the woman.
Sakura turned her glare to the lady who seemed unaffected. Then again she was in a village near the border so it was no surprise to see threatening ninja around. "That couch would end up being mine and I won't have it! These two wouldn't go for it either with the size of their egos, not that they would fit on it anyway!"
"Oh… I see…," sweat dropped the woman as she looked expectantly to the still coughing Kisame.
"I am fully aware that they only have two beds, Sakura," Itachi replied from the interruption. "But I think we can manage." Before she could rant about him taking the couch then, he pushed past her and took a key while dropping the payment on the counter with a curt nod. Not waiting for the others, he followed up the stairs with Sakura on his heels fuming that not only was she going to do her first seduction mission, but she didn't even get her own room to change in. Kisame however looked up the length of the stairs before sighing and mumbling about how he knew it was going to be him that ended up on the damn couch.
Shortly after they were in the room with their cloaks on the back of the couch or on the floor. Sakura stood in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips, inspecting all of the assets in the room as if they had insulted her like a class full of immature students. Itachi raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything as he came up behind her. Right on cue, she spun around to no doubt claim one of the beds only to meet a chest. A squeak left her lips and she jumped back a few inches. Even after the events that took place the night before, she wasn't sure where they stood or even if it meant anything… When she kissed him, she, sadly, had meant it, but she was sure it couldn't be the same as Itachi.
"Let's go over the mission details," he replied and walked around her to sit on the bed she just happened to want. Grumbling under her breath she walked and sat on the second bed as if claiming it as Kisame walked in. Already seeing the two people on the two beds, he shut the door harshly and settled hard on the couch in his own silent tantrum.
Sakura looked over to Kisame blankly before turning back to Itachi who sat across from her. "He should be there around the bar at 7:45-8pm tonight so we will have you there… ten minutes before. You'll have to be at the bar with an empty seat by you, preferably when you walk in, it will be the first that you see."
Sakura nodded to continue.
"The idea is for you to charm him into taking you upstairs where we will come in and take him into questioning. All you have to do is convince him to go with you away from public eyes."
"Sounds simple enough," she agreed. Looking at the clock, she forced a smile. "I better go get ready then…"
The time came all too quickly for Sakura's preference, but she had no control over time. It was a pity seeing as she was standing in front of her mirror with a tight blue halter top and skinny blue jean skirt that rose high on her thighs. She had borrowed the outfit from Ino before she left and was deeply regretting it, though it did fit with the mission. She had set a jutsu over her hair, turning it into a lush brunette that hung in the same wavy length. Her make-up was light due to her absolutely refusing to put more on then necessary. She had limitations on "too much" and she was not interested in passing that line for any reason necessary.
Sighing to her self she smoothed her hair one last time before walking out, preparing for any snide remarks from Kisame. But when she stepped out, the room was vacant except for Itachi who stood in all his glory by the couch. Hearing her walk out, he looked to her and secretly thanked Kami for letting his sight return fully during this said mission. Sakura's thin tight thighs were visible and smooth under the light with her stomach bare and showing a simple belly ring that sparkled. He could feel the anger rise slightly knowing that this…man would have the pleasure of exploring Sakura when she deserved no such thing. He was unaware that his normal placid features had narrowed dangerously.
Sakura, though, took notice and cleared her throat nervously. "Is there something wrong?"
Itachi blinked and looked to the door. "Hn. Are you ready?"
"… As ready as I ever will be," she said reluctantly. Itachi walked over and held the door open for her to walk through.
"Kisame is already in the alley and I will arrive in a little while," he explained. Sakura nodded and walked out into the hall and down the stairs, thankful that there weren't many people to see her in such a state. As she walked out into the street, her confidence slid to her stomach as she looked at the still busy streets. She really hated life at this point and cursed Tsunade for sending her on this. Then again, Ino was normally the one who did it and she was in no shape after the news to take on a mission. Sakura sighed once more and made her way down the street with the clips of her heels against the street, followed by many cat calls. Knowing that she had to play the part, she forced a smile at the men and winked, nearly gagging in the process. How did Ino do it? There was new respect for the blonde woman now.
Reaching the bar, she sauntered in, purposely, letting Inner have a little free rein. That was her secret weapon… Men be warned.
Swaying her hips with the comfort of her long brown hair bouncing off of her back, she took a seat at the bar as music played loudly with an impounding, bump-bump-bump from the woofer. It was a bright bar with a huge dance floor on the other side from where she sat and she watched in amusement as a few drunks struggled to stay standing as women pushed themselves up against them. It wasn't until there was a cough that brought her around to see the bartender smiling at her with dark stained teeth. "What can I get ya, sweet heart?"
"Oh, I would love a Cosmo," she purred. The man's smile grew. After he disappeared from the corner, she looked around to see a few men eyeing her openly and one in particular patting his lap to welcome her. She smiled coyly, and looked back to see her drink that was set down in front of her. "How much?"
"On the house, doll face."
Gag! "Well that's very kind of you," she smiled.
Instead of walking away, he looked around cautiously before leaning against the counter. "I get off in two hours… you wanna head up stairs when I get off?"
Sakura looked has his grubby thick hands that were touching her arm that held her glass. Again the coy smile came into play and she leaned forward, letting Inner take it from here. "It would be the standard costs and uh… maybe a nice little tip…" she winked again.
"Oh, I think I can pull something off," he grinned and left to attend to someone else while she took a much needed gulp from her drink, once sure it had no poison.
"You are a terrible player," commented another voice from beside her. She blinked and looked to her right only to come face to face with her intended target.
Bingo.
"Oh, yeah? How so?" she said in a disinterested tone as she turned back to her glass. The messy blonde hair and dark amber eyes was a clear sign that he was the man… a very attractive man at that…. To bad he had to die.
"You must need the money if you're settling for a bloke like that. You're way too attractive to be settling for any kind of low life."
"First off, that doesn't answer my question, and secondly," she turned to look at him. "Are you making an offer, Mr….?"
The man chuckled and shifted to get a better look at her as his caramel eyes inspected her. She felt the fire of anger ignite in her belly, but she pushed it down with a smile. "Goro….Why did you agree to him?"
"I never did agree," she took another healthy sip from her drink. "All I have to do to get out of it is find another… customer who is willing to have a nice tumble with."
"And have you found him yet?"
Emerald met amber and a wry smirk curled her lips. "Oh, I think I found just the man…"
Again the man chuckled and scooted towards her so he was inches away. A cunning fox-like grin pushed his lips and he let a hand settle on her thigh. "What's the usual charge, love?"
"Standard charge," she replied simply. Again the uncomfortable feeling returned all too soon for her liking. Maybe if she went past it then she would relax a little more. With this theory in play, she moved her thigh closer to him, though it took all the courage she had to encourage him. The man seemed all to please by the subtle move and couldn't resist a not so subtle one to her. He leaned forward, while pulling a hand into her brunette locks and crashed his lips to hers in a brutal kiss. She was shocked by the need he had and she tried not to pull back. After a few moments, he wanted it deeper, to taste her moist cavern. Once his tongue darted over her own lips to get entrance, she hesitated… big mistake. Growling slightly, he pulled her head back by her hair that she clearly winced at only for him to crash his lips again. It wasn't the fact that he was rougher then an average- well mannered- man was that had her courage run from her. It was the sudden dark chakra that surrounded her that she hadn't felt before; not even when he walked in. He was dangerous and the taste of alcohol was well in his breath, showing that he had already hit a bar or two before this one. She finally grabbed what she could of her rambling mind and pushed away from him. The man looked taken aback as if he had never been rejected, but Sakura knew she couldn't leave on such terms. They needed the information he had. She wouldn't run away with that. Trying to recover from her natural reaction of pushing him away, she smiled much in a predatory way and leaned towards his ear. "Let's go up stairs and have some real fun," she tempted. The man chuckled and all too quickly pulled her to her feet, which she stumbled from her unbalanced high heels. Gripping her arms, he pulled her towards the stair way before roughly pushing her against the wall so that he was out of sight from the main people in the bar. Sakura tried to contain her composure but it was getting harder and harder as she tried to keep her natural instincts of just punching the man through a few walls. Before anything could be done, he collided his lips to hers and roughly bit her lip, making a deep blood trail to run down her chin that he eagerly lapped up. Again he chuckled and emerald eyes widened in fear. This man was crazy.
She felt a hand move under her shirt and up towards her breast while the other ripped at her skirt, trying to brake through the button. "Upstairs," Sakura said breathlessly and put a hand to his to make him stop. She knew Itachi and Kisame would help her once she got him away from the public.
"Better get used to these hands," Goro sneered drunkenly and pushed a knee in between her thighs to spread them apart.
Sakura was in a panic. Was this man truly going to rape her here in the hallway? Did he know about the plan? Was he just suspicious that there might be some men up stairs in a room, waiting to kill him? Was she going to get out of this without blowing her cover?
No answer came to her from the dark as she felt a hand dive into her skirt. Only tears started to burn her eyelids, but she fought them down. She wouldn't show weakness. She had this taken care of… Again the lips were on hers heatedly and he grinded his hips against her stomach to show her his erection. There was no way this was happening…
She had to think of a way to get him up stairs, or at least outside… "Can we go to… your place," she asked breathlessly again, hoping he would take it as her needing him instead of the dignity that he was unaware that she possessed. "Please, I need you and I won't even charge…"
The Goro looked down to her emerald eyes and turned to what could resemble a wolf looking at a piece of meat. "I prefer my women in the alleys," he hissed.
Sakura was nearly on the verge of using one of her very own poisonous jutsus on him but froze when the man was suddenly pulled from in a violent heap and thrown to the ground. She couldn't even blink her eyes before the man pulled Goro up and slammed him into the wall with a hand on his throat as he gagged and heaved for air. A pair of scarlet eyes turned to Sakura in the dim hallway and her eyes widened. "Itachi?"
Many people were now looking at the three in the mouth of the hallway to see the interaction. No one made a move to interfere. They knew better then to do that. Itachi's eyes were lit in a seething snarl and he pulled the man from the wall not to gently. "Mission's over," he said simply and all but dragged to gasping man from the bar. Sakura followed at his heels, trying to regain composure over herself as she passed many silent watchers until they were outside. Instead of stopping and asking Goro questions, Itachi continued walking with the man in tow; whose heels kicked and dragged two lined in the dirt as a trail towards the hotel.
Kisame came up beside her and looked expectantly to Itachi's back, but didn't say anything to the Uchiha after feeling the venomous waves of chakra. Looking questioningly to Sakura she only shrugged at Itachi's actions and both hurried after the raven haired man to find out what was going on…
Tadaa!!! Yup so the story picks up like I told you it would! And you didn't believe me, psh! Typical.
Anyway thanks to all reviewers and fav's. Aslo to answer questions, the sample that Sakura has of the detection liquid thingy is what shows up on Kabuto's screen from the last chapter.
Thanks again and please review to all those who aren't. It isn't that hard, really! Just push the button and leave a few goo sentences!