A/N: Finally! Chap 6 is up! I'm sorry I took so long. But to make amends, I made this chap nice and long. I hope you all like it!
Thanks for betaing it Lady Hanaka! Much candy to you!
Chapter 6: Bewitched
Her heart kept racing.
Wha-what happened…?
Her breathing was still heavy, as if she had run a marathon; her hands were trembling not of fear but of confusion.
Why is my heart racing like this?
Her body still felt hot and it didn't seem to show that it was going to lower in second.
Why does my body feel so hot?
The moment was still engraved in her mind: Itachi's presence, his touch, his scent…everything.
His body was so close to mine I could feel his chest against me; it was just has hot as mine...
She held her trembling hands together.
His eyes...the way he looked at me with such intensity and lust in his eyes...I...I've never seen anything like it...
It was awful...
She touched her lips.
His lips were so close to mine...I think I even touched them...
A look of disgust appeared on her face as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, trying to get that small taste of Itachi's lips that had almost made contact with her own.
How dare he...
She recalled the struggle she had had with her own body at that moment. She didn't understand what was going on let alone why she was having this struggle. Itachi was in front of her, not Sasuke. Itachi's lips were the ones that were closing in on her own, not Sasuke's. Itachi was the one who was so close to her...not Sasuke.
Why then...why did I react to him? It doesn't make sense ...I hate Itachi...I loathe him. He...he's not the one who was supposed to make me feel that way. I could only react like this to Sasuke-kun...only to Sasuke-kun...
...only to him...
Her eyes began to gleam with tears as she curled herself into a fetal position. She felt disgusting...like she had betrayed Sasuke.
Forgive me Sasuke...please...
A tear rolled down her cheek.
How irritating.
Itachi sat down on his bed.
I don't know what the hell happened to me back there, nor do I care to know but I certainly won't allow it to repeat itself.
Even if he cared little, the memories of the moment were still vivid in his mind: how close she was to him and how her emerald eyes full of fear and hatred penetrated him; how his eyes trailed her body with the desire to have her at that moment.
His body still felt hot and the feeling of her chest pressing against his own was still present.
That kunoichi…
He recalled the struggle he had had with his own body; when their lips were so close that they roused with each other and how his body wanted to touch them.
If I had this struggle, then it only proves that I still have some weakness left in me. It doesn't matter how intriguing she is, I will not succumb to these desires in such a way.
The scene flashed through his mind again. His face changed to an annoyed one as his eyes onyx eyes narrowed.
He was not one to not take anything personal; he never allowed issues to bother him. So even having these kinds of thoughts irritated him; it irritated him that a weak cherry blossom had caused this.
A simple weak cherry blossom will not make me crumble.
The Konoha ninjas, now accompanied by Temari, where going to resume their search for Sakura. Kankuro and Gaara had escorted them to the gate.
"Good luck to you all." Kankuro said.
"Thank you." Ino said.
"Temari." Gaara called.
Temari walked toward her brother, away from the group. She noticed the face that had just appeared on Gaara's face; it was the face he had worn ever since they had heard the news that Sakura had ran away. She, along with Kankuro, knew of Gaara's feelings towards the pink-haired kunoichi so she had an idea of what Gaara was going to tell her.
"Don't worry Gaara. I promise that we'll bring Sakura back." Temari said with a gentle smile. Then, she embraced her sibling.
Gaara was, at first, too stunned to react not just because of what Temari had told him, but of how she knew exactly what he was thinking. Both Temari and Kankuro had always understood him and stood by his side; they knew him better than anyone. He indeed was blessed to have had such people in his life. Perhaps, if they weren't there, his life would've been lonelier than he had imagined.
"Thank you Temari." Gaara reciprocated the hug. "But please, do not die. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, sister."
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
With that said, Temari rejoined the team and they exited Sunagakure.
"So now we go to the Waterfall Village, correct?" Ino said.
"That's right. Sakura went behind to Suna when she was going towards the Sound village so we speculate that she was abducted around that area." Temari replied.
"And so, we'll need my dog's help in this." Kakashi added. Then he bit his thumb; blood began to come out. He performed a fast series of hand-signs which ended in him placing his whole palm on the ground.
"Summoning jutsu!" he cried; smoke began to cover the surroundings and a small shadow was visible.
A small dog had appeared; he had a droopy-looking face and a blue cape on his back with a headband on his forehead.
"Hey, I've seen that dog before." Shikamaru recalled the time during the Chunin exams when Suna had attacked Konoha and he was sent with Naruto and Sakura to look for Sasuke.
"Still as bad-mannered as usual. I have a name, you know." The dog replied annoyed.
"Pakkun." Kakashi called. The dog turned his attention to his master. "We have a mission for you."
The Konoha ninjas and Temari had already left Suna's territory. They were now going in the speculated direction that Sakura had gone through before she was abducted by Akatsuki. Along the way, the team intended to organize several possible formations in case of attack and of course, they explained their worries of the situation.
"Have you found Sakura-chan's trace yet?" Ino asked.
"No not yet." Pakkun answered.
Ino looked down, disappointed, but she quickly felt a warm hand on her shoulder. It was Shikamaru.
"Don't worry Ino. With Pakkun here we'll find Sakura-san. But you shouldn't rush things. If you do this is gonna be a real drag." He gave her a gentle and comforting grin.
Despite all the turmoil of emotions that Ino was going through, for some reason whenever Shikamaru smiled at her she couldn't help but smile back. And what she liked most was that she was certain he only gave her that kind of smile.
A bit behind were Hinata and Neji who had overheard the conversation.
"Neji nii-san…do you think Sakura's dead? I…I can't imagine what will happen if she dies…I…" Her pearl-eyes began to take a sorrowful look. "…I don't think I'll be able to forgive myself…"
Neji noticed the guilt that was compelling his cousin. Hinata had always felt guilty about what happened on that day. Sakura had asked her for help, but she wasn't able to assist her. Then…it happened. Neji too, wasn't able to come to Sakura's aid and he too felt guilty of it since he could've been able to do something unlike Hinata.
"Hinata-sama…do not torment yourself of it, it was not your fault. You had to prepare for a mission so you could not have aborted it and come to Sakura-san's aid. I know that Sakura-san does not blame you for it. She knows you would've helped her if you hadn't had that mission."
Neji gave Hinata and gentle smile which made Hinata's sad face lighten with hope and comfort.
"Sakura is alive." Temari entered the conversation.
The Hyuuga cousins turned their attention to her.
"She's alive…I know it. Sakura is a strong girl. She won't let herself be defeated this easily…even if it's Akatsuki. Her plan was go to Sound and if I didn't know her any better, I'd say that she won't let someone as Akatsuki get in the way. She'll fight in order to accomplish her mission and that's why we must fight too to accomplish ours."
Temari's words sounded so assuring, that all of their worries seemed to have had disappeared, at least for that moment. She was right.
At front, Kakashi and Pakkun still searched for a trace of Sakura's scent.
"Still nothing Pakkun?" Kakashi inquired.
The dog shook his head in reply, "No."
"Then that means that Sakura went father away from Suna than expected…"
"Wait!" the dog cried.
Pakkun stopped; everyone followed.
"Is it Sakura? Did you find her?" Ino eagerly asked.
"That's definitely her scent." The dog answered. A small grin of success appeared on everyone's faces. They finally had tracked her.
"Alright everyone let's get moving. We have no time to waste. Pakkun, lead the way." Kakashi said.
After much searching, they now had a small ray of hope shining on them. Now, all that was left was to find her…and hope that is not too late.
"So Sakura-san won't join us today either." Deidara commented with a rather disappointed and worried tone. "This is the third day, un."
"Whatever happened it is not our concern." Sasori said dryly as he handed out the breakfast.
"Well, the kunoichi isn't the only one sulking. Itachi has been going in and out of the house. If I didn't know any better I'd say he's avoiding coming here. Meh…those two are equally as troublesome…" Kisame complained.
Just as the three ninjas were eating, a figure entered the room and caught their attention.
"Good morning." Sakura said with a soft voice.
"Good morning Sakura-san, un." Deidara greeted.
Sakura sat down beside Kisame; Sasori prepared her meal and handed it to her. The group continued to eat their meal quietly; the only sounds heard where those of the chopstick making contact with the plate and the chewing of the food.
"Kisame-san?"
"Hm?" The shark-like man replied.
"I apologize. I did not live up to my promise to treat you for sake. Our deal was that I was to treat you once you have recovered and that was three days ago. But if you wish we can go whenever you like." Sakura said.
"Hn. I was wondering when you were gonna ask. Well then, how 'bout we go after breakfast?"
"Alright." Sakura nodded with a small grin and resumed her meal.
"So are you feeling well Sakura-san, un?" Deidara asked.
"Um...yes. I am. Thank you." the kunoichi answered with a grin.
"That's good, un." The blonde man added with a grin in return.
Sasori let out a soft sigh of irritation in response. Deidara...
"Um...Kisame-san? Where's Itachi?" Sakura reluctantly asked.
"Meh, what should I know?! He barley tells me anything. Lately he's been in a rather sulky mood." Kisame answered.
Sakura gazed down pensively. She knew why Itachi was acting that way it must've been because of what happened that night. But she hadn't expected him to have had that kind of a reaction.
Kisame obliquely looked at her. Something inside him told him that she was the root of all this. However, he decided not to say anything yet; at least, not until he had a moment alone with her.
"Wow! How nice!" Sakura cried with a smile on her face; her eyes shined with excitement as she looked around the small and pretty village that was near the Akatsuki house.
"You act as if you've never been out before." Kisame said as he scratched the back of his head with his hand.
"Well excuse me, but when you're almost a month imprisoned in a house—because that's how I was—and go out for the first time of course you'd be happy!" Sakura said.
"Ch whatever. We came here to buy drinks so follow me. I know the place where they sell the best sake."
Kisame lead Sakura to the small shop, however along the way Sakura began to stop at various other shops. Kisame complained, but Sakura snapped back at him so in the end, the Akatsuki had no choice but to comply with the kunoichi's request…or better said, her demands, after all, she was the one who as going to pay for his sake.
While Sakura looked around, Kisame didn't wait around doing nothing. During the time, he was observing her, trying to figure out what she had that had caught Itachi's attention.
I just don't get it…what the hell does that brat have that could've possibly caught Itachi's attention. I mean…sure her figure and body is pretty good but all the same, there are girls who are way hotter than her. Itachi could get dibs on them anytime if he really wanted to.
He observed the way Sakura looked around the shops and their items. The way she smiled and walked excitedly resembled a child going to a festival for the first time.
Hm...I certainly doubt it's her attitude. I mean, the kid acts like a total brat most of the time. She does smile a lot…which is kinda annoying…then again…
…this is the same girl that was in Itachi's brother's team. If this is the issue then I can think of a few good reasons why he would want the girl here. Still…it's not like Itachi to take an issue like this to such a personal level.
Kisame gritted his teeth and let out a small growl of frustration.
Ch. It just doesn't make any sense!
As Sakura looked around, she noticed the distance Kisame had between her and the uneasy way he looked; as if something was bothering him—which was the truth.
"Are you alright Kisame-san? Do you feel well?"
"Alright I give up." He said, walking towards her. "Just what the hell did you do?"
"Huh?" Sakura raised a quizzical eyebrow.
"Don't 'huh' me girl I know you did something!"
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about!"
"I'm talking about Itachi! You did something to him now tell me what it is!" Kisame glared at the girl, waiting for the answer for the question that has been tormenting him ever since that day when Itachi lied to the Akatsuki leader.
However, Sakura still did not comprehend the root of the question let alone what he was talking about. She obviously hadn't done anything to Itachi, or at least she could not remember she had. If any, Itachi has been the one that has been doing things to her and just the thought of thinking that phrase gave her that chill.
"I…I don't know what you're talking about…"
Kisame noticed the sincerity in her eyes and the insecurity she projected. She really didn't know.
He let out a sigh, "Listen to me kunoichi, you clearly did something to him whether you are aware of not, isn't really my problem since I can see that is the latter. But in any case you did something to him. I've never seen him act the way he has done since you've been around. And believe me, Itachi is someone that never lets anything get to him; he never takes anything personally."
"But from what you've seen, what did I exactly do to him?"
"Well, for starters you're still alive. A normal person would've already been long dead and forgotten at this time. Second, Itachi lied to the leader. The leader asked us if we had already found you and Itachi told him that we had gotten a trace of you when the truth was that we had already captured you. And I'll add this kunoichi, lying to the leader is something none of us wants to do. If the leader finds out that Itachi lied to him about you, you can rest assured that Itachi will be killed. And third, the same period of time that you were sulking in your room, Itachi had been sulking as well. Now tell me, doesn't that tell you that you might've done something?" The shark-like Akatsuki gave Sakura a demanding look as he awaited a reply.
However, Sakura was too shocked by Kisame's words that she didn't know how to react, let alone answer his question.
If what Kisame said was true then...then...Itachi really does want me for his own selfish pleasure. I can't think of another reason why he would want me.
Her emerald eyes were wide opened; the very thought of being used for lust by Itachi made her body turn cold and her hands to tremble. Her breathing started to become heavy.
Kisame watched the gape girl that stood in front of her and began to shake. To be honest, he hadn't expected her to have this kind of a reaction.
She must really be frightened of Itachi...heh, who could blame her anyway.
"Listen kunoichi, I told you what has happened. I don't know the reason as to why Itachi wants you but the fact that you are still alive with us remains. And if I know Itachi, when something is his he won't let anything take it away. So unless the leader finds out about your living with us, you have nothing to worry about."
For some reason Kisame's words calmed her. She didn't really understand why they had; they really hadn't given her any comfort of the sort. Sakura's fear of being in Itachi's grasp as she was now, and Kisame hadn't said anything making her hope otherwise. However...the fact of dying gave her even more fear.
"If you're done kunoichi, we have some shopping to do. I've wasted enough time pleasing you on your annoying window-shopping. Now is the time for you to do what you promised me. So get your ass moving, or do you want me to carry you? Hehe...'cuz I really have no problem in doing so." Kisame gave a flirtatious chuckle.
A small grin began to paint on Sakura's face.
"Pft. Yea right! As if I'd let someone like you touch me!" she replied.
Death...
A simple word that carries all the pain imaginable.
Death...
What leaves the biggest, emptiest space in someone's heart.
Death...
...the cause of her pain.
Deidara had just finished taking a shower, suddenly, he heard movement coming from the hallway; footsteps appeared to walk in the direction to one of the rooms; a door opened but was quickly closed.
He quickly got dressed and went to the living room where he heard two people talking.
It was Sasori and Itachi.
"Where's the girl?" Itachi inquired dryly.
"She went out with Kisame." Sasori answered with the same dryness.
Sasori and Itachi had always been a par when they talked. It wasn't like Kisame or other Akatsuki members that when they had any kind of conversation with Itachi, it was obvious that Itachi's stoic responses and dryness in his words intimidated them, but not Sasori. They both had a similar way of responding to answers and situations so it didn't surprise Deidara that Sasori could easily respond to Itachi's answer when someone else would've wet their pants immediately.
Itachi didn't comment to Sasori's answer nor did he show any kind of expression to clue how he felt about the situation. Then again, what could someone as Itachi, a person who had closed all kind of feeling and emotion from himself, possibly feel?
Once Itachi had left, Deidara decided to talk to Sasori.
"What do you think Itachi-san will do, un?" he asked.
"What makes you think I know?" was Sasori's response. "Besides, I have no business in this so whatever Itachi decides to do it is not of my concern."
There were times that Sasori's dryness would irritate Deidara, he couldn't deny it. "Hn. You can be a real ass sometimes Sasori-danna, un."
Sasori knew where Deidara was coming from. He was worried about Sakura's well being. Though the answer he had given him was the truth, he did not want neither support nor be against Deidara's thinking.
"Deidara...do not get involved in Itachi's affairs. Sakura is Itachi's prisoner and we have no right to meddle in what he does with her. I can understand your worry for the girl's well being. I am not hindering it, nevertheless you must not allow those worries of yours to take over. Do not forget where your loyalties lay Deidara."
"Tell me something Sasori-danna. What happens if Sakura-san gets hurt by Itachi-san, un? What will you do?" Deidara asked with a tone of challenge.
Sasori knew immediately where Deidara was coming from with the question. Deidara was quite easy to read once you know him as well as Sasori has.
"I will do nothing. I will not support it nor will I hinder it. As I said, Haruno-san is Itachi's prisoner so he can do whatever he wishes with her. All the same, Haruno-san is not a displeasing person so I will not approve of Itachi hurting her. Nevertheless, Haruno-san is our enemy and we are hers. Our acquaintance should not reach more than what it is now. Nothing good will come if we do otherwise; neither for us nor for Akatsuki. But do whatever you please. I have made my point clear enough. I have no saying in the personal decisions you make but be sure that they do not go against Akatsuki."
It was almost evening when Kisame and Sakura arrived from their small shopping day. Kisame had gone crazy choosing sake; they had over 3 bags full of the stuff.
Sasori heard them enter, and went to greet them.
"I trust you had a pleasant time." he said. However, his face was expressionless.
"Hell yea!! I have here enough sake to satisfy me for some time!" Kisame replied. He began to pat Sakura's head. "Brat's not that bad after all."
Sakura shoved Kisame's big blue hand away, "Hey! Don't treat me like a kid!!!"
Sasori watched attentively as Sakura and Kisame began to argue; Sakura yelled while Kisame teased. He noticed the way Sakura behaved so freely and calm around him; it was unnatural. After all, she was still a prisoner.
The girl's rather naive. Hard to believe that she's has that
"Haruno-san, do you mind if I talk to Kisame-san privately?"
"Um not at all. In that case, I'll go take a bath." The kunoichi departed.
"What you wanna talk about Sasori?" Kisame demanded.
"I think you ought to know that Itachi came here and asked for Haruno-san when he didn't see her in her room."
Kisame's eyes widened. Sasori didn't say anything else; he merely left. After all, he had said all he was going to say. He was one that said things directly and what was necessary.
Meanwhile, Sakura was in her room just about to head to the bathroom. Until, Itachi unexpectedly entered and startled Sakura.
"I-Itachi-san..."
Without a word, he walked towards her. Sakura remained in her place, nevertheless she was nervous. No matter how strong a front she may put, she could not lie to herself.
"You went out with Kisame?" he asked.
Sakura swallowed, "Yes."
"Hn. Next time let me know."
"Excuse me, but who made you my father so that I have to tell you everything I do?" Sakura cursed herself for her damn sarcasm.
A dark grin painted on Itachi's face. He cupped her chin.
"As far as I can see, you are my prisoner. I'm the one that tells you what you should or shouldn't do and you have to obey."
"What could you possibly obtain from having me? Your plans for ruling the world are no good unless you have me. As long as I'm here, your plans will no longer proceed. Truth is you don't give a damn about Akatsuki's plans. You just want me for your own personal pleasure." she replied in return.
Her emerald eyes glared at Itachi's crimson ones.
"And what will you do if I do? Don't forget...you are my whore. You are my property."
Sakura's blood began to boil of anger. She was not his whore and she was certainly not his property. There were several things Sakura would never bypass and being degraded in that way was one of them. Her eyes began to glare with even more hatred. A normal person would've felt daggers piercing his eyes by merely looking at hers, but not Itachi. However, she didn't care. She just wanted to show him that no matter how scared she may be of him, she was not going to allow him to degrade her like that.
"I'm sorry to tell you this Itachi-san." She quietly cursed herself for the sarcasm but this time, she didn't regret it. "I am not anyone's property. My body is not yours and will never be yours. My body, my soul, my everything only belongs to one person...to Sasuke-kun. So you can wait for me and rot yourself waiting, because you will never have me."
Itachi noticed the confidence and security in her words; not a trace of doubt was in them. He didn't like it. As much as he didn't like the way she was beginning to look at him. He could feel he was beginning to lose the domination he had over her. But he wasn't going to allow it. Her anger merely came in order to protect her dignity as a woman, in truth she was still weak and he was going to prove it; he knew exactly what to say.
"To Sasuke, huh?" The same evil grin appeared. "Tell me something, how can you claim with such certainty that you belong to him, when in truth I can see that he has never had you? When he has never touched you?"
He walked closer.
"When he has never been close to you?"
And closer.
"When he has never even looked at you?"
Sakura took a step back every time, until she was pinned to the wall.
"As long as I'm alive, Sasuke will only look at me. He will only want my death. So you can wait for him and rot yourself waiting..." He leaned against her and whispered, "...because he will never look at you."
As soon as he said those words, Sakura felt as if something had stabbed her in the chest; his words were like daggers. She felt a pain in her heart and chest, as if they were being compressed. A lump began to form on her throat all the same as the strangling feeling she was having. The malice in every single one of Itachi's words was so great that they couldn't be hidden nor denied...not even if Itachi himself wanted to.
But what was worse is that he enjoyed saying those things.
He enjoyed wounding her.
She knew Sasuke had never touched her...she knew it. There's no need to have someone remind her.
However...
...she still lived with the dream that she would one day have Sasuke by her side and finally be able to giver herself to him.
But Itachi's words only managed to crush another portion of the little bit of hope she had left.
Itachi noticed the look Sakura had on her face and eyes. She was weak after all. The strength she had at a moment in her emerald eyes disappeared in an instant. He had proven himself right.
A faded grin of success appeared on his face.
Suddenly, Sakura felt as Itachi's body began to press against her. She noticed how her heart skipped a beat the instant they touched. It was just like last time and that was beginning to scare her.
The images from that time flashed through her mind; all those feelings...the way her body reacted...everything. She didn't want to feel like that ever again. No. Not to this man. She will never again allow her body to react to Itachi. The man that caused all of Sasuke's problems...
...the man she loathed.
As reflex to her thoughts, Sakura raised her hand wide open, "NO!"
She shut her eyes just as she was going to slap Itachi, until she felt someone grab her wrist. Sakura tried to pull her hand away, but Itachi had it in his strong grasp.
"I suggest you keep you hands to yourself cherry blossom. Or else..." He tightened his grasp more causing Sakura to grunt in pain. "...you might lose them."
Sakura felt her body slowly begin to tremble in fear as she was caught in Itachi's glare; his crimson eyes had completely paralyzed her. Sweat began to pour out of her forehead and roll down her face. Now, she was truly afraid. He had just shown her that he was willing to hurt her if she didn't submit to him. At first, all Itachi did was threaten but never really did something. She knew he was capable of anything but was beginning to not pay attention to it.
But now...she realized with whom she was dealing with. It was Uchiha Itachi; the man that murdered Sasuke's family and tortured him; the man without emotions; the man with a heart of ice and eyes of blood.
The man that had her at his mercy.
Itachi took out her red, slashed headband and placed it on Sakura's shoulder and with one last dark grin, he left the room.
Sakura was sitting in a chair with both her arms resting on the dinner table and her head sunk in them, sobbing and crying. The words Itachi had told her had hurt her deeply. Even now, her heart still hurt and she could still feel the pain of the stabs those daggers-like words had caused.
She looked at her headband and in an instant, memories flashed through her mind; memories of her old friends.
Sasuke-kun...Naruto-kun...I need you...
She kept crying until she heard someone said, "A girl such as you does not look like it would bring the title of 'missing-nin'."
It was Sasori.
The child-faced Akatsuki saw her red and swollen emerald eyes with tears still flowing down her face. He had never seen her like that before.
He sat down in front of her but remained quiet. He observed her and her weakness, allowing herself to be overwhelmed by such emotions. Despite her obvious weakness a part of him would contradict himself. Even if Sakura was weak, she was also strong. No normal human being would be able to control what she had inside.
Still, he could tell she didn't want to talk so he just sat there until Sakura broke the silence.
"Konoha betrayed me."
Sasori kept quiet.
"Konoha betrayed me in the most despicable way. I thought Konoha was the best village; not only its shinobi but by its morals. I was wrong."
Sasori looked stared at her eyes; he had never seen eyes full of such resent as hers.
"Konoha is the worse village ever. A village full of hypocrites."
"Sharp words coming from someone who appears to have many friends. Are they hypocrites as well?" Sasori commented.
"No. They didn't betray me. They didn't help me when I needed them, but it was because they couldn't. The person responsible for everything…was the Hokage."
The crimson-haired man noticed how Sakura's eyes narrowed when she pronounced the title.
"That is why I left against my better judgment. I gave myself the mission to find Sasuke-kun in Sound and bring him back. I gladly became a missing-nin because at least I believe in second chances. At least I still believed in Sasuke-kun…like Naruto-kun…"
Her eyes began to take the shine of tears as she tightened the grip of the hand holding the headband.
Sasori looked at her attentively, I see…so that's how it went. Now things are beginning to make sense.
"Naruto-kun didn't give up. Even if he had to go by himself, he still went to find Sasuke-kun. Now…it's my turn. It's my turn to go by myself and bring him back. Even if I hate Konoha…Konoha is still my home and Sasuke-kun's home. Despite it all...if we still have our friends, Konoha will be our home."
"So that is the purpose you have given yourself, is it not? I can see you are determined. However Haruno-san, I do believe I should at least tell you that I will become an obstacle to you. As the one we need, you are needed in order for our plans to continue and I will not let our plans fail. So forgive me for hindering your cause. I do think is a noble one. All the same, even if you do succeed I believe you will also be in the same situation since you really won't have a place to return. After all…you did decide to abandon your own village." Sasori commented; his face expressionless as always.
The girl's gaze lowered as she looked away, thinking about Sasori's words.
He's right…
The puppet master stood up, realizing that he had said enough. "I will take my leave now. I will not wish you luck on your mission, but I will wish you strength. Your life has taken unexpected turns, perhaps there are still a few turns left."
Little did both of them know that Deidara had been listening to their conversation; his face was lowered and his gaze was shadowed. He had never expected Sakura to have had such heavy feelings in her; such feelings of hatred towards her own village and he understood why. Everything added up…the reason she was here.
Once Sasori had left, he decided to show himself, "Haruno-san?"
Sakura turned in response, "Deidara-san, you were listening?"
"More or less, un." He lied; wanting to cheer her up he added, "I know. How about we spar tomorrow early in the morning? I guarantee that you'll feel better, un." He gave her a big smile.
Sakura gazed at Deidara's smile. He reminded her so much of Naruto; they were alike in so many ways.
Even so, she couldn't help but put a smile on her face. Even Deidara's smiles were contagious...just like Naruto's.
"Alright."
"Good. Then, sleep well 'cuz we have to wake up very early, un" He put his hand on Sakura's head and gave her another grin.
Once he left, she was left standing on the same spot, lost in thought. Deidara was truly a vivid image of Naruto. As happy as she felt about it...it also pained her.
A lone tear rolled down her cheek.
Naruto-kun...I miss you…
Night had long fallen; sepulchral silence had overwhelmed the Akatsuki household.
Everyone must be asleep…
Sakura was just about to go to her room, when she heard some subtle disrupting sounds.
What's that? It sounds as if someone is in pain…
She traced the sounds and found out that they came from Itachi's room. At first, Sakura's body froze; she remembered the way Itachi had spoken to her and how he had grabbed her.
The sounds continued.
I…I'm scared of what Itachi might do…but…but I can tell that he's in some kind of pain. No. I can't back down from this. I'm a medic and as a medic, I do not overlook people who are in need. Regardless of whom they are.
She took a deep breath and swallowed; her reluctant hand turned the doorknob and she entered.
Itachi was leaning against the wall, holding his abdomen. As soon as he saw Sakura, his crimson eyes threw a deadly glare at her that made her flinch in the spot.
The rosette girl swallowed the lump of fear that had formed on her throat, "I-Itachi-san?"
"Get out." The Uchiha demanded.
"I-uh…I just…"
But she was cut off when, suddenly, a kunai flashed right pass her as Itachi plunged it in the wall behind her; pink strands of hair began to shower down.
Sakura's body completely froze; her emerald eyes were wide open with fear. So much was her fear, that she became so paralyzed she couldn't even tremble.
I…I actually thought he…
The Uchiha leaned towards the petrified girl as his grip on the kunai like iron as he whispered with a deep and hoarse voice, "I told you to get out."
Despite the fear that had compelled her at the moment, Sakura noticed the blood in Itachi's mouth.
His breath…he must've been coughing blood.
"I-Itachi san…" she swallowed. "You're injured. I…I just want to take a look at you."
The crimson-eyed man looked at her; his eyes fixed on her emerald ones.
"What makes you think I'm injured?"
"The blood…your breath reeks of blood; there's blood on the side of your mouth and I just noticed blood on the floor. You've been coughing up blood and that means that you have severe internal injuries. If you continue to overlook them, they'll eventually get too serious to recover." The rosette girl responded.
Itachi said nothing as he complied with Sakura's response; he began by taking off his shirt since he was without his cloak.
"If you could lie down in the bed, it would be better." Sakura added.
Once Itachi lay on the bed, Sakura stood beside him and began to trace her hand across his body in order to identify where the internal injuries were located; she had her eyes closed. It was a habit she had taken back when she trained with Tsunade; it helped her to focus better.
"I found them." The girl finally said after a while. "The injuries seem to come from your abdominal cavity. In order to heal you more efficiently, you'll need surgery. However, it will be too troublesome to do it now and inconvenient for you. So we'll do it when is most convenient for you, but do not prolong it or else your injuries will worsen. Right now, all I can do is superficially heal your injuries."
"Hn" Was Itachi's blunt reply.
Sakura began to focus her chakra in her hands and she placed them on Itachi's abdomen. Itachi observed her as she performed the healing. For some estranged reason, her chakra was very warm and his body felt soothed when it came in contact with it; it made him feel a strange peace, calm...something he had never felt before.
It irritated him. After all, the time he was away he had used it to get his mind together and detach himself from the weakness he had shown that time with her. Even if he had sworn to make her his own, he was not going allow his body to succumb to the desire as it had almost done.
The raven-haired man observed the rosette girl beside him; her face took a very gentle look when she was healing compared to when she was doing all else; it was as if there were two different Sakuras.
The kunoichi opened her eyes to check on Itachi.
His body is responding to my chakra. Good. If I'm able to help him, I can gain his favor and if I do, then I can secure my life.
Then, she remembered she had noticed something in Itachi's eyes when he had looked at her before.
"Itachi-san...you're going blind, aren't you?" she asked.
"Yes. So what?" he replied dryly.
"If you like, I can take a look at your eyes as well." Sakura offered.
"Hn."
Sakura quietly sighed, annoyed Gah! I hate it when he says that!
She leaned, "Could you turn off your sharingan?"
Itachi complied. Sakura studied.
"It seems your sharingan has been causing some strain in your eyes. They can't be healed in one healing session; however, if we do some sessions then I can manage to heal your sight back to normal."
"Hn."
The girl twitched an eye in response, And again!
"I can do the first part now though it will be rather short. It would be better if you closed your eyes Itachi-san." She placed her hands in the side of his eyes; each hand in a side and began to mold her chakra.
Itachi felt the warmth of her hands even closer now. Again…it annoyed him; it annoyed him how his body responded to it. But he couldn't deny that Sakura was beginning to become a more useful property than before.
As Sakura worked, she was also observing Itachi; studying his features; analyzing him. She was caught up more in him than in the healing that she didn't notice when she stopped.
He looked so much like Sasuke...
...and that's what pained her.
He was a constant reminder of Sasuke.
It mortified her.
It mortified her to have Sasuke in front of her...
…and yet...
...not have him in front of her.
Her hand moved some of the hair from Itachi's face as she looked at him with eyes full of sorrow, nostalgia, melancholy...and pain.
"Sasuke-kun..." she whispered softly.
"I am not my brother."
Itachi's response caught Sakura off-guard thus causing her gasp surprised.
"I am not a medic but I believe that my eyes won't heal by themselves." he added stoically.
Still speechless, the girl merely nodded and resumed her work. But her past thoughts were still present and so was her pain which brought another thought...even if Sasuke and Itachi looked alike, they were nothing alike; she needed to remember that.
Sasuke-kun isn't the evil man Itachi is. At least Sasuke-kun isn't an inhuman bastard like him.
Sasuke-kun…
…I will save you soon. Please…just wait a little bit longer.
However, just as Sakura was lost in thought, Itachi had thoughts of his own as well.
Cherry blossom…you will forget about my foolish brother. That foolish thought of yours that he's the one who will have you will one day disappear from your mind, for I will be the one to claim you as my own.
A/N: Well, the angst is starting to build up and so is the sexual tension between Itachi and Sakura. I plan to make their relationship develop nice and juicy. (wink). But I still have a few stuff of my sleeve to throw in hehe. So yea, I'm sure that by now all of you if not most already know what happened in Konoha that made Sakura hate it. I really did threw in a lot of clues. Well, there's still something that hasn't been revealed regarding Sakura and I won't say it for a while. (evil smile) hehe
In any case, I hope you all enjoyed this chap. Chap 7 will be on its way. Please Read & Review!!