Title: Accidents Do Happen
Author: Nyaaan
Pairing: Itachi/Sakura/LovePolygons
Genres: Romance/Comedy/Family/Action/SliceofLife
A/N: Guess what? Author-san is back! –le throws confetti everywhere- Now, this is a joyful occasion , this humble soul asks for your forgiveness for the slow, really slow update. Please don't kill meh. Author-san is graduating this April so got really busy with life. (I thought I'll die!) To those who are wondering, the Chapter 5 till here is not edited so it's me typing for hours without checking it so the grammar might get crappy and typos are there but I promise it'll be edited this week. Hopefully I can update more chapters this week. R&R please. Author-san would appreciate it.
Note:
Italic – sometimes I use this for flashbacks, emphasis and inner thoughts.
Chapter Ten: The Sheep in a Wolves Den
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Sakura couldn't believe her eyes.
She pokes her cheek while staring at the mirror.
'Yep, it's me.'
She twirls awkwardly in the mirror, quite pleased about her look. Her hair is slightly curled all thanks to Deidara. She's wearing a floral dress too that complements her hair and eyes. She's also wearing a lacey cardigan that creates an innocent aura on her feature. She grinned stupidly at her reflection in the mirror, clearly contented.
"Someone seems happy."
Deidara spoke.
Sakura scowled at the blonde man.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She then sat down in one of the stool to hide her embarrassment.
Deidara just shrugged as he puckers his lips to put some lipstick on.
Sakura gawked at his reflection in awe.
He's pretty alright.
If Sakura looks innocent in a girl-next-door way in her outfit, Deidara looks classy and stunning with his cream colored pants and black long sleeve blouse. She won't ask how he managed to get those bouncing boing-boing on his chest but she must admit… he looks so pretty and stylish.
More feminine than she will ever be.
"Oi." The blonde squeaked.
Sakura blinks before looking away; she doesn't want him to have the satisfaction of her marveling at his beauty. Sakura decides to stare again and ends up meeting his eyes.
"I may not look like it but I'm reliable." He said staring at her eyes with his reflection.
'So it's about the mission eh?'
"I do not doubt your ability Deidara." She smiled at him.
He seems contented with her reply since he nods.
"Good. You can relax in Deidara-sama's presence because it's a principle of mine to never leave a lost battle." He then proceeds to give her a thumb up that looks kind of silly that made Sakura giggle.
A knock interrupts their conversation with a messy red-hair poking out the door followed by a passive face.
Sasori.
He looks normal with a black shirt and pants.
….except for the penguin keychain that is poking out of his pocket.
"Oh?" the red head tilts his head.
His eyes checking Sakura head to foot.
"You don't look plain anymore, woman."
She knows Sasori means well, but why is it aggravating to hear?
"T-Thank you Sasori."
"I don't need 'thanks', I need cash—"
"Shut up." Sakura shot him down before he extort money from his compliment.
Sasori then proceeds to stare at Deidara who's cautious about whatever Sasori's comment would be.
"If your aim is to look like a hooker, then I say … good job."
Sasori is clapping his hands while Deidara looks horrified.
"You'll never understand the art of being beautiful you, ill-mannered beast!"
A shoe and a bottle of lotion went flying in the air hitting Sasori on the face. With a pokerface, he spoke to Sakura.
"Itachi wants to see you."
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Sasori is walking ahead with the pinkette trudging behind him.
A roll of tumbleweed passed by followed by the sound of the chirping crickets.
Sasori decides to breakdown the silence.
"You can still say no, you know." He said in a low voice as his eyes scanned the hall for possible eavesdropper.
Sakura tilts her head trying to process what he just said.
She then sighed.
"I can't Sasori." is her short reply.
"You're in no position to play the hero-game here. Not that I'm worried about you, just stating facts…think about the situation you're in."
'Is she stupid or something?' his brows is furrowed.
"I can handle myself." She feels like choking on those words.
"Are you saying that to assure yourself?" he retorts.
She just smiled grimly not wanting to spout any more lies.
They arrived at the room where Itachi is, he's speaking to Shikamaru at the moment with a serious face.
Behind Shikamaru's are three-armed men in uniform.
There are computer monitors in the room and other gadgets she deduced are for later. She shuddered at the thought of how dangerous things might get.
A few nights ago when Shikamaru informed them about the infiltration plan, he stated that it'll be just her and Deidara on the mission. There will be back-ups stationed nearby while Itachi and the gang will be monitor their movements but the one marching to the belly of the beast will be just the two of them.
It warmed her heart that Shikamaru, Itachi and the rest stayed up for a few nights just to make sure the plan won't cause any casualty.
Casualty is unavoidable but at least they can prepare for a counter-attack.
An argument sparked between her and Sasuke but in the end she managed to convince him with the condition that the primary back-up would be his team.
She scanned the room for Sasuke, but she can't locate his chicken-butt hair.
"The transaction will be in a few hours Itachi, if you have any more instruction to add just – oh Sakura!" Shikamaru smiled when he saw Sakura. Itachi turn around to see Sakura waving her hand awkwardly.
He stopped to check if it's really her.
Her hair is free from its usual ponytail. She's wearing an outfit that's really feminine for a change and minus the glasses too.
'Shikamaru is right, she's not so bad when she's all dolled up. She actually, what's the word…gorgeous. Like a doe.' He smirked inwardly. No one would think this woman is capable of beating up a man twice her size.
"Is it just me or you got rounder, hag." Sai said with bread in his mouth while poking her back.
Sakura's eye twitched when she heard Sai's voice behind her.
"Would it kill you to give me a compliment Sai?"
Shikamaru just pat her head chuckling. "Don't worry Sakura. You look pretty as a picture."
"Prettier than Ino?" she chirped.
"Well … " he laughed nervously.
She just laughed it off punching Shikamaru's shoulder playfully. Once you're in love, the person who has your heart will always be the most beautiful.
"Shikamaru." Itachi cleared his throat. "Can I talk to Sakura for a moment?"
Shikamaru nods before picking up his jacket from the chair.
"You can tell her more details about the transaction. I'll just get some coffee, you want some?"
Itachi politely declined.
"See you later Sakura."
The room got quite after Shikamaru left with the other guys.
A comical owl's hoot can be heard from the silence.
It's just her and Itachi.
"I'm sorry Sakura." Itachi uttered grimly.
'He's apologizing?'
"For what?" she asked looking perplexed at his sudden apology.
"That you have to go through something dangerous."
Different scenarios were running through his head ever since the mission is approved. What if something will happen to her? Itachi couldn't help, but feel worried that something might go wrong that will cost them a lot.
He wants her to abandon the role of being a bait but he'll be jeopardizing the mission.
He never had any female under his care before and Sakura is actually the first female is going undercover.
Yes, he trusts her ability.
She's strong, intelligent and resourceful but she's still a woman.
No offense to the women out there, but male will always be superior in terms of strength.
The guilt is eating him. It's like shoving her to the belly of the monster, and it's tearing him up inside.
Sakura can see the pained expression on Itachi's face.
It's rare to see him getting troubled about things and deep inside she's kind of glad.
Like come on, seeing the great iceberg melt is quite a satisfying experience!
"Don't think too much about it Itachi, I'm necessary for the mission to commence. Isn't it what our job is about? Creating a better world." She flashed a toothy grin to assure him.
He just scowled at her. "Stop that."
"Stop what?" is her intelligent reply.
"Acting tough." He took a step forward, poking her forehead with a bit force than necessary.
It's like taking a trip back in their childhood days with him constantly mocking her. She rubs her forehead giving Itachi the angriest face she can muster.
"Ow! You'll dent my skull! Stop being so childish Itachi."
"Calling a grown man childish is offensive Sakura."
He might look composed on the outside but his eyes are definitely laughing and the slight smirk is infuriating her.
His playful demeanor didn't last long. His eyes are on the presence behind Sakura making her turn around to see who's there.
A stunning-looking Deidara…
'He's handsome as a male, pretty as a female. He's got it good.'
"We did a lot of planning, assessing the situation over and over again with possible solutions on how to avoid possible danger you both might encounter."
Sakura nods, listening intently to Itachi's instructions but the person next to Sakura is making her uncomfortable.
With Deidara wearing high-heels, she looks like a freakin' hobbit beside him.
"The girls who have been captured will undoubtly be terrified and hopeless so it's on you to protect them Sakura since you can sympathize with them... you're a woman. And Deidara?"
"Yes?"
Sakura couldn't help but let out a 'pfft' .
He might look like a showgirl you see in Vegas but he sounds just like a bird squawking trying to imitate a female voice.
Deidara cleared his throat to regain his composure.
"The mission this time won't be as simple as your previous assignments, this time you got a partner you have to protect at all cost. Sakura?" he gaze at the pinkette who's been fidgeting for a while now.
"I know how self-sacrificing you get at times, I don't exactly hate that part of you but I want you to set that aside for now."
She nods.
"You both must not throw away your life. Going off and dying in that place, will not be tolerated, you understand me?"
"Oi. Who said anything about us dying you stupid Itachi! What a nice friend you are, jinxing our mission." the blonde barked.
"I didn't mean it like that."
"Oh yes you do."
As the two continues to banter, Sakura pats the small bump on her tummy.
Whenever she listens to Itachi's words…his strictness and kindness makes her want to tear up. She swallowed the lump in her throat as nostalgia hit her making her chest hurt a bit.
She wonders who changed the most…
Was it him?
…or her?
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Meanwhile…
"Sasuke, I thought you're against Sakura doing the mission." Neji asked.
They are currently stationed near the Demure shop. Sasuke and Neji are wearing a waiter's uniform as a disguise. Some girls are eyeing Sasuke, even snapping his photo which makes him more annoyed than he already is.
"I'm still against it."
"But she's still going right? Ah. I see. You failed to convince her?" Neji laughed.
'Gunshot!'
A bullet to Sasuke's ego.
Seriously, she'll lecture Sakura after the mission.
A flashback, two nights ago…
Sakura is carrying a stack of paper to the second floor when a strong hand yanked her resulting to the papers fluttering to the ground.
"What can I do to stop you?" Sasuke almost growled.
Sasuke is angry alright.
She avoids meeting him and even blocked his number.
What did he ever do to receive such treatment?
Oh. Right. She's pregnant so whatever she does doesn't matter, she's a walking abnormality after all and he's just a poor spectator caught in the storm called mood swings.
"S-Sasuke…" she looks surprised then guarded.
"Do you know how dangerous it… to go on that mission?" he did his best not to squeeze her fragile wrist so much. He's not mad at her, she's just angry about how reckless she gets when injustice is involved.
"Why are you being reckless? An idiot like you…" he paused before resting his head on her shoulder not caring whether he's stepping on some important documents.
"…should be tied down, literally."
Dark aura is rising from the poor tired Uchiha making Sakura shudder.
Is he the greatest asshole in his past life that he's stuck with a stubborn best friend as a punishment?
Silence.
He raised his head to meet her eyes but instead something hard hit his stomach.
"M-Move aside! Who're you calling an idiot!" Sakura punched his gut leaving Sasuke gasping for air.
"Sasuke…I want you to understand, those bad people needs to be stopped. If I'm captured by that syndicate, you'll do the same for me right? You'll save me too."
"In case you forgot, let me remind you… You. Are. Very. Much. Pregnant, and this thing here…" he points at her tummy. "needs to be protected. I don't know what happened to your brain but if you're not gonna do the protecting, I will."
It turned into a staring contest.
Her green eyes VS. his annoyed dark ones.
He unconsciously tightened his grip…
"Let me go."
Sasuke is taken back by the authority lacing her voice. He took a step back as her blazing green eyes stared at his very soul.
"I am going to save them and protect myself. I will fight."
A flashback of her crying face appeared in his mind.
The time her parents died…
That time he hurts her feelings…
When she failed to protect a client…
All those made her cry her heart out.
Compared to the crybaby she was before, who would have thought she'll be this strong now.
Her courage and desperation to save those in need…
He hates and loves it about her.
He let go of her hand with a new realization dawning over him.
Seeing her burning eyes… make him shake in excitement.
He wants to see her end it successfully.
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They are in the car with Shikamaru and Itachi.
"Okay, the set up would be like this. Sakura and Deidara, you will be best of friends enjoying the weekend by shopping for a new dress."
Itachi gazed at both of them.
"You will be addressed as Dara." he point at Deidara.
'What about me?" Sakura points at herself.
"You're still Sakura."
She nods.
"We put a tracker on you both. Your right earring is a tracker. In the collar of Sakura's dress is a listening device so we'll know if the situation gets out of hand. You must let us know as soon as possible your exact location before anything gets complicated."
"Yes sir." Deidara and Sakura said in chorus.
"If push becomes shove, your hairpin got three tranquilizers Sakura. Use it wisely."
Never in Sakura's life did she see Itachi look so grim.
"Remember what I told you both. Never leave your partner behind. I can only watch you from here so bear in mind, survive… do you understand me? Now off you go."
Sakura is the first one to get off the car. Deidara followed but Itachi tugs his shirt.
"What's wrong Itachi-chan? Did you finally fell in love with me?" he playfully winks at Itachi earning him a whack on the head.
"I was just kidding." Deidara pouts.
"Promise me you'll protect her." Itachi's feature softened, making him look a bit vulnerable.
"Idiot. That goes without saying. I live more cautious than anyone, more underhanded than anyone. I can even boast about it at this point." He smiled.
"As long as I'm going, I won't let any harm befall to her… that I can promise. So don't worry too much Itachi."
"Good. If this mission failed with you both hurt, consider yourself..."
A blinding sweet smile from Itachi.
"-unemployed."
"You devil!" Deidara shrieked.
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The bell of the shop rang.
'A customer?'
Genma eyed the door and saw two ladies.
A voluptuous blonde-beauty and a cute-looking pinkette entered the shop. They are chattering lively with the blonde being bubbly and the pink-haired girl giggling shyly.
'Wait. Pink?'
He sure got some interesting customer today, some fine-looking jewels they will be.
"Welcome ladies." Genma greets them enthusiastically. 'Anything I can help you with today?"
"We're looking for a dress that will fit this friend of mine on her first date." Deidara puts his hands on Sakura shoulder smiling sweetly at the man who seems smitten by her beauty.
Genma's eyes narrowed before smirking.
Sakura doesn't like the way he stare at them both but managed to give him a nervous smile.
"Ah! Great timing! We got new arrivals from Europe. Wanna check them out?" The man gestures them to get into a room full of dresses.
"Can't say no to pretty dresses. Come on Sakura-chan." Deidara pulled Sakura's hand.
'He's trembling?'
Sakura squeezed Deidara's hand assuring him all will be well.
"Feel free to choose the dress you like best. I'll just ask the owner if we offer discount. Please wait a little while more."
Genma closed the door with a victorious smile plastered on his face. The leader would surely reward him for the good catch.
"Sakura?" Deidara called out for her attention.
Chills run down her spine, as she feels her legs shaking.
"I-I'm scared." Sakura clutched Deidara's sleeve.
Deidara clench his fist before pinching her cheek.
'Stupid girl, I'm here. You don't have to feel sca—"
Deidara wasn't able to finish his sentence because the floor suddenly gave in leaving them to fall in the darkness.
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End of Chapter 10
A/N: Hey dear readers! I'm about to finish the 11th chapter so bear with me hm? And since it's a holiday this Chinese New Year, look forward for a new chapter! What will happen to Sakura and Deidara? I know it's a cliffhanger but that's how I roll nyahaha! Feel free to review this chapter.
P.S:
I'll do the editing next week so expect a few errors.