A/N: I return! With quite possibly the fluffiest chapter I've ever written. Granted there are moments of drama this is about 90% touchy feely or as touchy feely as I get. I have no doubt you'll enjoy it, after all, where else can you get 13000+ words of feels? Yeah daunting stuff, believe me…I mean, I wrote it! But I know my loyal readers (you know who you are, be it guest or long time reviewer!) and even my new readers will have a smile on their faces after it's all over! So enough plugging, on with the show!
Lovers Respite
He remembered soft hands, softer than any silk or fabric known to man. They cradled and stroked his head in the darkness. Darkness…he had narrowly escaped it once again.
"Did we make it?"
Sasuke's eyes fluttered open, blinking several times in an attempt to adjust to the changing lighting of the car. His voice was a whisper but, it might as well have been a shout in the quiet of the backseat. His eyes focused slowly as he peered up at the woman above him, her bright smile guiding him back into the world of the living. It was the kind of sight he wished he could wake up to every morning.
"Yeah…we did Sasuke-kun. We're safe." she assured taking his hand in her own and caressing her cheek with it. Karin watched the display from the rearview with a frown and a tightened chest, her grip stiffening reflexively against the steering wheel. She was the one who deserved his touch, his praise, his affection, for all that she had done. Yet here he was, cozying up to the enemy, sleeping with her. The mental image made the redhead cringe and almost miss her exit as they quickly approached their destination. When they arrived, Sakura took the initiative to leave the vehicle and slide the heavy steel door to the warehouse open, allowing them to pull in. Karin however chose to do so at an extremely slow pace.
"Karin, why are you—"
"We need to leave her Sasuke-kun. All of them." she chimed sternly, watching his reaction in the rearview. "They're more trouble than they're worth."
"No." he responded flatly, a tone that left little room for discussion, even less when he moved to leave the vehicle.
"Please Sasuke-kun listen, she—!"
"Enough!" he snapped, effectively shutting her mouth with his harshness, "I'll hear no more of this…this jealous fit Karin. She saved my life—your life. You should be more grateful. And if you speak a word of this to Sakura I promise, I will not be so understanding."
He punctuated his dismissive lecture with a rough slam of the car door as he exited. He winced in pain, momentarily forgetting his own injury in his frustration. Sakura was quick to rush to his side at the sound of his grunt, so quick that she neglected to close the door to the warehouse. She wasn't too wrapped up in Sasuke to notice the sideways glare Karin shot her as she exited from the driver side however. The moment she had shared with Sasuke no doubt the root of her ire.
"Jugo! Suigetsu! Get out here!" shouted the redhead searching around the silent hanger for the two only to be answered by more silence. She noticed the missing SUV and growled in irritation, clambering atop the patrol torpedo boat, "I swear if they went out whoring…"
Just then a midnight sedan came to a screeching halt inside the warehouse barely five feet away from Sasuke and Sakura. Out stepped Naruto, suit disheveled and breathing fire as he hastily stalked towards them. Sakura gulped at the sight, stepping between the two before it was too late.
"Naruto wait, please!" she pled, holding her arms out to halt his advance, but to no avail. He kept walking, pushing her back until she was practically sandwiched between the two.
"Goddamnit Sakura, stop defending him! Look what he's done to you!" exclaimed the blonde, pointing to the visible bruises on her neck. Sasuke growled at the dobes biting tone; fighting the urge to give him the physical confrontation he clearly desired.
"I never hurt Sakura you idiot." shot back the injured man. It was no surprise to Sakura that he was unwilling to back down, especially after Naruto's accusation, but to instigate a fight with an insult...
"Sasuke-kun stop it! Naruto I—"
"Lying bastard! You were choking her, h-had a gun to her head!" spat Naruto, his eyes aflame as he all but shoved Sakura from between them. Sakura could see that it wouldn't be long before the two came to blows, and all of Sasuke's pride couldn't protect him from the imminent beating.
Before the situation could come to a head, the familiar bang of a shot rang out and struck the steel of the roof, effectively drawing everyone's attention. Karin had clearly seen enough, "Touch him and I'll put a bullet in the both of you Interpol bastards."
Sakura took advantage of the distraction and distanced Naruto and Sasuke once again, "I wasn't him Naruto. Akatsuki they…Itachi attacked us."
"I-Itachi? B-but I saw you…He took you hostage." stammered the blonde trying to wrap his mind around the new development.
"My…brother fled before security arrived. They would have gunned Karin and I down, given the way things looked. It had to be done." explained the dark haired man, watching anger flare on his counterparts face once again.
"Teme…"
"It was my idea Naruto. If you want to blame someone, blame me." Sakura stood up tall as she faced her partner and whatever verbal battery he had planned for Sasuke. But instead she watched his fists unclench and eyes soften for a moment as he looked between Sasuke and herself.
"…I took no pleasure in putting Sakura in that position." added the Uchiha, in hopes of softening the truth. Though he'd never know if they did any good. When the blonde opened his mouth to respond he was silenced by the sound of skidding tires. He and Sakura barely had enough time to leap out of the way, narrowly avoiding getting crushed when the large SUV sideswiped Naruto's sedan. Almost immediately out stumbled Suigetsu, Jugo, and Sai; all battered and bruised, and not from just the crash.
"What the hell happened to you two?" questioned Karin loudly, watching her comrades' stagger about as they tried to regain their faculties.
"Ki—Kisame! That shark bastard, he—Kakuzu…killed him." panted the cerulean haired man as he planted his hands on his knees and tried to catch his breath. Sai, even though emerging from the backseat, looked worse than the rest; limping and clutching his side as he approached.
"Kisame killed Kakuzu. I couldn't stop him." elaborated Sai with an uncharacteristic grunt of pain, "Luckily; Suigetsu and Jugo arrived before I suffered the same fate."
"We went to rescue Sasuke-san, but we got the wrong room." toned Jugo, painstakingly crossing the distance and bowing to his leader, "I'm glad you're safe."
"Not so sure about that. We um…may have been followed." chimed Suigetsu scratching the back of his head when he was the recipient of several glares, "Hey! You try out running the cops in something that big!"
"Goddamnit! Now we need to leave, Sasuke!" panicked the redhead harpy from the vessel, her white nurse's shoes clanking annoyingly against the hull as she paced back and forth.
"Out of the frying pan..." Sasuke mused inwardly as he looked to the rest of his compatriots, specifically the ones whose loyalty was still in question. If Sakura had any sanity left in her, she'd leave and take her partners with her. Though he couldn't fault her for what their time together made her feel for him. Kami knows how he'd miss her soft hands and gentle smile if she was no longer a constant in his life. Even now as she gingerly touched his bandaged arm he could feel his body warm under her fingertips.
"We are leaving." he began, his onyx eyes hard on the agents as he chose his next words wisely. "Nothing you say or do can stop that, but you need to choose, all of you do. Will you follow or will you leave?"
"Sasuke-kun…" breathed the pinkette, slightly taken aback by the fact that he'd given them an option this time.
"Go back to your superiors and tell them whatever you need to, I won't blame you." he continued, the faint sound of sirens coming to his ears. "But if you follow, know that I cannot promise your safety any more than I could my own or my crews."
"We can fix this Sasuke-kun, you don't have to—"
"But I do. I am doing what I must Sakura. Now choose, before it is decided for the both of us." cut in the Uchiha firmly, instantly regretting the distressed look that crossed her face. While the choice was truly up to the group, he had unconsciously made her decision his sole focus. It was her he cared about the most, and he didn't care if his little Freudian slip let everyone know. Suigetsu and Jugo had already crossed the threshold and joined his side; the situation all too reminiscent of the last time lines of loyalty had been drawn.
The sirens were close now, slowly approaching, but close. Emerald and onyx locked for what seemed to be an eternity, silently asking each other for the strength to do what was necessary. When Sasuke took a step backwards, Sakura took two forward; her apprehension giving way to steely determination.
"I'm not leaving you Sasuke-kun." her voice just above a whisper as she took her place beside him. He was surprised to say the least, even more so when she stealthily took his hand in her small one as if to emphasize her resolve.
"Sakura-chan…you know I can't leave you in teme's hands. Tsunade-baachan would have my head!" Naruto stepped forward, his eyes hard on Sasuke, "I'm trusting you on this one Sasuke, we all are. So don't screw it up!"
"Tsunade-sama will have all of our heads for this. We may as well make the best of it." retorted Sai, shaking his head at the futility of arguing their current situation before joining the rest of his associates.
"Great! Now that we've got all the touchy feely crap out of the way, can we get the hell out of here!?" shouted Suigetsu from the ship, clearly getting anxious with the authorities just a few moments away.
"Prepare for launch. Jugo, quickly torch the vehicles. Everyone on the ship now." ordered the Uchiha, wasting no time himself as he struggled to climb aboard the vessel. By the time half of them had descended into the hull the authorities were upon them. They stormed the warehouse; luckily there was no time for them to draw their weapons. The fires Jugo had set decided to ignite the vehicles' gas tanks and combust into a blazing inferno, knocking all of them off their feet. Sasuke landed inside the bridge with a groan as he stumbled to one knee, waving off Sakuras aid, "Get us out of here, now!"
"The engines been cold so long, if I—!"
"I'll do it myself!" barked Sasuke, roughly handling the throttle and making the engine roar. The sudden backwards motion sent everyone a few steps forward, save for Suigetsu who was secure in his seat. They flew through the barely open gates of the warehouse and quickly spun around and out onto open water, hearing the faint sound of rounds peppering the steel hull of their getaway vehicle. "They'll mobilize the coast guard soon. Keep it at top speed for as long as possible. If we don't make it to Mikurajima by sunrise…we're as good as dead."
The grim command was only made more ominous by the way he silently exited the packed room, Sakura trailing close behind. She watched uncomfortably as he struggled to work the heavy door of his room. When he growled in frustration, she placed her hand on his, if only to stop him from doing something that would only hurt himself.
"Here, let me help…" she whispered, working the steel handle of his door until it gave way. Instantly they were assaulted by the pungent aroma of stale cigarettes. The room was just as he left it; an overfull ashtray, bed unmade, empty magazines and boxes of ammunition strewn everywhere on the dresser and bookshelf. It was depressing to say the least, and the last thing either of them needed right now.
"How long do you plan on helping me, Sakura?" he asked, stumbling into the room when the ship lurched at Suigetsu's command. The sudden maneuvering sent Sasuke to the bed in very un-Uchiha like fashion, to which Sakura suppressed her giggle. She sat beside him on the bed, attempting to decipher his words, not knowing if he was trying to be cute or just his typical morose self.
"I'll stop helping as soon as you stop putting yourself in these situations." quipped the pinkette, bringing her hand to his face to brush obsidian locks from his eyes. Sakura watched the corners of his lips twitch at the contact. He'd never admit it if she questioned, but she could feel his head lull slightly towards her touch. Her hand trailed down the side of his face, feeling the early beginnings of his stubble emerging as she traced his chin. She explored further still, down the side of his neck, before being caught by Sasuke's larger hand just short of her goal. "Don't be stubborn Sasuke-kun. Your bandages need to be changed and without Doctor Shim, I'm the best you've got."
He couldn't help but frown at the blunt truth about his current state, he was no good right now, but he hated being doted on. Though he had to admit she was a marked improvement from the diminutive doctor, aesthetically at least. Begrudgingly, he grunted his willingness to submit to her medical attention, directing her to the first aid kit in his bathroom. When she returned with her supplies, she took a seat behind him and carefully began undoing his bandages, "So…Mikurajima?"
"We have a safehouse, it should—ugh! Keep us out of sight while we wait for the—ah! Heat to die down." explained the Uchiha, unashamed of the pained grunts he released when his nurses otherwise steady hands slipped while she cleaned and redressed his wounds. She moved to his front to examine his last injury, the only one to not have its healing halted by Sasuke's carelessness. Slowly, she removed the tape and gauze from his pectoral, revealing the now scarred version of his tattoo. The alabaster serpents coiled body had been cleaved by Hidans blade, its dissolving stitches distorting the seal somewhat. Even though it had healed considerably better than his other wounds, Sakura still frowned at the thought of the scar he'd earn when it was finished.
"It's fine." Sasuke said seemingly out of the blue. He had seen the small change in her facial features and knew what she was thinking. Ever the worrier, as always. When her dainty hands finished cleaning the closing wound and bandaging it, he captured them; her focus shifting to his dark eyes. From what she'd learned in her time with the Uchiha, he was mulling over something, something beyond her own understanding. She was still just as confused when he gently pulled her standing form closer, stopping between his legs as she stared down at his intense gaze.
"Sasuke-kun…?"
"It's a part of my past that I'll always carry with me. No matter how much I wish I could erase it all." he began, turning his head away to avoid her wide eyes. Despite the love he knew she had for him, he could still see the small twinkle of fear for what he had become, what he once was. "I thought that I could kill it all…kill it with blood and fire…make it all disappear."
"You were grieving—angry. I was too." reasoned Sakura, her soft voice drawing his gaze once again, "I…I forgive you. I know Kin, Tayuya, and the—", she gasped once she realized what she had said, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to…"
He shook his head at her apology. It wasn't that her understanding wasn't appreciated, but that night changed had him, "I'm not Yakuza anymore. All of Orochimaru's enforcers died that night." His voice had become solemn as he stared deep into her emerald irises; this time determined to show her his resolve. "Ever since Nagano; ever since Hidan and Kakuzu…ever since I—" the words caught in his throat as he recalled the cold darkness that had been his brush with death. He shook off the memory and focused back on the woman before him, "I know now that I was a fool for trying to kill my past using the same means that tainted it. And you…you've been there through it all. You suffered, and bled trying to guide me…I'm sorry."
Sakura's hands found their way to his face, stroking his cheek with her thumb. It was becoming more common; glimpsing Sasuke's inner most thoughts and emotions, but the rarity of such a thing still touched her deeply. He apologized countless times for who he had been at his darkest, but she didn't need it. She knew it wasn't him; it wasn't who he truly had become. It was what his circumstances had tried to make him. And all of the death and destruction could never mold him into a man she didn't love. The Uchiha Sasuke she knew in the Academy, Konoha P.D., and Interpol was still there. She pulled his head to her chest and stroked the growing length of his hair; it was a loving gesture, the only one she could offer without hurting him. "Don't be, Sasuke-kun. I promised, remember?"
Her name was a muffled vibration against her chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her down onto the bed on top of him, despite the pain that accompanied the action. She nibbled on her bottom lips when he began kissing and nipping at her neck. She shouldn't have been surprised that he wanted to be intimate; his stint in the hospital coupled with the events leading up to it had been the longest they'd gone without being physical with one another. And as much as her body desired such intimacy, she couldn't in all good conscience go through with it, "We shouldn't, Sasuke-kun." she breathed, doing her best to keep her resolve from crumbling as he ravaged her neck.
"We won't." he assured huskily. As he stopped his ministrations, he noticed the finger shaped bruises that marred her neck, making him scowl inwardly. "I won't let him touch you. Never again." he thought darkly. He reflexively tightened his hold on her waist before moving to look her full in her slightly flushed face, "I doubt I'd be able to properly satisfy you in my current state."
He was teasing her and she knew it, though it didn't stop her blush from darkening two shades at his comment and the smirk that accompanied it. She wasn't that hard to satisfy, he was just an above average lover. He had quickly learned the ins and outs of what she liked; not to mention his amazing perception of when to be gentle and loving, and when to be more dominating. Now here she was recollecting his prowess in bed with her mouth wide and face as red as a tomato at the mere implication that she was a needy lover. She hid her face in his bare chest, unable to look at him while he grinned at her, "That's not true." she muttered, instantly regretting that he may take her response for wanton desire.
Before he could do anything to press the issue, she pried herself from his grip with relative ease and stood up, "I-I should go check on Sai...make sure he isn't too hurt. Try to get some rest Sasuke-kun." Before he could object she disappeared behind his door, "I'll be back."
Sakura's hand padded the unsteady corridors of the speeding vessel as she made her way down to the barracks she once called home. Before she reached the small staircase she passed the galley and its solitary occupant, Karin. She paused just outside the vestibule, having caught the same glare the redhead had sported at the docks. She didn't even stop when their eyes locked for more than a few moments. If the words Sasuke and her had shared were not enough to dissolve the animosity, Sakura would have to handle the situation herself.
"Karin…is there some sort of problem, between us?" asked the rose haired agent, entering the kitchen when the other woman rose to her feet. She was still dressed in her nurse's outfit, but her demeanor was anything but kind or caring. Sakura made the first move, stepping into the small kitchen calmly with her back stiffened. While she had no intention of fighting the woman over something as juvenile as a man, she had learned from her time with Taka that sometimes a show of force ended conflicts before they truly began; if not, it was still better to be feared than respected.
"You're the problem." she spat, stepping forward as well, to face her counterpart, her hateful glare now a permanent fixture. "Despite what Sasuke-kun says, you've outstayed your welcome here. All of you have."
"Well, despite what you say, we are still here." countered Sakura, quite proud of her self control when Karin had been so brazenly forthcoming with her grievance. "I'm sure you wouldn't doubt Sasuke-kun, or his decisions."
Her inflection of Sasuke's added suffix clearly struck a nerve, seeing as Karin took yet another step forward, this time with teeth bared and fists clenched. Inwardly, Sakura kicked herself for using such a petty ploy, the likes of which her childhood friend, Ino, would be proud of. But she couldn't back down, not now. Not even when the woman opened her mouth to deliver what the pinkette was sure would either be a slew of slurs, or something more physical. "Don't you ever doubt my loyalty you bitch. It was your hesitation…your conscience that put him in the hospital; nearly killed him!"
Now Sakura was seeing red. In an instant she had Karin pressed against the hard steel of the wall with her neck trapped beneath her forearm. With the air momentarily knocked from her lungs, all the redhead could do was continue glaring as their equally intense stares clashed, peridot against crimson. Sakura was livid to say the least, and not just because "bitch" was a trigger for her. The events of Chiyoda had plagued her mind every waking minute while she watched over Sasuke helplessly. She had blamed everyone and everything imaginable for what transpired that night, including herself, "You think I don't know that!?"
When Karin opened her mouth in retaliation, she was quickly silenced by the added pressure. Clearly Sakura was not done speaking. "I-I only did what I thought was right. Same as Sasuke. But that doesn't mean I don't care for him, like I know he does for me." Noticing the slight shift in Sakura's hold on her throat, Karin summoned her strength and pushed the other woman several feet back. Karin knew she could never in a million years win against the rose haired agent's freakish strength, so she would have to settle for venting while she was still infuriated.
"What makes you think you know him? You think because you share his bed and spread your legs for him…say you love him…you know him!?" she challenged through grinding teeth; her anger was quickly getting the better of her, especially after being accosted. "You must also think he'll take you with him when this is all over, like some sort of Bonnie and Clyde? Tch! He'll throw you away once he sees your true colors. A prissy cop who just wanted to fuck her schoolyard crush—!"
"Shannaro!" the jarring battle cry shocked Karin, almost as much as the blow to her jaw that sent her sprawling to the floor. Before she could regain her faculties she was being dragged to her feet by her collar and slammed against the galley table. Sakura was breathing fire down the redheads throat by the time she realized the sort of position her loudmouth had put her in. Her next words were dark and cut the frightened woman to the core, "Hate me if you want Karin, but the next time you have something to say about Sasuke and me, keep it to your fucking self. Or else a busted lip will be the least of your problems."
Karin was still in too much of a stupor from the knock she received to realize that she nodded in supposed understanding before the pinkette released her and stalked out of the room. Sakura hadn't shown it, but for a moment she had scared herself as well. She didn't want to hurt the woman, but the things she said just pushed all the wrong buttons. She played on her insecurities about her and Sasuke's relationship and questionable future, and hearing it out loud made it seem like more than just her own uncertainty. The whole ordeal had shaken her so much that she'd forgotten to check on her comrades in the barracks and instead found herself back in front of Sasuke's room. When she opened the heavy door she was surprised to find Sasuke standing there clad in his bandages and boxers as if waiting for her return.
"Sasuke-kun…I-I told you to get some rest." softly scolded the agent as she brushed past him and into the bathroom. His eyes followed her hurried movements and quirked an eyebrow when she avoided them like the plague.
"I thought I heard you shout." he responded through the closed door, listening closely to the shuffle of clothes.
"Oh, I just stubbed my toe on the stairs." she lied, quickly turning on the shower to drown out any other inquiries her lover may have had. She didn't very much like lying to him, but what was she to do? Tell him that she had throttled Karin for being a mouthy bitch? Suigetsu would have a great big laugh about something like that, but Sasuke may not have found the growing animosity so entertaining. When the steam began tickling her bare skin she snapped from her musing and entered the shower. The heated water washed away the built up tension in her shoulders and gave way to the fatigue of the last twenty-four hours, unfortunately that was enough reason to take a quick shower.
When Sakura had finished drying herself and retrieving her clothes she silently peered out the bathroom hoping Sasuke had finally gotten some rest. She flushed in embarrassment when her eyes met his coming from his new spot on the bed. He was silent, but his eyes still followed her like a hawk as she redressed in her undergarments and one of Sasuke's oversized charcoal t-shirts. Sakura bit her lip nervously as her finger paused on the light switch for the room, somewhat on edge from the way he just watched silently. Being in the dark didn't help either; Sasuke had the most remarkable night vision. She couldn't see it, but she assumed he had a smirk plastered on his face as the bed dipped under her added weight and she retreated under his covers. Unlike most of the nights they spent together, this time she faced away from him, until she felt a gentle hand trace a line down her spine.
"Sasuke-kun—"
"How's your foot?" he asked dully, cutting off whatever chiding she had planned on giving him for being handsy as usual. She laid there in confusion before realizing what he was trying to catch her in a lie.
"It's fine. The hot water helped a lot." she answered softly, doing her best to sound convincing as he slowly wrapped his hand around her waist. Unconsciously she sighed and let him pull her closer to his chest. If Sasuke had wanted to satisfy his desires, he would have already gone for the gusto, but instead he had settled for simple hold of her waist. Obviously he wanted something else.
"Shannaro, huh?" he whispered against the shell of her ear, sending a shiver down her spine at the huskiness of his voice. This time she could feel the smirk against her flesh before he gestured with his hand for her to face him. Surely he could see the deep crimson of her blush, just as she could see the light flecks of grey in his eyes. "I didn't think you still said that. Only when you were angry."
"It just slipped out is all." defended Sakura, bashfully hiding her face in his chest as he chuckled at her shy display. Was that what he wanted? To tease her? If that was the case, mission accomplished. He had heard her shout, that much was clear, but why the twenty questions? Her curiosity was sated when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her flush against him.
"So, who did you hit?" At the realization that her deception had failed she raised her head and met his eyes. She could tell he wasn't angry, just curious as to why she tried to hide it, and poorly at that. Sakura nibbled on her bottom lip as she tried to decide whether or not to continue her lie, but what good would it do? He was just so damn perceptive.
"Karin…she was saying things, and I just snapped." disclosed the emerald eyed woman, when his smirk disappeared and his eyes narrowed she feared the worst. Her large doe eyes stared at him as if she was about to be reprimanded for what she had done.
"I told her to keep her mouth shut. I'll deal with it in—"
"No! Don't please. I think she learned her lesson." pled the cherry headed agent, knowing full well how protective Sasuke could be when it came to her and how much more hurt Karin would end up. The last thing Sakura needed was for more bad blood between them. His features softened and inhaled her calming scent deeply before sighing.
"I bet." chuckled the obsidian haired man lowly as he stroked her heated cheeks with his thumbs. He could only imagine the kind of lesson a hook from Sakura could teach their resident loudmouth. Sasuke wouldn't say anything about the incident, but he'd have to keep a closer eye on the two of them. Mutiny wasn't the type of thing that would improve their present situation.
"I don't feel good about it, you know?" she mumbled as she settled back into his chest, feeling that all too familiar fatigue set back into her muscles. He whispered sweet words of understanding as he laid back and allowed her to get into her favorite sleeping position, despite the pain that accompanied her snuggling up to his pectoral. Her breathing quickly shallowed out as sleep claimed her, same as every other night. Well, minus the stickiness that is. It was a nice change of pace compared to the hospital, if Sasuke had any say about it.
The comforting rise and fall of her chest against his side, the way her plump lips would purse and part, her warm breath tickling his flesh. Yeah, this was much better. It just felt right; as if there were no worries that could shatter this perfect moment. This is what he truly missed. It wasn't the sex, it wasn't just her body, it was the companionship. Sure she had been by his side when he was incapacitated, but they couldn't be themselves, not with all the eyes constantly watching. The unconditional understanding and unabashed love she had for him; that was what he had missed the most.
The corridors of Taka's flagship hummed with the dull vibrations of its engine in the early hours of the morning, while everyone rested from the ordeals of the last day. Well, almost everyone.
"Good morning, this is your captain speaking…SOMEONE GET THEIR ASS TO THE BRIDGE AND TAKE OVER BEFORE I CRASH THIS FUCKER INTO A SANDBAR!"
The impromptu announcement over all of the ships intercoms jolted most occupants into an upright position or just plain out of their beds. But not Sasuke and Sakura. The two groggily twisted beneath the sheets, obviously unwilling to deal with the ships pilot at such an ungodly hour. Sakura hid her head underneath the cover as if it would shelter her from the sharp toothed mans yelling.
"DON'T ALL VOLENTEER AT ONCE!"
"I'm going up there, and I'm gonna kill him!" exclaimed the cherry headed agent as she threw the covers from her head and sat upright. When she slung her legs over the side of the bed to make good on her threat, Sasuke was quick to grab hold of her wrist.
"You're not going anywhere." protested the Uchiha, grunting when he tried to pull her back into bed only to recall how much his wounds still hurt. The glare she shot him was enough to get him to release her wrist and sigh heavily, staring up at the ceiling before saying, "Fine, I'll kill him."
She couldn't help but laugh at his aloof joke, at least she hoped it was a joke. She watched as he dressed himself, or tried to, in a pair of dark slacks and a crisp white shirt which she had to help him shrug into and didn't even bother buttoning. She dressed in a similar fashion from her discarded clothing, albeit at a faster pace before she followed behind him in the short journey to the bridge.
"It's about damn time Ju—!" snapped Suigetsu, before spinning in his seat and clamping his mouth shut at the sight of Sasuke and Sakura's glares. He was quick to rise to his feet, kicking himself for his usual lack of forethought, "Oh…I-uh didn't expect you two. Sorry for the wakeup call Sasuke...Pink—er Sakura."
Sasuke spared the man his usual scolding and calmly took the helm of the slow moving vessel. Suigetsu had made good time judging from the view Sasuke and Sakura were greeted by outside the bridge. They were surrounded by endless lush green foliage with limited visibility of the winding inlet.
"It shouldn't be far. Sakura, go topside and look out for the bunker." Sasuke's eyes were so fixated on the narrow path ahead, that he hadn't realized that she was already halfway through the hatch before he had asked her to do so.
The inquisitive woman breathed deeply of the humid air in the dense forest, almost too awestruck by the natural beauty of it all to remember what the new pilot had asked of her. As the boat slowly rounded a blind bend, a distant grey green structure came into view. She rubbed the remaining sleep from her eyes and checked again as they crawled closer and closer, "I think I see it!"
The closer they got the more she could make out of the hideout. The river widened considerably, enough to fit two ships snugly, but such a thing couldn't have been a natural occurrence. The weathered bunker soon became more distinguishable, its green camouflage coming from lack of maintenance as the forest tried to reclaim its lost land. Sakura slid back down into the bridge, finding that all of the ships occupants had finally assembled as they made their final approach.
"What is this place Sasuke?" questioned Naruto, leaning haphazardly against the control panel to get a better look at the cement structure that was becoming more and more physically imposing as they advanced.
"It was an old bunker, a supply depot used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during the war. It was abandoned towards the end. Orochimaru found a similar use for it as a smuggling port and safehouse, once upon a time." he answered dully, ignoring the slight rise in tension at the mention of the deceased. "Jugo, Suigetsu. Open the door and get the facility up and running."
While Jugo was silent and compliant, Suigetsu just had to make a snide remark along the lines of offering to run him a bath while he was at it. Sasuke would let this one slide, and blame lack of sleep for his insubordination. While the rest waited, the level of tension became more and more palpable amidst the silence. Karin and Sakura avoided even being within two feet of each other, much less glancing at each other. Silver lining, Sasuke was less likely to hear from her with the pinkette in attendance.
"How long do you plan on keeping us as prisoners, Sasuke?"
The question cut through the silence and caught everyone off guard, as the cockpits occupants ogled Sai for posing such an inquiry. Truth be told, Sasuke had brood over that very same question moments before sleep took him a few hours ago. He didn't consider them prisoners of any sort, but he could already picture the headlines of Tokyo's most prestigious newspapers.
Strong-arm Kidnapping of Interpol Agents!
Armed Abduction in Hospital!
Uchiha Sasuke and Associates Kill in Cold Blood Before Daring Escape!
The list went on and on. And there was nothing he could do to stop the media from further vilifying his already tarnished name. In a way it was better like that. It kept them as victims rather than coconspirators. It kept them safe, somewhat.
"You aren't shackled or being held against your will in any way. None of you are." clarified the Uchiha, his murky eyes meeting his doppelgangers with equal apathy. "And to answer your question. As long as it takes."
"Takes to do what?" interjected his azure eyed compatriot with a stern voice.
"Isn't it obvious? We're gonna end this. Akatsuki has made it clear they want us all dead." This time it was Karin who spoke up, perhaps a bit too brashly, but she wasn't wrong in her assumption, "So it's simple. We kill them before they kill us."
Simple enough indeed; other than the fact that Akatsuki struck from the shadows, and by the time you knew it was them, you were probably already dead. The topic wasn't brought up again until after Jugo and Suigetsu had finished their work and the heavy blast door granted them entrance. The docks hanger was dimly lit and musty, a real far cry from the Port of Tokyo. Judging from the way almost everyone wrinkled their noses as they disembarked, they were less than thrilled with the downgrade. Sasuke delegated the task of showing the crew their accommodations to Jugo in Suigetsu's absence. The snarky man must've finally decided to shirk his duty and catch up on his missed sleep. Sasuke nudged Sakura forward when she tried to stay at his side, her emerald gaze curiously meeting his own dark one before following the rest. The bubblegum haired agent smiled to herself in understanding, in his own silent way he was putting her in charge of the rabble, probably so he could sleep more.
"We'll need information if we plan to strike at Akatsuki. Does Sasuke have anymore informants we can trust?" asked Sai, absently inspecting the drab concrete walls of the compound.
"What difference would it make? We're in the middle of nowhere!" argued Naruto, peering around the giant between him and Sai.
"That doesn't mean Sasuke wouldn't have some sort of communications system in place, right Jugo?" assumed Sakura from the backdrop, deliberately doing her best to keep her distance from the redhead ahead of her.
"Indeed Sakura-san. Though I'm sure Kotohime has gone to ground in light of all that has happened. She was our last…living ally." Despite the ginger haired mans sincere answer, its somber tone reminded them that it wasn't just Sasuke who had suffered through the loss of life. Allies were hard to come by for Taka, and even harder to keep. Sakura's nervous tick kicked in as she mulled over their remaining options and unfortunately, she doubted her idea would be well loved by everyone.
"Maybe Tsunade-sama would still be willing to help us…"
She expected the silence, but what she definitely wasn't expecting was the somewhat contained response she received from none other than Karin, "Sasuke-kun…may not like that. It's too risky."
"It would help us get the intel we need and clear Sasuke of this supposed kidnapping, at least to Tsunade-sama." mused Sai, his curiosity piqued by the proposition. "We've taken risks to get this far. What's a few more?"
The silence returned, but this time everyone was trying to figure out if the emotionless man was serious. Sometimes his deadpan demeanor seemed more comical than authentic.
"If you'd prefer, I can show you the communications room now and your accommodations later?" offered the giant stopping at a crossroads in the compound and turning to address his charges. He could almost feel the stale air rise a few degrees as Karin's face reddened. Apparently she had been struggling to hold back her more candid responses for far too long.
"You can't be serious Jugo? They may not be prisoners, but giving them free rein is too much." protested the redhead having finally heard enough of their proposed plan.
"They are no different than us in the eyes of Akatsuki, Karin. If Sasuke-san trusts them, we trust them." While soft spoken as was most of his speech, Jugo's words held stern finality. The kind of finality that made the hairs on the back of Sakura's neck stand on edge. She had seen how uncontrollable the man could be once his switch was flipped, the last thing they needed was a bloodbath.
"It's alright. It can wait Jugo, I'm sure we're all tired. Or hungry." blurted the pinkette hoping Naruto would take the bait. Thankfully he did, and proceeded to bombard Jugo with questions about food. When he ushered the blonde and his pale companion towards what passed for a kitchen, Sakura was left with her would be nemesis.
"I don't need your help or pity." snapped the redhead with a glower, turning on her heels to meet the agents face. That face. Once again she felt like fighting her as the memory of how she had been beaten so easily resurfaced and the emotions welled up inside.
Clearly the harsh stance Sakura had taken the previous night hadn't worked so well. If a more gentle touch didn't get the job done, nothing would.
"It isn't pity. I just didn't want Jugo to fly off the handle." she assured, keeping her voice on an even keel, maybe even a bit softer than usual if only to avoid another physical confrontation. Sakura was hesitant that the woman would strike her, especially when she reached out and placed her hand on her shoulder gently, noting how she flinched slightly, "I just…I want us to get along. I'm sorry for what I did…what I said."
Karin could hit her. She could hit her cleanly and then some; ruin that pretty face of hers forever, right now. But she didn't. Here she was, apologizing for doing what any person who'd been verbally abused like she was would have done. She could see the sincerity in her viridian orbs and apologetic smile, and as much as she wanted to lash out at her and reject her apology, Karin couldn't do it. Everything about her was so soft, well, except her fist. When the crimson eyed woman cast her eyes downward and shook her head, Sakura feared the worst.
"No…I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things." she responded lowly, the guilt finally catching up to her as she raised her eyes to meet the other woman's warm gaze. Karin couldn't help but chuckle to herself, "I was a world class bitch. I won't make that mistake with you again, Sakura."
The pinkette beamed at her jest, joining in the laughter. This was the first time the standoffish woman had ever used her first name. A good start to say the least.
"I wouldn't worry about that Karin. Akatsuki's the one feeling this fist, and maybe Sasuke-kun on occasion." she assured as she pumped said fist in the air proudly. Though judging from the shocked face her new friend made, the joke didn't go over so well, "It's only a joke. I would never hurt him…badly."
"Sakura!"
It was odd to say the least. One day they had been at each other's throats, literally mind you, and now a week into their stay at the bunker, Sakura and Karin were enjoying morning breakfast together with everyone else.
"Ohayou!" they piped from behind their morning beverages. All Sasuke could do was blink slowly to make sure he wasn't suffering some sort of withdrawal induced hallucination, nodding numbly in acknowledgement before joining Jugo by the counter for his morning coffee. He was enjoying the caffeinated beverage more and more lately, chalk it up to the lack of nicotine or just how used to he was to subpar coffee. Sasuke peered over his shoulder with his dark gaze and silently admired the friendly back and forth between the two former enemies and the rest. As unusual as it was it was actually somewhat comforting. Despite being the subjects of a countrywide manhunt, here they sat enjoying instant ramen and coffee like civilians.
"Sakura-chan can you pass me another cup, pork flavor please?" asked the blonde with half a mouthful of noodles and broth. The looks everyone sent him effectively told him he had already had enough. Pouting in defeat, he swept his three empty cups to one side so he could rest his elbows on the table. "So what's the plan today? More lying about?"
Sasuke frowned at notion. Sure, things were slow and uneventful, though he figured a break from being in life threatening situations would've been a welcomed change of pace. Even if it was all a bit too…domestic for his tastes.
"Tsk, speak for yourself. We've been busting our asses while you eat us out of house and home." scolded Karin with a haughty grin.
"Well, Sasuke never gives me anything to do! How come Sakura and Karin are the only ones who get to speak with Tsunade-baachan?" whined the blonde, rising to his feet when Sasuke finally faced him.
"She does have the best working relationship with Tsunade-sama for one, and Karin knows the communication systems better than us. Therefore more likely to get us the information we need." chimed Sai bluntly before sipping his tea.
"You're going to be in charge of foraging for food soon if you don't slow it down." warned the Uchiha, casually ignoring his best friends scowl as he joined him at the table, taking his seat beside Sakura. Truth be told, he too was a little annoyed by the progress they'd made with Interpols acting president as well. From what Sakura had relayed to him, all she wanted was their safe return, even after her former apprentice insisted that they were not prisoners in anyway and only wished to bring what remained of Akatsuki to justice. "As for Tsunade, it's time I spoke with her."
Sakura did not like the way that sounded very much.
"I'm sure it's not easy for her to even speak with us much less help…with our "kidnapping" the Board of Directors is still trying to oust her." rationed the pinkette, gingerly touching his hand.
"We've all got problems. Ours just include being at the top of a terrorist organizations hit list." sneered Suigetsu as he chomped away at his dry cereal. "The old woman better pull through like you say she will or being out of the job will be the least of her worries."
"She'll come through." Sasuke assured, cutting off Sakura's rebuke of Suigetsu's poorly veiled threat. He downed the dregs of his bitter drink before rising to his feet and making for the door. "If you want you make yourself useful Naruto, help Jugo work on the generators."
He didn't see the disappointment on the blondes face, but he could hear it in his sigh. It wasn't that he wanted to keep him out of it, necessarily. As far as Sasuke was concerned they were still treading on thin ice with one another.
"You shouldn't be so hard on him Sasuke-kun. He just wants to help."
"Hn. I'm sure he does." responded the Uchiha flatly, having only now noticed that Sakura was following him. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Karin tailing them as well. "When the time comes, I'll need him. And I know he won't fail me."
Despite their differences in ideologies he still considered the buffoon his most trusted friend. While not the sort of friend you could safely confide in and expect it to stay between the two of you, he was still the most reliable man he ever met, even with his quirks and annoying tendencies.
"You're staring, Sakura."
"And you're brooding." she retorted with a smile, easily lightening his mood. Either she was getting better at it by the day or, he was just getting softer with all his bed rest.
Sasuke shouldered the weight of the heavy door and ushered the two inside, ignoring the redhead's cheeky comment about how gentlemanly he was. He closed the door behind them and silently watched as Karin went about booting up the systems. She signified the completion of her diagnostics with a simple nod to Sasuke who in turn approached the panel himself.
"Make the call Sakura." he sighed running a hand through his dark locks as Karin handed her the headset. She was noticeably nervous, where as Sasuke was doing so quietly. He had no idea what he'd say to his former superior, much less how he'd get what he wanted without alienating his wary ally. The satellite phone connected to the panel barely rang twice before it was answered.
"Is this line secure?"sounded the gruff voice in a hushed tone.
"Yes Tsunade-sama. It's secure."
"Are you well? Is he treating you alright?"
"Yes yes for the hundredth time, we're fine." she assured craning her head towards Sasuke when he picked up the spare headset with a grim look on his face. Silently she gulped when her mouth dried momentarily. "I—We could really use your help."
"Sakura...you know I can't. Not anymore. Even speaking with you like this is—"
"We've all made sacrifices Tsunade." broke in Sasuke, none too tactfully. Though, his voice had a smudge of sincerity to it, "All we ask is for one more to finish this."
"Uchiha…you must think you're terribly clever for keeping me at your disposal like this huh? Using Sakura to get what you want?"she practically gagged on his surname and the malice that laced each word. "What…what are your demands?"
"They are requests, Tsunade. Simple requests for aid." he was doing his best to contain the ire her callous and presumptuous tone ignited, but his patience was wearing thin. "Do not make them demands."
"Sasuke-kun, stop." Sakura whispered harshly, covering her headset mic to further hide her shock and anger from her superior.
"Karin. Leave, now." he ordered darkly, it didn't take her long to comply. For a split second Sakura could see a flash of crimson in his dark eyes and knew how terribly this chat would end.
"A threat? Tch, you're no better than that bastard brother of—!"
"Don't!" he snapped, slamming his hands against the control panel in anger. Sakura could see his body visibly shaking as he hung his head low, his hair obscuring much of his face. When she reached for him, he held up his hand, halting her advance as he collected himself. "I…I know what I am, Tsunade. Make no mistake. I will stop at nothing to bring to an end that man, with or without your help. The choice is yours."
The silence that followed was as unsettling as the dark determination of the Uchiha's words, and in that silence he prayed. He prayed that she too would not forsake him as the rest of the world had. When the silence persisted, he had his answer. Slowly he removed his headset in defeat.
"I've… had Shikamaru examine the interior and exterior tapes from the hospital and traced the vehicle of your brother and his associate, Kisame." spoke the older woman finally, greeted by Sakura's heavy sigh of relief. She smiled in Sasuke's direction, but he was too focused on the fortunate turn the conversation had taken to notice. "Forged diplomatic plates were found on the abandoned vehicle on the side of the road at the border of Chiyoda and Shinjuku."
"How would they have access to plates like that? Even forged plates would have some sort of credibility to them to pass a check." questioned the rose haired agent her delicate brow knotting in thought.
"Akatsuki is better connected than we feared, and with the securities summit coming up most law enforcement officers wouldn't bat an eye at such a thing."
"They wouldn't simply use diplomatic plates for convenience. Everything is part of some larger plot." The comment was more or less an out loud musing to himself rather than a means to aid the investigation. "Tell me about this summit."
"Have you forgotten already Sasuke? The annual meeting is hosted by the Japans Ministry of Defense to discuss issues of national security in an open forum with the other cabinets and international agencies. I have no doubt you'll be a topic of much discussion." Her tone was snarky at best, but now wasn't the time to be picky about how the intel was delivered.
"I'm sure we all will be, Tsunade-sama." corrected Sakura lowly, her eyes briefly meeting the man's beside her. A simple look of solidarity between them.
"Don't remind me Haruno." retorted the blonde, releasing an exasperated sigh. "I assume you think the summit will be their next target and want me to dig deeper?"
"Hn." Was Sasuke's simple affirmation, but when Sakura urged him on with a nudge of his arm he felt compelled to continue, "It…would mean a great deal to us, all of us, Tsunade-sama."
"I'll see what I can do Sasuke, but don't expect any miracles. In the meantime, you keep my girl safe, you hear?" her gruff demeanor had reluctantly disappeared after his somewhat coerced show of respect and gratitude. Needless to say he hadn't expected the conversation to end on such a good note, considering how it had begun.
"You have my word." he replied adamantly, glimpsing the toothy smile the woman at his side graced him with.
"Goodbye Tsunade-sama and thank you. Please, take care of yourself."
"I always do Sakura. I always do."
With that Sasuke ended the call and quickly shutdown the communications console as a precaution. For all he knew their informant had been attempting to track them the whole time. He released a heavy sigh as he removed his headset and leaned against the unresponsive system with his head held low. Stubborn woman. Soon he felt two arms circle his waist from behind and a head rest against his back.
"You did great Sasuke-kun. A little rough, but good nonetheless." she praised, loosening her grip slightly, allowing him to turn and face her fully. Her smile widened when he returned the embrace as she reached up to brush his unruly hair from his face. It really was getting too long for her liking. She'd have to run the idea of a haircut by him soon. Still, she was glad he hadn't flown off the handle; and for being so civilized, she rewarded him with a soft peck on the lips.
"A little rough?' he inquired, quirking an eyebrow at the statement with mild interest. Before Sakura could explain herself, he swapped places with her and lifted her off her feet a few inches so she was seated on the console. Needless to say she was surprised he had regained enough strength to pull something like that off, without a grunt even. She could see the small curvature at the corner of his lips as he leaned closer, and instantly she had an inkling of what was going through his mind, "You never complained about me being 'a little rough' before."
"Don't kid around Sasuke-kun!" scolded the pinkette through her blush, keeping her voice just above a harsh whisper as she craned her neck to peer around him and at the heavy entrance to the room, "Karin might still be outside."
"What do I care? Besides, you two have been getting along lately, she must finally accept us." he returned plainly, seizing the opportunity presented and attacking her exposed neck with feather light kisses. Despite his cheeky actions, Sakura could feel her heart flutter in her chest at the underlying meaning of his words. He had never been ashamed of their relationship being known, but labeling themselves a couple, an item, was unexpected despite his newfound willingness to display his affection towards her in public places.
"That doesn't mean her head won't explode if she catches us like this." she breathed before summoning enough willpower to pull him from her neck, giggling at the frown on his face. Before he released her from his embrace she could hear a deep rumbling in his stomach, "You really should eat something Sasuke-kun."
"I'm not too fond of breakfast, or the food here. Coffee will do until dinner." he mumbled, giving her his back to hide his embarrassment and the small tinge of pink on his cheeks.
"What if I make you something nice?" she asked sweetly moving to stand beside him before following him out the door. Surprisingly enough, Karin was nowhere to be found.
"The pantry isn't exactly well stocked Sakura." he protested weakly, knowing that once Sakura had her heart set on something swaying her was near impossible.
"You'll need food to get your strength back and I know a thing or two about making something from nothing." she boasted with a grin that made him eye her curiously before coming to a stop at his room, "Now get some rest or do whatever it is you do. I'll handle things."
"Hey…wait—" he protested as she pushed him inside his room and closed the door in his face. He stood there for more than a few moments trying to decipher the odd exchange. She'd been acting out of character for the last few days, spending more time in her own room rather than his, or theirs, however she viewed something so trivial. And when she would finally join him, it was much later than usual. He wasn't suspicious that she was doing something underhanded, or something that threatened the mission, just curious about what sparked this odd behavior. But, she was her own woman, and always had been. If she needed her space he was happy to give it to her, it was the least he could do for all the care she'd given him.
He was thinking too much again, and about something minute in comparison to the larger scheme of their newly gained knowledge. The summit was the best lead they had thus far, and if he wasn't on top of the situation and explored all possibilities he was doomed to a life of incarceration at best, or death at worst. He lay on the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling, his mind racing as it was prone to doing while his body was idle. It didn't take much for his consciousness to slip from his grasp.
He didn't know how long he had slept, or even how soundly he'd done so without the rosy cheeked agent by his side. But, when he rose and inhaled deeply he was assaulted by the most wonderful aroma invading his otherwise stale room. Sasuke's stomach growled loudly in response to the enticing smell.
"Yeah I get it." he muttered to himself as he threw his legs over the side of the bed and stretched a bit, feeling a bit stiff. He didn't bother with shoes as he exited his room and padded his way towards the source of the smell. Sasuke could hear the sounds of laughter and clanking metal grow louder as he approached the kitchen. Every time he entered this room he was more and more taken aback by the things he saw. As he stood in the vestibule he spotted Sakura clad in an apron, hunched over a steaming pot on the stove.
"Sugoi! Sakura-chan this is the best! Can I have more?" exclaimed Naruto, wiping soup from his lips with the back of his hand as he held up his bowl, along with his trademark grin.
"Wait until everyone has had some first and then you can get seconds." she responded nonchalantly as if repeating herself for the hundredth time, she was even too focused on the stove to address him directly.
"Awww but who knows how long Sasuke will be asleep for and this is really really good. It's almost as good as Hinata-chans cooking!"
"Geez, thanks Naru— Sasuke-kun!" she gasped surprised to see him standing there when she spun around to berate her partner. She wiped her hands in her apron and tucked a few hairs back into her hair tie.
"What's all this?" questioned the Uchiha as he approached her, eyeing the small platters of food on the table in his peripheral. He peered into the boiling pot for a closer examination of what was producing that intoxicating smell.
"I told you I'd make you something nice to get you to eat." she explained cheerfully, scooping some of the milky soup into a ladle and pushing it towards him. He eyed the liquid critically before blowing on it and slurping it down. Sakura had been watching him closely enough to see his eyes widened slightly at the simple taste; she could barely contain her happiness.
"It's good." he complimented simply watching her face light up at the innocent compliment.
"Now can I have some more Sakura-chan?" whined the blonde, striking up another round of laughter from the kitchens occupants.
The meal was livelier than breakfast, no doubt because of Sakura's cooking skills and the light hearted conversation. The chef went on at length about how Jugo and she had found a crate of dehydrated fish and canned vegetables hidden in the back of a storeroom. The surplus rations was enough for her to make more fish balls and soup than all of them could eat in one sitting; even Naruto's bottomless pit of a stomach had been sated. Sasuke himself had seconds of what was unequivocally the best meal he'd had in ages. One by one they all had their fill and one by one they all filed out of the kitchen, leaving Sasuke and Sakura alone. When he too was finally finished he pushed the empty bowl away and released a satisfied sigh.
"You really liked it huh?" she taunted with a wide smile as she went about clearing the table.
"When did you learn to cook so well? As I recall, your apartment always had more takeout menus than Naruto's had cups of ramen." he quipped, rising to his feet with a smirk when she tried desperately to hide her embarrassment. So cute.
"I had Hinata-chan teach me some things, so what?" Sakura muttered defensively as she busied herself with the dishes. She gasped in surprised when she felt his body meld with her, his hands gripping her waist in place. The pinkette relaxed in his arms when he began nuzzling her neck, giggling at the low rumble in his throat. "Sasuke-kun, what if—"
"I don't care." he whispered huskily, advancing his seduction with nips at her neck. Clearly it was becoming harder for him to contain himself around her.
"At least help me with the dishes before you attack me." she jeered, playfully pushing his head away with a soapy hand. And surprisingly enough, he willingly complied. She watched, awestricken as he scrubbed and dried utensils and bowls. Sakura couldn't help but smile at the sight. The whole scene was right out of a movie; the handsome husband helping his loving wife with the dishes after a meal she'd prepared for the family. The only thing missing was the white picket fence and children, but concrete walls and vigilantes would suffice. It was all just so…domestic.
"You're staring again Sakura." His tone was flat but she could tell he was trying to tease her.
"You just look so cute in the kitchen." Her seemingly innocent comment struck a chord in the usually macho Uchiha, and even he couldn't hide the blush that painted his nose and cheeks. It was his turn to be embarrassed for a change. The rest of the cleaning was done in silence, and when the last of the dishes had been dried and put away, she thanked him accordingly.
He watched her delicate fingers tactfully untie her apron and lift the article over her head before discarding it on the counter. She traced the hidden contour of his muscled arm as she crossed the short distance between them, smiling all the while. Sakura stood on the tip of her toes and gently pressed her lips to his. The chaste kiss lasted only a few seconds, and when she stepped back that same smile had only widened, "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."
Before Sasuke could make a move to bring her back into his embrace she moved, shaking her head and wagging a finger before him. As he was about to voice his frustrations with her teasing, she sprinted from the kitchen. He blinked in confusion several times before moving to follow her, finding that she had stopped at the hallways intersection before disappearing around a corner. She wanted to play a game then; a small smile graced his lips at the thought of what his mischievous lover was planning.
Sasuke followed her from a distance, intently watching the sway of her hips and the smile she shot back at him every time she turned a corner. When she finally disappeared down the hall that held everyone's room, his smirk widened and he loosened a few buttons on his shirt in anticipation, and in that excitement his paced pick up. He nearly tore his door off the hinges when he flung it open, only to find his bed was as empty and unmade as he left it. Though his shock didn't last long, if she wasn't in his bed she must've been hiding in the bathroom, or so he thought. Unconsciously, he released something akin to a growl and a whine of frustration, and just as he slammed the door he could hear the one to his bedroom creak open. Sasuke quickly spun around at the sound; needless to say, he was surprised by the pleasant sight.
She stood before him clad in one of her dark blazers, but it wasn't the clothes that caught his eye per say, it was the lack thereof. He swallowed involuntarily as he glimpsed the subtle curve of the top of her breasts that vanished underneath the jacket, assuring all she wore was her undergarments, if any at all. His eyes traveled lower, resting on the hills that were her creamy bare thighs. Kami if he didn't want her before, he needed her now. "Sakura you…changed."
"I—I um wanted to make tonight…special." she stammered, the nerve she had mustered quickly dissolving when he devoured her with his hungry eyes.
"Special? What's the occasion?" he wondered aloud, still in a zombie like trance as he closed the distance, finding it harder and harder to not ravage her before she had time to explain.
"You…don't know? Sasuke-kun, it's your birthday!" she exclaimed, clasping his hands in her own smaller ones once he was within her reach. The confused look he gave her wasn't helping her confidence in her plan anymore than tugging at the hem of her jacket to try and hide her bottom had. When his puzzled look persisted she sighed in defeat, "I've been planning this for the last few days. That's why I've been spending time away from you…I was going to bake you a cake but I couldn't—Mmph!"
Her words were instantly swallowed when his ravenous lips found hers and wouldn't let go until they had their fill. His hands also sought satisfaction, but Sakura kept them at bay in her grip. This was her plan after all; she couldn't just let him derail her. Eventually his assault softened and they broke apart, gasping for air.
"I don't need a cake. I don't need any presents or surprises Sakura. I only need you." his words were as hot as the summers eve that surround the bunker and when he leaned in for another liplock he as only met with her slender finger. How she could smile so innocently when the situation was anything but, was beyond the horny Uchiha.
"I know, believe me Sasuke-kun. But…" she averted her eyes momentarily as her blush deepened and she glanced around the stark room. "Just give me this one last thing. Now sit." she ordered, pushing him towards the bed before busying herself with the room's lights. Sasuke did as he was told; he could use a good sit seeing as all the blood in his head was rushing elsewhere given the circumstances. She turned on the lamp on his nightstand and then turned off his ceiling light, bathing the room and her body in an alluring glow.
Sakura stood in front of him, nervously biting her already swollen lip before taking a sharp breath. The birthday boy's dark eyes watch carefully as she unbuttoned her blazer at a painfully slow pace, revealing herself to him inch by inch. The article of clothing gave way to her slender shoulders and navy lace undergarments as it pooled at her heels. Sasuke released an audible groan at the sight; fighting his urges was becoming war of attrition with each passing second, especially when she approached. Her viridian eyes locked with his, shining in the dim lighting when she hooked her thumbs under the straps of her bra, teasing her next move shyly. His lips parted in his trance as she stopped inches before him, her heat meeting his in close space. When she finally let the barrier fall into his lap, he had almost missed her words at the sight of her otherworldly beauty, "Happy birthday Sasuke-kun."
She took his hand in hers and kissed each digit before leading it down the contours of her neck and collar, resting his cool calloused palm against her fleshy mound. The familiar sensation sent a shudder down her spine, and when he began pinching and rolling her pert peak in his fingers her voice gave way. The sound of her arousal snapped him from his lust induced stupor momentarily. He released her breast and took hold of her hips as he stared up into her flushed face.
"Beautiful." he whispered, rubbing senseless shapes into her sides with his thumbs. Sakura bent down and kissed him gently at first, but soon she became more frantic, as if the lust had finally caught up with her. Sasuke smirked against her hot kisses, glad that she had dropped her innocent act for something bolder. When she pulled back for air he pulled her closer, attacking her neck with tooth and tongue, "What else have you planned, Sa-ku-ra?"
If she had replied with words he didn't hear them, he was more focused on her moans and sweet tasting skin. He did however get his answer when she knelt between his legs and cupped his clothed member. Within seconds his slacks and boxers were gone, and with all her teasing he was already on the cusp of release at the sight of her heated gaze.
Sasuke released a cross between a hiss of pleasure and a gasp of surprise when the rose haired temptress wasted no time taking him into her mouth. Despite her haste, every lick and suck was deliberate, and enough to have the primed Uchiha breaking out in a light sweat in seconds. His eyes shut and head lulled back as the tightening of his loins came quicker and quicker. Her name escaped her mouth in bliss as he approached absolution, but he was left wanting when the sensation of her warm cavern left him.
"Not yet. It has to be…special" she whispered in response to his questioning stare, all the while slowly pumping on his rod. The horny, irrational side of him wanted to protest, but the innocent pout she offered him was enough for him to cave in to her request. As she rose to her feet, Sasuke spotted the familiar stickiness of her arousal trickling down her thighs. Unconsciously he licked his dry lips and beckoned her to come closer with a simple nod. Sasuke fell backwards onto the bed as she complied, crawling on top of him. When her legs tangled with his, Sasuke made his move; quickly flipping her onto her back and mounting her.
"W-what are you doing Sasuke-kun?" she questioned meekly, shocked that he could pull something like that off with his injury.
"Isn't it obvious?" he responded, somewhat annoyed by her inquiry but all too willing to elaborate. His mouth found its way to her neglected breasts, giving each loving licks and suckles before nibbling on their peaks. She captured a fistful of his dark locks and arched her back seeking more; naturally he had no qualms with spending the rest of the evening in her chest, but after more drawn out torture, Sasuke could feel her dainty hands gently push him further south. "It must be time for me to unwrap my 'present', hm Sakura?"
"Hurry." she urged breathlessly, so rapt with desire that she didn't care about his teasing tone, or much else for that matter.
Hn. My Sakura, so needy..." he cooed, hastily pulling her panties down to her bent knees before slipping underneath and coming face to face with her sopping sex. Sasuke didn't skip a beat, covering her slit with his mouth and lapping up her offerings hungrily, "…so delicious."
Sakura did her best to remain composed as his rough appendage touched her, but her mind blanked when it pushed her petals apart and dove inside of her. This night was supposed to be for him, or at least that's what she had planned. Yet here she was, writhing from the pleasure he was giving her. She tried wiggling away, but for every few inches she got, he followed, returning to his meal each time with equal fervor. Eventually she had her back up against the headboard, and was at the mercy of his tongue.
"Sasuke-kun…please let me—!" her moans for attention went unheeded as his tongue swirled around her stiff bundle of nerves before locking it between his teeth. The cracked cry of her orgasm was music to Sasuke's ears, and her essence was sweeter than he recalled. He crawled up her quivering form, kissing every inch of her body before stopping on her lips.
"You were saying, Sakura?" he whispered, brushing pink locks from her damp forehead to get a better look at her darkened eyes. His coral haired goddess.
"I'm supposed to…be the one treating you." she panted, a small smile shining through her flushed face. She never broke contact with his eyes as her hands unbuttoned his shirt and slid it down his arms. Sakura gasped when his member twitched against her heated core, "So let me take the lead, Sasuke-kun."
She didn't wait for his approval, not that she needed it. Their lips locked as they tumbled to the bed, Sakura straddling him before easing into their lovers embrace. The pinkette moaned deeply into his mouth, having forgotten how snugly his hardness fit inside. She sat on her haunches and leaned back, giving her lover a delicious display of their joining before beginning her slow gyration. Sasuke groaned at her sinfully slow pace, clearly she was still intent on making their coupling more "special" than usual. He wasn't mad at her though; her walls were velvet to his steel and watching her take the length of him was eliciting a fire he'd never felt before. Soon his hips began meeting hers, urging her onwards.
"Now who's needy?" teased the vixen with a sly smirk, leaning forward and planting her hands on his strong chest as she began bouncing on his hardness faster. She ground her hips against his, drawing her name from the man below her in a hushed moan. Pressing her body flush against his, she settled in the crook of his neck and nibbled on the sensitive flesh before turning to his earlobe.
"Saskue-kun," she moaned in the fiery way he loved so much, grinding against him furiously. Her coil was tightening by the second and the possessive way he held her hips, thrusting against her walls wasn't doing her any favors. Her breaths came out in heated puffs against his neck as she tried to stave off the inevitable, "I want you…"
"Take me." he bit out huskily, obviously in just as bad shape as her. Using what strength he could muster, he pulled the two of them into a seated position, striking as deeply as he could. Sakura's dull nails dug into his bandaged shoulders as she threw her head back and cried to the heavens, but she didn't miss a beat. He had given her his blessing and she wouldn't squander the opportunity. She began riding him like a madwoman, her powerful thighs locking him in place as she had her way with him. Onyx caught jade, and in the moment time seemed to slow to a crawl. He was raw in that moment; his soul on full display in the endless depths of his eyes. With all his faults and maladies, he was still the man she loved, and in his eyes she was the woman he loved.
"Aishiteru." The word rolled off her tongue and into the ether, wrapping them in its warm embrace. She felt him swell and twitch wildly inside of her as a guttural grunt tore through his throat. She shuddered and shook as he filled her womb, her body buzzing as euphoria took her.
They didn't know how long they stayed together for, or even when the thrusting and moans subsided. All they knew was that they were together and that's all that mattered.
Sakura was the first to speak as they settled side by side amongst the sheets, muttering a last "happy birthday" before fatigue caught up with her. Sasuke watched, silently stroking and admiring her heavenly visage. He held her close and watched as her eyes fluttered before dimming slowly.
"I'll…never be able to give you the life you wanted Sakura." he began, his voice a shell of its former self as he traced the contour of her jaw, "And for that I am sorry. But know this. I'd do anything for you. You've made me the happiest man alive."
"Sasuke-kun." she murmured, half asleep already, unconsciously leaning into his touch.
"Shh. Sleep, koishii." he whispered, kissing her pink lips before joining her.
Whew! A doozy indeed. Even I got a bit choked up there at the end *sniff*. I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it. Plot wise it was a on the filler side, but after the dreariness of the last few chapters I figured we were long over do for a bit of fluff, or a lot of fluff depending on how you see it. The lemon towards the end was a bit of a spur of the moment thing that I ran with after reviewing the timeline of the story so far, and the dates matched give or take a week so I just had to. Anywho if you enjoyed it shoot me a review, constructive criticism, and what have you. I see I've got a few more follows and favorites but no reviews *tears*, save for those from the loyal few (Undescribed-Beauty, sasusakusara7, Chikachoo, calspirit15, and even a few guests) I see you guys and gals and appreciate the motivational reviews they really keep me going!
Next Chapter: Etude of the Wicked
Until next time! Sayonara!