MisoHime

Author's Note:

Hello. It's 2016 now and the last time I updated this story was roughly three years ago, not long after my high school graduation. I am now in my second year of university, studying architecture. It's a hard life. I rarely find time for myself and I'm constantly losing sleep.

However, I'm not writing this in order to excuse myself from not continuing this story. Out of all my stories, this is the only one where I know where it's going. I have my chapters mapped out and while I don't know if there will be changes in the future, I do plan on seeing things through.

This story itself doesn't get a lot of reads, and sometimes I wonder if anyone even is still reading this. I started the story five years ago, and I've changed drastically since. My writing style and my mentality have both evolved, meaning I know that there will be some odd writing patterns compared to the earlier chapters. Part of me plans to go back and re-review/re-write those earlier chapters, but I know that those of you who have been anxiously waiting for an update want to know what happens next.

Just to let those hopeful ones know: yes, I do plan on finishing this story. I don't know how long it will take me, and I apologize profusely for making you wait so long.

I have never stopped being involved in FanFiction. While I may not have written in a long time, I have continued to read them, searching up stories to cure my hangovers from different fandoms. I find that they've helped me immensely, and I owe a lot to those who are still committed to writing on this platform.

In other news... I'm sad that Naruto itself has ended because it has been a big part of my life for so long. I hope that the talented writers out there on this site will continue to write about the fandom, because it does live on through those stories.

Most of all, I'm glad that SasuSaku is now an official, legit, canon pair.

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I know it's short, but I do plan on releasing the ones after this as soon as I write it.

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, and the inspired book for this story isn't mine either.

◊▫ 星の十字 ▫◊

Hoshina no Kurosu

Juusan

トレード

Torēdo

Thump, thump, thump

Stumbling out into the adjoining alleyway, Sakura struggled to catch her breath. The night sky had dimmed into a muted black, harsh with shadows and stars. Her shoes caught on one of the loose cobblestones in the deserted path and she felt herself stumble into the nearest wall.

'What just happened?'

From the back alley, Sakura's breath felt faint and chilled within her lungs, the faint sound of the music and people echoing faintly in the background.

Her hands trailed slowly onto the surface of the concrete wall, her mind flashing back to moments ago, where she was certain the lips of her stranger was, in fact, no stranger at all.

'Sasuke..?'

No. It couldn't have been. After everything that had happened, not once had Sasuke portrayed any sort of love or tender emotions towards her. Why had she any reason to believe that he would now? They hated each other, for god's sake!

The brash surface of the paved cement felt cool on her back, through the satin of her gown. Her legs still felt weak from the encounter, and her heartbeat drummed wildly from the residual hype of the dance.

'Not because of a certain someone'

Inhaling deeply, Sakura leaned her head back and gazed lazily up at the dim sky. Small lights peppered the inky surface - a rare sight in the city. She felt herself get lost in the enormity of the vast sky, so wide and stretching, it made everything on the ground nothing more than a small speck - insignificant and petty.

'Now what?'

Now what was she to do? She had thrown herself into this evening without thinking of the real problem. Losing herself to the wild night of dancing and music, hoping to delay the real question:

Now what was she to do? Without her part in the play? Without any real goal in mind? And what of Kurenai's offer? Would she really be alright in being nothing more than a stage-hand?

So many unanswered questions, brought back to life in the wake of a mysterious kiss.

A kiss.

That was most certainly just as haunting as the rest of her problems.

Sakura was unaware of how much time she had been standing there, leaning against the wall, eyes closed and head tilted back as the night breeze washed over her, leaving goosebumps in the wake of her earlier encounter. She was vaguely aware of the squeal of the side door open, followed by the increase of electro music that boomed loudly from the club.

"There you are." A husky voice emerged from the darkness as the door thudded closed and the music was once again muted to nothing more than a distant rhythm.

With her muscles tensing, the pinkette felt her heart beat climb once more. There were certain voices that were distinguishable plainly by sound, and the deep baritone of an Uchiha was one of them.

Her eyes flicked wildly to the direction of the voice, seeking out a figure dressed handsomely in the shadows.

Uchiha Itachi.

His eyes glittered almost hypnotically from his position, their endless depths lit with desire. His face, beautiful just like those of the rest of his family, was calm and alluring. Thin lips upturned in the corners to portray his mirth.

Despite having spent a good amount of time outdoors in the cold evening, Sakura suddenly felt warm once again, her nerves jumping with mild panic. Here she was, alone, with the pursuer of her affections. The most relentless, aggressive and intimidating of all pursuers.

With his long legs, it hardly took any effort of Itachi's to reach Sakura's side. His limbs ate up the distance and reminded Sakura of his towering height. With only an arm's length between them, Sakura's short stature only reached his collarbone.

"I've been wondering where you were all night." His voice crept up on her, causing Sakura to flinch slightly. She had forgotten that he has been her ticket in.

With mirth and amusement dancing behind his eyes, the older Uchiha leaned towards her, arms rising up to brace gently beside her figure.

The moon casted his aristocratic profile in a pearly light, shadows dancing on the contours of his facial features.

Gasping at the sudden intrusion of personal space, Sakura couldn't help but shrink her body back into the wall, the close proximity of Itachi making her feel caged and vulnerable.

With such a close distance between them, she could make out the long lashes that framed his eyes - which were watching her with such concentrated attention that she felt heat burn across her cheeks and warming her ears.

"I-I needed to get some air." She choked out.

Locks of black swayed slightly as he tilted his face, almost coyly, to one side, his lips twitched with humor.

Swallowing roughly, Sakura's gaze flicked away from his penetrating gaze. Whilst she had dealt with Uchiha Itachi before, never had she been unaware and shaken. In the aftermath of her kiss with someone - whom might've even been his brother - she certainly did not feel her usual evasion would have worked. Itachi was no fool, and after her flirtation earlier in the evening, Sakura felt as though her usual tactics would do nothing but get her into more trouble.

The handsome male didn't deign to reply to her vapid excuse. His eyes scanned her flushed face with unwavering interest before he leaned in even more, closing the distance between their bodies.

Shock rendered Sakura still. Her body had retreated so far back into the wall that she could feel the rough texture of aggregate digging into her skin through the material of her dress. Her eyes shut in momentary panic, her breath stuck in her throat.

Was he going to kiss her? Or force himself onto her right here in the middle of a deserted alleyway?

She prepared herself for the worst, she didn't want to believe that Itachi would do such a thing. This man, whom while had been nothing more than a shameless skirt-chaser and pursuer of her attention, was still Sasuke's brother and an Uchiha above all else. If there was one thing that Sakura knew all Uchiha's all had in common, it was their pride & honour.

And true to her word, Itachi most certainly did not force his kiss upon hers. His hair tickled her bare shoulders, and the heat of his body radiated onto her's, but instead of claiming her lips, he merely neared the spot close to her neck and inhaled deeply.

With her muscles tensed so hard they were on the verge of shivering, Sakura couldn't help but tremble from the feel of his intake so close to her skin. The locks of his hair were as soft as a feather, grazing her exposed flesh as he leaned back away.

Sakura's breath slowly eased out of her and her muscles unlocked slowly as she felt his distance. Her eyes opened almost shyly to see his watching her again with enjoyment.

He was enjoying this.

The younger girl felt her face burn more fiercely than before. Irritation stirring up at the feeling of his teasing stare. If she had not been so shaken up before his intrusion, she would have been angry at him.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight, Sakura?" Despite the humour in his eyes, his voice posed serious and Sakura felt that no matter how nonchalant Itachi seemed, he was asking a earnest question.

Confused and a little troubled by his sudden sincerity, it took her a moment to gather her honest response.

"Yes... I did."

Itachi's face didn't seem surprised, but his teasing demeanour did morph into something akin to satisfaction.

"Good. I expect a date in return for my graces." His eyes stared deeply into hers. There was no question to his statement. This was his demand.

Blinking, Sakura felt herself blurt out, "W-what? A date?"

"Yes, indeed. I feel that it is only fair," His arms slowly eased from her sides, releasing her from the cage of his arms, "You have had an enjoyable evening bestowed by me, and now I think I have right to ask of one from you in return, no?"

Her awareness dawned from the meaning behind his words. It was only by him that she was able to come here tonight, and now he expected her to fully repay the favour by going on a date with him.

"I-"

"I am no improper man, Sakura. All I am asking for is a lovely evening with you alone, and I do expect full sincerity on your part as well."

With her lips turning slightly into a frown, Sakura contemplated his words. A part of her felt incredulously insulted and angered by Itachi for the extortion. After dodging his constant requests and advances, the last thing she wanted was to become another one of his conquests.

However, despite it all, Sakura understood. She had used him to enable herself and Sai to an enjoyable evening tonight. The least she could have done was repaid the favour.

Standing there tonight, under the steady glow of the moon, Itachi didn't look like the flirtatious skirt-chaser that she had proclaimed him to be. His cheeky attitude was still evident within the depths of his eyes, but he made no move to trap her and take advantage of her lack of defences. Regardless of his earlier proximity, Itachi now remained a respectful distance away, his posture calm and relaxed. He looked almost dashing.

He looked almost like his brother.

'No. Don't think about Sasuke' She scolded herself mentally.

"... I'll agree to your terms." She replied steadily with just a hint of wariness at the edge.

If the elder Uchiha was surprised by her acceptance, he didn't show. His lips twisted into a smirk - one that Sakura knew many other girls went crazy for.

One of his hand smoothly took hers and he bent down to brush his lips against the knuckles, causing Sakura to freeze with sudden shock. The action reminded her so much of a particular scene from the play, the only difference being that it had been Sasuke whom had leaned over to plant a gentle kiss on her hand, not his brother.

Straightening up, Itachi took a step back and smiled a knowing smile. His eyes slid smoothly to the right, something having caught his attention before settling back onto Sakura's still-shocked gaze.

"It seems your friend has found you."

"Sakura!" Sai's usual flat tone was lined with worry.

Jumping backwards, Sakura turned to her side to see Sai striding to the mouth of the alley. His suit was wrinkled and sweat coated his skin lightly, causing his artfully messed up hair to resemble more of a mess than intended.

"Sai!" She replied, moving to meet with her friend.

"I shall be looking forward to our date, Blossom." A svelte voice whispered from behind.

Before she could turn around, Itachi had already disappeared from her view. Her vision caught on the tail end of his long hair as he slid back into the club, taking the atmosphere of their conversation with him. Sakura stared for a moment at where he vanished, feeling strangely about their exchange of the evening.

"Where the hell have you been, Ugly? You've been missing for well over an hour!"

End Note:

I think the hardest part about getting back into a story that has been left on hiatus for such a long time is remembering the details about certain elements in the story. I found myself struggling to recall the mannerisms and attitude of my version of the characters.

I'm sure there are plenty of faults in my story, but I'm still glad that I managed to write something.

Hopefully I can get the next chapter up soon.

For now, I'd like to address the reviewers who wrote back during Chapter 12. I really appretiate the kind words, because these reviews are really what motivated me to write again. After reading the reviews recently, it actually made me get back into this:

- river of the sand: Hi there, I remember you well. I'm not sure if you're still writing or reading Fanfiction, but if you are reading this, do let me know. And thank you so much for always supporting this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

- shadyblue: Your review really warmed my heart. I'm so sorry that I made you wait so long for this. It makes me really happy you think that I managed to describe the character's emotions well, especially because I personally think I'm not talented in writing. Thanks for reading, I hope I hear from you soon!

- Girlalicious: Haha, it's long overdue, but here it is! I'm aiming to upload the next chapter soon! (I've already started writing it). Your review made me want to get back into writing, so I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

- FancyToaster: Your words actually made me laugh. Haha, yes yes! I don't think there's anyone out there who wouldn't want a mysterious kiss by an Uchiha during a masquerade party! I'm really happy to see you like my story. Thanks for your support, it means a lot to me. As for Sasuke? Well... we'll just have to wait and see, yes? ;)