and one time Itachi marked Sakura

Itachi was widely hailed as a prodigy, an elite shinobi; he was an alpha, one who was known to be strong-willed. But now, even his instincts were screaming at him not to move a muscle. In this room, he was prey, holding still as to not draw the attention of the predator – but it was too late.

As protocol dictated, the ANBU captain gave a verbal report and debrief – only after any injured members of the squad were given appropriate medical care. Protocol did not dictate what to do if one of the injured squad members was the Hokage's beloved apprentice and had been personally checked over by the Hokage herself, and protocol most certainly had nothing on what to do if the squad member had been marked with the captain's scent, and he with hers.

Itachi was well-aware that his control had slipped during the mission. He had been too furious, and then too relieved to see Sakura alive – and she had been just as relieved to see him. She had insisted on being carried by Itachi on the way home and had taken full advantage of their close proximity to mark her scent on him, rubbing her cheeks and running her hands all over his shoulders and neck and chest. And Itachi could not help but indulge her, reciprocating her attention to the fullest to reassure himself that she was safe and to reassure her that he was still with her.

A part of him was quietly smug, alpha instincts proud to have made his first claim on her. He hoped that this would be the first step in his courtship, now that his intentions and feelings were known and, so it seemed, reciprocated. The rest of him was quietly horrified, especially when the Hokage herself was staring him down. He had seen her angry before, of course, but it usually entailed yelling and throwing things – this quiet fury, filling the room with the force of her presence, was unnerving.

"Uchiha," she hissed, voice dangerously low. "What is the meaning of this?"

Itachi reassured himself that the scent marking had been consensual and mutual and that any killing or maiming in this room would draw Sakura's ire, so it was unlikely the Hokage would do so…but not impossible. "The mission was a success, Hokage-sama."

Her eyes narrowed further.

"The operation was dismantled," he said smoothly, not wanting to say anything more than what was necessary. If the Hokage didn't bring it up, there was no need to give her further ammunition. "All evidence was destroyed."

Silence. She said nothing but Itachi was aware of her intense scrutiny, trying his best not to flinch under the piercing gaze.

"Very well," Tsunade said finally, leaning back slightly in her chair as she crossed her arms. Although the motion was small, it lightened the heavy atmosphere just enough for him to breathe freely. "Full report by the week's end. Dismissed."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Itachi murmured, bowing deeply. He turned and began walking towards the door, only to be stopped when she spoke again.

"Uchiha? Don't you dare bring her to the hospital smelling like that again."

Itachi froze, but this time it was completely against his will. His hand hovered above the door handle, paralysed by her killing intent. "Yes, Hokage-sama," was all he could manage. All his instincts screamed at him to submit as he summoned a burst of strength to open the door and flee the room. Once he was a safe distance away, Itachi breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily for the Hokage – and for him – he had no intention of bringing Sakura back from a mission unless it was in perfect health. As for the scenting – well, that would be entirely up to Sakura.

you know how cats headbutt you and rub their faces and bodies against you? exactly what Itachi and Sakura were doing to each other on the way home.

fun fact! this was not originally planned, it actually to me in a dream (kinda, I'd just woken up and was half-asleep when the idea came). thanks to everyone who read, reviewed and favourited!