16 • Surprise?

When your schedule is as hectic as mine, it's advisable that you get your priorities straight. It's too bad that my priorities are currently all over the metaphorical floor, ceiling, and walls. It also quite sucks that, as exhausted as I am, I do not give a single fuck.

Ducking my head to both hide a yawn and dodge a piece of chalk, I stretch my arms out in front of me and blink blearily.

Scarface twitches at the front, eyes narrowed in irritation. "Please pay attention, Sakura, and stop sleeping in class."

I hum and wave a hand in vague agreement, too tired to put up my usual fight with the man. It's not easy dealing with twenty-odd children that are all a little messed up in the head (they want to go into a career that entails murder, they have to be a little crazy), so beyond the usual trouble my Brats cause, I don't bother the man much.

I'd certainly be less of a bother if he left me to sleep peacefully during class. It's not like I'm inconveniencing anyone! I always get perfect scores on any test we do, so what's the problem?

Leaning my head against my hand, I yawn again and turn to stare listlessly out the window, ignoring the stares and glances sent my way.

Lately, my time has been taken up with more training and less errands. This includes more lessons on what to do on a real mission and actually getting to learn how to wield medical ninjutsu (if I see another fish, it'll be too soon).

The lessons aren't too bad, a bit boring and absolutely mind-numbing, but at least I'm not physically doing anything. The training is a pain in the ass for how physically exhausting it is, and the fact that I have to spend time around the Bastard.

And then there's Dino. Beyond personally reporting to him on whatever progress there is to my "Befriending the Heirs" mission, I don't see the man. Recently, however, I've noticed him observing several of my training sessions.

I can't say for sure if he's watching me specifically, or just the group in a general sense. It's certainly unnerving and has me a lot more alert than I strictly need to be.

To make things worse, there's been a familiar presence around the base. My skills as a sensor are rather shoddy and I rely more on my instincts than chakra. But when both of them are warning me of a familiar presence around the one place no one is supposed to know I'm in?

I've become twitchy and withdrawn in my perusal to find out who they are. I have a few guesses, one of which I would hate to be true but am ready to shank myself just to escape the confrontation that would be bound to happen.

Because how do you give answers that you aren't supposed to? And Dino has made it perfectly clear that suicide is the preferred option when caught or discovered. Not that I would mind: it'd get me out of an awkward interrogation and keep the Brats away from Dino.

I frown as I turn the thought over in my mind. The benefits would-

"Sakura!"

I blink, turning my head to find the Brats surrounding my seat and each looking concerned in their own way. Glancing over their shoulders, it's easy to see that the classroom is empty. How didn't I notice that class finished already?

I stand up and grab my bag, yawning as I ask, "Yeah, did you say something?"

"Maybe you should head home and get some sleep," Hinata suggests with a frown as I step out of my desk.

Being surrounded by people that I'm usually so open with my expressions, my lips twitch downwards at the word "home." I have a house, but no home. Home sounds and feels too warm to be what the two-story and yellow-painted house I rarely stay in for more than three hours is.

"It's fine," I wave off. "I have some errands to run anyways before I can." Like scoping out a business that Dino wants to use for his own mechanisms.

Someone grabs my arm pulling me to a stop and making me twitch. Turning, I come face to face with a frowning Shikamaru. Blinking, I glance around to find that the Brats have me surrounded.

"While I'm proud to note that you surrounded me silently," I drawl, leaning back to look at everyone, "it displeases me to know that you used what I taught you against me."

Sasuke snorts to my left, crossing his arms and frowning as he retorts, "The fact that you didn't notice right away means you're more than just tired."

"Yeah, you gotta take care of yourself Sakura!" Naruto shouts to my right. "You're always telling us to take care of ourselves. Don't be a hypo- hyp- uhm.."

"Hypocrite," Shino helpfully supplies from behind me.

"Yeah, a hypocrite, believe it!"

Hinata quickly cuts in before Sasuke can snap at Naruto for shouting. "Surely, you can do your errands tomorrow?"

No, I really can't, because Dino wants a report about the business tonight when I get back. I appreciate the thought though.

Huffing, I look over at Shikamaru, raising a brow at the fact that he's still holding my arm. I tug my arm back half-heartedly, sighing when he narrows his eyes at me and doesn't let go.

"The sooner I get my errands done, the sooner I can sleep," I try to reason, shifting in place. "Now, if you would be so kind as to let me go-" someone is watching "-we wouldn't have to stand here like a bunch of idiots."

Having a stare down with a seven-year-old isn't what I want to be doing when there's someone watching but who? Where? Why?

"Shikamaru?" Choji gently prods, all eyes turning to the Nara Heir.

I'm not really sure when or how, but I've become the leader of this ragtag group with Shikamaru coming in second. It doesn't really make much sense to me since I've known Hinata, Sasuke, and Naruto longer than the other three. Maybe because (and no offense to the other Brats) he's the smartest of everyone else?

Whatever, that's not really my concern right now. My concern is the fact that whoever is watching us, watching me, is familiar.

Shit. It's gonna be the fucker that's hanging around HQ, isn't it?

"I really have to be going now," I intone sarcastically, leveling a serious stare at the Nara.

He clicks his tongue as he lets me go, slouching back while placing his hands in his pockets, "Troublesome woman, get some sleep."

I hum in acknowledgment, not agreeing or disagreeing, while moving to walk in the direction opposite of my house. Only to be grabbed by the shoulders and turned around.

"The fuck are you doing?"

"Leading you home."

"Why."

"To make sure you sleep."

"...I fucking hate you."

A motivated Nara isn't something you get in the way of, a lesson beaten into my head by Dino himself.

"You're welcome."

"I wasn't thanking you, you little shit."

Looks like the old cripple is gonna have to wait for that report. And that unknown but familiar asshole is still watching! Pedophile and stalker much?

ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ

I barely stop the urge to grimace at the sight of the house, chakra flickering in revulsion for only a second before falling still under my control.

How the Brats know where I live, I don't know, and very much would like to know who else knows where I live.

Now, how to get inside without letting the Brats in?

"Okay, we're here now, goodbye," I wave at them, even pushing the closest to me away.

"Is your Dad here?" Shikamaru asks, completely ignoring me.

Briefly, my expression twists in disgust at the familiar term for the Bastard. I shake my head, clearing my thoughts and answering Little Deer's question. "Nah, out on some mission or another, I don't fucking know. Bastard's never around when I get back."

"How will you get in?" Choji asks curiously, casually eating a bag of chips.

"I have my own key," which is true since Kizashi really is never around, has rather abandoned the house except for our medical lessons.

"-we come in?"

I don't know who asks, and I really don't give a shit, but I'm not letting six seven/eight-year-olds inside that house. The house that's painted a happy yellow. The house that has a beautiful front garden. The house that has a hidden basement, which smells of bleach and blood. The house that has only three bedrooms: Kizashi's, my nursery, and the guest room. The house that is cold, dusty, and dark, left to rot by its occupants. The house that someone unknown is inside of right now.

No. I'm not letting children into that.

"Then I'd have to play host and I thought you guys wanted me to sleep? Fucking choose already, because I really do have shit to do," I groan, glaring tiredly but seriously.

"We'll leave after you've stepped inside," Shikamaru you little shit, how I fucking despise you right now.

"Fine, but if any of you step inside the gate, I'll make a run for my errands just to spite you," I threaten, taking the house key out of my pocket.

Pushing open the gate and shutting it behind me, I flip the Brats off while grumbling noncommittally. Reaching the door, I glance into the windows to check the reflection of the Brats but instead find the curtains pulled back.

Furrowing my brows, I dig the key into the door. The curtains are never pulled back, always closed to keep people unaware of the lifeless house. Turning around to wave the well-meaning children away, I open the front door and step inside.

The confused furrow of my brows smooths, the frown on my lips straightens, the pinching skin around my eyes falling away. My expression easily falls blank and emotionless as I stare into the dark hall.

Where are you? Who are you? Why are you here?

I passively watch as the shadows twitch and grow, crawling along the walls and around my feet. They claw at my legs, climbing up and squeezing around my torso. The room descends into darkness as the genjutsu settles into place and I'm restricted.

I can only see a very faint outline of the room, so I immediately notice when the darkness shifts again. I don't move as a silhouette wrapped in darkness steps forward. I don't curse or sigh when the darkness seeps away from part of the head to reveal eyes. I don't twitch when the sharp blade of a sword is suddenly pressing against my neck lightly.

I don't react when it cuts skin and I start to bleed. I hardly feel it anyways.

"It's been a while, Sakura-chan. Let's catch up."

Staring up at red spinning eyes, I fall back on my training to stop myself from explosively sighing or cursing. Just my fucking luck.

"What's there to catch up on, Shisui-san?"

ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ

We stare at each other for several minutes, neither moving or making a sound. Finally, Shisui makes the first move. Moving the blade away from my throat, he steps back and directs it between my eyes. Being so close, I can tell it's the standard tanto that all ANBU and ROOT agents get.

So I was right it'd seem. How fucking fantastic.

I grin sharply, surprising the teen if his narrowed eyes are anything to go by. "It's rude to show up uninvited and unannounced. But since you're here, would you like some tea?"

"Don't play with me," he intones blankly. "I want answers, Haruno."

My grin drops as I sneer, "Don't be stupid, Uchiha. I'm not going anywhere, not when you're older and more experienced than I. At the very least, let's make this meeting as civil as possible."

Another stare down. This one lasts shorter than the first and again, he is the one to make the first move. Swiftly sheathing the tanto, he steps to the side, head tilting and expression blank as he beckons me to walk ahead.

I don't spare him a glance as I stalk past and into the kitchen. Despite how lifeless and abandoned the house practically is, Kizashi still lives here and stocks up on supplies. Annoyingly, everything is placed in high places, out of my immediate reach.

But, being a ROOT Trainee, I don't hesitate to pull myself up on the counter, unconcerned with dirting the area food is generally placed on.

"You're lucky. There is quite the variety," I hum as I shift through the small boxes and cans. "There's black tea, I hear it improves cardiovascular health and regulates blood sugar levels. There's jasmine, aids in weight loss, relieves stress, and improves the immune system. Matcha: fat burning and immunity booster, high in antioxidants. Green: reduces risk of cancer and heart disease, promotes weight loss. Oh, there's also-"

"Green tea will suffice," he cuts me off, tone sharper than what would be considered polite.

I don't verbally respond, simply nod my head in acknowledgment as I grab the box of green tea. I'm actually quite put off that he wouldn't let me show off my knowledge on the benefits of tea. It's just rude.

Shuffling for the teapot and cups, I leap to the floor soundlessly. I can feel Shisui's eyes on me as I prepare the tea, facing him and showing my hands the entire time to make things easier.

Grabbing a tray, I set up the tea and guide my (unwanted) guest to the dining room. Pouring the tea just as I've been painstakingly taught (literally), I settle into my seat and wait.

Shisui doesn't touch the cup of tea set out for him. Doesn't even bother glancing at it. The lack of manners makes something in me itch in irritation but the feeling is easily pushed aside as I bring my own cup up to sip.

"Are you done with this farce?"

I withhold a sigh, narrowing my eyes in annoyance instead. "The moment you lowered your sword from me was the moment you agreed to be civil. Have some manners, Uchiha-san."

I never did like being shown disrespect in meetings I considered important. Being an intermediary was different. I didn't particularly care what happened to either party since the pay was never to my satisfaction or it was done as a favor.

The teen before me narrows his own eyes in return but clicks his tongue and reaches for his cup. It's as much as an agreement and submission I'm going to get. A rather large accomplishment for being only seven-almost-eight and considered an unknown/enemy.

"I have important errands to run so I can only spare you a few minutes," I inform casually, as if it's a fact that I'll be walking out of this meeting, this house, alive. "What can I help you with, Uchiha-san?"

"I would like to know what your involvement with Councilman Shimura Danzō is."

The wording has me grimacing but my expression smoothes out as I think. The seal on my tongue prevents me from giving a straight answer, and the genjutsu specially placed on it prevents any and everyone not Danzō from seeing it.

I can't very well say that my involvement is against my will or that I'm playing the long game. The seal is connected to the mind, from my understanding, and is always on the lookout for key-thoughts. It's difficult enough to think about the current situation without triggering the seal - something I've only done twice, once in curiosity and the other accidentally.

"The first time I was allowed outside the house on my own, I was three," I begin slowly. "I met Naruto that day, as well as the Hokage."

There's a slight frown on Shiusi's face but he stays silent and allows me to continue. The teen isn't stupid by any measure. A little bright and optimistic for someone in his position, but his personality doesn't reflect his sharp intelligence. I can only assume that he will pick up my hidden words and meanings.

"I was surprised to find Kizashi greet the old man so familarily. Though, the familiarity in which he greets Fugaku-san with, has to be the most baffling thing to me," I huff quietly, staring down at my cup of tea before setting it down gently. "He never seemed to be the type to be friends with or close to well-respected people. He's rather average that way, don't you think?"

He pauses in his movements at the musing statement, teacup halfway up to his mouth. He pins me with an assessing stare, frown much more prominent now. Lowering the cup, he leans back and hums in quiet thought.

"I suppose," he finally murmurs before gesturing for me to continue.

I glance at the clock, noting the amount of time that has passed and calculating how much longer this, on top of my errand, will take. Dino wants nothing less than perfect, so I'll have to cut this riveting reunion short. How unfortunate.

Not, I mentally snort. The last thing I wanted to face today, or even this week, was a confrontation with someone I'd call a friend. Despite knowing this would happen eventually, I didn't necessarily plan for it. So the sooner I can duck out of this and actually have some time to carefully word my responses, the better.

"I'll have to end this unexpected tea session here. Take from it what you will," I lazily wave a hand while standing up and ignoring the suspicious stare being drilled into my head.

Finding that nothing of importance will be said anymore, I stretch my arms above my head and allow the training beat into me fall away. Yawning, I make my way to the front door - turning my back to Shisui and leaving the tea where it is.

"Well, that was certainly all sorts of fun," I mutter as I stop just before the door to pull my hair back. Tilting my head just enough to look my curly-haired friend in the eye, I give a sarcastic smile. "As much as I enjoy your company, Sushi, don't make this a habit."

Opening the door, I step out before pausing and turning back around. Grinning sharply, I say, "Put away the tea when you're done, I rather not alert Kizashi into knowing I went through it. He's rather testy about me touching Mom's things."

Waiting until he nods his understanding, I let my grin and shoulders relax. "Other than that, if you plan on staying here any longer, than by all means, make yourself at home," I quip with a eye roll, finally turning back around to leave.

"Oh! Check in with Princess and Little Duck sometime soon, yeah? They've been looking rather stressed and confused, respectively, these days," I call just loud enough for him to hear but not have the neighbors curious. "Till next time."

ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ

If I started adding scenes in Third POV with no warning, would you mind?

Or should I leave those as potential Bonuses?