Chapter 3 - Naive

Sakura sipped her sake, while the lavender eyed girl across from her wasn’t even drinking. What should I expect? She is truly a lady. “Hinata-chan… Everything is falling apart for me.” She gave up the cup for the bottle and stared at her friend, daring her to try and make her feel better. Hinata nervously brushed her blue tinted bangs out of her eyes.

“S-Sakura-chan, you’re wonderful. Y-you should be happy.” The Hyuga Heiress was too polite to try and get the bottle away from the young woman. Sakura was dressed in dark pants and a beige t-shirt. It seemed she had given up pink these days. “You’re the t-top medic in Konoha.”

“Sasuke won’t leave me alone.” Hinata hid the smile at the comment, remembering how the situation was reversed when they were young children and Sakura wouldn’t leave Sasuke alone. Of course, even drunk Sakura didn’t miss the smile. “It’s not like that… He doesn’t want to be with me… Something happened… And now he feels like he has to protect me or something. I can protect my self.” Hinata nodded understanding how it was with old team mates.

“He’s j-just worried--” Hinata cut off as Sakura suddenly ducked down in her chair as Sasuke walked into the small pub.

“Dammit, sorry Hinata-chan, I have to run. We’ll talk more later?” Hinata gave her a smile and a nod then turned her eyes to the approaching Uchiha as Sakura flickered away. Her stared at him for a second and their eyes locked. She turned away fighting the urge to activate her Byakugan. Sasuke seemed intense, a strong emotion driving him perhaps and Hinata wondered if there was more to it than just protecting her…

888

Sakura appeared in front of her doorway and frantically tried to get the door open. She stifled a scream and whipped around as a hand closed around her shoulder. Sasuke stood there, his black eyes intense. Suddenly he walked past her and into her apartment. There he stood, waiting patiently for her to enter. Sighing, Sakura walked past him, trying to control her rising temper. “S-Sasuke, I thought you were off on a mission.” He didn’t reply only watched her move around the apartment. “What do you want?” Seconds passed by as the world tilted slightly. Damn sake. “I think you better go.”

“No,” came a short reply and Sakura hit him with a green glare.

“Sasuke. Get. Out.” It was no longer a suggestion.

“No,” once again. Sakura clenched her fist only to quickly reach out for the wall with which to steady herself. Just like that he was on her. Sakura only had a split second to gasp before he kissed her…

“What are y-you doing? Let go!” She hissed, her anger slowly dissipating. Hinata was right! Sasuke did feel something for her. Her mind fell into shambles as she tried to figure out the situation. She was certain when he realized she was intoxicated he would stop… If she could manage to get any breath into her lungs to speak as he ate at her mouth. She tried to break away but found it nearly impossible. It was nice after all… And comfortable somehow. It was then that she realized they were on her bed.

Panic ripped through her. Sakura’s pants were already off and his hands were under her shirt. He cut off her protest with another demanding kiss, demanding yet somewhat gentle, while his hands moved over her warm flesh. Her shirt was gone, the ceiling overhead spun as he pressed her into the mattress. He was already half naked! “That’s enough.” She coughed out the words and dodged his lips so he moved to her neck and then down her body. Sakura pushed hard on his shoulder making him look up at her. She gasped at the burning black that locked with her eyes.

“It’s enough, Sakura, when I say it’s enough.” The words sank in slowly as fear worked its way through her.

“Sasuke, get off me.” His mouth closed over her breast and Sakura yelped when he bit down slightly. “Sasuke…” He didn’t even release her breast of a split second as she shrank away from him, struggling against the odd sensations spiking through her. The eyes that turned back up to her were Sharingan red and Sakura could only watch in horror as the image of Sasuke’s face melted away leaving only the promise of pain and fear…

“Itachi. Say it.” Sakura shook her head, “I am not my brother. He would never do this to you. I am Itachi.” It was Itachi. After the thrashing and the smothered sobering screams Sakura had decided she would pretend he was actually Sasuke.

“No, no you’re not Itachi… You’re Sasuke.” She denied him again, her eyes closed. Her clothes were gone, shredded, except for her meagre under garments. She could feel the anger rise in him and she thought that anything was better than the incensed lust he had been radiating. How can this be happening?

“Open your eyes.” She only shook her head as gentle fingers moved through her hair. “Sakura, remember what happened the last time you wouldn’t open your eyes for me.”

It wasn’t a question, he was telling her to remember the last time he had raped her… And she did. She could never forget as much as she tried to erase it from her memory. Her shaking stopped and her breathing slowed as he somehow invoked the memories of their last meeting with a mere sentence.

“I don’t want to think about that right now, Sasuke.” She felt him tense and almost smiled, knowing a smile would cost her life. His lips touched her neck and Sakura shivered. Her arms were pinned, her head was spinning again, and her chakra infused kicks destroyed the bed as his hands roamed over her flesh once more.

“Are you alright? Sakura?” It was Sasuke’s voice and Sakura started, not opening her eyes. When she squirmed he let her up, his lips moving to her bare stomach until she pushed his head away. Sakura’s mind was frantic as she tried to understand everything going on around her. It’s Itachi, not Sasuke! Isn’t it? Sakura opened her eyes as she moved off the bed, keeping her eyes trained on the floor. Then she was away and moving for an exit. Am I insane?Hallucinating?

Instantly he was in front of her and Sakura stopped, her eyes on his chest. “Get out of my house.” She demanded, her voice calm as she tried to force her head to clear. It was then that she realized he was naked! Sakura couldn’t help the blush that made her cheeks burn. “You’re naked!” She hissed the words in an accusation. Hallucination or not, she did not want to see Sasuke naked.

“Yes.” He replied and even though she was not looking at his eyes she could tell he was staring as her exposed flesh as well. “And you’re nearly there.” Refusing to turn her back on him she pointed an accusing finger.

“P-put your clothes on!” He made no move. “Please.” She tried and still he only stood there.

“Sakura… Come here.” She said and Sakura frantically shook her head, her eyes glancing around for possible escape.

“You’re crazy… You-you took advantage of me! I was drunk!” And apparently hallucinating about your brother… She shook out of her thoughts. “Just leave, Sasuke, please.” She finished with a sigh.

“I said, come here.” This time there was a threat in that tone and sighing Sakura took a step toward him, then another until she was within arms reach. She watched his hands reach for her, her eyes still downcast.

When his arm shattered from blocking the hit aimed for his face Sakura grinned, wishing she could look at his face. He grunted and danced back, not making a sound. “What do you take me for Itachi?” Her voice was laced with anger as she leapt away from him. “I am not some foolish little girl… And I don’t have time for you games. Why are you here? What else could you possibly want from me?” He didn’t answer. The naked body before her was suddenly different; paler, leaner… Itachi. His arm hung limply now, but his body was tense. Sakura grinned again as her fingers suddenly flashed into some hand signs; she stopped when she realized he was gone, just like that. Her front door was wide open and he was gone. He had known he couldn’t copy her genjutsu with a mangled arm, and had thankfully taken his leave.

Trying to suppress all that has just happened Sakura pulled on some clothes. The sun was just begging to set as she quickly made her way to the Hokage’s office.

888

Sakura ran through the forest, two ANBU close behind her. They were heading for the ANBU camp just outside of Konoha. Tsunade had refused to let her go alone; despite the injuries she had given the Uchiha.

Neji looked up as he felt a strong chakra source approaching fast. He concentrated for a second and knew it was Sakura. It never ceased to amaze him how such a small woman could have so much chakra. Then she was beside him, two ANBU with her that dispersed with a nod from her. “Where’s Sasuke?” She asked, and he could see a hint of green behind the tiny eyes of her tiger mask with his sensitive eyesight, even with his own eagle mask in place. He could feel the tension rolling off her in waves.

“What is it Sakura?” He asked, concern lacing his tone, watching her as her eyes scanned the ANBU camp. It was fairly large with four cabins of different sizes as well as three different outdoor training areas.

“Where is he?” She demanded and Neji pointed toward the largest of the cabins. Just like that she was gone, leaving Neji worried.

Sakura practically threw the door off its hinges as she burst into the building. There was her target, standing at the front of some eight ANBU, pointing at a drawing board with some barely comprehendible images scribbled on it. The room fell completely silent as all nine masks turned to the hooded ANBU. One of them whispered Tiger as they looked at her. Sakura’s chest heaved as she found herself unable to lift her eyes past the nose of the Dog mask she was seeking. “Get out!” She practically growled the words. They looked back just in time to see the piece of chalk snap in the Dog’s hand. He nodded sharply and they were all gone in less than two seconds.

“Sakura?” His voice was barely above a whisper. Sasuke knew she wasn’t looking him in the eyes. With each second that passed his tension increased threefold. “Sakura.” He demanded again but frowned beneath the mask as she suddenly retreated, whipping around and heading for the door. It slammed in front of her face and Sasuke’s arm blocked her from opening it again. Sasuke actually gasped as her hands suddenly closed tight around his ABNU vest and shaking, the small woman lifted him off the ground and slammed him against the closed door.

“I am strong, Sasuke!” She raged at him, finally meeting his eyes. That was what he had been waiting for. She stumbled back groaning. “Don’t! Please!” But it was too late; their eyes were locked as she backed away, him coming toward her. “Damn you!” Were her last words before he yanked the recent memories out of her brain. She ended up on the floor, shaking. “I thought it was you… I-I was drunk and he tried to… Tried to... What if he… I’ll kill him, Sasuke. Next time he comes back I’ll kill him. I swear I’ll kill him for you.”

“No, Sakura. I will kill him.” There was such suppressed rage in his tone that Sakura looked to his mask.

“What does he want with me?” She asked now, her tone defeated yet hopeful as if somehow he could answer that question. He was quiet. “Please, tell me Sasuke-kun.”

“I don’t… Know…” She dropped her head, staring at the floor. “I’m sorry he did that to you… He pretended to be me. That bastard! I will kill him.”

“Tell me why, please!” Sakura reached out to grab his pant leg. “I will not let him do that again, Sasuke!”

“I think he… Wants you Sakura.” Sakura froze at the response. “I don’t think it’s about me.” His voice softened.

“No! Don’t say that!” She jumped to her feet now backing away from him. “Why would you say that!? O-of course it’s about you! He wants to get to you through me! That’s it! Gomen Sasuke, but that has to be it!” He lowered his eyes at her frantic tone and reached out to catch hold of her upper arms.

“I saw him through your eyes, Sakura. Itachi wants you.” She shook her head.

“That’s not true! I don’t believe it.” Sakura denied. “There’s no reason for him to w-want me! Baka! That’s stupid!”

“You’re being stupid, Sakura… And naive.” His words stung, breaking through her denial. She pulled away and moved past him. “Where are you going?”

“Back to Konoha.” She spoke, feeling numb.

“Stay here, Sakura.” She paused as his hand fell on her shoulder, tensing. “I’m sorry Sakura but I can’t let you leave here. It’s for your own safety. I can protect you.” She tensed even more, if that was possible. “I know you don’t want my protection Sakura… But I’m not giving you a choice. You know that’s why Hokage-sama let you come here.” Her shoulders slumped.

“Fine.” Was all she said as he let her go. He’ll be back for you. Sasuke thought as she left and he wasn’t overly upset by the thought. In fact, he had found the perfect bait to draw his murdering brother to him; his naïve pink-haired ANBU. His vengeance would be all that much sweeter.