Blindfolded

Blindfolded
Chapter Information:
Genre: humor/romance
Inspired: Terra Naomi - Say It's Possible, Final Fantasy VIII - Disc1 08-The Landing
LORE:
kekkei genkai - the genetically inherited special ability, which gives Sharingan to the Uchihas, or Byakugan to the Hyuugas etc.
yookai - those who watched Inuyasha already now this word:) youkai is a demon who may look humanoid or monster-like. In my story it implies a humanoid demon.

Happy Holidays! :)

Chapter 6
The Black Cat

Sakura stared at the cat in surprise. He stared back at her.

“Kisame?” She asked hesitatingly. The other nodded.

“What are you doing here?”

The tomcat stood up and stretched comfortably, as if he had nothing else to do.

“I’ve got work around here.”

“So you thought you'd visit me, how kind. I don't even dare ask how you knew I lived here” she said in a challenging tone while eyeing him. He didn't answer.

“Why did you vanish so suddenly?”

“I was in a hurry.”

Couldn't he at least sound a bit apologetic, Sakura thought and sighed while approaching him.

“And may I ask why are you a cat now?”

“I'm sorry but that's a professional secret.”

“Why? You're some kind of elite cat-force?” she looked at him sarcastically. “I didn't know such a unit existed among mailmen.”

“I'm the only one of my kind.”

“I bet you are.” Sakura said with fire in her eyes. “And what do you offer? Catch mice as a special service?”

“Does that degrade me in your eyes?”

“How you left me degraded you in my eyes!” Sakura bit back, gazing fierily at the cat, who looked back calmly - and then raised his black paw towards her.

“I'm sorry” he said. Sakura stared at the cute, fluffy paw that was still held out for her and she reluctantly shook it.

“Now I know why you're a cat” she said dryly. “You thought your cuteness would make me forgive you, didn't you.”

The cat's eyes sparkled up. “Is it so easy to see through me?” he asked with a deep voice, one that was promising dark, untold secrets, and Sakura shivered.

“It's kind of ironic for you to say that, considering I've never seen you.”

Yet you probably know me better than most of those who have seen me, Itachi thought, but didn't say anything.

Sakura stepped to the desk and picked up the book Itachi had been reading, turning it so she could see the thick, red letters printed on its cover: 'Hybrids and Genes; the Origin of Kekkei Genkai'. She had been reading that book in the last couple of days when she had a little free time.

“An interesting book. Are you researching on the subject?” the cat asked.

“Yes, since my mission in Mist years ago.” Sakura answered with a sad smile and thought about Haku. “That was the first time I heard of prejudice against people with kekkei genkai. I wanted to know why; I wanted to understand it” she said and sat down on the bed, while browsing through the book.

“I wanted to know why they consider people with kekkei genkai to have cursed blood” she said softly. “Blood from demons... I didn't know kekkei genkai originated from youkai.”

The black cat jumped down from the desk and sat next to her bed. He looked up intently at Sakura with his big and round, yet serious eyes.

“People always feared the unknown and couldn't accept those who were different. That unfortunately hasn't changed — and never will.”

“Well I believe we can make a difference” Sakura argued stubbornly “we just have to make people understand how the genes work, then they'd realize that people with kekkei genkai are just as human as everybody else. Imagine how crime could be reduced. After all most of the S-class ninjas are hybrids who turned against people because they were rejected.”

“You're naive, Sakura.” the cat retorted and the kunoichi's eyes flashed angrily. She reached down grabbing him by the scruff of his neck, and raised him to her eye level.

“Don't you want to turn back to human now?” She asked irritated.

“No.” the cat answered shortly. The corner of Sakura's lips turned to a grin.

“I'll give you yummy milk.”

“Maybe next time.”

Suddenly Sakura became very angry. She wanted to shake the mailman until he spat out what was going on.

“Then why are you here?” she hissed and let go of the cat, who first dropped onto her lap then jumped towards the end of the bed, out of her reach.

“I wanted to make sure you've arrived home safely” he answered when he settled down by her legs.

“Okay you've made sure. I'm safe and sound, see? Now turn back to human.”

“Sakura, maybe you haven't realized it, but...” the cat pointed at himself, “...I'm not dressed. If I turned human now, I'd be naked.”

“Okay!” she looked at him expectantly with a sudden interest in her eyes, bending forward a little bit.

“But that would be sexual harassment.”

Sakura snorted. “Do I look like the Virgin Mary to you?”

“Not for you...”

Sakura stared at him stunned for a moment, then started to laugh.

“You're good, Kisame. I must admit that.” She praised him and leaned back against the bedpost again.

In the upcoming silence the tomcat yawned showing his sharp fangs, and Sakura tried to strain her jaw to fight the overpowering force, but finally she yawned as well. She felt more and more tired by every minute, but she had already decided to stay up. Sakura didn't know how long the mailman could maintain his animal form, but such a transformation required lots of chakra so basically all she needed to do was to wait and see.

Itachi watched the mischievous smile that played at the corner of Sakura's lips as she sat before him, blabbing about her days at the hospital. One strap of her nightgown slipped down while she was gesturing, and as she was watching him with half-lidded, sleepy eyes she looked so innocent.. so alluring.

Itachi knew he shouldn't stay there any longer, he had already spent more time than he should have. Just watching Sakura sitting in front of him so invitingly.. just how long did he intended to torture himself?! She was so close.. yet so far away. Sinful desires...

..Forbidden desires.

“I see you're tired. I've stayed too long.” Itachi decided finally as he watched Sakura's lips parting for another yawn.

“No-no, you're good where you are! I'm not really tired. Just.. don't leave” she said hastily, then a little bit later closed her eyes. Not because she was tired of course. It just felt nice to relax a little.. and anyway she had travelled with Kisame for days without actually seeing him, so it was an unnecessary waste of energy to look at him now. And with that she fell asleep.

Sakura woke up abruptly in the middle of the night. It was dark in the room, only veiled moonlight shone through the window. Still woozy from the sleep, Sakura sat up on the bed and tried to blink the sleepiness out of her eyes. There was silence in the room, calm silence — something she had gotten used to since she had been living alone. She looked up then, and her heart gave a leap when her eyes beheld a dark figure sitting on the other side of her bed. He would have completely melted into the shadows had the moon not softly outlined his face. Or was it a trick of the light and she was seeing things?

Propping herself up with her arms Sakura bent forward and slowly, almost hesitatingly extended her hand towards the shadow figure; but when her fingers suddenly touched it's warm skin, her breath hitched in her throat. The man didn't move, just looked down at her in silence. With eyes wide open Sakura tried to give a shape to the darkness, and she licked her dry lips in excitement. Again she reached out to touch the man's face as if she couldn't believe that he was real. Sakura watched as her fingertips followed the arch of his eyebrows, along with the sharp line of his cheekbone; then she glanced up into his eyes, which were darker than the darkest night captivating her, being so deep and enticing that Sakura bent closer unconsciously. She let her fingers slide down his face and remembered the time in the cave, when she tried to explore his features the same way. Suddenly something changed in the air, the darkness flared up in the man's eyes drawing her closer with it's overwhelming power. Sakura's breath became ragged and her fingers quivered as they slid over the man's hot skin almost painfully slowly; and when she lightly touched his lips the man grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer.

Sakura forgot to breathe as she watched him leaning towards her while gripping her wrists. She remembered the kiss on that last day, and her eyes unconsciously travelled to his lips. The man, as if he had been reading her mind, smiled and leaned closer.

“Why are you here?” Sakura whispered when his lips were so close to hers that she felt his hot breath inflaming her passion. Smiling again he tightened his hold on her wrist and pulled her even closer.

Sakura forgot to breathe as she watched him leaning towards her while gripping her wrists. She remembered the kiss on that last day, and her eyes unconsciously travelled to his lips. The man, as if he had been reading her mind, smiled and leaned closer.

“Why are you here?” Sakura whispered when his lips were so close to hers that she felt his hot breath inflaming her passion. Smiling again he tightened his hold on her wrist and pulled her even closer.

“You invited me to stay” he whispered in her ear. Sakura bit back a moan as she felt her body slide against his, and unconsciously tilted her head sideways when she felt the light touch of his lips on her skin. She didn't deny the desire, which she had felt even when she was blindfolded; but now, seeing his face — even if it was only outlined by moonlight — Sakura was enticed and intrigued by him till she almost felt drunk from the feeling. Her craving senses were so sharpened by desire that little shivers of pleasure ran along her spine with his every touch.

But no.. she wouldn't give in until she knew why. That word had echoed in her mind when he kissed her, when she had regained consciousness in Konoha hospital, and when she had hoped in vain to receive a letter from him...

“Why?” she asked in the darkness, trying to raise her hands, but the man still wouldn't let her go.

Itachi slowly rested his forehead on Sakura's shoulder and took a deep breath.

“I couldn't promise you anything.” he answered finally with a voice that was deep and hollow.

“Why?” Sakura asked again, not accusatory, rather wistfully.

Itachi slowly released one of her wrists and reached up to gently touch her hair.

“I couldn't do otherwise.”

Sakura suddenly stilled by his answer, pressing her free hand protectively to herself.

“Then why are you here?”

Itachi smiled bitterly, longingly. Then he closed his eyes and let her other hand slip out of his hold.

“Because I wanted to. For a moment to be free.. to desire...” he whispered into her hair. “...acceptance without restraint.”

Sakura's heart leaped into her throat when the man embraced her, his touch radiated power and desire.. and something else; a deep and dark, yet beautiful and honest gentleness.

In that moment, in a heartbeat she understood him. She knew that loneliness that was always there, buried deep down in the silence that enveloped them whispering to her quietly.

Open up to me..

Sakura felt the man's dark chakra pulsing around her; it was swirling roughly and confused, because he longed for redemption that couldn't be gained by solitude, he longed for salvation that he could never reach alone.

Take me in..

The unspoken need folded it's arms around her so tightly, that her voice trembled when she opened her lips to whisper, and hearing her answer Itachi looked down at her in surprise. But Sakura's sincere eyes showed only warmth as she slid her hands over his chest.

..I want to accept you.

Their eyes met, one searching and one unwavering; they just looked at each other longingly and Sakura softly moaned when she heard the luring promise of the dark night.

Her fingers slid teasingly over his black shirt till they reached it's collar; there they lingered for a while drawing delicate circles around it's buttons innocently tempting them.

“I thought you said you'd be naked.” Sakura whispered playfully while her fingers hovered over the first button.. and then with a swift movement she undid it.

As if that button had been holding him back, in the next moment Itachi jerked Sakura to him and kissed her with fiery passion once, twice and one more time; their lips met insatiably again and again as if there was no tomorrow. Sakura grasped his long hair while he pushed her back to the bed and tore away the skimpy nightgown to get access to her silky, warm skin that was just waiting to be touched, to be discovered with his lips and fingers.

Sakura bit her lower lip from the pleasure when she felt Itachi's hands trailing lower over her body, intending to touch all her sensitive spots until they eventually reached their ultimate destination. Originally Sakura wasn’t planning to go that far, but by the time her hazy mind realized that this man doesn't do things by halves, she had already let passion run away with them both. It had been so long since she was with a man, that she felt she would come just from the desire to be with him. His touch was just like his chakra; rough and unbridled like a madly rising flood starting to fill her senses so irresistibly. Her heart was beating loudly in her eardrum as she reached out to take off the last hindrances that covered his body from her touch. She blindly undid the buttons wanting to slide her hand over his naked arms up to his shoulders. She wanted to feel his strong muscles playing under her caress, yet every time she touched him she wanted more, every time they kissed hungrily, it just made her even more unsatisfied.

Itachi felt his desire for fulfilment taking over him as he leaned above her, yet he hesitated; but then Sakura circled his hip with her legs and pulled him into her. Her lips parted in an ecstatic moan and Itachi couldn't catch his breath — Sakura pulsed around him so tightly — both of them were on the verge already, and every push of his hip just heightened this sweet torture.

“So let's talk about genetics.” Itachi breathed to Sakura's ear as he kissed the sensitive skin of her neck earning another moan from Sakura.

“Which part of it turns you on?” she asked lustfully with a small laugh, and began to move under him changing the angle of her hips until she heard his deep moan. Itachi grabbed her hips to take back his control, and straightened up.

Sakura looked up curiously, and her heart gave a great thud at the sight of him, towering over her and radiating power like a king. The moonlight slid sensually over his perfectly balanced body, his wide shoulders, flat abdomen and muscular arms which caressed her hip as he moved, lower and lower until Sakura shuddered from pleasure when he touched her most sensitive spot.

It was impossible to resist or keep the feeling under control as the man gently and rhythmically massaged her. Sakura felt her control slipping out of her hands and some kind of deep, madly amazing feeling began to emerge inside her, flying higher and higher until it reached a point where Sakura couldn't even breath anymore; then suddenly it began to rush down unstoppably until Sakura found complete release.

But Itachi didn't stop now that Sakura wasn't so damn tight anymore and he leaned over her again, embracing her, tasting her with his lips. He reached for her nape and moved her head back to get at the sensitive skin under her jaw along with her delicate neck — he wanted to feel everything. As they enjoyed each other Sakura's fingers ran over his hair, drawing lines along his muscles, and she put her arms around his neck. Soon her breathing changed, it became heavier and more erratic, her hands gripped his shoulders as if she couldn't bear the pleasure that rushed through her again. Itachi's lips parted to gasp for more air; Sakura's pulsing, wet warmth was driving him crazy. His movements became faster and more powerful as both of them drew nearer to perfect fulfillment. And at that moment when Sakura wanted to scream Itachi kissed her passionately, intoxicated from pleasure.

For a little while they just lay next to each other, then Sakura put her head on his chest and tried to calm her madly beating heart. Satisfaction filled her with pleasant tiredness, she felt happy and content. Tomorrow the first thing she'd do would be to take a day off and introduce Kisame to her friends. Then she'd show Kisame around Konoha. They'd climb up the memorial of the Hokages where the view was so beautiful, Sakura thought while caressing her lover's firm chest. Yes, tomorrow. Tomorrow would be the best day of her life, she knew it. Sakura was also sure that the morning light would make his face even more beautiful than she had seen tonight, and she swore she'd never close her eyes again when he kissed her. Desire flared up again at the thought, and she reached up to embrace her lover's neck. Thus continued the wildest night of Sakura's life.

.oOo.

Itachi was lost in thought as he looked out of the window at the sleeping Konoha at dawn. Then he glanced at Sakura's peaceful face as she was sleeping in the bed, and with a sigh he stared at the blank paper in front of him. His fingers were absent-mindedly playing with the brush and his crimson Sharingan looked at the paper as if he was expecting it to write the letter by itself.

Itachi was not good with words, especially written words. Of course he knew how to write detailed and compact reports, he was trained to be analytic and accurate — but that was it. He was not an expert on writing personal notes, didn't really have experience in that matter. But Sakura had complained about it, so he decided to write one.

Sakura,

Here he halted again. How could he explain all the things he felt, he desired, yet he couldn't have!? Now that the sun had risen the chains of his fate became visible again, he couldn't hide them behind the dark night anymore. Sakura might not have recognised him last night, but in the daylight she'd surely see his resemblance to Sasuke. Even though she hadn't seen Sasuke in eight years... he couldn't take the risk, that would endanger his mission.

He didn't know what to write; he was not a person to hide behind excuses, yet he couldn't reveal the truth either. Anything he could say would need to be explained further and in the end he would have to tell nothing or everything again.

Sakura,

bye.

Itachi stared at the paper and groaned irritably. He had no idea at all.

.oOo.

Sakura, still being half-asleep, felt the mattress move as somebody slowly got out of the bed, but this was one of those fleeting sensations that was registered by the brain, yet not comprehended by the mind. Later she woke up in a bad mood, although as she opened her eyes she didn't know why. She slowly sat up and stared sleepily into nowhere in particular; then she looked down as the sheets gently slid down, revealing her naked chest. She glanced at the other side of the bed —now empty— and slowly, as if she herself couldn't believe that it could happen— she looked around the room. Everything looked the same except for a small note that lay shyly on the desk. She reached out and grabbed it.

Sakura,

I have to work. We will meet later.

.oOo.

People fled from her as she tramped down the hospital corridor, which was a wise thing to do because those who were not lucky enough to get out of her way in time got their head bitten off, be it medic-nin or patient — that day nobody could have stopped her. Only a ritual sacrifice of Kisame would have conciliated her somewhat.

When she reached her desk Sakura plopped down angrily next to Hinata, and decided it was time to tear up unneeded papers one by one into tiny little pieces. Intimidated, Hinata watched her friend, whose aura was sending forth flashes of lightning around her.

“Sakura.. chan.. um.. something has happened?” She asked and swallowed. Her fingers unconsciously pressed the medical reports to herself. Hearing that question a smaller atomic bomb exploded in Sakura's head and her face turned and angry red, like a volcano about to erupt.

“I had a nightmare, Hinata” she hissed.

“...A nightmare?” Hinata asked timidly. Sakura ground her teeth while tearing another innocent paper in half.

“Nightmare, yes. Which seduced me and then just left me! For the second time! We will meet later, huh?! I swear I'll weed out that nightmare from my life, Hinata!” she yelled now standing, with hands clenched into fists. Hinata swallowed. Then the door opened.

“What's this noise? Oh hello Sakura-chan!” Naruto greeted them cheerfully. Sakura slowly turned her head towards him, snarled and tore another paper into strips. But Naruto just didn't get it.

“Sakura, you really don't look good today! Did you have a rough night?” he inquired with genuine interest.

He barely had time to close the door in front of him, preventing a stamp, which was flying towards him with full force, from leaving a permanent mark on his forehead. Er.. maybe another time, Naruto thought and hastily went away. Sakura sat down with a great sigh and started playing absent-mindedly with the paper strips.

“What should I do now, Hinata?” she asked with another sigh. Hinata had no idea what might have happened, she didn't understand much from Sakura's previous words. But she knew that when Sakura was stressed there was one thing that could always help.

“I think it'd be good if you visited Lee...”

Sakura thought about it for a second, then shrugged and stood up.

“Help me out if somebody asks for me” she said, and with that she was gone.

Hinata shivered for a moment. Good luck, Lee.

.oOo.

She didn't know how long she had been in the bathroom, she might even have fallen asleep for a bit. Stepping into the bedroom she turned on the light and with a deep sigh she took off her bathrobe. She let her hair out, drank some water and went back to the door to turn off the lights. As the room fell into darkness, Sakura waited a bit so that her eyes could get used to the dark; the moon was on the wane, it's light was not shining as strongly as yesterday. Finally she went back to the bed, but before she could reach it she stilled. Her heart started beating madly, but she put a cold mask on her face and threw back her head. At that moment she looked like the embodiment of human pride.

“What are you doing here?” she asked coldly from the darkness. The man slowly approached her and stopped when he was so close that Sakura could feel his warmth on her back.

“Are you angry?” Itachi asked back, sliding his fingers along her arms, then pulling her closer as if he wanted her to merge into the darkness with him. Sakura didn't move away, but didn't give in either.

“I don't understand what kind of game you're playing. Why are you here?”

“I couldn't stay with you, Sakura. I didn't want to make you feel I've left you, but I had to go.” Itachi answered while resting his chin on top of Sakura's head. His face remained emotionless, but sadness lurked in his dark eyes. For a while both of them stood in silence, each struggling with their own doubts.

“If today.. tonight you stay, you'll go away again tomorrow?” Sakura asked finally. Itachi closed his eyes.

“Yes.”

“Why?” Sakura whispered.

“I can give you the night, but daytime is for duty.” Itachi answered and squeezed Sakura's arms to turn her towards him. When the kunoichi looked into his eyes Itachi's heart sank at the hope that shone in her eyes.

“But then you'd come again?” Sakura asked trying to decipher the man's unfathomable expression in vain.

“Yes, if you want me to” he answered and reached up to stroke her face.

“And then maybe you'd stay longer?” Sakura asked quietly.

“I don't know.”

Lies!

Lies!

You know you can't, yet you've lied!

You've given her hope!

You murderer!

The thought emerged so forcefully inside him, that Itachi almost staggered backwards. But Sakura embraced him and she tiptoed to give him a sweet kiss, pulling him closer.
But Itachi was wrong. Sakura didn't have any hope left.

While they were kissing she knew already, that they would never become a couple, she knew they should never meet again because it was not enough for her, just the night was not enough. This would be their last time together she decided, before the dawn comes she'd tell Kisame it was over.

.oOo.

As the dream softly lifted its veil only to be replaced by consciousness, Sakura slowly opened her eyes. For a moment she was surrounded by serenity, then suddenly the word crashed around her and broke into pieces. Yes, now she remembered.

Forbidden desires.

She got out of the bed sullenly, her lips were dry and her eyes were puffy. With mechanical movements she poured the boiling water onto the miso paste, then began to slice the tofu into it. Sometimes she halted in the middle of the movement staring at the bean curd with a faraway look, then she recovered from her musings and resumed her work. She didn't remember clearly when she dressed up or when she combed her hair; but in the next moment but she found herself walking towards the hospital.

Sakura reached a crossroad and stopped, just watching people as they walked hurriedly along the road. The sun was shining beautifully on this cold winter day filing the scenery with joy — only Sakura felt like dying inside. Yesterday, when she made her decision she didn't comprehend how cold, how cruel that simple word could be.

Over. They will never meet again.

Over. They will never see each other.

It hurt. Somehow it really hurt.

Yesterday she didn't imagine that it would feel like this. This feeling of loss... she so wished things could have been different. Sakura resumed her walk towards the hospital, her face was emotionless, twisted only for a moment when her eyes began to fill with pain; but in the next moment she was under control again.

Would there ever be another man, whose touch could feel so special to her? Who could make her feel so fulfilled while he held her in his arms?

But then, she didn't see him, not really.

She didn't even know him, not in the slightest.

Probably she just wanted him only because he was so mysterious.

That's not true! Sakura shook her head.

Right, she didn't know the surface.. but she touched his soul deep down, she has seen his eyes like a quiet onyx lake shining in the moonlight which surrounded her, offering her sanctuary like a weeping willow to a tired wanderer after a long voyage.

But now she had lost everything.

Not like she had anything to begin with!

Sakura stepped through the double door of the hospital and tried to pass people as unmarked as possible, she just wanted to be alone, her pain was choking her.

I'll survive, I'll survive, she chanted inside; I still have two lives left.

Hinata wore a worried look as she watched Sakura sitting by her desk showing no sign of yesterday's fire. Instead she was quiet and low-spirited.

“Sakura.. what has happened?”

Sakura didn't answer first, then spoke up. “I've seen a beautiful dream.” Sakura said while gazing out of the window. “But then as I tried to grab it I realized it's out of my reach.”

Hinata nodded.. now she was sure that she had no idea what her friend was talking about.

“You will be able to reach your dreams one day, don't give up hoping.” she said timidly and hoped she didn't say anything wrong. Sakura smiled at her, yet her face was so distant.

“Surely, but not such a unique one as this.”

“What is so unique in this one?” Hinata asked curiously while she gathered her medical reports from the table. Sakura shook her head.

“I don't know.”

Silence fell on them, then Hinata stood up to give her friend a hug.

“Cheer up Sakura-chan. I have to go now, but can we meet during lunchtime?”

“Sure.”

Sakura's smile followed Hinata out of the room, then vanished as if it never existed.

Why is he so unique?

I don't know.

Why was he so different, than the rest? There could be other men who would embrace her, kiss her, love her...

She was trying to sort out her emotions, but felt only confusion. In the end Sakura rather buried herself into work. Time elapsed so fast that not much later she found herself walking with Hinata towards the cafeteria. While they were waiting in the line Sakura looked around, and a good-looking young man caught her eyes.

See? He could be the next one who can embrace you. He's good-looking, muscular and surely a kind person. And at least he doesn't stalk from one shadow to another.

So Sakura checked out the guy and tried to imagine how it would feel to kiss him.. and she turned away with a grimace. She didn't know why, really, but she was sure that she didn't want to kiss the guy. How different it was with Kisame! When she thought about him—

Sakura suddenly stopped with a tray in her hands, her eyes widened when she realized the answer.

It was true that there could be other men who would embrace her, who would kiss her...

..but she wanted none of them.

She wanted only him and nobody else.

That's how he became so unique, so different.

What have I done!?

She didn't want to say it.

.oOo.

Sakura felt so burned out when she went to sleep that night, and she tossed and tumbled in the bed for a long time till she could fall into a restless slumber. Her mind was on the border of being asleep and awake; probably that's how she noticed the little stir in the night. Pretending that she was turning in her sleep, Sakura glanced towards the window, which was open as usual when the weather wasn't so harsh — let it be winter or summer. When she saw a dark shape sitting on her windowsill calmly, her heartbeat quickened from the excitement. Sakura sprung out of her bed and in a fraction of a moment she appeared in front of the man; he wasn't surprised, just watched her quietly. Neither of them moved, just savoured the strange anticipation that surrounded them.

“You don't ask me why I'm here?” Itachi asked quietly. Sakura slowly reached out for his hand and brought his palm to her face. Itachi watched her mesmerized.

“Not this time.” Sakura whispered softly. She felt him moving his other hand as he cupped her face. Then he raised himself from the windowsill and leaned closer to her. His lips gently slid over her temple, along her eyelids then even lower brushing her mouth softly. Sakura's lips parted with his touch and she slid her tongue invitingly over his upper lips.

When the man pulled her closer; and when she felt his gentle kisses she knew that this night would be different than the others before. Their touches were filled with the slowly pulsing, tranquil acceptance tonight. While the last days were filled with their heat and red passion, tonight was serene and white, and as they kissed and caressed each other they realized that this night they wanted something more.

Sakura closed her eyes as Itachi stroked away the stray locks from her temple and shoulder, and pressed his searching lips on the sensitive skin of her neck. Her breath hitched when she felt his playful bites on her skin, while his strong arms embraced her tightly. Itachi's hand slowly slid over her body caressing her soft skin as if he had wanted to burn her curves into his memory.

The man tilted her head with his fingertips, and when their eyes met, he bent down with a wondering glow in his eyes, and kissed her again with such a gentleness that melted away Sakura's last drops of consciousness.

Slowly, sensually they began to undress each other. Then almost torturingly slowly Itachi dropped his hands to caress the soft valley between her breasts, encircling her waist then moving towards the soft, sensitive skin of her belly. Sakura felt the man's rising pulse under her fingers, the restrained power of his muscles as she touched his compact shoulders, his flat abdomen, his muscular arms.. the feeling mesmerized her and she became more conscious of the warm pulsing between her legs. Their fingers intertwined, and the man gently, yet firmly pushed her towards the bed.

The feeling couldn't be described as they moved in a slow rhythm while they communicated with their kisses and touches. Each caress talked about acceptance as their minds met in a world that was only theirs, a world that was shyly illuminated by the silvery moonlight that night.

Later, when Sakura was laying in the man's arms, it came to her that she should get up and turn on the lights. But it felt so good to just lay there entangled, listening to his heartbeat, that she decided to wait ten more minutes.. then just five more minutes.. ..and she was asleep.

.oOo.

The morning found Sakura alone just like in the last days; but at least she wasn't disappointed this time; she knew this would happen. With a shrug she sat up and yawned. It was true that just the night didn't satisfy her, but it was better than nothing. And nothing was cruel cold and hopeless; anything was better than nothing. Thus she had something that was not yet a thing, but at least it was more than noting. Well, instead of thinking about that, she should focus on more important things now. Like how to get a picture of him, Sakura thought with a wide grin.

She finally left for the hospital. The weather was not pleasant; these cold winter rains were never enjoyable to Sakura. Everything was bare and grey, and the drying wetness after the rain just cooled the temperature even more. Absorbed in her thoughts Sakura halted on a bridge that crossed a small stream, and watched as the falling water drops changed the pattern of the water surface. Sakura was just standing about, looking around and daydreaming, when a couple caught her attention. The man was holding a red umbrella and the woman hooked onto him in order to fit under the umbrella more easily. They walked quietly, surrounded by tranquility and peace — and something else, the invisible bond of connection. Sakura watched them with mild curiosity, and a small smile appeared on her face.

By the time she finally arrived at the hospital she felt as if the dampness crept even under her clothes. She stepped into her workroom that she shared with Hinata, and took a towel out of a basket.

“Good morning, Sakura-chan!” Hinata greeted her when she arrived from the visit. Sakura was drying her hair at that moment, so she just grinned. When she finished she put the wet towel onto the chair and turned to Hinata.

“I've seen Temari.”

Hinata nodded.

“Yes, she arrived at dawn. That reminds me.. she brought us a video tape, a gift from Tenten.”

Sakura's eyes sparkled up. Tenten gave birth to a baby girl not so long ago. Oh how much Sakura could imagine Gaara's face when he was told, that he had become a godfather! That thought made Sakura laugh aloud.

“When can we watch the tape?”

“This afternoon. Lee sent word that everybody should bring cookies as usual.”

Sakura raised an eyebrow.

“But today is just Monday.” she argued. They held a tea party every week on Wednesday, when everybody came together, except those who were away on a mission of course. That's how Wednesday became everybody's favourite day, and the young ninjas agreed that sometimes those meetings were a life saver, when during a desperate mission the only hope that could keep their spirits up was that if they survived they could be present at the next tea party.

“Yes, today is Monday. But the day after tomorrow,” here Hinata blushed, “will be busy for us.”

Sakura tapped her forehead. Of course! Wednesday will be Hinata's big day.

“How are the preparations going? I wish I could have helped; but after your father so eagerly offered to set up everything I didn't really have the chance anymore.”

“Yes, father is really.. thorough.” Hinata said uncomfortably. Then she added. “To tell the truth I couldn't even choose the color of the flowers.”

Sakura nodded understandingly. After all this was the Hyuuga heir's wedding, of course it would receive a great attention. According to the magazines this would be the most prestigious wedding of the decade, even movie studios competed for the recording rights. The wedding would be as contradicting as Hyuugas themselves, since it had never happened that a Hyuuga heir had married a branch member, yet everything would be strictly traditional. What was already frayed from this world, the Hyuugas tended to cling to the very last.

“How is Neji coping with all of this?” Sakura asked finally. Hinata smiled.

“He hides in Lee's dojo nowadays.. today they planned to watch a horror movie with Naruto, I think, but they will come to the tea party.”

“That's great!” Sakura said contentedly.

Their morning passed with high spirits, paper works and healing patients. Apparently Hinata felt relieved that Sakura was back to normal. Later they went to buy the cookies together, then walked carelessly to Tsunade's apartment where the tea party was usually held.

Shino opened the door and let them in.

“I see Tsunade has found another victim.” Sakura whispered to Hinata nodding towards the poker table where Kiba was learning the basics. Next to them Iruka-sensei sat with his chest leaning to the back of the chair, watching them curiously.

“I wanted to join, too.” Shino said as he stepped next to Sakura and Hinata. “But Tsunade disqualified me.”

“You didn't want to take off your glasses, huh?” Sakura asked with a big grin. “Pity. I think you'd be unbeatable in poker.”

In the other corner of the room Shikamaru was talking to Temari, while not far from them Ino and Chouji were sitting on the couch and leaning over a book. When Sakura and Hinata approached them, the couple greeted them warmly and gestured them to join.

“What are you reading?” Sakura asked as she sat down next to Chouji. Ino turned over the thick book so that the others could take a good look at the front cover of their recipe book.

“I got it from Chouji for our third year anniversary.” she said and lovingly boxed Chouji's belly, which shook like a jelly. Sakura unconsciously remembered Kisame's perfectly shaped, flat abdomen, then her mental eye slid over his well-toned chest.. hmm.. her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. She turned back irritatedly. That must be Naruto and the others.

“Come in, the door is open!”

It seemed they were hesitating.

“Are the curtains pulled together?” Naruto asked with a muffled voice.

“No they're not, Naruto-kun!” Hinata answered. Whispers could be heard from the other side of the door.

“Then can you pull them together?”

The others in the room looked at each other confusedly. Ino shrugged.

“Okay come in!” she said, not caring to get up and do them a favor.

Three black-hooded figures appeared in the doorway, it looked like they were not even walking but gliding forward. When they realized, that the curtains were still open they raised their arms protectively before their face as if the sun burnt them.

“The light blinds me! Oh my youth!” one cried out. Sakura and the others were just watching the scene with open mouths. Finally Hinata asked with a slight hesitation.

“Neji?”

One of the figures started to fidget uncomfortably.

“I'm not Neji!” an awkward voice came from under the hood. The other figure leaned closer to him and nudged him.

“Tell them, my loyal comrade!” he whispered. The person in question continued reluctantly.

“I'm Neji's very distant relative. Ah.. a vampire-ninja.”

Before anybody could react somebody grabbed the “vampires” from behind.

“Enough, children!” Tsunade said disapprovingly. “Shikamaru! Insert that video casette already!”

Finally everybody sat down on and around the couch and excitedly waited for Tenten's family to appear on the monitor.

“Huh Tenten has pumped out.” Ino commented. Chouji squinted at her.

“My mom put on 40 kilos when she was pregnant with me and my mom is the most beautiful woman in the world.” he said while he crunched a few chips. Ino's eyes narrowed.

“Of course just after you my love...” he added hurriedly.

Naruto watched with interest how Tenten cradled the child, who was sleeping deeply.

“Wow, she's just as red and chubby as Iruka-sensei's!” he cried out in wonder. Iruka blushed.

“Naruto, every new-born baby looks like that.”

Well, yes. When the time came Iruka — according to Naruto at least — made a perfect bargain, and looking back now it was evident that it would happen in the end. After all the only woman whom Iruka visited every day was Ayame-chan from Ichiraku Ramen. After the wedding they enlarged the flat above the shop to make it more comfortable, and to Naruto's utmost delight they invited him to move in, too. Thus they lived together like a big, happy family. That meant ramen every day, three times!

“Naruto, every new-born baby looks like that.”

Well, yes. When the time came Iruka — according to Naruto at least — made a perfect bargain, and looking back now it was evident that it would happen in the end. After all the only woman whom Iruka visited every day was Ayame-chan from Ichiraku Ramen. After the wedding they enlarged the flat above the shop to make it more comfortable, and to Naruto's utmost delight they invited him to move in, too. Thus they lived together like a big, happy family. That meant ramen every day, three times!

Naruto smiled at the thought, then focused on Tenten again, who suddenly spoke up.

“Kankuro hold that camera right, they won't see Gaara! Gaara, come here and say hi!”

The said Kazekage was staring fixedly at a far place of the room as if he had something really urgent to do over there. Tenten seemingly wasn't concerned about it and drew her hand over her daughter's godfather's arm.

“Gaara, send a message to Naruto!”

The Kazekage looked surprised for a moment, then he turned awkwardly towards the camera. His mouth opened slightly.

“...”

“Something else?” Tenten inquired.

“...I-”

Just when he was about to say it, the camera moved and focused on the baby girl, whom Tenten tried to wake up. She assumed that the recording would be much more interesting if her baby was awake, and in that she was right. When the baby woke up she cried out angrily, and during the little fight she put up, somehow she grabbed Gaara's hair. Kankuro spoke up with a warm, satisfied voice.

“Look at my daughter, how strong she already is! Soon she'll become the Kazekage!”

Gaara slowly turned his piercing gaze towards Kankuro. The camera shook a little. But then Temari entered and Kankuro greeted her in haste.

“Come sit next to Gaara. We thought you'd completely miss the family gathering!”

“Not for the world.” Tenmari hopped next her brother and looked at him. “Gaara, doesn't that hurt?” The baby was still pulling his hair.

When they were separated finally the camera focused on Tenten who turned towards her fellow ninjas in Konoha.

“Did you know that it's good for the mental growth of the baby if there are other kids around her age in the family, whom she can play with?” she said with a smile and looked at Gaara tactfully. He returned the look with a blank expression.

“Yes Gaara, sometimes you should really reply to those love letters you get from your fans!”

But Gaara's expression didn't change, so the camera returned to Tenten again, who winked.

“Well Shikamaru, you're our last hope!”

Here the picture moved, shook a little bit and turned as Kankuro's face began to fill the view.

“Shikamaru.. if you dare to touch my sister..” suddenly he made a stifling noise and Tenten's face pushed it's way to the TV.

“..then we'll be all very happy! Do your best, guys! Bye!” she smiled and the picture went black. Shikamaru looked at Temari, who was blushing furiously. Sakura stretched her hands above her head comfortably, and the others began chatting. Chouji snuggled closer to Ino.

“You don't feel like expanding our family, my sweetheart?”

Ino turned away with a strange grimace on her face.

“I think I'll go on a diet again..”

“Let's make a video together, one that we can send to Suna.” Shikamaru said trying to over yell the murmurs. He didn't get an answer so he just shrugged and took out a camera turning it on. “Okay guys, smile!”

Sakura looked at the camera in Shikamaru's hand and a sneaky, yet very tempting idea began to take shape in her mind.

“Shikamaru, can I borrow that camera of yours for a day?” Suddenly she couldn't wait for the party to be over.

.oOo.

It was already sunset when Sakura arrived home being so tired, that she just dropped onto the bed and fell asleep. Hours later she was woken up by a sensual caress of warm fingers, and when she opened her eyes she found herself gazing into her lover's searching eyes.

“You don't seem to be injured. What has happened?”

Sakura leaned on her elbow. “Nothing. I was just tired. I didn't want to sleep, really, just to take a little nap.”

Itachi knit his eyebrows. He knew that Sakura didn't train as often now, that she worked in the hospital all day; which was bad, really bad. She should at least try to do something to maintain the shape she'd achieved.

“You're getting old, Sakura.” he said finally. Hearing that the kunoichi reached up and grabbed his shirt, and Itachi let himself be pulled closer.

“Don't speak badly of me.” she whispered into Itachi's ear. “In the daytime I have to work, and I don't sleep much at night either”

Itachi just nodded and stepped away from the bed to leave Sakura enough space to get up. Then he walked to the desk and comfortably leaned against it.

“How was your day?” he asked while slowly and carefully reaching behind. Then he grabbed the flashlight from the desk.

“Really nice! After work we watched a video with my friends. It doesn't happen every day that a Konoha maiden marries a Suna shinobi.. they sent us the video tape.”

Sakura stepped towards the man and with flirting movements she began to pull him towards the bed. She glanced at the books that were piled up innocently by the end of the bed.

“And you?” she asked while running her fingers along his jaw line, rotating it a bit — just to make sure he would be squarely in the picture.

“Tolerable.” Itachi answered and watched as Sakura unbuttoned his shirt and leaned down.

“Have you seen your friends recently?”

In hell, Sakura. That's where I will see them again.

“Not yet. Later.” he said with a choking voice as Sakura kissed her way from his neck toward his chest until her lips found his hardening nipples. Her hands travelled lower.

“You don't sound too enthusiastic.” Sakura breathed to his naked skin as her hands were playing with the hem of his pants.

“I'm not too good a friend.”

“You're such an introverted man, Kisame.” Sakura said playfully and bent lower.

“Hn.. does it bother you?”

“A little. Okay, I admit sometimes I want to wring your neck. And take your head to the closest photobooth where I'd take some picture of us. Just you..” she said seductively while caressing him, “.. and me.”

“Sakura..” Itachi choked a moan. “vampires are invisible in photographs.”

“Kami,” Sakura breathed, “you were caught by this craze for vampires, too? Naruto and the others went to the cinema just today to watch the movie, and since then they stalk even when they go to the toilet! Wait a minute..” she looked up at Kisame with a mocking suspicion, “now that I think about it.. Please don't tell me you, too bought black coat, red contact lenses and a set of vampire teeth!”

“Damn I forgot the teeth..”

Sakura laughed out when suddenly the realization hit her.

“So you've really seen the movie! You went to the cinema without me, Kisame! And you said that you work so hard during the day!” she said in an accusatory tone. Itachi froze.

“I'm sorry Sakura but.. it was work.. ” he answered and thought for a second. “I was the ticket collector.” he said, then hastily added. “Part-time job. Happens sometimes.”

Before she could say anything Itachi bent down and gathered her in his arms with the sweet excuse that it was his turn now.

Sakura had never before waited so long to lay in each other's arms after a tiring, but all the more lustful night. She grinned and rubbed her hands together... finally! Because if sex was the main dish then here comes the dessert! With a innocent face as she could muster Sakura turned and leaned on her elbow.

“A moment, I have to visit the bathroom.” she said and got out of the bed. As she closed the door a giggle escaped her mouth.. at last! She waited a little just for the sake of her excuse, then after five minutes or so she entered the bedroom again. With glistening eyes she reached for the switch. Nothing happened. She turned towards the wall angrily and tried it again, but the light would absolutely not turn on. Sakura turned on her heels and checked out the other rooms with no success. Disappointedly she returned to her lover's embrace.

“Some kind of vandal has blown the fuse.”

Itachi didn't answer — just smoothed her hair.

“Oh wait a minute! There must be a flashlight here somewhere.” she yelled and rushed out of the bed. “I put it on the desk..”

Yet she could clearly see as the moonlight illuminated the room that her desk was empty.

“Madness.” she pouted. Stepping towards the bed Sakura let herself to be pulled back into her lover's tempting embrace.

“You're not afraid in the dark?” she asked him playfully. The man laughed in his deep, velvet voice.

“No. In the dark nothing can be worse than me.”

Sakura slid against him sensually.

“Oh yes darling, one can. Me.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fumoffu:

I. 511268
Sakura moaned loudly, her muscles contracted, the blood pulsated stronger and stronger as the pleasure surged over her body-

“Ah Kisame!” she cried out. Itachi suddenly froze, his eyes momentarily lost their lustful haze. He really didn't want to imagine that.

“Sakura, don't call that name.” he breathed trying to drive out the pictures that intruded his mind. The kunoichi looked at him in surprise.

“But that's your name!” she said confusedly. Itachi nodded, then shook his head.

“I know, but I'd rather like you to use my number..”

Sakura laughed aloud and with her hips she urged him to move again.

“What a perverted mailman you are..!”

II. Camera
Sakura woke up excitedly, she couldn't wait to see the recording that the secret camera took yesterday. She could only congratulate herself for her devilish plan.. because her flashlight might have disappeared, the fuse might have been blown, but there was no way that this plan would fail. She stroked the camera with protective care.

“My precious..” she whispered then opened the camera to get the tape. And froze.. and stared. Her hands began to shake from anger. She had never felt anticipation for anything as much as this, and.. and..

“Kisame!” she yelled furiously.

Somewhere not so far away Itachi was staring at the TV with wide open eyes, while he slowly raised another piece of popcorn to his mouth.

III. Waiting for Romance
Sakura thought she'd surprise her lover and planned a very romantic night together. She put on a very sexy, black laced undergarment, she didn't forget to scatter rose petals on her bed and of course she bought at least hundred candles. She put them everywhere, just to be sure even on top of her wardrobe - and stretched along the bed. For the last time she arranged her hair, then she froze in a very alluring pose - and waited.

Soon a wild screaming of the wind could be heard from outside; strange, the weather forecast didn't say anything about a storm that was apparently coming, Sakura thought, then shrugged. It was even better, making love while the storm was raging outside would just make the night even more romantic.

Suddenly the window burst open and and a huge gust of wind whizzed into the room scattering books and papers, blowing over the chair by the desk and the souvenirs from the shelves.. and in a second blowing out all the candles in the room.

A stunned silence filled the room afterwards. Sakura couldn't move from the shock, just stared at the windowsill, where a silhouette of a man was illuminated by the moonlight. He cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Forgive me. I wanted to hurry..”

IV. Reflector Lights
Sakura was really fed up with it. Just today she had been into the bathroom three times, but something always happened that crossed her plans. From three tryies ZERO was successful. What was it so hard to bring some light into that damned bedroom?!

This will be the last chance tonight, she couldn't screw this up now! She crouched in front of the toilet and her right hand reached under it trying to find the batteries that she stuck there so precisely yesterday. A wide and satisfied grin appeared on her face when her fingers found the little packages. Then she turned towards the laundry where she hid the two hand-reflectors under the dirty linen. She bought them yesterday, these two monsters from which light could be seen 2 km away. She wouldn't make a mistake with this one!

She quietly sneaked towards the bedroom with one big, rounded reflector in each hand. Sakura stopped in front of the door for a second, took a deep breath and pushed the handle with her elbow. Finally! She extended her arms forward and pulled the triggers. Her eyes went wide from curiosity and she took a step forward.

In her bed there was a big, black cat laying on his back comfortably, scratching his belly in satisfaction. When he saw Sakura, he blinked.

“Sakura I understand that you can't find the toilet in the dark, but do you have to flash the lights into my face? It's really disturbing you know.”

Sakura made a gloomy face and lowered the reflectors. The bastard thought he could just outwit her like that?!

“Get your hairy ass out of my bed, Kisame. Animals must sleep on the floor!” she said and with a swift movement she pulled the blanket out from under him.