Shades of Grey

Chapter 27

Sakura was surprised that her companions left their cloak behinds as they began their trek to the village. She could not give it much thought though. Her mind was still in that little room. Sure, she had been afraid, but there was something else as well. There had been an electric feel to the air and a strange sensation in her body that she had never felt before. She was not sure what to think about it. She did however know that she was more afraid of that feeling than she was of Itachi taking her life. Death would be easy, that feeling was anything but.

Sakura had found herself feeling comfortable around the pair, even enjoying their time together, but she knew she should not. She was no longer a shinobi of the Leaf, so she did not consider it a betrayal of her country. Naruto was no longer their target, so she could still claim her loyalties to her friend. However, this would be a knife through the heart of Sasuke.

She only intended to be in their presence for a short time. She never intended for her raven-haired former teammate to learn of this time. But those feelings back in that room were a betrayal, whether he ever learned of them or not. Sakura was now more determined than ever to hurry her business with the partners. If she was able to return to her home, she didn't want to have done anything that would make her unable to live with herself or earn Sasuke's hatred.

As soon as they returned from town the kunoichi was happy to start preparing their meal. Sakura had actually always enjoyed cooking; it was an escape of sorts for her. She was always so busy with training and the hospital that it became a treasured escape. Not to mention she had become quite good at it over the years, but she never let her teammates in on that little secret. Had they known they never would have left her alone. Funny now she would give just about anything to have them setting her around the table with her.

"Something smells great." Kisame declared when he came back downstairs from putting away the few purchases that he had made while in town.

"Thank you. I hope you like it." Sakura offered him a smile.

"I am sure that I will love it." He assured her. "Itachi and I aren't exactly great cooks."

"Could have fooled me." She teased. "With all the cleaning you guys were up to earlier I would have figured you masters of all things domestic."

"Not exactly." He gave her a toothy grin. "Here I got you this while we were in town."

"It is a storage scroll." Sakura stated the obvious. "I didn't even see a ninja supply shop."

"There isn't one." He agreed. "The old guy at the general store keeps a few things for us. If you ever need anything, he can order it for you."

"Thank you Kisame." Sakura warped her arms around him in the first hug that he could remember having since he was a young child.

"Am I interrupting?" Itachi asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

"Not at all." Sakura said as she turned back to the stove and put their dinner into a serving dish. "I was just thanking Kisame for getting me a storage scroll. You are actually just in time, dinner is ready."

The conversation was kept light throughout their meal. It consisted mostly of the two men praising their food which earned more than one blush from the kunoichi. As soon as it was done Sakura turned to Itachi.

"Would you mind if I examine your eyes tonight?" She asked. Truly she was eager to see what she was facing. She had committed herself to this, but after earlier she had decided the sooner she was done the better.

"If you wish." Itachi granted.

"Great." She smiled. "It would probably be better if we do this in your room. I need you laying down while I work."

"I'll handle the dishes." Kisame offered. "You go ahead and get started."