Author: M00nlight Shadow
Characters/Pairing: Itachi x Sakura
Genre: Romance/Angst
Rating: M
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto
Beta: Skye-sama

Summary: Sakura thought she was going home… but she wasn't going to anytime soon. With many lies and changes up ahead she was beginning to understand there wasn't going to be a happy ending. But Uchiha Itachi… knew it all along.

This is the sequel of Invisible touch so I advice you to read the prequel first to prevent confusion.

Pieces of a broken mirror

Chapter 1 – Escape

…It was cold.

Goddamn cold!

She rolled over, taking the thin sheets with her with clenched fingers. It rustled softly when the young woman tried to get her legs back under the sheets. Not that it was necessary anyway. The thin material didn't give her the heat her body demanded. She curled her toes to check if there was any feeling left in them. Lucky for her, they had. She sighed heavily and rolled over again until she was lying on her back while the bed cracked in progress. It was the only sound she could hear in this strange room. The weird air was still flowing around and was still affecting her.

Weak. Sakura felt weak. Still with almost no chakra in her body, and she quickly learned that it wasn't going to return anytime soon while she's being held in this place. Where the hell was she anyway!? She could be on a freaking island!

Sakura slowly opened her eyes, not expecting light anyway. And she was right. It was still dark. The once warm colour of the fire had left place for a dark and cold colour that made her feel alone and helpless. It wasn't far from it. Her head turned, with a lot of protest from her neck, to the small opening in the wall. She still could see the stars very clearly through the window. It was also the only light source she had now since the fire died a few hours ago. At least she thought it had been hours.

The Kunoichi's eyes moved away from the beautiful stars and focused on something else, the ceiling. Though she wasn't really looking at it. Her mind wandered somewhere else.

She guessed that it also had been a few hours since the Uchiha Prodigy left her alone in this prison, telling her that she was going to leave tomorrow. Destination: home. As ridiculous as it sounded, but it was true: Uchiha Itachi was letting her go home. And somehow she trusted him on his words. But still…

Just like that!?

It sounded like a joke to her.

It was just too strange. Sakura just could not understand it at all! For example: Every idiot knew that she could be used as bait to capture her friend and teammate, Naruto. Because even Sakura knew that her blond teammate would come for her. She was the Hokage's apprentice and was one of the finest medic-nin in Kohona, maybe the best because of her perfect chakra control. She killed an Akatsuki, Sasori of the sand. She was well known in many villages because of her healing powers and successful missions.

She could go on like this. Why would she trust him? An Akatsuki for god's sake! Sasuke's hated brother! The pink-haired Nin knew Sasuke was hard to understand. But Uchiha Itachi was a pure mystery. A still unsolved mystery that would most likely remain that way.

So was it a trap? A stupid joke!? Maybe he was already gone and left her in this rotten cell to starve and die all alone. Sakura shivered at the thought. There was no way she was going to die like that. Sakura was determined that she would find a way to get to her beloved home again, if Itachi really had abandoned her.

She would see Naruto again and Kakashi, Sai, Ino and-…

Sakura's eyes instantly widened and abruptly sat up staring at the wall before her.

She totally forgot! What happened to Naruto? Kakashi? …Sasuke? Sakura tried to relax her muscles, which didn't succeed so well. Little did she know that she was beginning to sweat from concern.

The Kunoichi was too startled and surprised when she heard that the elder Uchiha was letting her go, that she just completely forgot. She felt such shame right now… What kind of shinobi forgets about her teammates? She suspected that it was because of this strange room with its air and her tiredness. Like her brain didn't have the energy to collect information anymore. This was so tiring…

Back then Itachi refused to answer her when she asked him about her team and Sasuke. Did he know something? Did the large man called Kisame hurt them? Why would he hurt them and let her go home? If he actually attacked them…

The leaf Nin closed her tired eyes and crooked her legs and held them together with her arms to lower her head so she could lay it on her knees. She felt light-headed and the feeling was making it also hard to think.

She tried to get her mind blank, which was very difficult. Like her mind were pieces of a puzzle.

It was then that she felt something… and it was coming from outside. Sakura's head immediately turned towards the small window. Whatever she felt was small but it was getting closer. It was getting stronger. The young woman felt a large amount of chakra all together. The medic didn't recognize the chakra signature and that mostly wasn't a good sign. Still coming closer and clos-

Right towards to her!

Holy crap! Not good!

Sakura quickly got off the bed only to fall on her knees when she felt no strength in her legs. She cursed softly. Not now. The chakra presence was getting stronger and closer. But where did she have to go? She was stuck there! Maybe the Akatsuki sent them to finish her o-

Sakura gasped in surprise when she noticed that someone was behind her but she was too late to react. Abruptly, a warm hand covered her mouth, and a strong arm kept her arms on her sides. The strong grip tightened when she tried to struggle weakly.

"Be quiet Kunoichi." The voice that came behind her was low and demanding but also familiar. He was here. She felt his warm breath on her ear. He was so close. She could smell his fresh scent that reminded her of autumn. She also felt his warm body against her cold one. And the strange thing was that Sakura sort of welcomed it.

The dazed young woman blinked a few times, then as her response she relaxes her tensed muscles. Itachi strong grip was suddenly lessened now, but still firm to keep her in his hold. She hadn't much chakra after all. There was no way she could fight him. She shivered slightly when she felt her body started to warm up because of his body heat.

Itachi's wounds were far from healed. He hadn't had enough time to recover for this. The Uchiha actually never expected that the minute Kisame left their hideout these hunter Nins would appear.

Convenience?

Their 'real' leader, summoned Kisame four hours ago. He didn't know the reason. This actually never happened before. He and his partner would usually go together to their leader whenever they were called. It was one of the Akatsuki's rules. But this time only Kisame was needed. Ironically their leader actually broke one of his own rules that they had strictly followed. But apparently not anymore.

This didn't suit him. Didn't suit him at all. Every fool could see that this was planned. Itachi automatically, by feeling danger, activated his deadly Sharingan and narrowed his eyes.

It was then that the Sharingan wielder felt a painful and powerful sting in his eyes. Or it felt more like that there was a bomb going off in his head. He flinched and closed his eyes in pain but didn't make a sound. He quickly deactivated his Sharingan. The fierce fight with his little brother took more of him then he expected. His eyes opened slowly again, and dark deep eyes appeared again. But that didn't mean that the pain lessened.

Sakura felt Itachi muscles tense behind her. She concluded that these Nin apparently weren't friendly to him either. The Kunoichi moved her head a little and Itachi's hand that covered her mouth left silently.

"Who are they?" She whispered still looking to the little window with concerned eyes.

"Mist." Itachi whispered back.

Sakura cursed inwardly because she knew what that meant. "Not friendly…" She mused.

"Hn."

The leaf female took that as a simple yes. But now she knew where she was. Mist.

She was about to ask what to do now when the man behind her stirred.

"Get up." The Uchiha commanded that was almost a whisper but still demanding.

Sakura let out a small sound of surprise when she felt the grip around her waist and arms tighten so he could pull her up with one swift movement. Sakura wanted to growl at him but then her legs were screaming and her knees buckled. She would fall again if Itachi would loosen his grip, but he didn't. Her body sought automatically something where she could lean on. The leaf Nin leaned back until she felt the warm chest and shoulder touching her back. Sakura closed her eyes in relieve almost totally forgetting who was actually standing behind her. The young woman blinked when she noticed that she was actually leaning against Uchiha Itachi. She quickly leaned away, thought it wasn't much.

After a few seconds Sakura began to frown when they still hadn't moved.

The young medic bit on her under lip while she slightly turned her head to see what the man was actually doing. He wasn't even looking at her. He just stood there looking straight ahead, thinking about something. It took less then ten or fifteen seconds and he stirred again. His head lowered. His lips and nose only inches away from her ear.

"Can you walk?"

Sakura flinched for a second hearing that his voice was quiet… gentle? She leaned away from him and tried to stand on her own two legs. Itachi released her from his hold, gazing at her legs. They were shaking and that was certainly not a-

"Yes." She said quickly.

Itachi eyes went from her legs to her stunning eyes. They were gleaming, like there was another light source then the moon and stars. Her long hair messy but it sort of looked good on her. It gave her a more mysterious look with the moonlight touching her pale skin. It was then, only for a second, that Itachi didn't look at her like he once did. It didn't occur to him before but the young woman before him looked... what was the word for it...Enchanting, Attractive?

Maybe this room was affecting him already...

It was the sound of a tired sigh that woke him up.

She looked exhausted but still determined to leave this place. Her eyes were half lidded and she was having trouble standing straight, just like he thought. She had been too long in this room. The effect from the Takysoma was taking its toll from her.

But the young woman refused to look weak before him. She took a deep breath and nodded slowly.

It was enough as an answer for Itachi. He studied her for a second before he turned around to leave. The Uchiha didn't speak but it was already obvious that she would follow. Sakura noticed that he wasn't wearing his usual cloak, but still wore that black sleeveless shirt. His bandages still were the same.

The first step was difficult. When her naked foot carefully touched the cold floor she was afraid that she would fall again. Luckily she didn't. Her shoes, jounin vest and her precious headband were gone and there was no time to ask for them since Kisame probably removed them and put them away. Itachi already said that it was the large blue man that kidnapped her here.

She only wore dark shorts and a dark long-sleeved shirt. Pink hair covered her back and was slightly damp. A few hair strands were drawn to her skin like a magnet. After her eighth step Sakura noticed that her legs weren't shaking anymore. Her head turned to look at the room she once slept in. Maybe it was because she was out of that room that her legs didn't shake anymore. She didn't know and would probably never know. Not that she cared anyway. Sakura was already relieved to get out of that room.

The leaf medic looked at the direction where the Uchiha walked. His steps were large but walked slow. She noticed that he was also having difficulties at walking. She couldn't blame him when she looked at his wounds. Sakura followed him and tried to walk faster to keep up with him. The tunnel where they walked was narrow and dark. It smelled like mud and stone. Sakura didn't like it. She would hear once in a while tiny water drops dripping into the little pools on the floor. The air was heavy because of the dampness. She was so going to get sick.

It took maybe like, two minutes to reach a room that was a combination of a living room and a kitchen. Sakura stopped by the doorframe, seeing actually no reason to enter the room while Itachi walked silently to an old closet. He took two black cloaks and a pair of dark shoes. He turned to her and threw her the shoes and a cloak.

She caught them and frowned.

He spoke in a deep rich voice. "Put them on." The Uchiha said while he put his own cloak on, not even bothering to look at her.

Sakura stared at him for a second and was surprised that the cloak had no red clouds on them. It was just a normal black traveler's cloak. Not actually caring, she quickly put on her shoes and cloak. When she was done she looked up and was just in time to catch a bag that Itachi threw to her. She puffed and saw that he also grabbed a bag from the floor. The bag that she was holding was very familiar. It was her bag. Sakura quickly pulled at the straws and opened it, seeing that all of her stuff was still in it. He was giving it back. There were kunais in it as other useful weapons. Wasn't it dangerous to give them back to her?

Did he even check the bag at all?

The leaf female tensed when he was coming towards her, but he just slipped beside her leaving the room but not before brushing slightly against her since the door opening was just as narrow as the tunnel. Sakura didn't want to be left behind so she quickly turned around to follow him. Besides she had no idea were she was and how to get outside. And talking about outside…

She noticed that the hunter Nin had stopped. She didn't felt any movement their Chakra flow.

They just stood there on the same spot. She could feel it. Where were they exactly? Were the Mist Nin already inside? The pink haired woman had no clue, because she had no idea how big this place was. So why had they stopped? Why didn't they take action? Did those Mist idiots thought that they would just walk at them?

She looked at the Itachi. Well more like at the back. What was his plan? Where would they-

Sakura frowned deep and clenched her jaw when she noticed that there was something deeply wrong. They? Was there actually suppose to be a 'they'? Why did Itachi come back for her? Wasn't he the enemy? … Which enemy would let go of his captive to go home? He had the choice to leave her in that room as a diversion for the Mist shinobi.

But he didn't.

So the only meaning she could think of was that she was sort important to him. So was the reason really bait? Bait to get his hands on Naruto? Her healing powers? It had to be one of those. There weren't any other options. Or perhaps ransom? Sakura narrowed her eyes and promised herself that she would find out after they got out of this. Or… rather if they actually survived this. The pink haired female shivered. She was still too young to die! Dammit! It was not fair. If only she recovered her chakra.

Sakura was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice that the man before her had stopped and almost bummed into him. Itachi had already turned. His face was focused on the damp wall next to them. Sakura looked at him with a confused expression. What was he…?

Her question was answered when he slowly raised a hand and made a quick seal. The man whispered something that Sakura couldn't hear. She felt so tired, she just couldn't focus so well. Sakura saw Itachi move again and walked straight ahead, straight through the…

Straight through the…wall!?

What the hell…!? Genjutsu? The leaf Nin blinked a few times when the Uchiha wasn't anywhere to be seen anymore. Was she supposed to follow? She still stood on the same spot looking hesitated to the slippery wall.

Would I-

She yelped in surprise when a hand came out of the wall and grabbed her wrist, and with one strong pull, she almost flied through the wall and pulled into a firm chest. Sakura immediately knew who it was, and tried to shove him away, but he wouldn't let go of her wrist. She glared at him while he just stared back at her with a blank face. It was then that she noticed that the Uchiha Prodigy had dark eyes instead of ruby. It was almost she was pulled into the deep. It was strange that those dark eyes were more hypnotizing than his Sharingan.

"Stay close." With that he released her wrist, turned around and walked away.

Sakura sighed in frustration while watching the Uchiha go. Bastard.

She looked around. There only was one way, and this tunnel was even narrower than where they walked before. The ceiling was higher and darker than the floor. Suddenly she had a feeling that the walls would come at her and squeeze her into a pancake. She quickly pushed the thought away. She had to focus.

Little torches lit the surroundings. Itachi took one and beckoned Sakura to do the same, which she did without protest. Almost stupid enough to let it fall, she hoped that the Uchiha wouldn't notice her clumsiness.

They were walking in silence for almost five minutes. Sakura looked around while she only heard their echoing footsteps. They passed by a few doors. Funny enough she was not even curious what would be behind those doors. All she wanted is to get out of here to seek out her team and go straight home.

Her eyes went to the floor. The pools were reflecting the light of torches around them. Curious that something like that looked so beautiful in a place like that. It was almost like there was still a spark of-

"Oof." Sakura puffed.

She abruptly stopped and looked from the floor to look up and met dark onyx eyes. This time she did bum into Itachi, who had stopped his track and had already turned towards her, but was not looking at her but behind her. The leaf Nin was getting frustrated. She never knew what was going on in his head. Why didn't he just talk more? Her mouth open to ask him something but she quickly closed it when his head turned to look at her. They just stood there, barely a few inches apart, watching each other.

The pink haired Kunoichi didn't know why but she felt her cheeks turning red. Then the Uchiha suddenly spoke.

"Are you capable of running?"

Sakura was quiet for a moment before she nodded slowly. "I- I think so."

This time Itachi nodded.

"Why?" She asked.

The Sharingan wielder narrowed his eyes. "They're inside."

Sakura's eyes instantly widened. And before she could look back she felt Itachi grab her wrist again and pulled her into reality.

"We will move now." As a cue Itachi and Sakura moved in a great speed through the dark-cave-like-tunnel. The Mist Shinobis were indeed moving. She could feel it. Sakura really hoped that they didn't find that wall where they came through. It would be the end for them if they did, because they weren't as fast as they normally were. They were both exhausted because of the lack of chakra and dangerous wounds.

Two minutes seemed so long when they both weren't at their best form. It seemed endless and Sakura was about to slow down when she saw light. Not the sort of light the torches gave but moonlight. Sakura felt a tiny spark of relief. At least they had gotten safely out of this tunnel.

When they got outside, they stopped and looked at their surroundings. Sakura was already panting and she saw that Itachi was also having a hard time. He was also human after all.

It was so quiet… almost not to be trusted. But it was night after all. When she didn't feel any kind of presence, she turned to Itachi, who she obviously still didn't trust yet. It was cold outside. When she looked ahead she could only see trees, which were almost black because of the night. Behind her wasn't just a simple cave like she expected. It was more like a doorway to a mountain.

It was official. She clearly was not familiar here. Her eyes slowly followed the length of the mountain until it reached the sky.

Sakura was so distracted that she didn't feel it coming.

It struck her like a bomb. She let out a throaty scream when a kunai tore the flesh on her upper arm. She instantly laid her hand on the wound, hoping that she wouldn't lose much blood since she already was at her limit. She hissed through her teeth and tried to figure out where it came from. Itachi was already standing in his position. They both knew that they wouldn't stand a chance. They had to finish this quickly and escape before back up came.

The Kunoichi didn't even sense it when a Mist Nin appeared before her. Sakura's eyes widened in surprise and had just enough time to shield her upper body with crossed arms when a powerful kick was thrown at her. The air was squeezed out of her lungs while she flew backwards hitting the hard stonewall of the mountain. The Kunoichi felt that a warm liquid was making its way down from her head. A low groan was heard that wasn't coming from her. The sounds of kunais clenching together was making her head bounce. That meant Itachi already had his opponent.

Sakura wasn't given the time to stand up when a hand took her by the neck to pull her up. She struggled, but that didn't help. She tried to keep her head cool but that also didn't succeed. Her head was turning red from the lack of oxygen. Her sight was getting vague and black spots appeared. Her arms and legs also wouldn't cooperate with her. There was almost no feeling in them.

The Mist Nin chuckled seeing his prey slowly closing her eyes. He was sort of disappointed that he didn't even have a decent fight.

…That chuckle quickly died away and changed into a low scream.

The Mist Nin released his hold and looked down, seeing a katana thrusted to his lung. A knee buckled and was slowly falling forward. Then a hand was placed on his shoulder and pulled him in one strong shove backwards.

Itachi didn't give him a glance while he heard the Shinobi took his last breath. The Katana was quickly covered underneath his cloak. The Uchiha finished the other Nin a moment ago, and then saw that the leaf Kunoichi was not going to make it in the condition she was in now. He didn't know why but he admit it that he didn't hesitate for one second to finish the man off that was holding the leaf female in a death grip. But he supposed it didn't matter anymore. Everything had changed since this strange female saved him from the eternal dark. By all rights he was supposed to be dead. Killed by his little brother. Itachi always knew his day would come. He was prepared for it- he had calculated everything. Then this female came and actually ruined it all… Not only for his little brother, but also for him.

Genius or not, he didn't know what to do right now. Since he should be dead, the Akatsuki were trying to kill him. Well more like sending other shinobis to do the dirty work for them. But that also meant other things. Why would they want him death? They wouldn't kill him because he was still useful to them when he still was alive. Unless… Itachi narrowed his eyes at the thought.

He suspected it for a while.

Madara already had gotten his hands on Sasuke.

And now Itachi wasn't needed anymore. Sasuke had become strong, and one day he would fully surpass his elder brother. The young will surpass the old. That was a simple fact.

Itachi always knew the hate Madara had against his former village. He wanted to destroy it. Powerful as the Uchiha was, he needed his little brother's help. And Itachi would only be a hindrance if Sasuke knew the truth about him, and knew he was still alive; if he knew about the dark lies and deceits of Kohona.

But if his little brother knew that he was dead… If Sasuke would know that truth, he wouldn't join with Madara, because Sasuke saw that this girl gave him his life back. But even so, Madara can be very convincing.

With lies.

What if Madara told Sasuke that he was dead? That he still died from his wounds? Itachi just couldn't believe that Sasuke would fall for that. He was his brother after all. He wasn't a fool.

So what was the reason Madara wanted him dead? Was he afraid of something…?

The leaf female began to stir. He heard her moan in pain. She was still alive. Barely.

Itachi bend his knees and lowered himself. "Kunoichi."

A muffle sound escaped her throat and the dark haired man tried again. "Medic." His voice was louder this time.

Slowly, very slowly like she was hesitating, she opened her eyes and saw a dark figure kneeling before her. A panic rose in her and tried to pull the stranger away. The man caught her two small hands and spoke again.

"Kunoichi. Can you stand?" Itachi didn't want to admit it but he was in a weak state now. So carrying her would cost a lot of his energy.

Sakura blinked and nodded when she recognized Itachi's voice. The Uchiha actually doubted she had the strength. He helped her get up with one arm around her waist and one holding her upper arm that wasn't bleeding. When they stood straight, well more like Itachi stood straight; Sakura immediately leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed softly.

"This is the worst day of my life." She muttered, missing the tiny smirk that appeared on the handsome face of the Uchiha.

"Hn."

It was nice. Just standing there with a warm body close to her. Suddenly Sakura felt sleepy, but she knew there wasn't any time for that. They had to keep moving. Standing there and doing nothing was a stupid mistake. The leaf medic knew she wouldn't make it far; hell maybe a few meters was her limit. But if she didn't try, she was convinced that Naruto would hunt her down, revive her and kill her again, because she gave up so quickly. The thought of it made her smile and gave her a little more strength.

"Lets go." She whispered. Sakura took a few deep breaths and pulled herself together. She had to make it out here alive. She had to.

Itachi waited patiently for her to find her balance, also being alert at the same time. They couldn't afford another surprise attack. When her exhausted eyes found his, she was beginning to wonder why she was feeling rather comfortable with him. Maybe it was just because she knew that he wouldn't kill her. Yet.

"Come."

And they were on the move again through the forest. After a while the Uchiha jumped on a tree and jumped from branch to branch. Sakura followed all the while her hand covered her wound preventing to get dirt or other things in it. She was having trouble to locate him sometimes. After all it was still dark outside and not to mention cold or more like freezing. She even could see her own breath. Lucky that her cloak was giving her some kind of heat but her face was giving the full blow of the cold as her toes.

It didn't take long for her to understand that she was about to faint if she kept up with this. She saw black spots before her, and that was certainly not a good sign. Her lungs were beginning to burn. Her eyelids to heavy and her legs hurt like a bi-

Sakura slightly widened her eyes.

Itachi disappeared before her and she abruptly stopped on a thick branch. She stared at the spot were the man just stood. Were did he go? Did he leave her? She looked around in total confuse.

It was then that her exhausted body was at its limit. She fell on her knees, crossing her arms around her. She began to shiver. Her head began to glow and the wounds on her arm began to burn like hell. If she didn't do anything soon there would be an infection. She closed her eyes trying to focus.

Her head jumped up when she felt a presence before her, a familiar one. So the bastard didn't leave her at all. The pink haired female intended to scowl at him but she didn't even have the strength for that.

Itachi watched as the small form beneath him began to shake. He noticed she was trying to keep conscious, while fighting against the cold and pain. He concluded that she was at her limit. Even he was almost at his limit but gathered his strength for his next action.

Sakura gasped when she felt him pull her up in bridal style. Itachi quickly moved thus giving Sakura no time to react, but instead of jumping from tree to tree he jumped down. Sakura clenched her hands on his shirt, scared that she might fall. She winced when his feet touched the ground with a soft thud. She felt like her brain was shaking. The Uchiha noticed her discomfort and his hold tightens unaware.

He was fast even in his current state. Sakura saw that a few of his wounds were open again. Sakura really envied the man. Having so much will power to keep moving. She figured out he was holding in back then, so she could keep up. That brought her back to a familiar question. Why was he doing this? Surely the Kyuubi wasn't worth his own life. Sakura always thought Uchiha Itachi was egoistic and only thought about himself. Life was really full of surprises. But maybe the biggest one was yet about to come out.

----

Water. She heard the sound of water. They were close to a river. It took a few second until they saw it clearly and stopped. The river was crystal clear and looked clean. Perfect. She could wash her wounds, guessing that she couldn't use her healing powers anytime soon. But the Uchiha didn't stop. Itachi began to walk this time because there was no reason to run anymore. They left the Mist Nin in quite a distance. The Kunoichi only could trust Itachi's judgment now.

The river's flow was not powerful so Itachi had no difficulties walking over it.

Sakura then noticed a small opening in a sort of stonewall that was covered with bushes and moss. It was almost unnoticeable. To Sakura's surprise there was light coming from inside. It was small but if you looked good enough it could be seen and was getting brighter when they were moving closer, almost like moths that were drawn by the light.

It was small inside and… warm. She instantly saw that there was someone else in there. It was Itachi. Or more like another Itachi, sitting against the wall in a relaxed posture. It was a shadow clone that immediately disappeared when he looked up and met Itachi real eyes. His job was done. He made a fire and was keeping guard. If the shadow clone would disappear anytime sooner then they would arrive, Itachi would know that it wasn't safe anymore, and then they would have to find another shelter.

Itachi kneeled down and laid Sakura gently against the rough stonewall in front of the small fire. Sakura slowly released her hold on his shirt but still held her gaze on the Uchiha. The young male didn't return her gaze. He walked to the entrance, and made a seal like he did with that stonewall in the narrow tunnel. Within a second she saw that a large stone was slowly making its way, from outside next to the entrance, to cover the opening of their little hideout. When it was done, Itachi remained on the same spot, examining his work. Once he was satisfied, the Uchiha prodigy turned around, eyes fixed on the pink haired female before him.

Sakura gulped when she felt his eyes burning into hers.

Now what?

Footsteps echoed through the cave when Itachi walked, stopped before Sakura, and kneeled. The young female flinched at his closeness, and tensed when he raised a hand, only to lay it gently on the elbow of her sensitive wounded arm. She gasped in surprise.

Itachi inspected her arm. The wound was fresh. Her arm was shaking. Blood dripped from her elbow making a small crimson pool on the ground. Fortunately it wasn't a very deep cut, but still painful.

The Kunoichi tried to tug her arm out of his reach, but Itachi's other hand quickly grabbed her wrist, giving it a light squeeze.

"Don't."

Sakura narrowed her eyes, obviously still not trusting the man. Next, Itachi tried to touch her upper arm were the freshly cut was, but again the pink haired female protested by tugging her arm out of his reach.

"Don't touch me." Sakura spat while she slapped his hand away. She was exhausted and confused. It was getting her grumpy, and this man wasn't helping.

Itachi eyes, which were focused on her wound, looked up to meet her eyes. He was silent for a moment, and Sakura felt awkward since he also suddenly invaded her personal space. The Uchiha didn't even blink once while he looked at her.

"I do not wish to harm you."

Just like that… Sakura had no idea how to react to that.

His voice was quiet and careful, she didn't know why but her eyes softened. Who is he really? Why was he so gently? You're not suppose to be like this. I am supposed to hate you, pity you…

Kill you…

She just couldn't get it. She couldn't get why she didn't feel any hate rising in her while watching the dark haired man. A flash, from the moment their lips touched back in that room, suddenly flew through her mind. She mentally shook her head, and quickly put that thought aside. If she was blushing it did go unnoticed since her cheeks were already colored from their exhausted escape through the forest. Why did she actually think about that?

Itachi, who observed her, took her silence as an answer and without warning, his hand, which he used to hold her wrist, lifted to lay it gently on her forehead. The Kunoichi instantly tensed again

"Wha-"

"You have a fever." He stated.

Sakura closed her eyes and sighed. He was right. She was almost literally burning. "I know." She said softly.

When she slowly opened her eyes, Itachi had already removed his hand from her forehead. Sakura's voice sounded hoarse and almost a whisper, but Itachi was close enough to hear it. "…You don't look so well either."

It was also true. Itachi never felt this weak before. His wounds reopened when he took the fight with that Mist Nin, and saw now that the once white bandages had almost turned in a crimson one. Every movement was making it worse. He still felt the stinging pain through his eyes that reached to his head. His legs were weak and his hands were also starting to shake a bit. He needed a lot of time to recover as for the pink haired female before him. But by looking at their situation, he doubted that they got that time. Those Hunter Nin were still around and they didn't give up so easily. This is why they lived for. Hunting down their prey and eliminating them.

"Remove your shirt." He said bluntly.

The Uchiha decided that they first had to clean their wounds, but it was rather obvious that the medic wasn't capable of moving at all.

Sakura somehow felt her head heat up more, and stuttered. "W-wha…? E-excuse me?"

Itachi kept his mind calm but was slightly amused that she still tried to be polite towards him. He gathered his strength to his legs, trying to lift himself up with a lot of protest from its body.

"Your wound needs to be cleaned." The dark haired man said dryly. "Remove it."

Sakura watched curiously when the raven-haired man walked to the other side of the cave were he bent down to pick up his bag. The young woman didn't even notice that he placed his bag there. She followed his movement and noticed that Itachi was panting a little. When he kneeled in front of her again, he looked through his bag and finally revealed the things he searched for.

Two bottles which contained water. One small bottle, which still had unknown liquid in it, and a clean roll of bandage.

"I…" Sakura started, "I can't… remove it…" She added in an almost silent voice.

If she moved her wounded arm she was sure that the wound would bleed more than it already was, and not forget the fact that she was probably too tired to move at all. Itachi seemed to understand this and nodded once. His hands went to the top of her sleeve to carefully tear it off, while Sakura tried not to move. It went easy since her sleeve had already a tear through it. He threw the ripped off cloth beside him.

Sakura blinked when he opened one of the water bottles, careful not to spill. When his hand touched her pale skin, Itachi felt her shiver. The young man let his hand glide expertly from her elbow to her upper arm. Her skin was soft, smooth and warm. At least the fire had helped. The prodigy felt the thin hairs on her arm straighten up, and heard her sigh softly. It almost made him tug his lips into a smile at the though that he was the cause of her goose bumps. Dark eyes focused on the dried blood around her wound, and on her lower arm. He would clean that later, first the wound. While he held her wounded arm still, he carefully poured out the first drops of water over the wound.

Sakura, who didn't looked away from Itachi's eyes for one second, immediately tensed and let out a small hiss when she felt her wound sting. Her arm automatically tried to get away from it but the Uchiha would not let her. Sakura bit on her inner cheek while Itachi continued to pour some more water over her wound. This time Sakura let him, still focused on his handsome face while he did his work. His hands were gentle and warm, not rough and cold like she expected them to be. He treated her like she was a precious porcelain doll.

The female spoke in a confused whisper. "Why?"

Why are you doing this?

He settled the bottle on the floor, reached for the bandage, and unrolled the white material in front of her. His eyes slowly found hers. "It will get infected otherwise."

Her eyes were half lidded when she spoke. "Tha-" She took a deep breath, "…That's not what I meant."

"Hn." He placed the bandage on his knee and took the smaller bottle from the floor to open it. Itachi carefully let a few droplets fall on the bandage, and was about to drop a few on her wound but a feminine hand stopped him by grabbing his wrist.

"What…" Sakura took another deep breath, clearly having difficulties with breathing, "…is that?"

"It will help." Was all he said.

Their eyes didn't leave each other for almost ten second when the leaf Kunoichi finally nodded weakly, and released her hold. Itachi followed the droplets when they left the edge of the small bottle.

The effect from the liquid was even worse than water. A weak cry escaped her throat when she felt the few droplets touched her wound, while Itachi was still holding her arm. The feeling was like it was burning her flesh.

And just like that it stopped. The Kunoichi let her head fall back and sighed in relief.

Next were the bandages, and this time she tried to relax her body while he worked his way around her arm and shoulder. Like before, Itachi worked carefully and slowly. Sakura noticed that his eyelids were threatening to fall. The man was also exhausted and wounded, maybe more seriously than she. And yet he took the time to aid her first instead of himself. Were all so-called enemies like this? Gentle? Perhaps even caring? …She clearly didn't think so. Yes. Impossible. Right?

He was such a strange man.

Itachi gave the bandage a small tug, testing if the bandage was too tight. When he was satisfied he looked at her once again. His hand reached to the still unopened bottle of water, while the other hand took her smaller hand, which wasn't wounded. Sakura was too tired to protest at his actions, and before she knews it, Itachi gave the bottle to her in the hand he was holding.

"Drink." He said soft but firm.

He was a man with few words all right. Sakura sighed and nodded. "Hm."

She surely was going to dehydrate if she didn't drink much in this state.

Sakura drank slowly and felt so much better, even if it was a little, when the liquid eased her sore and dry throat, all the while she was looking at him, and he also made no move to look to another direction either- until Sakura finally looked away. His eyes were just too mesmerizing.

There was still enough in the bottle, when her thirst was quenched, she pointed the bottle to him, beckoning him to take it.

He closed his eyes and slightly shook his head, "No, drink it all."

"Bu-"

"I have enough." He interrupted, knowing what she most likely wanted to say.

Sakura lowered her hand, still holding the bottle. Her eyes also threatened to close. And she was about to close them if the man before her didn't suddenly stand up. Before he even could Sakura quickly reacted and placed her small (unoccupied) hand on his.

"Wait," Sakura whispered, and to her surprise he actually did. He eyed her for a moment before his onyx eyes slowly went to the small hand placed on his own. "…Let me help you." She said while she nodded at his bandage.

"You already did Kunoichi."

The pink haired female frowned at first but then she knew what he meant. Sakura was actually the person who bandaged him, and he still wore it, probably never had the chance to change it.

So that was it? It was a returning a favor? Just the thought of it was making her mad. That the older Uchiha was only helping her just because he felt like he had to return a favor.

"T-that didn't count." She countered. The young woman didn't understand her feelings right now. Her instincts were saying to leave him be 'cause he still was the enemy, while her feelings said she had to help him.

Itachi raised a thin eyebrow at the rather childish remark from her.

"Rest." Was all the man said. This time he stood up (taking his bag with him) without the young woman stopping him to sit, and leaned his back on the other side of the cave, closing his eyes. The fire was the only thing between them. The wood and fire crackled softly. Their shadows danced against the rough walls.

It was silent for a moment, and Sakura decided to ask some questions before she closed her eyes. "Where is… Kisame?"

Her question made the Uchiha look up, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Not here."

The pink haired Kunoichi honestly wanted to roll her eyes if they didn't hurt so much from the lack of sleeping. "Thanks for stating the obvious..." She mumbled under her breath.

"Hn."

"Aren't the Akatsuki going to get you, save you or something? You're part of them right?" She paused. "…Or do they abandon each other in times like this?" The last part wasn't actually a question, because she sort of suspected that the Akatsuki didn't give a damn about each other. It wasn't a friendly group of people after all. "Are they goi-"

"I am not part of it anymore."

Sakura's eyes widened at his blunt statement. "Wh… s-so you're-"

"Rest, Kunoichi. Rest." The tone in his voice told her that he wasn't going to say anything more about it. Sakura wanted to know more, but decided she needed the rest first. They both did. She would ask more if she woke. If she woke up…

"…Itachi-san?"

The young man said nothing but looked at her, waiting.

Her eyes half lidded and glittered because of the fire. "…Never mind." She whispered, and with that her eyes closed. Exhaustion took over her.

The Uchiha shifted while looking at the female before him. This was actually the first time he really got time to look at her properly. Her thin pale lips slightly parted, breathing irregularly. Dark eyes focused on her closed ones. The warm color of the fire made her pale skin look like gold. Exotic pink hair turned into an almost warm orange color. She really looked peaceful for a moment. Somehow Itachi couldn't look away. She looked so fragile and somehow just looking at her like this, he somewhat knew she was a very caring person. But knowing her reputation…

Such a strange female.

It was then that Itachi felt something rising inside his injured body. Immediately his hand covered his mouth and coughed. His body was screaming with pain and his throat was burning afterwards. It was like a million kunais stuck him from the outside as the inside and like there was a cactus stuck in his throat.

He eyed the young woman before him, but she was already fast asleep. His hand tickled when he felt warm liquid was searching its way down, eventually to fall soundless on the ground. He lowered his hand only to see a dark crimson color. Blood.

He gathered the red liquid in his mouth, and spit it out. He actually never liked the taste of blood. Ironically, his life… his memories were full of blood. Blood that he inflicted over many people. Full of suffering and death. Full off fear and hate and pain.

Itachi's eyes narrowed unconsciously as he stared at his shaking hand for a minute. It was time.

The Uchiha reached for his back to find a small box, which contained red pills, drugs. He took one, put it in his mouth and swallowed it. Then he took another bottle of water and drank it all, in slow gulps.

It didn't take long and he already felt the drug doing its work. Itachi sighed before he glanced at the remaining contents of the small box.

…There weren't that much left.

And if you see me losing ground
Don't be afraid to lie
I know the pain inside my heart
Can't break the fear inside of yours
And if you see me losing faith in what it means to die
Don't let me leave before I know what lies beyond the stained-glass doors

Save sorrow for the souls in doubt
Bleed every care out

Will you carry me down the aisle that final day,
with your tears and cold hands shaking from the weight?
When you lower me down beneath that sky of grey,
let the rain fall down and wash away your pain.

For every word we never spoke,
We have a tear to cry
For every silence like a wall between a better you and I.
So if you see me losing sight of all the death in life
Find the peace in every time I failed to see the death in mine

Let all the fear inside you drown
Tear out the blade and lay it down
Save sorrow for the souls in doubt
Bleed every care out

Oh, the blood is rushing out
Oh, I'm better off without
Oh, the walls are closing in
Oh, sing for me again

To be continued.

A/N

Okay, first chapter done. Yeah! Hope it wasn't confusing for you all. Also I wanted to report that this story is going to be slightly dark. Since reality isn't that nice either. But that will all depend on my writing style. Maybe it will turn out like a piece of crap. Yah never know right. I'm still learning to keep it interesting and trying to use more words then the same. Long life beta's!

And before you ask questions:
-Itachi may be sort of ooc but just so you remember that he was suppose to be dead. He hadn't planned on surviving so he is also confused as clueless what to do now.
-And about the 'Takysoma-room' part, those are the rooms/cells which the Akatsuki use too imprison their captives and to restrain their chakra.
-And if it still is confusing… well next chapter will explain a couple of things!

Pieces off a broken mirror,Theme Song:Carry me down can be found in my Profile.

Thank you for reading! Hope you liked it.

~M00nlight