Hello, readers!

Here is a spur of the moment ItaSak. Don't go by the manga or anime on this, I just let the flow take me. I own nothing, blah blah blah.

Well, go on. Hope you enjoy.

There he is. Itachi Uchiha no longer wore the Akatsuki cloak. Instead, he wore something very similar to that of an ANBU uniform, which covered him from the neck down in charcoal and black. He was kneeling next to a tree looking through one of his scrolls, his weasel mask pulled slightly to the side and his hair pulled high in a ponytail. She followed the stream of his dark hair down his back. Sakura observed him while keeping her chakra concealed. She hadn't been noticed yet, and what kind of ANBU shinobi would she be had it been otherwise? She wasn't Tsunade-sama's successor for nothing. Her chakra control was flawless, her medic skills unmatched, and her strength exceeds that of the a legendary Sannin at the age of 23. It was impressive. However, she wouldn't put it passed the ex-ANBU to already being aware of her presence. He was also very skilled. She decided that the wait was over.

"Itachi Uchiha," she called out softly before coming out of her hiding place in the trees. Before she could continue, two kunai were hurled towards her and she easily blocked them away with her own. "I'm not here to fight!"

"Then why are you here?" She froze as his deep voice vibrated through her ear as warm breath ghosted over the shell. It was a big contrast from the cold kunai pressed firmly against her ribs. Both gave her chills and a jolt of twisted excitement went through Sakura.

"Tsunade-hime told me the truth, Uchiha-san," she said quietly, still as stone. It wasn't until she felt the absence of his kunai did she lift the fox mask off her face and drop her hood to reveal pink hair. She saw Itachi's eyes widen as she turned to face him.

"Sakura Haruno," her name left his lips on a whisper. "She told you everything?"

"Yes, I..." Sakura paused and stepped closer to him after checking the surrounding area with her eyes, making absolutely sure that they were alone. "I've been tracking you for a little over a month now. I'm glad to finally be face to face with you." She smiled, her eyes softening at his expression. Emotions were fighting in his dark depths and she empathized with him. After all this time, maybe there's still hope for him.

"What are you hoping to accomplish in finding me, Sakura-san?" Itachi asked.

Sakura hesitantly reached out for his hand and he snatched her wrist in his grasp in the blink of an eye. Frowning, Sakura twisted out of his hold and reversed their positions. Now with his wrist in her hold she boldly stepped closer.

"I want to bring you home," she hissed through her teeth. Itachi found himself impressed at the strength of her hold and that he could not retreat from it unless he used chakra. He felt no need to alert anyone of their presence and if what she said was true, she wasn't here to harm him. So in her clutches he remained.

"Tch. Ridiculous," Itachi bit out.

"Is having to kill your entire clan, your family, ridiculous? Yes," she said fiercely. He glared, trying to reel in the memory, the feeling of being torn apart inside. He ripped his fist out of her hold and she let him.

"I don't need your sympathy," Itachi said as his stomach churned from remembering.

"I do not offer sympathy," she said and he looked at her. "Empathy, on the other hand, I whole heartedly feel. There's a difference, Itachi-san. I have empathy because I can feel your pain and understand," she explained softly. "Under your passive exterior, there's a constant battle waging inside of you. It will eventually tear you apart."

Itachi's fist were balled at his sides. He was already worn and shredded from what he had done but was trying not to let it show.

"I can't imagine the trauma being dealt by that blow. However, I can offer my help to ease the hollow feeling in your chest. I can also offer to heal your eyes," she said with a slight upturn in the corner of her mouth.

"You hold a sound argument, Haruno. However, what good would it do to bring me back?" He asked darkly, his baritone voice making her breath hitch. Sakura's expression softened and she stepped back.

"Because you are good, Itachi." His eyes widened at the passion behind her words. He didn't mind that she had spoken so informally, however...it had been years since he's heard someone else say it.

"What the elders had you do was unforgivable, even if the Uchiha clan were planning a coup," she hissed.

"They were," Itachi growled out.

"I know," she growled back. "But forcing you into a corner and under direct orders, I understand why you did it," she hissed out.

"Did I really have a choice?" Itachi said, his red eyes glowing. Sakura avoided them, though she knew she wasn't in his genjutsu. Even if she was it wouldn't last long. Sakura could break them, after extensive and excruciating training with Kakashi. The rosette wouldn't chance ever being caught in Sasuke's if she ever came across him. No way in hell.

"I'm not sure, Itachi-san," replying honestly. "I don't know what I would've done, but that's in the past."

"Surely Konoha shinobi and its civilians wouldn't allow an S-class criminal being harbored in their village," he said. He didn't want to show her that she was slowly breaking him down.

"I know you were in the Akatsuki for your own reasons," she said raising an eyebrow. "Keeping tabs on the organization while using them for your own agenda. Very spy-like, don't you think? Don't play me for a fool, Uchiha." Itachi blinked, deactivating his Sharingan and his eyesight dimmed with it. She was telling the truth.

"Leave it in the past, where it belongs. Tsnuade-sama trusts you and after what I've learned," she paused and held out her hand for him. "I do too. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you. You deserve a chance at a normal life."

Itachi looked down at her hand, his face was contorted into a pained expression, "I think I'm too far gone, Sakura."

"No!" He saw her fingers flex before looking at her. "It's never too late to change! Naruto has showed all of us, even our enemies, that there is always a light in the darkness. Moving forward, living is the hardest part, but it's so much easier surrounded by people who care about you. Itachi," she said before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around his shoulders in an embrace. "The Will of Fire still burns within you. I know it'll be hard at first but things will get better. I'll take care of you."

He could feel his hands shaking. His brain was receiving a certain stimulation he hadn't felt in a while, and his body reacted to it. His heart beat quickened and glanced down at the young woman.

"Live with me and maybe we can find happiness in such a lonely, hateful world, together," Sakura's words vibrated through him. She was lonely too? He was shocked to hear her offer and he wanted to give in. How long had it been since he'd actually had human contact like this? Far too long, he thought as he returned the embrace and clung to her fiercely. She could feel his body shaking as he buried his face in her neck.

"Will you stay by my side?" Itachi asked, surprising Sakura and even himself. However, he couldn't find the motivation to care. He was so very tired and Sakura was so very inviting.

"Yes. For as long as you want me," Sakura said. She wasn't sure what was going to happen, but she wanted to be there.

"I don't know if I can do it without you," he said against her neck.

The raven felt like shattering with those words. Itachi was literally waiting to die by Sasuke's hand; he had nothing to live for. The outsider, black sheep, pariah, and all other labels that has been spoken with his name; yet, hearing her say that he was good overpowered all the negative for just a moment. When could he stop loathing himself for something that wasn't in his control?

This woman, she was special. He wasn't sure if anyone would've gone out of their way to try for him like she had, but she had proven herself to him that she was trustworthy and that she cared. Itachi felt foolish for breaking so easily but he was tired, so very tired. Tired of feeling numb to his mortality. Yet, being in the arms of this kunoichi brought back something he hadn't felt in a long time. Actually feeling that bit of spark that tells you to keep going.

"Let's go." She said in finality, trying not to falter from Itachi's words. It was decided.

He nodded into her shoulder and they let each other loose. Itachi's hands lingered around her waist, not willing to retract fully from contact quite yet. Sakura allowed it as she reached for a scroll and summoned Katsuyu.

"Yes, Sakura-sama? Oh! I see you've found him! I will transport you both to the Hokage at once." Sakura nodded and they were both eaten by Katsuyu. A moment later, along with the dizzying sensation of being sucked through a vortex, they were spit out onto the Hokage's office floor. Tsunade's voice cut through their hazy minds as they collected themselves.

"Well done, Sakura. That'll be all, Katsuyu," Tsunade said from behind her desk holding a steaming cup of sake. Shizune stood at her side. Now standing at attention, Sakura bowed as the slug disappeared.

"Thank you, shishou," she stood up straight and glanced at Itachi.

"Itachi, you have been burdened by so much. If there is anything I can do to help you, don't hesitate to let me or Sakura know," Tsunade said, her tone gentle. This time Itachi bowed low.

"I am eternally grateful to you and Sakura, Tsunade-hime. I will not disappoint you," Itachi said while bowing.

"At ease. I know you will show Konoha the love you hold for this village and it's inhabitants," she said as he straightened. "Sakura, provide this man with a meal and a bed to sleep in. Make sure he gets everything he needs. You are not required at the hospital until I see fit."

"Yes, shishou," Sakura nodded.

"Welcome home and rest well. Now unless you wanna lose a drinking contest, get the hell out of my tower." Sakura wasted no time with ushering Itachi out of the tower and into the night. He followed her silently as they took to the rooftops and to her apartment window, where Sakura let him in. As soon as she shut the window and closed the curtain behind him, she took her mask off and he did the same. She flipped on the light in the kitchen.

"May I run a bath for you?" Sakura asked as she made her way to the kitchen table and set down her cat mask. Her gloves followed. Itachi followed her silently and placed his mask next to hers. He nodded and she went to work. He heard the water filling the tub shortly after she entered what he assumed was the bathroom. She came out a second later and went to the fridge. "Ah, they did get my grocery shopping done! Good men," she said closing the door and nodding approvingly as she inspected the cabinets. "Are you hungry? We can have a late dinner after you're done bathing." Again, Itachi nodded. Sakura hummed and walked back to the bathroom where he heard the water being turned off. She came back out and entered another room. He suspected it to be her bedroom and she emerged with articles of folded clothing. Taking them to the bathroom, she came out empty handed and motioned for him to come. His footsteps were light as he walked toward her. She was about to begin preparing dinner when she found her hand grasped in his.

"Sakura," he said and she looked up at him expectantly. "Thank you. For everything." She smiled and nodded, placing her other hand on his shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Enjoy your bath. I will start dinner." With that, he released her hand and she walked back into the kitchen. Her warmth lingered on his fingertips as he closed himself into the bathroom. Stripping from his shinobi outfit, he folded the items neatly and placed them on the floor along with his weapons and supplies. He eyed the clothing on the sink and noticed they belonged to a man. Was Sakura involved with someone? The thought left him as he stepped into the warm water and he sighed as he settled into the tub.

Sakura took the chance to discard her ANBU gear and tucked it away into the wooden chest at the foot of her bed. After taking off her uniform, she folded it and placed it alongside her weapons and placed her mask on top. She closed her chest and put on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. Sakura would normally have a shower after such a long mission, but didn't mind since she had offered the bathroom to Itachi. She would shower after their meal, and since she wasn't going on another mission anytime soon (or until Tsunade needed her) she could wash her uniform tomorrow. Speaking of, she pushed her fingers through her hair and went to the kitchen sink. After splashing her face a few times, she washed her hands and dried off with a towel. Salmon sounded delicious.

After washing, Itachi stepped out of the tub and drained it of the murky water. His wet, clean hair fell down his back as he stood in front of the mirror, water dripping from his sculptured and scarred figure. He began to dry off and looked at his reflection. He looked tired. It's been so long since he's had any sort of comfort the Hokage and especially Sakura had so readily provided him. His dark eyes narrowed. Their selfless actions will not be in vain. Putting on the sweatpants and t-shirt, he draped the towel around his shoulders as he continued to dry his hair. Stepping out of the bathroom his nose was assaulted by a heavenly smell. Sakura heard him come out of the bathroom and smiled as she finished putting food on their plates.

"Perfect timing! Please, have a seat, Itachi-san," she said placing their plates on the table. Salmon over rice and vegetables topped with a mango-ginger glaze. Nice. Itachi took a seat as Sakura placed a glass of water down. "Would you like tea? Or sake?" Sakura asked as she put the kettle on and poured herself a cup of sake. He draped his towel over his chair.

"Tea, please," he said and waited for her to place his tea in front of him and sit down herself. "Itachi."

Sakura blinked at him as she paused with her chopsticks in hand. "Nani?"

He picked up his warm beverage and looked at her, "For you Sakura, just Itachi. I find it comforting to be familiar with you, if you don't mind." He gingerly took a quiet sip of his tea. Sakura just smiled.

"Of course, Itachi. Same goes for you." He allowed a small smile to form on his lips and they began to eat.

"Sakura, this is delicious," Itachi said before taking another bite.

"Thank you!" She smiled into her next bite. "I'll cook for you as much as you like," She took a gulp of her sake.

"Hn. As long as you allow me to return the favor," Itachi said before taking another bite of salmon.

"Of course. I'm glad Naruto's clothes fit you. We can go shopping for clothes tomorrow." Itachi glanced at his attire. Naruto?

"Are you and Naruto a couple?" He asked almost hesitantly. He heard her snicker.

"No, Naruto and I are best friends. He likes to stay over sometimes, so it's easier to have some of his clothes already here," she explained. Why did he feel relieved hearing that?

"Makes sense," he said placing his chopsticks on his empty plate. He waited for Sakura to finish, sipping his tea. Finishing her plate, she filled her sake cup again. Itachi took this time to gather their dirty dishes and take them to the sink.

"Thank you, Itachi," she said with a smile. He filled the sink with enough water to soak the plates and pans.

"Hn," he acknowledged her appreciation as he sat back down at the table. "I will take care of them after they soak." She nodded and took a drink of sake. Her cheeks were a bit flushed from drinking. His eyes studied her. Sakura looked quite impish from her beverage, yet he couldn't help but be attracted to her. Slender shoulders and an elegant clavicle connected to her neck. Her hair was longer than he remembered, the rosette strands fell to her shoulders and it was tousled from running her fingers through it. Pouty, pink lips under a petite nose, and jade eyes which were openings to her inner thoughts and emotions. The purple diamond in the middle of her forehead only spoke of how strong she really was. Sakura was beautiful. Not only that, but she was intelligent and one hell of a kunoichi. Hell yes, he was definitely attracted to her. After all, Sakura was his knight in shining armor. He had a home again because of her. Her eyes met his and she noticed him looking. It wasn't until he took another drink of his tea when she spoke.

"Your hair is so long. Would you be opposed to me brushing it for you?" Itachi rose an eyebrow in question, but he couldn't refuse her. She grinned and jumped up to grab her brush. While she was up, she came back and refilled his tea cup along with her sake. Sakura stood behind him and gathered his hair in her hands.

"There's so much of it! I can trim it as well, if you'd like? Don't worry, I won't cut off too much. Long hair looks good on you."

He sighed at the feeling of Sakura's fingers and brush running through his damp hair. He closed his eyes to the sensation of her touch and her compliment. Did she just call him good looking? Kami, Sakura this feels amazing. He couldn't stop the slight growl that bubbled from his chest and left his lips as a soft moan. He wasn't aware of the woman that caused it, whom was biting her lip with a smirk. It was to his dismay that it seemed over too quickly and his hair was brushed out. She sat the tool down on the table.

"I won't cut it. Instead, I'll put it in a braid for when you go to bed. We can talk more about it tomorrow," she said as she began one long braid down his back. Sakura knew he wasn't much for conversation or he wasn't quite comfortable with being open with her. She didn't mind, she liked the comfortable silence between them. But when he did speak, she hung to every word. She finished with tying off the end and sliding it over his shoulder and running her hand over it carefully. "There you go."

Itachi brought his hand up and gently grasped her fingers, pulling her to stand in front of him as he turned in his chair.

"I will consider the trim," he said in a deep voice while looking up at her. "Until then, let me prepare your bath."

"Oh, it's ok. Just relax, I'll take care of-"

"Sakura," he interrupted, not trying to be rude, "you said you would take care of me. You have. Now, let me take care of you."

Relieved from her earlier worries, she felt her cheeks heat up from her blush and couldn't help but run her fingers lightly through his bangs. He was opening up to her and she would do anything for that to continue.

"Ok." She said softly with a nod. He stood from his chair while still holding her hand and returned the gesture. He felt the heat of her skin as he sifted through the soft strands and watched her eyes close.

"You're warm. Are you feeling alright?" He asked almost in a whisper, but his baritone voice made it sound husky. Her eyes felt heavy as she looked through her lashes.

"Hn, it's the sake," she replied and hummed. It felt good to have him touch her. She could've swore that she saw the corner of his mouth hitch. Touché, Uchiha.

"Finish your drink. I'll prepare the bath for you." She nodded and felt his warmth fade as he went in the bathroom. Glancing at her sake cup, blushing at the thoughts running rampant through her head, she picked it up and gulped it down in one shot before filling it again.

After Itachi finished prepping the tub he began to fill it with water and bath soap. Waiting to turn the water off, he glanced at the mirror and studied the braid that fell over his shoulder. Hn. Not bad. He actually quite liked it. He'd have to ask Sakura to do his hair like this more often.

Is it alright to want to be close to her? He wasn't sure how to react to matters of the heart but Sakura's willingness to touch and be close to him was like therapy. He'd been so closed off from people and even himself for a long time. It was alright to feel this way, right? The way Sakura had looked when he touched her almost made him lose his breath. She had leaned into his touch and he could smell the sake on her breath when he shifted closer to her. She made him want to touch her, to hold her...to make her feel good. Turning off the water he returned to the kitchen. Sakura gave him a sheepish smile as she had already begun cleaning the dishes, blush still present on her cheeks. He approached her.

"Go. I will finish these," he said sliding up next to her. His arm brushed hers as he reached for the plate and wash rag, slipping them out of her grasp.

"A-alright. After you're done, make yourself at home," she said as she walked to the bathroom. Closing herself inside, she leaned against the door. She looked at the bubble bath he prepared for her and proceeded to take off her clothes. Tying her hair back in a ponytail, a slight moan left her as she sunk into the frothy warmth. She let her thoughts wander.

Itachi Uchiha was living with her. She would've never thought it to be possible, but she wasn't complaining. Sakura was very much enjoying his company! He has the brains to keep up with her and he is so nice to look at. After she learned the truth, wariness associated with him vanished and she couldn't help the urge to fight for him, while heartbreak set in from what her beloved village had done. It took days to convince Tsunade to let her go on the mission alone to bring him back. But she did it and she was damn proud of herself for bringing him back home. She could really get used to having him around, not only for the companionship (the life of a shinobi could be very lonely, which is why she's hesitant to become involved with anyone, no matter how badly she needed to get laid) but she could easily see herself falling for him. Already finding herself attracted to him, she couldn't help but wonder if he felt a connection too? She felt her cheeks warm at the thought of his fingers going through her hair and his body so close to hers, his presence lured her like a moth to a flame. And his scent! Kami, he smelled amazing. More than anything, she wanted him to be rehabilitated and happy. If she could provide that for him then she would do anything in her power to make it happen; mind, body and soul. The thought somewhat scared her. However, after what he's been through, she wanted to make sure that he never experienced that kind of darkness again. Ever.

Sakura, get moving. She finished washing her body and pulled the tie out of her hair. Scrubbing her head and moving the shampoo throughout her hair, she pulled the plug on the tub and stood up. Switching on the shower head, she rinsed out the shampoo and all other suds and turned off the water. Standing in her now empty bathtub she took her towel off the rack and stepped out, drying herself off. Back in her clothes, she rubbed the towel furiously through her hair and placed it back on the towel rack. Running her fingers through the damp strands she spared one last glance in the mirror and walked out of the bathroom, a cloud of steam following behind her.

She found Itachi on the couch in her living room with one of the books from her bookshelf. It was a syfy romance novel and personally, it was one of her favorites.

"You'll like that one," she said when he glanced up from the pages. He marked his place and set it down on the side table.

"I'm already enjoying it. How was your bath?" He asked turning back to her. She sat on the other side of the couch.

"It was great, I feel much better thank you," she said placing her elbow on the top of the couch and tilted her head to rest in her palm. "I've been looking into matters regarding the Sharingan for a while now. We can start repairing your eyes whenever you are ready," Sakura said. Itachi sat a bit straighter.

"I'm ready. Whenever you are, Sakura," he replied, his eagerness showing. It must be bad then. Sakura only smiled.

"Sounds good. Tomorrow it is," she said, not looking away from his form. He only looked back at her.

"How do you know so much about the Sharingan?" Itachi asked.

"Lots of research. Also, intense sessions with Kakashi Hatake," she slightly groaned out. It really was unbearable, although she did not regret a moment of it.

"Ah. I'm curious as to what you were working on," he asked, leaving it open for her to elaborate.

"Kakashi's Sharingan is at full strength now. I also schedule check-ups with him to make sure any damage done can be healed. I'd imagine that your eyesight isn't that great now. Tomorrow, I will start your healing sessions. I can assure you that your eyesight will return and the damage from using your Sharingan will be healed.

"And..." she began, but was hesitant to share this information that only Kakashi, Tsunade and herself knew of.

"Kakashi and I trained. Very intense and painful training," she said and Itachi shifted closer on the couch.

"Itachi, what I'm about to tell you can't be told to anyone else. I don't want it getting out."
Itachi's brow furrowed and he perched his arm on the back of the couch, close enough to brush his fingertips along her elbow.

"You have my word." He said not breaking eye contact from her intense green eyes.

"I can escape from genjutsus," she said quietly. His mouth opened slightly and his eyebrows rose.

"You continue to impress me, Sakura," he said while caressing her arm. "I will repeat this to no one. I would not willingly put you in danger like that." He would leave it at that. The pain she must've gone through before being able to break through the Mangekyo Sharingan would only be described as torture, especially with Hatake. He admired her even more and felt honored for her to trust him with the information. Sakura smiled and lifted her head from her palm to lower her hand to return the touch. They looked at each other while the two brushed their thumbs over the other's skin.

"Thank you. Tired yet?"

"Hn. I'll take the couch," Itachi said. Sakura's head snapped up.

"You will not. You're sleeping in my bed, Itachi," she said firmly. He barely stood just to pivot in front of her and lean in with one arm on the arm of the couch, the other on the top of the couch, effectively trapping Sakura.

"Give me one good reason why I should take the bed. Trying to take advantage of me?" He teased. Sakura did not yield even with a pretty blush across her nose.

"No and because it's a bed! Tsunade specifically told me to provide you with a bed to sleep in and that's what I plan on doing! You take the bed and I'll take the couch," during her reasoning she leaned forward slightly and didn't break eye contact. Itachi's lips twitched and a corner of his mouth turned upward slightly. Sakura noticed and glanced down at them. He noticed.

Smile more for me, Uchiha.

"Then how about," his voice came out deeply, "we both take the bed." He said as one hand came out to delve fingers in her hair. He couldn't keep his hands to himself but she didn't seem to mind him invading her personal space, and he'd take advantage of that. "Personally, I would much rather you be comfortable, Sakura. Would you be alright with sharing that comfort with me?" He asked as his fingers trailed back to her head and around the side of her neck, where his thumb touched her jaw.

Kami, he really enjoyed touching her. She seemed to like it as well. Sakura's eyes were heavy again which had her looking through her eyelashes. He saw resolve and determination in them when she opened them more, even while leaning into his touch.

"Yes. Now if you're ready, just let me turn off the li-IGHTS!" She yelped in surprise as Itachi pulled her up and into his arms. He started walking to her bedroom.

"You, my Sakura, are going to bed. I will take care of things," he said. 'My' Sakura?

"You're lucky I'm tired," she said holding onto him and burying her face in his neck. She had meant to sound threatening but being held bridal style was intimate and Itachi's hold tightened, pressing her a little closer to his chest. She could feel her face warming up and the blush went down her neck. He hummed and it vibrated through her.

"Ah, how else could I get you to rest with such results?" She could've swore she felt him smile against her. She stifled her yawn but he felt the tension of her muscles as she did so. Entering the dark room, he easily found her bed and eased her down on it. She sighed as her head hit the pillow. Itachi pulled the blankets over her and she saw his silhouette retreat from the room. The lights were turned off and he returned just as quick. Sakura felt the bed dip under his weight on the other side and she turned to face him. The late night moon shone through her window and her eyes adjusted to fall on him. She pulled at the blankets.

"Get in here," her tired voice commanded. He obeyed and settled in next to her. "Sweet dreams, Itachi.

His onyx eyes were smoldering, even in the darkness of her bedroom.

"O-yasumi, Sakura," he replied, tiredness lacing his words. She closed her eyes as she felt sleep trying to claim her. At the edge of being awake and asleep, she felt Itachi shift slightly and his fingers tucked strands of pink behind her ear. And with that, she was out like a light.

o_O

Itachi shook as his eyes snapped open and he immediately sat up. He was breathing heavily and his eyes darted around the room and to the woman next to him, relieved to find her there. Damn PTSD.

"Itachi, are you ok?" Sakura awoke when she felt him sit up after she heard him gasp for air. They hadn't been asleep for long. His eyes were wild and his Sharingan was activated. He placed a hand to his forehead.

"Nightmare," he said as he tried to catch his breath. It was always the same nightmare, only Sakura was in it this time. It was unsettling.

"I'm here if you want to talk about it. Sometimes, it helps. I know how PTSD can be," she said placing a hand on his arm. She heard him sigh, almost painfully.

"It's a reoccurring one. Since I was a child, I've seen the wrath of war. Memories of the past and of that night. Only in this dream, I don't leave Sasuke alive," he whispered. "I killed you too."

She was in his nightmare? Sakura moved her arms to rest around him.

"I'm still here. As far as I know, Sasuke is still alive out there too," she said, almost bitterly. She no longer had those feelings for him, for she had moved on years ago. But she had still loved him as her friend and the bitterness of being left by her teammate still remained, even though she knew how much Itachi cared for his brother. "Let's try this again." Sakura motioned for him to lay down and she rested her head in the crook of his arm. She wrapped her arm around his chest and he held onto her, one arm around her back and the other resting on the arm on his chest.

"I want you to close your eyes and envision a willow tree. Picture it glowing in the night of the moon and the limbs slightly swaying in a gentle rhythm. Imagine the serenity that tree feels being so alive in the peaceful night under a cloudless sky among the stars. Sit beneath that tree, meditate, and imagine yourself being one with the tree," Sakura instructed quietly. He did as she asked and felt like he could breathe again. Only he didn't picture himself alone. Sakura sat beneath the tree with him, a glowing smile on her face. Itachi didn't know when he fell back asleep, but he dreamt of her under the moon with him.

o_O

I think this is enough for now. I have more coming.

To be honest, I'm not sure where this is going, you know how muse can be.

I know Itachi is pretty OOC, however I think it's pretty accurate as to how damaged he really is.

Anyways, review if you have the urge to do so. Let me know if there is anything I can fix for you. Thanks for reading!