Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 4

Conflicted

From the moment Itachi met Sakura, nothing of her person indicated she was inexperienced or unaware of the world. She had been poised and charming, following up conversations with educated responses and attractive smiles which he thought was intriguing. Now, seeing her standing in front of him, her apprehension painted upon her pale face and her frame adorned neatly in her high school uniform, he was unsure of what to think. Had he been mistaken when judging her character? No, it was only on very seldom occasions when he would be wrong about such things. His eyes were fixed on her in the dark classroom, noting the curves of her hips as they extended, filling up her turquoise skirt. Noting the swell of her breasts and the outline of her white bra underneath her sheer, worn, long sleeve shirt. Noting the way her tie was creased between both mounds and pressing against her flat stomach. She was not, by any means similar to her lower class men. Being the final few months she was obligated to wear this uniform, she wore it spectacularly with her adult female frame.

"H-How did you know I was up here?" Sakura hands were shaking. Her eyes were filled with complete embarrassment as she turned slightly from him.

"Sakura Haruno, class of upper six A, advance biology with a high GPA and expectation of being awarded a scholarship," Itachi recited the contents of her student file to which he had been assigned earlier that morning, by Headmaster Sarutobi. 'She also had an asterisk next to her name with a short note,' he remembered her file being clearly distinguishable from the others, 'watch out for this one, she's a handful to deal with,' the note read. Closing his eyes for a moment he finally answered, "I figured your homeroom class was a good place to start looking for you."

"I-I…" she stuttered, unable to find the words to respond. She felt silly, being silenced by him, this man she had barely known. She was never the best at thinking on her feet, especially under the current circumstances. She was doing such a poor job of hiding her astonishment. Why couldn't she speak?!

Itachi had been calm in contrast. His moment of astonishment was dealt to him earlier that morning when he received his class listings and complimentary student files. He was flabbergasted. His mind returned to the conversations he had with her only a few nights ago. Grimacing at the thought he shook his head as he recalled her pleasant gestures and warmness towards him. This is the girl that he had been thinking about every night since they met. He took a deep breath. This is the girl that he felt a budding desire to see once more. This is the girl, who now stood before him. This girl was his student.

"Itachi-" her voice was shaky and unsure.

"Why didn't you tell me?" his tone was calm, meeting her gaze once more, his eyes flared with an intensity that almost tore her apart. She had to look away from him.

"It's a little complicated," she defended, instinctively stepping further into the darkness of the classroom, away from him. She needed to calm herself and perhaps distance was the best way to.

Not wanting anyone to listen in, he took a step towards her, lifted his hand and pushed the door in slightly. "I think I can keep up Sakura," he stately drying, still approaching her.

Was he upset with her? His face was too neutral, too calm and composed for him to be. His tone surely did not give her any indication of uneasiness. "Well… I…"she trailed off turning her gaze over his shoulder so she may attempt to compose herself. Standing there for a few seconds, she folded her shaking arms in front of her chest and finally responded, "I didn't think it was important." It had been a lie, however, she hoped he would not push the topic further. She was not ready to share that part of herself with a stranger like him, even though they had gotten along so well on Old Years night.

Based on her disinclination to talk to him, he turned slightly before retrieving a sheet of paper from the binder which he had clutched against his side. Handing it to her, he stated, "here, this is the research paper you did not collect." Her slim, trembling hand reached for the sheet, being careful not to meet his gaze. Paying close attention to this, Itachi turned away from her towards the door once more. It was not his intention to spook her the way he evidently did, merely to see her, to be where she was, so he may have gotten some possible explanation. Exiting the room, he pulled the door open before pausing, turned his head so he may glance at her over his shoulder. "Forgive me for bothering you," he apologized in his deep husky tone, finally meeting her eyes before turning to exit once more.

"Wait!" she blurted out abruptly before taking a few steps towards him. Already out the door, he paused but did not turn to her. "I'm sorry for not telling you," she apologized softly bowing her head. Although not being able to provide him with an explanation, at least she could apologize for not telling him. She listened as his feet moved away, back down the stairwell. She was alone again, free to properly compose herself and her racing mind. 'How silly am I…' she cursed herself biting her lower lip, 'I just need to keep my distance… and I'll be fine.'


The classes she attended to which he taught, were awkward for them both. He had the daunting task of teaching her advance biology class while attempting to not stare at her more than was expected. He had to uphold his neutral tone, being careful not to show favoritism. Admittedly, it was easier for him at first but became more and more challenging as the days went by, as he noticed her standoffish behavior. Had he offended her in some way? Why was she being so cold towards him?

Sakura was uneasy, too absorbed in her own pride to acknowledge him whenever he may glance at her. It was not because she was afraid of her colleagues discovering she had known him previously. It was not because of their meeting that Monday morning. It was because she was felt beneath him. She had known him before, and considered him to be her equal, but now, she felt like a child who must now prove their maturity to gain acceptance to be considered his equal.

It was now Friday and nothing had changed. They had had a total of five classes now and all of which, she had been distant, not acknowledging him and unfriendly towards him. It was a complete contrast to her usual bubbly self. His class was just about finished now and all persons had been engaged in casual talk. Itachi still stood at his desk neatly repacking his binder and was getting ready to dismiss his class. Sakura had remained perfectly quiet, occupying herself with packing her own bag.

"So, Mr. Uchiha," Ino addressed him twirling a stray strand of her hair around her slim finger, "did you win a national scholarship when you wrote exams?" Her voice, like her behavior, was playful and obviously flirty whenever she addressed him. It was no surprise to him nor her classmates that she found him appealing.

The blonde's flirty remarks were easily disregarded by him, always responding in his monotone voice, "I did." Chancing another glace to Sakura, he sighed inwardly. This was almost similar to torture for him, to deny him of her smiles and pleasant remarks.

"That's great! You must have worked really hard to get that!" Ino remarked, her admiration clearly evident on her face. Like her, other girls in the class listened in and couldn't help but appreciate their teacher. He was excellent in his explanations, very helpful, understanding and obviously brilliant to be awarded a scholarship. Sakura however did not share in this moment, not openly anyway, more so she felt a growing sense of uneasiness. His achievements were commendable but it did not help her feel any more at his level.

"It was not too difficult," he replied with an almost unperceivable smile, glancing to the blonde once more, "I was just persistent with my work". The bell rang some seconds after and the population of the class bowed in respect before quickly standing and exiting the room. In the corner of his eye, he noticed Sakura's pink hair falling as she released the mass from her hair tie. It was messy and full as it now lay against her back, the large curls accentuating her face nicely. Ino had seemingly pulled her aside outside the class but from where he stood, he was not able to make out their conversation. Ino's eyes flared as she placed her pale right hand on her hip. She seemed upset with Sakura for some reason. 'Perhaps Ino had noticed the change in her attitude as well,' Itachi thought, dipping his fingers into his pants pocket to retrieve his phone. He scrolled through his contacts in search of his brother's number. 'Perhaps talking to Sasuke may help' he thought to himself before calling. He pressed the device to his ear and picked up his binder waiting for his brother to answer.

"What's up with you Sakura? Are you PMSing or something?!" Ino dared to inquire raising her voice. Sakura was almost certain that Itachi would be able to hear them now. "Why have you been so cold lately? You've been acting weird since Monday!" Ino continued, ignoring Sakura's attempts to calm her. Itachi sighed and walked pass them both, heading for the stairwell when Sasuke finally answered.

"Oi, what's up?" Sasuke greeted from the other line.

"Sasuke, can you stop by tonight?" Itachi asked plainly, taking his first few steps downs the stairs.

"Tonight sure-" Sasuke tried to respond but was quickly silenced by a woman's yelling in the background. "Sasuke no! You rarely spend time home anymore!" Itachi recognized his mother's voice easily. Wincing slightly, he tore his phone from his ear to prevent any hearing damage from being inflicted onto him. She was clearly upset. "Heard that?" Sasuke's voice came again over the line after the outburst.

"Hmph, what's with her all of a sudden?" Itachi questioned him pressing the phone to his face once more.

"I forgot to let her know I was staying by you those couple nights," Sasuke's voice seemed slightly muffled. "Sorry, I don't think I'm allowed to leave the house, she's chaining my ankles to the couch as we speak," he dramatized sighing.

Itachi also allowed his sigh to be heard over the phone. It was a clear indication of his irritation.

"Everything okay on your end brother?" Sasuke inquired indicating his concern. It was very rare for his brother to express any sort of discomfort.

"Actually, its-" Itachi was interrupted.

"A certain pink haired student of yours?" Sasuke smirked, teasing his elder brother.

Itachi didn't respond. He paused for a moment on the steps trying to calm himself. How foolish he had been not anticipating that his would have known that Sakura was now a student of his. The familiar chuckle of his younger brother met his ear and Itachi let himself sigh inwardly.

"Don't sweat it, she couldn't keep news like that from me," Sasuke took his brother's silence to mean he was correct. "Look I'll try to get away tonight, but no promises alright?" Sasuke whispered to him. His hushed voice was clearly an indication of his rebellion against his mother's wishes.

"Alright," Itachi hung up and continued his journey to the staff room. Yes, this was the correct choice. He needed to hear for himself how his brother felt towards her and perhaps even find a solution to Sakura's cold resolve.


Turning the doorknob of his apartment door, he released a heavy sigh as though welcoming his fatigue at last. It was Friday and he was home. He knew Sasuke was already inside, he had seen his navy blue Audi parked in his front yard in its usual spot. Entering through his front door, he held a box of assignments which he had the tedious task of correcting under his arm, his usual binder also within the box. Sasuke immediately turned to acknowledge his brother, greeting him with a usual wave of his hand. He had been in the kitchen, dressed in casual home attire, washing up some used dishes and listening to the loud pulse of a guitar solo playing on Itachi's sound system in the living room. Alternative again, it was his brother's style. Feeling a sense of contentment at the atmosphere his brother presence always created, he placed the box of assignments on the living room table and approached Sasuke in the kitchen.

"Waw! Don't you look like a teacher!" Sasuke teased, his eyes playful and amused to see his brother.

Itachi gave him an almost unperceivable smile before loosening the black tie that was slackly tied around his throat. His pants were pressed and dark, and his torso was adorned with a white long sleeve shirt with a grey vest. Indeed, he looked very much like a teacher.

"Are you alright?" the younger Uchiha enquired now drying his hands. Sasuke noted the drained expression on his brother's face and became curious.

"Yes, I am just glad to be home," Itachi admitted before pulling the vest over his shoulders and sighing heavily. "Give me a couple minutes, I'm going to take a shower," the elder Uchiha excused himself before retreating up the stairs to his bedroom. A warm shower was exactly what he need to sooth his tense muscles. He allowed the relaxing spray of the warm water to hit him longer than usual while he reflected. The week, in its entirety, had not been physically stressful. It was not dealing with the younger students nor adhering to the strict rules of the convent which were particularly nerve-wracking. No, it was her, it was having to face her indifference towards him which made him mentally stressed, evidently taking a toll on him. After drying himself any excess water, he exited his bathroom with a white towel wrapped securely around his waist to retrieve clean garments from his cupboard.

Now fully clothed in white sweats and a plain grey t-shirt, he placed his phone in his pants pocket and began his decent down the stairwell to meet Sasuke again. Halfway down the stairwell, he felt the sharp vibration from his pants pocket. Retrieving his phone, he noticed a new text message. It was from her, she who had been avoiding him all week. "Sakura," he muttered under his breath. He paused, deciding it was unwise to read the message now, placed the phone back into his pocket and greeted Sasuke who was now sitting on a bar stool facing the kitchen. He was leaning against the counter, sipping from a glass of water, preoccupying himself with his own phone.

"So what's up Onii-san?" Sasuke asked, not taking his attention from the white device that lay in his hand. Itachi, deciding it was pointless to avoid the topic, brought it up immediately.

"Sasuke… what are you doing with a high school girl?" Itachi asked opening his refrigerator, allowing his silky damp bangs to fall over his eyes as he examined the contents of his fridge, "It seems unlike you." His tone was calm, not indicating any form of ridicule.

Wincing slightly at the uncomfortable topic, Sasuke sighed and glanced up at him. He had been loathing the day when he would eventually have to talk to his brother about Sakura. It was not because of her age or the current school she had been attending. Not because he personally thought explaining it all was troublesome in itself, but, because he was partially ashamed of the situation he had created. He felt guilty for the hurt and one sided relationship he allowed himself to indulge in whenever his feral weaknesses surfaced. Something he knew Itachi would not be pleased with. However, Itachi was his cherished and respected brother, he already knew he could not refuse to provide him with an explanation.

"Sakura… is just a friend of mines, a close friend. We met through Naruto a while a back," Sasuke confessed leaning onto the counter, pressing his cheek into his palm. It was then that Sasuke noticed Itachi's thin white cat that peered his bright eyes up at him, skillfully pressed himself against Sasuke's bare feet, gracefully wrapping his slim tail around his leg as he talked. He seemed delighted by Sasuke's presence. "She's brilliant though, despite the fact that she's just in high school, you'd like her" he added, almost as a defense, as he observed his brother.

"So I've been told," Itachi responded, pushing the latter of his statement out of his mind, he now rummaging through his pantries seemingly in search of something. With a sudden jump, the cat landed upon the counter and thrust his head under Sasuke's free hand, playfully seeking his attention. Not at all startled by the cat's actions, Sasuke responded with a smile and began to stroke him lightly. He hadn't seen the kitten in a while, remembering he never made an appearance whenever strangers were at the apartment. "Sakura seems to be fond of you," Itachi stated the obvious, realizing Sasuke was not willing to give further details unless asked.

Sasuke closed his eyes, being careful in his choice of words as he allowed the cat to nestle himself against his hand. "She is, we passed that friendship boundary a couple times, we did try dating… but, I couldn't keep it up," Sasuke confessed, straightening himself up and opening his eyes once more. "But she was persistent. Seems like I had made a deep impression on her," he smirked down at the cat not curled up into a ring, laying his head on his hind paws.

"And why could you not keep it up?" Itachi questioned stretching to open a cupboard above the stove, "do you not like her?"

"…I do, she's great, but, I just don't think it is the right time for me to be committed to anyone. I won't be able to give her the attention she deserves," Sasuke sighed remembering her gloomy expression on Old Years' night as he continued to stoke the kitten. "She deserves better," he confessed at last in a somewhat contemplative tone.

"You're young and in university, why is now not the right time?" Itachi questioned him before finally retrieving a box which Sasuke identified as the container which homes his stash of instant ramen noodles. 'Empty,' Itachi frowned, finally turned his gaze to Sasuke, "where is all my food?" he muttered, slight frustration in his voice.

"I was hungry," Sasuke blushed slightly.

"So you ate all my groceries?" Itachi asked in disbelief.

"Hn," Sasuke looked away, "Naruto helped," he added dryly resulting in a sigh from Itachi.

"So what are your intentions for her now?" Itachi asked folding his arms, doubting if he should tell him about Sakura's unpleasant reproaches towards him all week, especially given the fact that he now had an unread message from her.

"I don't really have any intentions. If anything, I just don't want to see her sad anymore-," Sasuke had been interrupted by the sudden loud ringing of his phone. The white cat which had comfortably snuggled under his palm shrilled at the unwanted noise. It was his mother. Sighing, he silenced the noise and turned his attention back to his brother. "I've got to go, our mother requires me home," Sasuke stressed before dipping his fingers into his loose pant pocket to retrieve his car keys. "We need to get her some friends!" Sasuke groaned, all the while refusing to answer the call. "Cya Nekomata," Sasuke gave the kitten one last stroke before getting to his feet.

"Alright," Itachi acknowledge as he made his way to his couch, allowing his hand to scruff Sasuke's hair lightly as he passed. Sasuke nodded his head in salutation before making his way to the door "Next time you pass by, bring some groceries," Itachi teased after collapsing onto his couch, listening to his brother's signature 'Hn' as his feet taped lightly towards the door. He leaned his head back onto the edge of the couch, the same couch he and Sakura sat conversing that night. His eyes met the ceiling as he listened to Sasuke opening the front door. He then lifted his arm so that it may rest upon his pale brow before closing his lids. There was then a noticeable click at the door. Sasuke had left, taking with him the laid back aura with Itachi missed almost instantly. The only sound to be heard in the apartment was the soft drone of the Alternative music Sasuke left playing. He was alone.

Retrieving his phone from the pocket of his white pants, he held it up and in anticipation, opened his tired lids. She had been avoiding him all week, taking special care in his classes to not make eye contact of any kind with him, even when he called upon her. It was the same in the hallways, the cafeteria, at morning assembly. She even responded to his messages with short one word responses wherever she was able. So why now? Had Ino have a part to play in this sudden change?

'Hey I'm sorry I've been so cold this week… can we talk?' he read her message still holding his emotionless expression. Laying his phone to his side, he began to think careful. How should he respond? Surely, based on the new information given to him by his brother, it was reasonable to deduce that talking to her was not a taboo. Although used to his solitude, even on a Friday night, he wanted to see her. He had gotten so accustomed to seeing her as the days passed by, even though it was only over a desk. Sighing inwardly, he lifted his phone once more and began typing.

Sakura had been home for most of the evening. Sitting with her feet up on a black office chair in her bedroom, she paused her current game and reached for her pink cased cellphone which had just vibrated inches from her playstation. 'Can you cook?' she read his message before smiling lightly. She had been waiting for his response. Without hesitating, she responded.

'On a scale of one to ten, I'd have to say, better than Naruto,' Itachi smiled. She was good at making him smile, breaking him out of his dry, indifferent state.

Resting her head on her knees, she read his quick response, 'Perfect, come cook for me?' Sakura blushed. Biting her lower lip she hesitated for a moment. Everything felt different to her whenever she texted him. It was as if he was no longer her teacher and she, no longer his student. It was as carefree as it had been when they first met. 'Are you home alone on Friday night?' she reread her message before looking at the time. It was still early, only six, perhaps sending Friday night with him might be fun, send.

'I should be asking you that,' Itachi dared.

Sakura smiled looking down at her phone. Indulging in his charm, she began to feel more and more displeased with herself for the manner in which she treated him all week. 'I am. My playstation is keeping me company,' she responded.

Taking a deep breath, Itachi thought careful of his next response. She wanted to talk, and he wanted to see her. Was it right for him to have such a desire? 'Would you like to come over?' Itachi typed before sending, almost instantly regretting what he felt to be an extremely forward invitation. He was now burdened by suspense as he waited for her response. This is wrong…

Reading the message, she had not overthink the request. Sure he was her teacher but she had known him socially before. This should be fine. Shouldn't it? Sakura made her decision and texted him her address and one final message, 'I take a half hour to get ready.'

'Perfect,' Itachi thought, disregarding the feeling that he been relieved that she had accepted his invitation. Half an hour was more than enough time for him to change and pick up some ingredients on the way. His dull and partially fatigued temperament was now forgotten.


Itachi had been sitting comfortably in his luxury vehicle waiting for Sakura to make her appearance. Her home, unlike his mother's, it was small but quaint. There was only a small patch of lawn spread across the front yard as it had been mostly paved, he assumed to accommodate more than one vehicle. He had been sitting there for just over a minute considering his conflicting emotions. He doubted his brother would be pleased at his actions today yet, he was here, in front of her house regardless. "Sasuke…" he muttered leaning his head back onto the car seat, trying to come to terms with it all. He had not even noticed his failure to consider that he was still her teacher.

Sakura finally immerged wearing a taupe, off-shoulder tunic with sleeves ending just above her wrists and ankle length smoky grey leggings. Her bare shoulders accommodated her silky pink locks nicely which were mostly straightened with a few waves and curls here and there. All his confusion seemed to fade as he admired her simple yet polished appearance. Retrieving keys from her small white handbag which Itachi had recognized from before, she locked her front door and made her way to him, hopping into the front seat. She greeted him, "hey there," giving him a soft smile in salutation, "I brought you something." Dipping her fingers into her bag, she retrieved a folded notebook which had a floral designed on its covers.

Itachi tilted his head slightly, before enquiring at the book she presented to him. "What is this?" he asked in his low tranquil voice reaching for it.

"My bio research paper," she grinned observing his expressing. He smirked, it was not something he was expecting to receive. She seemed her usual self again, no longer closed off from him. That alone gave him a sense of relief.

"So, you brought me work?" he began straightening out the book and flipping through the pages. "Good, because I brought you something as well," he finished pointing to the backseat.

She turned her gaze, following the direction he pointed finger and almost gasped. Stretched over the entire expanse of backseat of the car, were a mountain of bags of groceries. 'He bought all this?' she thought in astonishment. "So much…" she whispered turning her gaze to him once more. He eyes were still bright with a smile. 'I've got my work cut out for me,' Sakura thought returning his smile.


Sakura stood in Itachi's kitchen with folded sleeves, making quick work of the onions on the chopping board. Being the only child of workaholics, she had no choice but to pick up on some quick recipes so she could sustain herself. She was not a complete adept at culinary arts however, she did not perceive herself to be that bad either. Pouring a splash of olive oil in a heated pot, she tossed in the onions and began to stir at it lightly. She added other pre-cut ingredients to her dish before finally adding fresh green bean pods. Covering the pot, she looked over her shoulder to the man sitting on his couch. His bangs cascaded over his onyx eyes as he examined the note book she had presented to him earlier. Biting her lower lip, she felt anxiety building in her.

She knew very little about him, as students often did of their teachers. She thought it was only fair to conclude that he was quite perceptive and intelligent being a teacher at his age, and winning a scholarship no less. Sasuke, being quite brilliant himself, she was convinced that she had enough assurance to be nervous of the possible criticisms he may have of her work. Turning her face away and back to her tasks, she wrapped the tray of seasoned chicken with a sheet of tin foil and pushed it into the preheated oven. 'Relax Sakura! Have faith in your work!' she encourage herself while closing the oven door. Taking a deep breath, she turned the heat of her cooking peas to low, unwinding her tension at last. Removing the skinned, diced potatoes from the container in the sink, she heard movement behind her. It was quiet, but enough to catch her attention. Quickly turning to investigate, she was now face to face with the Uchiha. "Itachi!" she squeaked in reflex.

"Forgive me, how can I help?" Itachi asked, placing her notebook on the counter. He smiled lightly, realizing he had startled her. Her expressions were cute and easily readable as usual.

"…W-well I'm almost done. Can you get me one last pot?" she responded, taking some time to compose herself once more.

"Sure," he politely responded, opening one of his overhead kitchen cupboards.

"So… what did you think?" she asked referring to her research paper. The suspense was killing her. To her, this was her moment to prove herself to him, to prove that she was not a child to be underestimated. Taking the pot from him, she poured the potatoes into it and began her final dish.

"It was… not what I was expecting," he admitted before sitting on the bar stool observing her. Sakura could only hold her breath and hide her impatience. Her work was highly detailed, clear and to the point. She explained the topic perfectly and to a level which he presumed to be vastly above that of an average high school student. She had met fully, all the requirements of the assignment and perhaps surpassed them in many ways. He was finally beginning to understand why she would have been slightly intimidating to her previous teacher.

"Oh, was it..." she hesitated biting her lower lip once more. She needed more than that. She did not dare to look his way, only focused on the boiling pot in front of her.

"It was brilliant, I am impressed," he reassured her, placing his cheek into his left palm. "Do you always put that much effort into your work?" he asked curiously, noticing that he was becoming more and more assertive when enquiring into her life.

Vigorously stirring at the potatoes, she felt a burst of pride wash over her. She had done it! Smiling, she added more ingredients before tasting. "Yes, usually," she responded, satisfied with the dish but more so his approval of her assignment. "It doesn't take that much effort anymore, I'm used to writing like that now," she added switching off the stove. Turning to meet his gaze once more, she smiled and added, "the chicken would be done in about twenty-five minutes, then we can eat."

Itachi's eyes followed the sway of her pink locks as she moved towards his couch, sitting in the exact spot she had when she was there last. "Good, you said you wanted to talk to me," he stated joining her on the couch. He noticed as her expression hardened as she remembered the message she sent him earlier.

"Yes… I wanted to apologize for dodging you this week, it wasn't like me, I was just feeling a bit…" she paused, thoroughly examining her coral polished fingernails, "…insecure about you being my teacher." Itachi remained calm and expressionless waiting for her to explain further. "Up until Monday, when I saw you, I felt as though you were… well not completely my peer but… surely not an authoritative figure," she explained twirling her fingers the way she noticed Hinata usually did when she was flustered. Itachi's simply kept his eyes on her. He was not sure how to respond to her words. "Sasuke and Naruto always teased me for being the youngest in their group… When Sasuke found out my age, he would constantly underestimate me, and disregarded my feelings for him… as an immature crush," her eyes now began to show a sensation of sadness, they were almost glassy. He could easily perceive that she was sensitive about the topic.

"Sasuke's assumptions seemed understandable. For most people his age, that initial impression is to be expected," he stated in a soft tone, lifting his eyes to the ceiling.

Sakura only nodded, biting her lower lip. She knew he was right but it still hurt her to hear those words. "Well, that may be, but, seeing you in class, it makes me feel a bit inadequate. As though I need to prove to you that I'm not a child like everyone else," she explained, not daring to receive his intense eyes.

Her feelings seemed perfectly plausible to him. Her insecurity was her motivating factor, pushing her to overachieve towards being years ahead of her classmates and even in terms of her maturity. Her college level research paper now made perfect sense to him. Turning his attention to her at last, he noticed her eyes tearing up. It made him speechless. 'Was she this sensitive about it?' he thought considering that he needed to be careful when responding to her. "Sakura-"

"Silly huh," she chuckled softly wiping her eyes. She was not going to cry in front of him! "Getting insecure by your own teacher," she smiled trying to be strong, "I'm just tired of working so hard and still being forced to look at the backs of everyone."

"Sakura, I assure you, since the day I met you, up until now, there was never any doubt in my mind about your maturity," he admitted finally meeting her jaded gaze. "If anything, you have surpassed my expectation in almost every way," he added, noticing for himself the truth in his words. "It is difficult for me to not…admire you," he confessed to her in a soft tone, looking away from her. It was as though he was confessing to himself as well. Her expression quickly changed. She was astonished at his words yet so delighted.

"Itachi…" she smiled joyously at him, placing her small hand on his. At that moment, his hand felt as though it was ignited. Whenever she did this, a strange yet familiar feeling inside him always gripped his heart. It silenced him. To her, she could receive no greater compliment, especially coming from an accomplished man such as him. "Thank you… I feel like I've made the right choice in coming here. Thank you for listening to me," she continued, her hand still on his. Battling to keep his composure, he nodded at her. Initially, she had been fearful of opening up to him, especially given the fact that she would have had to discuss a topic she found to be completely humiliating. But now, their relation felt different, to him as well. It was not as it had been before he was assigned to her class. No, they instinctively felt as though this brief conversation had brought them closer together.

They exchanged glances once more before she turned her gaze to the time displayed on his television. She suddenly stood up and stated in her now chirpy tone, "dinner's ready!" His eyes followed her as she made light and cheerful steps to the kitchen, her hair shifting lightly, the motion in contrast to the sway of her hips.

Throughout the evening, they kept their conversation simple and light. Relishing her excitement and happiness when he brought up certain topics and the harmony and poise of her movements when she became expressive, he had involuntarily become intoxicated by the smiles upon her rosy lips and her clever remarks. His once neutral and indifferent expression turned to one of humility. Sakura, completely unaware of his admiration for her, had behaved in her usual cheerful manner as she became more and more familiar with him. Itachi's previous guilt for spending time with her, his brother's supposed past girlfriend, was lost and could not be found again for the remainder of the night. They had finally become friends.


Walking down the corridor towards his brother's bedroom, Sasuke passed the sleeping cat on his way and took another glance at the time displayed on his phone. "Onii-san…" Sasuke peered into his brother's domain but Itachi only stirred slighting. Walking over to his bed, he lightly brushed the dark strands resting on his brother's brow before smiling affectionately. "Oi. Wake up," he poked Itachi's forehead now satisfied, "it's almost eleven."

The elder Uchiha webbed his brows together unwelcoming the disturbance. "Ugh," Itachi slowly open his eyes to meet those of his younger brother. Sighing, he turned his back to him before closing his eyes once more, "Sasuke… what is it?"

"You never sleep in this late," Sasuke raised a brow, "Naruto is downstairs, we're going to the beach. Come with us," Sasuke invited.

Reluctantly sitting up, Itachi's dark stands spilled over his bare back and torso as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "When are you leaving?" he asked, his voice still husky from his slumber.

"Around noon," the younger Uchiha answered.

Sighing deeply, Itachi swung his feet over the edge of the bed and gave his reply, "Alright, I'll come."

Sasuke smiled, delighted at his response, turned to move towards the door again before coming to a halt. Turning his head so he may glance at Itachi over his shoulder, he asked suddenly, "by the way, I know she's your student now, but would it be awkward if Sakura came along?" observing his brother's expression carefully.

Itachi held his breath at his brother's words. Luckily for him, his bangs concealed his face from Sasuke's stare. Remembering the events of last night and the fact that he had spent almost its entirety in her company, developing a friendship with her, and perhaps, developing feelings for her, his guilt started rushing back.

"No… it would not be awkward"