Hope you guys like this one. I love all of you for your review, favorites, and alerts! They keep me writing! Btw, I added a poem written by Constance O'Banyon to the beginning of chapter 1. That's for anyone that has been following the story this far. I thought it was cute!

Chapter 7:

Sakura was extremely happy as the golden days of autumn settled over the land. The giant ponderosa pines, the cedar, the fir, and spruce trees retained their greenery, while the oak and cottonwood trees dominated the area with their glorious fall colors. The majestic mountains rose above the valley and their tallest peaks were awash with sparkling white snow. She could remember the day she and Itachi came through that valley so easily, when he had first brought her here, to the Akatsuki hideout. It was such a good hideout; normal ninja would never search for them here.

At times Sakura would almost forget there was another world outside those rolling hills; at other times she could feel that world beckoning to her.

Sakura had left the village with Konan and Deidara to a nearby valley on the other side of the mountain; where there was an abundance of medical herbs grew beside a small stream.

The day was sultry and hot. Sakura could feel rivulets of perspiration running down her back. The herb picking process was slow and tedious. She dropped a handful berries into the leather pouch she wore around her neck. Looking down at her hands, which where now brown and rough, she wondered if they would ever be soft and white again. She wished briefly she had some lotion, and made a mental note to ask Itachi to bring some back from his next mission.

Her mind was momentarily lost when she thought she herd someone talking. She glanced at Konan and Deidara, but they hadn't even paused from their work. Slowly, she made her way in the direction of the sound. Peeking through the undergrowth, she was startled to find what appeared to be a traveling family. They must be just passing through, she thought, watching them intently. It was the first time she had seen someone other than an Akatsuki. She wasn't sure how long she had been there, or when Konan and Deidara had made their way over to her.

She turned her head toward them, finally taking in their presence. Konan looked as impassive as ever, though Deidara looked grim. "Great, more travelers," she heard him mummer. She supposed they got this often, because neither seemed overly threatened. She was startled at a soft cry. It was a baby. They had it propped up beside a tree. It was giggling softly, its sweet face twisted in the makings of a smile.

Suddenly there was a rustling in the nearby bushes and a hideous sound which Sakura had never heard before split through the stillness. The woman heard the sound to, and called out to her other children, "It is a wild boar, run for cover! Climb a tree if you can!"

Sakura looked about in confusion. She saw the baby still propped up in the makeshift cradle. The thrashing and grunting from the wild boar was getting closer. Sakura stared in fear as the animal came out of the bushes, charging straight ahead. The baby was right in its path!

With no thought of the danger she was in with no weapon, Sakura ran toward the baby. There was no time to pick the child up and carry it to safety for the crazed beast was to near.

The boar had long tusks and was using them to root up the dirt as he charged toward Sakura. She was surprised how quickly the animal could run on its short stubby legs. The boar was now near enough she could see its beady little eyes, and was frozen in fear, so much so she felt she couldn't run.

What do I do? she wondered in a panic. She couldn't abandon the child; the boar would kill it for sure. Without thinking further, she put her body in front of the child and grabbed a stick with a sharp end on it. With no time to consider, she thrust it forward, bracing her back against the tree. The stick entered the animal's body between the shoulder blades, and pierced its heart. The impact slammed Sakura sideways, and she dropped to her knees.

The young mother to her baby and picked him up into her arms. Konan was at Sakura's side in an instant, lifting her head onto her lap.

"Are you hurt?" Konan inquired.

Sakura was still in a daze. "The child…?" she asked.

"The child was unarmed because of your brave deed." Deidara replied from somewhere above her.

"You should be thankful you're all alive. I suggest you leave this place and never come back! Tell other not to come here either!" Sakura knew he was addressing the family, and then heard a scurry of feet, signifying that they were leaving. When she got back in her head, she could barely see them running swiftly away.

She glanced up at Deidara, and for the first time, she saw a look of pride on his face. He lifted her up and then he and Konan supported her on the way back to the hideout.

Sakura sat on the bed, feeling her body tremble. The others wouldn't think I'm so brave, she thought, if they saw how sick I feel inside. Her body was sore, and she couldn't still her hands, which shook in spite of the fact that she clutched them tightly together. She was glad that Deidara had finally accepted her, but she didn't agree with him that she was brave. She had acted on instinct. I really am still that weak little Genin.

Itachi swept into the room. When her saw Sakura sitting on the bed he rushed to her, and lifted her into his arms to cradle her gently against him. "They told me what happened. I am so glad you aren't hurt. Deidara said that was one of the bravest things he had seen."

"I am not brave, Itachi, I was acting on instinct alone. I didn't even stop to think about what I was doing!"

He smiled and touched her lips with his fingers. "The most courageous man will not think of himself in battle. That separates the valiant from the others."

Sakura basked in his praise. "I don't understand what you mean, Itachi?"

He laid his cheek to hers. "The coward will run in the face of danger. The ordinary hero has to talk himself into fighting. The truly courageous will stand and fight without a thought. A coward can very seldom become brave. The modern hero is sometimes brave, but normally a coward. The brave will never become the coward. It is something one is born with, I believe."

Sakura felt tears in her eyes, and laid her head over on Itachi's shoulder. Never had she felt so good about her self. Even Tsunade's praise could not he made her feel this way.

After a few moments, Konan knocked on the door. She and Deidara walked in. Deidara had a brown bag in his hand.

Konan was the first to speak. "Deidara thought Sakura deserved some sort of reward for her bravery." With that she used a hand to shove Deidara forward.

He glanced down at the package sheepishly as he handed it to her. "Well… erm… Konan picked it out…" She took the present from his hands and began to open it. She gasped, and almost dropped the whole thing. Inside was a beautiful light blue dress, with matching knee high boots and elbow length gloves.

"Oh, thank you." She through herself into Deidara, clasping her arms around his neck. He stood there, momentarily struck still in surprise. Then, slowly, he lifted his arms to in a soft embrace, and then pushed her off swiftly, a blush dusting his cheeks.

"Yes, well… you're welcome." Then he and Konan disappeared out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

It was very late when they left, and Sakura was so exhausted that she curled up in Itachi's arms and fell asleep.

Itachi gathered her up close. If anything had happened to her, he would have died as well. He stared into her sleeping face, feeling as if he held the greatest gift Kami had ever given a man. Today she had even gotten Deidara to accept her.

Sakura was his, and nothing could ever change that. How is it possible to feel so much pride in such a small girl, he wondered, laying his face against her hair.

Picking her up carefully, he carried her to the bed and laid her down. He removed her clothing and covered her with a soft blanket. Yes, she is small, but she has a brave heart.

Itachi removed his clothing and lay down beside her. His mind wondered ahead to the time when he and Sakura would have children. What exceptional children they would grow to be, with a mother like Sakura to guide them.

Sakura sighed in her sleep, and Itachi gathered her closely to him. He watched her as she slept, knowing she had earned the right to sleep deeply.

In her sleep Sakura moved closer to Itachi and curled up to his body. His eyes flamed for a moment as he felt his desire fan to life, he smiled.

"Sleep, little wife," he whispered as he kissed her eyelids.

So, let me know how you liked it! Flames will go into the fireplace! R&R!!!