Chapter Eight

I run my fingers slowly through my hair, never more noticing its shortness. Have I forgotten why it's so short? What I was trying to do- why I was so driven? Have I forgotten Naruto? The bright sun shines off of a small stream, and I stare into it, my cloak reflecting in its near stillness. Itachi's cloak. What should I do now? I thought that by leaving that small town of Konoha, I had finally escaped the future I had planned- now what? It shouldn't have to be this hard.

I glance at Sasori and find myself for a moment, envying him. He's so sure. He knows exactly what he's going to do and he does it, without a second of hesitation. He never looks back on what he does and doesn't ever regret a thing. It must be so nice to live like that- your emotions staying out of the way. I turn my eyes to the path, but for a moment, they lingered on his face. He doesn't look different by one second since when we first met- as if time plays no effect on him at all.

Light sparkles down through the leafs, little patches of it litter the forest floor, making each step a different tone of light. I stare into the forest. Konoha. I haven't been there since the Akatsuki had captured me. Two years, a new Hokage, and many many more ninja. This is going to be such a hassle. I sigh, and Sasori seems, to notice, but keeps his eyes ahead of us.

Traveling is always the worst part of a mission.

The day passes slowly and the path seems to stretch on for an eternity. Finally night falls and Sasori slows his pace. "We'll make camp here for the night," he says, turning to me. "We will be arriving at Otafuku Town early tomorrow, it's not far from Konoha," he says, setting his pack on the ground beside him, and sitting down next to a tree, leaning back on it. I nod.

"We'll be in Konoha by this time tomorrow," he says, leaning his head back and sliding his eyes closed, looking so very relaxed.

I set down my pack, and lay against a tree that was a good distance from Sasori, my face in his direction so I can make sure he doesn't try anything. I slowly make my eyes close. But try not to feel tiered, I won't sleep, no matter what- I'll just rest- I can't trust him. But the forest noises seem to grow to a whisper and I feel it all slipping away.

"Sakura, come on, you can't do this in one day," Itachi said, shaking his head at me, a small smile on his lips, a rare occasion. I pick myself off of the ground quickly, faking a smile and acting like I was fine. The small clearing around us is bathed in sunlight, the summer heat smothering us.

"Yes I can! You said it was a simple jutsu- I'm not weak Ita!" I say, forming the hand sign again. "Yoki da no jutsu!" I exclaim, pushing my chakra out in large even amounts. I look at the ground ahead of me, and nothing happens at all. "What did I do wrong this time?!" I ask, exasperated. My breath coming in harsh gasps- why is this so hard?! Itachi looks at me, a slightly playful expression on his face.

"Well that time, you said it wrong, it's Yochi, not Yoki, try it again with the right words," he says, now looking at the ground ahead of me. I nod and try to form the hand signs again, but my chakra is almost completely gone. Itachi looks at me, shakes his head, then walks over and holds me in his arms and even in the hot warmth of the day, his warmth is so welcoming.

"Don't push yourself too far," he says in my ear. I smile; my face leaning on his cloak. I look up to him, my energy replenished just from holding him.

"I- I think I can do it now," I say, slowly separating from him, my fingers lingering on his cloak. He nods at me, and then steps back to give me space. I turn away from him and focus on the ground ahead.

Days like these.

I focus all of my chakra- but hold it in. Ok, just like before- but say it right. "Yochi da no jutsu!" I exclaim, and release the chakra in level amounts- please work! The ground before me moves a little and for a moment, what look like fingers of rock emerge, then slump back into the ground. "Almost!" I say, forming the hand signs again. I step forward as the chakra goes through me- but a hand lands on my shoulder and I look back at Itachi.

"You've used up too much chakra for now Sakura," he says, smiling again. "Don't use anymore for today, ok?" he asks. I smile and nod, turning around to him. I lean up and kiss his cheek. He worries so much! For a moment, his face goes red, then he leans down and kisses my lips. I kiss him back, happiness as always.

"Uchiha, Itachi," we hear, I look over from my lovers face and over at the agent that stood there. Itachi glances at me, then walks over to the ninja. The ninja speaks quietly to Itachi, and Itachi nods, glancing back at me assuringly. I smile- what are they talking about? Itachi thanks the ninja, then walks over to me.

"Sakura," he says softly, hardly a whisper. "There are some ninja who are after two of our members, and Kisame and I have to leave for now, I'll be back." He says, brushing the hair out of my face. Worried, I look to him for answers, he touches my face and I savor the moments. I always hate it when he has missions. He turns to walk away, and I feel the strength to say something I never have before.

"Ita- I love you," I say, feeling like I just bore my strongest weakness. He doesn't turn around, or reply, or even act like he heard me. I watch sadly as he and the ninja disappear into the forest.

Days like these.

I jump, sitting up from my sleep, the forest is dark and silent, and tears running down my face slowly. I try to hold them back, but I know I can't. I turn away from Sasori, and hide my face and tears, wiping them away, even though it was useless. I try to push the memories and the dreams far from my mind, but can't help but feel his lips on mine.

I'm never safe in my sleep.