Hello everyone! So first off i definitely have to apologize to all of my readers. I haven't updated in the longest of times. In the beginning ,I was jut having writer's blocks, not sure of how to lead my characters through the next chapters. But then towards the new year, when i had finally found some inspiration, things at school starting becoming more hectic. I definitely wanted to just bust out this chapter before my finals, but knew that probably wouldn't be good to do ._. So now my finals are over and i am now officially a second semester senior! I'm so excited to finally be able to concentrate on my story. So to all of my wonderful viewers, thank you for sticking through with my story until the end! (During my hiatus, i have been rereading stories from my favorite fanfic authors and had realized the amount of depth and thought they put into each chapter. So i've been trying to improve on my chapters, making them more detailed and sensroy-happy :D Tell me what you guys think with comments and of course, enjoy!)


21 Letters

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Chapter 8


Red felt tip pen squeaking slightly on the open calendar, a large letter "X" was drawn from corner to corner in the box of the day that had already passed.

Smiling to herself softly, the pink haired doctor recapped the thin pen with a soft 'click' before heading into the bathroom to start the day.

'Just a few more months' Sakura thought subconsciously as she prepared the water for her shower.

The season was just on the edge of summer as the day grew longer and hotter, with nights cool and calm. Today though, had an ongoing light breeze throughout Konoha that made sit-in restaurants curtains flutter and girls' hairs dance.

Which was why Sakura decided, that maybe her choice of wearing her floral light pink skirt was probably not the best option-seeing as how the doctor found herself constantly tugging at the back of her skirt to make sure she didn't accidentally flash anybody. Last time she had done that, it had resulted in a very embarrassed pink haired medic and a flushed Sasuke who had mumbled something incoherently close to 'cute panties'.

With a light blush dusting her nose, Sakura ducked her head before hurrying along to find said-man. With the small wind picking up a bit, Sakura scanned the row of shops and street markets for any signs of a chicken-butt haired man wandering around somewhere, occasionally waving to village acquaintances who smiled at her. With the heat of the summer day radiating around the streets and constant breeze, the uncomfortable feeling of static began to increase-fueling the doctor's desire to quickly find her friend.

Ears perking up at the distant sounds of whistling, the innocent pink-haired girl scanned the streets until finding a small cluster of men staring at her with amused predatory smiles and wolfish grins. Mouth immediately frowning in distaste, Sakura had no time to give those boys a proper scolding before she felt a warm hand grope her in a place somewhat….inappropriate. Ready to spin around and sucker punk the pervert into next week, an arm came around her shoulders, locking her arms before calling out to her.

"Sakura"

Surprised, said-girl peered up, squinting at the glaring sun before making out the features of the man she had been trying so diligently to find. Head turning, Sasuke eyed the group of guys in a way that Sakura didn't quite catch before watching them disperse as Sasuke turned back to look at his petite friend with a growl.

"You just always have to choose the perfect day to wear the wrong things, dontcha Sak." Sasuke growled lowly.

Twisting around and spotting her friend's hand splayed prominently over her ass, she turned back with a glower.

"And may I ask as to why you are so generously offering yourself to get a painful kick in the ass in 3…2…-"

"Unless you want those guys to continue…pursuingyou like a piece of meat, I find this the better alternative."

"Hey…that's a piece of very lean meat to you mister."

Few moments passed by until realization dawned on her, along with a lovely deep red blush. Sakura was torn between feeling touched by Sasuke's protective side, hand splayed in order to prevent her skirt from flying up and irritation at having that same hand wrapped so…abundantly on her round behind.

Deciding to let it go for now, Sakura moved away quickly before smoothing out her skirt.

"Oh let's just go already" mumbling quietly, Sakura tugged her friend's hand-resisting the urge to glare.

It seemed though, that Sasuke knew her so well and vice versa. It almost worried her-the scale at which they were close.

But, well, Sakura knew she loved Itachi. He helped her, comforted her when she was down, and conversed with her on the most silly of subjects. He understood how her weird mind worked. But after a few steps of ponderings, Sakura came to a thought no matter how much it frightened her and made her want to push it back down into the depths of her subconscious annoying little mind.

'Sasuke could very well fall in love with me'

Sakura knew perfectly well just how much Sasuke liked her. Hell, he didn't even try to hide it most of the time. At the moment, Sakura would always jokingly accept his ridiculous declarations of love for her-laughing it off. But as time continued and the months were shortening towards Itachi's release date, Sakura understood this…'thing', between them…

No, not 'thing'.

Admitting to this as a 'thing' would only imply that there was even some small little bity ounce of something between them.

And there certainly most definitely was not Sakura thought bitterly.

This…type of behavior/feeling from Sasuke had to stop.

Though it sounded pretty silly, Sakura wanted to be completely and irresistibly in love and belonging to only one said Uchiha Itachi when she meets him.

-and this meant no funny business from Sasuke.

The medic wasn't too worried though. She knew she was in love with Itachi.

And was falling for him harder everyday.


With the two finally deciding on a little udon shop on the outskirts of their small town, the lovely pinkette and her boyish friend took a seat next to a large spacious wall-sized window that overlooked a row of Sakura trees where couples strolled down occasionally.

Once finding a comfortable position in the traditional bamboo chair she was seated in, Sakura crossed her legs before smoothing out the creases in her skirt and looking up at her friend who she found, disconcertingly, to be gazing intently at her features. It was one of those awkward moments where she knew he was trying to be intimidating in a sort of sexy way but didn't want him to continue so would attempt to casually brush away whatever…intentions, he was going for. So she just settled for the casual-

"What?" She asked in a practiced hesitating voice, mouth titled slightly at the corners, "is there something on my face?"

And it was also those moments where he knew she knew what he was doing and understood what she was doing in order to block his efforts.

"No, nothing at all." Sasuke murmured lowly, eyes still boring into hers. And upon seeing the hint of pink tinting the tip of her ears, he would smirk, knowing he had some effect on her.

Emerald eyes narrowing at his smug look, his little friend sniffed before grumbling.

"Ok, yes oh-powerful one, you got me…now stop that." Her eyes began flitting across his form nervously, but never once landing on his deep onyx orbs. This only fueled his male ego knowing how he could make her uncomfortably nervous.

"Whatever you say…Sa-ku-ra" Quietly chuckling when he heard the soft gasp before flinching at the sharp kick he received under the table. Well, he should've expected it. They had already gone over how he shouldn't/couldn't/wouldn't ever say her name like that. It was how he would call the name of his, as Sakura put it, "hot luvah."

"…You know I don't like it when you do that." Sakura grumbled under her breath, crossing her arms. Having more fun with his easily-ruffled friend, Sasuke leaned forward, fingers teasingly brushing the insides of her wrist before glancing up at her from under his lashes.

"But on the contrary Sakura, you know how much I like it."

Snappingly pulling her wrist away from his hand and giving him a light slap on the back of his hand, Sakura glared.

"Don't pull that Edward Cullen thing on me. It's an abuse of your looks. And a wasted effort." The pinkette added the last sentence abruptly as an after-thought.

Shaking his head in amusement, Sasuke opened his mouth to say something in return until he was interrupted with the waiter approaching to take their order.

The thing with them, Sakura had realized after she had settled into bed one night, was how much of a tease everything was becoming. It was more like a game of fun now every time she ended up spending time with this troublesome guy. And after some time, Sakura had soon realized that she probably knew more about Sasuke than she did about Itachi. It was all fact-based of course such as what his favorite color was, favorite hobby...etc. But after days of wallowing in some type of mixed emotion akin to sadness, curiosity, determination, shame, and resignation, the pink-haired medic had finally decided to let the issue drop. It really wasn't her fault that she had just naturally ended up getting close to Itachi's little brother. As long as she knew that she loved Itachi and not Sasuke, that's all that she wanted. In the end, she had come to the realization that it didn't matter how many facts she knew about which brother. The mind mattered more. It was the endless conversations she could hold with Itachi, the sound of his soft lilting voice that held so much promise and security-underlying passion and care, it was the determination she could see in him, the gentlemanly aspects he carried. It was him all wrapped up into what made him Uchiha Itachi that made her heart ache for him so badly. With every confusing meeting with Sasuke, these small facts were what always calmed Sakura down-if not, make her even more excited about being able to see him soon.


After having their food ordered and brought to them, they had discussed most of the generic things such as work, the day, girl problems, boy…issues (because really, did Sasuke ever have boy problems?), and other countless small issues, the two had slowly finished their soup and were currently sipping on the hot green tea that was brought to them not too long ago.

"So, Itachi's division got moved again."

Nearly choking on her tea, Sakura quickly set aside her drink, rubbing her tongue against the roof of her mouth in order to soothe the prickly sensation of her burnt tongue from the tea.

"Really? Where did he get relocated to?" Cocking an eyebrow teasingly at her, Sasuke laughed.

"Kiri."

Eyes shooting wide open, Sakura's mouth dropped.

"What?" She continued to remain speechless for a good full two minutes, mind processing the new information, mentally thanking Sasuke for keeping quiet at the time of her mental freaking out.

Finally after taking a long sigh, Sakura buried her forehead into her palm, rubbing soothing back and forth motions.

"But…that's all the way in the Water Country" Sakura croaked depressingly.

"Well…it wouldn't really matter where he is, would it?" Sasuke looked at her expectantly.

"It would!" Sakura let out a childish whine, kicking her feet back and forth. Upon seeing the confused expressions of the younger Uchiha, she continued.

"You know how impossibly long it takes for one letter to just reach Kiri?" When Sasuke seemed to be racking his brain for an answer and finally opened his mouth, he was abruptly cut off by a well manicured hand over his mouth as the pink-haired vixen leaned in closer to his face menacingly.

"Three and a half freakin weeks." She hissed before deflating back down into her chair. Pressing her cheek against the cool surface of the table, the doctor depressingly stared out the window and gazed at the green leafy trees and wide mountains.

"It's like Kami just doesn't want us to be together Sasuke. I mean, he keeps getting moved around places, and each time it gets farther and farther. I mean...first Ame, then Suna, and now Kiri?" Groaning, Sakura shook her head, cheek digging into the table corner.

"Sakura." Sasuke called softly. Upon hearing a small whimper of hopelessness from his friend, he sighed before scooting his chair closer to her side and gently depositing her head full of soft pink locks onto his shoulder, rubbing a warm hand over her shoulder.

"…I think…it means that you guys are meant to be together actually." As the words stumbled out of his mouth, Sasuke wondered bewilderedly why in the world he was trying to help her and Itachi get together. But in the back of his mind, he secretly knew that he would do anything to make this girl happy. Swallowing thickly, Sasuke continued.

"If...you guys were able to overcome this…obstacle of distance set between the two of you, it must mean you guys are supposed to be together. It's just a small bit of distance. And you guys will see each other really soon no matter what and can continue whatever …relationship you guys have once he is released."

The silence of his friend made him shift nervously until she decided to speak up.

"….That's…probably…the-"

"sweetest thing anyone's ever said to you?"

"the deepest thing you've ever said" The two simultaneously said before realizing what the other said and looking at each other quickly before Sakura burst out laughing, pinching Sasuke's childish frowning face.

"Oh Sasuke, you're so cute. But no, that's not the sweetest thing you've said to me."

Finally, curiosity got the better of him.

"Then what was?"

Smirking up at him coyly, Sakura shifted her head back onto his shoulder.

"I brought you take-out for lunch today."

Eyes widening in disbelief, Sasuke looked down at the pink head girl whose shoulders were shaking in barely contained laughter.

". you're so funny Sak." Sasuke mumbled, tugging her hair slightly.


Once Sakura had gotten over the small shock and final resolution, the two had fallen back into sipping their tea while enjoying their desert of assorted dango. Something that, Sasuke had mentioned, was Itachi's favorite sweet.

"So…tell me more about Itachi?" Sakura asked shyly, licking the corner of her mouth where sauce had gotten.

Sasuke just grunted.

"It's not like I know everything about him Sak"

"Oh come on, pleaseee? What about his favorite food? What about some childhood memories? Anything? Everything." Sakura finally concluded after her rare moment of begging.

And after several minutes of puppy dog eyes and holding his hand tightly, Sasuke had relented and they spent the next few hours talking about the older Uchiha heir.

And it was the best hours of her life.

His favorite food was grilled salmon and cold soba with a special dipping sauce found only at a specific vendor at the street market (which Sakura had forcefully made Sasuke give her the name of). The brothers never sat over a plate of cookies and discussed their interests or anything (the image just made Sakura snort in amusement). But Sasuke was observant. And though Itachi never said anything, Sasuke could tell what his older brother's preferences were.

He liked rainy days. Loved them. Something about the coldness, the miracle of the water bringing life down upon them was mind-turning. Sasuke told the story of once catching him out back in their garden, just sitting in the rain while inspecting the fat droplets of water roll off the petals of the tulips, even catching a few drops into the palm of his hand. He also had this strange habit of rolling a cup of warm tea between the palms of his hands. Sasuke had guessed it was to warm his hands. He cut fruit with a kunai-once commenting to his otouto how okaa-san's knives were never sharp enough-she never felt comfortable with having sharp objects in the house…strange considering she was a weapon's master. It must have been something that grew within her once she had children.

Whenever he was too exhausted to dry his long hair, he would tie it into a haphazard bun in order to read over scrolls. On hot summer nights, he would fall asleep with no blankets, only a small cloth lying over his eyes in order to block out the moonlight coming in from the open window. Sasuke had once asked why he didn't just close the window, but his aniki had said that he rather enjoyed the sound of the quiet chirping of the crickets-it would bring back memories of the summer nights when the siblings were younger and used to play ninja by the stream.

Itachi also had a soft spot for kittens. Lost ones usually. Sasuke had even grumbled about how Itachi had, at one point, brought back a stray kitten at least once a month, nursing it back to health before painfully giving it away to one of the other Uchiha clan children. But he had only ever kept one. A small, jet black kitten with the purest green eyes and soft demeanor. He had brought her into shelter one stormy night, blood dripping from its open wound in its side. Sasuke had said that though Itachi never wanted to admit it, but the moment the small kitten had planted herself into the crook of his neck and purred contentedly, that was the second Itachi had decided to keep her. It's name was Mei, aka Mi-chan.

He didn't like kiwis. Sasuke didn't know why, but that's just how it worked. Whenever their mother set a bowl of mixed fruit on the table, Itachi would always pick around the green fruit, instead, reaching for pieces of peaches first and when that ran out, the bananas then melon then grapes. Itachi was also ticklish. Sasuke had found that out once when accompanying his mother into his older brother's room on his birthday one year. He had watched amusingly as his mother tickled the sides of her son's bare hips, watching as Itachi had amazingly squirmed away from the hands of his mother, even cracking a small laugh before groaning. Itachi also had impeccable manners. Bowing, smiling politely, carrying groceries, opening doors. You name it and he does it.

He kisses his mother on the cheek every day before he leaves the house.

And hugs her every time he returns from his day.

On mother's day, he'll even wake a grumbling Sasuke up early in the morning just to make a special breakfast for their okaa-san in bed. Of course, he assigns Sasuke to make his father's breakfast, knowing how badly Sasuke cooked and didn't want their mother to be poisoned by the horrendous cooking of his little brother. But he'd still try to make it up to his father by making extra food for him as well, subtly throwing Sasuke's weird concoctions into the trash.

After hearing all of these small tidbits of Itachi, Sakura found herself falling even harder for Sasuke's older brother. It gave her even more determination to keep this relationship of theirs going, no matter the distance. She wanted to know this side of him that she was sure he showed nobody. Itachi was a quiet and distant person to outsiders. But she wanted to be that special person of his who he could confide in with his deepest secrets. She wanted to be able to snuggle up to him on cold days, eat popsicles with him in the summer, run her fingers through his black tresses, to comfort him on stressing days and to let him lean into her on tiring days.

She wanted it all.

And for now, she'd continue to keep this connection between them strong.

She had been given a shot at love.

And she was taking it.


"So, this thing with Itachi. It's real isn't it?" The last question had been more of a confirmation than a question.

Having finally departed from Sasuke, Sakura had found herself in dire need of some girl time and had found her feet leading her straight to the Yamanaka Flower Shop where Ino was languidly watering the various colorful flowers. Upon entering the little shop, Sakura was immediately greeted with the overwhelmingly luscious scents of various flowers and a big hug from her best friend. The flower shop was located in the middle of a bustling street across from the town's best bakery and next to a small gift shop. All of its walls were made of pure glass that cast a beautifully serene glow into the shop and offered plenty of sunlight to some of the growing buds.

On the right were four short rows of various fresh flowers all contained in their separate containers of water stacked high. To the left were several glass tables where fresh vases of flowers sat in gorgeous displays, some of which Sakura had helped to design. Crystals and overhanging lace were strung on some that created a fantasy appearance. The Yamanaka Flower Shop had every type of flower one could imagine, even some medicinal flowers that Sakura would go there to obtain. The shop was small, but that's what made it so comfortable and light. Right upon entering, the front of the counter was located against the backside of the shop. But Sakura's favorite feature was the back wall which was all stuffed with hundreds of various colorful flowers that lit up the room. It was like those libraries that had wall sized shelves filled with books. But instead of books, there were flowers with no gaps in between. Just an endless wall containing different sets of flowers.

Sakura loved going there in the summer time on her days off to sit on top of the counter as she would watch Ino stand on top of a wooden ladder attached to the back wall that could slide around as she arranged the flowers, occasionally giving Sakura a few batches of flowers to take home with her.

But on days like these, Sakura preferred to offer an extra hand in the store. Donning the customary light pink apron, Sakura had taken half the bundle of freshly picked ambrosias and was now sorting them neatly into their position. On the other side of the row that separated her vision from her friend, Ino stood casually trimming the thorns of the red roses.

To answer Ino's previous answer, Sakura looked down nodding even though she knew Ino couldn't see.

"Yea…it's pretty real." Sakura said softly.

Ino peeked around the corner of the row and smiled.

"Man, you love him don't you Sak?"

Letting a small smile tug the corners of her mouth, Sakura giggled like a schoolgirl and turned away from her childhood best friend.

"Ino…" Sakura whined.

Said-friend just shrugged.

"What? I'm just confirming this. I'm really happy for you though Sak, I really am. This is great. I hope it all works out."

"Me too Ino…me too." Sakura repeated quietly.

Just then, a young boy around the age of 14 or 15 walked in with hesitant steps. He was in between those ages of growing taller with wider set shoulders but still had the lankiness of a preteen with boyish features. As he walked in, the boy looked around as if unsure if this was the right place to be.

Ino, upon noticing the shy visitor, flashed a gentle but bright smile at the boy so as to not scare him off.

"Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop. What can I get for you today handsome?" Ino carefully shifted the armful of citrus-scented freesias onto the glass table beside her.

"Um…well." The boy furrowed his eyes with a mix of confusion and frustration before biting out, "I'm…not sure actually."

At this comment, Sakura looked up at him. He had a small blush across the bridge of his nose as he shuffled his feet together awkwardly.

"Well..", Ino drew out lightly, "what's the occasion?"

At this question, the boy just seemed to blush even harder.

It took a few several other questions in order to pry his lips open as he eventually revealed that it was for a girl he was kind of/sort of/not really/ a little bit-seeing at the moment. Sakura actually smiled at his insecurity. His expression seemed so unsure that it must have been his first time trying to court a girl. It made her wonder if Itachi ever had experience in courting girls. Frowning at the thought, Sakura quickly turned her attention back to the young teen still standing at the entrance of the shop.

"So you want flowers for your girlfriend?" Ino finally stated, dragging her question out.

"I..-um, yea."

"Great! Do you know what type of flowers she likes?" At this the boy opened his mouth before closing it again and shaking his head.

At this, Ino tilted her head to the side before smiling.

Sakura's lips lifted as well. It was time for Ino to make her magic.

Ever since Ino was little, she had a knack for being able to tell what flower a girl or guy would like. Not just that, but what the flowers meant were extremely important to her. It was, in her point of view, a lost art. A symbol of communication and messages that weren't seen amongst the world today anymore. But every time Ino aided somebody in flower choosing, she always got it right. It was her gift. Just like Sakura's was healing people.

"Do you love this girl?"

The boy's ears quickly turned a glorious shade of bright pink before he looked around incredulously, eyes settling on the glass table.

"I-um. I…"

Smiling in understanding, Ino gently took the boy by the shoulders and steered him deeper into the shop, stationing him in front of the counter where Sakura was currently.

"Wait right here." Ino said before disappearing behind the translucent curtains.

Glancing outside the shop, Sakura noticed a young girl just about the age of boy. Her medium length hair was pulled back by a pink headband as her bright blue eyes sparkled while looking into the bakery and watching the family bakers twist and shape the dough before popping them into the oven.

"So what's her name?" Sakura asked quietly. But the boy still jumped.

"Uh-um, Aiko."

"That's a very pretty name. She looks like a great girl." At this comment, the boy looked up at her confusedly before Sakura nodded towards the girl through the windows as he followed her gaze.

"…yea." The boy breathed out after a while of gazing at her. It made her heart ache; the tenderness to which he looked at her with. The way his eyes softened just at the very sight of her. She was a lucky girl. To have someone love her like that. Sakura could only wish someone would look at her the way that boy looked at his love.

"You know, you should tell her you love her." Sakura commented casually before walking over to arrange the flowers in a vase that sat on the glass table.

"I-I can't"

"And why not?"

"…She probably doesn't love me back."

Sakura's eyes lidded in sympathy.

"How will you ever know if you don't try? You've got one shot at life kid. Take a leap, it won't hurt you. It can only make you stronger."

The teen looked at her with pleading eyes that called out for help in love.

"How do you know…if it's really love?" He asked hesitantly.

Sakura paused in picking at the flowers before wiping her hands on the apron and walking towards the boy.

"Um…well. When you look at the person, your heart races just a bit faster, you become just a bit happier, and just a bit softer. It's love…if you know you can't live without them. If you'd do anything for them. It's love if you can tell them anything and vice versa. Love is…something special that you feel with only one person."

And as Sakura was giving this advice to the young teen that looked so lost, but so in love at the same time, that's when Sakura knew.

That she absolutely loved Uchiha Itachi.

It made her heart hitch in nervousness and excitement at the same time.

Just then, Ino reappeared in a flurry of curtains, carrying a few stems of white, fully bloomed, pure Gardenias with the stems wrapped in a large white bow before handing them to the boy.

Grasping the small bundle of flowers, the boy smiled up at the two women.

After paying and thanking them, the teen was just about to set outside before he turned around.

"Miss, what's the meaning of Gardenias?"

Sakura smiled from her position at the door next to the boy as Ino leaned over the counter and whispered across the room.

"Secret love." His eyes widened slightly before blushing once again and thanking her.

"By the way kiddo, what's your name?"

"Kai" Sakura gave him a bright smile before leaning down towards his form a bit.

"It was very nice to meet you Kai. The next time you come back, I want to see some red roses in your hands alright?" Kai glanced down at the Gardenias in his hand before looking back up at Sakura.

"What do red roses mean?"

"…I love you." Sakura breathed out before winking and giving the boy a small push towards the girl named Aiko that was still enraptured by the bakery.


The next day had catapulted the pink-haired medic back into regular hospital shifts and possibly a few graveyard shifts. But today had landed the medic in her shishou's office surprisingly, seeing as how Tsunade rarely called her in until the end of the week for briefing.

Once shutting the door behind her with a soft click, Sakura turned back around to face Tsunade who was tapping her pen against an open file, eyes still scanning the page as she took a large gulp of sake.

"You wanted to see me shishou?" Sakura called out hesitantly after several moments of silence. Another few minutes of quietness continued, the scratching sound of the pen scribbling across paper all that was heard for the moment before the pinkette's superior finally looked up.

"Yes I did Sakura." Her shishou merely surveyed her ex-apprentice, chin resting on crossed fingers before continuing.

"I wanted to assign you a task-a very important one to add."

Straightening and squaring off her shoulders, Sakura looked at her expectantly with a slight nod of her head.

"I have to explain what this task entails first before you can accept this assignment."

The serious expression on her shisou left Sakura slightly hesitant. There had only been a handful of occurrences in which Tsunade had ever looked at her with that much intensity.

"This is a very important task to be completed and if you do choose to accept, must be completed in secrecy with no mentioning of it to any others."

Sakura could only nod her head.

"There is a very important man of extremely high standing in another country who is in need of our medical abilities. Ones in which only either you, me, or Shizune may offer. And seeing as how I can't leave, I felt that this would be a very good opportunity for you to grow in your abilities. This man we are dealing with holds a certain illness that needs to be treated with extreme care and precision that can't be trusted by even his town's hospital. We are on very rocky grounds with this country, so doing them this favor could potentially lead to a more…graceful alliance."

The last slip of information gave away not much, seeing as how Konoha was not on friendly grounds with at least four of the other countries, Sakura thought sourly.

"Now, should you choose to accept this task, you'll have to reside in that village for months until he is seen to have healed, which should take up to about three months. I can't give you the name of this patient or the town of residence unless you agree. If you do, you will be leaving within the next day. Living arrangements and schedules have already been made if you decide to go."

Sakura stood there numbly for minute or so, eyes glazed over as she processed the new information.

It was the chance of a lifetime, to go and heal this man who supposedly held high rank in his town. It would give her even more credentials and allow her to learn even more while she was away….but that meant leaving her home. For three months. At least. With no friends, no Tsunade to guide her, no home to return to every night…

'no Sasuke…' Sakura mentally thought before rapidly shaking the thought out of her head.

But most importantly…

What about Itachi?

Where would she be? What happened if she got landed out to Iwa? That was as far away as possible from where Itachi was stationed in Kiri. Then what would happen to their letters? He wouldn't even be able to call her in any way. No communication. The thought frightened Sakura to a large extent. But…this was a great task that Tsunade was entrusting to her. How could she refuse? And though she hated to admit it, but a small part inside of her was excited at the idea of being away and independent. She would come back stronger, more knowledgeable. And Itachi…she would still write to him. No matter the distance or the time it took to get each other's letters…she would do it. And if he happened to get released before she got back home, Sakura was certain that Itachi would wait for her return.

So with resolve finally settling within her, Sakura looked back up at Tsunade and with a firm nod of her head, the medic accepted the task.

The look of approval in her shisou's eyes made Sakura's eyes brighten up before turning into slight surprise as a document flew towards her.

On instinct, the pink-haired doctor caught it with fumbling fingers before thumbing the manila folder open and scanning through the page, even skipping the name of the patient, only looking for a name of a town.

Iwa.

Right there on ink, there it was printed. That was her destination. Heart sinking lower with every passing moment, Sakura sighed almost inaudibly before taking her time once more to read over the document.

Name: Juro Nakamura-current highly esteemed diplomat and foreign ambassador. No wonder his identity was kept secret. His position held much authority and if the wrong people discovered how ill he was, there would be no stopping in sabotages for his life. Rescanning his profile, Sakura spotted another thing that popped out to her.

Place of Birth: Iwa.

Current Residence: Kiri

Eyes frantically rescanning and rescanning the document, Sakura took in the information. So…this Nakamura ambassador…was currently in Kiri…

She was going to Kiri.

Letters

Distance

Itachi.

Itachi.

She was going to be in the same city as Itachi.

Sakura possibly had the chance of seeing Itachi.

The mere thought of finally being able to see him made her heart skip a beat and then speed up dangerously fast. But trying not to get her hopes up, Sakura took deep calming breaths. After all, he was in a training camp. No visitors allowed most likely. But still.

Allowing a beaming smile, Sakura bowed to Tsunade.

"I accept"

"Good. You leave first thing in the morning. Pack your bags and medical supplies. There will be someone at the gates to assist you in your travels which should take about three to four days- depends on what your mode of transportation is across the sea…" Tsunade put in thoughtfully before continuing, "I won't be at the gates to wish you well tomorrow unfortunately. So I guess that this means I should wish you the best right now. Keep me posted with letters and I want status updates every week on how the patient is doing. Take care of yourself Sak." Walking around her large wooden desk, her shisou showed a rare moment of affection by pulling her little apprentice close to her chest.

Finally bidding goodbye to Tsunade, Sakura packed up her medical supplies into a small bag before heading out into the setting sun of the village quickly to head back to her apartment.


"Sak, you can't." If not for the achingly pleading expression in her best friend's eyes, Sakura would have laughed.

Sakura had gotten home with every intention of quickly stuffing everything needed into a large duffel bag until thinking better and calling Sasuke over to tell him the news. And now he was left trailing almost on her heel, following her every movement as she quickly grabbed her essentials, tossing them haphazardly into the large bag sitting atop her unmade bed.

Not missing a beat, Sakura quickly grabbed extra soap from the bottom cabinet before tossing it into her bag.

"But Sasuke-this is a chance for me to learn something new that I won't be able to get here!" Behind her, she could hear Sasuke grow agitated, almost desperate as he tried to block her pathway, steal the items in her hands…anything, in order to prevent her from continuing her packing. Making a beeline for the towels stacked on top of her cabinet shelves, Sakura reached on her tip toes, eyes set on a fluffy green towel until she was firmly stopped when a pair of strong hands grasped her waist and in one swift motion, had lifted her with ease and sat her down on top of the cabinet with a glaring Sasuke caging her in.

"Sakura, listen." Sasuke growled. The entire time he had been trying to get her attention with futile attempts. Well, now he had it.

Glaring back down at him, Sakura crossed her arms before huffing.

"Fine Sasuke, what do you want to say to me that will still not change my mind in going?"

She heard him release a harsh breath caught between a laugh and a sign of frustration.

"You're my best friend."

Simple

Something so understated made such a loud statement in her head. His quiet words as he looked up into her emerald eyes held meaning. It really pained her to have to leave her one great friend.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Sakura looked down.

"I promise I'll write everyday"

Sasuke groaned quietly at that, burying his head into the crook of her neck.

"But that'll take forever." He grumbled. Sakura laughed softly before burying her hands into his soft raven locks, brushing through his strands in a comforting manner, hugging him closer to her as she felt arms encircle her mid section as well.

"I know", Sakura started off quietly, "but I'll be back in just three months okay? Three months, it's really not that long" Sakura tried her best to console her raven-haired friend. He merely mumbled something incoherently before tugging her form off the cabinet whilst carrying her back to her room to set her down on the bed.

Then with a huff and a look of defeat, Sasuke began to grumpily collect the necessary items for her, throwing them into her duffel as Sakura sat on the bed with a sparkle of amusement in her eyes as laughter bubbled up into her throat.

Once he was done and had yanked the zipper up, Sakura had finally allowed a breathless laugh to escape her lips before lifting herself up onto her knees, still on the bed while outstretching her arms and calling for her friend.

"Oh, Sasuke. Come to Sak." She lilted out, seeing as he looked like a stubborn child at the moment. As he shuffled into her arms, head down, he then gave her the most heartfelt hug she'd felt from anyone in a long time. Even on her knees on the bed, she was still a good few inches shorter than her, seeing as how she had to reach her arms up to encircle them around his neck.

"Oh I'll miss you Sasuke" Sakura whispered into his chest as she felt Sasuke nod against her shoulder.

"Yea…me too Sak. More than you'll know" He sighed out.


Finally having made a small meal together and scarfing it down while watching Sakura's favorite chick flick over a tub of mint chip ice cream, Sasuke had finally turned off the tv with a stern look before scooping up his pink-haired friend into his arms and retreating into her bedroom. There, they had quickly changed before settling under the covers. Sasuke had stayed over quite enough times that she had a good collection of his clothes stacked into her drawers. Usually, they would fall asleep about a half a foot away from each other and wake up tangled up (in a purely noncommittal casual fashion) manner. But tonight, Sakura allowed herself to be pulled into the warmth of Sasuke's chest as they fell asleep in a light embrace, hearing the steady thumping of each other's heartbeat beating strongly.

.

.

Dawn had come all too soon and had left Sakura groaning as she had tried to snuggle deeper into the sleeping man's chest. But knowing that she had a long journey ahead of her, Sakura had forced herself to untangle herself from the warmth before slipping into the bathroom for a quick shower.

By the time she had finished, Sakura had found Sasuke already up with breakfast waiting for her and a small smile on his face. They had quickly eaten, packed, and headed towards the gate in no time.

Now, standing at the entrance of the gates, Sakura had bid goodbye to her other friends, still grasping the bright sunflower that Ino had tearfully given her.

The small car was already warmed up with its engine running, ready to go at any given moment.

Turning around to Sasuke, she looked up at him. He had his hands shoved deep into his pockets, looking down.

"Sasuke-"

"I really really hate goodbyes." Sasuke murmured.

Sakura's chest immediately tightened in sadness as she took the few steps to close the distance between them and hug him to her.

"Oh course this isn't goodbye you silly boy." Sakura chided softly into his ear.

"I'll call every single day. And I expect you to do the same to say goodnight to me. I'll see you in three months and if you seriously ever really want to, you know you can always visit me." The pinkette reassured her friend. He looked like a lost child that it made her heart clench painfully.

"Take care of yourself Sak." Was all Sasuke could get out, head still buried deep into the side of her neck, breathing in the scent that he knew he wouldn't smell in a while.

"You know I will. I gotta go now. I'll call you when I get there Sasuke" Grasping either side of his face, Sakura placed a gently kiss on top of his forehead before pecking one more onto his cheek.

"Love you!" Sakura said cheerfully before slipping away from his grasp, waving and entering the car, but not before hearing a soft reciprocation.

"love you too Sak."

Smiling, Sakura settled back into her seat and stared out the window, ready for the next couple of days with excitement. Every day traveled meant everyday closer to Itachi. And that was all that mattered.


6/2/11

Dear Itachi,

So the cold rainy season in Konoha has finally let up and today has a nice cool breeze rolling in. The sun feels like it's beating down on my skin. But the clouds are fluffy and abundant, just how I like them. It reminds me of the time I traveled to Switzerland with my parents. We went up to this mountain that was completely covered in long green grass and wildflowers. There was this small stream at the bottom that ran the clearest water I've even seen and the wind was achingly cold. I really like this weather, it feels like I'm being refreshed and brought back from the cold days. Everything at work is the same and there really hasn't been much of a change. Seeing as how I'm not sick or injured, I'd say your brother has been doing a pretty good job in making sure that I remain in one piece, haha. But…I wish you were the one here with me. Just today actually, I went to lunch with him and for dessert, we had mitarashi dango; your favorite. It made me wonder how you're doing…do they give you dango? …That…must be a pretty silly question. But I'm still wondering! We sat down for a while and just talked, about our days…about you. Sasuke told me that you recently moved stations to Kiri. That's…unbelievably far away and when he told me, I admit that my heart took quite a toll. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to write to each other for some time, knowing how long each letter will take to get to us. But I'm still trying to be optimistic. I can't wait until you can finally come home. I know it seems strange that I haven't even formally met you yet, but I feel as though I've known you for ages already.

I'm sorry that I have to cut this letter pretty short, but actually…I have some packing to do. I would like to say that I have good news, but I'm really not sure if it is. I still can't decide. I just don't want to distract you from your training and all. But the reason I'm packing is because Tsunade gave me an important assignment that was to be completed in a separate village should I accept it. And after a while of contemplating, I accepted the assignment. I just remember standing in front of her desk for a while, debating the pros and cons of traveling to this country. I wouldn't be able to know of its location until after I accepted. My biggest concern was what if I suddenly got sent all the way to Iwa or something? Then we'd be on complete ends from each other. And then you wouldn't know my address and I wouldn't know your address and…it'd just be completely chaotic. But…I realized that it was an opportunity of a life time, to take on this task. And so finally…I accepted. And when I opened the document and read where I was going, my heart nearly stopped.

Destination: Kiri

Yup! Itachi, I'm going to be traveling to Kiri! Can you believe it? Tomorrow morning I'll be heading out to go to Kiri! I really don't want to get my hopes up, but we'll be so close to each other! Kiri's a really small village and our letters to each other would be quicker and less of a barrier! But, ah…I really don't want to be a distraction to you. I know that there's really no chance of me being able to see you for the three months I'm supposed to stay there, but it's just the fact of knowing I'll be less than five miles away from you that makes me so excited. But I'm definitely also excited for this task. I don't want to disappoint Tsunade-shisou. But I guess only time will reveal all. So I'm heading over tomorrow and will probably arrive within three or four days, depending on how I get there. But outside of the envelope, I included my new address, so just write to this one since by the time you get this, I'll probably already be in Kiri and living at the address written on the envelope. So be safe Itachi and remember to eat! And stay healthy and hydrated! Important! Very! So I hope to talk to you really really realllyyyy soon! Take care.

Love,

Sakura


Four days.

It had taken her that long to finally reach her destination. They had originally started off in a small car that bumbled slowly along the dirt road as she travelled farther and farther away from the place she called home. The forest scenery had eventually faded into large hilltops of green as the breeze from the ocean became more apparent. Finally the driver had arrived at the sandy dock of the shore just as her watch ticked at the three a.m. mark. Personally, Sakura felt extremely guilty for the driver having to drive for so long with only stops to get meals. But as they had finally reached the shore, the driver had given her further directions on the rest of her journey, wished her the best of luck, and had driven off somewhere. The thought of where he'd possibly be going to at three a.m. passed through the pinkette's mind, but not for long seeing as she was tired as hell and far too stiff from sitting all day.

After quickly purchasing a room in a beachside hotel for just a few hours, Sakura had literally stumbled into the room with her suitcases before nearly collapsing on the bed situated across the room with a large balcony that overlooked the currently dark pit of ocean.

The following three days were probably the worst. Her instructions were to take the eight a.m. ferry to Whirlpool Country. Sakura had nearly groaned at the sight of the fairly small boat that looked as if a small baby wave could rock over its thin frame. But sucking it up, Sakura had grudgingly dry swallowed headache medicine before stepping onto the ferry.

The trip to Whirlpool Country took most of the day until dinner time as they finally docked there. The next boat was due the day after the next, which gave the doctor an extra day to idly roam through the town she was in that was still beside the seaside. Lazying around seemed to do some good to her, for the next day, her spirits were in better condition as she laid her eyes gratefully on the speed boat that was to take her to her destination bright and early in the morning.

And when they had finally painstakingly docked, Sakura had stared up at the ginormously tall walls of the city that was being closely watched by guards. But once entering through the gates, Sakura had found herself being taken to the northern part of the city in a carriage to where her new apartment was located.

Yes.

A carriage.

Complete with a chestnut-mane horse, driver…(or…'rider'? Sakura thought), and a small squarish-shaped container.

The pink-haired doctor found that she quite liked the city and wouldn't mind staying here for the next few months. The city was very much water based, but still contained local dirt streets and bustling villagers. It was almost a bit rural but somehow contained city elements as well. And as they stopped in front of her apartment building, Sakura's eyes widened.

Man had Tsunade one-upped her apartment back in Konoha.

The apartment complex was extremely tall, so much so that Sakura could even spot the Kiri medical center from her bedroom window. She was located on the 20th floor out of 36 floors. It was mind boggling, but Sakura never minded heights all that much. Plus, the view from the living room windows (or any window for that matter) was absolutely stunning. It was complete with city lights and spots of hilltops and lush green grass.

It had taken Sakura the entire next day to set up her makeshift apartment for the time being. She had gone down to the medical center to greet all of the workers and superiors as well as meet the head of the center. Though the petite doctor hated admitting it, but she knew that the quality of medics located in Kiri were nowhere near the caliber to what Konoha medics performed at.

She had also been introduced to Juro-san. He was an old man somewhere in this late 60's with average height and an easy smile. He had been lying in the V.I.P. section of the medical wing under a false name where only the head medic of the center, Kei-san, could go to. Sakura had conversed with the man for quite some time and liked his laid-back and joking demeanor. He had a kind face that was aged with wisdom and made her feel like he was her grandpa or something akin to that. It made Sakura want to stay all day and help cure his strange disease. But after a few hours, she could see the slight exhaustion marring his face and had politely excused herself.

The hours were spent at the Kiri street markets which operated in a fairly similar way to that of Konoha's. She had come back from a long day of shopping with an armful of food, kitchen supplies, and others such as bed sheets, detergent, and other necessities.

.

.

Just settling into her third day in Kiri, though, Sakura had been wiping away the last dish before depositing it in her kitchen sink. The living room window was Sakura's favorite part of the entire apartment. It expanded through the entire wall of the living room almost resembling a wall sized window, but only the top half of the wall was all window. But it gave her a beautiful panoramic view of the city which took on a lovely glow during sunset. Her favorite feature about the window was the left side of the window-wall, which was pushed out into a semicircle so that if she looked down from it, she could see the bottom of the streets. The semi circle window's bottom half was all cushion seating though, almost like a small bed so Sakura could curl up on.

Which was what she was doing right now.

Leaning against one side of the semi-circle window, Sakura nursed a cup of jasmine tea in her cold hands before looking idly out at the window. The weather at Kiri was much chillier than other countries, mainly since it was surrounded by the ocean and contained small waterfalls throughout its country which drifted its occasional sprays of water through the village.

As Sakura's thoughts drifted towards the thoughts of her friends and family back in Konoha, the medic's inner ramblings were cut off short when she heard the distinct distant sound of heavy footfalls in a rhythmic manner. Brows furrowing in slight confusion, she slightly perched onto her knees, looking around until she had her cheek pressed against the outer most part of the semi circle window. And there she saw it, the unmistakable figures dressed in dark forest green in impeccably straight lines jogging around a large courtyard.

It was the training grounds.

Where Itachi must be.

All of a sudden, countless of questions rushed through her head, bombarding her until she couldn't think straight. Was he out in the courtyard? Would she be able to see him from the window? Do they allow visitors? Did he want to see her?

Tea now left cold on the ground beside the cushion seats of the window, Sakura had haphazardly shoved her feet into her shoes before running outside in the cold afternoon, not caring that she was dressed in her pj pants and large knit sweater.

Breath coming out in white puffs of air, Sakura kept a brisk jog until the gates she had seen from her window appeared. Coming to a stop in from of the gates, she looked up at the guard, a nice looking man regardless of his large frame and muscular torso.

"Can I be of assistance to you Miss?" The man's deep voice reverberated through the stillness of the air as Sakura managed to catch her breath.

"..um..y..yea. Are these men training for the Konoha military?" The man gave a short nod.

"Do they…" Sakura hesitated, fearing she would sound idiotic, "do they accept visitors?" Sakura's voice contained a slightly pained edge of hope. And the guard must have noticed, for he had given her an apologetic smile before shaking his head.

"No, I'm sorry Miss. Since they are in training, they aren't allowed visitors. But you are free to write letters."

Smiling ruefully at the man, Sakura nodded her head.

"Yea…I know." Sakura stated softly before turning around to head back, but not before catching a man within the gates looking at her almost familiarly.

Who was he?

Did she know him?

Dressed in the standard dark green mesh shirt and baggy cargo pants, he was in the line of men doing something that Sakura assumed to be exercise drills, push-ups, jumping jacks and the like. But he had slowed in his movements as he stared into her eyes before stopping altogether.

Turning back around to face him fully, Sakura tilted her head to the side, almost as if in question to him. Quite startlingly, the man suddenly let out one of the most brilliantly bright smiles she's seen before, almost as bright as Naruto's. His hand rose halfway to wave and just as he opened his mouth, the head of the squad spotted him and had barked at him to get back into formation. Seeing him flinch, he had belted back in compliance, falling back into the drills all the while keeping his eyes locked with her as if afraid that she would disappear once he blinked. His gaze upon her looked pleading almost but excited and this only served to confuse the pinkette even further.

She was sure she would have remembered him if she had ever met him before. But…he looked so familiar. Yet, not really.

Her thoughts were broken when the guard had called to her questioningly. And that's when Sakura painfully ripped her emerald orbs away from the mysterious man's and turned around before heading back to her apartment.


Soon after, the man's strange gaze was almost stored away deep into her mind as Sakura's medical duties called to her day after day. She didn't really know why he had been looking at her for so long or why he had smiled and almost called out to her. But the doctor knew she couldn't focus on that. Her entire being was to be thrown into the diagnosis and healing of Juro-san.

And so that's what she focused on for the following weeks. Every day it was the same routine of wake-up, heal him, come back home, and eat dinner. Afterwards would be spent curled up on the window seat with a mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate on certain days as she stared down into the courtyard of the training facility-each day with muted hope that it would be the day that she could catch even just a glimpse of the man she was falling in love with.


"Baby cousin."

Said-cousin merely raised an eyebrow up at the man standing before him, eyes not once leaving the paper in front of him.

After so many years of his older cousin addressing him in that way, Itachi had finally gotten used to the name and answered to it.

Feeling his bed dip slightly, Itachi paid no mind to it as he continued to look over the letter, a small smile gently adorning his face.

"I think I saw Sakura today."

What?

Head snapping up fast, Itachi looked intensely at his cousin, waiting for an explanation.

"It was in the courtyard right before dinner. She was at the gates and I swear I saw her Itachi. Pink hair…the greenest eyes I've ever seen, nose all pink and huffing. And I tried to call out to her, but my captain caught me before that. But she saw me. She definitely saw me. Does she know of me?"

Itachi merely nodded his head numbly, swallowing the dry lump that was forming in his throat.

"Yes," he finally croaked, "I've told her about you, but she doesn't know of your appearance." He finished softly.

But as he quickly scanned over her letter, his heart hitched when he found that she was indeed, in Kiri.

"She's here." Itachi finally said, "on a medical assignment. Her letter just came in today."

Shisui smiled before chuckling lightly.

"Well then. I believe it's time for you to meet the love of your life 'Tachi-Kun"


The day had been not as great as normal. The pink-haired doctor just couldn't seem to find the right balance between medications in order to treat Juro-san. It seemed that each time she fed him a ratio of medicines, another problem soon appeared. And today was extremely cold and Sakura had been asked to take on a shift at the Kiri Medical Center to overlook patients and do the occasional healing so she had arrived back to her apartment at nearly ten p.m. And really, Sakura knew she shouldn't be complaining since back at home her regular shifts ended her normally at around ten p.m., if not even later on most days. She had just been so used to the shorter days when she could arrive back at home before dinner time. But as soon as she spotted the familiar elegant scrawl of handwriting on a certain envelope, Sakura had squealed in delight before leaping into her bed to read the recently written letter.


6/18/11

Dear Sakura,

I am most definitely glad to hear that you are well and even more pleased to know that you are currently located within Kiri, though I do extend my condolences for the continuous cold weather just when the weather in Konoha was warming considerably. But I have come to enjoy the ongoing light breeze the occasionally rolls throughout this city. I am always contained within these training grounds but I can see the stunning view from the gates of the courtyard. This reminds me of another thought though. My cousin today had informed me that he had spotted you near the gates of the training grounds. I believe that I have never described my cousin's appearance before in any of my letters. But I am sure that the man you saw was my overly-excited cousin, Shisui Uchiha.

And though I quite hate in admitting it, I am very envious of my older cousin, for he has been able to rest his eyes on you. I have waited countless days until my release date so I can finally arrive home in hopes of being able to see you. He said you had the softest shade of pink tresses and the most brilliant emerald eyes. I do deeply regret not being in the courtyard today for I have missed my opportunity of greeting you. I am not quite sure of when I will be able to see you, but I greatly hope that it will be soon. I wish to confirm Shisui's description of you that I am sure does not give you the justice you deserve. But we have three months within the same city together so I am sure we will be able to figure out a way of seeing each other. I am very well and healthy at the moment and I owe a great deal of that to your concern and kind letters. It gives me a hope that there are better things in life than just war and blood. You have been my savior within these long months confined in these walls. I wait for the day when we will be able to see each other every day-greet each other every day –spend time with each other every day. My sentiments in this letter, to me, feel like movie-worthy lines. But I do not know any other ways to express my current feelings towards you Sakura. I find myself drawn to your spirit and I can only hope that you return my sentiments. But until next time, please take care of yourself and I wish you the greatest of wishes for your assignment.

Love,

Itachi


A/N: Hihi! Welcome to the end-of-the-chapter-note! So this chapter was definietly longer than most others, probably double the length of my usual chapters, but it's to make up for my long hiatus. To those who still stick with my story, thank you guys so much for reading! If you haven't read already, but i posted a oneshot of Sakura nd Sasuke up on Valentine's Day, it's just something that was short and sweet but it doesn't relate to this story, so if you guys want to, go check it out and tell me what you think! So this story is beginning it's end and will probably be wrapped up in the next four to five chapters maybe? But i'll be updating more frequently and as soon as possible. Comment on what you guys thought of this chapters and predictions for what'll happen next! Thank you guys for all of the support, your love is what keeps me writing! So until next time,

-chicken