Written, read through, posted - Unedited. Apologies for any mistakes. They will be fixed once the story is complete. Proof readers are welcome to apply.

Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto

BEGIN AGAIN

Last time -

As Sakura rises from Itachi's bed, to get ready for what is to come, she does not realise that her thoughts do not stray to her previous time. The memories are there, in the back of her mind…Slowly becoming a dream.

xxx

Light shines in through an open window on the south side of the Uchiha Main house. The soft rays of flittering glow, bounce off the light coloured walls of Sakura's bedroom. Early morning has now passed, and the sunlight is starting to grow hotter and harsher. Thankfully, Konoha is never without a lovely breeze to take away the sting of heat.

When the pink haired medic awoke upon Itachi's bed not long ago, Sakura was very tired. However, a shower has brightened up the woman immeasurably and prepared her for the day to come. There are a few things on her list to do today. The pinkette thinks, as she combs through her wet locks at a steady pace. Sakura's rosy cheeked complexion stares back at her in the mirror, with a small smile donning her heart shaped face. The vanity that the girl sits before looks very old and expensive, and was a gift from Mikoto-kaa many years ago. The little stool is carved of a deep red wood and covered with an Uchiwa fan cushion, for comfort as she primps. If Sakura recalls correctly, the lady of the house has something similar in the main bedroom. In any case, it is a blessing to have such beautiful items. Placing the comb down, the woman pulls out a hair tie and secures the tresses in a loose bun. There may not be work for another five days, but Sakura wants to make the most of it. There is a lot of information about herself that the pinkette has not been able to remember. Questions about her medical training continuously rush through her mind, only to be replaced by thoughts of the Uchiha boys.

'No more.' Sakura thinks resolutely, resting her fist upon the vanity a little harder than intended. Luckily, the table shakes only minutely, causing the jewellery hanging upon the mirror to jingle softly and glint in the light.

Yes. If Tsunade shishou is her mentor, then Sakura must find out what relationship they share. The girl would also like to see where she is in terms of her medical training. Kami, she hopes that her skill level has not decreased with healing. Sakura knows that her physical strength and endurance has been heightened, by the way her chakra flows through her form, like a strong continuous wave of tranquil power. Secretly, it makes the girl happy that she has had the support needed to thrive in all areas, and wonders if it is Itachi's influence. Every moment Sakura spends in this time, it feels more right. The medic is really starting to believe that it was supposed to be this way all along, and that their first time was merely a failed trial run. It is no doubt that her parents death is a great loss, but a price needed to be paid for such a drastic change. If giving her boys a shot at a family means losing her own, the pinkette can live with that. Sakura only hopes that if Itachi remembers (and she is sure he does), that he does not feel responsible for their passing. Kami may give life, and Kami can take it away. What's done is done and the happy memories of the previous time space will never leave her. Sakura is just pleased that she gave her Okaa-san and Otou-san a proper goodbye before going to war. It was teary and emotional, but that is a memory that will never leave her. It still hurts to think she will never see them again. However, that is a possibility for all shinobi every time they accept a mission. Sakura just didn't think that she would be the one to survive.

"Are you proud, Okaa-san?" Sakura whispers to the photo of Haruno Mebuki sitting on the left of the varnished table. "I'm proud of you, and what you did." She finishes. Although she will never be able to know the complete events of their death, it is enough knowing they died with dignity as heroes of the Leaf. Just as Sakura might one day, as hard as it is to think of. As ninja, they must accept things like this and live life to the fullest.

Deciding against any make up, the girl stands up and traipses over to her closet. Inside, are many sets of clothes that don the Uchiha symbol. Sakura didn't notice it before, but even her normal training gear has a small Uchiwa fan on the back collar of her red vest. Pulling on her standard outfit, the pinkette can't help but feel warmth at how accepted she is. When Mikoto-kaa brought her home that day, the Uchiha's really did become her family. The crazy thing is…It doesn't even seem that crazy any more.

A spike of chakra from down the hall alerts the woman as her shoji screen slides open. Deciding to check it out before brunch, Sakura makes her way toward Sasuke's room. Hopefully he isn't avoiding her, because she has a few things to say to her friend.

Reaching the familiar door, just past the wash room, Sakura heaves in a long breath and prepares herself for a negative onslaught. Yesterday, she acted woefully toward Sasuke and as his friend, amends need to be made. If her hunch is correct then she doesn't spend as much time with Sasuke in this time as a good friend should. Whether that is her doing, or his, the pinkette doesn't know.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura greets cautiously, sliding open the door when she hears his usual – 'Hn.'

Raven hair comes into view, as small droplets of sweat cascade down his semi naked form. It seems that Sasuke has just come back from an extremely gruelling training session, and Sakura can't help but wonder if his pent up anger is all because of her. For a moment, they gaze at each other, before her friend goes back to grabbing a towel and looking toward his drawers.

"I'm sorry for interrupting. I just wanted to apologise for yesterday. I don't know what came over me…" Sakura says softly, trying very hard not to look away from his penetrating gaze.

After a long pause, Sasuke nods curtly. "It is fine. I understand why you lashed out. We haven't spent time with each other in a long time. I just assumed that you were fine with Itachi, I didn't realise that you needed me there." His eyes drop to the items in his grasp, not feeling completely comfortable with notions of the heart. Sasuke has never felt the need to hide his feelings from Sakura, he just doesn't know how to act now. It is no surprise that she called him out on his distance sooner or later. Lucky for Sakura, her friend is unaware of the real reason for their disagreement yesterday.

"Really?" The woman asks, surprised by his answer.

"Aa. I know you asked why it didn't work out between us, and we both know why. But I realised later that you were upset about something completely different. You always do that…Get angry at me for something unrelated. When we were kids it drove me crazy." Sakura nods at this new information. With the way he is talking, she does sound bonkers.

"I will always need you Sasuke-kun. You asked me a long time ago if you would still have your best friend. Do you remember?" The pinkette is thankful for her resurfaced memories.

"Hn."

"Do I still have mine?" Sakura questions, emerald imploring him for an answer.

Without thought, Sasuke nods slowly a small smirk covers his face.
"I know you like to hug out this girlie shit, but I don't think Itachi would appreciate you smelling of me all day." The Uchiha jokes, reaching out to grasp Sakura's shoulder gently.

"So…Everything is okay?" The girl is confused, this was much too easy.

"Aa." His hold loosens and he motions for her to follow him to the hall, with a wave of his hand.

As Sasuke disappears into the wash-room, and Sakura toward the kitchen, the pinkette can't help but smile at the encounter. Memories with the previous Sasuke make the girls heart flutter and are fond…Until the bad moments. The Uchiha to be is now realising that she cherishes her time with this Sasuke even more, because this man is her true friend and equal.

When Sakura enters the kitchen, Itachi is no where in sight. However, her favourite flavour onigiri sit on a plate in the fridge ready for her to devour. Sitting down, the pinkette beams down at the food in front of her. It doesn't matter where Itachi is for the moment, because these rice balls taste full of love. Soon, Sakura will test her medical abilities and then perhaps find her friend.

xxx

The spot where Itachi sits, upon the roof, is obscured by the shadow of a very large tree. The Uchiha heir retreated here for a breather, after making Sakura a proper breakfast. It is a nuisance, but that woman always forgets to eat…and she is a medic. She should know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Sighing lightly at such trivial thoughts. Itachi can't wrap his head around all these new emotions playing up inside of him. When they first arrived in this time space, the Uchiha saw a slight change in his emotional frame work, but now he seems to be altered considerably. It makes sense, with the difference in life style and experiences. However, it does not stop Itachi from being baffled at the array of emotions Sakura is able to stir within him. It makes him wonder, does she feel the same things?

Despite these changes, this place already feels like home and the man finds that he doesn't really care about his altered reactions. Itachi has always been a very perceptive person capable of empathy, but he never thought that his heart could ache as much as it did when Sakura cried within his grasp. When he remembered her parents death and how hard it was for her, Itachi wanted to help her. Now, he isn't certain if he is to blame for their passing. If they did not come to this world, then the Haruno's would be alive. However, thousands upon thousands would also be dead, including himself and possibly even Sakura down the line. Either way, there is nothing that can be done, and the positive changes rationally out weigh the negative aspects. Still, it would be best to apologise for the event and make sure she has accepted the circumstances; Even if they have grieved over this once before, when they were children. It is confusing to say the least, taking into account that the previous world technically didn't occur, with the rules of this time. Still, it does not remove their memories and as much as Itachi would like to forget, he is sure Sakura will want to hold onto her old life as long as possible.

For him, the happy memories are here. With her and his family, away from coup de tats and the culling of loved ones. When Itachi closes his eyes, he no longer sees the faces of his dead family. Instead, the picture of Sakura graces his vision and stirs a warmth inside his chest. It is obviously caring and foregrounds how solid their relationship really is…but is it love?

When they arrived, Itachi was very prepared to give Sakura to his Otouto and live a peaceful life. Now, the very thought makes his chest tighten and stomach wrench. He feels apologetic about Sasuke and the events that tore him away from Sakura, yet the notion of losing his cherry blossom is almost physically painful for the Uchiha heir. In simple terms, thinking of losing Sakura makes Itachi far and beyond sad…He would be lost.

Resting on his elbows behind him, the thoughtful man stretches his legs out before letting them rest in an arch against the tiled roof. Sighing heavily, Itachi wills all of the thoughts away and breathes in the lovely fresh air. The breeze pushes ebony hair easily, making his bangs sway in front of his eyes. When he removes the sight obscuring tendrils, Itachi is no longer alone.

"Otouto." The man greets lazily, gazing back up at the blue sky.

"Gomen." Sasuke replies, preparing to leap down the side of the house. He did not expect his Aniki to be up here, especially during the day. Usually Itachi is off doing training or spending time with Sakura, if he isn't over working himself.

"Iie. Sit, Sasuke." The soft tone breaks through the semi awkward silence, making the younger Uchiha feel instantly comfortable. His Onii-san has always had that affect on him.

Taking a place beside Itachi, Sasuke looks up to the sky above. It is bright out, but as it is nearing late afternoon, the sun is not so harsh. For a good five minutes, the Uchiha brothers sit contentedly without sound. Itachi does not think about anything in particular. Instead, his mind is finally blank. Sasuke on the other hand, can't stop thinking about Ichiraku and how he blamed his Onii-san for losing Sakura. It was no ones fault though, it is all just a part of growing up.

"Nii-san." The teen says softly, gaining Itachi's attention. The older man quirks his head to the side, but does not move. "I want to apologise for yesterday. I don't blame you for anything that happened." Sasuke states matter of factly. All the unsaid words hang in the air, but Itachi understands what his younger brother is trying to say. Uchiha's have an uncanny ability of reading words that are not spoken and can often rely on the power of a gaze.

"It is quite alright Otouto. I understand that it must have been hard to be the focus of such an event. I hope you and Sakura have had words." Itachi replies, in that toneless way of his.

"We have."

"Aa."

A brief pause follows, before Sasuke speaks up once more.

"Gomen, Itachi-nii. I accept you and Sakura, truly." This isn't easy for Sasuke, but he has seen his brother and Sakura interact since returning from his year long training. The way they respond to each other is incredible, and natural. It reminds him of a dance performed in perfect harmony, or a simultaneous kata. "I don't think I understood what it means to be in love with someone. I love Sakura, just as Naruto does and I also liked her very much…but it isn't what the two of you have. You have nothing to fear Nii-san. Sakura and I are meant to be friends." Sasuke sighs a little, he hates doing this much talking, but with Itachi it is necessary. "Maybe in another world we could have been something, but not here…I will be happy to see you marry."

A wry smile forms upon Itachi's lips at the his Otouto's words. Gazing back up to the sky, the conversation is over for now as Itachi thinks, 'You couldn't be more right brother.'

A bird flies past with a flutter of green and brown, and a particularly heavy breeze pushes through the area, cooling their skin and making leaves fall from the trees.

Upon impulse, the eldest Uchiha says, "Sasuke. Be my best man."

It is a rare occasion to see two Uchiha men smile at the same time. It is a shame that no one is there to see it.

xxx

The sun is starting to go down when Itachi sees Sakura again. The pink haired angel is sitting upon her bed, with text books sprawled all over the mattress. If he is assuming correctly (and Itachi is never wrong), his fiancé has been sitting in that same position for many hours.

Deciding to make himself known, the Uchiha releases his chakra in a calm wave as to not cause her distress. When her viridian orbs lift from the biggest book of them all, that smile he loves to see appears upon her soft face. Sakura is wearing her regular training clothes and a pair of no nonsense reading glasses. As far as Itachi is aware, the girls sight is not lacking, but reading can be quite gruelling for her. Only because she chooses not to research in moderation. It is expected though, considering Sakura has always been an all or nothing kind of girl.

"Hey." Her soft voice enters the room and breaks the surface of Itachi's cool façade. Unable to help himself, his lips quirk upward in a small smile.

"Hey." He replies in kind, mimicking her choice of words. There is a sort of nervousness in the air, even if it does not come across as awkward. Is it because Sakura is acknowledging him as a romantic interest?

"I'm sorry about last night Itachi." Sakura closes the book and places the reading spectacles upon her side table. Climbing off the plush mattress, the woman moves to stand before him, about a foot away.

"Don't be." His gentle reply of authority makes Sakura feel better about everything. He has the power to make her feel so many things, and he doesn't even know it. "Much has happened since we arrived, Sakura. It is rational that your feelings accumulated to create such a reaction. You do not have to be embarrassed, you know I do not think you weak."

"I know…" The pinkette replies, gazing downward at her fidgeting fingers. Why does her stomach feel so funny? Then, Sakura realises that she has not spoken to Itachi since last night. He seemed fine after Ichiraku, but for some reason she doesn't want him to feel like he is responsible for her relationship breakdown with Sasuke.

"Are you okay?" Sakura finds herself asking, stepping a little closer before pulling herself backward. Why won't her body listen to her rational mind?

Itachi does not flinch at her movement, nor does he seem surprised by her words. "That is a question that I should be asking you, Sakura." His coal orbs gaze down upon her, and Sakura feels like she will melt into the floor. His expression is as stoic as always, but the flicker of emotion in his usually cool depths is noticeable.

Giving her friend a pointed look, the pinkette replies. "I wasn't the only one to remember things, nor was I blamed by my own brother for something that should be my fault…You aren't to blame." Sakura's voice becomes soft, not sure if their relationship is a safe topic to journey down.

"I have spoken with Sasuke, and you are correct about my memories." Itachi begins, not looking away from Sakura's trapped gaze. "However, I have regained my family when you have lost yours. It seems that your loss has been great. I would not hold it against you if you were angry with me." The woman swears she can hear a hint of remorse in his monotonous reply, and the urge to reach out and grab his hand grows intensely.

"No! Ita-kun." Sakura falters, "I mean, Itachi. I know that everything has happened so suddenly, but it's all in the past…Really." Unable to help herself, the girl reaches for his hand and Itachi does not struggle. "I feel like fate gave me more time with my parents than I was supposed to have."

This thought had not occurred to the Uchiha heir before. Perhaps, Sakura is thinking of this time altering business more than he considered. Itachi ignores the warming feeling that her pet name creates. It is merely a slip up on Sakura's part, but it seems that his subconscious has longed for the affection of her words and the soft hand in his.

"How so?" Itachi asks, referring to her last statement.

Sakura sighs, letting go of his palm slowly. Their fingers graze before the girl moves a respectable distance from the man.

"Well…It may sound ridiculous. I thought that maybe, we were meant to be sent here, all along. The loss of my ryoshin still hurts, but I have two sets of fond memories that I wouldn't trade in for the world." Sakura takes in a breath looking away from Itachi's intense stare. Unknowingly, a blush rises to her ivory cheeks. "Besides, I hope this doesn't make you feel uncomfortable…but I feel like you are my family."

This takes Itachi off guard but he replies instantaneously. "It doesn't." The Uchiha doesn't elaborate, or agree with her affections outright, but the pinkette can see his mirrored feelings in his dark eyes. As he continues to view her, Sakura's blush grows tenfold.

"Sakura…" Itachi pauses, as the girl gazes up at him expectantly.

There is an air of finality to his words that comforts the woman. "Your parents…Gomen nasai."

"I know Itachi." Sakura replies, giving him a grateful look before moving over to her bed. Itachi doesn't see it in her stance, but if the girl didn't step away, she would have wrapped him in her arms. Willing the intense unwarranted feelings away, Sakura offers for them to get some dinner on the main street, grabbing her purse from a hook on the wall. Itachi only nods in agreement, and steps into the hallway.

When the couple leave, both pretend to be oblivious to the electricity running through the empty space between them. Inwardly, Itachi and Sakura have to physically stop themselves from stepping closer to the other. As the streets outside the compound come into view, the warmth in the center of Sakura's belly feels like it will explode, and her fingers tingle horrible.

'This is Ita-kun. You're best friend.' Her thoughts reason with her softly, egging her on. Sakura can't believe it! Not only is her body betraying her, so is her head! Sighing softly, Sakura moves closer to Itachi and links her arm through his. It is a far cry from holding his hand, but the woman doesn't feel like having her head bitten off. The man stiffens under her touch, but does not pull away. They walk like this for a couple of blocks, until they reach the more populated areas of Konoha where Itachi's favourite restaurant is situated. Then, Sakura regretfully pulls away. She knows that Itachi has always been a private person, but it doesn't stop the tips of her fingers from itching to link hands with his.

The woman isn't sure where her current knowledge of Itachi's likes and dislikes is coming from, since she has not yet remembered these things completely. The only explanation that makes sense is that her memories are starting to weave through her normal consciousness.

This is definitely progress, but is put to the background as a feminine voice enters her ears.

"Hello Itachi-sama, Sakura-sama! How are you this evening?" A lovely aged woman asks from behind the counter. It seems that Itachi has steered the thoughtful pinkette to the exact place Sakura was aiming for. "It is a lovely night for dinner outdoors. Shall I prepare your regular table for two?"

"That would be suitable." Itachi replies, and Sakura realises how close she is standing to the male, as his scent enters her nostrils to weave with the smell of all different foods.

Gazing at her surroundings as a waiter directs the two shinobi to their seats, Sakura sees many couples every where. Outside in the main area of the restaurant district, strolling down the dusty road, are men and women holding hands. The people inside are engaged in quiet conversations with their partners as well, and look very intimate.

"Here you are Uchiha-sama, Haruno-sama." The man motions toward a small table in front of them, that is away from many of the other patrons. Compared to everyone else, this section is secluded.

Turning her green gaze to Itachi, Sakura does not miss the amused quirk of his lips at the situation. It seems that he has realised as well, and it is much too late to turn around and go home.

Yes. By the looks of it, Haruno Sakura is on a date…with Uchiha Itachi.

"Shall I fetch your regular beverages?" The waiter asks politely, and the woman feels as if she might feint.

Itachi smirks now, and Sakura is unable to tell what is going through his closed off mind.

"That is agreeable." His deep lilting tenor replies, and for some reason the woman feels a tingle up her spine.

Then Itachi's onyx gaze falls upon her and he says, "Shall we?"

Oh shit…

xxx