"Just promise me one thing. That when all this is over, you'll give me an honest answer?"

"I will."

Sakura jolted awake suddenly, her head slowly rising from the cold surface of the window. Blinking slowly, her eyes scanned her current surroundings. She was in a train car heading back to Konoha after visiting her mom in Kumo. Kakashi was seated beside her, thumbing through a book she didn't care to ask about.

"I see you're finally awake." He mused, nonchalantly turning the page without sparing her a glance. She half turned toward him before letting out a soft groan and stretching out her stiff joints. A huff then left her lips as she rested her head in her palm, opting to stare out the window at the passing scenery. The mountainous region of Lightning was steadily clearing up, giving way to the lush foliage of the Fire Country.

They were almost home.

"Hmm…have you heard anything yet?" That's right. Konoha was home but her actual home would be different when she got back. A lot of things would be different, she imagined. Kakashi paused in his reading, glancing up at the seat across from him as he fished in his pocket, presumably for his cell.

"Nothing new, no. Not since the Governor held that press conference. I imagine there are a lot of things still being worked out within the force given the connection politically. It'll be like that for a while." He replied with a knowing tone all the while silently relying another message that Sakura wished she hadn't heard so very loud and clear.

In other words, she may not get to see Itachi for some time. She should've expected this. When he wasn't even at the hospital when she woke up or was discharged, she should've anticipated that an event like this would surely occupy his time. Despite the mission being successful and Danzo being exposed for the fiend he was, there was still a lot to clean up, ROOT agents to apprehend and a potential rebellion to snuff out. He probably didn't even have time to worry about himself much less think about her.

Did he think about her? Did he miss her? She wondered about these things so heavily and while she probably shouldn't, she couldn't help it.

"We'll be there in a few hours. I can contact Obito to see if they've got time to meet up." Kakashi knew. He knew probably more than Sakura thought he knew. The last thing he wanted to do was overstep but even he knew when his assistance would be needed in a situation like this given how difficult both of them could be.

"No, it's fine. There's no need to do that." And her response basically told him he couldn't knowingly leave them to their own devices. Otherwise nothing would get done. He gave a scoff of a chuckle while discreetly sending a text to Obito concerning their arrival time and if he could get ahold of at least one of the younger Uchiha.

"If you say so."

The train station was bustling with people coming back and forth through the terminals, boarding and disembarking, loading and unloading. There was a crowd of folks moving back and forth, all singularly focused on making it to their intended destination. Each one had a purpose in mind, a goal. Whether big or small, it didn't matter. But it was important enough to push them onward.

Sakura had no goal, she thought. Standing behind Kakashi who'd just retrieved their bags, she thought rather bleakly about her life at the moment. She had nothing pushing her anymore. No purpose. She hadn't really thought about what she wanted to do with her life. If she'd go back to school, attempt college, get a real job. Maybe start a family.

What did she want?

"Sakura?" She looked up just as Kakashi ambled forward, passing her rolling suitcase over. She gripped the handle and extended it up with one swift motion then followed him out of the terminal. It was early spring in Konoha by now. Still somewhat chilly though the flowers were starting to blossom.

Pink petals were on cusp of blooming already. Soon the sidewalks would be covered in them. For now, Sakura zipped her jacket up a little tighter with eyes pinned on the ground below them as they walked on.

"What's on your mind?" She couldn't hide it from him. The fact that something, a lot of somethings, was bothering her. And it wasn't like she really meant to keep it a secret. Just…how was she supposed to tell him how lost she felt?

"I…a lot of things. I don't know where to—."

"Sakura-chan!" A voice called from just down the busy sidewalk. She recognized it instantly and so her eyes scanned the crowd for that head of curly hair. Sure enough his hand waved rather frantically in the air hoping to catch her attention. Instantly she perked up, receiving a nod from Kakashi to move onward.

"Shisui!" He easily scooped her up into a long overdue hug with a chuckle on his lips and smile that could never seem to fade. A gentle squeeze of his arms around her warmed her with the kind of feeling she'd missed since being away. Soon enough he'd pulled back just to get a good look at her face.

It was as if she'd changed somehow. To him, she looked older. No, wiser? Something was different.

"Did you cut your hair?" A gentle scoff told him that wasn't it. Either way, no matter the changes, he was glad to see her. Two weeks is a long time to be away.

"What are you doing here? Is…is it just…?" She looked around and he half expected her to. A hand rose only to fall atop her cotton candy locks, giving her a gentle head pat with what appeared to be an apologetic grin.

"Yeah, it's just me. I'm here to pick you guys up! Would've had Obito do it but I figured you'd want to actually get home on time." He joked before giving Kakashi a polite nod to which the older male seemed to smile with his eyes knowing full well his friend may have good intentions but being punctual was never his strong suit.

After popping the truck and throwing their luggage inside, the trio climbed into the car with Sakura in the backseat and Shisui behind the wheel. Judging by the current route he was taking; they were headed back to Kakashi's flat. Which made sense.

He'd been her legal guardian before. May as well take up that responsibility again. It's not like she had any other options.

Her mother was content staying in Kumo. Konoha had far too many memories and even though Sakura expressed no desire to move, Shouko was fine having her visit every now and then. Her father was still recovering and would have his day in court concerning his involvement in the kidnapping. It seemed they were trying to work out some kind of plea bargain seeing as he ended up becoming an ally.

That left her with Kakashi who was more than happy to take custody of her until she reached adulthood. And she was fine with that.

"How's that kid?" Kakashi perked up somewhere on the way home. Shisui hummed questionably before having a bit of an ah-ha moment as if he realized who Kakashi was referring to with a delayed response.

"Ah, he's nuts. Haha! Got so much energy and the appetite of one of those Akimichi. He's a cool dude, though. He and Sasuke fight all the time. Like brothers. It's weird."

"Naruto?" Sakura perked up, having caught the tail end of their conversation.

"Yeah. Odd friend you got, Sakura-chan. Odd but…he's like one of the nicest kids I've ever met. He got wrapped up in the wrong kind of gang hanging with ROOT, but he's got a good heart, I can tell." Yeah, that sounded like Naruto. He might be a bit of an idiot but he's genuinely a good person. She's always believed that. Maybe that's why she always tried so hard to keep him out of trouble.

Eventually, the car pulled up along the street where Kakashi's house sat. It was moderately sized with a huge fenced in backyard. If she remembered correctly, he had a few dogs in the past. Pakkun was the one she remembered most fondly.

"You two got any plans for the rest of the evening?" Shisui helped them unload the luggage and even took Sakura's to the door as Kakashi pulled out his keys. The older male didn't seem to have much of a response while Sakura's answer was a flat-out no. She imagined they'd order some take out and just relax for the rest of the day. Traveling can be exhausting after all.

Kakashi opened the door then hit the lights on the side of the wall only for a ton of noise to sound from the inside of his flat. Sakura jumped back out of shock as familiar faces popped up from behind the couch, back in the kitchen, and around corners.

"Welcome back!" The more she looked around, the more she noticed the scenery of what looked like a party. There were balloons, a banner hanging from the ceiling and noise makers in everyone's hands.

"You knew about this…" She gave Shisui a glare to which he sheepishly grinned.

"Guilty." A chuckle left him as he ushered her inside to mingle with the masterminds behind this surprise. Rin was present as was Obito. She spotted Sasori and Deidara and even that old bat Chiyo. Of course, Sasuke was poking around with Naruto not too far behind. And there was Midori as well as Mikoto and that scary ball of sunshine, Fugaku. Just about everyone. Except…

Except…

"Sakura." A breath hitched in her throat at the sound of that voice. It was a clear as a bell and the same as she remembered. She dreamt about seeing him finally. About what this moment would be like. Nothing could've prepared her for the emotions she felt when she turned around and saw him, smiling, behind her.

"Itachi." Honest to God, she wanted to cry. Felt the tears welling up and everything. And maybe he sensed that like he sensed just about everything, for he soon ushered her out back to the patio, shutting the door behind him. It was just the two of them now.

Another moment that Sakura imagined. What would she say to him? A thousand different scenarios ran through her through mind over the past two weeks. Would she be angry and yell or be sad and cry or be happy and do a combination of the two?

"Ita—!" Really, there was no time to consider either of those options for sooner than she could utter his name in full, he'd pulled her to his chest with arms coiling around her form so tightly, you'd think he hadn't seen her in ages. He was warm. Gentle. And Gods did he smell good. More importantly, he was here. He was right here, and Sakura really couldn't stop herself from feeling so very overwhelmed by the present emotion of longing.

She missed him.

Her arms quickly found refuge around his body as she held him as tightly as she could with no intention of letting go anytime soon. For the first time in a while, something finally felt right, and she wanted to hang on to this feeling. Wanted to remember it. And maybe one day she'd look back on it with fondness and long for this feeling again.

"I'm sorry I took so long, Sakura." He uttered and she felt a shiver shoot up her spine at how close he was and the way his cool breath fanned against and tickled her skin. The apology, while nice, wasn't necessary now that she thought about it. He didn't owe her anything. It's not like he was indebted to her. Not like she was to him.

Unless…

"I have an answer for you. As promised." It was then that he pulled back and Sakura felt her heart jump into her throat. She'd never felt so anxious before, looking into his eyes, reading his face, gauging his stance. Trying with every perceptive bone in her body to pick any and all signs he might be conveying that would give her even an inkling of a hint as to what he might say.

"Yeah…?" And he could see it clearly. The desire and the preparation for rejection. Both were so potently present in her demeanor, even a blind man could see. Luckily, he was no longer playing the part of one whose eyes were closed to the one before him. He could see her clearly. And it was time she saw him with such clarity as well.

"You gave me something important. Something that wasn't easy to give away. Something that has never been mine to accept. Something that made me wary until I received it from you." He reached forward with a soft touch, brushing those strands of hair behind her ear with such tenderness and care.

"I love you, Haruno Sakura. I have perhaps for quite some time. I know there are obstacles that can stand in the way of these feelings. Even so, I can't call myself content staying the way we are…" It was like the night of the banquet had played over again. Only the roles were reversed, and he was saying such loving things to her and expressing himself to her and only her.

"Itachi…I…" Tears welled and actually fell this time and all Sakura could do was find her place in his arms. A place where she fit perfectly. A place that was just her size, that Itachi created for her. And he held her with all the care in the world he could give because finally finally his feelings reached her in such a way that she didn't have to wonder about anything more.

There they stood together, locked in the embrace of each other, content with the other's presence and needing nothing more or less in this moment. Being held like this made all the minutes, hours, days, weeks that she spent without him have some meaning. It was somehow so much more special to be in this solid embrace knowing that she waited for him.

"…where do we go from here…?" He'd said so himself that he wouldn't be content as they are now. What did their future look like to him, she wondered? Would he…ask her to be something more?

"…nowhere, at the moment." Eh? "Not until you turn 18."

"Huh?! But that's—!"

"In three days."

"…wait, is it really?"

"Did you honestly forget when your birthday is?"

"Pffft." That scoff didn't come from either of them. And that's when they sort of realized they had an audience this entire time. An audience that shifted the blame for them being discovered prematurely to one snickering blond who wasn't at all surprised Sakura forgot her birthday.

"Ehehe…oops?"

"Romantic moment's over everyone. Nothing to see here!" And that would be Shisui dispersing the small crowd back to the party, leaving an embarrassed Sakura and a somewhat bewildered Itachi staring at their retreating figures with they remained awkwardly locked in each other's embrace.

"We should probably get back in there…" Was his initial comment.

"Do we have to?"

"Hm?"

"I mean! I mean…it's great to see everyone and I'm really happy to be back here but…Itachi…I really missed you and I want to spend more time with you…but…" She hesitated, biting her lip as she fought with the right words to say in this moment. Until he grasped her chin and gently lifted her gaze to peer at him.

"But…?" He pressed her to continue. Much like before, his eyes were always ready to hear her concerns, no matter what they may be.

"I don't know when I'll have another chance to…heh, I don't know a lot of things, actually…" This is when she reminds herself that fear of the future is real and it's thriving within her. Has been for a while. With this being the first time she's mentioned it, she has to wonder if he had any idea.

"Sakura," he started, first bringing her to a set of chairs so they could sit while talking. It was a long overdue discussion, he realized. Of course, he knew. Her concerns spanned way passed not knowing when they would see each other. The mission allowed the luxury of closeness and with it being over, he understood her being worried over the future.

"I won't abandon you. Even if these feelings of mine weren't present, I would still make for certain you were taken care of. Believe it or not, your well-being concerns everyone in that room, not just me. You needn't fear the future."

"That's so easy for you to say…" It was childish, she knew it. Childish and begrudging to have that kind of response. And part of her feels like she should've grown passed this need to naturally prepare for the worst out of people where expectations are concerned. But a month isn't enough time to recover from years of perpetual abandonment and the scars it leaves behind.

"You're not afraid of anything…"

A bewildered expression came over him as she uttered those words. It shouldn't have been a shock to him that she would think this way. He supposes he has no one but himself to blame for how others view him. Somehow, he has this ability to create illusions concerning himself. That he is exempt from common human emotions or experiences.

"I do have fears. At times, I fear for Sasuke's safety because he is still so naïve to the world around him. I fear for how he is growing up. I fear that I have failed him as an older brother. I fear that he will grow to hate me one day."

He paused; eyes focused on the floor below them until Sakura's hand reached out for his. And he felt compelled continue. Because he wasn't finished. She needed to know that her feelings were valid. That she wasn't alone.

"And I fear for you, Sakura. I feared I hadn't prepared you as well as I could've. I feared that I had lost you that night."

"Itachi…"

"But I feel as if we share the same fear of not knowing what the future has in store. Your job is done, you no longer have an obligation to stay. You are free to go." With his hand in hers, he maneuvered his grip to mirror the way he held her hand those many hours she was asleep in that hospital bed. And Sakura realized this sensation was familiar in a way that made her heart skip a beat.

"I may not know what will happen tomorrow, but I can control today. So, for today and however long you'll have me, I want to be a part of your tomorrow."

"…they should've stayed…" She mused, her hand now gripping his as a terribly hopeless expression came across her features.

"Why is that?"

"The romantic moment wasn't over yet." And it wouldn't be for quite some time for the two elected to remain right where they were seated, hands interlocked as well as their gazes upon each other.

"I missed it?!" Shizune all but belted out a sound of obvious displeasure as Rin recounted the events that took place a few days prior.

"Ohhh, Shizune it was so romantic. He held her in his arms and just…poured his heart out. You really should've been there."

"That damn Genma…"

"Don't fret, doc. I got the whole thing on video." Shisui chimed in right on time with his phone in hand. He was fortunate enough to capture Itachi and Sakura's moment on the patio with his camera on.

"You actually recorded them?"

"Hell yeah! You think I wouldn't document Itachi's first confession? Pffft, this is monumental, once in a lifetime!"

"Shisui…" He should've known. That guy has a knack for showing up when his name is even whispered.

"Wow, would you look at the time? I have a thing that I just remembered and should really get going!" And he rushed off in some random direction, leaving the trio of folks behind, two of which shook their heads while the most displeased merely sighed before moving to another part of the room.

At present, they were making preparations for Sakura's birthday party. If there's one thing Konoha's Police is exceptionally good at, it's throwing parties, much to the police chief's chagrin. It wouldn't be anything big or grandiose. They did just celebrate her return to the city not too long ago, but it would still be special.

Small, but special.

"Whose idea was it to let Obito pick up the cake? He's late…"

"He lives right next to the bakery. He'll be here, don't worry." At least someone had faith in him.

"What time will Sakura be here?"

"Sasuke just let me know they're on their way back right now. Should be any minute." Itachi checked his watch just to be sure. Despite not being much of a party person, he preferred this kind of stress over the kind he was under over the last month. Maybe he should look into being an event planner.

Nah.

"Well, wish her a happy birthday for us, Itachi!" With the decorations complete and the cake, hopefully, on its way, the two ladies elected to take their leave. And that was Shisui's cue to show back up, mysteriously arriving back from that thing he mentioned earlier.

"Ahem! So…Sakura-chan's a woman now."

"Aa."

"You got any plans fo—."

"No."

"Did you at least think ab—."

"No."

"You're lying."

"Believe what you want. Besides, shouldn't you be concerned about your own relationship?"

"…touché. No, but seriously. I'm happy for you guys. Sakura-chan…she's good for you. And you're good for her. And if you ever need any advice in the be—."

"I'll pass."

"Heh, was worth a shot." As he chuckled to brush off the rejection, headlights shone through the front window. Evidently their guest of honor and her escort had arrived at last. Or was it escorts? Sounded like a bunch of voices were at his door.

"So, you're the weirdo who likes tomatoes on their ramen?" That was Naruto who'd come through the door trailing behind an obviously irritated Sasuke. From the sound of things, they'd taken Sakura to Ichiraku. Which wasn't surprising.

"You're calling me weird? That's rich." Was Sasuke's retort while he shrugged his jacket off to hang it up. Naruto's face contorted seeing as he obviously disagreed with that reply.

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

Next through the door was Kakashi who gave Itachi a short wave as he led the way into the house for Obito who had his hands full with the cake. Rin was right, he made just in time. Though he did cut it a bit too close. But where was—?

"Sasuke! You piece of shit! Why'd you put the child locks on?!" Ah, there she was. Her feathers looked a bit ruffled, but Sakura was here and looking about as pissed off as the day he met her. Itachi honestly wouldn't have it any other way.

"Pfff, haha! What'd you do? Climb up to the front?" Naruto's snarky retort was received with a swift punch to the shoulder making him instantly regret saying anything. And with that, the party was in full swing. Those who weren't present had sent gifts. She received new clothes from Sasori and Deidara. Shizune and Rin had given her more feminine toiletries, assuming Kakashi didn't have any of what a teenage girl would need at his place. And Mikoto gave her a photo album with copies of Itachi's moments as a child.

He'd need to burn that when she wasn't looking—.

"Wait, there's really more? You guys didn't have to get me all this stuff!" Of course, she protested receiving all the gifts. Two parties in one week was more than enough attention for her.

"Relax. You only turn 18 once! It's a big day. Here, this one's from me. And, ahem, Midori." Shisui presented her with a moderately size present, courtesy of him and his new flame, as he liked to call her. They still hadn't solidified anything just yet, but he had hope.

"A cellphone?" It was a new model. Probably the most expensive phone on the market.

"Yeah, she said something about needing to contact you at a moment's notice, so you had to have a direct line. And I agree." Well that was…unexpected. But nice. And definitely way too expensive!

"Are you sure I can have this…?"

"Sakura-chan, it's yours." She smiled and thanked him with a warm hug around his shoulders. He gladly returned the gesture, before pulling back just to ruffle her hair up a bit. A chuckle left her and soon she sat that gift aside along with the others. Then Itachi approached with a packet of some kind in his hands which he extended toward her.

"This one is from all of us."

"He's being modest! It was all his idea." Obito chimed in and everyone seemed to agree. Sakura looked on with mild confusion before pulling the flap of the packet open. Inside were several pieces of paper which Sakura pulled out carefully. It was a message, printed on official letterhead.

"Konoha University? Congratulations…after reviewing your application, you've been accepted into the fall class of 20XX? Itachi, wha…I didn't submit any application. What's this all about?" Her mild confusion easily evolved the more her eyes scanned the letter. She looked to him for an explanation and he just smiled at her.

"That Psychological Reasoning Exam was actually their college entrance exam." Obito chimed again. He was the one who graded her answers. Even he was astonished by how smart she was.

"Huh…?"

"You were helping Sasuke with college level math. That's not something I could easily overlook. I filled out the application for you and submitted your test results. The decision is entirely up to you to attend but you do have the option to. Quite possibly on a scholarship as well."

This was the last thing she expected. In any capacity, let alone her birthday. She'd thought about it. Had a lot of regrets about ditching school but tried to keep up with her studies. She bought books with her spare money, much to Naruto's displeasure. And when she couldn't afford a new one, she'd reread the ones she already had. It was how she kept herself busy on most days.

To think that college was a reality for her now when it seemed like such a cruel dream. Was she dreaming…?

"Sakura…?" Itachi called. His voice wasn't enough to pull her free of her musings but that hand on her shoulder did the trick. She snapped up, looked him in the eyes and released a tearful huff laced in specks of happiness before rushing into his embrace. She couldn't believe it. This was the best gift anyone had ever given her.

"Thank you…"

And so the party was winding down. The cake had been cut subsequently devoured. Naruto and Sasuke were in charge of clean up. Obito had taken his leave while Kakashi chatted with Shisui over a few things, probably force matters. It seemed he may be looking into making a permanent return, all things considered.

That left Sakura gathering all her gifts to load up in the car. Which Itachi helped with, of course. As they stacked her many boxes in the trunk of Kakashi's old SUV she paused. There was something on her mind. Something that should've been obvious, given the present circumstances.

"…I'm 18 now." She commented rather off handedly.

"Aa. I'm aware." He replied.

"…so, are we going to…—?" He kissed her.

He kissed her in such a way that Sakura found she couldn't move but she was very much aware of him. His hands were strategically placed on her body; one poised at her chin while the other snaked around her waist and eased her against him. He kissed her tentatively, at first, then made the slightest motion to break away until she followed and finally returned the gesture.

It wasn't anything like she imagined it would be. It was better. She only wished it had lasted longer.

"…that was my first kiss…" She uttered. Suddenly she was very grateful she'd never kissed anyone ever before now. The moment was so much sweeter now that she'd shared it with him.

"Mine as well." But this she found hard to believe.

"You're just saying that."

"You still don't believe me?" He arched a fine brow at the woman in his arms, appearing offended by her words.

"You honestly expect me to?"

"I've never lied to you before." He had a point. And Sakura could only roll her eyes before shooting him a look of incredulity coupled with a smirk.

"Mm. Alright. I guess…"

"Hn. I'm willing to look passed the fact that you still think I'm capable of lying to you if you comply with one task." He offered. And she stared at him now with confusion in her eyes before something hit her and soon a smile broke across her lips that perfectly mirrored his.

"Oh yeah? And what makes you think I'll agree?" She felt her smile increase as he veered in, bumping his forehead against hers to keep her close.

"It's an offer you cannot refuse."

"And if I do refuse?" She continued, playing along this dialogue with him until he paused, a rather sly look on his face.

"…I think I still have the authority to throw you in jail."

"That's hardly fair!" And they shared a laugh, the baritone sound of his pure amusement sending ecstatic shivers up her spine. Because to her his laughter was a beautiful melody.

"True enough. Even so, you should know I don't take no for answer." His grip seemed to tighten, almost in a rather protective manner.

"Well, what's this task? Maybe I'll agree." She already knew what her answer would be.

"Go on a date with me." But that…wasn't what she expected him to say. But she didn't deflate. Because soon after, he delivered a soft peck to her lips.

"And then go on another with me." And another peck.

"And another." Another peck.

"Then take a trip with me." A longer peck.

"That…seems like more than one task…" She managed, in between the slow barrage of kisses.

"Hn. You are correct."

"I accept."

She could barely let the words out before his lips touched against hers once more, for a lasting kiss. One that was somehow better than the previous ones. One that she would think about and remember for many years to come. It wasn't fancy or grand in any way. It was simply a kiss behind an old SUV with the man she loved.

A/N: This is it. It's finished. Even though it took me a lot longer than anticipated, I'm grateful for the time and experiences that led to this ending because let me tell you, life effects the way you write and is very influential. The me of eight years ago wouldn't have been able to develop the plot in a way that would've been satisfactory.

It sucks that it took so long, and I know I lost some readers along the way but hey! I finished! And I'm super proud that I did! Thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed! Be sure to check out my other works and follow my blog on tumblr for updates. The link is on my profile!

Bye!