Sakura paced back and forth, occasionally stopping in front of the mirror to fix her dress. Ino had warned her that the prince, Itachi, Kakashi and the Marquis Nara were expected to return that day. Sakura prepared everything, fresh flowers, a new dress and Itachi's favorite meal were waiting for him. Originally she thought of waiting for him by the wall, but Ino warned her that only wives did that. Feeling self-conscious about Itachi's status as a Duke, she chose to wait for him at home, where she wouldn't spark any weird rumors.

Stopping once more by the mirror, Sakura made sure her hair was in place. She had styled in the latest capital fashion, a braided bun with a calculated strand of hair that fell off, framing her petite face. The Uchiha Tiara finished the cute style. The dress was also the latest fashion, with a neckline that was much lower than Sakura was used to. Kurenai had promised her she looked beautiful, but as Sakura looked at the soft green she wondered if perhaps she should have gone with Uchiha red.

Sakura resumed walking around in impatient circles, wringing her hands nervously. She stopped by the window, but the street was still empty. The sun was close to setting and Sakura began to worry that he wouldn't return. What would she do if he somehow didn't come back, she asked herself. Sakura shook her head and walked to the table. She sat down and rearranged the flowers once again. She personally selected them all, looking to make a warm, bright arrangement. Not even a minute later, she was already pacing around. Sakura bit her lips as she tapped her nails against the wooden table rhythmically. There was still an hour left until sundown, she told herself. Itachi was probably meeting with the King, she told herself.

Sakura pulled her thought mirror closer, staring into its depths, but the only thing she could see was Itachi's face, as he was the only thing on her mind. She flipped it over, blushing. I miss him because he's been gone for two months. I'm simply worried about him, she told herself sternly. Standing up again, Sakura returned to the window, looking at the street. On the other side she spotted the neighbor. He was also looking out of his window. She didn't know him, but she'd frequently see him at his window. He smiled at her and she returned the smile with a small wave. He had a kind look in his eyes.

Returning to look at the street, Sakura finally spotted movement. Two tall figures were walking, and Sakura excitedly recognized Kakashi's unique hair. She watched them slowly move closer, eyes fixed to Itachi. He looked terrible, with deep dark circles under his eyes, hollow cheeks and white skin. His usually proud, broad shoulders were hunched and his long strides were slow.

Sakura quickly stepped away from the window, standing in front of the door. Should she step out? Should she pretend that she didn't see them? With these thoughts in mind, Sakura paced between the table and the door, uncertainty consuming her.

She returned to the window, using the curtains as cover and noticed Kakashi and Itachi were standing in front of the house, talking. Glad that she hadn't stepped out to interrupt them, Sakura took position by the table. She fiddled with the flowers, trying to look as if she hadn't been anxiously counting the minutes until his arrival.

The seconds began to stretch into infinity, and Sakura's nervous fingers began to damage the flower petals. She pulled her hands away sharply, bumping into the vase. It began to tilt sideways and Sakura hastily grabbed it, trying to prevent an accident. The door opened and Sakura looked up, her hands still supporting the tilted vase.

Embarrassed at being found in such an awkward situation, Sakura quickly returned the vase to its normal position with a blush. She smiled at Itachi, who closed the door behind him. He dropped his bag and coat on the floor, which Sakura found unusual for such a neat man. She stepped towards him, wondering if he was truly feeling ill. As soon as she got within arm's length he took hold of her, pulling her into him. Sakura stood still in shock at being so suddenly hugged. Itachi's arms completely circled around her, and Sakura could feel his breath, as the rise and fall of his chest matched hers. Slowly she brought her arms to his back, interlacing her fingers. Sakura didn't say anything, unsure of what to do.

After a few minutes, Sakura began to wonder if he was still alive, as he hadn't said anything to her. She tried moving, and his arms fell, releasing her. His weight dropped on to her, and Sakura held on to him, supporting his frame. Itachi was unconscious in her arms. His coat wrapped around his body and with House's help, she managed to drag him to the sofa.

As soon as he was lying down, Sakura brought her hand to his forehead and closed her eyes so she could feel his temperature. As she expected, he was burning up. Sakura had house bring her a bucket of cold water, towels and blankets. As House floated the required objects around, Sakura got herself an apron and a chair. She hadn't expected to be spending the night of his return like this, but she was happy to finally be looking out for him.

Sakura sat next to him, and spent the evening pressing cold towels to his forehead hoping to reduce his fever. The sun set and House set up candles and a bowl of food for Sakura. She ate it next to Itachi, intent of keeping an eye on him at all times. She worried about him, hoping that he would rapidly improve. Sakura stayed by his side all night, unable to sleep. By his side she watched the sun rise, and despite her yawns and drowsiness, she refused to fall asleep. She could ignore her body, using her curse to not allow herself to feel weak. She didn't know any healing spells, so all she could do is hope that he improved. Sakura promised herself that if he didn't improve by midday, she'd seek Tsunade's help.

Itachi heard whispers before he opened his eyes.

"What happened?"

"I don't know, he got home and collapsed."

"Did you stay with him all night? You're still wearing yesterday's dress."

"Oh, I hadn't noticed. Do I look bad?"

"No, I'm honestly surprised. Your hair held out really well. Did you get it done at that place I told you?"

"Yeah. I bet my head probably hurts though I can't feel it, because it's been like that all night."

"Want me to undo it?"

"Please."

Itachi heard the shuffling of fabric and opened his eyes a fraction. Ino and Sakura had their backs to him, with Ino messing with Sakura's hair. After a couple minutes, the pink hair cascaded free and Itachi watched Ino run her fingers through it fondly.

"There you go."

"Thank you."

Sakura turned around and Itachi feared she'd caught him looking, but her green eyes were staring into nothing. Itachi was once again brutally reminded that Sakura could not hold a conversation and look at someone.

"Then I'll leave you to it. I'll warn Kakashi about his condition, and I'm sure he'll keep the Madam at bay."

Itachi watched the two of them hug. The blonde left and Itachi watched Sakura make her way to the mirror. She fixed her hair and her dress, straightening out the wrinkles. She retied the apron around the pretty dress and Itachi smiled at how she looked. He was reminded of his mother, who also liked leaving her hair down and wearing worn aprons above fancy dresses.

Sakura turned around and her eyes met Itachi's own. He couldn't look away from them, entranced by the soft emerald sheen. Despite the drawing and the pressed flowers, seeing Sakura in person was a relief he didn't know existed.

She rushed to his side and helped him sit up. He could feel the worry radiating off of her, and he knew how desperately she wanted to talk to him, hear him and look at him.

"I'm fine. I was just really tired." He spoke the truth. Yesterday, when he finally stepped foot in his home, finding her there, warm, safe and full of life, Itachi could feel all the stress and exhaustion he had been staving off hit him at once. He had grabbed on to her then as a lifeline before giving in.

She frowned at him and Itachi smiled at her. He took her hand, bringing it to his face. It was soft, delicate and a little cold. She closed his eyes and he knew she was feeling his temperature then. He made sure to keep a gentle hold on her hand, wanting her to feel his warmth.

Eventually she reopened her eyes and Itachi could see the worry melt away into the usual kind admiration he always found in them.

"I'm home."

She smiled at him and Itachi could feel his worries and concerns melting away. Her eyes glistened with happy tears and Itachi was reminded of a feeling long forgotten. For the first time in a long while, he left home to protect someone close to him, and now he returned home to this person, who rewarded his efforts with warmth and joy. Itachi was reminded of what it was like to be someone who was missed, someone whose presence was wanted, someone whose return was desired, someone who was welcomed home.

He pulled her close again, taking her into his arms once more. He didn't want to show her how his own eyes mirrored her unshed tears. He wanted to feel her warmth, because unlike the cold ghosts of his family that haunted him, Sakura was a warm, living person that existed in front of him and he couldn't show her how important it was to him that she was there.

Once he felt his emotions were no longer threatening to overwhelm him, Itachi let her go. She was blushing an adorable pink and he almost wanted to tease her, but was reminded that they were a man and woman who were living together and were unmarried. Suddenly feeling self-conscious about his actions, Itachi looked away from her.

"I'll clean up. You should do the same." He spoke, trying to maintain his stoicism. Not waiting for her response, he stood up. A wave of vertigo hit him, but he held strong. He walked towards his room, leaving behind his things, knowing that the house would take care of them. Itachi returned to the safety of his room, and was happy to drag himself to his bathroom, remembering the comforts of civilized society.

Once he was clean and composed again, Itachi rejoined Sakura downstairs. She was sitting at the set table, waiting for him to start eating, and Itachi felt touched that she had waited for him. He joined her taking his usual seat and House immediately began floating his meal over to him. Itachi noticed Sakura had also cleaned up, changing her dress and putting her hair in a braid.

They ate in silence, as Itachi tried to respect Sakura's limitations. He enjoyed the taste of fresh food over the rations he had been eating for the past months. Itachi could feel his forces being restored by the minute. By the time the meal was finished, he felt like a proper person again. After he finished eating, Sakura grabbed her thought mirror and Itachi prepared himself for the conversation.

"I'm sorry I couldn't return your flower, it broke during battle." Itachi didn't tell Sakura the entire story as he still wanted to properly investigate it first.

That's alright. Are you feeling better now?

"Yes, I just needed to rest."

Sakura nodded, understanding him. Itachi felt a presence outside and sighed. It seemed she was not willing to give him a single day of peace. He looked at the door, allowing her entry, and she lost no time in marching up the steps to walk in.

Itachi glared at Tsunade as soon as she entered the house. He could feel her presence expanding against the magical spells in the house. Since the time the Uchiha and Senju were at war, the household had been filled with anti-Senju spells. He felt a smug satisfaction at knowing that she was probably as uncomfortable as he was.

"Welcome home, brat."

Itachi didn't dignify her with an answer, only a raised eyebrow. Sakura quickly stood up, offering her seat to Tsunade and stepping out to find a chair for herself. Itachi crossed his fingers and stared at the Madam, wondering what she wanted from him now.

"I heard you fought Orochimaru and he got away."

"He's missing his arms, he's as good as dead."

"Did you find anything interesting? I was told you led the investigation on his labs."

"They cleaned up before running." Itachi lied.

The truth was that he had found several journals filled with Orochimaru's research, but he wasn't planning on sharing them with anyone. They were filled on the subject of body modifications and magical enhancements and Itachi didn't want Tsunade getting her hands on them. He hoped they'd have information on Sakura's curse and he planned on studying them closely.

"Unfortunate."

The two Grand Wizards stared at each other, only breaking it when Sakura rejoined them. She sat down as well, joining the silent conversation. Itachi noticed how Tsunade threw Sakura an odd look, and immediately wondered if something happened between them. He hoped his ward knew better than to trust the old lady.

"Has your ward had a chance to tell you, there's a procedure I want to try on her, should help with the curse. I'm sure she can tell you the details. I'll leave you to rest." Tsunade stood up, taking her exit, leaving Sakura and Itachi behind.

I was going to tell you, but she showed up before I could. I'm sorry.

Itachi didn't blame Sakura, he was familiar with Tsunade's manipulative tactics, and placed a comforting hand atop Sakura's head.

"I know. We can talk more in detail tomorrow."

There's something I wanted to ask: do you know if you can get me a piano?

Itachi stared at the hopeful green eyes with a heavy heart. The house did have its own music room, it was just that he had sealed it away, the memories it contained had been too painful for Itachi. However, as he looked at Sakura, he thought that perhaps new memories could be made.

Standing, Itachi signaled for her to follow him, and in front of their eyes a new door materialized itself next to the stairs. Sakura gasped as for her, there was only ever a wall there, and she probably had always assumed there was nothing there, but for Itachi that was where his mother's sitting room was.

He opened the reddish wooden door, revealing a medium sized room, with comfortable couches, a piano and a large table by the window. He let Sakura walk past him inside the room, remembering his mother's favorite spot in the house. She had decorated it herself, choosing the delicate pastel colors and the tasteful flowery wallpaper. Mikoto Uchiha had insisted on the best piano in the capital and the largest table, where she could work, draw and write music.

"You're free to use this room as much as you like."

"Thank you!" Sakura beamed at him, practically glowing with happiness and Itachi felt a smidge of relief. As he watched her hastily move to the piano, sitting down and moving her eager fingers through the keys, he didn't feel the overwhelming grief that always hit him whenever he thought of this room. Itachi took a seat in the only dark colored armchair in the room, the seat which had always been his. He closed his eyes as he listened to Sakura's skillful playing, remembering his mother's presence with a bittersweet touch. The pain would never go away, he thought, but at least I can continue living my life.

That day marked the return of Duke Itachi Uchiha, one of the most legendary magicians Fire Country would ever know.

Duke Itachi Uchiha: The seventh Uchiha Clan Leader, Duke Itachi Uchiha, Major General of His Majesty's Artillery Corps, the Master of Crows, The Hero of Cloud's Invasion, The Black Flame, The Fireblade, The Conqueror of The Dead, The Susanoo-no-Mikoto, The Light that Broke Darkness and Fire Country's sixth Grand Wizard is one of Fire Country's most notorious figures. He was a pivotal figure in the war between Fire and Sound, and he was involved in almost every single global scale event that took place in the following years. His accomplishments are enough to write several books about, yet despite being such a prominent figure, his private life remains mostly unknown. His wife is not named in historical records, and her image is could not be found. However, the Duke did have five children, all of which are worthy successors to their father's fame, restoring the Uchiha Clan to the glory it has today.

Today's Encyclopedia entry is a tease towards the future, as you can see there's many things that will still happen, some of which won't make the history records, and some which will be remembered for posterity. I also wanted to use this to give a time scale on when the story happens and when the Encyclopedia entries are. I've enjoyed reading everyone's theories and reactions to this story, and there's much more in store for you all. Once again thank you all for reading and please look forward to next week's chapter!