Chapter 35: Fist snow
In a shinobi's life, nothing was a constant.
Isolation was a necessity that many claimed for the sake of their own sanity, company a rarity that not many allowed themselves to enjoy out of fear that they would grow weak, crave more with every pleased smile that was exchanged.
And yet, some were foolish enough to hope.
Hoping that the good mornings would never cease, that every goodbye would be followed by a welcome back- that they would be granted the luxury of having one to return to.
There were those who liked to enjoy the small moments, knowing that they might as well be their very last, while there were those who denied themselves the small moments of warmths that life offered them, unwilling for the pain of loss to touch them.
Then, there were those with the intent to twist the fates.
Those have been touched by both the pain of loss and the warmth of hope, have seen the faintest of light in the seemingly never-ending darkness surrounding them and intend to hold onto it with all their might, refusing to let it go regardless of the cost.
Defying the fates rarely worked in one's favor, but he had been set on holding onto the shimmer of light with all his might, prepared to face anything that may threaten to dim its light- his light.
The fates cruelty knew no limit, however, and he had been taught that in a way that would forever haunt him.
His eyes have witnessed horrors beyond others imagination, sights that have almost consumed his mind and yet, not even the worst of all could have prepared him for the moment he felt his entire world turn dark.
His heart stilled in his chest, not daring to beat and for a moment, everything stopped.
All he saw was her.
Eyes that regarded him with nothing but warmth that were now wide in terror, her rosy lips parted in a soundless scream as her pale face slackened in shock.
It felt surreal, seeing the blinding light of chidori dying down the second it entered her body and with it, the brightness her eyes held.
And for the first time in his life, Itachi felt fear.
A fear so raw that chilled him to the very core, made the blood in his veins freeze and his chest tighten in dread.
And then, all he saw was red.
His surroundings blurred, the thudding of his heart furiously hammering against his chest deafening him to the panicked screams and shouts from his comrades as he moved towards her.
He barely registered the bright flash of silver that forced the shocked Uchiha to the ground, his sole focus on the pinkette whose body yielded under the pain.
Numb hands caught her frail body before it could hit the ground, her small form collapsing against him as the Uchiha heir dropped to his knees. Her skin was cool under his touch as he held her, his chest constricting as her glazed eyes found his.
Her breathing was sharp and uneven as she looked at him, lips parted as if she wanted to speak but couldn't and as Itachi rested his hand against her cold cheek, he noticed that his hand was shaking ever so slightly.
"Sakura."
His voice was husky as he spoke her name, his hold on her tightening so that she would know that he was there, so that she would stay with him.
That he wouldn't let her go, no matter what.
"Get Tsunade-sama!"
Crimson eyes never left her wide ones, afraid that if he looked away they would never open again. His heart broke with every pained breath she took, shaking hands holding onto her like she was his life-line as his fingers dug into her skin.
I'm sorry, Itachi.
He barely registered Shizune dropping down next to them, her glowing hands hovering over the gaping wound in Sakura's stomach as she frantically yelled orders at the others surrounding them.
Itachi paid it no mind and continued to watch the pinkette, thumb brushing lovingly over her cheekbone as his jaw clenched.
Her eyes were glazed over and unfocused as they held his, the young woman struggling to stay awake but even when facing death's door, her eyes held no fear.
Only acceptance.
Flashes of a scene so hauntingly familiar filled his mind, emerald orbs that have looked at him with such a conviction that it had stirred something in his chest now dull and missing its fire.
"I want to live."
His chest tightened painfully as he watched her lids flutter lower, half-lidded eyes shrouded by pain and it was then that Itachi felt the chakra in his body spark in defiance.
He wouldn't allow her life to be over just like that.
Crimson eyes flashed as black wheels gradually began to spin, eyes softening as he took in her frail form.
And with one final look into her dull emerald orbs, he freed her from her suffering.
X
"Fugaku-sama!"
The Uchiha patriarch turned his head to the right to find a young male whom he recognized to be part of his Clan approaching him, face scrunched up in a concerned frown that he knew meant no good.
Fugaku was not one to easily worry, being rather known for his calculating and calm self, a trait he shared with his eldest, and yet he couldn't help but frown himself upon catching the worry in the young male's eyes.
"What's the matter?"
The dark-haired boy thinned his lips as he finally reached him, hesitating for the split of a second too long and for a moment, Fugaku steeled himself for the worst.
"It's Hokage-sama." He started, his words making the Uchiha patriarch stiffen for the smallest of bits in alarm. "He returned."
Fugaku's brows furrowed in confusion as he looked at the man, not quite understanding. If Itachi was back then everything was going according to plan, but it seemed like something must have happened that was enough to worry one of his own Clansmen.
"Sasuke?"
The male shook his head, a slight grimace on his face and as relieved as Fugaku was to hear that both his sons were in good condition, he easily caught what he wasn't saying.
The patriarch closed his eyes in understanding, lips curling downwards as his hands tightened behind his back.
"Where is she?"
"They're at the hospital." The young officer returned, eyes turning sad in a way Fugaku didn't like.
The Uchiha patriarch's jaw tightened as his eyes found the tall building in the distance, expression solemn. They managed to defeat the intruders, the current task at hand being to ensure that the villagers were fine and as much as he wanted to be by both his sons side, he had no choice.
"Thank you for letting me know." Fugaku told the young officer, dark eyes that were now hard finding his once more. "You can go back to your post."
The young male nodded and with one last look rushed back to aiding his colleagues, leaving behind Fugaku whose expression remained grave.
It seemed like his son was being tested, and he hoped that he would not fail.
X
He felt restless, anxiously pacing up and down the hallway as he waited for anyone, anything, something.
It was driving him crazy.
His entire body ached, his muscles protesting at the movements but he couldn't help it. There was no way he could just sit still and do nothing while the worry and guilt ate him up from the inside and mercilessly dug its claws into him.
He deserved to suffer, for if it wasn't for him, she wouldn't be dying.
Dying.
His head spun as the word echoed in his mind, making him feel dizzy and momentarily pulling the ground from beneath his feet and tilting his vision
A strong hand suddenly found its way on his shoulder, clasping it firmly and keeping him steady on his feet.
"Naruto, you need to rest."
The voice that reached the blond's ears was familiar, and as much as he wanted to listen to it, rest was the last thing on his mind.
Not when she was fighting for her life.
"Rest?" Naruto echoed, his eyes unusually dark as they found Shisui's frowning face next to him. "She's laying there, dying, because she took the hit that was meant for me."
The hand on his shoulder tightened and Naruto's face darkened when he saw Shisui's frown of disapproval.
Even though the Uchiha seemed calm, Naruto could easily tell from the way his shoulders were tense and his eyes were filled with concern that he as well was worried for her.
"She won't die."
Naruto's frown deepened upon hearing the conviction that laced his words, fists balling as he felt the adrenaline in his veins pick up.
His concern for his teammate was choking him up, fogging his mind and the blonde felt his eyes sting as a wave of frustration crashed over him.
He knew she was strong, but he had seen her laying limply in the arms of Itachi, looking so fragile that it broke him.
"How are you so sure?"
Blue eyes took in the way Shisui's jaw tightened, betraying the way his dark eyes softened at the sight of Naruto's torn expression but before he could answer, someone else did.
"He won't let her."
Naruto's head turned to the right to see Sasuke lean with his back against the wall, the Uchiha not bothering to hide the exhaustion on his face as he fixed his eyes on the door that separated them from their teammate.
Naruto pursed his lips at Sasuke's declaration, blue eyes following his gaze and finding the white door. He wanted to believe him, wanted to have as much faith in him as Sasuke did, but as much as it pained him, even he knew that the chances of him defying the odds were low, if not even nonexistent.
Too exhausted to argue any further, the blond allowed Shisui to lead him towards one of the empty chairs that were lined up against the walls, the older Uchiha giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Naruto didn't remove his eyes from the door even when he felt Shisui slump down next to him, the Uchiha heaving a sigh as he ran a hand over his face.
He hoped that Sasuke and Shisui were right, because if he were to lose her, he would lose the greatest part of himself as well.
X
All he could do was watch helplessly as the Godaime fought for her apprentice's life.
Nurses were rushing through the room left and right, each carrying a task that provided to keep her from walking through death's door as Tsunade was barking orders, brows creased in concern and eyes filled with worry.
Some of the nurses were talking to him, asking him to seek out Shizune so she could have a look at him but he didn't pay them any mind, his hold on the pinkette's cold hand tight and determined.
"Hokage-sama-" Another one started, voice meek and holding a hint of fear but before she could say anything else, Tsunade sharply cut her off.
"Leave him."
The nurse's head snapped to Tsunade in mild surprise, knowing that the Godaime never allowed anyone to stay in the room while she was working regardless of their status, especially in serious cases such as this.
The fact that she allowed the Hokage to stay was enough to increase her concern for the pink-haired kunoichi's life, brown eyes finding the Hokage who was seated next to her, hand tightly holding hers as if that once he let go, she'd leave him.
Her heart sank for their Hokage as she went back to the task she had been assigned to, inwardly praying that the fates would look upon them kindly for once.
X
The sound of rushed footsteps echoed through the hallway, worried onyx eyes scanning her surroundings in search for the familiar sign that would lead her towards the destination.
Her heart sank as she caught sight of the familiar bold red letters on the glass doors that lead to the intensive care unit, one that she had been to far too many times in her long years of life.
A shiver danced across her skin as she pushed open the cool doors and when her eyes finally caught sight of the familiar faces she had been looking for, her heart broke.
Seated on the line of chairs was a visibly beaten Naruto, his body slumped forwards and head in his hands while Shisui was leaning back in his seat, the back of his head resting against the wall and even though his eyes were closed, the dark shadows beneath them spoke volumes.
Leaning against the wall next to them was her youngest son, his clothes covered in blood that she prayed wasn't his own. His eyes were firmly fixed on the door opposite of them, his face giving away all of his exhaustion and concern in a rare moment of surrender that made her heart drop.
"Oh god."
Her voice was barely above a whisper and yet the words rang loudly through the otherwise silent corridor, instantly catching the attention of the trio who turned to look at her with grave expressions.
"Mother."
The second Sasuke's tired voice reached her ears Mikoto hurriedly made her way towards them, the matriarch crouching down in front of Shisui and Naruto to rest her hand against the blonde's cheek in concern as the other found Shisui's shoulder, her grip on it tight.
Dark eyes scanned them for any injuries, her breath catching in her lungs as she took in Naruto's broken expression.
Her eyes softened as she moved her hand from his cheek to his forehead with motherly care, her eyes then moving over Shisui to ensure that he as well was fine before she turned to look at Sasuke, relieved to see that other than that they seemed to be unharmed.
She wasn't oblivious to her missing eldes, her dark eyes drifting to the door in silent concern.
Shisui followed her gaze and heaved a sigh as he as well looked at the door with a heavy heart, his aunts hand on his shoulder a small comfort.
"They've been in there for hours." Shisui told her, voice low and eyes darkened with concern. "Nurses and medics refuse to tell us anything."
Mikoto turned to look back at her nephew, lips pursed into a thin line as she took in his tired eyes. She was relieved to find him with Naruto and Sasuke, knowing that he would be able to lend them the support they would so desperately need but she also knew that he tried to stay strong for their sake, even if he himself felt drained.
When Fugaku had sent someone to inform her of what had happened she had instantly taken off, praying that she would make it in time. She knew that he wouldn't have informed her if he would have had anything against her leaving the compound and even though a few elders have shot her disapproving frowns, Mikoto couldn't care less.
Her children needed her, and she would be damned if she would leave them alone when they needed her the most.
The Uchiha matriarch lifted her hand from Naruto's face and moved to rest it on the back of his hand instead, the blonde's dull blue eyes staring back at her with a mixture of emotions that pained her.
"I should have noticed."
Her chest constricted painfully as she heard his low whisper, voice filled with regret and words laced with pain.
"Oh, Naruto." She whispered, eyes saddening before she gently pulled the blonde forwards into her arms, her hold on him tight. "It's not your fault, you did all you could."
Shisui averted his eyes from the scene, the fist on his thigh clenching to the point his knuckles turned white while Sasuke heaved an inaudible sigh, eyes fluttering close as he wondered why misfortune always found its way to their loved ones.
Hours passed in which the group remained mostly silent, Shisui having offered Mikoto his seat as they waited, each second that ticked by making them feel more restless.
It was by midnight when the door finally opened.
A visibly exhausted Tsunade exited the surgery room, her clothes covered in dried blood and dark shadows under her solemn amber eyes as they found the group of four with a solemn expression.
The second they heard the door open they had instantly jumped to their feet, eyes widening in anticipation as they saw the blonde-haired sanin and when Tsunade's eyes softened, Mikoto could have sworn that her heart dropped dead in her chest.
The temperature palpably dropped when Tsunade allowed a second of silence to pass before she spoke, the weight of the situation suffocating all the occupants of the room like a hand on their throat.
"The blow the chidori delivered was lethal." Tsunade announced, her firm voice betraying the way her amber eyes dimmed with every word that passed her lips. "Sakura is a strong girl, but the damage her body suffered under was too much for her to carry on her own."
It felt as if someone had sucked all the air out of the room, Tsunade's words like a punch to the gut that left all of them breathless. Sasuke's fingers dug tightly into his forearms, dark eyes gradually bleeding crimson as Shisui averted his gaze from the blond.
Mikoto lifted a hand to her mouth in horror, Naruto's eyes widening as the Godaime's words echoed in his mind, the blood in his veins freezing and chilling him to the bone.
Impossible.
Tsunade allowed a moment to pass so that her words could properly sink in as she watched them, eyes hard and expression somber.
The chidori was a deadly weapon that only left death in its wake, and it was important for them to realize that. Regardless of how strong a person may be, the chances of them surviving the chidori were practically non-existent and even she as a legendary medic second to none couldn't reverse its damage, regardless of how hard she tried it to.
She watched as Naruto moved backwards on shaking feet, unlimited pain brightening his eyes as he allowed his body to slump into the chair, wide eyes never leaving the Godaime.
Tsunade heaved inaudible sigh before she moved her amber eyes to find Mikoto's, lips thinned and when she spoke, her voice softened.
"Fortunately for us, your son refused to let her do so on her own."
Tsunade watched as Mikoto's disbelief slowly faded into a light frown, brows drawing together in confusion as Shisui's head snapped back to Tsunade, dark eyes narrowed at the implication of the blonde's words.
"Itachi?"
Tsunade offered him a curt nod in confirmation, not missing the way Sasuke's crimson eyes lost some of their fierce light.
Mikoto's eyes widened in realization as she lowered her hand and placed it against her chest, fingers fisting the front of her jacket as a spark of hope filled her.
"Genjutsu."
Naruto's head snapped to Mikoto at a speed that could have easily broken his neck, the confusion he felt only fueling the frustration he already felt.
Tsunade, sensing the young jinchuuriki's irritation, decided that it would be best to elaborate.
"Itachi may have been unable to prevent the blow, but still acted swift enough to place Sakura under a genjutsu that put her mind into a sleeping state." Tsunade calmly explained as her blonde brows drew together into a light frown. "With his chakra in her body, he was able to establish a connection similar to the mind transfer jutsu, allowing him to use his chakra instead of hers to keep her alive. Without it, she wouldn't have made it."
Naruto felt the stone that had weighed his heart down drop the second he realized the meaning behind Tsunade's words, relief crashing at him with a force that made him feel dizzy.
"She's alive."
His voice sounded foreign to his own ears, blue eyes never once leaving the Godaime as his fingers dug into the armrest of the chair to keep himself steady.
"She is." Tsunade confirmed, and even though her eyes had softened, her expression was still hard. "But that doesn't mean that it will stay that way. We did all we could, but the rest is now up to herself. Whether she will wake up one day or not is something that even I have no influence over, so all we can do now is hope that this time as well, Sakura will defy the odds."
The silence following her words was heavy.
Sasuke allowed his Sharingan to fade, the tension slowly seeping out of his shoulders as he closed his eyes in relief.
Whereas Tsunade was right, he knew his teammate well enough to be certain that she would get through this. Whereas Sakura was physically stronger than most, he had yet to meet someone whose will was fiercer than hers.
It would be hard, and it would take time, but he had faith in his teammate.
If anyone could do it, it was her.
"Sakura-chan isn't one to give up just like that." Naruto declared, the frown his face held determined. "She can do it."
Tsunade watched Naruto in silence, knowing that there was nothing more she could say or do for them. She had told them all there was to know, and as much as she admired the faith that they had in her apprentice, she knew better than to get her own hopes up.
In the end, only time would tell whether they were right or not, and for both her loved ones as well as Sakura's own sake, Tsunade hoped that she would be strong enough to fight the odds that were thrown at her for one final time.
X
"Hokage-sama."
Itachi glanced up from the file he was reading, eyes falling onto a familiar face that he had come to see more often during the past weeks.
"Kakashi."
The silver-haired male was standing in front of his desk with his arms crossed above his chest, a file in his hand that was undoubtedly for him.
Itachi lowered the file that he was reading and arched a brow at the copy-nin, the silent question not going past Kakashi who handed him the file not even a moment later.
"The council approved the Suna project." Kakashi summarized as he watched Itachi flip through the pages, eyes swiftly skimming over the pages. "The only thing left is for the Kazekage to give us his blessings as well."
Itachi nodded as he read over the final page of the report, eyes narrowing as he saw the dates. He would need to head to Sunagakure himself to finalize the contract with Gaara and the council, which would mean that he would have to leave the village for at least one month.
Something that he most certainly didn't like.
Kakashi, having noticed the way Itachi's brows creased in displeasure, watched the Uchiha heir in understanding.
It's been two months ever since the incident and so far, there was no news on Sakura.
Itachi was drowning himself in village work and spent his free time at the hospital by her side, either going through some files that required his attention or to simply have some time to himself.
She remained the same, having yet to wake from the comatose state she was in and whereas on some days she seemed to be doing well, there were others where it didn't look too well for her.
It was three weeks ago that she had given them a scare they had yet to recover from.
Shisui had taken Itachi to grab some food for them in order for the heir to get some fresh air, Ino volunteering to watch Sakura in his stead. It was in their absence that her vitals dropped dangerously low, alarming the blonde who instantly called for the Godaime while she tried to stabilize her friend with the help of the nurses.
It seemed like the jutsu had weakened in his absence, the pinkette's own chakra still too low to support herself.
From what he heard, it had been a close one.
After that incident it had been practically impossible to move him from her side, the Uchiha heir only stepping out to freshen himself up or to attend meetings that required his presence.
Although Tsunade had assured them two weeks ago that Sakura managed to recover enough of her own chakra already and would manage without his, Itachi as well as his little brother weren't willing to take the risk, one of them always close in case of something like that happening again.
It was a few days later that Mikoto suggested for them to move Sakura into the compound to ease all their minds.
This way, both her sons as well as herself would be close enough in case someone would have to strengthen the genjutsu and even though Tsunade wasn't too keen on letting Sakura out of the hospital this early, they eventually agreed that Shizune would check on the pinkette twice a week to ensure that her body was healing up as it should.
Whereas Mebuki didn't oppose the offer, she still didn't want to burden them by having them take care of her daughter. Mikoto assured her that it was fine and that this way the woman would be able to take care of her own work as well as her husband without having to worry about her daughter.
In the end, she gratefully accepted the offer and not even a day later Sasuke and Kakashi had moved Sakura to the Uchiha main house.
The copy-nin could easily see how having her at his home made Itachi slightly more at ease, the Uchiha heir having been even more aloof and reserved than usual at work.
People were even more afraid to approach him now, the dark aura surrounding their Hokage making it even harder for them to approach and with the exception of Shisui and Kakashi, Itachi tried to avoid any interactions that weren't necessary.
Kakashi could easily see how the current situation weighed the Uchiha heir down, the dark shadows under his eyes becoming more prominent with each day. He understood, his own concern for his student also settling heavy on his chest but with him, it seemed even worse.
He suffered.
Itachi never received the chance to rest after all that happened, being pushed from the fight with Orochimaru straight into the situation with Sakura. Konoha needed its Hokage, and even though Tsunade offered her help Itachi refused, knowing it was his duty to take care of the village in times like this, even if it meant that he would have to work himself to his own death.
Kakashi and the others have done their best to ease his burden, the copy-nin having made it his own duty to take care of the matters related to Obito who was still held in the depths of Konoha's prison.
He would have to be held responsible for his actions, and even though Kakashi could still remember the way Obito's eyes were filled with horror as he realized what he had done as he was being restrained by a furious Kakashi, the damage was already done.
There was no turning back time, as much as they wanted to.
"When will the Kazekage expect me?" Itachi asked as he placed the file back onto his desk, dark eyes finding Kakashi's calm ones as the copy nin crossed his arms above his chest.
"By the end of the week." He informed him, dark eyes not missing the way Itachi's eyes darkened in thought. "Shisui is going to accompany you to Suna. You are to depart tomorrow by sunrise."
Itachi inclined his head, having expected as much. He didn't mind the suddenness of his departure, the faster he could leave the sooner he would be able to return and as much as he disliked the thought of being away, he knew that she would be in good hands.
The Uchiha heir gave Kakashi his thanks, the copy-nin reminding him to eat something before he left the Hokage once more on his own.
The remainder of the day passed by rather swiftly, Shisui dropping by to give him an update regarding Orochimaru's followers that have gone into hiding after the sanin's fall before leaving to meet Ino before their departure.
Itachi departed his office in the light of the setting sun, having finished the most urgent work he had left before his upcoming departure.
His way back home was a blur.
The moment he entered, his mother had greeted him with a warm smile and ushered him to sit with them, unwilling to let him pass the kitchen without having him eat at least something.
Dinner with his parents was the usual affair, small talk about the village that was mostly indicated by his mother to get him to talk while his father occasionally joined. It almost seemed like he was trying to be more talkative lately, and though Itachi knew that it was his attempt of showing him his support, he appreciated it.
Itachi excused himself as soon as he finished eating and made his way upstairs, not missing the way his mothers eyes flashed in concern when he rose from the table, his food barely touched.
Feeling exhausted as he walked up the stairs, Itachi made his ways through the familiar corridor, steps faltering as he passed the door next to his room.
Onyx eyes moved to settle on the closed door, hands twitching by his side. The urge to reach out towards it overcame him, but he eventually decided against it and forced his feet onwards and to his room.
He took off his shirt, arms aching as he made his way towards the bathroom attached to his room before he took a swift shower.
The cool water hit his skin mercilessly, chilling him to the bone as he stood with his hands placed against the wall.
Itachi lowered his head, eyes fluttering closed as he allowed the water to numb his skin and wash away the remnants of another day passed.
Another day without her.
The Uchiha heir clenched his fist against the wall, upper arm flexing as he fought the wave of frustration that dared to overcome him. He spend the following moments simply standing there, the water droplets running down his skin doing little to ease the tension his body held before he finally turned it off and stepped out.
He pointedly avoided the mirror as he dressed in a fresh set of clothes before he exited the bathroom, his feet automatically carrying him out of his room and towards his destination.
His hand found the door on its own accord, the soft creaking sound breaking the silence as he pushed it open and when he entered, his eyes instantly found her.
She was laying on a bed in the corner of the room, the golden light of the setting sun filtering through the window and bathing her in an ethereal light that made his heart stop.
Softly closing the door behind him, Itachi slowly moved over to sit on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving her still form.
She was laying on her back, dressed in a navy-colored Kimono that had once belonged to his mother with her pink locks sprawled around her like a halo.
If it weren't for the paleness her face held, one would think her to be merely asleep, the steady yet soft rising of her chest followed by the sound of her soft breathing.
Even now, she looked beautiful.
Itachi reached out to gently move a strand of hair behind out of her face, hand lingering softly on the side of her face and allowed himself a moment to simply drink her in.
It was scary, to think how much he needed her.
The past months have been nothing but hell for him, nights that others believed he would get some well-needed rest spent forced to witness his biggest failing, robbing him of his sleep and gradually driving him to his own limit.
He could hear her voice, whispering sweet assurances to him when he believed himself to break under all the work and pressure, softly urging him on and through another day of hell.
There were moments when he felt the warmth of her touch on his skin, moments when he could have sworn that he had seen her smile at him from the other side of his office.
Moments when he hoped, just to find himself getting harshly dragged back into reality.
He still remembered the first time he met her mother, and when he thought of meeting her parents for the first time, he didn't think it would be under such circumstances.
The Uchiha heir was with Sakura when he heard muffled noises coming from outside her room, the sound of soft sobs urging him onto his feet. He made his way towards the door, softly opening it so that he could see what the commotion was about and when his eyes caught sight of Naruto in the company of a woman that seemed eerily familiar, he realized what was going on.
He allowed the door to fall shut behind him, causing the two to look at him in mild surprise and before he could do as much as open his mouth to introduce himself, she had already moved.
She was on him within the blink of an eye, arms thrown around his shoulders as she pulled him into a bone-crushing hug that caught him by surprise.
Onyx eyes widened for the split of a second as they found Naruto's, the blond's expression sad as a small smile tilted his lips upwards at the scene. The elder woman pulled back a moment later to wipe her tears before she reached out to tightly grasp his into her own shaking ones, shoulders shaking as she held onto them with all her might.
"Thank you." She said, voice shaky as she held onto his hands with all her might, tear-filled eyes so similar to Sakura's that it broke his heart as she looked at him. "Thank you for saving my daughter."
Itachi's expression softened as soon as his surprise wore off, his hands giving her shaking ones a firm squeeze. He didn't deserve her thanks, the guilt eating at him from the inside as the whispers in his head reminding him that he was the one to blame for being too slow in the first place.
This woman had not only suffered from her still unconscious husband but now also her only daughter, both cases which he felt responsible for.
He would see her more frequently after that day, her mother stopping by the hospital whenever she was free. His mother took it upon herself to be at her side in these troubling times, inviting her for dinner or breakfast whenever she could and as happy Itachi was to see that they got along so well, Itachi couldn't help but feel bittersweet that it had to be under such circumstances.
"I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for my daughter." She had told him once, lips lifted in a grateful smile. "It eases a mothers heart to see that she has someone who cherishes her by her side."
Itachi wanted to tell her then that he was the one who was grateful for her daughter and all she had done for him, that she had enriched his life in a way he never believed to be possible, but before he was able to utter a word she had already left.
He was exhausted, slowly breaking under all the pressure and expectations- and she was his only remaining life-line.
His fingers traced the side of her face, her skin soft under his touch before his hand found her small, limp one.
Itachi took it into both of his hands with the utmost care and brought it to his lips, his lips ghosting over her cool skin.
He knew that she would be fine in his family's care and that he had no reason to worry, but the knowledge of being away from her when she needed him the most still didn't sit well with him.
It wouldn't be long, he knew, and as testing as this month would be, he would always keep his promise to her.
"I'll be back." He whispered against her skin before he placed a chaste kiss against the back of her hand, onyx eyes never leaving her face, waiting, hoping that someday, he would find her staring back at him once more, with the same glowing eyes that had captured his heart.
X
Pain.
All there was, was pain.
A shrill ringing broke through the darkness she found herself in, followed by another agonizing wave of pain.
And then, there was only darkness.
X
His trip to Suna took longer than anticipated.
What was supposed to be a one month trip turned into a nine week long stay. The delay was one that Gaara had no influence over, the council having taken longer to come up with acceptable terms and conditions than expected and by the time they had finally come to an agreement, both Shisui and Itachi were happy to return home.
It was a cold winter night when they had finally passed the familiar gates of Konoha.
The guards greeted the small group with a bow that Itachi returned with a nod, some of the tension that filled his body fading upon having finally returned home.
He had been awaiting this day for the past weeks, the urge to return home increasing with each day that passed and now that he had finally returned, the exhaustion was finally beginning to settle in.
Shisui had offered to take care of dismissing the Anbu, something that Itachi was beyond grateful for, and with one last promise to see one another the following day at the office, they had parted ways.
His feet carried him down the familiar path towards the Uchiha compound, the silent streets of the sleeping village as well as the freezing night air a welcoming change from Suna.
It had been an exhausting two months away from home, filled with political meetings and dinners that made the days longer and tiring.
His body was begging him for rest, muscles sore and aching in protest with every step he took after the grueling journey back home.
He was looking forward to returning home to his family, to the comfort of his bed-
To her.
The only thing that pushed him through hours of political talk, days of straining heat and dry air- the thought of returning to her.
Sasuke had kept him updated of her condition once a week, Itachi finding his spirit lifted a bit higher after every letter he received from his little brother.
Not being able to see her, touch her, feel her took a toll on him but fortunately, Shisui made sure to distract them whenever they were free, his older cousin lending him some comfort he would forever be grateful for.
The walk to the compound was short, the freezing air biting at his skin and when he reached the familiar path that would lead him towards his home, onyx eyes caught sight of the smallest of white crystals softly floating from the sky.
It seemed like he returned just in time for Konoha's first snow.
He barely registered the familiar houses that lined up by his sides as he walked down the road, steps slow and unrushed as he neared his home.
It was when he had almost reached home that he felt it.
He stopped dead in his tracks, blood rushing through his veins as his heart stilled.
A shift in the air, so faint that he believed to have only imagined it and yet familiar to the point it physically pained him.
He was gone within the blink of an eye, headed towards the source with his heart painfully slamming against his ribs and mind filled with only one thought.
Impossible.
It had happened before. He tried to reason with himself, warning him of the pain that would follow the disappointment. You're tired.
His surroundings blurred as he rushed forwards, hoping, praying that this time, he wasn't mistaken.
That this time, it was real.
With every step he took it grew, the warm brush against his chakra becoming firmer, harder, realer and when he finally passed the gates leading to his home, steps slowing until he came to a halt, his heart stopped dead in his chest.
Standing on the patio of his home, dressed in a light blue Kimono and looking more beautiful than he remembered was her.
He believed her to be only a fragment of his imagination, feared that his mind had finally lost its fight against the darkness and projected her as one last attempt to keep him sane, but as he watched her beautiful lips curl upwards into the softest of smiles, eyes glowing in the darkness, he knew that she wasn't.
"Okaeri, Itachi."
Her voice, so gentle and filled with nothing but love lulled him out of the darkness he had found himself stuck in for the past months, silenced all the whispers that plagued his mind and was finally, his undoing.
And then, there was only her.
She opened her arms then, the wind gently moving the strands of her hair as white crystals danced around her in a way that stole his breath.
Within a heartbeat he had moved, his form blurring before he finally reached her, arms finding her small form and pulling her against him into a bone-crushing hold.
His fingers dug into the material of her Kimono, knuckles turning white as his other hand found the back of her head and pulled it against his shoulder as he buried his face into the base of her neck, her familiar scent flooding his senses and making his heart swell with warmth.
She was real.
She was real, she was with him, and she was fine.
The moment he felt her small arms wrap themselves around his waist he felt as if someone had just pulled him out of a deep slumber, his hold on her tightening.
He could feel her warm breath against his neck as she buried her face into his shoulder, the need to feel him overwhelming and her hold on him just as tight.
The Uchiha heir forced himself to move his head back so that he could look at her, hand moving from the back of her head to rest against the side of her cheek.
Onyx eyes watched as she leaned into his touch, the smile on her face mesmerizing as she watched him through half-lidded eyes.
It seemed surreal, holding her in his arms like this, and without wasting another second Itachi's hand moved to the base of her neck before he pulled her towards him into a passionate kiss.
The second he felt her soft lips against his was the moment Itachi had finally lost himself. The pleased sigh that passed her lips as he kissed her made the blood in his veins turn hot, the Uchiha heir allowing all of the frustration and longing he had felt for the past months to flow into that kiss to show her, to make her understand how much he missed her, how much he needed her.
He felt her small hands tighten their hold on the back of his vest, tugging him closer as she kissed him back, willing all of his frustration and pain away.
She forced her lips away from his for air, her chest heaving as his lips hovered over hers, touching, feeling.
He rested his forehead against hers as he held her, onyx eyes taking in the sight of the breathless woman in his arms, the flush her cheeks held making him tighten his hold on her.
His woman.
"When?" He mumbled in question
She lifted a hand to touch the side of his face, eyes filled with nothing but warmth as she gently caressed his face.
"Three weeks ago." She whispered, the smile that played on her lips increasing the urge to kiss her senseless. "I asked Sasuke not to tell you so that you wouldn't get distracted."
Itachi lifted a hand to gently rest it over hers, onyx eyes darker than a starless night sky as he looked down at the woman that held his heart. No words needed to be exchanged for the other to know, to understand, and as Itachi leaned down to capture her lips with his once more, nothing else mattered.
She had found her way back to him, and Itachi would ensure that she would stay by his side, once and for all.
His hands splayed over her small body, allowing himself to feel her, to tell himself that she was real and right where she belonged to.
By his side.
Sakura's breath hitched as the caresses turned more heated, fingers digging into his shoulders and when she felt him lift her up into his arms, the pinkette let out a surprised squeal.
"Ita-"
He swallowed his name with his lips as he carried her inside, the small rumble in his chest all the answer he offered.
Sensing that the house was fortunately empty, Itachi made his way up the stairs, his hold on the pinkette never once loosening.
It was only when he reached his room and gently lowered her onto his bed that Itachi allowed himself to pull back so that he could look at her, eyes darkening with possessiveness at the sight of her.
She was laying on her back, pink locks sprawled over his black sheets as she looked up at him with the most breathtaking smile. She allowed her hands to slide to his neck, thumb gently brushing over his pulse as his hold on her waist tightened and when he leaned down to claim her lips with his once more, he knew that this was all he would ever need.
For as long as they had each other, they would always find their way back home- back to where their hearts belonged to.
With one another.
X
A/N:
Well everyone, this is it. The very last chapter of Immersion- my very first story that has been a huge part of my life for the past years. It's strange to sit here, typing out what would be my final Author's Note for this Story and before I get into anything, I would like to take a moment to thank you.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everyone who ever read, followed, favorited and reviewed this story. Your support has helped me in ways you can't even imagine, made me improve as an author and brightened even my darkest days.
Whether this story will have an Epilogue or not I am still not too sure about. It's something that I'll still have to decide but until then, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did and if yes, I am asking you for one final time to leave a review to share your thoughts with me!
This journey has been a very memorable one, and I really hope that this will not be our last. I already have a new story planned- also an ItaSaku- which I will start working on soon, and I hope that you will support this one as much as you did Immersion.
Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thanks to every single one who took their time to read/support this story. I hope that with this story, I was able to give some of the love you have shown me and this story during the past years back to you.
For any news regarding updates or new stories, make sure to follow me on tumblr! You can find me as FF–SaraNero
Stay safe, and see you all very soon.
All the love,
Sara.