Hello again! Thank you to all my previous readers following this story and hello to any new readers too!

Once again I am stuck on a name of the story title so if you have suggestions for names – please do tell.

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Awakening

Sakura wasn't sure just how long she had spent being depressed in this place. Maybe she was dead. This definitely wasn't any place on earth; all around her there was only white bright light which seemed to stretch on endlessly. Time she had spent training as a medic made Sakura read many books about life after death experiences. She had always been a sceptic on the matter but right now this seemed like one.

That must be it, I'm dead. Oh well, wasn't like I had anything to live for.

'Just how long are you going to stay here?'

That voice… It couldn't be…

Sakura kept herself huddled in a tight ball. Now she had sunk to the level of madness that she was imagining Itachi's voice. Look at how far I've sunk; I should be ashamed, if I wasn't so depressed not to give a damn…

'This isn't how I remember you.'

There was the voice again. It really did sound like Itachi…

'You are not the type of person to give in so easily.'

She raised her head a little noticing the shadow which ran across her body. It wasn't her imagination it really was Itachi! Quickly she snapped opened her eyes to look at the figure standing over her.

'Hi there.' She looked up to see Itachi smiling at her.

'Itachi!' Crying she quickly got up and clung onto his body making sure to feel every inch of him, just to double check he really was real. 'They said you were dead!'

Feeling his lips move into a small smirk on her forehead, Itachi in his usual gentle tone said 'I am.'

Huh? I must be dead too then…

'I missed you so much! I love you Itachi! I love you so, so much!' She rubbed her cheek into his cloak. 'Everything you said before-

'Sakura…' She knew what that tone meant. Hadn't she heard it so many times before?

'I gained your love by tricks and deceptions...' He was stroking her hair. 'You must think it through, everything which has happened. If I had not cast the genjutsu over you, would you say you could have still fallen in love with me?' His voice still held the caring tone it always did.

She didn't know the answer to that or how to answer it. 'But I know how I feel now.' She whispered against his cloak.

He sighed. As much as Itachi loved hearing her proclamations of love, it was time to move onto the real issue at hand. 'It isn't your time yet. You are not supposed to be here yet. Did you forget? What about your child?'

A ripple of realisation went through out her whole body. The last thing she could remember was the pain, the pain of childbirth. Her baby! Her child!

'Ah.' She cried out in shock taking a step back from Itachi looking at his face. 'Is it alright? Is it safe?'

'It? It's a boy Sakura.' Itachi brought his other hand down on the top of her head rubbing her hair. 'He's waiting for you.'

'If I'm not dead why am I here? I need to see my child! But…' An awful feeling of pain clawed at her chest. 'I can't lose you! Not again!'

Why was everything so difficult all the time? Why was her life so endlessly complicated?

'It is difficult to explain. But the most simple and accurate explanation is you have got stuck between the two worlds. Your spirit has given up on life but your body is still living on Earth this is why you cannot cross over.' She was trapped within his red eyes again, those eyes she could get lost in forever. 'But I am here to help you.'

'I'm afraid.' She whispered as a tear fell out of her eye. 'I know I have to protect my son but…'

Itachi placed a single finger against her lips.

'I will always be watching over you Sakura. Don't be afraid. I'll be waiting for you. So when you return to this place, you'll find me.' He still wore his beautiful smile.

She began to open her mouth-

'But don't come too soon.' She watched hypnotically as his two fingers quickly poked her forehead.

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Her eyes snapped open.

Itachi! She jerked upright as if she was trying to hold onto to something. Must have been a dream…

Why is it so hard to move? Must have been sleeping for a couple of days at least. Her whole body felt so stiff as if she was a kind of doll with rusty joins and her throat felt so dry not to mention the daylight being too bright for her eyes. It was as if she was a newborn baby entering the world for the first time. After a little while shapes started to form from the bright lights, looking around she could see she was in a bedroom.

She double blinked. Huh? Where the hell is this? I don't remember this place.

Looking around she could see she was in a large room which looked pretty luxurious. There was a door in front of her which led into rooms further into the house but the door was only slightly open so she couldn't see any further. On her right side were glass doors which she could a small garden on the other side, there was a small stream and the sound of the water running was very relaxing. Other than that the bedroom just looked like a normal large sized bedroom. She looked down to see the bed she was lying in had navy satin silk sheets. These must of cost some money…

Then she caught sight of the colour pink.

This is my hair! How is it so long? I would have taken years for it to grow waist length.

Years... That word dawned on her.

Jumping out of the bed she started to notice all different things. This wasn't her body. Her breasts had definitely grown slightly bigger and her figure was more femininely developed. Out of everything so far, the one thing which stuck out like a sore thumb to her was the black dress she was wearing, the top of her shoulder blade had an Uchiha symbol sewn onto the dress.

Uchiha? What the fuck is this? Look at me! My hair! My body! I've been sleeping for a long time! Probably years! Where am I?

Pain entered her head as she started to tug at her hair in frustration. Calm down, calm down… what was the last thing you remember? Memories of Itachi, Sasuke and her child flowed into her mind. Sasuke's last words to her seem to echo throughout her mind. '… be a happy family.' Well, that could explain the house and the dress with an Uchiha crest on it. Sasuke did mention something about returning to Konoha… Maybe she was back in Konoha after all…

Hearing loud thumps of footsteps coming closer to her direction, tiny little pitter patter sounds, Sakura saw a small figure running towards her from the corridor leading into the bedroom. It was a boy with tears spilling from his eyes, his facial expression looked slightly pained as if he was running with all of his might. Something about this child was strange, why did he look like a mini replica of Sasuke?

Wait-

If he looks like Sasuke…

Could this be?

Is this my –

The boy roughly threw himself into Sakura's legs. 'Mummy, mummy!' He clung onto the bottom of her as if his life depended on it, she could feel the wetness from his tears on her dress. 'I've been waiting so long mummy.'

It really is my son.

Tears of happiness started to spring from her eyes. Sakura had truly loved the boy instantaneously. Even though she had only seen him for mere seconds there was a deep bond between them which went further than any possible words could explain. She loved him unconditionally. As she picked him up to cuddle him into her chest, she stared at his adorable face. He was absolutely gorgeous. She couldn't help but notice there was something wrong with eyes, they were… dull. Almost lifeless.

It was as if he could feel her stare at his eyes. 'I'm blind mama.'

Oh God. Oh God no… Not my child… How could this have happened?

She could tell the child had instinctively picked up on her feeling of sadness. 'I'm sorry.' He covered his eyes up with his hands. 'Don't you love me anymore?' He started to sob. 'Because I'm not like the other children?'

It isn't true! Don't you dare think that!

'Never! It doesn't matter! Not at all! I love you. I love you with all my heart.' She kissed his cheek.

'You really mean it? You really-' He was choking between his sobs. 'Love-me?'

'Of course I do! Don't say silly things like that anymore, ok?' She rubbed her cheek against his cheek.

After spending hours cuddling her son, Keizo finally remembered he needed to show his mother the house and tell her all about Konoha.

'Mama. It's so funny, it's like I'm the big person who has to teach you everything.' He was leading her around the house holding onto her hand. She was surprised; despite his blindness he didn't seem to have any problems with mobility.

'That's everything. I showed you the whole house now.' He smiled at her. It seemed he was always smiling, Sakura was so glad he was a normal happy child even though he was blind. Now she had seen the entirely of the house, it was massive and undoubtedly Sasuke's house. Keizo didn't say it but the Uchiha symbols were everywhere and he did was mention 'daddy' numerous times. Sakura didn't need to second guess who 'daddy' was. Keizo told Sakura all about himself, how he was born blind and how his daddy was the best daddy in the world who took care of him. Only when Keizo was talking about the past she realized she had been in a coma for five years. It made her feel so isolated; she was out of touch with everything.

What had happened to everyone? To me it feels like I slept for a day. But it's been five years… five years… I've missed out on so much.

Sakura sat down on the sofa in the living room and Keizo quickly climbed on top of her lap keeping his trademark grin on his face.

'Keizo… Your happy right?' She couldn't help but ask him, the guilt of not being around him almost ate her alive.

'Yeah.' He blinked as if he was confused. 'You're here now!' His grin reappeared.

'But before mummy woke up, you were happy?' Thinking about her child in a man like Sasuke's care made her shudder. In her mind Sasuke was a psychopath and should be nowhere near children.

'Um. Things were a bit hard for daddy. But he is always trying his best! He loves us very much!'

Us… She doubted that word.

'He is always working and looking after us. Daddy never complains because he is super strong… But, but, those people – I heard what they were saying.' He broke off.

'Tell me about those people Keizo.'

'They said I shouldn't be his son! I wasn't good enough because of my eyes!' Sakura curled her fist up in a tight ball, if she ever found out whom those people were she would make them feel lucky to be alive.

'I tried so hard! And now I can do this!' She saw his eyes quickly flash red. Sharingan? But even someone like Itachi didn't get Sharingan until he was eight! This child is a genius... Of course he is! He is my child after all! She smiled at him.

'Ummm, but don't tell daddy I did that. I'm not supposed to use my Sharingan.' He smiled sheepishly.

'Well I think we can keep this secret between us.' Sakura nodded at him.

Her belly grumbled which made Keizo laugh. 'Mama is hungry! Come, come mummy.' He jumped off the sofa and pulled on her hand gesturing her to follow him.

Walking to the kitchen, Keizo ran out in front and opened the fridge door.

'Oh.' She could see there was only one meal in the fridge. 'Daddy leaves me dinner here, so I can still eat if he comes home late. He didn't know you would wake up.'

Sasuke cooks? It looks pretty good too... This was a definite surprise.

'But you have it mummy.' He took the bowl out offering it to her.

He is too damn adorable! I'm so lucky to have such a cute caring son.

'No, no. How about I cook you a fresh meal instead?'

Keizo's face beamed at her. 'My first dinner made by mummy.'

Sakura quickly whipped up a meal from the ingredients in the fridge. It was only something simple – stir fried noodles. Keizo took a few mouthfuls and stopped eating.

'Is something wrong?'

'Umm... No...' Sakura watched as he slowly took another small mouthful.

She sighed in defeat. It's disgusting. I still cant cook. Not even easy dishes. I'll have to learn quickly now I have a child to feed.

'It's okay. I know it doesn't taste good.' She openly admitted.

'Daddy will come. He will cook us yummy dinner.'

Daddy… Sasuke hadn't really occurred in her thoughts until now. She was still afraid of him. How was she going to face him? Speak to him? She could feel her mouth dry up in fear. Itachi's dead… It's been five years… She needed some time. Eventually she would talk to him but not now, it was too soon for her.

'You must listen to your mother, Keizo. Promise me you won't tell your father I have awoken up.'

His cute rounded face wrinkled into confusion. 'But mummy, I don't understand. Daddy would be-'

'Keizo!' She gently pinched his cheek.

He let out a cute defiant moan. 'He won't come back until tonight. Daddy always finishes work late. So stay with me more mummy?' How could she ever refuse a request like that?

'Of course!' They both grinned at each other.

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Alert as always, it took Sasuke the most part of a single second to realise somebody had been in his house. There were dishes on the worktop which he had not used in the morning. Since Keizo couldn't cook, somebody else had obviously cooked for him. But who? He had seen Naruto in the Hokage office today, so it wasn't him. Sasuke wasn't expecting any visitors. Most of all Sasuke hated the thought someone had just strolled into his house, had contact with his child unannounced and thought they could get away with it.

I'll have to speak to Keizo about this…

He soon found Keizo in the living room playing with toys. 'Who has been here Keizo?'

Keizo always was a happy child but right now he seemed even cheerier than his usual self. 'Oh! Hi daddy!' He took a split second to think about what he would next say. 'No one.'

Would he really have to point out the obvious? 'There are used kitchen utensils in the kitchen. Someone has used them; someone has been in this house. Do not tell me no one.'

'Umm…Me! I did daddy!' Keizo couldn't look his father straight in the face while he was lying. 'I wanted to make you some dinner for when you came home… But I, I did it wrong.'

Keizo looked more than a bit shifty.

Sasuke raised his eyebrow. 'You used your Sharingan to aid with cooking?'

'…Yes.'

'What have I told you about using your Sharingan. You are too young and it will damage-

'I'm sorry daddy. I won't do it again.' Keizo looked too cheerful to have been seriously listening.

He doesn't usually lie to me so blatantly…

'Good.' He kissed Keizo on top of his head.

Keizo peered into the shopping bags Sasuke was holding. 'Are those flowers for mummy?'

'Yes.'

He gave Sasuke a massive grin. 'I'm sure she'll like them.' As soon as he said that, he continued to play with his toys.

'After I put these flowers in your mother's room, I will cook you dinner.'

'Ah-hum.' Keizo was too busy playing to listen properly.

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It was normal for Sasuke to spend time with Sakura after he had finished work. When she had first entered her coma, he found it extremely difficult to be in the same room with her. But as time passed he grew accustomed to being in the same room as her sleeping body. Now he found just simply being in her presence made his worry and stress fade away. It didn't matter if she didn't listen or speak back anymore for most of the time it was enough for Sasuke that she was alive at all. But every now and then, if he had a bad day at work or a bad patch with Keizo, Sasuke would wish she would just wake up.

Sasuke stood by her side as he carefully placed flowers in the vase on the cabinet to her side. Surprisingly for a ninja like himself Sasuke failed to notice Sakura wasn't lying as still or as silent as what she had previously been.

'You know, I had to go and see Keizo's teacher again this afternoon. It's been the third time this month.'

This is strange… Sakura wasn't expecting that. This wasn't the Sasuke she remembered. This person even sounded kind. To be truthful, she was more than afraid when she heard his footsteps coming closer to the door. Her expectations for him were very low; she wouldn't have been surprised if he hit her or something. But to start talking about Keizo as if they were an actual family? She was completely thrown off guard.

'He got into a fight… again.' He paused for a second as she heard him pulling leaves off the flowers. 'With those Hyuuga kids.'

You're talking to me like a normal person. Has time changed you Sasuke?

'Those foolish teachers. They looked at me as if I should apologise for my son's behaviour. It isn't my fault if some silly Hyuuga brats got beat up by my son. They should know their place - beneath the Uchiha.'

Sakura found it difficult to hold in a laugh. Perhaps there are certain things about you that will never change… Sasuke. I don't think you ever spoken to me as much as you have right now.

'Keizo may look like me but he undoubtedly has your personality. When I questioned him, he said those kids were picking on a weaker child and he wouldn't stand by and only watch.'

She felt the air move as Sasuke sat on the chair beside her.

'He is always putting himself in bad situations if he thinks it is the right thing to do.' Sasuke let a sigh. 'Even if it gets him into trouble. It's so wearisome. Causes me an unbelievable amount of problems. The amount of time I've had to take off missions to deal with his teachers.' She could hear the sound of him rubbing his eyes.

You've spent these five years looking after me and Keizo… all alone.

'Now he has the Sharingan he ranks first in his class on everything, none of the other children hold a candle to him. The teachers at the academy have spoken to me about graduating him early from the academy within the next three years. But I knew you wouldn't want it.'

A feeling of guilt washed over Sakura. I should have been here. I should have seen Keizo as a baby. I should have seen him take his first steps. I should have heard his first word. But I…

'Sakura, I know what you would say - just because he is physically strong enough doesn't mean he is mentally mature enough. The academy isn't just about gaining power but forming strong bonds with others.'

He sighed.

'I might not agree with you. But I will always respect your wishes.'

After everything Sasuke… It isn't fair… I shouldn't have to feel this way about you.

'If you could only meet him Sakura. I know you would be proud for him to be your son.'

Why, why did he have to go and say that for…

Sakura had held her feelings in as long as she possibly could. Now it was too late. It was impossible to stop the tears running down her face.

She heard Sasukes sharp intake of breath. He was completely shocked.

'Sakura! Can you hear me! Are you-'

His whole body had locked into a frozen state from shock while he watched her wet lashes slowly opening.

After all these years finally his onyx eyes met her emerald ones.

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Chapter one completed!

Sorry it took some time to get the main skeleton of the story together.

What do you think about the chapter? It is a bit of a slow chapter to set the story up.

Review, review, review!