At the rate they were traveling, Sakura estimated another twelve hours before they reached Konoha. It was not a bad pace, but her company was being grumpy. It had delayed them for a short time. However, after getting back on track, the interaction replayed in Sakura's mind.

Itachi returned to camp that afternoon to wake her.

"We need to go, you've most likely been poisoned. The sooner we get back, the sooner you can avoid becoming ill," Itachi said, gathering his belongings.

Sakura sat up with a groan," Uchiha-san, slow down."

"No, you need to pick up the pace."

Standing with a huff, she grabbed his elbow, "Itachi, please just hold on a moment."

Turning in her grip, both of his hands grabbed her upper arms, a scowl on his face and eyes swirling with what looked like concern.

"I told you that you would get hurt because of me. Look at you! Multiple lacerations and stab wounds, one that was fatal…you're lucky that you're a highly skilled medic," he said, stepping closer and invading her personal space.

"It would have never happened had you not come for me. So, for once, look after yourself properly without worrying about someone else!" Itachi hissed out, angry at her for not being upset with him.

"Whoa, wait!" Sakura shot back, "you don't seriously blame yourself for this, do you?"

The shinobi was usually on point with hiding his emotions, however, this woman was exceptionally good at making him feel things. His eyes held guilt and concern when he released his hold on her.

"Don't be dumb, Itachi! I am a shinobi. Something like this would have happened sooner or later. I work for the Hokage, I already have a target on my back!" her voice rising with her temper. To hell with honorifics.

Itachi's jaw twitched as he clenched his teeth together. Stepping away to continue packing and erasing their presence from the campsite. Sakura soon joined in after his lack of response. Slightly fuming, she packed away her bedroll and finished with her pack. Slinging it up on her shoulders, she tightened it firmly in place and turned to him.

"Hey," she said, walking towards him as he dismantled the makeshift stove and spreading the ashes. Sighing when he did not look up at her, she decided to continue anyway. "Please, don't be upset. This isn't your fault."

Finishing the cover-up, the raven turned to her and walked past her as he put on his mask.

"Let's go."

Rude. Sakura frowned but caught up to him easily.

"Uchiha-san, just try and relax," she said walking next to him.

"Relax?" Itachi growled. "Are you joking?"

"No, I'm not," the rosette said cutting in front of him, stopping his stride short. "The last thing we should be doing is pushing on without clearing the air."

"Fine. I will clear the air," he said, his voice becoming dangerously low, "You must have ignored my previous comment. You have been poisoned, yet you do not seem to be worried. Why is that?"

Being unable to see his face bothered the kunoichi, so she donned her mask as well.

"You must really enjoy stripping me of my secrets," she responded just as icily. He crossed his arms, relaxing his shoulders just a bit.

It's not the only thing I would strip you of…

Itachi's jaw clenched. "Enlighten me."

Sakura cursed softly into her mask. It took this man no time at all to get not one but two facts about herself that was not common knowledge to those around her. Throwing her palms out to her sides, they fell to slap her thighs in defeat. How embarrassing.

"I'm immune."

"Right…" he moved to walk around her but was stopped by Sakura's five-foot step and the removal of her mask.

"Itachi, look at me," she demanded. He did, but his mask stayed in place. "I'm not worried because I am immune. Any poison that I have been exposed to does not affect me. I hope you believe me."

Itachi looked her over. She showed no signs of trying to mislead him. Stepping forward, he placed his palm on her temple and cheek. Blinking in response, she just watched him. The raven was initiating contact on his own! His hand moved down to her neck, palming at her neckline. Then, he released her with a nod.

"You aren't running a fever, like I thought you'd be," he said stepping back, "sorry."

Putting her mask back in place, she cocked her head in question, "why are you sorry?" she asked while naturally falling into step when he moved forward. Their footfalls light as to not bring attention to themselves.

"For not believing you," he said, eyes staying forward. The shinobi felt the kunoichi's gaze. "Also, for my attitude."

Sakura chuckled next to him. "Nah, don't kick yourself over it! You were just concerned. I appreciate that, Uchiha-san," she said, smiling behind the porcelain fox.

"I seem to be underestimating you at every turn. It will not happen again," he said, silently promising himself.

"As much as I appreciate you saying it, I don't think that is the only reason," she started, jumping up into a tree. Once he joined her on the sturdy branch she continued, "I think you were genuinely concerned for my wellbeing."

No shit? Of course, he was! Hell, they have traveled together for a month, spending every waking moment together since she found him and offered the chance of a better life. Aside from being attracted to her, it was what he would imagine a friendship to be like. Were they friends? He had only really been friends with Sasuke and his cousin, Shisui, and those friendships ended long ago. However, the thought of protecting and being protected by someone felt like the right path. That was what comrades did for each other, right? Even though the genuine feeling felt so foreign after all this time, it wasn't as if he could ever forget how it feels to care for someone. He cared about Shisui and still cares for Sasuke...and now Sakura.

Sakura put herself in harm's way for him. Itachi scanned through his memories and realized that no one had ever bothered to do that for him, except Shisui. Although, more than capable of protecting himself, it was the thought that counted in his opinion. The actions of another reflected their character. What did that say about him? Darkness and death consumed him and his inner thoughts most of the time. Recently it was not the case, considering Sakura's influence brought him out of those dark places. It warmed the cold parts of his heart that he had closed off so long ago.

Looking at her through his mask, he gave her a nod.

"I was concerned."

It was clear to him now. Sakura was a true friend. Supportive, protective and not afraid to call him out on his bullshit.

"What was that? You say, you were concerned about me, Itachi-kun?" Sakura chuckled, nudging him with her elbow.

"Ugh. Let's go already." Itachi said as he jumped to the next branch.

"Hey, wait! What did you find out about the rogue kunoichi?!"

Meeting his pace amongst the dying leaves, the wind carried their chakra fueled feet and her light laughter forward.

Sometime after hours of relentless travel, they stopped near a shrine that housed a natural spring. Sakura refilled her waterskin and satiated her thirst. Itachi had dropped the grumpy attitude and settled on an unreadable expression as he sat close by, eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.

Sakura looked over the contents of what Itachi found on the poison expert. Holding up each vial in the light, examining the consistency and color moving inside of the glass bottles. She would have to wait to get a closer look until she was at home.

Since they were so close to Konoha, she decided that it would be safe enough to send a message to Tsunade about sending someone for the Bounty Station.

Willow, Yao…her ink drifted over the parchment with precise strokes, containing coordinates to find her body with the promise of a conversation once she arrived back in the village. Using a summoning technique, she summoned what would be a small slug to report back to her shishou. The small Katsuyu swallowed the scroll and phased out, successfully on her way to complete the task of courier. Once she had put everything away and back into place, the two of them continued their journey at a more comfortable pace. They had been pushing themselves quite a bit.

Taking this time to reflect on everything he had learned, Itachi continued to travel at a fast pace without breaking a sweat. He felt comfortable letting his mind wander while Sakura took the lead and slowed them down to regain stamina.

The kunoichi wants to heal the damage his eyes had acquired throughout the years of constant use. Treatment and healing could lead to an even stronger dojutsu. Sakura had also mentioned the possibility of working in the hospital as her partner. Aspects of a better, healthier life were being added to the list of ways he could benefit the village and himself. Rebuilding his reputation in a positive light in the eyes of Konoha was going to be difficult, however he has Sakura and the current Hokage backing him up.

Itachi was not used to normal life within the village but he was a quick learner. If he were to decide to pursue medic training, he would have to dedicate a lot of time in study and gaining experience. Eventually, it could lead to him being able to take better care of his eyes and learn more about the physiology of a dojutsu specialist, further aiding other shinobi with techniques of their own.

Seeking to further his own ends on these matters were not the only priority for him now. His budding friendship with Sakura had him yearning for more.

Yet, socializing was difficult for him. Brain-to-mouth was never perfect and the way he spoke would most likely end up offending someone. It was not that he didn't have manners; his manners were mostly impeccable. The awkward way of existing around others was not his forte, which is what he mostly struggled with. The raven was used to being alone, but the shinobi would not go out of his way to offend another; however, it is what would happen. At least, those he had met within the Akatsuki either accepted him or hated him. Or both. Before that, he was ostracized because of his skill. He hadn't cared then, but now he was considering a profession that dealt with common folk and shinobi alike. Itachi would have to start caring.

Although, it was not as if he didn't care. Feeling jaded in the way of believing that life is important when he has been the cause of so much death, the shadows in his mind told him that he deserved the misery. How hypocritical of him to want to take an oath to save lives when he was so good at ending them.

That was what brains do, right? Impossibly intricate organs, yet they tell you things to make you believe that you don't deserve the good. Do we? Does he?

Who was he to say that he deserved anything good?

Haruno-san…

Sakura said that he deserved redemption. Such a willful young woman was so set in her ways of knowing what she thought was right or wrong, good or evil. Itachi's view was always skewed. He murdered his entire clan to prevent the annihilation of the village he pledged to protect. He had to slaughter so many of his own kin, then was forced to turn away from the very lives he saved from the coup d'etat, ultimately becoming their enemy. It was kill or be killed. Either way, he was already dead.

Itachi had numbed himself to it for all this time, telling himself that it was for the greater good. Now, because of recent events, he was pissed off. How dare they be content with their decision?!

Then, the anger he felt melted away slightly at remembering where he was now. What is done, is done. He had at least two allies and he was not going to waste his or Sakura's time by mucking it up. She dedicated herself and went head-to-head with her master to find him, knowing full well the dangers that came with such a mission. Not only that, but she did it alone.

Perhaps he was seeing more similarities between them, the more he thought about it. Surrounded by what makes up the world they live in, they both felt a terrible loneliness that shadowed them in the back of their minds. The kunoichi was surrounded by loved ones, but it did not invalidate her feelings. They were very real. Knowing that, even though a shinobi could relate from their own experiences, no one could understand her torment and no one could ever understand his. They both shoulder things that no one could feasibly relate to, even among so many shinobi.

Such a strong, young woman. Caring and willing to help, even if it would bring harm to herself. She did find him, of all the things to dedicate her time to, when she would have been saving lives at the hospital. A woman such as Sakura felt the need to do this for him; to give him a second chance. To stain her beauty with his filth was honorable yet detrimental to her health, in his opinion.

Maybe Sakura was right. Perhaps he does deserve redemption, but she does as well.

The eldest Uchiha prodigy was about to make a comeback with the help of the strongest kunoichi he has ever met.

"Itachi-saaan."

Rapidly coming back from his reflections, he focused on the rosette looking up at him.

"Are you alright?" she asked, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"Yes. Are you?" He responded. Nodding her head, she inhales deeply.

"Do you smell that? We are so close to home," she said, grinning up at him.

Readjusting her pack on her shoulders, she turned to keep walking on the trail when she was stopped by calloused fingers gently grasping her hand.

"Hm?" Sakura hummed in question at the reason for the contact he initiated. She stopped and turned back to face him.

"I promise to do what I can to help you, Sakura-san. Although," Itachi said, pausing at what he wanted to say, "I feel as though you will only bring more misery your way once I set foot back in Konoha."

"This again?" Sakura asked, squeezing his hand in a comforting gesture. "I appreciate you saying that, but I can handle myself. You say it as if I were the patient!" she chuckled, keeping it lighthearted. The last thing she wanted was for him to relapse.

"I know, I'm your patient, but what happens after? Would I be accepted to study as a medic?" he asked, still worried of the tarnish his presence would cause to her reputation.

Sakura's eyes brightened at the mention of his interest in medicine and remembered their previous conversations.

"Really? You want to be my partner?" she clasped his hand with both hands.

"Well, I didn't say that, but if that is what it leads to…yes." He responded, his deep voice quiet as he stood in front of her. Mildly self-conscious of his response, although he had thought it through, his fingers twitched in her excited death-grip.

"Alright, I am pumped!" she exclaimed with a big smile and released his hand after another squeeze. "Try not to worry yourself too much. I will be with you every step of the way, no matter what. It is what I promised you, remember?" she reminded him as she began walking again.

His mind took him back to their first encounters as he followed behind her. She had promised him something along those lines…of living in such a lonely world, together.

"I do."

"Good. You'll help me by letting me help you, Itachi-san."

Two masked figures, dirty, sweaty and exhausted, finally reached the gates of Konoha. The sun had gone down hours ago and not much could be heard from the sleeping village. The guards waved them down and recognizing Sakura's rosette head, they let them pass. Quietly, unnoticeably, the two made their way through the village towards the Hokage's tower. Untouched snow began to accumulate on rooftops and the empty streets. Autumn was coming to an end as the shift from the colors in the falling leaves was a gradual transformation into bare hibernation.

Taking it slow, Sakura led Itachi through the village. Much had changed since the last time he had been around, so she pointed out things such as new markets, which buildings had been rebuilt, and the new head that had been carved into the mountain. Also, she pointed out some of her favorite shops and directions to some newly constructed training grounds before walking up the long set of stone stairs. No one was around to stare at them, and she figured he would be comfortable under the protective blanket of silent night. Passing only a few shinobi, they said nothing to Sakura or her companion.

Leading him through a set of doors and up more stairs, they coalesced at the doors to the Hokage's office. Sakura knew that she would indeed be inside waiting for their arrival, so she twisted the knob and pushed open the door.

Itachi rushed in front of Sakura, Sharingan ablaze as he blocked two kunai with his own and they ricocheted to embed themselves into the walls on either side of them. Having not flinched at all, Sakura sighed in frustration.

"Shishou, why must you play these tricks on us?" she growled out at her master.

Tsunade sat regally at her desk with a smug smirk on her flushed face, clasping a cup of sake between her fingers. Shizune stood beside her, relaxing her stance after throwing knives at her master's student.

"You have quite the reflexes."

Sheathing his blades, he grunted in response. His annoyance was also apparent. Feeling a familiar, comforting hand on his shoulder, he glanced back at Sakura.

"Thank you, Itachi-san. My shishou forgets her manners when she's plastered," she said with a glare to Tsunade as she passed him and walked towards the large desk in front of an even larger window.

"Report, my student."

Standing at attention, although irate, Sakura did as she was ordered.

"Phase one of the mission has been completed. Ready for phase two," the kunoichi said.

"Good. I received your message about a particular kunoichi from the Land of Iron. Quite an interesting encounter. I assume you have what you need from her?"

"Yes, shishou."

"I thought so," Tsunade said, reaching out for the slip Shizune held out to her. "It appears that my contact has successfully retrieved the body and is taking it to the Bounty Station as we speak. I will make sure the reward goes into your account when the funds arrive."

"Thank you," Sakura said as she bowed.

"Now…you may begin phase two, my student," Tsunade said, voice husky from drinking all night.

"Yes, shishou. We will retire for the night. Expect a message from me sometime in the afternoon with further information," said the rosette.

"Welcome home, Sakura…Itachi. Rest well. The both of you have earned it," the Hokage said with a softer tone. "Dismissed."

With the wave of the Hokage's hand, Sakura ushered Itachi out of the office and closed the door behind them.

"Not the most conventional way to greet your student after months of being away on a mission…" Itachi mumbled to the rosette as she led them out of the tower.

Sakura sighed and grumbled something about 'annoying' and 'but she's my shishou'.

"I got used to it after a while. Come on, let's go home."

Down the stairs and round-about a few small streets into a more localized part of the village, she brought them to an apartment building that was just a few blocks from the hospital.

"You don't have much of a commute. Must be nice," Itachi commented as she used a key to open the door to the building.

"It definitely comes in handy if I'm ever on call," she said as he followed her inside.

Taking the stairs, they climbed up three flights of stairs to reach her apartment door. Sakura's shoulders slumped visibly as she unlocked her door.

Walking inside the apartment, the scent of Sakura invaded Itachi's senses.

"Please, make yourself at home."

Flicking on a few lights gave him a better idea of the layout of her apartment. The living room was comfortable; a couch and chair with a coffee table arranged to accommodate both with a few shelves to house books, pictures and a few sentimental trinkets. It led to the kitchen that was visible from the open concept of making it not so cramped, there was plenty of room to move around with a small dining room table against the wall with three chairs tucked into it neatly.

"I have a spare bedroom for you. Let me show you."

Sakura led him down the small hallway and to the room on the left. She opened the door and allowed him to step through.

It was a small bedroom, but it was perfect for him. There was a twin bed and a dresser for any clothes that he would put into it. The color scheme was kept neutral with hints of greys and blues, like the comforter and curtains. Dark wood floors were kept safe with an area rug in the center, matching the color scheme of the room. There was a small closet for anything to hang or store and a small, glass lamp sat on the dresser allowing warm light to brighten the room.

"Get comfortable. Spare clothing is in the dresser, to hold you over until you can get more. The bathroom is across the hall and my bedroom is at the end. Feel free to shower. I'm about to do just that," Sakura explained further as he turned to face her, "this is your place now too, Itachi-san."

All the raven could do was bow.

"Thank you, Sakura-san. I will not be a burden," he said, gratefulness exuded in his tone. He straightened his posture, not allowing the exhaustion to take over quite yet.

"I know you won't, don't be silly! You're my friend, not a burden," she said with a smile.

"Welcome home."

It did not take long for Itachi to sort out his belongings in his new room. The shinobi didn't own much, so he quickly arranged and sorted everything into their respective places. He stared at the bottom of his bag and reached inside for the cloak he had forfeited a while ago.

Bright red clouds on shadow-black material stared back at him as he reached in to pull it out. Such an offensive cloak…he kept it as a reminder. It was going in the bottom of his closet to lay forgotten, until he decided to burn it.

Gathering his toiletries, he decided a hot shower was needed and headed across the hall. He closed the door behind him and stripped out of his ninja garb. The items were in much need of a good washing, but he could worry about that tomorrow. None the less, he folded them neatly and placed them near the door to grab on his way out.

Starting the water, he pulled his hair from the band that held it together. Sighing as steam began to fill the air, he began to slowly but thoroughly wash himself. Washing away the dirt and dark thoughts, he melted into the hot stream and thought of…nothing. For once, he only felt as the hot water rinsed away the thoughts that had a grip on him for so long.

Finishing up, he dried off and brushed his teeth and hair. Itachi dressed himself in sleepwear that Sakura had provided for him, blue and black paisley pajama pants and a grey t-shirt. He braided his hair down his back and sighed, feeling more relaxed than he ever had in years. Leaving his toiletries in the bathroom, he grabbed his pile of clothes and exited the bathroom. Steam followed him out as he strode silently to his room but stopped at the muffled sounds coming from Sakura's room.

Was she…crying?

Sakura wanted to give Itachi plenty of space to become acclimated to his new living arrangement. Thankful for the bathroom in her room, she stripped down and threw everything in her hamper, immediately heading for the shower. Making quick work of cleansing, her exhaustion was more apparent in the hot water. Sakura brushed her teeth and barely dried off her hair before leaving the bathroom to put on shorts and a t-shirt that was too big for her. Now, in the darkness of her bedroom, she flopped onto her bed and pulled the covers up and over her torso.

The sound of Itachi making use of the bathroom was something she could get used to. It was nice to have someone else in the apartment. She bit her lip as tears began to well up and drip down to her ears.

"I did it," she whispered. "I fucking did it!" her whisper became hoarse as her throat constricted as all of the exhaustion and torrent of feelings she experienced throughout her mission came rushing to the surface.

The young woman turned into the pillow and sobbed, unable to prevent the waves from crashing down.

Itachi's heart wrenched at the sounds Sakura was trying to stifle. He went to his room and threw the pile of clothes and armor down and then found himself at her bedroom door.

"Sakura?" he asked softly at her door.

A gasp and a sniffle reached his ears.

"Yes?" Her voice was tight.

"I'm coming in."

The raven twisted the doorknob and cracked open the door. The night was clear enough that the reflection of snow illuminated her room. She sat up, wiping at her face.

"What's up? Are you alright?" Sakura asked, throwing the blankets from her and standing up out of bed to meet him.

"I'm fine. You are not," he said, as he reached for her.

Palm meeting her neckline, he pulled her closer to him and gently wrapped her in a hug.

"W-what…?"

"I'm here for you, Sakura. You do not have to bear it alone anymore."

The young woman's fists clenched at his shirt as her breath caught in her throat. She tried to stave off the next wave of tears but failed as she wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed as she buried her face in his chest.

"I'm sorry! It's just…a lot right now," Sakura whimpered into his shirt.

Itachi may not have comforted anyone in an exceptionally long time, but he had not forgotten how to do so. He believed that Sakura would do the same thing.

"I understand. You're allowed to feel this way," Itachi said, voice still quiet. She squeezed him a little tighter and he reciprocated, holding her firmly against him without smothering her.

Not bothered by the moisture seeping through his shirt, he continued to hug her in the darkness, and he wouldn't let go until she was ready.

After a few minutes, her sobs died down to sniffles and her hold on him loosened. Itachi took that as the signal to let her go.

"You should try to get some rest now," Itachi offered as she wiped at her damp face with her hands.

"You're right. Thank you," she said weakly, "I'll go splash some water on my face and head back to bed. I hope that you sleep well."

Turning back to leave her room he stopped short of closing her door as he heard…

"Thank you, again. See you soon."

Itachi shut her door and went to his room. Leaving the door cracked, he took off the tear-stained shirt and tossed it aside before crawling into bed.

Sighing into the comfort of his bed, he almost began to process the events of the night, but sleep managed to reach him first.

Welcome back! We made it to another chapter. Thanks for coming this far, I appreciate you.