Chapter Four

He stirred awake, feeling the empty side of the bed. He opened his eyes to gather he surroundings. He remembered laying in his bed falling asleep and then jolted awake when a loud sound woke him. Only the loud sound that he heard was a memory of driving over an IED. The memory of the explosion itself worked him up in cold sweat. With one thought, he went to find her. He knew she was awake and what stopped him from knocking was the thought of his little brother, Sasuke.

Itachi hated the thought of her being with someone else but that was his damn fault. So, he leaned against her door. It was past midnight, and he figured being this close to her would work. He didn't count on her opening the door and him falling back. Her offering him to sleep next to her. He felt so at peace next to her. It was as if her presence alone chased his demons away.

Taking a deep breath, he breathed in her scent. Wild blossoms with a hint of plums. That scent was addicting. Has been since that first day he ran into her. Grunting as he sat up looking around once more, seeing the mess of papers all over. A smirk played on his lips. Not letting any more of the past play in his mind, Itachi got out of bed and made his way to the kitchen.

There, Sakura was on the phone talking about patients with whom he assumed was Shizune. He leaned against the door frame watching her. She as in her element and that was the best part of her. She was still in her oversized shirt and hair in a bun with strands of it sticking out in every direction. He engraved this image of her into his mind. She may have been beautiful last night, that took his breath away. However, her dressed like this was better than beautiful.

He stood there a minute longer, before walking over to the coffee maker. He went to grab the coffee to make some when he realized they didn't have any.

"I did the same thing. We will have to grab some this morning while getting you another notebook." Sakura said behind him.

He turned around watching her place her phone down and gathering the papers she had scattered all over the table. "The notebook, I was thinking that maybe we could hold off on that." He suggested turned away from her.

"Itachi, don't you remember what we agreed upon."

"That if I have nightmares to write down and if they get worst then I'm allowed to have human touch." He said with a sigh.

He heard her walk towards her room and then reappear heading to the bathroom. "I will allow you to lay next to me but only if the nightmares get to that point. I am with your brother. I am also willing to help you, but that is it. Now I am going to shower and change." With that she the bathroom door closed.

She didn't have to remind him about his brother. He also knew that she wasn't happy with Sasuke. It was evident whenever he would see how the two would interact. Itachi, however, would never tell her that. He didn't want to hurt her.

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Walking through the little store that was close to the venue of the bruncheon, Itachi and Sakura were grabbing what they needed for the week. They got coffee and tea, then some snacks. Mostly sweet snacks, since that was what both liked. When they had all the food items, Sakura walked over the notebooks and stationeries. Itachi let her choose for him since she was the one that got him the first notebook. She bought three for him. Her reason so he wouldn't run out for a while.

Once they paid for everything, Sakura and Itachi made their way to the venue. Giving the bags to the driver, Sakura asked if he could take them back to the hotel. Without an argument, the driver nodded and went after dropping them off.

At the entrance of the venue, Sakura wrung her hands a nervous habit. Itachi reach down, holding her hands. He felt her calm down and take a deep breath before walking in.

He watched her with her head held high. She signed in and was handed the table number she was assigned too. Both walked in looking for her table. Since he was her body guard, he was stationed to the far back wall.

"Let me know if anything happens." He whispered to her when they found her table.

"Itachi I will be fine, but if anything, I will let you know. I doubt anything will happen since they are Konoha allies. This is just a bruncheon with Gaara and the lords from the villages along the border." She placed a hand on his chest to show she was alright.

Placing his hand on hers, giving it a squeeze before walking away.

He took his place on the wall and looked around before landing his eyes back on her. Itachi watched her look around before spotting someone she knew. The Kazekage, Gaara. Making her way over, he watched them greet each other with a hug. Stepping back from the hug, she smiled, and he did the same back to her. Itachi watched as they had a small conversion before another person joined in. Kankurō, Gaara older brother and right-hand man to the Kazekage. She gave him a hug in greeting. Both brothers said something that made her smile.

If Itachi was wearing his glasses, he would know what they were talking about. So, he choose to just watch her, since that was better than anything. Gaara and his brother didn't stay long as they moved to another guest. Sakura putting on a brave face, she moved around to greet the Lords and Ladies.

After an hour past by, Gaara walked up to the podium to give a speech.

"Welcome everyone from the surrounding villages and our alley, Konoha. This week is time for us to come together and discuss any news of any development and any assistance that is needed. During with this week, you will be able to explore the Village, our dessert gardens, and for those that are doctors, you can visit our hospital. On Thursday we will have a meeting with all leaders about what we can do to help each other out. By Friday there will be a ball for everyone to join. If you cannot attend that night, no hard feelings. For now, let us eat and socialize with one another. I want to just thank you for coming." A short and simple speech.

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"I want to see the hospital for today and then see the gardens tomorrow. Since we spent most of our time at brunch, going through the gardens now will last the afternoon into the night. I want to see it in the morning." Sakura rambled on as they waited for the driver.

"And after the hospital, what do you plan to do next?" Itachi asked.

"Gaara asked to see me around five. He wanted to have dinner with me and discuss things one on one. I will have to change before I meet with him." She looked down at her black pants and pink blazer with a cream cami under.

He leaned in and whispered, "I think what you have on will work." He watched as her cheek and ears turn red.

She cleared her throat. "I guess we will have to see how long the visit to the hospital will take." She took a step away from him. A smirked played on his lips.

How it was fun to tease her.

When the driver arrived, Sakura told him to head to the hospital. Itachi didn't know why, and he didn't dare ask her. He had an idea that she was going to see what they had and what Konoha could use. That was her passion. Being the doctor that everyone wanted and looked up to.

The drive was quite excepted for Sakura typing away on her phone. He glanced over to see who she was messaging. He should have guessed it. Naruto. From what he could gather, the conversion between both was about the up coming wedding.

"Didn't know that Naruto was getting married." Itachi stated, trying to start a conversation.

"Yeah. He proposed to Hinata last week. Its about time that the two of them settle down. This has been blooming for some time now. Everyone in our friend group, knew that they would end up the first to marry. Naruto is just nervous about helping her plan and how her father wants it to be done. Her father from what I hear is very happy and can't wait to have a son in law." Sakura sent one more message before putting her phone away.

"Are they planning a traditional or make it more modern?" he asked.

"Naruto wants to make it modern for all his friends and her family wants to have a more traditional wedding. I just told him to have a traditional one for everyone and then have a modern one as a celebration with all our friends. He said he would talk with Hinata about it and get back to me."

"What about you?" since they were on the topic of weddings. He was curious about what she wanted.

She was quite for a moment. He understood if she wasn't willing to share with him. "I think a more traditional one. Modern is great and all, but I rather have a traditional one." She answered. "And I would have it in the fall." She added.

"Why the fall and not the spring?"

"Because there is something about fall that calls to me. It is hard to describe it, and I know that you are thinking I should have in the spring because of my pastel pink hair." She looked at him, those jade green eyes locking him into place.

Clearing his throat, "For one I wouldn't think that. Not everyone likes spring. I don't like spring because of all the allergies that seem to spring up. It's my least favorite season. Though there is one thing about spring that I like."

"Well, what is that one thing you like about spring?" she asked, eager to learn.

"Hmm… I don't want to say." He chuckled seeing her eyes widen in disbelief.

Before she could ask why, they arrived at the hospital. He stepped out holding his hand to help her out. An elderly lady was standing out by the entrance waiting for her.

Sakura taking his hand noticed too and was out of the car before fully touching his hand.

"Lady Chiyo!" Sakura walked up and greeted Lady Chiyo with a hug and the step back. "I didn't know I would see you while I was here. I am glade that I was able too."

"Oh, Sakura always happy to see you." Taking Sakura's hand, she spoke once more. "I knew you would come to the hospital when you got the chance too. I took a gamble on today after the bruncheon. I have better luck then Princess Tsunade." Lady Chiyo chuckled leading Sakura into the hospital.

"Glade I'm your good luck charm." Sakura said with a smile.

"So, who is this young man with you?" Lady Chiyo asked as they made their way to the elevator.

"Uchiha Itachi, he is my body guard through this whole trip." Sakura explained.

Lady Chiyo leaned in to whisper in Sakura's ear. "The one that you were smitten with four or five years ago?" She knew the Itachi was listening. He was, but he wouldn't let the old lady know that.

"Yeah, but not anymore. I with his younger brother."

"The one you were smitten with back in high school and then he chose to leave after you graduated. Why did you go back to him? I never liked him since he never put you first."

"Lady Chiyo as I appreciate you wanting to know about my love life, I rather not say at this moment." Sakura pleaded with her.

Itachi knew why and about everything. He wanted to talk to her about it and explain to her what happened. He wanted to tell her that he understood why she didn't wait for him. He just needed to find the right time to talk with her.

He followed the two women as they walked through all the floors, stopping at the development and research, to his surprise, Sakura lite up while she looked at everything they had. Sakura asked as many questions as possible she could and wrote down notes. He knew what she was doing. Whatever she found she knew she was going to bring it up to Lady Tsunade about updating the development and research department.

As the tour continued, Itachi checked the time and notice they had fifteen minutes left before they met up with the Kazekage. He walked over to Sakura who looking at the infants. They were on the maternity ward and something deep within him while he watched her looking at the infants warmed him. He wasn't sure if it dealt with the fact how she was longing to be a mother or if she wished to be one in the future.

"Sorry to pull you away for the little ones, but we have fifteen minutes to head to the Kazekage's." Sakura looked at him. There was sadness deep within her eyes. He didn't dare ask about it. He just added it to a list of other things to talk to her about.

"I guess I won't be changing." She walked over to Lady Chiyo telling her that she was leaving. Lady Chiyo gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Making Sakura to promise to come back for a visit.

They took the elevator and to the car in record timing. Good thing the Kazekage's office was not the far from the hospital.

He watched her reapply her make up without care in the world that the car was moving, and that the road wasn't ideal to do this while it was on the move. When she put her make up back in her bag she leaned back against the seat when they pulled up.

Itachi repeated what he did at the hospital. Holding out his hand she took it and held onto it as they made their way to the doors.

As they made their way to the small conference room, Itachi asked. "Do you want to talk about what you were thinking about back at the hospital?"

She looked at him with the sadness barley there. "No, I rather not." She looked away when the arrived at the door. They heard voices from the other side of the door.

"Then another time then."

"Another time." She repeated when she opened the door.

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Gaara and Sakura spoke majority of the dinner talking about random things. Like the upcoming wedding with Naruto and Hinata.

"Sorry that I am late." A new voice said as they entered the room. Itachi looked up from his plate noticing it was Temari, the elder sister of the Kazekage. His ambassador of sorts with Konoha.

"Temari, I didn't think I would see you since you were with Shikamaru." Sakura stated when Temari sat next to her.

"Does everyone know about our relationship?" she asked.

A smile appeared on Sakura's lips. "Its not hard to see that you two are together. You don't hide it that well." Sakura admitted to Temari.

A heavy sigh left the blondes lips while she was pouring a glass of wine. "Since we are all about relationships. How is yours with Sasuke?"

Sakura took the kraft to pour more wine for herself. "We are ok." She answered. Something about that answer peaked Temari's interest.

"We are going to talk after this." Temari gestured around to those around the table. Gaara and his siblings and Sakura with Itachi. It was a simple quite dinner among friends.

"Shall we get the main conversation going then?" offered Sakura. The plates were pushed aside and taken away by the kitchen staff. Everyone gave their thanks when they left. Leaning back against her seat she waited until Gaara or one of his siblings would say something.

Gaara cleared his throat, "We would like to expand our farming land into Konoha. I know there is already some land that was given to use years ago. However, the land that was given to us isn't producing any vegetation. We need fresh land to start over. Of course, we would share what is produced with Konoha."

"I am sure that won't be an issue. I spoke with Lady Tsunade about that possibility. She told me that she would think about the offer was given. Since it was given, I am a 100% positive that you will get the new land to grow your crops."

A stratified smile appeared on Gaara's face. "Then what about you?" he asked.

"I want to do a student exchange program with the hospital." Sakura stated. "I was the first one to come over here and learn. I think it would be beneficial if we have students from your village and our village learning from one another. By doing this we could come up cures and solutions for preventing an illness."

Itachi smiled as he thought about how she was yet again in her element whenever she spoke about the hospital.

"I don't see why couldn't. Of course, I would have to speak with the hospital and the board about the idea. I am sure you would have to do the same."

"True and I'm only able to let Shizune know about this, but I am not able to be there in person until next month. I am planning to bring this up to the other nations. I think doing this could help everyone in the long run. However, I just want to test it out between our villages. If it works, then I will go from there."

Gaara leaned forward placing his elbows on the table, resting his chin on his clasped hands. "Would this program just go to Konoha and Sunagakure? Or would you included the surrounding villages?"

"Everyone." She answered right away. "I want everyone to have the opportunity to explore his or her dream." She added.

"Then we have a plan in motion. I will let you know what the board and the hospital come up with." Gaara stood up. "I wish I could stay and talk more, but I have unfinished work to do." Sakura stood up when Gaara walked over to her. They both hugged before he turned to walk away. Kankurō followed him leaving Temari with them.

"Itachi would you be ok with me taking Sakura out for some drinks? I promise to bring her home safe and sound."

Itachi looked at Temari and then Sakura. "Itachi I will be fine, and I will be safe. Take the night off." Sakura pleaded more with him.

He stood up and walked over to Sakura. He leaned down close to her ear to whisper. "Just let me know when you are on the way." His breath tickled her ear, making her shiver and blush all over.

Taking a step back he told them to have fun before leaving. The drive to the hotel was a blur. When he got back to their room, he took the time to put what they bought away. Someone from the hotel put the fridge stuff away. He was thankful that it didn't spoil. He made mental note to thank them.

Getting the coffee pot set to go off in the morning, he went over to the table and organized Sakura's mess. She may have stacked all her papers, but they were still in a scattered mess. So, he put them in order how she liked them. Doing that didn't take much time, so when he was done with that, he took a shower.

With everything done and showered, Itachi took the notebooks that she bought him and sat down on the couch. Grabbing one, he cracked it opened and began to write about his nightmare from the night before and about her.

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Author's note:

Seems like there is more about Itachi and Sakura relationship coming to play. Any hints or ideas my dear readers? Don't be afraid to share in the comments. I always look forward to what you all have to say. I hope you all enjoy and thank you for being part of this journey. I want to welcome the ones that started to follow this story I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am as I am writing it. Hope you all have a great day or night.

Choi Jiah.