"Oh, hey Itachi," Sakura says softly as she chews on the inside of her cheek.

She felt disappointed that it was not Sasuke there to pick her up like he said that he would. It left a saddening feeling in her stomach when a million reasons filter through her mind. Was he still mad at her? Did he not want her to meet his parents? What if something happened? The possibilities were endless and she found little to no questions that couldn't be asked.

"Are you ready to go?" He asks politely and she nods.

"I'll be back later, mom," Sakura says and gives her mom a quick hug before following after Itachi who, ever the gentleman, holds the door open for her.

"Thank you for picking me up, I appreciate it," Sakura says as they start walking towards the Uchiha residence. "I could have walked myself, though, if I had known that Sasuke wouldn't be able to make it. I hate to trouble you," she says softly.

"It's no problem at all."

Sakura nods, allowing the silence to fall across them. The walk wasn't far and she still had the question as to why Sasuke wasn't there to pick her up on the tip of her tongue.

"Is Sasuke not home?" She questions, her eyes falling on the empty driveway save for three other vehicles - none of them Sasuke's truck. Itachi shakes his head, opening the door for her as they travel up the steps.

"No, he had to go take care of something," Itachi answers and leaves it at that.

Sakura chews on her bottom lip, her mind going to several places at once. Why couldn't Sasuke have let her known?

As per usual, the house was beautifully done but Sakura couldn't help but take note of the extra cleanliness. From the normally empty kitchen, save for Itachi's occasional presence, emerged a woman only a couple of inches taller than Sakura. She had waist-length black hair and warm grey eyes, but what drew her in was the uncanny similarity she had with Sasuke and Itachi.

"Hi, I'm Mikoto," the woman greets warmly, "Sasuke's mom." Sakura smiles at her back, thinking she was going in for a handshake but is instead pulled into a hug that nearly took her breath away. For someone so petite, she had a strong embrace. Caught off guard, Sakura stumbles over her words.

"I'm Sakura," she breathes out and Mikoto beams.

"It is lovely to meet you! Please, please," the older woman guides her further into the house and Itachi closes the door softly, "come sit and make yourself comfortable. I'm sure Sasuke will be here at any minute. Dinner is just a tad behind schedule, but it will be ready soon."

Sakura smiles, feeling a little overwhelmed, but sitting down when suggested to do so.

"Itachi, dear, why don't you find out where your brother is?" Mikoto suggests sweetly.

"Yes, mother."

Sakura watches him head upstairs and Sakura feels a little disappointed at being left alone with Mikoto. She is a nice woman, but Sakura felt a little overwhelmed and was slightly more at ease knowing that she had Itachi there.

Itachi and her weren't close by any means, but she had talked to him a few times before and that was enough to make her feel more comfortable around him than their mother.

She chews on her lip, trying her best not to snoop around the house with her wondering eyes, and also trying to appear polite. She didn't want to give the wrong impression. This is the first time that she has formally met her even though she has been over a couple of times. As far as she knew, they were out of town on a trip up until that morning she and Sasuke spent the night together.

"So, tell me, how did you meet my sweet boy?" Mikoto asks as she comes to sit down on the chair opposite of where Sakura sat. "I do hope he has been a gentleman."

"Uh, well, we met the day that you all moved into town. He stopped me on my way home from the beach," Sakura says and a dreamy look passes over her face. She still couldn't believe that someone like Sasuke had resisted Ino's charm and asked for her number. It was mind-boggling that she had also been the lucky one to lose her innocence to him. "Not to worry, Mrs. Uchiha-"

"Mikoto, dear, please call me Mikoto."

Sakura smiles hesitantly before continuing, fumbling over her words slightly awkwardly, "He has been nothing short of a gentleman." She decided to leave out the bits of him being kind of a twat now and then. It was little things, nothing to go telling his mother about.

"I'm glad to hear that."

They spend time talking for a little while. Though Sakura felt a little awkward and out of place at times in the woman's presence, she quickly felt a little more at ease. She found Mikoto charming and Mikoto found her the same in return. When Itachi comes down the stairs the two women don't notice, too wrapped up in their conversation that had somehow ended up with Mikoto pulling out the baby pictures of her two darling boys.

"Aw, they were so sweet and innocent looking," Sakura giggles and Mikoto nods in agreement.

"They were," she sighs out. "I just wish they had stayed that way."

"Sasuke didn't answer his phone," Itachi interrupts their conversation, and Mikoto sighs while Sakura's heart seizes in panic. She hoped that he was okay. It was early in their relationship, but she felt a strong connection with him. He was her first with a lot of things and because of this, she felt an attachment to him.

"Sasuke texted me, he will be home soon," comes a deep voice from the staircase. Coming down the stairs was one of the most intimidating men that Sakura had ever seen. His mouth seemed to be in a permanent frown and the tension in his brows put Hinata's dads resting bitch face to shame. Sakura couldn't help but feel a little nervous when his charcoal eyes focused on her.

"Hello, it is nice to finally meet the girl who has seemed to catch my sons' attention." He walks towards her, offering his hand in greeting. "I am Fugaku."

"I'm Sakura, it's a pleasure to meet you," she says and quickly stands up to shake his hand firmly. Everything about a person could be told through their handshake and she wanted to make sure she appeared strong and worthy.

It wasn't an unknown fact that Sakura is a people pleaser and loved it when she knew that she was held in high regard. Anything less and she was filled with an ugly feeling of anxiety, dread, and constant self-doubt. Deep down, it all seemed to stem from her need to be perfect for her parents and not waste all of their hard work.

Fugaku nods, withdrawing his hand, and turns to his wife.

"Shall we go ahead and set up the table? I'm sure it won't be too much longer," Fugaku says and Mikoto nods.

"You two just stay in here, we'll call you both when it is ready," she says softly to Sakura and Itachi before following her husband into the kitchen.

It left Sakura and Itachi alone in the living room. The two were standing there in silence with Sakura staring at a wall.

"He's okay."

"I'm sorry?" Sakura asks, snapping her attention from the wall and focusing on Itachi.

"Sasuke," he supplies before reiterating, "he is okay."

Sakura blinks before it clicks and she smiles softly, "Oh. Of course he is, thank you."

Itachi nods and they are brought into silence again, but Sakura can't seem to stop fidgeting or focus on anything.

"So, what made you leave Akatsuki?" She questions, deciding to just get out some of her curiosity. "I mean, you are obviously still close to some of the members, so it couldn't have been disputes or resentments."

"I had to stop performing to focus on the family business."

"Oh.."

A moment passes and Sakura thinks the answer over. It made sense, but it still left another question.

"Do you miss it?"

As he is about to answer, the door is opened and Sakura looks over to see a disgruntled Sasuke.

His hair is all messy, his clothes in a disarray, and questionable marks were on his face and neck. Sakura's eyes widened in worry, completely forgetting about her conversation with Itachi. She rushes over to him.

"Are you okay?" She says worriedly and he only grunts, slightly shouldering her away.

"I'm fine," he fends her off as he heads up the stairs. "I'm going to shower, I'll be down in a minute."

Sakura is left standing by the doorway, staring at the stairs that he retreated up. Itachi watches her before looking in the direction of the stairs as well.

"Was that Sasuke?" Mikoto asks, coming back to the living room, her eyes searching the room for her youngest.

"Yes," Itachi answers and she nods.

"Food is ready," she smiles and gestures for them to file into the dining room.

Sakura nods, following after Itachi but not without casting quick glances up the stairs for any sign of Sasuke. Once inside the dining room, her breath is taken away and her mind is distracted from her boyfriend. The dining room is beautiful - filled with gold accents and redwood furniture. It was a complete contrast from the dingy dining room that Madara had always welcomed them to. That was just looking at the dining room itself and not the amazing food that was on the dining room table.

"I hope you like it, I wasn't sure what you liked so I made a bit of everything," Mikoto says softly as she finds her seat to the right of Fugaku who was at the head of the table.

Itachi pulls out a chair on the left side of the table, gesturing for Sakura to have a seat. She smiles at him, sitting down, and offering a "Thank you." Itachi sits down next to her, closest to Fugaku, and Sakura fiddles with her hands in her lap.

She had time to get accustomed to Mikoto, but she wasn't sure she would ever be comfortable around Fugaku. The man just screamed judgment, intimidation, and all things testosterone.

"I'm assuming Sasuke is in the shower?" Fugaku questions, settling his gaze on Itachi.

"Yes, father," he answers and Sakura couldn't help but feel her heart squeeze at the slightly less warm tone that he used with Fugaku. It wasn't like how he talked to Mikoto. She figured there must be some strain there and Sakura couldn't help but let her mind wander to Itachi's time in his band.

"I'm here," Sasuke says and takes a seat across from Sakura and next to Mikoto. His eyes settle on Sakura and as they do, he adjusts the collar of his shirt to settle high and rest on the underside of his jaw. Sakura only gives him a small smile, deciding on completely ignoring how he brushed her off before.

"Are you alright? You didn't look too good on the way inside," Sakura asks softly and with concern in her voice.

"Yes, what did happen, brother?" Itachi asks, settling cool eyes on him. Sasuke huffs, rolling his eyes.

"I got into a fight."

"You did what," Mikoto says sharply and Sakura slightly ducks into her seat. She had never expected a tone like that to ever come from such a sweet woman like Mikoto. Perhaps she really is related to Sasuke after all.

"Mikoto, dear, we can deal with this later. We have a guest," comes Fugaku's calm response and Mikoto visibly calms and returns to her cheery persona.

"Right, right," she lightly clasps her hands together. "Let's eat!" She cheers and Sasuke didn't have to be told twice to dig in. He seemed pretty hungry and Sakura just chalked it up to the adrenaline after a fight.

Dinner goes by without much more incidence. Sakura genuinely enjoyed spending time with the Uchiha household and she hoped that they felt the same way. When it was time to leave, Sakura didn't want to go but she knew she had to. It was nearly ten at night and she had school in the morning.

"Come over whenever you like, Sakura," Fugaku says and Mikoto nods in agreement as she pulls Sakura into one last hug.

"Thank you for having me," Sakura says and says her final farewells. It leaves just her and Sasuke on the doorstep.

The air around them is slightly awkward and tense which causes Sakura to toe at the ground, avoiding eye contact. Sasuke sighs before starting to walk. Quickly, Sakura runs to catch up with him.

"Where are you going?" She questions, noticing that they are crossing the road instead of heading down the street to her house. "This isn't the way to my house."

"I know."

"Oh," she says softly and debates following after him but her mind is made up for her when he grabs onto her hand. He tugs her gently, pulling her towards him, as he hops over the small fence to the beach. There was seldom anyone around: just them, a couple and a dog further down, the ocean and the stars. They come to a stop at the shoreline and Sasuke pulls her close, wrapping his arm around her.

"I'm sorry."

Her heart quickens in pace when she hears those words. She looks up at him to get a good look at his face and finds him looking down at her with a gentle expression. She didn't need to ask what he was apologizing for. She knew - at least, she thinks she knows. Sakura wants to tell him how she feels, how she felt, but it all disappeared when she caught the soft expression in his eyes. She wanted to tell him how much of an ass he could be, but the only thing she could think about is how vulnerable he seemed to be underneath the moonlight with the sound of the ocean serving as his ballad.

"It's okay," she settles for instead.

And she knew it would be, too.

From: Unknown

Subject: none

To: Sakura H.

Yes. (12 a.m.)

Sakura woke up in the early hours of the morning. The clock next to her bedside read 5 a.m. but she could seldom concentrate on that when her mind was reeling over who this mystery number is. She didn't want to respond to it because she had no idea who it could be. The text was unusual: it had no subject line and it was such a simple text. It gave no inclination as to who it could be.

Setting her phone down, she focuses on just getting ready for the day instead, but is side-tracked once more when she catches sight of the beach across the street.

"What a great morning for a run," she sighs out.

So run she did.

There was nothing more liberating than the gentle wind dancing with the strands of her hair while the waves played her favorite song in her ear. Mornings like this were her favorite. There was never a more bright smile on her face than in moments like this when she is alone and in her favorite place.

Up ahead she spots a bench and she decides that's a good place to stop before she heads back. Sitting down she lets out a breath of air, feeling her body relax. She watches the sunrise and she enjoys seeing the colors in the sky. It reminded her of painting, something she enjoyed doing but just wasn't very good at. She sits there and sits there, nothing on her mind and just her among the sea and sand.

Just her being.

She loved it.

On her way back, Sakura sees Itachi and Sasuke outside of their house. They seem to be in a heated argument but neither seems to notice her as Sasuke storms into the house. At least, she thought so, before her eyes meet Itachi's. He gives her a small smile and she returns it. She's about to go about her way but he is heading towards her, so she stays in one spot.

"Hey," she says as he stops in front of her.

"I just wanted to apologize for you witnessing that argument and also for the late text I sent last night," he says calmly. She is taken aback.

"That was you?" She asks and he nods. She laughs quietly, shaking her head. "I had no idea! There wasn't any inclination as to who it was - I was kinda worried someone crazy got ahold of my number," she jokes. He chuckles softly and silence shifts over them. "Uh.. so what was that text referring to?"

"You asked me if I missed performing."

Oh, that's right. She did ask that, didn't she? Sakura had never got her answer because of Sasuke walking into the house.

"Then why did you stop?"

"I told you."

"No, why did you really stop," she asks again. She thought she might know, but it wasn't her place to make assumptions. If he wanted to, he would tell her. She isn't going to force answers out of him especially since she didn't know him personally to really even have the right to.

Itachi stares at her, trying to get a good look at her face to read her intentions. Sakura shifts on her feet, trying to appear not at all bothered by his intense gaze. When he is about to speak, Sasuke comes running over.

"Why aren't you ready for school? We were supposed to meet five minutes ago." Sasuke says, looking her up and down. His eyes darkened. He certainly wouldn't complain about her wearing that but he knew that other guys wouldn't mind it either which made his jaw tighten. Locking eyes with his brother, he narrows his eyes but refocuses on Sakura when her eyes go wide and she looks frantic.

"Oh my god!" She shouts quietly, "how did I lose track of the time that badly?!" Sakura quickly makes a break towards her house, waving goodbye and a quick, "I'll be ready soon!"

Sasuke watches Itachi as she runs off, narrowing his eyes when his brother's gaze isn't on him.

The ride to the school was quiet, just like how Sakura liked it in the mornings. Luckily, her version of late was still considered early to normal people. She just liked going the extra mile. Besides, it gave her more time with Sasuke. Used to, she would spend this time helping out a teacher, but now she found that she would much rather spend this time snuggled up in her boyfriends truck.

"Why were you talking to my brother this morning?"

"He walked over to me and I was being polite," she answers and rests her head on his shoulder. The collar of his shirt comes down slightly and Sakura notes what looks like a bruise.

"I can't believe you got into a fight," she whispers and goes to touch the bruise but he quickly bats her hand away and recovers it. He huffs, settling her with a glare. She lifts her hands up in surrender, offering a small smile.

Fall was set in full motion and Sakura was missing the summer.

She sat on her front porch staring wistfully at the beach across the street. It would never be cold enough to snow where she lived, but it still got cold enough where it wasn't wise to go swimming. This time of year always left a bitterness in her. She just wanted to be gliding through the water and let all of her worries float away.

Sasuke and her had been dating for a couple months now. It was going well, at least, she thought so. They still had some moments where they wouldn't agree, but didn't every couple have those moments? These disagreements were special though. It was always something to do with Itachi or her guy friends. Sakura hated it, but she didn't want to make him feel insecure or like he couldn't trust her.

Over the course of the months, she had grown kind of close to Itachi. It was mainly over music that they bonded and their share of burdens. It turns out that they both carried a pretty heavy weight on their shoulders to be perfect and the best at what they do. Sakura found a friend and companion in him. She enjoyed his company but only as a friend, she wished Sasuke could understand that.

"Hey, it's getting cold, why don't you come inside?" Sakura's father asks softly, coming to rest a hand on her shoulder.

"Okay," she smiles and follows him inside. Her mother was on the couch wrapped up in a blanket, ever the dramatic one when it comes to change in temperature. The oil field isn't very reliable, but it is good money. Sakura's father had been laid off a week ago and was in pursuit of another rig to work at. Sakura hated that he still felt the need to go off and still work at a job he hates. She knew he did it for them, particularly her, but she also knew she had more than enough in savings and scholarships to cover her schooling. She tried to reason with him, but he never listened.

"I got a call, I have another rig."

Sakura offers him a smile, coming to sit on the opposite side of him from where he is sitting next to her mother.

"That's wonderful," Sakura says and he nods. Her mother doesn't say anything, she never does. She dislikes it perhaps even more than Sakura does. She might even resent it.

"Shall we watch a movie?" Sakura's mother instead offers, already scrolling through Netflix.

"As long as it is not a chick flick or something equally cringey," Sakura's father says and Sakura rolls her eyes when her mother scoffs. She already knew what they were watching before her mother clicked on it.

It was two days later and Sakura was feeling mopey. She had said goodbye to her father the day prior and as such was left in a funk during school.

"He'll be back before you know it," cheered Naruto and Hinata nods as she places a gentle hand on Sakura's back.

"I know, but it doesn't make it any easier," Sakura sighs out and Hinata quickly gives her a hug. She enjoyed the dark haired girls hugs, they were warm and comforting. "By the way, your short hair looks good on you," Sakura comments and Hinata blushes as she pulls back and fiddles with the ends of her hair that falls to her chin.

"Thank you," she says softly.

Short hair has always looked good on the girl, Sakura had to admit. The long hair suited her as well but she always thought that shorter hair just shaped her soft, round face in a more pleasing manner.

"Anytime," Sakura smiles.

"Should I cut my hair?" Ino asks, coming to join them at their table. It was lunch time and Sakura was able to sit down with her friends for once because Sasuke had some business in the library to take care of.

"If that's what you want-" Hinata starts off but is interrupted by a "hell no" by Sakura and a loud laugh from Naruto. Ino's eye twitches and she pouts with her arms crossed.

"What, would I not look good?" She cries dramatically and falls into the arms of this weeks fling. Some nameless boy that Sakura is sure would be gone come the weekend. Ino is a lovely girl, but she has a strong personality. The only one who lasted longer than a week was Shikamaru, but truthfully it was because he was just used to her since they grew up together. That's probably the reason it didn't work out - they were more like siblings in the end.

"You always look good, babe," charms the guy and Ino swoons.

Sakura has to stop herself from gagging, but it turns out Naruto has no sense of control.

That night, Sakura found herself gathered around a bon fire with her friends.

The nights air was cool, but she honestly didn't mind. The warmth from the fire and Sasuke's arm around her kept her plenty warm. She had a soft smile on her face as she takes in the scene around her. Everyone, including Ten Ten, was there.

"No, you idiot, put it back!" Shouts Kiba as he runs around the beach, kicking up sand, trying to get away from Naruto who had picked up a crab. It probably wasn't the smartest idea, but Sakura still watched on with amusement. Kiba, for some reason, is deathly afraid of Crabs. Akamaru, his dog, only whined from his place in Ten Tens lap at his owners expense.

"Traitor! Come help me," Kiba shouts and Akamaru burrows deeper causing Ten Ten to laugh.

"It just wants a kiss!" Pleads Naruto and Sakura saw the rock before he did. Naruto's foot gets caught and he is face-planting, essentially letting go of the crab that scurries away and, ironically, is heading Kiba's direction. He screams and everyone just turns away. He'll be fine, they all figured.

Naruto got up and dragged himself over to Hinata, collapsing against her.

"The world is so cruel to me," he pouts and she only presses a soft kiss to his forehead.

"Maybe the world wouldn't be if you weren't an idiot," snorts Sasuke.

Over the course of the months, Sasuke had spent more time with her friends. They weren't all best of friends by any means, but they got along… for the most part. Despite their bickering, Sasuke and Naruto actually got along pretty well. It turns out their mothers used to be best friends and since the Uchiha's moved back into town, sundays are spent at one anothers houses. Sakura appreciated the effort, but at times, she didn't like some of the ways he went about it.

"What was that," Naruto sits and squints at Sasuke.

"You heard me," Sasuke smirks and Sakura shifts away from him and closer to Ino.

"Here we go," Ino says quietly.

"That's it! You and me, right now," seethes Naruto as he jumps up to his feet. Sasuke watches him boredly until he eventually stands up as well. "Well?" Naruto shouts.

"Fine."

Just as they were about to take a step together, Kiba finally rejoined the group with a sleepy looking Shikamaru. Sakura didn't even notice that he left, but he must have went after Kiba.

"There will be no fights," yawns out Shikamaru. "It is too late, we will get a noise complaint."

Naruto crosses his arms, glaring at Sasuke, and Sasuke in turn glares back.

"Whatever. At least my hair doesn't look like a ducks ass," mouthes Naruto and those are his famous last words as Sasuke lunges.

Their fights are never serious, but that still doesn't stop the panic rising in her chest. She watches them roll around in the sand, trying to get a good punch in. She decides that Shikamaru is right, tonight is not the night and that is even further settled when she looks over at a pale Hinata.

"Come on, guys, don't do this," she reasons and goes to try and separate them. She hooks her arms underneath Naruto, who was on top, and pulls him away from Sasuke. He's squirming, still trying to get after him, but Sasuke only looks at hims smuggly. "Knock it off, look at Hinata. You scared her."

Naruto looks over at her and his face falls, guilt eating away at him.

"Oh no, baby, I'm so sorry," he cooes as he goes over to her and hugs her close.

Sakura looks away, giving them some privacy.

"And as for you," she says and narrows her eyes on Sasuke. "You know better than to let yourself get riled up."

Sasuke huffs, looking away.

"Whatever," he says and he walks away towards the opposite end of the beach. Sakura frowns, watching him, and shares a look with Ino.

"Go on, we can clean up here," Ino says and Sakura nods before running after Sasuke.

Catching up to him, she runs and wraps her arms around him from behind. She can feel his body tense beneath her touch, but she could also feel when it relaxed and he realized it was just her.

"I'm sorry."

"I know, I am, too."

They stand there, neither one breaking apart or saying anything else.

The only noise was the ocean lapping against the nearby rocks and sand, the wind singing its fall song, and the distant chatter of their friends. It was relaxing, but at the same time, it caused a feeling of uncertainty hanging in the air.

After awhile, Sasuke pulls out of her embrace and grasps her hand. He turns around and faces her, using his other hand cupping her face. He stares into her eyes, watching the emotions pass through emerald in a swarm. He loved her eyes and they always made him feel like he's in a trance. It was this feeling that brought him closer to her, breathing softly against her lips before capturing them in an act of war that he won.

The kiss is tender, but his skin against hers is hot and warm in the cool night wind.

She closes her eyes, melting into his touch, and allowing herself to get lost in the feeling of his lips against hers. It seemed that no matter the situation, a kiss from his was enough to fry her mind. When they pulled apart, she looked up at him with half-lidded eyes and he swooped down to kiss along her jaw and neck. She smiles, pulling him closer to her and allows him to pick her up from her butt, and wraps her legs around his waist.

"Do you dance?" She asked after a couple minutes, pulling away from his kisses, and focusing on the sound of the ocean. He looks at her a little weird, but she only grins. Unwrapping her legs, she kicks off her flip flops and feels the sand in between her toes. She sighs out before letting go of Sasuke and only giving him a coy smile before she is taking off down the beach. Her feet splashing in the waves of water that washes in.

He watches her in disbelief, but he soon gives in and chases after her.

Her laughter is musical and carries into the wind. It fits in the with the waves and Sasuke couldn't help but admit that she is the very definition of ethereal beauty.

She stops suddenly and allows him to crash into her, lifting her up and spinning her around. She laughs again and holds her arms up as her feet meet the ground and she is bending backwards. The ends of her hair dip into the water and she smiles as she brings her body upward. Her hands come to rest against either side of his face and she presses a chaste kiss on his lips before she pulls away.

The water drips from the ends of her strands and leaves a trail down her neck that Sasuke picks up on but is unable to act upon as she holds her hand out, palm open. She looks away briefly before mumbling "fuck it" and pulling Sasuke close, bringing up one leg higher than the other. Sasuke quickly holds onto it so she doesn't fall and Sakura puts more of her weight into leaning against him. Just as it seems they are about to fall, she rips away and spins out of his grasp. She laughs at the face he makes, but continues to spin out of his grasp everytime he comes to reach for her.

It was a dance and Sakura secretly loved to dance.

After awhile, Sakura finally lets him catch her. He wraps his arms around her from behind as she sways side to side. Her eyes are closed as she listens to the gentle waves and she relaxes into his kisses against her neck. She tilts her head further, resting against his shoulder.

"I love you," she breathes out softly.