This fiction is a work of my imagination. Slight AU and OOCness ( maybe ). Pardon my mistakes as I am new to this. Also, I do not own Naruto.So, Enjoy my first ever try at a fiction story . ;-)

Summary: Memories make one's life beautiful. As they live with us long even after we become old. Memories are bittersweet remainder of our past. Regardless of the fact, whether they are good or bad. They live with us. They live within us till we take our last breath.

So, let us take a glimpse of Sakura's past to know about her bittersweet memories.

Memories Of You

Sakura's POV:

The sky is dark with tremendous downpour and occasional booming thunders. Rain is in full swing with strong momentum. My pink hair flown in the direction of wind and I'm drenched in rain water.

But, I don't care.

A lone tear drops from my eyes. Then another. Next another. Within seconds, I'm in crouched position on mud-ridden path of cemetery crying my eyes out.

But, I don't care.

My body shook with my sobs and strong wind. My casual attire is smeared with dirt.

But, I don't care.

Because, I lost you.

Itachi!

I lost you exactly this day a year ago. Upon realising this truth. The magnitude of what I lost came in full force as if it is trying to choke me alive.

I'm trying. To forget you.

To move on from the past. But, Everytime I try to move on to a normal life as if nothing happened. As if I don't know you. They come haunting after me.

The Memories Of You.

The way you smile.

The way you stare.

The way you hug.

The way you used to love me.

It's all my fault. MY FAULT! I have let you down. You believed in me but I betrayed you.

I COULDN'T SAVE YOU ITACHI !!

I was unable to save my love. My life. Myself.

I lost myself when I lost you. I am now a shadow of that joyful and cheerful girl that I used to be.

I miss you, Itachi.

I remember all those happy moments I spent with you. The special memories we made together. I remember all of them. All too clearly to the point where it hurts. It hurts my heart.

It hurts my heart. Because it remainds me that I no longer have you. That I lost you.

FOREVER..

_ _ Flashback _ _

I am so excited about tonight! I am going on a date with my first crush and love! Oh God! I'm so nervous! What if I'm too casual for wherever he is taking me? Damn you Itachi for keeping me in suspense!

'But, you like it.' Replied my conscious smugly.

You little - my thought was cut short when I heard calling bell. God! Itachi is here! I immediately halted my inner rantings and took a calming breath and told myself, ' You are confident. You can do this.' I chanted it to myself like a mantra.

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time. A long soft silk red gown decorated with black lace at the bottom of the gown. it has a slit from below my thighs and a decent V-neck. I didn't do much makeup. I used lipstick, blush and eyeliner which made my emerald eyes to look brighter. In total, I look good in this gown. Remind me to thank Ino-pig for selecting this dress.

I went to open the door as it buzzed a second time. But I was not prepared for the sight that greeted me. In front of me stood the most handsome man that this world has luck to be graced with.

Itachi was in a elegant black tux. He donned a complimentary red tie. The tux was like a second skin. It showed his abs perfectly and his muscles rippled as he raised his ha-

Oh shit! I just realised I was gawking at his body like a fool when he was offering me his hand to take.

My face immediately reddened as I realised Itachi was watching me with amusement concealed in his eyes. I cleared my throat to avoid the most embarrassing moment of my life yet again.

Haruno! You are a doctor for God sake! Don't embarrass yourself like this! I chided myself silently.

' But, that was quite amusing.' chimed my innerself making her presence known. But I kicked her butt to dark Carven of my mind and locked the door and thrown the key in the direction of God knows where.

I placed my hand in Itachi's and went out to find black Mercedes awaiting us. When I was about to enter the car. Itachi stopped me and opened the door. He said calmly, "Ladies first." I smiled at this sweet gesture and sat in the seat.

When we were in the car. He said, " You look beautiful." I smiled shyly and said, " Thank you. You too look handsome." As soon as these words escaped my mouth. I felt heat crawling in my cheeks. I looked at Itachi to find him smirking at me.

I averted my eyes to look outside the window. The next fifteen minutes were spent in comfortable silence till we reached the destination which turned out to be a new restaurant which was talk of the town.

I stepped out only to shiver as winter chilly air hit my bare hands. But the next moment, I felt warmth envelop in the pit of my stomach and I immediately felt warm as Itachi gently placed his hand on the small of my back protectively.

I looked at Itachi to find him looking at me with an expression that is tender and intense at the same time. Our staring contest came to an end as a waiter came to us and showed to a secluded candle-lit place.

It is just- just so romantic! I never thought Itachi can be this romantic. The place took my breath away with it's beauty. We had a great view of konoha. Since we were on a terrace, we can also see hokages faces carved on the mountain. The city is also lively and full of energy.

"Do you like it?" I am interrupted from my musings by Itachi's lilting voice. I faced Itachi seriously and said, "No." Itachi's stoic face twisted into confusion that is uniquely Uchiha style. It is a look I can get used to, I thought to myself.

" Why?" Itachi asked after overcoming the lapse of losing his composure. " Because, I love it!" I exclaimed happily. It might be my imagination but I think I saw him release a sigh of relief.

After that, we placed our orders and talked to each other. while we waited our food to arrive. At first, I was shy. But only after talking about five minutes. I loosened up and talked about everything and nothing in particular. I enjoyed his company a lot.

Time is running fast. Before we know it. it was time to leave. We left the restaurant with money on bill tab with extra tip.

Itachi stopped his car outside my house. I turned to Itachi and smiling at him I said, " Thank you for tonight." and was about to open the door. But he stopped me and came around to open the door. I smiled at his chivalry.

I thanked him once again and was about to enter my house. But he held my hand and asked me in a gentle tone, " Will you be my girlfriend?" I stared at him in shock.

I think I was staring for too long as he looked nervous. Wow! The great Uchiha Itachi is squirming! I would have laughed if it was any other occasion. But -

I broke into a smile and tiptoed on my toes. I leaned towards him till our lips were almost touching and looking straight into his eyes, I whispered," Yes."

I started to retreat back but he held my face close to his and closed whatever distance was between us which I say is not much.

The moment our lips touched. My eyes closed on thier own. Our worlds collided. Our emotions exploded. Hot and sweet. It's a sweet mixture of pleasure and pain. Of longing and love. The kiss became our new world in which we confessed our darkest desires and deepest feelings which our mouths can never say out loud.

We parted from each other when desire for air overcame desire to have eachother. Panting, we looked at each other. Our eyes bright and cheeks are flushed. We looked like we conquered the world.

We smiled at each other and suddenly lunged towards each other. Only to begin the battle of lips and tongues. This time more fiercely.

_ _ End of the flashback _ _

Itachi, I still remember the promise we made. How happy we were. How foolish we were. Yes, Foolish! We all know, life of shinobi is not easy. We all know life of shinobi is like dying candle in strong wind.

We don't know when we die. Whether that may be next year or next moment. Yet, we foolishly made a promise that never stood a chance.

Yet, I remember that memory as if it happened just now. I cherish it even now. Because they are -

Memories Of You..

_ _ Flashback _ _

We were in our house. Cooking. Itachi came from a mission yesterday and had this week off. Luckily, I too have two days off in the hospital.

Ever since that night Itachi proposed to me, We were in heaven. We had become 'It' couple of konoha. We are even thinking of marriage. Maybe after one and a half years from now. We may be married or even better expecting a baby.

Thinking about bright future ahead I smiled to myself. " Hey blossom, what are you thinking about?" Itachi whispered in my ear hugging me from my back side.

I looked at him and blushing happily I said, " Our future, Babies." " Are you thinking about our future or our babies?" he asked smirking at me.

I blushed deep red but nonetheless replied boldly, " Both." And just like that we were flirting and funnily bantering with each other.

But, Suddenly atmosphere became palpable with tension. I hesitantly turned to Itachi who suddenly became serious and asked, " Itachi...? What happened?"

Itachi stared me intensely and told me in serious manner, " Promise me. No matter what, you will never leave me. That we live together our entire lives.".

" I promise." I said happily and hugged him turning in his warm embrace. He kissed my forehead lovingly and rested his head on my own, affectionately.

_ _ End of the flashback _ _

Why Itachi? Why?

Why did you leave me?

I spent countless nights weeping my eyes out wondering the same question. But there is no answer except my sobs resounding in my secluded room.

My soul is empty. Bare. I don't know when I became like this. I'm just existing but not living. My body is there but not my soul.

We made a promise together. But you broke it. I still remember that fateful day. The day when our promise was broken.

_ _ Flashback _ _

I am quite busy today in the hospital. But I'm excited today as I get to see Itachi since he is coming from his three months long mission. I can't wait to see him.

I heard a knock and opened the door. I was faced with anxious looking nurse. I immediately knew that something urgently needed my attention.

I asked her in serious tone, " What is it, Akiko?" "There is an emergency, Haruno-san. Tsunide-sama asked me to fetch you."

I briskly followed her to the emergency operation room and asked her, " What is the case?" " There was an ambush on ANBU team when they were returning from infiltration mission. They were low on chakra. So, they were unable defend themselves against bandits."

My heart dropped. Itachi. He was supposed to come today. Stop! Nothing happens to him. I tried to subdue my rising panic. I am a medic. I should behave as such!

" What are stats?" " Captain of the team is in worst condition. He bore deadly wounds across his abdomen and heart. His teammates don't have any serious wounds. They are out of danger."

My heart skipped a beat. I shook it off and went to emergency operation theatre only for my world to collapse. Itachi!!!

He was lying there battered with deep wounds across his stomach and a deadly gash dangerously close to his heart. He lost a lot of blood.

I immediately went into action and ordered everyone around me to take necessary action. While I took precise amount of chakra into my hands and I tried to heal the gash that looked life threatening.

I tried to close the gash. But due to excess blood loss and puncture in pulmonary artery. It became difficult for each passing second. When I nearly lost all my hope. He barely opened his eyes.

With renewed hope, I doubled my efforts to bring him back to life. " Itachi, hang on. I'm going to save you. Don't leave me. Stay strong." I gently mumbled to him fiercely.

With much difficulty, he placed his hand on top of my healing hands and smiled a true smile. I looked at him as he weakly mumbled," I love you, Blossom." Then -

Heart machine gave a long beep and went silent. As the screen showed a straight green line which was used to show Itachi's heartbeat.

" No!! Itachi! Wake up! Itachi!" I patted his cheeks. But there is no response. " No, this is not happening. Not happening!" mumbling it like a mantra. I gathered my dwindling chakra into my hands and placed them on his cold body.

But, All the effort is in vain. I am too late. He was too far gone to come back to me. I suddenly heard a heart-wrecking shriek and realised that it was me. I distinctly realised I was having a breakdown in the middle of operation theatre. I didn't seem to care.

All seemed to be happening in slow motion. I was in great pain. One moment I was standing and next darkness enveloped me.

_ _ End of the flashback _ _

His funeral is like a haze to me. I was numb. I was unable to feel anything. Everything seemed to be unreal. I was too caught up with pain to notice anything.

Everyone tried to make me feel better. ' Heh, better? there is nothing good left in my life to make it better.' my conscious said. For once, I agreed with her. Everything was gone that day. Along with him.

I tried to commit suicide. But Everytime, his words stopped me from doing so.

" You should overcome your sorrows and demons to savour the beauty of the life. Everything happens for a reason." He said.

What is the reason for your death, Itachi? I'm like a living dead. But I do know one thing. I need to live. I live for you.

You are my inspiration, Itachi. I live never let you go. Letting go of past means I need to forget you. That, I cannot do even if I wanted to.

You died a hero, Itachi. You left your body defending our country. So, I will not let my life go to waste. I will save as many lives as I can. I will live for others like you did. I will see you in others happiness.

Tomorrow is a new day. A new hope. I hope you are watching over me. I hope you are happy over there. Up in the heaven. I smiled at the thought.

I told myself, 'Time heals everything.' I looked at Itachi's tombstone and placed my flower bouquet of Rosemary on the concrete surface. Rosemary. A flower of remembrance.

I sat beside his tombstone and glanced at the sky. I was greeted with clear sky with evening sun showering everyone with brightness.

I breath, I live, I save lives for you, Itachi. I will give my full efforts to accomplish a peaceful world that you aspired so much. I will die trying but never stop.

I stood up from the wet ground and took a last glance at the tombstone and walked towards a future where I know will be no Itachi but his memories.

The End.

So, How was your experience? Please let me know your opinion in reviews or PMs.Because, You opinion will help me in nurturing my writing skills. :-)Till then,Ciao.- Mysterious Aurora. _