Sasuke's P.O.V.

Sasuke was in the morgue. He stood over his niece's cold and lifeless body. He put his hand over her face. Her skin was like ice. She was pale. And so little. She had a beauty mark right under her eye and a head full of brown hair. Just like her mother….
"Itsuki…" He said as he rubbed the hair on her head softly. "You were too beautiful for this horrible world. Uncle Sasuke will always love you." He kissed her forehead and walked out of the morgue.

Sasuke's heart was beating painfully. His niece was dead. His nephew, Ichiro, was hanging on by a thin thread. Sasuke walked into the nearest bathroom. He walked over to one of the stalls locking himself in. He breathed in slowly trying to calm himself. Sasuke felt the sadness in his heart. He punched the stall wall. He then delivered another punch and then another. The fact that Itachi and Izumi had to go through so much trial and tribulation and they didn't even do a thing to anyone. The raven haired boy let out a scream trying to release the depression that was trying to overcome him. He sat down in the toilet and fought the tears back. Now wasn't the time. He had to be there for his brother and sister in law. His feelings had to wait.

He walked out of the bathroom and made his way back to the NICU floor. He walked over to hospital room and paused right in front of the door. After taking a deep breath Sasuke entered the room. His dear nephew. It hurt his heart seeing him in this state.
So small.
So fragile.
He needed him to live.

The room was empty. Just the two of them were in there. Sasuke looked over at his nephew's limp body inside the incubator. He wondered if he could sense that his sister was no longer with him… Since twins had a bond that was indescribable.
After a few minutes Sasuke walked out of the room as a nurse walked in.

He went back to visit with Izumi. She needed as much support right now as she could get. Her blood family disowned her so Itachi's family was all she had. Her family still believed in arranged marriages. Izumi was in love with Itachi. And he was in love with her. Her parents kicked her out and cut her off of all ties. It's been years since she lasted spoke to them.

Sasuke purchased a dozen of roses for Izumi hoping that he can make her feel a little better. He knocked on the door before entering the room. Izumi was asleep with Itachi asleep on the chair next to her. Sakura was in the room holding onto Riri as they watched tv. Sasuke placed the flowers on the counter then signaled Sakura to get up and follow him out of the room.

Once the door closed Sasuke took Riri from Sakura.
"Hi Papa."
"Hey Riri."
"What's wrong Sasuke?" Sakura asked.
"Nothing. We should let them rest. They need it." He said taking a seat on the bench in the hallway.
"Papa…"
"Yes Riri?"
The small child laid her head on the Uchiha's chest and giggled.

"I think you should just drop me and Riri back home." Sakura said.
"How come?"
"Well…. Riri shouldn't really be seeing all of this… She doesn't understand and I don't want to be in the way…" Sakura sat down next to them.
Sasuke could tell that her excuse was only halfway true. She blamed herself for what happened.
"I hope you know this isn't your fault."
"But it is."
"Sakura. It could have happened to anyone."
"No. You don't understand…" She covered her face with her hands for a moment trying to hold back her tears. She did a long sigh before uncovering her face. "We said no more secrets right?"
'Why is she bringing this up?'
"Did something happen?"
He watched as Sakura let out a sigh again like it was hard for her to let it out. "At the festival, I walked away from the bathroom. I went look at the koi fish. Well, on the other end of the pond there was a man…."
"A man? Did you know him?" Sasuke asked.
"No… I don't believe so."
"What do you mean you don't believe so?"
"I couldn't see his face. The light wasn't bright enough. But I received an uneasy vibe from him. He walked away and I tried to follow him but he disappeared."

Sasuke felt disturbed. It couldn't have been her step father. He was long gone. It could have been some random man. Sakura dealt with rape and being molested. Sasuke wouldn't be surprised if she had a touch of PTSD. She might have been over exaggerating. But her step father was still on the loose. No telling where he could be.

"If I wouldn't have followed that man-"
Sasuke grabbed the pink haired girl's hand. "Stop blaming yourself."
"Yeah okay. Why not? Izumi is in the hospital and her daughter is dead because of me. You seen how Itachi approached me in the elevator." The tears fell from her emerald eyes. "I'm nothing but bad luck. You guys will be better off without me."
Sasuke wiped away her tears.
"Mimi cry." Riri said patting Sasuke on the shoulder.
"Give Mimi a hug so she can feel better." The Raven haired boy said to the small child. She did as she was told wrapping her tiny arms around her mother and squeezing her with her baby strength. Sakura patted her on the head.

"Itachi and Izumi are not blaming you for this Sakura. That driver was more than likely drunk. Itachi had a moment. He's stressing because of his wife and kids. I'm positive he didn't mean it."

Sasuke leaned in and kissed her soft lips a few times. He needed her to stop blaming herself. The unneeded guilt was going to eat her alive.

"Your brother is in despair and you have the nerve to sit here and be romantic with some peasant." A voice filled with demeanor said. Both teens looked up. There stood a fair-skinned man with long spiky, black hair that had a slight blue tint to it which stopped to his waist. His shoulder-length bangs covered up the right side of his face. He wore a coal black suit with a pure white blouse and crimson tie along with a pair of MCALLISTER WINGTIP OXFORD dress shoes.
Sasuke's eyes were filled with shock as he looked at the person that stood in front of him. Someone he hasn't seems since the death of his parents. His grandfather. The great Madara Uchiha.

"Grandpa." Sasuke stood up immediately.
"Who is this girl you were just sucking lips with? You were raised better than to just be careless when a family situation happens."
"This is my girlfriend Grandpa. Her name is Sakura."
Sakura stood up holding Riri. She bowed to him. "It's an honor to meet you."
"Sakura. I could have guessed that name by the hideous pink hair."
"Huh?" Sakura said feeling confused,
Sasuke put his hand to his temple. 'Here we go….'

"I'll take a guess by how this child look exactly like you that she isn't your sister." Madara said looking at Riri with a stern look. Those piercing red eyes. They were the same as Itachi's.
"She's my daughter."
"Becoming a mother before graduating high school? Hmph. Pitiful."
"Grandpa. Why are you here?"
Madara turned his gaze over to Sasuke. "You're 'responsible' brother called me about the incident. I was just getting on my flight to come out here for the new year as a surprise. He let me know that I was about to be a great-grandpa. Where are Itachi and Izumi?"
"They're in the room sleeping. Did Itachi tell you about the babies?"
"Yes. I was told she had an emergency cesarean section. How are the babies?"
Sasuke stayed silent for a second. "One passed away. The other isn't doing so good."
"Such a tragedy." Madara said shaking his head.
"I'm guessing since you are outside of this door that this is her room."
"Hn."
Madara walked over to the door. He knocked twice then proceeded to enter. Sasuke and Sakura followed behind.

Itachi and Izumi were up. It looked as if they were in the middle of talking. Itachi stood up at the sight of his grandfather. "Grandpa." He said bowing.
Madara walked over to the couple. "I deeply apologize for this happening. Especially to you Izumi. You have my deepest consoles."
"Thank you." Was all Izumi could say. You could see the stress on her face. She had terrible bags under her eyes. Her skin wasn't clear like it usually is. Her acne came out and if you looked hard enough you could see her pores.

Madara turned around and faced Sakura and Riri. "Why are you still here? This is a family emergency and lasted I checked Sasuke IS NOT married."

"Grandpa she lives with us." Itachi spoke.
Madara's eyes widen in rage. "What in the hell do you mean she lives with you?"
"Things weren't right with her household and-"
"And that is one of your concern not and not any of your business. Like I said before the fast girl isn't married to the imbecile and I doubt she's fit for the Uchiha family."
His words struck a nerve with Sasuke. But disrespecting his grandfather, Madara Uchiha, was a big fat no.
"Grandpa her mother was abusing her." Sasuke said trying to reason.
"I don't give a damn if her mother was trying to kill her! All of you are not responsible for some teenage mother who's just so happen to be having a terrible life. Who knows she probably brought it upon herself."
"Grandpa! That's enough." Itachi yelled.
Itachi was backhanded by his grandfather immediately. Everyone, especially Izumi, was taken into shock.
"You know better than to raise your voice at me Itachi Uchiha. Your father taught you better to remain respectful to your elders!" Itachi's face remain turned to the side. Sasuke couldn't see his face at all but he could feel Itachi's vibe.
Madara turned back to Sasuke's direction. "And you!" He pointed. "You were nothing but a bad seed once your parents passed away. You want to turn to drugs and gangs for God knows whatever reason it was. If it was up to me I would have left you in the streets to rot like the worthless filt you are."
Sasuke bit his tongue. He could feel his blood boiling. He balled up his fist just thinking about swinging at his grandfather one time.
Madara took a few steps closer to the raven haired boy. They were only a few inches apart now. "If I were you I would loosen your fist. I might be 55 years old but that doesn't give you the advantage of winning."

Sasuke looked over at his older brother. His cheek was red. Itachi gave him a look to calm down. He let out a sigh and relaxed his fist. It was heated enough in this room. This is why they didn't want their grandfather to meet anyone. He's a dick.

"Excuse me, Mr. Madara…" Izumi spoke up.
"Please Izumi, don't have to be so formal. Madara is fine." He said reasoning with her.
"I know you just came here but I can feel my medication kicking in and I'm really exhausted. I think it's best if everyone except Itachi could come back later on so I can get some rest."
Sasuke could tell that Izumi was uncomfortable and she was trying to make an excuse for Madara to leave.
Smart thinking.
"Well of course. You've been through so much in one night. I will come back tomorrow morning and bring over a gift for you and the baby."
"Thank you. It's very much appreciated."
"Come on Sakura." Sasuke mumbled as they walked out in a hurry. The entire car ride back home was silent. When they entered the house Sakura immediately stormed away with Riri.

"Sakura." He called out. She didn't stop. She just continued to walk quickly up the stairs with the small child.
"Sakura." He said again with a louder voice. He was still being ignored so he followed her.
She was in his room grabbing the few things she had in there. Riri was sitting on his bed.
"What are you doing?"
"Packing my things."
"And go where?"
"I'll find a place to go."
"You are not leaving." Sasuke said snatching the clothes out of Sakura's hands.
"Give that back!" She said trying to snatch the clothes from his grasp.
He dropped the clothes and grabbed Sakura's wrist. She pulled away from his grasp. "Don't touch me!" She yelled. Sasuke reached his hand to her but she slapped it away. "I said don't touch me!" He saw the fire built up in her eyes. He knew what was wrong. Sasuke grabbed Sakura by the shoulder and pulled her towards him and locked his arms around her. Sakura acted as if she was in danger.
"Get your hands off of me!" She yelled trying to break free.
"Sakura stop!" Sasuke yelled. He looked through his peripheral vision. Riri slid off the bed and hid underneath.
'Was this what Riri did when Sakura was being abused?'
He tried to turn her around so that they could be face to face. "I'm not trying to hurt you." The pink haired girl was able to get one arm free and used it to swing at Sasuke. She hit him dead in the face.

That was it. Sasuke picked her up and slammed her into the bed. He pinned down her arms and put the rest of his weight in her to restrain her. "Enough is enough!" He yelled. He looked her in the eye. She was taken by surprise her eyes were so huge right now. "I will not tell you again to calm the hell down Sakura."

Her face crumbled up as she began to sob. The tears fell down her face. "Why wouldn't you just leave me to rot?"
"That's not going to happen."
"It's my fault your niece is dead and that your nephew is at near death! It's my fault Karin attacked you in your car! Everything is my fault! Just let me go!" She sobbed.
Sasuke let go of her. He bend down on the floor and looked under the bed. The small child was in fetus position. Her green orbs stared dead at Sasuke. "Scary Papa."
"I'm sorry Riri. I didn't hurt Mimi okay? Come from under there." Sasuke reached his hand out to her. Her tiny hands grabbed onto Sasuke's. He pulled her from under the bed then laid down by Sakura who was still sobbing. Riri laid in the middle so Sasuke was able to stretch out and hold both of them.
"Sakura you aren't a burden. You have people who love you." Sasuke said wiping away her tears. "Riri and I need you Sakura."
Her sobs became greater by his words. He comforted her until she and Riri fell asleep. Sasuke carefully creeped out of the bed so that he didn't wake them up. He walked out of his room and closed the door softly. As he walked downstairs he spotted a figure sitting on the sectional in the living room.
"Itachi." He called out. His brother turned around to look at him and turned back to his direction. Sasuke walked over and watched his brother swallow down a glass of sake. Itachi barely touched alcohol. He was stressed.

"You can't drink your problems away." Sasuke said.
"Who are you to lecture me on problems?" Itachi questioned pouring another glass.
"Why did you come home? Izumi and the baby needs you."
"I came back to get some belongings. A glass or two won't hurt little brother."
"You don't drink Nii-san."
He took another drink from his glass then put the top back on the bottle of sake. "Haven't been called that in years. Why now all of a sudden?" He said looking at Sasuke. His red eyes pierced through his brother's.
"Because you're my brother."
Itachi let out a laugh. He put his hand over his face rubbing it. Sasuke took a few steps closer.
"Now I'm your brother? I could have sworn you use to treat me as if I was dead." Itachi stood up. "All these years you blamed me for mother and father's death. And I didn't find out until this past Thanksgiving!" Itachi grabbed Sasuke's shirt by the collar. "By the grace of God I pulled you out of that car first. How was I supposed to know it was about to blow up? Huh? Let me guess: I'm the reason the car wreck happened to?"
Sasuke stares at his brother. His face was full of stress. He could smell the alcohol on his breath.
"I gave an arm and a leg to finish raising you. I took over the company for YOU. I gave up college for YOU. I couldn't save mom or dad because I chose to save you first." Sasuke could feel the pain in his brother's heart.
"My wife was ran over by some idiot and my daughter is dead. Not to mention my son is on his deathbed. Do you have any idea how much is on me right now? Do you?!"

Sasuke looked into his brother's eyes. They were full of pain and sorrow.

"Answer me!" Itachi yelled.
Sasuke remained silent. His brother was liable to snap and any given moment. If the wrong thing was said Itachi probably would have punched him. Sasuke felt the force as Itachi pulled him closer and embraced him into a tight hug. Sasuke was shocked. He hasn't hugged his brother in years. His stomach felt as if it was in knots. There was a wound on his heart that never healed. Sasuke built up so much hatred for his brother. And for what? Blaming him for the death of his parents. He blamed him for a total accident. Something that he had no control over.

Sasuke wrapped his around his brother's back and hugged him tightly. He felt a lump in his throat. He tried so hard but he couldn't hold the tears back anymore. He felt like crap. Worse than crap. It wasn't Itachi's fault. He rebelled against Itachi for so long that he was blind to how much his brother loved him. He sacrificed his life for him. He gave up on his dreams all for him. Sasuke felt so low. He hurt his brother in so many ways because of hatred. He cried silently on his brother's shoulder. No one was around. No one else could see him like this. Not even Sakura.

And he was pretty sure Itachi had cried as well.