I apologize for the delay... hides In regard to a review I recieved, I've decided to take this in a decidely different direction than I'd first intended. I'm trying to force out some good writing at the point I've currently reached and had to go back and revise some of this. In between reading fics by Paws-Bell who I highly recommend to all of you who enjoy Itachi/Sakura, and worship I've been reading the manga as well. I've only watched the show and upon my brother telling me Itachi was revealed as a good guy in the manga I went back 20 chapters and only read the Itachi/Sasuke fight. I decided last night to read from the beginning of part 2 right up to where I had started which is roughly 100 chapters. phew That's what I had to correct in what will be future chapters.

Anyway, I'll try to be more diligent in getting the next chapter up Reviews make me the happiest girl on earth and encourage my writing spells! Leave me some love!

"If you're home!" she teased. "I will, I promise. You go have some fun," she teased again. He picked up the garbage bag and she let him out. She smiled at Hinata who blushed. She waved goodbye and locked the door behind them. Suddenly she felt so alone. No sooner did she think it, did she feel someone's presence in the house. "Kakashi, I thought you were going to be gone a few days," she said walking into the living room. She collapsed when she saw who was really standing there. She closed her eyes, because she had to be dreaming. There was absolutely no way he was here. When she opened her eyes however, there he was. "S-S-S-Sasuke?" she stammered.

"Sakura," he said, rushing over to help her up.

"No!" she shrieked, "You're not Sasuke!" She skittered back into the hallway. She knew it was though; Itachi wouldn't have come disguised as Sasuke, if he came at all. She still had to keep up her ruse, even in her shock. He needed to believe her lies until after Itachi was…

"Please Sakura, don't yell. I'll be in enough trouble if they realize I came here; I can't risk ANBU trailing me when I go back," he said.

"You knew what to say last time too didn't you?" she whimpered, cornering herself against the door.

"Sakura…" he said sympathetically. He clenched his fists thinking about what his brother had done to her. "I needed to see you… I… When I heard I…" he started, but couldn't continue. She saw his hesitation, and knew she could use it as an excuse to realize he really was Sasuke.

"It's… It's really you? When Itachi spoke, he never hesitated. He knew just what to say…" she said in shock.

"I need to know Sakura, what did he say to you?" Sasuke asked. She let her gaze fall to the floor and frowned.

"For a moment, I had hoped you'd come back because you were concerned about me," she whispered, blinking back tears. "Even though he told me I was precious to you, I told him it wasn't true. You can take pride in the fact you've proven him wrong," she growled, trying to get up.

"Sakura, that's… let me help you," he managed.

"Don't touch me!" she spat, tears spilling from her eyes. How was it he could always do this to her? No matter how strong she had become, he always turned her in to the weak little love sick girl she used to be. What had she expected though? He always was good at making her cry… She jerked from his touch and nearly fell again. She realized she hadn't because Sasuke's arms were suddenly around her.

"Don't you understand Sakura?" Sasuke whispered, tilting her chin up so their eyes would meet. He wiped her tears away with his thumb and caressed her cheek. "Even now he's found a way to get to me, through the suffering of those I care about. I didn't just leave because of my revenge… The only way I could protect you from him was to pretend you meant nothing to me," he explained. Sakura couldn't help but gasp. Not only because he had told her how he felt for her, but how much he was like Itachi. Each of them denied themselves the things they wanted most, to protect those same things from being destroyed, no matter how cruel it made them appear. It would probably make explaining Itachi's betrayal a lot easier later on…

"Does that mean after… you'll come back?" Sakura asked filled with hope.

"Sakura… I don't know if I can come back…"

"But you want to? To be with your niece?" she questioned. She put her hand over his which still lingered on her cheek.

"Yes of course… and… and with you," he admitted finally. He'd promised himself not to get emotional around her, to stay firm and distant, just to get the facts, but couldn't. Seeing how easily he could elate or crush her… and after all she'd suffered already… He mused to himself that he would have a niece, and not a nephew. He had been worried about Itachi using the child one way or another, but if Sakura was having a girl it was just different. Girls were not considered to be as strong as boys, even though he knew quite a few girls that could prove that theory wrong. Itachi was probably looking forward to having a son if it was his intention to get her pregnant, and he would probably leave her alone having his daughter. He got an odd feeling as he was thinking this, that somehow he was horribly wrong. Something tugged at the recesses of his mind trying to remind him of something that had happened long ago.

"Even though I'm taint-"

"Don't say it Sakura," Sasuke said, breaking from his thoughts. "It's not your fault this happened. It's my fault if anything… Do you see now why I have to do this?" he asked. Sakura nodded slowly. "Please Sakura, tell me what happened."

"I could swear you were standing there… You looked just as you had just hours before, and like you look now… He said all the things I hoped you'd say one day. He told me what you just said actually… That I needed to understand why you left and that you needed to exact your revenge. You said you wished things could've been different. You whispered that I was the only thing that had swayed you from pursuing that path and it's why you had to leave. You said you'd let yourself hope I'd be your salvation, and I was afraid that the moment we were sharing, would be the only one we'd ever share. That once you left, it would be forever, and I would never get a second chance to tell you how I felt. And then you kissed me," Sakura said, losing herself in a memory that did not happen. She let her hands touch her lips and trembled a little before continuing.

"Sakura," he whispered, feeling the anger welling up inside of him again. He watched as tears once again streamed down her face.

"And we made love… It was everything I wanted it to be… You knew how to touch me, to make me cry out, to make me drag my nails down your back… I called out your name at the end and I told you how I felt… and you stayed silent. When I looked in your eyes, it was not your eyes that looked back at me… The Sharingan was different, something I hadn't seen before, and the genjutsu was broken… I started crying, hyperventilating… I couldn't believe what had just happened… When I asked him why he had deceived me in the first place, he asked me what I thought. I asked him if it was to use me as bait for Naruto. He interrupted me and told me Akatsuki wanted Naruto.

Itachi told me I was precious to you and I would be a vessel to further your hatred. I found myself talking to him, telling him he was wrong. He smirked at me when I said it. Then I said Orochimaru and your revenge were all that mattered to you and he smirked again. Itachi told me he should have killed that snake when he tried to steal his body in Akatsuki, but it didn't matter. Soon enough, you would see that Orochimaru was merely a stepping stone on your path and you would kill Orochimaru for him so he wouldn't need to be bothered with it. I asked him why he killed all those people and he said it was fate that led him to do it, that he was born a prodigy for a reason and trailed off.

Once again he smirked at me, and whispered in my ear… When he said it, I looked up at him and I saw the Mangekyo Sharingan in his eyes. He made me see it was really him doing all those things to me, not you. It made my skin crawl and I felt so sick to my stomach. Over and over for what seemed like hours he forced me to watch what he had done until I felt like I was going insane… He released me while I still had the ability to run, and that I did… Naruto told me I was rambling about the Sharingan, and that it was not yours. I said something else that made him aware of what had really happened…" Sakura said, with that same ashamed look she'd worn for Naruto 5 months ago.

"There's nothing else?" Sasuke asked, wanting to know why she hadn't told him what Itachi had whispered.

"You were the reason for my abduction. Itachi's true intentions lie with you. Godaime wants you to come back to Konoha because they're afraid of what he's planning. I'm afraid too Sasuke. Everyone was under the impression he was with Akatsuki for the power they promised him but he's only proved to confuse us. You could train here…and be with your niece when she's born," Sakura said pleadingly.

"You know I can't do that Sakura, not until I've avenged my family. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you, but thank you for the information." Sakura let her head fall forward so her hair would hide the fresh set of tears that fell. Suddenly it occurred to Sasuke what Itachi must have whispered to her.

"Did Itachi say I wouldn't accept you because you were tainted? That's why you started to ask before, and why you wouldn't tell me what he whispered right?" Sasuke asked.

"Aa…" came her reply. Sasuke cupped her cheek and brushed her hair away from her face. She looked up at him.

"I'm glad he said it Sakura… You might not realize it, but it's the reason he let you live. He thought if the woman I loved was pregnant with his child, it would breed a much deeper hatred than your death would cause. This should've been torturous for me to endure, but I'm grateful. And one day I will return to you," he said kneeling in front of her. He put a hand on her stomach, "And you."

"Uchiha Mitsuki," Sakura said. He half smiled and stood. Mitsuki? That was the name she chose? It reminded him of Itachi in a way, but he couldn't quite remember why… The pink haired girl trembled before him and bit her lip. "I love you Sasuke," she whispered. His reply came in the form of a kiss. One so powerful and passionate it made her feel like she had felt when she had climaxed with Itachi. Her knees got weak and she faltered. Sasuke embraced her, pulling her close to him so she would not fall. She clung to him because it felt like she would die if he let go of her.

"Sakura," he whispered on her lips.

"I know…" she replied with a half smile. He had to leave, and she couldn't tell anyone he was here. "I won't tell anyone you came," she promised. He kissed her forehead and then he was gone, just like Itachi… She made it to her bedroom before she collapsed. Could she really hope he'd feel the same way when he found out what she'd really done? When Kakashi came home, Naruto stopped by so they could all go out, but Sakura had locked herself in her room.

"She's been in there for a week now; I barely see her… I figure she's just not feeling well," Kakashi said to the blonde.

"I wonder if maybe she's not just feeling lonely… Temari and Shikamaru just got engaged, and now me and Hinata are dating," he said, scratching the back of his head with a smug grin. Kakashi smirked as well.

"I'm sure no one saw that coming," he mused.

"Well after her party, she was feeling kind of down about Sasuke. Maybe cuz she's pregnant she's more depressed about it than usual…" Naruto speculated.

"I don't know what to say to her… She obviously doesn't want to talk, and I don't want to push her and make it worse…" Kakashi admitted.

"Yeah… I don't know either. I've never been around any pregnant ladies before…" Naruto said. They decided it was best to leave her be until she was ready to come to them. Those 2 weeks since her birthday turned into a month before she emerged from her room. Kakashi was out with Naruto, so she decided to walk through the market. She was starting to feel a little better being out in the sun. She went from booth to booth looking for something to buy. She settled on a piece of fruit, and as she began to eat it she ran into her mother. They both stopped and stared at each other.

"Can I help you?" her mother asked as though she had no idea who Sakura was. It was then that she heard whispering around her. Whispers about how she was carrying Itachi's baby. That her child would grow to destroy Konoha as Itachi had destroyed his clan. That being Godaime's pupil, there's no way she didn't know it was Itachi she had lain with. That she had made a so called, deal with the devil, but no one knew what she was getting out of it. She clenched her hands into fists so tightly her nails cut her hands open.

"You weren't supposed to disclose any information about what happened," she said.

"You have no idea what you did to us Sakura! How could we live with all the rumors about you? We were not going to take the blame for how easily you let a man seduce you," her mother hissed. "And then deciding to have the child of a murderer, that will bring a curse upon Konoha-"

"Mitsuki is not cursed mother," Sakura growled. Her hair fell over her face to hide the dangerous expression in her eyes.

"You're not my child," the woman retorted.

"I know that I have shamed you… and if you want nothing to do with me, then that's ok. I knew what would happen if I decided to have this baby… But you will not say anything bad about this child. You've filled the people of Konoha with lies. You've distorted the truth to fit your own means, to free you of guilt you shouldn't have had in the first place. You have no idea what really happened that day… You can chose to believe what you want… I don't care. However, if I hear one more bad thing about Mitsuki, you won't live to regret it," she growled. Her eyes flashed her murderous intentions, and her mother trembled. The few who'd been eavesdropping also cowered.

"So be it. I don't wish to see or speak with you again Sakura," her mother agreed. Sakura stalked away, trying to hold in her rage. She started running, to the training fields where she destroyed them with her fists. She screamed until all her rage was gone, and only the pain of her mother's betrayal remained. And when that was all that was left, she trudged, feeling utterly defeated, to her home. Kakashi and Naruto greeted her, but she brushed past them and right back into her room. Why had she gone out today anyway?

She felt more and more alone with each day that passed. Naruto had Hinata, and wasn't over very much to see her… What did she expect though? She was shunning him, why would he bother with her? Kakashi… she knew he was just giving her space, because he wasn't sure how to handle a pregnant woman. The only person she saw was Tsunade when she went to the hospital. The only reason she went there was so that Tsunade wasn't breaking her door down to interrogate her about how she was doing. She hated going outside and seeing people stare at her. More than once she'd walked by her parents in the market on the way to the hospital and they glared disdainfully at her.

She silently hoped Itachi would come back. In the half a day they spent together, she'd never felt closer to another person. Her feelings for him were not even close to the feelings she had for Sasuke, but at least she didn't have to hide in front of Itachi. She did feel an attraction to him, something not as serious as love, but more of an admiration. The more she thought about Itachi, and what she was doing for him, and for Sasuke, the better she started feeling inside. This was not to say she felt great, but it made the days bearable.

Once she hit 7 months Kakashi finally stepped up and questioned her. He couldn't let her self destruct anymore, even if it meant she took out her anger and pain on him. "Sakura… You've been very closed off since your birthday. Did something happen?"

"No," she replied.

"I don't want to pry, but I'll be away all next month on a mission. I need to know that you'll be ok," he pleaded.

"A whole month I'll be alone?" she said softly to herself.

"I'll be back the first week of July. I'll be here when you're ready to deliver," he promised.

"I wish I could come with you. I can't stand being here alone. Naruto has been spending all his time with Hinata, and I want him to be happy… It's not my place to ask him to spend time with me; I broke his heart," she said, getting upset.

"Is that what's been bothering you? You know Naruto cares about you Sakura. He doesn't have to abandon Hinata to spend time with you. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you two spending time alone together, or even spending time with the both of them either. She knows you're his best friend and that you're counting on him right now. Everyone is excited for the baby and they don't want to upset you," Kakashi explained.

"People stare at me you know… my mother included. I ran into her in the market a few weeks ago," Sakura recalled bitterly. If Sasuke's appearance hadn't been draining enough, hearing the things those people were saying about her baby… And that her parents had started the rumors in the first place…

"Why didn't you tell me? Why are you facing this all by yourself Sakura? I'm right in the other room. You don't have to suffer like this. You've done nothing wrong."

"Have you heard them Kakashi? Saying I should've had an abortion? That Itachi's baby will grow up and slaughter the rest of Konoha? They say I'm a liar and I wanted this, I made a deal with him to have his baby because he promised me something alluring. My mother couldn't take the gossip and started spreading rumors of her own, telling people what she knew had happened, along with things that never would have, to spare themselves from taking responsibility. They can say what they want about me, but not about Mitsuki… I threatened to kill her Kakashi… I threatened to kill my mother for spreading rumors about my child…"

"Sakura," Kakashi said soothingly. He stood behind her and cradled her in his arms. "No one would blame you. You should know we become who we are due to how we are raised and the company we keep. Genetics have nothing to do with personality. Even the most dark and sadistic people can be changed. Look at Gaara and Naruto."

"No one knows the truth Kakashi. I wonder if they really knew, what they would say," she chimed in bitterly.

"You know I could have Gai or Asuma take this mission in my stead. I thought it would be best to take a longer well paying mission now so I could be back all of July without us worrying about any bills." It was as though Sakura couldn't even hear what he was saying.

"I just can't handle the way they stare. What if they start treating her… like they treated Naruto?" It hurt her to say it, but they both knew how bad it would be if it happened.

"I'm going to speak with Tsunade. Do you want to come, or stay here?" Kakashi asked. She looked to the floor but followed him anyway. They knocked on Tsunade's door.

"Who could it possibly be now? Come in!" she yelled in annoyance. Kakashi and Sakura exchanged confused glances as they entered. Naruto, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, TenTen, and Lee stood there. In front of them, stood Neji and Shikamaru. Tsunade scoffed.

"Don't tell me you 2 started trouble as well!" she asked. She raked fingers through her hair.

"What's going on?" Kakashi asked. Shizune took them outside.

"Well it seems your parents made people in Konoha aware of the situation… They've been saying some pretty horrible things. Half of them," she said motioning to the ninja in the room, "Were grabbing and threatening villagers. The others were trying to correct the falsity of the rumors and the villagers started altercations with them…"

"All of them?" Sakura asked in disbelief. Shizune nodded.

"Even Hinata, Neji, and Shikamaru?" Kakashi asked.

"Hinata was with Naruto and so you can imagine she got involved. Neji and Shikamaru were walking through town and overheard a group of men gossiping. Neji made a comment to the group, which was furthered by Shikamaru's comment about their ignorance and that it wasn't their business to speak of. The men started the fight from there," Shizune explained.

"I'm surprised someone isn't hurt, at least whoever Naruto was fighting with," Kakashi said.

"It's lucky Hinata was there. She kept it from escalating, but she ended up in the tussle none the less…" Shizune furthered. They reentered Tsunade's office.

"I know you all care for Sakura, but she can take care of herself. It bothers me as much as it bothers any of you hearing these rumors, but it's just too bad. People will say what they think no matter what you do to them. Your actions will only encourage this kind of gossip. Fighting and antagonizing the villagers of Konoha will not be tolerated. You're lucky I'm feeling compassionate today, and I don't take harsher action. You're all to apologize to the villagers you've fought with and for 2 weeks will only be assigned D Rank missions. Argue with me and I'll offer a much more severe punishment," she growled, cutting Naruto off before she could object.

"Shisho," Sakura said. "May I say something?"

"Aa," came her reply. Sakura stood next to her teacher.

"I want to thank all of you for defending me… I don't want any of you to get in trouble for me. Tsunade is right; no matter what you do you can't change people's minds through violence. We have to prove people wrong by showing them who we are, right Naruto?" she lectured. Naruto looked to the floor.

"Aa, Sakura," he answered solemnly.

"Like Kakashi said, we become who we are due to how we are raised and the company we keep," she said feeling more like herself again. Kakashi smiled. She insisted it was alright for him to go on the mission next month and she started spending more and more time out with her friends that next month. Once she was officially 8 months she went to see Tsunade at the hospital for her checkup.

"How have you been feeling mentally?" Tsunade asked. She had heard the rumors just as Sakura had, and done whatever she could to silence them. She knew it had contributed to Sakura's depression. She missed seeing her student bobbing around the hospital. She wished Sakura would come in more, just to keep herself busy and her mind off the ignorance of her elders in Konoha.

"Like you punched me," Sakura joked. Tsunade cracked a smile.

"Are you getting excited about the baby?"

"I guess… I haven't really been thinking about it…"

"Aa. I'm sorry Sakura… You shouldn't have to really worry about the gossip anymore. I took care of it."

"Aa… But it's not what they say that gets to me. It's their eyes. It's the way they look at me when I walk through the village… I knew my parents were ashamed of me… but I didn't think they were capable of such viciousness… I mean if Itachi had wanted Konoha to perish, he very well could have ensured it when he was still here. He could've slaughtered just about everyone in Konoha, but he only attacked his family. There's got to be more to why he did it than simply fate or a desire for power," Sakura said. Tsunade furrowed her brows. How often had Sakura been thinking about Itachi?

"Do you think he'll come back?" Tsunade asked.

"I don't know… Everything he's done seems to revolve around Sasuke. I shudder to think what it would mean if he returned, not for me, but for Mitsuki," Sakura said.

"You don't have to worry. We'll all be keeping a close eye on her. Itachi will never get his hands on this baby," Tsunade promised.

"I should be getting back, it's almost noon. Kakashi said there was something he needed to show me," Sakura said, not wanting to talk about it anymore.

"I'll walk with you. Shizune can handle the rest of my shift," Tsunade said. Sakura nodded and they headed toward the house. Tsunade knocked on the door and Sakura laughed at her.

"I have the key," she teased, putting it in the door. The air seemed tense for a moment as she entered the house. Her heart started beating faster, like something was about to happen…