I know, shame on me for taking forever to get this chapter up. I fell a bit out of love with Naruto for a while because of how the story went. But I'm getting back into it again, and I reread the whole story, but I neglected to really keep track of the ages. As far as I can tell, Mitsuki was 10 months old when Sakura got pregnant again, and at the end of this chapter she should be 15 months, and Sakura is 5 months pregnant. I'm trying to push through the down time and get to the good stuff so we can get to the end, which is not too far in the future. I have no idea as to anyone else's ages in this anymore, so I just am not going to mention it lol. Anyone who remembers can feel free to message me on AIM (Fierypixiestik) So here's the next chapter, and I hope you like it. The next one will definitely be up before June. Reviews are appreciated, they motivate me. Anyway here's the next one.

"I know," she said simply, with a smile. Once Sakura had fallen asleep, Itachi joined his brother to help move Sakura's things. Once it got dark, and all the furniture was in place, Itachi asked Sasuke to watch Sakura so he could go for a walk. While walking Itachi kept coming back to the same thought. Why Sasuke? It had to be something important about his younger brother. He refused to believe that Madara just wanted Sasuke because he could manipulate the boy into doing his bidding. He walked toward the Uchiha compound where a familiar chakra signature lured him in. He was standing in the same place just outside the compound in the woods where he had first met the man, to find him again over a decade later.

"What exactly is it you want Madara?" Itachi asked into the darkness. He could not see the man but he could feel him just ahead in the black of the night. The man laughed to himself, as though he knew they would end up in this place once again.

"Is that how you greet your father?" he said in amusement.

"A father is someone who cares about and protects his children. All you did was impregnate my mother," Itachi said.

"Oh? Really?" Madara asked. Itachi sighed. "Didn't I come back for you? Didn't I look out for you all those years in the shadows? You never did need protection Itachi. But your brother… he needed you more than anything and you left him. You became the villain willingly to ensure the safety of this village, over the bond you shared so closely with him. You tell people you did it for his own good, to drive him with hatred to become stronger than you. You want him to be happy, you claim, but all you've ever done is steal from him; anything and everything he ever looked forward to or loved in his life, you took from him," Madara stated.

"What's the point of you telling me all this?" Itachi said.

"You really just can't see that you were never pretending to be the villain Itachi, you were the villain. You are the villain. You've made everyone around you suffer for what? For a mission? You were supposed to keep tabs on me and find out my weaknesses. How did your death fit in with that mission? Everything you started out doing was noble, and then you threw it all away. All those years would've meant nothing. No one ever would've known anything about my plans or myself if not for your wife. Speaking of plans Itachi, I don't believe you've figured out anything about me the whole time I've had you by my side," Madara taunted, finally coming into view.

"I've learned more about you than you know," Itachi said boldly. Madara came closer to Itachi and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"If not for Sakura, what would your life be worth?" Madara asked.

"Nothing," Itachi said simply. Madara grinned.

"Then if Sakura hadn't been part of your life, everything you did was a waste of time. You tortured your brother his whole life for absolutely nothing," Madara said.

"I kept you away from him," Itachi said. Madara nodded slowly, taking his hand back.

"And what do you think would've happened after he killed you? You would have driven him straight to me. That hatred would course through him for the rest of his life. His anger would flare anytime there was a challenge made on his abilities. He would've gladly joined me to prove his worth to Naruto and tear Konoha apart by my side."

"And would that make you proud?" Itachi asked.

"Oh, immensely," Madara said, grinning that dark grin once again. "To see the son who was the prodigy of the Uchiha, who never wanted to see a massacre like that of the ninja wars, the son who was really so peaceful on the inside become darker than me, yes. You're living a lie Itachi. You belong at my side. Never in my life have I totally and completely corrupted another person the way Sasuke would be corrupted. Nor had I ever claimed to want peace, then murdered hundreds of people in their sleep. You will never be the person you claim you are to her, no matter what you do. You will always be my dark legacy, more evil than I could have imagined, and so completely insane that you can't even see it for yourself," Madara ranted, obviously trying to get under his son's skin. "If you would just admit it, to me and to yourself, then I would take you and your brother with me, and your wife and children and we would rule over this country together.

"That's never going to happen. Sasuke will never join you, even if I have to die to make sure it doesn't happen," Itachi said.

"It's funny you should suggest such a thing. I believe with the right persuasion I can have just that thing happen," Madara said, looking up at the moon.

"So what do you really want, father? You want me to admit that my actions to keep tabs on you made me corrupt? No matter the situation, my heart has always been pure. Yours was once pure as well, when you fought for the Uchiha. When my uncle was still alive and he was so like Sasuke, wanting only for your approval. The Uchiha's betrayal is what made you into the monster you are, still bitter and seeking revenge on people that have long since died. Maybe what you really want is just control over the only two people who could surpass you. Being of your blood we have access to just as much power as you and maybe that scares you. Or is the real reason you're here, to cloud my judgment? To make me agree that I am a monster the same as you, to break the hold on my sanity and gain me as an ally?" Itachi queried.

"I rarely underestimate people," Madara said thoughtfully. Itachi watched Madara's expression fade from a grin to an annoyed but amused half smile. "It's good to know you're still full of surprises…"

"Is it really true?" Itachi asked.

"Yes it is," Madara replied.

"Why bother telling us now? What difference does it make? You'd have been better off not letting us know we were capable of your level," Itachi said.

"Why bother capturing Sakura to reveal your life to Sasuke?" Madara questioned. Itachi nodded in acknowledgement. He was actually admitting that somewhere deep in his twisted hate driven heart, that he loved his children. Maybe he only loved them for what they could do for him, but it was something Itachi didn't think he'd ever see in the man.

"Can we really be honest with each other?" Itachi asked. Madara didn't answer. He instead yawned and kneeled down close to the ground. "What would your revenge really prove at this point? Only a handful of people know what really happened, and all your ancestors died by our hands. If you managed to succeed, what difference would it make now? Only you would be alive to know the truth, and to everyone else, you'll be just another villain who invaded."

"It's the principle of the thing Itachi. I've delayed it long enough, to the point it's at now, as you've just described. I waited too long, and maybe it will mean nothing to the world as I had wanted it to when the first was still alive, but I'll still have won," Madara answered blandly.

"We will kill you," Itachi said frankly. Madara shrugged.

"You know you can't beat me at your level Itachi, but what better a way to die huh? Watching your children surpass you?" Madara said.

"We'll see what happens on the battlefield," Itachi said. Madara smiled and stood up.

"I suppose you're done with me then?" Madara asked. Itachi nodded and turned away.

"One more thing," Itachi started.

"Hmm?"

"Don't come near my wife again. If you need something you come see me about it. I won't allow her to give you either of the things you requested of her, so don't even think about laying a hand on her or my children," Itachi growled, turning his head. His expression revealed his murderous intent, and his eyes were glowing red in the moonlight. "Do we understand each other?" Itachi asked. Madara let out a chuckle.

"You actual look like you could take me right now…" Madara answered with a grin. Itachi's expression grew more serious if it was even possible, and his father relented. "As you wish Itachi. I'll stay away from your family, for now," Madara said. Itachi turned his back to the man again and left him in the clearing. Sasuke nodded to his brother when he returned, and retreated to his room while Itachi went to his. The baby was in her crib and Sakura was lying on her side. She stirred when he got into bed, yawning softly.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"I learned something very valuable tonight. The three of us will discuss it in the morning," Itachi said.

"K," Sakura replied sleepily. She moved back to curl against her lover, pulling his arm around her. He kissed the back of her ear and pulled her as close as he could, taking in her warmth.

"I love you Sakura. I won't let anything happen to you or our children," Itachi whispered.

"I love you too," Sakura said in return, in so light a whisper he almost couldn't make out what she'd said. When morning came she Itachi woke to the smell of breakfast and the cute attention getting noises of his child in her crib. She peeked her head just over the edge so he could see her eyes and fingers, but he could tell she was smiling.

"Is mom making us breakfast Mitsuki?" Itachi asked. She giggled as he scooped her up. Sasuke had eaten already and gone off to find Naruto so they could train. Sakura had put Itachi and her food on the table and was washing Sasuke's dish. Itachi put Mitsuki in her seat, set up with her fruit and stood right behind his future wife. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Morning," she said brightly.

"Morning," he replied.

"What did you want to tell me last night?" she asked, turning off the water and drying her hands.

"Madara won't bother you anymore," Itachi said.

"Did he find you or did you go looking for him?" Sakura asked, suddenly tense.

"Both," Itachi said. "I… I said some things that make our previous plan impossible," he added, looking away from her.

"Then what is our plan?" Sakura asked.

"We're going to kill him. From what I can tell, he wanted us on his side because he was afraid that me and Sasuke are capable of defeating him. He wanted Sasuke because he knows he can't corrupt me. He tried to break me last night. He believes that my life would have been a waste if not for you Sakura. That if I hadn't have told you, I would have been the villain for the pointless torment I put Sasuke through," Itachi revealed.

"You're not a villain," Sakura said reassuringly.

"He did say some things that made me realize just how terrible a person he would've made me out to be to Sasuke after I died. And while Madara thinks I perceived him telling me as a way to break me and drag me back under his influence, I know why he really told me," Itachi said.

"Why?" Sakura asked.

"Guilt is a powerful tool. He knows Sasuke was in love with you before I was. He knows that I love Sasuke more than anyone else, and that it killed me inside all those years having to make him face life by himself. If I wasn't already so used to being manipulated by the man it would've really got to me… I hate to admit it, but it's affecting me a lot more than it should be, and that's what he wanted. He wanted to cloud my mind and take it away from the issues at hand. He's a man who likes to keep to the things he says, but I don't know that we can trust him to wait until Sasuke has the Mangekyo Sharingan. Either that, or he'll find Sasuke himself and try and lure him away," Itachi said, obviously hurting inside. Sakura hugged him tightly.

"Nothing will take our family apart," Sakura declared.

"I don't want to lose him again Sakura… It would be my fault if he went," he said softly.

"Sasuke loves you, and he loves me and Mitsuki. He'll love this baby. He has something good in his life again. There's no way he would join Madara," Sakura stated.

"Uncle," Mitsuki said, gnawing an apple. Sakura looked but didn't see Sasuke.

"Did you just hear mama talking about Uncle Sasuke?" Sakura asked, wondering why else Mitsuki would have said it. She smiled and giggled, but didn't say anything.

Uncle Sasuke had taught her to stay quiet, putting a finger over his lips, for her protection later on. She had seen him make this very gesture in the window moments ago, after she'd said uncle. Sasuke had come back after finding Naruto helping Hinata with some of her own training. He figured he'd just come in the window and sit down with his family for breakfast and had overheard what Itachi was saying. He didn't want them to think he'd been spying so he took off, but he suddenly felt more at peace then he had in years. Itachi really had suffered all those years, the same as he had. He had overheard a private conversation where Itachi admitted his guilt, so he knew it wasn't embellished or exaggerated. Sasuke felt like they really could go back to how things were before Itachi left, as hard and painful as it would be for the both of them.

He wandered off toward the training grounds where he found Kakashi training with Rin. Rin had insisted that she be trained to defend herself again so she could help the other medics when the battle came and Kakashi had agreed. Ino was training her medical skills with Hinata under Rin's supervision when neither of them were busy training with a partner and Rin wasn't occupied with her newly rediscovered love. Everyone seemed to be pairing up. Naruto and Hinata, Shikamaru and Temari, Kakashi and Rin... Ino was trying desperately to get Sai's attention. Even TenTen and Neji had started to get close in his absence. Sasuke followed the river a little ways out of Konoha when he knew he was being followed.

"What is it Karin?" he asked. She came out of her hiding place and sat beside him.

"I was just worried about you…" she said. He turned his head slightly to look at her. Karin, she reminded him of a much more extreme version of Sakura when she was younger. She was always following him, making sure he was alright… Sakura did this still, but for a different kind of love. Sasuke was a part of her family now, and he couldn't deny how it saddened him.

"You can come sit here if you like," Sasuke offered, looking at the spot next to him. She accepted his invitation, sitting as close as she could without touching him.

"What will you do now Sasuke?" she asked softly. "Now that you know the truth…"

"Time will heal the wounds in my heart and soul. I have a family again, and I have to train so I can protect them," Sasuke answered.

"Do you think… do you think you'll ever be able to feel for me, the way you feel for Sakura?" she asked boldly, face turning a deep shade of red as she prepared for rejection. Sasuke studied her for a moment and thought out what his next words would be.

"You know Karin, you do remind a great deal of Sakura. You're both easily set off," Sasuke said with a laugh. Karin bit her lip and clenched her fists in anger. Sasuke interrupted before she could get too mad. "And you're both extremely strong and dedicated to the things you love in life," he added, melting her in an instant. He turned her face toward his own and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. "I promise that when my heart is healed enough to love again, that you'll be the first to know." Karin all but fainted.

Mitsuki ate her breakfast and played with her toys for about an hour before she passed out for her morning nap. Itachi picked her up from the living room floor and put her in her crib. Sakura was cleaning again, and Itachi sighed as he stopped her.

"You're pregnant Sakura. You should be resting with your feet up and letting me take care of everything," Itachi murmured into her ear. Sakura smiled at the gesture but it was unrealistic in her mind.

"I'm not used to you being around. Besides if I sit around all day and do nothing I'll go crazy. You need to start your training with Sasuke anyway, so you're not going to be able to be at my beck and call," Sakura protested. Itachi scooped his lover up and put her down on the couch. He took off her sandals and began to massage her feet. She let her eyes shut and her mind go blank as Itachi worked wonders on her. She was always on her feet… Chasing Mitsuki around and working at the hospital, cleaning and cooking…

"I don't want you to worry about anything. I will clean, I'll help you cook, I'll watch Mitsuki. You need to take a long deserved break from this stressful routine you've got for yourself. I'm not saying you can't do anything, just let me take some responsibility ne? You're not alone anymore. As your future husband, what kind of man, and father would I be watching my pregnant wife do everything around the house and then go to work with no rest?" Itachi said soothingly. Sakura moaned softly as his fingers worked magic on her tired feet.

"Alright," she managed. When her feet felt brand new, Itachi moved and had her lay on her stomach. He unlaced the back of her shirt and pushed it off her shoulders as his fingers traced down her back. "You should know, I could get used to this very quickly," Sakura warned as he began.

"I hope you do," Itachi said, smiling down at her. Sakura smiled as well. Was he saying he'd planned on massaging away all her stress and tension every night? She would never let him of course, not every night because she'd be spoiled if he went away on a mission, but maybe once a week would be nice. A shudder of pleasure jolted through her as he touched the back of her neck, bringing with it a moan that she didn't mean to sound so erotic. Suddenly she felt extremely aroused. They hadn't been together in 3 months, and their brief tryst in the hospital hadn't been satisfying in the least…

"Itachi…" Sakura whispered. She twisted underneath him, her top barely covering her. Itachi swallowed hard. "I want you," she said.

"What about Mitsuki?" Itachi asked.

"She'll be asleep for at least an hour," Sakura said.

"And if Sasuke comes home?" he asked. Sakura lowered her gaze.

"I'm sure he won't be home for a while, not if he's with Naruto," she said.

"Are you sure?" Itachi asked.

"We… We don't know how long we have Itachi… to…" Sakura murmured, diverting her gaze. Itachi saw the flicker of sadness in her eyes. How long did they have before everything would be turned upside down on them? How long would they be able to live a normal life together before they might be forever ripped away from each other? Would they see the day they would marry? Would he see his next child be born? It wasn't worth the pain it caused to think such thoughts and he said as much to his fiancée.

"Don't think about the future Sakura. Think of what we have now. We have to cherish what little time we may have together," he said, touching her face. She looked up at him and he leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. This time was different between them. The way Itachi held her close, and made her tremble, the way he kissed her and touched her… it was like it was the last time he would ever get to. She noticed after that afternoon, the way he looked at her, and Mitsuki. She felt how possessive and protective he was while allowing them all the freedom in the world. He was always watching over them, even in their own home and it put Sakura at a certain ease.

His training with Sasuke began soon after. Itachi and Sasuke always made sure there was someone to watch over her and the baby before leaving, just in case Madara did come back. In most cases Kakashi and Rin came over, if not Hinata and Naruto. Every night when they came home she would have to heal them from near exhaustion and she woke early to make them breakfast after a nice long sleep. Itachi took days off of course but Sasuke refused. He felt as though he needed to maintain a constant schedule if he was going to make any progress. On the days Itachi stayed home Kakashi or Naruto would spar with him.

It had been nearly 2 months since their return and Sakura was finally starting to show signs of her child. Mitsuki was very excited, and made sure to talk to her sibling every morning when she woke up and every night before she went to sleep. Itachi felt he needed to spend extra time with Mitsuki, feeling guilty that he had missed so much time with her, and whatever time was left making sure Sakura was comfortable. At night when Sakura fell asleep he would rub and kiss her belly, only telling the growing child, 'You be good for your mother.'