Saturday, November 17th, 2012.

Like I said, I'm updating today! Yay!

And thanks for so many reviews, guys! And thanks for the 2 for ACM!

ATTENTION!

However, this is likely the last chapter I'll post until I have to go on vacation. I'm leaving December 10th (my b-day's the day before) and I won't be coming back til the 31st or Jan 1st. I'll be in Kenya for the 3rd time, btw, visiting family.

Also, I like to think of this as an early-b-day chapter, since the day after my b-day will be the day I leave for the LAX airport. I'll be 14 December 9th! Yay! So will my twin sister! So yay for her too!

B-days I've missed and probably will miss:

Nov. 14: Leviathan (Levi) (KHR)
Nov. 15: Rin (Naruto)
Nov. 18: Shizune (Naruto)
Nov. 25: Sai, Izumo Kamizuki, I-Pin (Naruto, KHR)
Nov. 27: Rock Lee (Naruto)
Dec. 1: Zori (Naruto)
Dec. 3: Shoichi Irie (KHR)
Dec. 4: Dan (Naruto)
Dec. 5: (Nagi) Chrome Dokuro (KHR)
Dec. 9: Me, my twin sis, my 4th grade teacher, and friend from Kansas.
Dec. 15: Lancia (KHR)
Dec. 22: Belphagor (Bel), Rasiel (Siel), & Jordan Sparks (KHR, real person)
Dec. 24: Madara (weird right?) & Madam Shijimi (Naruto)
Dec. 25: Inari (Naruto)
Dec. 27: Hinata Hyuuga (Naruto)
Dec. 28: Cozarto Simon (KHR)
Dec. 30: Konohamaru Sarutobi (Naruto)
Jan. 1: Might Gai (Naruto)
Jan 2: Iwashi Tatami (Naruto)
Jan 4: Haku (Naruto)
Jan 8: Hiashi & Hizashi Hyuuga (Naruto)

I'm going to start responding to most reviews now, but generally only if they include questions.

RESPONSES:

NTA FANFIC: Thanks for reviewing but I have no idea what "Gl" means.

jus4theheckofit98: Thanks, and Itachi, during all this, has broken away from the Akatsuki, making them angry and hid from them while looking for Suigetsu and Juugo in one of Orochimaru's hideouts. Sorry I didn't make this clearer before. That's why Sakura said "...is just what she needed until Juugo and Suigetsu come back". The two will become Karin's teammates later. Hopefully. Sorry about that mix-up.

Degevorn: Really? I only know of one other person with them. Yeah, I noticed they're a lot less frequent. Mine happen once every few months now.

Don't forget, my update schedule still is affected by ACM's reviews. If I come back to find no more from my vacation, I might not update. Seriously.

DEDICATION: Jasmine-.-Momo-chan and XxLizzie-chanxX. Thanks for your companionship and reviews. :D Love you guys. :D Also, loosecontroi/loosecontrooPL and TrafalgarMann21 from Youtube. Some of the best freaking AMV/AMSV makers on Youtube. See their AMSVs -they're phenomenal. BTW, TrafalgarMann21, I love your penname. :D Trafalgar Law (One Piece) FTW!

Oh, and I might do dedications now.

Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto, I wouldn't be fretting about my Character Education project and my Drama project. Nor would I have to agonize that One Piece is on break this week. I want to know what happens to Mocha DAMNIT! Even though I KNOW, I don't want to believe it til I see it.

Oh, and Ita? is revealed in this chap! As well as more SasuSaku romance, SaiSaku friendship, and hints of SaIno!

READ ON MY LOVELIES!


Chapter 17: More Nightmares

Sasuke POV

I woke up. Why?

I was about to sit up and search for what might have, but I couldn't. Some heavy weight was on me. Well, not heavy, but it was still questionable.

I looked down to find the source – Sakura's head against my chest.

What the-…oh, right. I told her everything last night.

Then, I noticed something strange. Her chakra…why's it fluctuating so much? It's going up and down like a roller coaster!

I took a look at her face, only to realize that she was panting and shaking, and tears were coming out of her eyes. Oh, no! She's trapped in a nightmare! Wake her up, idiot!

I know that!

But before I could make a move, the tent was quickly unzipped from the outside and three familiar people entered.

Kakashi, Sai, and Naruto.

"What's going on? Why's Sakura's chakra so out of whack?" Kakashi asked.

I tried shaking her to wake her up. "She's in a nightmare, but she isn't waking up!"

Naruto moved to my side and tried waking her up too, and suddenly, she stopped shaking and her eyes snapped open, stopping Sai as he pulled out a scroll and…a paintbrush? What the hell would that do?! Paint her nightmares away to death?!

Before I knew what was happening, I found myself on my back with a kunai on my neck, threatening to cut me.

I looked up to find Sakura with tears pouring down her face, and that it was her kunai against my throat. Where'd that kunai come from?

Not the time, Inner!

Naruto, Kakashi, and I were all too shocked to move. As for Sai…he looked pretty stunned, too. That's the most emotion I've ever seen on his face.

I felt her try to push the kunai down further, but her hand shook violently, not piercing me at all.

I looked into her eyes, and then became shocked. It's like she doesn't even see me...wait! She's…She's still asleep!

She pulled her hand back, saying, "I'm weak! I still can't do it…I still can't kill him…"

She closed her eyes, and turned, and fell into Naruto's arms, though I'm almost sure she didn't know it.

She cried into him. "I'm sorry…I'm so sorry I'm still so useless…please forgive me…I didn't mean to hurt you…I just wanted to take him out of his misery…I can't bare seeing either of you in so much pain…please forgive me!"

And she continued to sob.

What is she dreaming of? Oh, Sakura-chan, please stop crying…stop please…please…it hurts seeing you like this...*whimpers*

My shock disappearing, I sat up. Naruto was frozen, and Kakashi pulled the crying, sleeping-talking girl toward him and pulled up his headband, forcing her to look into his eyes. His Sharingan swirled. Sai merely watched, maybe feeling that it wasn't his place to do anything right now. But he had a calculating and confused look in his eye…Trying to figure out what she's dreaming of?

Somehow, I doubt that dude will have better luck than the rest of us. I mean, we've known her longer, right? I think.

Note to self: watch Sai.

Then Kakashi made her sit down on her own.

Soon, she blinked. Again. And again. Then she was rubbing her eyes furiously. When she stopped, she looked around in the crowded tent to see our bewildered and frightened faces.

"W-what's going on?" She felt her cheeks. "Why was I crying? Why are Naruto, Sai-kun and Kaka-sensei in here? Sasuke-kun, what happened?"

I moved toward her. "You had a nightmare. You were crying and you put a kunai to my neck in your sleep. You couldn't pierce me with it and fell into Naruto's arms and cried, saying all the time along the lines of 'I'm sorry, I can't do it, I'm sorry I'm weak'. Kakashi used his Sharingan to wake you up." She buried her face in my chest and wrapped her arms around me, sobbing. We were all surprised, but I ignored the other three ninja in the room and wrapped my own arms around her. I pushed her back slightly to see her face.

My hand moved up to her face and wiped her tears away of its own volition.

"What were you dreaming about?" I asked softly. I was surprising myself. Were you always this tender? I mean, I could be, but you, however…

I'm kinda busy asking this myself. Why am I so gentle to her lately? Why am I opening up so easily…I'm becoming soft…

Sakura returned her head to my bare chest (I sleep shirtless). She shook it slowly, still weeping.

Naruto put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright Sakura-chan. No need to tell us now. Tell us when you're ready." And with a smile she couldn't see but I'm sure she felt, he left the tent.

Kakashi simply put a hand on her head and said, "We're all here for each other, Sakura. Don't forget that." Then he left the tent, too.

Sai, looking hesitant and sort of scared, like he was entering an entirely new and scary territory, also put a hand to her shoulder –albeit slowly.

"I'm your friend, too, Sakura. Looking after each other is what friends are for, right?" His lips morphed. Was he trying to smile? Like, a real one?

Either way, he decided he couldn't and gave up. He gave a nod –she felt that didn't she? But people can't FEEL nods…well, no more than smiles…that makes no sense.- and left the tent.

Sakura continued to cry in my arms for a small while. Then, she pulled away and began wiping her eyes. I pulled her back.

"Sorry, *hic* Sasuke-kun, for crying on you. *hic* Sorry for crying period. *hic* Man, I feel so weak. *hic* I *hic* promised myself I wouldn't cry. And here *hic* I am, hiccupping *hic* and crying…"

I wiped her tears away again, unable to help myself.

"Don't apologize," I mumbled. For some unknown reason, I felt my face heating up. Ooh, you're blushing!

I don't blush, moron!

Tell that to your face! *snicker*

I ignored him, continuing what I was saying to Sakura before I forgot, and tugged the girl toward me again. "Sometimes…it's alright to cry…"

Shocked, she pulled back a bit and looked into my eyes, seemingly searching for something in her surprise.

Then, she stopped, wiped her eyes, and smiled. "I guess you're right."

She gave me a quick hug and kiss on the cheek–gratitude?- and gently pulled herself from me and stood up. She headed for the flap of the tent. But before she reached it, she turned to me, smiling again.

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

And she left.

Only after she left did I realize how much I didn't want to let her go. Silently craving for her touch again.

I was blushing again, too.

What's wrong with me?


Sakura POV

So the dreams have already started…

We had just completed the main part of our mission –letting the Daimyo complete his trading with a very popular merchant. Now, we were heading back to Konoha. We should be there by tomorrow.

Right now, the sun was setting, and I assume we're going to stop and set up camp soon.

"Alright, everyone. Let's stop here and set up camp," Kakashi said. Called it.

"Would you like some help, Sakura?" I looked up from setting up my tent to see Kino standing above me with a polite smile on his face.

I shook my head and smiled back to him. "No, thanks, Kino-kun. I got it."

"Okay, Sakura. Have a good night's sleep." (We'd already eaten)

"You, too, Kino." He nodded and left.

Soon, Sasuke came up to me and helped me finish putting up the tent. When we finished, we both entered the tent and sat on top of our sleeping bags, not ready to actually sleep quite yet.

"I take it the sleeping arrangements are the same?" I asked.

He nodded. "Aa."

I giggled. "I hope Sai-kun will be okay, having to deal with Kayame's advances and all."

Sasuke smirked. "Better him than me, though."

I punched his arm playfully. "Sasuke-kun! That's mean." I said it while laughing, though.

After a moment of (comfortable) silence, Sasuke spoke up. "So why'd you move out? Did you want to be more independent?"

I was shocked by the question, and paused, as I didn't know how to answer. We can always tell him about that bastard of a father of ours beating us and our bitch of a mom(1) that is well…a bitch. Man, I miss our other ones. I mean, they weren't ideal, but they weren't this bad

No! We can't tell him that!

Why not?

It's a sign of weakness! And besides –he doesn't need to know.

We need to tell them sometime, Outer.

No we-!...Alright. But not anytime soon.

I remembered that I have to answer Sasuke soon before he gets too suspicious. "Yeah! Independence. I can't be dependent of them all the time. Might as well start now." I smiled and pumped my fist, adding to the effect.

The look on Sasuke's face told me he didn't believe me. Damn him for being so sharp…

"I'll pretend I believe that. This isn't over." I sighed and rolled my eyes at his response.

"Hey, Sasuke-kun?" I was tentative. I didn't want to make him upset from what I was about to ask.

"Aa?" Great. Back to 1-word answers…

But you have to admit; his raised eyebrow makes him look sexy!

Aren't you going to respond?

I have no idea how to respond to your overwhelming-…something.

I'll take that as a compliment!

Believe me – even though I don't know what word to use, it wasn't a compliment.

"Who was your bro- cousin's last teammate? The female one?" Immediately, Sasuke's eyes darkened, as did his expression. He turned away and didn't speak for a while.

I decided that meant he wasn't going to answer and I shouldn't have asked, so I turned around to get into my sleeping bag.

But, before I could, I felt something grab my wrist. I looked to find Sasuke's hand attached to it.

"Don't. I'll…I'll tell you sometime. But not now. Not now." I gave him a small smile to provide comfort.

"I understand. Let's sleep now, okay? We can't be nodding off on the way back to Konoha. Good night, Sasuke-kun." With that, I attempted to go into my sleeping bag.

Operative word here, folks: "attempted'.

I had forgotten Sasuke had never let go of my wrist.

I opened my mouth to ask him about it, but the next things I felt were a pull, my head resting on something warm, and my body being covered by something.

I opened my eyes again (I closed them when I found myself on that warm something) and looked up when my world stopped spinning. I found Sasuke's eyes staring into mine. He pulled me into the sleeping bag with him! How'd he do that so fast?

I stared back for a while. Then snapped out of a daze I didn't know I was in. "S-sasuke-kun! W-what are y-you do-"

He interrupted me. What's with him and interrupting me!

"You're sleeping with me again tonight." I was shocked and blushed, but Sasuke's own (miniscule) blush didn't pass me by, however. My Inner smirked.

I couldn't resist teasing him. It was always so much fun. That is, if it worked. "You know, I would've just left my sleeping bag in Konoha altogether if I knew we were going to be sharing yours both nights." I giggled at Sasuke's embarrassed scowl.

"Hn." He muttered. I just smiled again, happy to be able to bond with him in a way no one else can. Finally…something reserved just for me and him…I can't deny how long I've wanted this.

He lied back down and gently pushed my head onto his chest, so I can sleep, too. I squirmed a little bit, as did he, trying to get comfortable.

It resulted in a similar position as last night, yet different –my head resting on his upper chest, one (left) arm around him. His right arm across my waist and back, his chin cradling my head, his other arm also near my head.

Yeah. I'm specific. This is a once in a life-time event! I'm not forgetting it!

How…cutely intimate. We're cuddling with Sasuke-kun! CUDDLING! With SASUKE-KUN! I can die happy now…oh, wait. He needs to kiss us first. Hopefully with tongue. Then I can die happy…

Shut up. Trying to enjoy the moment here!

I don't know if Sasuke was blushing too, but I decided I didn't care as long as I got to be close to him like this and he didn't mind. This is a dream come true…

"Good night, Sakura." His voice was soft in the darkness, a slight huskiness that was soothing and suddenly made me feel much sleepier than I was a moment ago.

"Good night…Sasuke…kun…"

And I let myself fall asleep in the arms of the boy I loved.


Mm…what's that sound? Something's shaking me. What is waking me up from my beautiful sleep?!

I open my eyes to look into my sensei's single eye.

I jumped. So did Sasuke. He must have woken up when Kakashi-sensei shook us awake.

"So…anything you two need to tell me about?" Even behind his mask, Kakashi was sporting a wide grin. I don't know if it was creepy or just cheeky, though. I'll go with creepy.

"No." Huh. I guess this is the first time Sasuke and I ever spoke in unison.

"Really?" Kakashi's eyebrow was raised.

I sighed, picking myself up from my head resting on Sasuke's naked chest –I had forgotten he sleeps shirtless- which was where I found myself. Sasuke had also taken his hands from around my waist.

"Really, Kaka-sensei." I yawned and stretched, in a way similar to that of a cat. "Ahh…that feels good."

"For your guys' sake, I won't tell Naruto what I found this morning. I doubt he'd believe it unless he saw it himself, though. I'll leave you two to get ready and wash your faces in the stream. We'll be arriving in Konoha later so you can shower there."

As Kakashi left the tent, Sasuke made sure to make a comment. "Thank you so much for your generosity, Kakashi." Lovin' the sarcasm. It is my (our) best friend. Next to Ino. After Naruto.

And (sarcastically, of course) Kakashi replied. "You're very welcome Sasuke, Sakura."

I shook my head at him. "I'm going out, Sasuke-kun. I hope Naruto hasn't cooked ramen for breakfast."

"Hn." He nodded and I left the tent.


I came back from washing my face to find everyone but Sai, Kino, and Kayame around the fire for breakfast.

I turned to Naruto. "Hey Naruto, where's-"

Just then, Kino and Kayame came running toward us. Speak of the devil.

But Sai wasn't among them.

"Sajuma! Sai-kun won't wake up!" Kayame exclaimed to me, pointing to their tent.

I sighed. She still can't get my name right.

"We tried slapping him, shaking him, screaming in his ear –everything! But all we get are incomprehensible mumbles and trembling!" Kino's eyes were worried and frantic.

I suddenly had a bad feeling. "Anything else?"

Kayame nodded. "Yeah! I think he muttered something like 'shin.' I don't know if it's a name or his shin or wha-"

I was already running to their tent. Shit! Nightmares!

I quickly entered the tent when I got to it and crawled over to Sai. I noticed that Kayame, Kino, Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi were waiting outside the tent with it wide open. I ignored them.

I shook my friend. "Sai-kun…Sai-kun…Sai! Wake up, damnit! Ugh!" Still only trembling and mumbles.

"Shin-nii-san…don't leave me…" I pulled his mouth open to look at his seal. It was a little red, but not very. I closed it. He must have been muttering something about ROOT in his sleep then…

My heart clenched to see a tear falling down his face.

"Why are you opening his mouth?" Judging from his tone, Naruto was deeply beffudled. (love that word) Not that it's not unusual or anything.

I sighed. "Naruto. I need you to pull Sai-kun in a sitting position against you. Hold his shoulders."

His brow was raised, but he did it anyway.

This is as good a time as ever to see if this works…

I sent green chakra to my index fingertips. I put them against each of his temples and shot the chakra into his brain. I remember Tsunade taught me this once, to wake someone from deep sleep. I hope this works like it did then…

Sai jolted awake. "W-what? Shin-nii-san? Where are you? What's going on?!"

His eyes finally adjusted to see me. Naruto let go of him, now that Sai was sitting up on his own.

"He's…not here…is he?" Sai asked sadly.

I shook my head. "No, it was a nightmare, Sai-kun."

He looked down. My heart clenched even more. I noticed Kayame and Kino had already left- my other teammates were lingering outside the tent.

"…So he's really dead?"

I nodded. "Yes, he is."

"He saw the book…didn't he?"

"Mm-hmm." I wrapped my arms around my friend. It hurts to see him like this…

The chakra's of my teammates left this area. Thanks for the alone time, guys.

He wrapped his arms around me, too, accepting the hug. "Can you hold me a while longer?" His voice almost broke and I found it difficult to hide my shock.

"As long as you wish."

"Thank you, Sakura."

I nodded, knowing he felt it.

He sobbed in my arms, while I barely held in my own tears.

Silently, I heard him mutter my best friend's name.

I didn't feel hurt at all that he preferred her over me. In fact, I felt a spark of hope. He's learning to feel even more…

Maybe he's developing feelings for Ino-pig. They've been hanging out a LOT lately. He's been talking about her a lot recently, too.

I hope. I want those two to be happy…If anyone deserves love, it's Sai...


We had packed up the camp hours ago. Thank God no one asked about my moment with Sai. At least; not yet.

Right now, we were walking beside that carriage like we were before. All the teens on this side with Kayame leaning out the window in the carriage, Kakashi on the other side.

"Have you been kissed before, Sakura?" Kino's question caught me off guard. I totally forgot he was there…

I shook my head. Blushing a bit. Well, at least I'm working on that… "No, I haven't. Although…" I turned a fierce glare unto Naruto.

Seeing it, he raised his hands up in defense. "W-what did I do, Sakura-chan?!"

I pretended to think, putting a finger to my lips. "Oh, I don't know…almost stealing my first kiss while transformed as Sasuke-kun while I was his fangirl is what!"

"What?!" That was Sasuke.

"Is that what you did when you tied me up, Dobe? What else did you do, huh?! What else did you do looking like me?!" He was shaking Naruto by his collar, nearly choking him. This is actually kinda funny…these guys should make a reality show…it's sure to rack up some serious dough.

As long as I get at least 1/3 of the profit.

"Oh!" Up until now, Naruto was completely oblivouis. Just now, a light bulb went up in his head. Are you telling me he didn't remember until now? "I remember now!" That answers my question.

"This I must hear. Please elaborate, Ugly." Sai was looking pretty attentive, as was Kino. And Kayame.

Can't forget the "princess", now can we?

"It was shortly after we were put in teams around a year ago(2)." I started. "I was sitting at a bench, dreaming about ways to get my beloved Sasuke-kun to fall in love with me and not Ino-pig –she and I were fangirl rivals for his love then. Thank God that's behind us now.

"Suddenly, I saw Sasuke-kun come up to me. To shorten this a little, 'Sasuke-kun'," I made sure to add air-quotes. "Had asked me what I thought of Naruto, I'm not proud of my answer and it's vastly different now. Anyway, 'Sasuke-kun was being pretty friendly to me, and if that wasn't all, the fact that he asked what I thought of Naruto should have raised some alarms –though those two are best friends, they aren't the buddy-buddy type. At all. And Sasuke-kun was pretty annoyed by me back then, too. Anyhoo, we talked a little more, again he being a little too affectionate and nice to be Sasuke, and…you know how in all those romance movies, the two main characters look into each other's eyes and lean in for a kiss?"

Everyone nodded. Even Kayame, who was listening intently. "Yeah. Well, that pretty much happened. I was ecstatic –'Sasuke-kun is going to kiss me! He likes me! You lose, Pig!'

"But here's the thing: we didn't kiss, thank goodness. Naruto's constipation -which was pretty frequent due to all the rotten milk he drank at the time- kicked in and he had to leave immediately, right when our lips would have met.

"I left the bench, dejected, and soon ran into the real Sasuke-kun. To say the least, it was a really… unforgettable conversation. However, I didn't find out it was Naruto until like a month ago, when I was thinking about how odd he was acting.

"And that's the story of my almost-first-kiss which I need to kill Naruto for when we get back to Konoha."

Kino laughed. "You all are an interesting bunch, aren't you?"

"What a nice way to say freaks. But yes, the most 'interesting'." Sai said, with a (fake) smile on his face.

I turned to see why Naruto was so silent to find Sasuke-kun wrapping up a whispered threat into his ear.

Soon, though, Kino and Kayame got themselves caught in a conversation with Sai and Naruto, leaving me and Sasuke alone.

"So, what'd you threaten Naruto with?" I asked him, bumping his shoulder with my own.

"Not much, promising to be merciless the next time we fight. Preferably the Chuunin Exams. And watch what he drinks. You?" He had his brow raised in curiousity. I really like this more open Sasuke. Aren't we just amazing? Next: get him to kiss us.

I did my best to ignore my Inner. But most importantly, I was trying to ignore the prospect of kissing him. "Not sure yet, really. Maybe force him to eat these awful black medicine balls I made once. They're nutricious, but they taste so bad they should be illegal. I know how to make better ones now, but I'll make him eat the bad ones. I'm going to do something else, too, for sure, but I don't know what…"

"Black Medicine balls? They really taste that bad?"

I nodded gravely. "Forserious. Ask Sai-kun."

"Sai." I didn't actually think he'd really ask him…

"Mm?"

"How were Sakura's Black Medicine Balls?" Immediately, Sai's face turned green. He seemed to have trouble swallowing for a minute. Naruto was totally oblivious to the whole conversation, so caught up in his own about quality chop-sticks to use to eat food with with Kayame. Weirdoes.

"I would only wish that atrocity on my worst enemies. They should be forbidden, they're so...*shiver*. Please; NEVER try them." And with that, Sai went back to his conversation with Kino, his face slowly turning back to its natural pale color.

Sasuke, seemingly stunned, turned back to me. "Medicine balls it is. Wanna work together on that other payback?"

I smiled. "I'd love to."

"How about…"

And I spent the rest of the mission enjoying speaking with Sasuke, and occasionally flirting with Kino or facing Kayame try to seduce Sasuke and failing pathetically.


The sun had gone down a little while ago, and with the mission totally complete, my team and I were heading home after eating dinner at our favorite Ichiraku's. Or, the team was heading home with me.

"You know you don't all have to walk me home, right? I can get there by myself." I said, exasperated by my team. These guys…sometimes I don't know what to do with them…

"But maybe we want to, Sakura-chan?" Naruto said.

I sighed, giving up. I'm too tired to continue this already 10-minute argument. "Fine. Come on. I need to stop at Karin's apartment first to get my pets."

I heard Naruto cheer behind me.

When I got to Karin's door, I knocked.

Or, well, I tried to. The moment my knuckle would've hit the door, it opened. I barely stopped myself from knocking Karin's face. Luckily, she anticipated and made sure she was far enough not to get hit but close enough to open the door. Damn her and her sensory skills.

"They're all sleeping. Come in." Not even a hello? I guess that's Karin for you.

We all entered her apartment. She told us to sit on her couch as she got little ones.

"I put all their stuff in your apartment so you don't have a lot to move over again. Your mail is on the island in your kitchen. Now hurry up and take them before they all fall!"

There were animals all over Karin. I decided not to ask why. But I did find it difficult to disguise my snickers.

There was a white with light blue stripes fluff-ball on top of her head, –which I assume is the kitten I picked out for her- a midnight kitten on her shoulder, a light tan/sandy colored puppy one on her foot, chestnut brown kitten in her arm, and a very soft yellow/bright gold puppy in her other arm.

She handed each of the ones except the one on her head to each of us minus Naruto. The midnight one to me, –which is Sasu-tan(3), for those who didn't know- the chestnut kitten to Sasuke, the tan puppy to Kakashi, and the light yellow puppy to Sai, for whom he had taken a liking to, since the little one nuzzled Sai's face quite eagerly.

"What'd you name the kitten I gave you, Karin?" She took the white puff ball in her arms and stroke it as it yawned. I had realized that was her kitten.

"Shira. White. She's a girl. Who are you giving the last kitten and the two puppies to? D'ya know?"

I nodded. "The yellow one to Ino-he matches her hair. The tan one to Matsuri when I see her next. And the darker brown one to Tenten. Tenten just needs to finish kitten-proofing her apartment; she has weapons everywhere. And Ino needs to finish moving into her apartment. She asked her dad if she can move into one."

"Ino finished."

"She did?"

"Yeah. She texted me this morning that she was finished. You can bring the little guy to her tomorrow."

I stood by Karin's door as we left her apartment. "G'night." I said to her.

She nodded. "G'night."

Her kitten yawned. She nuzzled against Karin. "Looks like Shira needs to sleep. As do I. See you tomorrow Sakura. I wish the boys luck on the finals in a few days." And with that, she closed and locked her door.

I didn't miss the small smile she had when Shira nuzzled her. Looks like a little companion was just what she needed until Itachi brings back Suigetsu and Juugo.

I entered my own apartment to find Naruto cooing to the little kittens and puppies as they slowly fell asleep in their bed in my living room, Sai and Kakashi reading my manga again, and Sasuke just lounging on the couch.

"Mrow…" I looked down in my own arms to see Sasu-kun meowing for my attention.

I sat down next to Sasuke on one of the couches. (I have 2)

"So you're Sasu, huh? Hey. I'm the big Sasuke."

I wanted to burst out laughing when Sasuke-kun nodded to the little kitten. I almost let it out when the kitten nodded back. He meowed something to Sasuke, and then gestured over to me, and rubbed himself into my chest, which I'm sure he enjoyed. What a weird cat we got here…and he's just over 5 weeks old…

Sasuke scowled at whatever Sasu said to him. "What'd he tell you? I understand most of what Sasu says, but since this seems like guy-to-guy talk, I have no idea." Guy-to-Guy talk with a cat…am I going mad?!

"You wouldn't believe me." By now, the rest of our team was watching us, enjoying how open Sasuke is being. I think I even see a smile under Kakashi's mask.

"Aw, come on, tell me." I pouted, pulling the "puppy-dog" face card.

I don't know if it was because it worked or he just decided to tell me on a whim, but Sasuke sighed and opened his mouth. "In terms that Usuratonkachi can understand, 'Nice to meet you', and 'Back off, Sakura's mine. As long as you understand that, we can be friends.' At least that's what I think he said."

I was gaping at Sasuke. You cannot be serious…

"Y-you speak cat, Teme?!"

"Well. Someone's a little jealous and protective ain't he?"

"I don't know much about cats, but are they always like this when a couple weeks old, Ugly?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "My family's weapon supplier lives with a bunch of ninja cats(4), and there's even a cat city nearby. We did a lot of visiting."

I tilted my head, confused. "But if they're ninja cats, they can speak right? So how'd you pick up cat-speak if they spoke?" This has got to be one of the weirdest conversations we've ever had…after the time we had to give Sai the Talk…

DON'T…speak of it.

"They taught me some things…and in the cat-city, they don't speak..human."

Wow. That's…kinda cool, actually.

"Hey, guys? You know what's weird? I think I speak dog. Or canine, to be more precise. Or should I say more generally? Whatever. Either –or either?- way, the English language is stupidly complicated."

According to Karin, her teammate Juugo understood forest animals; birds, squirrels, bears, etc. If that Suigetsu guy speaks fish, we would have covered almost every group of animals. The world would never have to wonder what the animals are saying anymore! Animal Whisperers!

I tried not to laugh at that as I asked Naruto a question. "What makes you think that?" It'd make sense if he did –Kurama is a canine Bijuu after all, being a fox.

"Well, during my fight with Kiba and Akamaru, I thought I understood Akamaru when he barked at Kiba sometimes, saying things like, 'Got it!', or even to me, 'Take this!'. I thought it was the adrenaline. And then, last week I came across a hungry dog, and oddly enough had some raw meet that I was going to put in my fridge, since I was on my way home from the grocery store. I gave it to him and he thanked me. I sincerely believed I was losing it. Now that I think about it, since Kurama's –the name of the Kyuubi- a canine, he's probably why I can understand other canines."

I was stunned. Utterly. Stunned. What the hell?!

Sai spoke. "Well. Sasuke understands Feline, Naruto understands Canine, and Sakura speaks and understands Girl. Quite the team you're leading, huh, Scarecrow-sempai?"

I raised a brow. "'Speak Girl'? Seriously, Sai-kun?"

Oddly enough, Kakashi nodded. "I kinda agree that 'Girl'," he put air-quotes on 'Girl', "is practically another language."

"I think the wisest thing that Shikamaru ever said was, 'Women. Men will never truly understand them.'" Naruto was rubbing an imaginary beard, reminding me of Confucius or somebody.

I looked to Sasuke, hoping for some sanity in my apartment. He wouldn't meet my eyes.

I scratched my beloved Sasu-kun behind his ears, listening to him purr as I sighed, exasperated. "You guys are so weird. I guess 'Guy' is another language, too. Now –get out. Seriously. I want to sleep, I'm tired."

I stood up, with Sasu in one arm, and shooed my team out with the other. At the door, however, before they could leave, I gave them each a hug, leaving Sasuke for last.

Since the others were already ahead in leaving, I turned to Sasuke and gave him a -lingering- kiss on the cheek, hugged him, the pushed him over to the stairs. "Bye Sasuke-kun."

I wanted to laugh at his confused face. I barely stopped myself from doing so when I heard him mutter as he left, "Women are so confusing…"

Ahh…soon, he'll be all over us! Keep up the good work, Outer!

Uhh…sure. I'll do my best?

I raised my kitten so his head was level with my own. "Let's go sleep, now, shall we? I'm exhausted."

He mewed. And then, believe it or not, he nodded.

I took him in my warms, locked the door, and headed to my bedroom.

Once I showered, brushed my teeth, changed into my pajamas, and put the little ones into their bed and set it next to mine. I crawled into my bed.

I propped myself on my side to face Sasuke –the kitten, people.

"So, how'd you like the other Sasuke-kun?" He mewed. I took it as an "he's okay."

He rubbed my nose with his, and I wanted to burst at the gesture's cuteness. His…expression reminded me of when Sasuke is saying something that he really feels, but embarrasses him. I'd remember that face. And I'd remember this one cuz I don't remember cats being able to have such distinctive expressions.

I recalled Sasuke-kun's translation of Sasu's response to him.

"It's so cute how you told Sasuke to back off. You're a little possessive one, aren't you?"

I smiled. "Mrow!" Sasu stuck his nose in the air for a second, then nuzzled my nose again, getting comfortable on the space left on the pillow next to me.

He purred, falling asleep. "Goodnight, Sasu." I kissed the kitten's nose, and fell asleep myself.


? POV, Night before the Finals. Or, the morning…it's like midnight so…

Clank.

What the…

Clank.

Trying to sleep here!

Clank-clank.

Be a little more considerate, whatever you are!

Clank-clank-clank-cla-

Alright! I'm up! You better not be an enemy ninja!

I woke up out of my bed, angry at whatever was disturbing my sleep.

However, I was still tired, so I was too lazy to open my eyes.

"Puru… piri…to-to-to~…"(5)

Is that a bird? But that turn sounds so familiar.

I opened my eyes and turned to the source of the sound.

A crow behind my window.

No way…it can't be-

The bird chirped the same tune again. I realized it had something white on its neck.

I opened my window and picked up the crow on my finger, seeing that it was a note. I the moment I untied it from its neck, the crow flew away.

I opened the note, my hands shaking in anticipation. It can be him, it can't be! Shisui has crows, too! He could just be playing a midnight prank on me again! For all I know, this note can blow up in my face! But, why would the crow hum that tune, then? I didn't teach Shisui that one, even though he could have learned it on his own.

Hello.

I'm sorry for not communicating with you after all this time. I wanted to, believe me.

Shisui told you everything, right? I only told you part of it –I didn't want to burden you with the rest, or stop me for that matter. I couldn't have you entangled in this mess.

Have you been getting weird dreams, lately? Good. That means that Shisui has hypnotized you.

Yes. It's all true. Will you help me this time around? I need all the help I can get.

..I need to see you again.

I hurt you when I left, didn't I? Your brother grew to hate Sasuke, did he not?

What about Shisui? How is he? Uncle Garuto? Does Shisui have a girl, yet? Are you his?

Are you doing well now? Are you healthy? Is your brother healthy? His friends? Yours? Your Mother? Do you have a boyfriend?

Are you happy? I want you to be.

You know what I think of often?

Is it too selfish of me to have you all to myself?

Why did I write that? Why didn't I delete it? Maybe because I want you to know as much as possible. I'm also starting to believe I somehow caught a disease that consists of acting like a lovesick, sappy, wannabe-poet.

Anyway - serious face.

I'm sorry I broke you when I left. We were so young.

I can't stop thinking about you. Is this love?

Do you still love me?

If you do, meet me at our [special] place in about a week. I'm not sure what day, yet though. A crow will lead you that night. A lot will be happening soon – be prepared. You will be targeted by someone even I have trouble fighting. Whether he'll begin to now or later is unknown.

Find a pink-haired genin and have her to tell you everything. Sakura Haruno. Tell her I sent you. She's out walking tonight. Find a stone bench in the park, near one of the gates. West or North, I believe. Whichever leads out of the village. She'll probably drift there.

Shisui already knows.

I will see you again soon.

-Itachi.

PS: Aren't I chatty, today? And sappy? Forgive me. I've been surrounded by the most interesting characters, lately. They must be [a/in]ffecting me. Your choice of wording.

I gasped, putting my hand to my mouth. This is him, alright! It can't be a fake!

I quickly grabbed sweatpants and a jacket, jumping out my window.

"Now," I muttered to myself. "To find myself a pink-haired girl."

I rushed into the city.


Sakura POV

Sigh. I can't seem to stay asleep.

Shut up…I'm sleeping. Stop thinking…

Like I can. Wake up.

Sasu yawned in my arms.

"Sorry, little guy. I couldn't bear to leave you at home, though." He simply nuzzled me again, but I'm not sure if it was out of sleepiness or understanding.

I sat down on the Infamous Stone Bench. I'm always going to find myself here, aren't I?

Then, Sasu's ears perked, and he started hissing. "What?"

I climbed his way to my shoulder, apparently searching for whatever he heard. I forgot cats have advanced hearing also, even if it's not as strong as a dog's.

I turned to my right, which was where Sasu was facing, since he stopped hissing. He must not have deemed whoever's there a threat. I hope that's a good thing.

Then I found who it was.

"Hey!" I said. "What are you doing here at this time of the night?"

She looked troubled, deep in thought. "Sakura."

She took a seat next to me on the bench. "Tell me everything. I-" She choked. We knew it! She is the last member of team Garuto! "Itachi…-kun…sent me." So she really does love him. She sounds exactly like I did whenever I talked about Sasuke after he left, up to shortly after Sai joined the team.

I looked at the woman for a moment, trying to search for any hint of deceit. "Alright. But let's go to a more remote location, shall we?"

I took her to where the others and I met up for our meetings in the clearing behind the bench. I set up a sound barrier Kiba had taught me in the future and told her everything; from the night Sasuke left to Sai's brother, Shin to Danzo and Orochimaru to the night Itachi invaded my dreams and sent us back to now. In return, she told me about her letter.

"But that's not all." I said, gravely.

"What else could there be? This is obviously bad news." She looked like she was going to collapse in tears, barely holding them back.

"Itachi is…" I gulped. This is so much harder than telling a parent that we couldn't save their child. And we know what that's like!

"Itachi is dying."

That was the last straw. The woman broke into sobs, crying into the night, and no longer bothered to hold them back; her face in her hands. I put my arms around her, trying to find a way to comfort the aching woman.

"I think it is the same disease that Shin died from. And even though I have none of his DNA, I do have Itachi's. Whatever Itachi has, it seems similar to a cancer, but not quite as a sever mutation in his cells and his organs are being eaten away at, his blood infecting itself in addition. If he was much older, he'd probably be having a multitude of blood clots."

I hated to tell her this. Even though we didn't specialize in the same field, she was still a medic-nin and knew what I was talking about.

"However, judging from what Itachi has told me, it isn't as bad as it was this time in the other timeline. He would've been far worse and died on his own by the time he was 26, possibly. Right now, he doesn't quite need strong medications yet. If I can get a hold of him and Lady Tsunade as soon as possible, we may be able to save him –stopping him from dying from this disease."

"So e-everything f-from my l-letters are t-true…I-Itachi s-s-said he'll see me again soon in his letter. W-when…w-when is he coming back?"

Swallowing deeply, trying to keep myself from crying too –She's in so much pain- I answered her.

"A week minimum, and possibly 3 maximum. He told us…he told us that he will come after Lady Tsunade is made Hokage, and for that to happen, he wants Naruto and Jiraiya sent on their mission to retrieve her as soon as possible. Right after Sarutobi-sama's funeral, he says."

She was silent for a moment, her sobs quieting to simple hiccups and she wiped her eyes.

"H-have you met Shisui yet?"

I shook my head.

"Alright…I'll do my best to help you all with your mission. Maybe Shisui and I can come up with a plan. Give me your phone."

I gave it to her and she implanted her number. "Now you have my number and Shisui's."

"Thank you." We both stood up, and I picked up and huddled Sasu –who was rubbing the other woman's thigh in comfort when she was crying- closer to me.

When we met eyes again, she smiled. "Goodnight, Little Sasu." She blew a kiss at the kitten. "Good luck with Sasuke, 'kay Sakura? These Uchiha boys are a pain to fall in love with aren't they?" With a small laugh and a wave, she disappeared, out of sight now, back to her home before anyone realized she was absent in the middle of the night.

I stood stunned for a moment. She just…she just cracked a joke!

Were we that obvious when we spoke about Sasuke?

We told her about the night we left, dumbass, which we've never done. So of course she knows we love him.

Right. Forgot.

"Good luck to you too…Inuzuka Hana."


(1): I know I had Sakura's mom be nice at first, but I don't want her to anymore. She's now a bitch who allows Sakura get beaten occasionally by her father, sometimes joining in or settling for verbal abuse, resulting in Sakura having an even low self-esteem when she was younger.

(2): I'm aware Team 7 didn't exist as Team 7 that long quite yet, but I changed that. Team 7 has been a team for a little over a year, now. The iPods (from 2 chapters ago) were anniversary presents.

(3): If you've noticed, yeah, the suffix for little Sasu has changed sometimes. I'll try to keep it as "Sasu-chan" or just "Sasu-tan" to avoid confusion. Just a cute suffix.

(4): Naruto Shippuden episode 189, I believe. "Paw Encyclopedia". Part of the Konoha History (Filler) Arc. That was a nice filler to watch though. Naruto and Sasuke's 2nd kiss was episode 194 for those who want to know. *winkwink*

(5): That song that the crow is...chirping is an actual song. I tried to make it sound like Itachi's character song. But that's almost useless in writing. Remember in the last chapter, Sasuke said Shisui and Itachi's last teammate taught them to play the flute and other instruments? I always pegged Itachi more as a clarinet or piano sort-of-guy. But yeah - Itachi's character song was something Itachi and ? wrote together. It's special to them.

So now you know who the Mystery Girl is! Hana Inuzuka!

Yup, they even have a "special spot". I haven't decided where it is, though.

Yeah. Hana had confessed to Itachi shortly before he betrayed the village. He, as kindly as possible, let her know that he didn't love her back, though she knew already. I'll put that in a flashback in future chapters.

I don't know if I remembered to edit this in the last chap, but Sasuke said this to Sakura about Itachi and the night of the Massacre: "He spoke to me, saying I should curse him; hate him; live a long; unsightful life; run, and cling to my pathetic life!"

I put that here just in case I didn't.

Happy early b-day to my sis and I!

REVIEW!

REVIEW ACM!

YAY!

Love you all!

Don't forget, this may be the last update til early January!

The chapters will become shorter starting with the next chapter, Chapter 18!

Until we meet again. (I always wanted to say that!)