Itachi spent his evening thinking about Sakura, and for the first time didn't mind the emptiness of his house. Image after image of her played through his mind: her blush when she looked up at him, her flirty wink, and her naked frame… It was all too much! He decided that he had to distract himself somehow, so he set about cleaning and straightening the rooms of the large Uchiha home. But, when he got to Sasuke's room, his cleaning frenzy stopped, as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "Sasuke, why did you have to go?" he whispered, staring at the closed door. Itachi felt weak and for the first time, the tears welled up and overflowed his eyes. He covered his face with his hands and slid down the hallway wall, crouched on the floor. "Why?" was the question that throbbed in his head over and over. His mind searched and found the only possible answer…
"Sakura."
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The next morning, Itachi appeared at Konoha hospital again ready for work, but today he felt more serious somehow. It was one thing to be attracted to someone, but it was another to make sure they survived. His stake in Sakura's continued existence was his highest priority. So when he approached Tsunade's office, he was determined to find out what he could do for Sakura beyond lifting her spirits.
Tsunade glanced up from her charts just in time to see Itachi peak around her doorway. She smiled and waved him over, "Come on in."
Itachi seemed relieved at the invitation and walked in quickly. "Good morning, Doctor. Thanks for letting me stop by."
"No problem. It seems that you and Sakura have hit it off already," she responded with a glint of fun in her eyes.
"I…well, I'm not sure," he answered shyly. But he continued, "I am really worried about her, though. She is clearly in pain, and I wish there was more I could do to help her. Can you tell me more about her condition?"
Tsunade was touched by his genuine concern. "So what do you want to know?" she asked quietly.
An hour later, Itachi had a much clearer picture on Sakura's condition and prognosis. He was surprised to learn that her body could reject the transplanted lungs even after passing the six-month mark, and that she would need continued monitoring for signs of rejection for years. Apparently, the lung transplant would also increase her risk of developing cancer. It was also troubling to learn that after Sakura was released from the hospital, she would not be able to return to work for 3-6 months until her stamina could increase. Tsunade was especially worried how Sakura would cope emotionally with being away from her friends and co-workers for so long. Itachi decided that if Sakura would allow it, he would become her supporter through every phase of her recovery. He felt that her survival would not only bring meaning to Sasuke's life, but purpose to his own.
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Exhausted and frustrated is how both Sakura and Shizune felt when Itachi walked into the hospital room. After a long session of pulmonary therapy earlier that morning, Sakura felt drained. Her chest ached and her new lungs burned with strain after the forced deep breathing. Shizune, although sympathetic, felt responsible for Sakura's wellbeing and had spent 10 full minutes trying to convince her patient to begin her physical therapy exercises.
At the sight of Itachi, Shizune brightened and Sakura shrank down into the covers.
"Itachi! Perfect timing!" Shizune declared. "Sakura is having trouble cooperating today with her physical therapy. Do you think you could convince her to take a short walk with you down the hallway?" She smiled up at him pleasantly, as if it would be the easiest thing in the world.
Itachi looked past Shizune at the top of Sakura's head, as the rest of her face was hiding beneath the sheets. "Um, sure. Leave it to me," he answered quietly.
Shizune grinned at him and made her way out of the room.
Itachi walked over to the bed and sat right down, just as he had done the day before. "Sakura…Sa-ku-ra," he said in a singsong fashion. "Do you still remember me?"
Sakura stayed hidden beneath the sheets. She hoped that he would go away if she didn't respond. Yesterday had been SO embarrassing!
"Sa-ku-ra…I know you're in there," Itachi teased gently. He could make out her foot under the blankets and softly pinched her toes one by one.
Sakura squeaked in surprise as he lightly tickled the bottom of her foot. Her head popped out of the sheets, her eyes crinkled up in suppressed laughter. "Aaah! Quit it!" She kicked at him under the sheets. "You're not supposed to make me laugh," she said grumpily. "It hurts my chest."
"Sorry," Itachi replied scooting closer, "But I didn't know how to get you up."
"Well, I'm up now," Sakura grumbled with a pout. "And who are you anyway?"
"I'm Itachi, the new volunteer, remember? Maybe it would refresh your memory if I brushed your hair a little," he added a bit wickedly.
Sakura's eyes widened and her cheeks burned noticeably. "No, thank you," she retorted and crossed her arms.
"Alright then," Itachi inched a little farther up the bed. Sakura felt lightheaded as those dark eyes gazed in hers. "How about some exercise?"
At that, Sakura's mind reeled with thoughts of sexy exercises that Itachi could help her with on the bed. But her racing thoughts were interrupted by the sensation of his hand on hers, and suddenly reality was much more exciting than fantasy. A flash of heat enveloped her body at his touch and she looked into his eyes with renewed interest.
He gently pulled back her blankets, shifted her into a sitting position and bent down to place her slippers onto her feet. He helped he stand and positioned his strong arm around her waist for support. Together, they made their way up and down the hallway slowly. When Itachi finally helped Sakura back into her bed, she felt energized rather than empty. She watched him as he busied himself straightening her blankets and pouring her water.
"Who is this guy?" she wondered appreciatively to herself. "And how did I get so lucky?"
Itachi, feeling her gaze on him, looked into her beautiful jade eyes and smiled bashfully. In that moment, he knew he would do anything for her.
"Want me to brush your hair?" he asked softly.
"Yes, please," she answered meekly with a twinkle in her eyes.
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