AN: this is the start of the 3/4 part climax...yay...i wrote half of parts 2 and 3 (i write in odd ways) so idk if i really need a 4th...thanks for the hits and favorites of both my stories...

Hana's POV

Another boring day in Suna, Temari and Kankuro has been in so many meetings since I got here. Gaara's missed routine struck me as odd; he always follows me around or teaching at the academy. Today he was doing neither and not at dinner too. My dogs are officially attached to Crow. Left for wood, what a great confidence boost, and now I lay in my pajamas on my bed, awaiting the visit of my past.

Within the past three months, Itachi has steadily visited me. Just the concept makes me feel ecstatic, but what occurs during our secret meetings is nothing compared to my preteen fantasies. We mostly sit, Itachi was never a talker, but he was good company. I don't know how that worked, but he is just good to be around. When we do talk, it's about Konoha. Crazy as it sounds, I think he misses it.

The object of my thoughts entered my room. He sat down in his chair; he uses it more than me anyway, and took out a stick of dango. He always eats at least two before acknowledging me. In my own borrowed room I come after a snack. Itachi put down his dango, which is odd because he's not even finished.

He stared at me.

So I stared back.

His gaze became distant and his sharingan receded.

So I studied him. His pose was normal –slightly slouched, one hand rested on his jacket (AN: like how their dad does it too…when he uses his jacket like an armrest –that), the other with a stick of half eaten dango, and his hat by his crossed feet. Nothing was wrong, until I looked at his face. He looked even older than usual, tired even. Not 'I need to sleep tired' but…a different kind: 'this is too much' tired I guess. Itachi always was a mystery, and I guess that's why I'm drawn to him –or maybe just his eyes. His obsidian eyes show more than he would ever say. I could see he was thinking over something serious, and he probably was thinking about it for a long time…

"Flower-chan" He used my old name…

"Yeah" I prepare myself because I know its something sad…

"Do you believe a child of mine would suffer the way Naruto Uzumaki did?"

He was having a child? Or maybe he's just thinking about it, right? He's with me a lot of nights…but what about the day? "Um, seeing as how the boy turned out…that wouldn't be too bad right?"

"That wasn't my question. Do you think my children will go through hell from their peers if people find out who their father is?" More than one…he's saying more than one.

"I guess that depends on where you raise them. In a small village, probably not, but it's practically given in a ninja village."

"And how would you handle that if they were your kids?"

"…I'd probably introduce them to Naruto." A ghost of a smile found its way to both our lips. I don't know what kind of encounters Itachi has with the blond, but I guess it was good. "Why are you asking me this? Do you have a baby on the way?"

"No, just…" He didn't finish his sentence. All I know is that he isn't expecting. The thought makes me very happy –I know I still love him. The question is whether I will give him that love again. It doesn't look like he wants it, but he isn't giving his to anyone else either. "Why did you come to Suna?"

"To be an ambassador –you know that." What's wrong with him today? Does he mean…

"…"

"…? Oh, that. I got this mission…to sort things out." Like how I love you…

"…" He went back to not talking…it has been so long since I had to translate from Uchiha no-speak. I thought we made progress. I got up from my bed and went to the window; the cool breeze helps me focus. 'What did you have to sort out?' Itachi wouldn't ask that. 'Did you sort it out?'

"I kind of sorted it out, but I'm not sure what to do about it now." I turn away from the horizon and look at the Akatsuki member, silently hoping he'll open up again.

"…" His brows furrowed, he's pondering something, "I've been thinking about things too."

…DUH! You don't randomly ask someone about kids if you haven't been thinking about things. He is such a stupid genius. "Like what?"

"My life," his eyes grow distant yet again, but I know he's still paying attention.

"Are you…worried?"

"No, not really -I'm concerned about time; I know what's going to happen to me." That doesn't seem mysterious… "Do you still love me?"

The question completely threw me off guard. What's wrong with Itachi? "…Yes. What's wrong Itachi? Why are you doing this?"

"…" He gets up and walks toward me. Those eyes I love shredding into me with too many emotions swirling in them. "Don't."

As he exited out the window, I grabbed him. I don't know how I got that fast, but I made it. "No…no Itachi, why?"

He closed his eyes so he can't see me crying. Only he can make me cry. He could easily get out of my grasp, but he doesn't move. I moved to his torso, and hugged him with all my might. He makes me so weak… "Please Itachi! Please don't do this –not again. It's almost been six years, and I'm still not over you –I love you Chi-chi…"

He finally hugged me back… "All I do is hurt you Flower-chan; don't you want to be happy?"

"No. I wanna be with you…" I'm being stubborn but he makes me happy, whether or not he realizes it. I trap him in my vice-like grip –he'll have to kill me or pry me off to get rid of me. I'm not going willingly. He sighed and rested his head in my hair.

"I can't stay here Flower-chan; what do you want me to do?" He gives in slightly.

"Kiss me." He sighed again.

"I can't…"

"Why not? You asked me what I want and I want a kiss, just one real kiss." I tilt my head toward him…I probably look like a desperate train wreck.

He leaned his head down and captured my lips in a slow, sensual kiss. His tongue roamed my mouth in the best kiss of my life. Before I knew it, Itachi removed his lips and we stared into each other's eyes. He looked like the gentle boy I know he is. His head moved toward mine and we're caught in another kiss, just as good as before. When that kiss ended, we found ourselves on my bed, staring at each other once again.

"Chi-chi…I love you."

His face held a small smile, but his eyes were sad…"I have to go."

I grabbed his head and brought his headband covered forehead to my lips before whispering, "Please come back."

And he left, leaving me dazed on my bed. I got underneath my blankets and drifted off into the best sleep I had.