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A/N: Special thanks to:
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Reviewed: Artemis Uchiha, CatalinaG, (Guest), Kawaii-Sally, loveitasakuxx, NJ. Sandman, Shasha, sweetsakshi3631, Theo1987, vwinck
To everybody who read but wasn't able to drop a message, thank you guys so much!
Michiko
Chapter 8
It was late into the night. Itachi was still awake. He turned to his wife. She was in deep sleep, exhausted. There had been an emergency at the hospital. There had been a huge accident and with Sakura being one of the top doctors, she had been running all over the place all day.
Itachi had made sure that he came home before her. He took charge of the twins and dinner, hoping to ease his wife's burden. Although he too had a full day of work, coming home to the twins took most of his tiredness away. Watching the surprise on Sakura's face that quickly turned to love when she got home, it made Itachi's day even better. Sakura had walked up to him and gave him a deep kiss before she turned to deliver kisses to the two little ones.
Sakura had insisted on doing the dishes but being the stubborn man that he was, Itachi had managed to convince her that they work together.
Itachi considered himself a lucky man to have the life he shared with his wife. But he couldn't help but reflect on a lot of things, especially since the anniversary of their accident and the birth and death of their first-born was coming up.
XxXxXx
"Sakura,"
Even if it was said in a soft voice, Sakura was still able to sense the call. She stilled before facing the open veranda doors. Sure enough, she saw Itachi standing there. She smiled in greeting, alerting her other three companions to the new arrival.
Itachi saw her stiffen and then she turned towards him. He felt his insides jump. His breath caught in his throat, especially when he saw how her eyes softened and a smile spread across her lips, directed at him. There was something different about her.
"Itachi-san,"
He gave a nod at his brother and then at the other two before looking back at Sakura, whom he noticed was walking towards him.
"Is it okay if we talk?" She said as she was close enough to be only heard by him.
He gave her a nod before he nodded once more in the general direction of his brother. He then allowed Sakura to proceed him back into the house. Neither said anything until they reached the foyer.
"Knowing those three, we will probably have an audience listening in." Sakura whispered jokingly. There was a playful glint in her eyes that Itachi missed seeing.
Itachi lifted an eyebrow and smirked. "Where do you suggest we go then?"
Sakura laughed and shook her head. "The kitchen. Your mom is at the store buying for tonight's dinner. I promised that I'd start thawing the meat before she comes home. Plus I left some muffins in the oven, thought you might like some while they are hot and before Naruto gets through them."
Once inside the kitchen, Sakura headed over the oven and took out a rack of freshly baked muffins and laid them in the counter to cool. She then took out the meat from the freezer and placed it in a bowl by the sink.
Itachi watched her work the kitchen like she used to. It brought back a lot of memories. "How are you, Sakura? I can see that you are alright but how are you really?"
Sakura didn't answer right away. She had taken a dessert plate and placed a muffin in it before facing Itachi once more, walking towards him. She let out a breath and replied, "I'm fine, Itachi-san. But I really would liko to apologize. I know I acted in an immature way but it really did hurt, you know. I thought you knew me better than that. If not me, Sasuke."
It was Itachi's turn to let out a quiet sigh. He made sure that he had eye contact with her. "I apologize too."
A moment of silence ran between them, neither dropping eye contact. Things were being said without words and they understood. Sakura couldn't help give him a smile. She then offered the plate.
"Peace offering. Here, perfected it while I was there."
Itachi lifted an eyebrow and looked at the muffin. It looked light and fluffy. Without preamble, he took a bite. His eyes widened a bit once the flavor rushed through his taste buds. There was a warm, not-too-sweet cream inside that had a touch of cinnamon inside. His eyes flew to Sakura who was smiling at him.
"Like it?" She joked.
"You do know that you have to teach me this recipe now, right?"
Her tinkling laugher filled the kitchen as she turned back to the rack and started taking out the muffins, placing them in a serving platter. "Well, you're in luck. Since I'm sure this batch is going to be finished before dinner, I've come prepared. I'll be making another one later. You think you could give me a hand?"
"Ah,"
She nodded without turning to him. "I suggest getting another one before I bring these out. You're free to join us if you want."
Without another word, Itachi headed to where she was and gathered the serving platter from her and moved to head outside, stunning Sakura.
"By the way," He said. He looked back at her and added, "You look beautiful." It prompted her to blush. Itachi smirked and said, "It's nice to see you again."
XxXxXx
At dinner that night, it was like a mini-party with all the Uchihas, Harunos, Ino and Naruto. When Mikoto had arrived with Mebuki in tow, the teenagers decided that they should change out of the wet garments. Everybody aside from Naruto and Sasuke helped around the kitchen.
"Have you thought of what you are going to take for university, Sakura?" Fugaku suddenly asked. He may not admit it out loud but having the girl grow up in his household made him think of her as a daughter as well.
Sakura swallowed first before turning to the Uchiha patriarch. Her parents already know the change in her plans, which they have given their blessing. "Oh, I am taking the accelerated medical course at Tokyo University. I've already acquired credits for one semester in LA under Senju Tsunade."
Most of the people on the table were stunned. Sakura's parents exuded pride at their daughter. They were all well aware of who Tsunade was.
"Wouldn't it be better to continue under Tsunade in LA?" Mikoto asked.
"Tsunade Shishou got a call to head Tokyo Medical Center. She agreed to head the hospital and the medical school. That's why she made me take all the necessary entrance exams while in LA and what not."
"So you've been starting college while you were a high school exchange student?" Naruto asked.
"Yes," Sakura replied sheepishly as she took another bite of her dinner.
"Wait! How'd you have time to do all that? From what my cousins told me, you went to school, had extracurricular activities with them, and foreign language classes." Ino commented.
"Tsunade Shishou is a very busy person. I would spend my Sunday with her for actual, hands-on stuff. Three times a week I would spend 3 hours with her for lessons and exams. It wasn't so bad."
"I'll be going to Tokyo U, too." Sasuke said.
"Oh cool!" Sakura answered.
"You want to share apartment? It's either you or the dobe."
Sakura couldn't help the laugh as with the others around the table with Naruto's indignant, "hey!" She knew the unsaid message there.
"Sure, Sasuke. I actually found one already but it's only enough for one person so we have to look right away. Tsunade Shishou wants me to start my internship a week after graduation."
"You can use the Uchiha penthouse." Fugaku offered, drawing the attention of everybody on the table. "It is in a building owned by the Uchiha, near the main office. I believe it is only a train ride to the university."
Sasuke and Sakura looked at each other. "What do you think?" She asked.
Itachi had kept silent through the conversation so far. He was stunned and proud of what Sakura had accomplished in the year that she had been away. To be honest, he wasn't that surprised that his father would offer the penthouse to his brother and Sakura. He had been offered the same penthouse when he went to university. He had simply bought his own apartment after graduation, just before he started his graduate studies.
"You paid down already?" He heard his brother ask to which Sakura had shook her head. Sasuke nodded in reply. Just like that, Sakura and Sasuke would be sharing an apartment through university.
XxXxXx
That evening, Sasuke snuck out. As he was walking, his phone signaled a new message.
"Are you sure we made the right decision in accepting to live at the penthouse?"
Sasuke sighed and pressed call. Just with the tone of her message, he knew that it would be better to call. "Sakura," She had ansered after two rings.
"Sasuke,"
"What are you really thinking?"
Sakura was silent for a moment. "It's just…well…do you think your parents are going to be offended if I offer to pay rent? Don't say anything! I know, I know…it's stupid since it is a prime lot and even if I work several part-time jobs with school I wouldn't be able to afford it but-"
"Sakura, you're being annoying."
He heard her huff at the other end. "Shh! This is important, you! I mean, one of us has to be smart and be an adult."
Sasuke snorted. "My parents aren't going to take your money. They'll be offended at you for even thinking it."
"You're right," Sakura answered, a little deflated.
"Why don't we offer to pay for food and everything else aside from the rent? Would you feel better? That's what aniki did."
"Oh, that would be cool."
"Speaking of aniki-"
"Wait!" He could hear a lot of movement from Sakura's end. "Okay, there. Go. You were saying something about Itachi-san?"
"What are you doing?"
"Apparently I forgot to adjust the time on my tab to Japan time. My alarms are going off wrong. Anyway, you were saying?"
"And here I was thinking that you were avoiding the topic," He replied rather flatly.
Sakura was silent for a moment. "You know, to be honest, I just want a fresh start, you know? Itachi-san will always be special to me, just like you. I did some thinking during my stay in the US."
Sasuke stopped walking. He didn't expect that answer. "What do you mean?"
"I've let him go, Sasuke."
Sasuke stilled. Never in the year that she had been away did she mention anything in this nature. He wasn't sure how he should feel.
"The last time really hurt. If he could imply that I would do that to you, to him, to me…he simply doesn't know me as well as I thought. I know he didn't outright say that I'm going from one brother to the other, but-"
"I know what you mean."
"Like I said, he will always be special to me but I deserve more."
Sasuke understood more than at what she wasn't saying. "You're annoying,"
Sakura's twinkling laughter reached him from the other end of the line. "Love you too,"
"I'm thinking of heading to the penthouse tomorrow to check it out. You want to come?"
"Sure."
"See you tomorrow."
XxXxXx
Sakura entered the penthouse. She just came from a grueling graveyard shift. It was already past 8 in the morning. She knew that Sasuke had already left as he had class at the exact same time.
She was dead tired. It had been months since she and Sasuke had moved in together. Since they knew each other's quirks, it didn't take too much adjustment on both their parts. But one thing they did agree upon, if there were going to bring their dates home for some 'quality' time, neither was bringing them to the penthouse. Simple dinners and get-togethers were no problem but they both flat out agreed that there wasn't going to be any overnight activities.
Sakura knew that Sasuke was good looking and of course he was as hormonal as any other male, well she hoped. So, she wouldn't be surprised if he attracted a lot of women in university. But the idea of having a glimpse of his sex life was enough to give her hives. She loved him but she didn't love him enough to have a strong stomach to hear it for herself while she was cramming medical jargon.
On the other hand, Sasuke was aware that there was something in Sakura that changed when she came back. Aside from the obvious, he knew there was this confidence in her about her femininity that wasn't there before she left for the States. It was that subtle change that had the men around her stand up in attention. He saw it all the time when they went out together. He would glare at any one who even looked at her direction. He knew that Sakura was a big girl who could take care of herself, hell she could even beat those guys worse than he would but that doesn't stop his protective instincts.
He wasn't stupid to believe that she wouldn't be accepting dates, especially after she confessed that she had moved on from his brother. But like her, he wouldn't like to know anything about her sex life. He saw her too much as a sister to think anything else. The thought made him green.
As Sakura made her way towards her room, the doorbell rang. Let out a sigh, she dropped her bag just on the inside of her doorway and headed back towards the door.
When she opened the door, she wasn't sure if she was dreaming or not but Itachi was there standing at the front door at 8:00 in the morning of a weekday. Her confusion must have reflected on her face as she saw Itachi smile at her and lifted his hand. His eyes looked to what he put up and couldn't help but smile when he saw that he brought what seemed to be coffee and freshly baked treats from the bakery at the next block.
"Good morning, Sakura."
"Morning, Itachi-san. I must say that it is a surprise." She said as she stepped aside and allowed him in.
"I was here earlier."
"Oh! Um, can I offer you anything?"
Itachi shook his head and lead her to the living room. "You are dead on your feet. Let me. Unless, your tastes have changed, I bought your favorite. French vanilla and chocolate covered croissant." He had the pleasure of seeing Sakura's delight when she learned what he had gotten her.
"Ah, you are spoiling me, Itachi-san." She said as he handed her the hot drink. She couldn't help but take in a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent. As Itachi continued to remove his purchases on the table, Sakura said, "Not that I am not grateful and my date orientation might already be screwed, Itachi-san, but it is a weekday, right?"
Itachi took his own drink and sat beside Sakura. "I came from a business trip early. I do not need to be in the office until tomorrow."
"Hmm," Was the answer that he received as he watched her take her first sip. She couldn't help the moan that came from her. After a long shift and studying, a sip from her favorite drink was like a slice of heaven.
"I also wanted to see you."
Sakura felt her insides still. Itachi never came to see her unless they both agreed upon meeting or him warning her before hand. "I know I'm sleepy but I think I heard you say that you wanted to see me. Is there something wrong?"
"You could say that,"
That seemed to wake up Sakura. Her mind raced. Itachi was one who never admitted on feeling something, especially sickness. It made her worried what could possibly had afflicted him. She made a quick survey from head to toe. There didn't seem anything wrong. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
Itachi didn't speak right away. He didn't plan to tell her about his thoughts. He really only planned to speak with his brother that morning but when he learned that Sakura was going to come from a night shift, he couldn't help but get her something. His brother also mentioned that he and Sakura were in the middle of exam week and knowing Sakura, she would be working harder than usual.
Also, when he had asked Sasuke earlier how Sakura was, he couldn't explain the sudden squeeze he felt in his heart. His brother had told him that Sakura had become popular amongst university boys. He wasn't surprised with how attractive she had become. An unexplainable emotion coursed through him when he learned that Sakura had been receptive of the advances of the men around her.
When she had returned from the States, he had noticed the subtle change she underwent. Since then, she had continued to blossom. Their friendship also grew since the olive leaf that was extended to each other. But it only remained like that, friendship. He did have conflicting feelings since seeing her again after she came back. It only grew to stark clarity when his brother had told him the things he did that morning. Sakura had been brave to admit her feelings to him all those years ago. He figured that she deserved the same courage to admit his feelings.
"I cannot seem to get you out of my mind for the reason that I am attracted to you."
Sakura almost dropped her cup in disbelief. She placed it on the table before she turned fully towards the man next to her. Her mouth seemed to run dry when she saw the seriousness and the desire in his eyes.
"Itachi-"
He reached out a hand and cupped her cheek. "I did not tell you my feelings in expectation that you would return them. I simply believed that-"
He couldn't say anymore as Sakura silenced him with a kiss. It only took him a moment of surprise before he returned it wholeheartedly. Before long, he took over and deepened the kiss. He could taste French vanilla combined with her unique taste. He knew he would grow addicted to it.
As it grew heated, Itachi started to slow the kiss. They had all the time in the world to explore things between the two of them. For now, he knew that he had to draw back with the satisfaction of knowing that now she was his.
"Please tell me this isn't a dream?" Sakura's breathless plea reached his ears.
Itachi pulled her against him and wrapped her in his embrace. "This is not a dream, Sakura."
Sakura, on her part, couldn't help the tears that slipped her eyes. "I have dreamt of this for years. After the disaster of our falling out, I knew it would never happen and I had to let you go. I really tried. I tried so hard to forget how I feel."
Itachi leaned back far enough to make her look up at him. He gently wiped her tears and smiled at her. "Stop crying. This is real. I promise you." He leaned and kissed her forehead before adding, "Now, why don't you finish your drink and eat a little before going to bed? I am sure you are tired."
Sakura smiled back and nodded.
That morning, they ended up talking and laughing as they finished their breakfast. As they talked, Sakura ended up falling asleep against Itachi. He didn't mind as he quickly learned that he loved the feel of her against him, resting after a long day. He gently maneuvered them so that they laid the full length of the couch. He made sure that she was comfortable. As he watched her sleep, his eyes closed and he too succumbed to dreamland. That was how Sasuke arrived to at noon. He took one look at their peaceful faces before he smirked and quietly headed out.
Finally. He thought.
(to be continued…)
Okay so I know that it took me forever to update. Rather give you the usual excuses, I'd just like to apologize. Anyway, I really tried to squeeze everything in this chapter but I think that the certain highlights of their lives need more building up and exploration than rushing through to the end. So I've decided to extend this story for a few more chapters more. I hope I see you guys until the end. Thanks
Michiko